BandFreaks News for Today: August 1, 2005
Today's Indie Music Headlines
+++ Download Songs Free from Christopher Paul’s Upcoming CD
+++ Teen Singing Phenomenon Not Interested in American Idol
+++ Hammock Music Announces the Release of "Stranded Under Endless Sky" EP
+++ Reggae News: A new CD from legendary roots producer Jah Thomas and Silver Kamel Audio
+++ BreakThru Radio Launches With Unprecedented Listenership
+++ Saxophonist Sarah Manning Launches "Live at Yosh's 2005" project powered by ArtistShare!
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Download Songs Free from Christopher Paul’s Upcoming CD
Minnesota-based singer/songwriter Christopher Paul is offering members of his fan club, the Christopher Paul Connection, two free MP3 downloads per CD purchase. Members who purchase one or both of Christopher's currently available CDs titled 'with•in' and 'Instruments Only' can choose to download songs from a list of the newest songs from Christopher Paul’s third upcoming CD, 'Ten Roads of Wisdom.'
(PRWEB) -- Singer/Songwriter Christopher Paul has announced a special gift for all members of his fan club.
Members of the Christopher Paul Connection who purchase one of Christopher's currently available CDs, “with•in” or “Instruments Only," can download songs from his upcoming CD, “Ten Roads of Wisdom," scheduled for release in fall 2005.
Each CD purchase allows the Christopher Paul Connection members two free MP3 downloads. Members can choose to download songs from a list of five of the newest songs from Christopher Paul:
* “In the Summertime," Country/Pop
* “Be Strong," Country/Pop
* “Diving Under," Jazz Improve
* “Wildfires," Easy Listening
* “Ain't Nothin' So Bad," Acoustic
“The new CD, 'Ten Roads of Wisdom' is not as serious as my previous release, 'with-in',” said Christopher Paul. “'with-in' dealt with the problems of a post-911 world and some possible solutions. It's pretty philosophical, but it's also very uplifting. 'Ten Roads of Wisdom' has some humor to it and an eclectic variety of genres, making it a CD that almost anyone can find a favorite song to sing to.”
To join the Christopher Paul Connection fan club and download songs for free, visit www.ChristopherPaul.tv. Samples of songs from the previous two CDs are also available on the website.
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Teen Singing Phenomenon Not Interested in American Idol
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Amber is a singing artist that has her own unique and intense style. She is one of the few that can stand out among the crowd.
(PRWEB) -- Lots of people have great singing voices, but very few can stand out among the crowd. Amber Toler, from Warren, Ohio, is one of those few. At age 16, Amber has established her own unique and intense style of singing like no other.
"I'm not interested in the American Idol route," says Amber in a recent interview with freelance writer Patty Kimerer. "I don't like that whole process, and I wouldn't want to go through it," she said.
Amber began singing at the early age of two. Her mom Traci says, "She liked to stand on her Little Tikes picnic table and entertain her family, insisting on everyone's undivided attention |
while she would sing her favorite song, "Wind Beneath My Wings."
Clearly an exceptional and unique vocalist, Amber is also on her way to becoming a solid song writer. "I wrote this song after the death of a friend," she quietly said about her original song entitled "Tell Me". Amber is eager to embark on a career in music.
Her band consists of veteran musician, arranger, and manager Dan D'Alio, originally from Boston. Dan records all arrangements for live performance in his studio and then plays his keyboard with the finished arrangements, adding great piano, organ, and orchestral sounds. "Most top acts use prerecorded arrangements with their live performances," says Dan. "It eliminates musical boundaries and allows us to play anything we can imagine." At age 48, Dan has been recording and performing professionally since the ripe age of 11.
Another notable Boston musician, guitarist Tom Liberatore, will be joining Amber and Dan in Newport and for other larger venues. Tom and Dan were once the core of a popular New England band in the 70's called AMF. Dan's excitement on reuniting with Tom is obvious, "Tom is the best guitarist and musician I have ever worked with. His brilliant guitar solos and rhythm backings will impress everyone."
Dan is Amber's biggest fan. "She inspires my music and is so intense." He adds, "Amber may be only 16 but when you hear her powerful vocals you feel as though you are listening to an artist that has lived many years beyond her age."
Amber, Dan, and Tom will be performing in Newport RI at Sabina Doyles on the waterfront on August 11, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, in Hopedale, MA on August 12, at the Hopedale Country Club from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM and then back to Sabina Doyles for Sunday August 14, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Amber begins her junior year of high school in late August. Her schedule and media are located on her web site at www.ambertoler.com. |
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Hammock Music Announces the Release of "Stranded Under Endless Sky" EP
Hammock Music Label announced today the release of Stranded Under Endless Sky EP from Hammock (Marc Byrd and Andrew Thompson). The duo gained widespread attention and acclaim with the release of their debut CD, Kenotic, which spent nine weeks in the CMJ (College Music Journal) Top 200 Alternative Chart, three months in New Age Reporter’s Top 100 Chart, and was featured on nationally-syndicated radio shows "Hearts of Space," "Echoes," and WXPN’s "Star’s End."
Nashville, TN (PRWEB) -- Hammock Music Label announced today the release of Stranded Under Endless Sky EP from Hammock (Marc Byrd and Andrew Thompson). The duo gained widespread attention and acclaim with the release of their debut CD, Kenotic, which spent nine weeks in the CMJ (College Music Journal) Top 200 Alternative Chart, three months in New Age Reporter’s Top 100 Chart, and was featured on nationally-syndicated radio shows "Hearts of Space," "Echoes," and WXPN’s "Star’s End."
Cut from the same cloth as Kenotic, Stranded Under Endless Sky is a beautiful, guitar-driven soundscape from the deep American South. "We call it Southern Ambience," says Hammock’s Marc Byrd. "It’s just easier, and I think more accurate, for us to describe the music in terms of its origin instead of its genre." Hammock’s Andrew Thompson continues, "Our experiences in the South, and the landscape itself, are such huge influences in our music -- 'Southern Ambience' is probably the best way to define it."
The Stranded Under Endless Sky EP emerged from the Kenotic sessions and was set aside as a freestanding release. Composed, performed and produced by Byrd and Thompson, and featuring cello by Matt Slocum, the music, like the South itself, is desolate but hopeful, dramatic but sparse, and always overflowing with stories. Featuring four new songs ranging from whisper-soft minimalism to moments of slow-burn intensity, Stranded tells its story, and speaks its truth, plainly.
For more information on Hammock, and to hear Stranded Under Endless Sky, visit www.hammockmusic.com.
Reviews
"The dichotomies of their aggressively ambient sound suggest a similar range of emotions ... slap on the headphones and drift through Hammock’s low key and gorgeous travelogue." –Brian Baker, Amplifier Magazine
"If you think it's impossible that two producers could make a record actually worth hearing, then check out Hammock...This is expansive instrumental music, with swirling, dreamlike soundscapes and immense waves of cascading, effects-laden guitars..." --Mark Suppanz, The Big Takeover
"Byrd and Thompson are special visionaries and highly skilled at the craft of making music. This is not simple drone music; it's complex, sophisticated, and dense, but it's also not alienating, pseudo-intellectual, or moribund... Hammock make music that is filled with human emotion and passion." –Bill Binkleman, KFAI-FM 90.3 and Wind and Wire
"Hammock is a blindingly brilliant new talent." –Castor Quinn, Halo 17
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Reggae News: A new CD from legendary roots producer Jah Thomas and Silver Kamel Audio
Legendary producer Jah Thomas and "friends", Lone Ranger, Peter Metro, D"Aville, Nemo, Junior Moore,Josey Wales, and reggae label Silver kamel Audio join forces to release "Big Dance A Keep"
(PRWEB) -- To those who know their roots music, Jah Thomas is recognized as part of that musical revolution in the early 80’s that moved the musical form onwards from spacious Rockers music to a leaner, more urban and threatening sound. Often backed by Style Scott and the militant and austere Roots Radics, Jah Thomas featured on some of the more brooding discomixes of that period. Besides that, he is known for working with, and mentoring some of the best mic chanters of the 80’s.
Labels like Burning Rockers, Midnight Rock and Channel One released a series of 45’s and 12’s featuring Jah Thomas over a succession of hard Scientist mixes. Chanting on discomixes like Barrington Levy’s “Shaolin Temple” or taking over on the dub to Tristan Palma’s “Entertainment is a Form of Enjoyment,” Jah Thomas showcased his style. Clearly it was rooted in the style of Big Youth and Dr Alimantado, visionaries that had gone before him -- but Jah Thomas had his own distinctive vibes to add to the alchemy of these surreal and pounding Scientist and Tubby’s mixes, his narratives dealing with harsh ghetto life and the conflicts and joys of the dance.
Later as roots music and dancehall music took second place to the more materialistic ragga styles, Jah Thomas was not forgotten. His voice was sampled on ONU Sound releases with Bim Sherman, as well as turning up on numerous Junglist/drum and bass white label 12" tunes.
So welcome back Jah Thomas with this selection -- tunes to uplift and entertain in equal measure from greats such as Lone Ranger, Josey Wales, Peter Metro and other original talents. Meditate on the conscious lyrics urging insight , such as “Devil Control Them” whilst lyrics of compassion such as those on “Ban The Gun” are contrasted with the upful dancehall vibes of the new cut to Tristan Palma’s “Entertainment” .
As Josey Wales chants on “Devil Control Them” -- “These veterans come to warn the nation! Nah follow idiot who bust pure shot. Rastafari ah go hold them.”
Watch out for the dub wise companion album, soon to come from Silver Kamel’s vaults.
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BreakThru Radio Launches With Unprecedented Listenership
Independent and Un-Signed Artist Have Fan Base of Nearly a Quarter of a Million Strong In the first 10 Days
NEW YORK (PRWEB) -- Music lovers are breaking through into a new world of music listening with Break Thru Radio a unique, non-repetitive radio station playing music outside the realm of traditional radio.
With the launch of BreakThru Radio (BTR) last week, listeners around the globe (more than 200,000 In 10 days) have tuned in through the internet and had the opportunity to hear unsigned and independent artists for the first-time. BTR will exclusively play a new band during every broadcast, bypassing repetitive playlists.
The DJs of BTR are empowered to pick and play their own music instead of relying on computer generated corporate programming. BTR DJs are distinct individuals who take music personally and are committed to it. They have been able to tell listeners how they feel about music, why they love it and why they are playing it. The format of BTR has allowed a new resurgence for Independent music proven by the phenomenal overnight success of the station.
"We were not necessarily shocked by the number of listeners logging onto BTR," said Cal Rifkin, Co-Founder of BreakThru. "Everyone associated with BTR believed that traditional radio with the "same song every 12 minutes" rotation was antiquated and all music lovers needed and wanted was an location to go and hear tomorrow's stars today. That said, we couldn't be more thrilled with the number of listeners BTR has had."
BreakThru Radio’s mission is to expose unheard artists and provide the original listening experience of hearing a new band for the first time. Listeners can anticipate variety as BTR incorporates music from all genres and is hosted by an eclectic group of DJs. BTR gives support and a voice to hundreds of talented upcoming artists and DJs as they begin to establish themselves in the music industry.
BTR can be heard on www.breakthruradio.com or www.NYTrack.com, New York’s only website dedicated to the tri-state high school track community thus reaching over 5 million high school students.
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Saxophonist Sarah Manning Launches "Live at Yosh's 2005" project powered by ArtistShare!
Young jazz saxophonist Sarah Manning launches "Live at Yoshi's 2005" project on the online business model ArtistShare, at www.sarahmanningmusic.com. “Sarah Manning can swing as naturally as she breathes…an enlivening presence in the new generation of jazz makers." - Nat Hentoff
(PRWEB) -- While all eyes are on New York, Bay Area jazz artist Sarah Manning has been quietly emerging on the national jazz scene - with a sound all her own.
According to Nat Hentoff, the twenty something alto saxophonist and composer “can swing as naturally as she breathes…an enlivening presence in the new generation of jazz makers. Manning plays - and writes - in what is unmistakably her own voice.”
Empowered by the innovative online business model ArtistShare, she'll be sharing with fans her pursuit of a unique sound as she prepares for her debut at the renowned jazz club Yoshi's on November 21st, 2005, where she'll record her second album live. Grammy nominated producer Bud Spangler will be recording the performance for future broadcast as well on his radio program, “Sunday Night Suites.”
Manning brings to ArtistShare and her fans all the trouble she will inevitably get into as a fierce young artist struggling to build her career. Become a member of the Yoshi's Street Team and follow the intrigue as she writes seven original tunes and practices for the show. It's free! Features include photo galleries, essays, audio clips, sheet music, and Elflion Radio - a monthly streaming audio broadcast highlighting that month's composition as well as an interview relating to the project. June's broadcast features an interview with Peter Williams, Artistic Director of Yoshi's, as well as an in-depth look at Manning's compositional process. In a nod to the impact of technology on music delivery, participants can download SAXBot! - a free series of sax loops compatible with audio software like GarageBand. Yoshi's Street Team members can also compete for prizes through fun activities designed to spread the word about Sarah's music.
Sarah Manning's debut album House on Eddy Street is available for purchase as part of the “Live at Yoshi's 2005” project on ArtistShare. You can even download it right to your iPod! This independent release of original music features pianist Randy Porter, bassist John Wiitala and drummer Akira Tana - and liner notes penned by renowned critic Nat Hentoff. In April 2005's JazzTimes, David Franklin observed, “Sounding like no one but herself, she possesses a well-focused, slightly edgy tone that suits equally her firmly swinging, uptempo postbop excursions and her highly melodic slow-tempo explorations.” Michael Burman of KCSM Jazz 91 chose House on Eddy Street as number five in his list of the top ten new releases of 2004.
Originally from New England, Manning recently moved to the West Coast, inspired in part by a previous journey by Greyhound bus. Girl and horn took the bus all the way from New York to San Francisco where Sarah played on the street for eleven days and paid for her trip by busking for change. Without a rhythm section, and trampled upon by tourists and businesspeople, she began to develop the edginess and determination she displays today.
In an era when jazz labels are striving to expand their audience, Sarah's youth, gender and musical daring bring jazz to a whole new demographic. Join the “Live at Yoshi's 2005” project and be a part of the experience! Visit http://www.sarahmanningmusic.com now!
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