Hardcover Spotlight: "1001 Guitars to Dream of Playing Before You Die"

1001 guitars, from 1525 to 2013, are featured in the new book 1001 Guitars to Dream of Playing Before You Die (Universe), edited by Terry Burrows. This "small" coffee table book includes photographs of every guitar, from the earliest Spanish baroque models to the more recent Gibson Robot, on high quality paper. Not every guitar gets its own page, but the book is still nearly 1,000 pages long. Editor Terry Burrows also supplies the introduction that leads into a Foreword by Dave Gregory. An index of guitars by manufacturer and by model are included before and after the 1001 guitars, respectively.

Nine chapters are devoted to the instrument and range from pre-1930s to the 2010s. Each entry includes the history of the guitar, as well as essential information about its type, body and neck and other features. There is also at least one photo of each guitar. Some entries expand beyond one page, while other pages include as many as three different guitars. Information about albums featuring the various instruments are also included with some entries for your future listening pleasure and are occasionally accompanied by a famous musician, such as Reverend Gary Davis, with a Gibson SJ-200, Flea, with a Fender Jazz, and Keith Richards, with a Travis Bean TB1000.

It is difficult to believe that the guitar has only been considered a serious instrument since the late 19th century. However, over the past century, the instrument has emerged as the world's most popular and has been essential to the creation of blues and rock n' roll, among other genres. The guitar has become synonymous with musicians such as Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Randy Rhoads, Nancy Wilson, Jimmy Page, Jack White and The Edge, to name only a few great guitarists (and in no particular order - I do not even want to go there!). From the curious to the committed and from the novice to the professional, 1001 Guitars to Dream of Playing Before You Die contains an amazing amount of information about one of the world's youngest, but most beloved instruments.

1001 Guitars to Dream of Playing Before You Die is now available.

Grammy Winning Disco Diva Thelma Houston Teams with Janitor for new EP "FortyTwo"

Photos and Press Release courtesy of Miles High Productions

Los Angeles, CA - Original songs aren’t a dime a dozen. It may be hard to recreate such a sound from one of American music’s most famous disco diva icons, Thelma Houston. Add into the mix a 28 year old producer named JANITOR who is deeply embedded in the Los Angeles indie rock scene and you have “fortytwo” — the EP concept and the actual age difference between Houston and JANITOR and an innovative new side-project that challenges the limit of an unlikely collaboration that incorporates both contemporary and vintage sounds.

 

Houston is well-known to the world of Disco, R&B and Motown. One of her most notable singles during that period was "You've Been Doing Wrong for So Long" which secured her a Grammy nomination for a Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Houston released her third album Any Way You Like It in 1976. The first single released was her version of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes’ 1975 song "Don’t Leave Me This Way”. In February 1977 the track hit Number 1 in the U.S. on the R&B and Club Play Singles charts and in April 1977 on the Hot 100 Charts. "Don't Leave Me This Way" won Houston the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the Grammys for 1977.

 

Most recently she has teamed up with JANITOR, an up-and-coming producer and multi-instrumentalist who has played on hundreds of records as a cellist and bassist for veteran bands. Together they have formed this creative relationship built on respect and friendship.

 

This project is a testament to how an unlikely pairing can collaborate as they formed this partnership by creating songs that truly speak about their issues. Keeping an open mind, blending genres, styles, and focusing on the emotional context is what “fortytwo,” is about and not necessarily of the mindset if it will sound more like a pop or mainstream or commercially successful music release.

 

Infusing electronic and R&B and indie pop music, listeners can hear almost every genre in the five-song EP as JANITOR cites his taste in everything from jazz, hip hop to powerpop. Each song is a journey that starts from dark to light — raw, uncensored, thought-provoking lyrics is what JANITOR describes as “Conscious Club” music. They are making music that has a specific idea around it. It’s also the next generation of Thelma’s sound.

 

“Enemy,” is the first track from the album and first planned single and instantly draws you in with its minimal production and heavy lyrics. Houston’s stellar vocals and repetitive bass are prominent on this track with lyrics such as “Are you living with the enemy? Is the enemy in your head? Can you be good to yourself? Do you forgive yourself? Can you love yourself?”

 

Soulful, but yet dark, listeners can instantly understand how personal this EP release comes to life. “Enemy” is an ongoing song with the track clocking in just under six minutes which leaves one wanting more and the song closes with an excerpt of JANITOR’s string section. It was the first song they wrote together.

 

“Colorblind,” the fourth track from the EP, is about race relations and is meant to be an inspirational piece because it touches upon a controversial subject. JANITOR infuses a pop/punk and goth tone that also elevates during the chorus with positive, uplifting lyrics.

JANITOR and Houston are both drawn from each other’s musical and life experiences as they’ve co-written each song on the release.

 

The “fortytwo” EP was released on September 17, 2013 and is now available from most major digital retail stores.

 

Cher's "Dressed to Kill" Tour to Kick off March 22nd in Phoenix

Information and images courtesy of AEG Live

CHER ANNOUNCES ‘DRESSED TO KILL’ TOUR BEGINNING MARCH 22^nd  IN PHOENIX

 

49 City North American Tour Celebrates the Legend’s New “Closer To The Truth” CD

It’s now official. The one and only Cher herself revealed that she will kick off her “Dressed To Kill” 49 city North American Tour beginning in Phoenix on March 22^nd with stops in NY, LA, Boston, Las Vegas, and other major markets. Cher shared the happy news with her fans following her performance on the Today Show last week.

 

A full list of “Dressed to Kill” tour dates and cities follows this release. The national tour promoter is Marshall Arts USA.   For ticket information and to sign up for tour updates please go to Cher.com .

 

Cher’s previous tour “The Farewell Tour” later dubbed “The Never Can Say Goodbye Tour” was one of the most successful tours ever by a solo artist and played for a record-breaking 325 dates and seen by over 5.5 million people.

 

American Express® Cardmembers can purchase their tickets to select cities before the general public beginning Monday September 30^th, 10am through Thursday, October 3^rd, 10pm.

 

For all online tickets purchased (presale and general public), ticketholders will receive a free copy of Cher’s new album “Closer To The Truth”, out September 24^th on Warner Bros Records.  

 

Cher is in New York this week celebrating the album’s release with upcoming appearances on David Letterman (Sept. 24^th) and Live! with Kelly & Michael (October 1^st).  Cher will also be appearing as a mentor with Blake Shelton on NBC’s The Voice airing in October.

 

 

 

 

CHER ‘DRESSED TO KILL’ TOUR

Sat, March 22                     Phoenix, AZ                        US Airways Center

*Mon, March 24                Houston, TX                       Toyota Center

*Wed, March 26                Dallas, TX                             American Airlines Center

Fri, March 28                      Little Rock, AR                   Verizon Arena

Sat, March 29                     Tulsa, OK                             BOK Center

Mon, March 31                  Nashville, TN                      Bridgestone Arena

Wed, April 2                        Pittsburgh, PA                  Consol Energy Center

*Fri, April 4                         Washington DC                 Verizon Center

Sat, April 5                          Uncasville, CT                    Mohegan Sun

Mon, April 7                       Toronto, ON                       Air Canada Centre

Wed, April 9                       Boston, MA                        TD Garden

Fri, April 11                         Indianapolis, IN                 Bankers Life Fieldhouse

Sat, April 12                        Detroit, MI                          Joe Louis Arena

Wed, April 23                     Buffalo, NY                         First Niagara Center

Fri, April 25                         Montreal, QC                     Bell Center

Sat, April 26                        Ottawa, ON                        Canada Tire Centre

*Mon, April 28                   Philadelphia, PA               Wells Fargo Center

Wed, April 30                    Columbus, OH                   Nationwide Arena

Fri, May 2                           Cleveland, OH                   Quicken Loans Arena

Mon, May 5                       Charlotte, NC                     Times Warner Cable Arena

Wed, May 7                       Raleigh, NC                         PNC Arena

*Fri, May 9                         Brooklyn, NY                      Barclays Center

*Sat, May 10                      East Rutherford, NJ         Izod Center

*Mon, May 12                   Atlanta, GA                         Philips Arena

Wed, May 14                     Jacksonville, FL                  Veterans Memorial Arena

Fri, May 16                         Orlando, FL                         Amway Center

Sat, May 17                        Ft. Lauderdale, FL            BB&T Center

Sun, May 25                       Las Vegas, NV                    MGM Grand

Wed, May 28                     Denver, CO                         Pepsi Center

Fri, May 30                         Lincoln, NE                          Pinnacle Bank Arena

Sat, May 31                        Kansas City, MO               Sprint Center

Mon, June 2                       Louisville, KY                      KFC Yum! Center

Wed, June 4                       St. Louis, MO                     Scottrade Center

Fri, June 6                           Milwaukee, WI                 BMO Harris Bradley Center

Sat, June 7                          Chicago, IL                           Allstate Arena

Mon, June 9                       Des Moines, IA                 Wells Fargo Arena

Wed, June 11                     Minneapolis, MN             Target Center

Fri, June 20                         Winnipeg, MB                   MTS Centre

Sat, June 21                        Saskatoon, SK                    Credit Union Centre

Mon, June 23                     Edmonton, AB                   Rexall Place

Wed, June 25                     Calgary, AB                         Scotiabank Saddledome

Fri, June 27                         Vancouver, BC                  Rogers Arena

*Sat, June 28                      Seattle, WA                        Key Arena

Mon, June 30                     Portland, OR                      Moda Center

*Wed, July 2                       San Jose, CA                       SAP Center at San Jose

Sat, July 5                            Ontario, CA                         Citizens Business Bank Arena

*Mon, July 7                       Los Angeles, CA                Staples Center

*Wed, July 9                       Anaheim, CA                      Honda Center

Fri, July 11                           San Diego, CA                    Valley View Casino Center

 

(*American Express® Cardmembers can purchase tickets before the general public.*)

The 36th Annual Kennedy Center Honorees: Martina Arroyo, Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel, Shirley MacLaine and Carlos Santana

KENNEDY CENTER TO HONOR MARTINA ARROYO, HERBIE HANCOCK, BILLY JOEL, SHIRLEY MACLAINE AND CARLOS SANTANA ON "THE 36TH ANNUAL KENNEDY CENTER HONORS," TO BE BROADCAST SUNDAY, DEC. 29 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Press Release: Opera singer Martina Arroyo, pianist, keyboardist, bandleader and composer Herbie Hancock, pianist, singer and songwriter Billy Joel, actress Shirley MacLaine and musician and songwriter Carlos Santana will receive honors for 2013 on THE 36TH ANNUAL KENNEDY CENTER HONORS, to be broadcast Sunday, Dec. 29 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The special has been broadcast on CBS each year since its debut.

In a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage, the 2013 Honorees will be saluted by great performers from Hollywood and the arts capitals of the world. Seated with President and Mrs. Obama, the Honorees will accept the thanks of their peers and fans through performances and heartfelt tributes.

"The Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world," said Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. "Martina Arroyo has dazzled the world with her glorious soprano voice and continues to share her artistry with a new generation of opera singers; Herbie Hancock has established himself as one of the most innovative musicians in the world, constantly breaking musical barriers and redefining the art of jazz; Billy Joel's melodies have provided the soundtrack of our lives for over four decades, making him one of pop music's most prolific and memorable singers and songwriters; the remarkable breadth and range of Shirley MacLaine's acting has left an indelible impression during a nearly 60-year career on stage and screen; from his legendary performance at Woodstock to his sweep at the 2000 Grammys and beyond, Carlos Santana's artistry transcends genres while entertaining millions."

The President and Mrs. Obama will receive the Honorees, along with members of the Artists Committee who nominate them and the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, at the White House prior to the gala performance taping on Dec. 8. The 2013 Kennedy Center Honors Gala concludes with a supper dance in the Grand Foyer.

The Honors recipients are recognized for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts - whether in dance, music, theater, opera, motion pictures or television - and are selected by the Center's Board of Trustees. The primary criterion in the selection process is excellence. The Honors are not designated by art form or category of artistic achievement; the selection process, over the years, has produced a balance among the various arts and artistic disciplines.

Kennedy Center President Michael M. Kaiser expressed the national cultural center's continued gratitude to the many individuals involved in the success of the Honors program. "In addition to recognizing some of the world's most treasured artists, the Kennedy Center Honors supports a wide variety of artistic programming, as well as the Center's educational and national outreach efforts."

George Stevens, Jr. and his Honors producing partner Michael Stevens will again produce and write the Honors. They have received four consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Variety, Musical or Comedy Special. The KENNEDY CENTER HONORS telecast has also been recognized with the Peabody Award for Outstanding Meritorious Service to Broadcasting and seven awards from the Writers Guild of America. George Stevens created the Honors in 1978 with Nick Vanoff.

"Rhapsody in Black: The Life and Music of Roy Orbison" by John Kruth

When I worked in music retail in the late 1990's and early part of the 2000's, I gained a new appreciation for Roy Orbison by listening to The Very Best of Roy Orbison compilation CD. That disc was kept in heavy rotation and could be heard throughout the store. While I was already a fan of the late singer for some time, I never realized the true power of his voice or the overall quality of so many of his recordings. My favorite Roy Orbison tune up to that point was the remake of "Crying," with Roy and K.D. Lang, and it remains a favorite, but his cover of "I Drove All Night" is his very best, in my opinion. The Very Best of Roy Orbison is one of those rare compilations that lives up to its name and every song is worth listening to over and over again.

Even though I am a longtime fan of Roy Orbison, I was not aware of the personal tragedies that he suffered and the questionable career decisions that he and his associates made during his decades long career. That information and much more is included in John Kruth's biography Rhapsody in Black: The Life and Music of Roy Orbison (Backbeat Books). The author details Orbison's early life and struggles with finding love and feeling accepted, as well as his unconventional first marriage to Claudette Frady and the peculiarities of his second marriage to Barbara Jacobs. In addition, every studio album that Orbison released is discussed in detail, from the high points of the early 1960s to the low points of 1970s and then a resurgence in the late 1980s, before the singer's untimely death.

Despite the considerable problems that he faced in life, Orbison is described as a very kind, yet sometimes distant person, particularly to those who did not know him well. Of course, he had an outlet for his heartbreak, which is reflected in many of his songs, which became big hits over the years, including "In Dreams," "Only the Lonely" and the aforementioned "Crying." I found it fascinating to learn how Roy Orbison would prepare to sing a new song by testing his vocals until he discovered the exact approach to take. He appeared to have an innate sense of what would work. In addition, the story of how he came to wear his trademark black sunglasses is interesting and somewhat amusing.

Roy Orbison's connection to other legendary music industry talents, including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and his brothers in The Traveling Wilburys make for fascinating reading. In addition, the recording of Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night, which aired as a television special in 1988, recalls the amazing number of entertainers and fellow musicians who attended the event, which served to reignite Orbison's career. Indeed, he was a beloved figure who influenced many others during his long career.

John Kruth often refers to Roy Orbison as "the Voice" and deservedly so. His unique vocals and emotional delivery often conveyed heartbreak or sadness, but his fans loved those songs, perhaps because most everyone's heart has been broken at one time or another. Indeed, love and loss is relatable to almost everyone and few singers have ever expressed those emotions so honestly or powerfully as Roy Orbison. Perhaps that is why, a quarter century after his death, he is still remembered and revered by so many of his fans and peers.

Rhapsody in Black: The Life and Music of Roy Orbison is now available from Backbeat Books and includes 16 pages of photographs.

Coming Soon: "Songs From Scandal" - Soul Classics Featured in Hit TV Series

SONGS FROM SCANDAL: MUSIC FOR GLADIATORS -

SOUL CLASSICS FEATURED IN THE HIT TV SERIES SET FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 3RD, 2013 VIA STAX RECORDS

LOS ANGELES, CA - The twists and turns of the American political system have long been turned into storied tales of deception, turmoil and mystery chronicling the dark underbelly of American culture. This year’s hottest political thriller, ABC’s Scandal, is a vivid example. But it was not just power, politics and drama that inspired writer, creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice) to bring this story to life – the classic soul music of the 1970s was a dynamic and influential force as well. 

 

Stax Records, a division of Concord Music Group, has partnered with ABC Studios to release Songs From Scandal: Music For Gladiatorson September 3^rd, 2013. This 12-track collection features the iconic 1970s music heard throughout Seasons 1 and 2 of the smash hit television drama and coincides with the highly anticipated DVD release of Season 2, also on September 3^rd.

 

Shonda Rhimes also contributed the album’s extensive liner notes, which detail the passion and attitude of the music that fueled the creative process: “During those four days [of writing the Scandal pilot], the soundtrack of my writing was the funky, delicious music of the 1970s.”

 

The perfect companion piece to Seasons 1 and 2, this soundtrack allows true ScandalGladiators to experience the full spirit of the show. The set features iconic tracks from Booker T and the MG’s (“Green Onions”), Sly & The Family Stone (“Everyday People”), The Staple Singers (“Respect Yourself” – RAC Remix), Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell (“You’re All I Need To Get By”), and KC and The Sunshine Band (“Get Down Tonight”), just to name a few.

 

“It’s the music that came after they killed Jack and Bobby and Martin and Malcolm,” stated Rhimes in the liner notes. “It’s the music after Nixon disappointed a nation, it’s the music of the sexual revolution and the feminist movement.” And it’s this musical style that Rhimes and music supervisor Alex Patsavas chose to reflect the fierce determination of the series’ characters and storyline.

 

With fans eagerly awaiting the premiere of the third season on October 3^rd, 2013, there is no better time to celebrate this unique era of American music. Creator Rhimes concludes: “For those of you who heard this music the first time around, welcome home. For those of you who are hearing it for the first time, pleased to meet you. Put on your headphones and give this music a listen. And become a Gladiator in a suit.”

Songs From Scandal: Music For Gladiators Track list:

1.      War – Edwin Starr

2.      Green Onions – Booker T. & The MG’s

3.      Everyday People – Sly & The Family Stone

4.      I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash

5.      Tell Me Something Good – Rufus and Chaka Khan

6.      Get Down Tonight – KC and The Sunshine Band

7.      I Believe In You (You Believe In Me) – Johnnie Taylor

8.      Respect Yourself (RAC Remix) – The Staple Singers

9.      Crazy – Bettye LaVette

10.  You’re All I Need To Get By – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

11.  I Think It’s Going To Rain Today – Nina Simone

12.  The Light – The Album Leaf

Singer-Songwriter Sheila Swift To Release Her Much Anticipated EP "The Striving Is Over"

Photo and information courtesy of Miles High Productions.

"The Striving is Over" is now available on iTunes

August 13, 2013 (Los Angeles, CA): Six years after her highly praised album, "The Shape of Things," the release of two singles, and a recent 5-week tour in Europe, Sheila Swift is ready to release her much anticipated EP, "The Striving is Over." In this new EP, Sheila proves that she is not just a one trick pony coming from "Daisy", but a well-rounded, all natural musical artist.

 

"The Striving is Over" is Sheila Swift's most personal album yet. The EP presents three original tracks by Swift, written throughout her life, that have been long waiting to be released. The musically talented songwriter uncovers herself in this album, presenting songs inspired during personal life experiences. In her EP, each track delivers its own uplifting positive message.

 

The songs on the album cover themes such as tension in marital life, letting go of the past and moving forward, while remembering the good things in life and reconnecting to one's own roots. Sheila Swift proves her artistic creativity by adding a natural flow in the order of tracks in "The Striving is Over." Track after track, the three song EP tells a story. From the first track to the last, the emotional and powerful lyrics that Sheila's vocals give life to depict defining moments for her.

 

In "Stay," the beautiful, acoustic guitar solos build while harmonizing with Swift's powerful vocals. There is no doubt her southern roots are portrayed in this EP. Swift intertwines a touch of arousing country with rock into the other tracks, "Let Go" and "Home." It is in both of those tracks where Swift releases positive and inspiring messages to her listeners. Lyrics such as "you got to let it go," encourages moving forward in life. In addition, Sheila depicts fond memories of the south in "Home," a reminiscence of her life growing up in the south, with "take me home." Each track, with its very own personal touch and artistic expression, portrays Sheila's love for music and life.

 

Following "The Striving is Over", Sheila Swift has more musical endeavors up her sleeve with a vinyl album release scheduled by the end of the year.

 

Sheila Swift has evolved into a fully-fledged rock singer, largely leaving behind the pop-rock leanings of her previous work in favor of a more pure rock sound which shines through on the new material. Sheila played at the South By Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas, as well as a showcase at House of Blues Houston and has finished a 5 week European tour in Germany and the Netherlands, with guitarist Ben Jarrad, where ecstatic fans described her as a mix of Gwen Stefani and Neil Young. A multi-talented artist, Sheila also incorporates her passion for the arts in her music.

Cher Hails Michael English as a "Genius" for his cover of Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" from "The Last Ride"

(NASHVILLE, TN) - For years multitudes have praised the vocal styles of Michael English. His soulful, emotive voice wraps around a lyric and delivers a song like no one else can! That voice grabbed the attention of entertainment icon Cher recently and, like many celebrities in this day and time, took to Twitter to express her opinion.

On May 31, 2013, @Cher tweeted: “Just watched The Last Ride story of Hank Williams' last trip. "Hey Good Lookin'" was the first song my mom taught me. Michael English did a genius version of "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" It says what we've ALL felt. Henry Thomas & Jesse James broke my heart.”

The song appears in The Last Ride, an emotional film that tells the powerful tale of country music’s original bad boy and his final days. The man, the myth and the music come together when Williams travels from Alabama to a series of New Year’s shows in West Virginia and Ohio. This remarkable journey leads straight into the heart and soul of the legendary performer...as he takes one last shot at redemption. Featuring all-new versions of Hank Williams’ greatest songs, this emotional tale of hope and truth is one you’ll never forget.

The Last Ride was released June 4, 2013 on Blu-ray and DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Entertainment and is available wherever movies are sold.

 

The Last Ride soundtrack was released by CURB Records and is currently in stores and available digitally on iTunes, Rhapsody and other retailers. The CD contains the performance of Michael English's "I'm So Lonesome" as well as Benjy Gaither, Doug Anderson, Russ Taff, The Isaacs, Jett Williams, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Wes Hampton and others.

Michael English is currently on tour with the Gaither Vocal Band and select solo dates in support of his latest CURB Records' release Some People Change.

Click below to view the music video on YouTube.

 

Emerging Artist Spotlight: Jackson Guthy

Photo Credit: Rob Hoffman

The Summer Break Tour, featuring Big Time Rush and Victoria Justice, made a stop in Raleigh, North Carolina last night at the TWC Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek to a large crowd who clearly got into the spirit of the evening by dancing and singing along with the various performers. The opening acts consisted of Olivia Somerlyn and 17-year-old Jackson Guthy, who performed a six song set to kick things off. Guthy's performance was energetic and upbeat, as he sang about young love, broken hearts and finding your way in the world. The young singer/songwriter/piano player performed five original songs, as well as "Feel So Lucky," which is a mash-up of Calvin Harris's "Feel So Close" and Daft Punk's "Get Lucky." Jackson began playing before I could find my seat, but I was able to see and hear the majority of his set. His best selection, "Brothers and Sisters" speaks about the end of a relationship, which is made more difficult by interference from other people. Jackson's band consists of Brook Alexander on drums, Toby J. Kim on guitar and George Kosturos, who danced around the stage during the set to help get the crowd motivated with his energy.
 
I had the pleasure of being seated next to part of Jackson's entourage and I would like to thank Carl, Ann and Jack (I hope I have the names and spelling correct!) for providing information regarding the set list and the band members. It was great to meet all of you!

For more information about Jackson Guthy, visit his website here.

Jackson recently appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres show. Check out his performance here.

The Summer Break Tour continues through August 11. Check out the remaining dates below:
 

Jul 9                       Verizon Wireless Amphitheater                Charlotte, NC

Jul 10                     Jiffy Lube Live                                                    Bristow, VA

Jul 12                     Bethel Woods Center for the Arts            Bethel, NY

Jul 13                     PNC Bank Arts Center                                    Holmdel, NJ

Jul 14                     First Niagra Pavilion                                         Burgettstown, PA

Jul 16                     Susquehanna Bank Center                          Camden, NJ

Jul 18                     Nikon at Jones Beach Theater                    Wantagh, NY

Jul 19                     Hersheypark Stadium                                    Hershey, PA

Jul 20                     Mohegan Sun                                                    Uncasville, CT

Jul 21                     Comcast Center                                                Mansfield, MA

Jul 23                     Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion        Gilford, NH

Jul 24                     Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion                      Bangor, ME

Jul 26                     Pier Six Pavilion                                                 Baltimore, MD

Jul 27                     Saratoga Performing Arts Center              Saratoga Springs, NY

Jul 28                     Darien Lake Performing Arts Center        Darien Center, NY

Jul 30                     Toledo Zoo Amphitheater                            Toledo, OH

Jul 31                     Blossom Music Center                                   Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Aug 2                     Klipsch Music Center                                      Indianapolis, IN

Aug 3                     DTE Energy Music Theatre                           Clarkston, MI

Aug 4                     First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre            Tinley Park, IL

Aug 6                     Schottenstein Center                                     Columbus, OH

Aug 7                     US Bank Arena                                                  Cincinnati, OH

Aug 9                     Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena    Sioux City, IA

Aug 10                  Target Center                                                    Minneapolis, MN

Aug 11                  Riverside Theatre                                            Milwaukee, WI

  

 

Singer/Songwriter Bunny Sigler's new single "Forgive and Forget"

Photo and information courtesy of Miles High Productions

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Grammy and multi-platinum producer/singer/songwriter and recording artist Bunny Sigler recently announced plans for his latest single release “Forgive and Forget,” a song written by his longtime friend, manager, business partner and attorney Lloyd Remick, that is now available through digital music retailers. After 40 years of working side by side, Sigler and Remick collaborate for the first time as songwriters to share a story that touches the hearts of many.

“Forgive and Forget” dares to seek its relation to those who have mistakenly experienced a one-time indiscretion, pleading for his love to simply ‘forgive and forget.’ The single is available on CDBaby.com and iTunes and is also available on Bun-Z Music and Records website at: http://www.bunzmusicandrecords.com.

Four decades later, the two continue to produce music in hopes of inspiring others, but never had Remick proposed the idea of producing his very own song. He came to Sigler with these sorrowful yet beautiful lyrics, and Sigler fell in love with the story. “Forgive and Forget” reaches those who have experienced a one-time infidelity and have from there on out, lived a life of regret and pain. This song, and all other songs Remick and Sigler have composed, convey real-life situations and evoke strong emotion.

“I believe that the music Bunny is singing can help change the world,” said Remick. “I know it might sound a little idealistic, but I believe music has the power to unite us.”

Sigler and Remick aim at providing emotional tales for their audience. In “Forgive and Forget,” they uncover a perspective of the story that has never before been told through song. As for telling real-life stories — this latest single will reveal just that.

Sheila Swift Releases First New Single in Six Years - “DAISY” Inspired By The New Movie “The Great Gatsby”

Photo and information courtesy of Miles High Productions

Following her last release in 2007, Shape of Things, Sheila Swift garnered critical praise. It was an album where Swift wore her heart on her sleeve. A sudden hiatus was due to the fact that in 2008, Swift gave birth to two beautiful twin daughters (Marley and Dylan) so her musical career was then put on hold. Although continually writing for herself and others, as well as lending her voice to other tracks such as her friend, Grammy winner Billy Dorsey, on the title track of his new Def-Jam release MARATHON.

Swift was constantly inspired to take up singing again with a fresh new take and comeback. This is what led to the inspiration and recording of “Daisy.” Coincidentally, a remake of the classic film The Great Gatsby, which was released in the U.S. on May 10, features a pivotal character, Daisy Buchanan, who provides inspiration for the song.

 

“Daisy” is about a character who is tortured and emotionally driven and acts on being selfish and shallow, while somehow maintaining a sympathetic likability. Swift retells this story through the ninety second song that will soon be released to press on a special limited edition 45 rpm vinyl to be released simultaneously with her European EP release set for June 18, 2013 with a US release on August 13, 2013. Inspired by the roaring twenties and nostalgia, Swift will mirror “Daisy,” with a b-side track entitled “The Ballad of Buchanan,” also inspired by The Great Gatsby. “Ballad" also gives a nod to Roger & Hamerstien’s number "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," a song from the musical South Pacific — a mantra that Swift licenses Daisy, as “Ballad,” is more or less Daisy’s response (or private thoughts) regarding her “predicament” with Gatsby and her denial regarding the chaos she herself had created within her personal life.

 

“Daisy” builds through halfway and quickly becomes a personal ballad that tells the story of heartbreak from all sides. It’s a far cry from where Swift left off with Shape of Things, as her voice and lyrics reveal her maturity and empowerment as a singer-songwriter. With repetitive and pleading lyrics, Swift stresses “you’re not owning up.. another day,” accompanied by a simple acoustic backdrop — perfect to provide focus and attention to the song itself.

 

Citing a wide range of influences from Doris Day to Gwen Stefani, Swift is more than an unapologetic rock star in the making. She aims to lead life with purpose and passion incorporating both her love for music and fine art (including, but not limited to painting, photography, & graphic design), doing all original artwork for her releases. A music video will also accompany the single on May 28th on the newly designed website at www.sheilaswift.com. Swift recently played at the South By Southwest Music Festival, as well as a showcase at House of Blues Houston and will embark on a European tour with guitar player Ben Jarrad starting in late May through July 2013.

Listen to "Daisy" here.