Southern Charm, Wit, Free Seeds Coalesce on Nell Robinson’s May 28 ‘House & Garden'

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 16, 2013

Southern Charm, Wit, Free Seeds Coalesce on Nell Robinson’s May 28 ‘House & Garden'

Music Impetus For American Community Garden Association’s “Garden Aid Day”
 

“People aren’t going to believe what they just heard...” - Garrison Keillor, A Prairie Home Companion

Imagine the charming, effervescent wit of June Carter Cash gracefully colliding with the shimmering vocals of Emmylou Harris and you begin to describe Nell Robinson. The Alabama-born, Bay Area artist released her debut album after having first established herself as a successful fundraiser for organizations including Mother Jones Foundation. 

Now Robinson performs from a place of farmhouses, country stores and family spirit that echoes with the sounds of Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. Hilary Perkins’ romance with family history informs her stage name (her grandmother’s name) as well as her writing on both ‘House & Garden’ and her Fall 2013 release ‘Soldier Stories’.

‘House & Garden’, a collaboration with musical partner Jim Nunally (guitarist/vocalist for David Grisman’s Bluegrass Experience), is a pastoral song-set that finds Robinson tending to a metaphorical garden, tracing life’s natural ups and downs through music, living at the intersection of bluegrass, country, folk and Americana. 

Through it she continues to pay homage to her family with songs like the timeless, "My Soul,” based on a 1919 poem written by her great-grandfather after his return from World War I, and a soulful rendition of country music legend George Jones’, “Old Old House.”

To celebrate the release, two top gardening brands and a major retailer are collaborating with Robinson on ‘House & Garden’. Burpee, America’s premiere seed company founded in 1881, will include seed-paper in the artists’ eco-friendly CD packaging and provided seeds to community gardens supported by the American Community Garden Association (ACGA) on March 20, the first day of Spring also known as “Garden Aid Day”. More community partners will be announced next week. 

‘House & Garden’ Track List:
1. Life In The Garden
2. Old Old House
3. The Gardener
4. Happy To Go
5. My Blue Tear
6. My Soul
7. Southwind
8. April Fool
9. Loose Talk
10. Complicated
11. Pen in Hand
12. House
13. Home’s Where I Long To Be

Nell Robinson on the Web:
http://www.nellrobinsonmusic.com 
https://www.facebook.com/nellrobinsonmusic

http://www.twitter.com/tweetnell 

NEW SINGLE “TEMPTED” TO BE RELEASED ON iTUNES MAY 28th

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. – May 14, 2013 – Singer/songwriter Margo Rey today announced her newest single and latest cover of Squeeze’s 80’s track, “Tempted.” After several male renditions of the British rock band’s piece, Margo decided to turn the tables with an updated pop/R&B female version of the classic tune.

“Tempted” brings out a smooth vibe while still displaying Margo’s very own melodic flair. The single will be available for radio adds starting on May 13th and available for a US digital release on iTunes May 28th.

"When I was approached about doing a cover for my next single,  I knew immediately that "Tempted" was the song I wanted to sing and re-arrange as an homage to this very talented band, Squeeze which actually had 3 different singers in the song Glenn Tilbrook, Chris Difford, & Paul Carrack,” states Margo on her thoughts of the making of “Tempted.  “I had a fantastic time producing it with my dear friend and collaborator, Barrett Yeretsian.  I am so thankful to Squeeze for writing and recording an unforgettable song that has been my "Habit" to sing for years.”

Following her latest release, “Habit” and in the midst of battling breast cancer, Margo hasn’t stopped pursuing her music. She received much recognition after performing at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel for a special one night event benefitting The Noreen Fraser Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on raising funds for women’s cancer research. Her husband and stand up comedian, Ron White, stood by her side as he hosted the event.

In her latest album “Habit,” Margo put together a variety of organic sounds with every bit of emotion put into each song. The Indie Music Digest says, “Her musical/vocal style is cut from the cloth of Celine Dion, Bonnie Raitt and Shania Twain.” – but I will add she can go toe to toe with any of them vocally.

Working in the music business since she was only eleven years old, Margo continues to provide an array of rich vocals with smooth tunes and funky beats as showcased in her latest single.

For more information on Margo Rey, please visit www.margorey.com.

Listen to “Tempted” here:  https://soundcloud.com/margorey/tempted

 

NEW TERENCE BLANCHARD ALBUM MAGNETIC SET FOR RELEASE MAY 28 ON BLUE NOTE RECORDS

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Magnetic, Terence Blanchard’s stunning new album is set for release May 28 on Blue Note Records. The album features ten original songs written by Blanchard or a member of his quintet: saxophonist Brice Winston, pianist Fabian Almazan, bassist Joshua Crumbly, and drummer Kendrick Scott. Magnetic also showcases special guest appearances from bass legend Ron Carter, as well as label-mates saxophonist Ravi Coltrane and guitarist Lionel Loueke. Magnetic is yet another genre-defying chapter in this innovative musician and film composer's life - only to be followed June 15 by the World Premiere of Champion, an “Opera in Jazz.”  The release of Magneticwill be accompanied by tour dates worldwide including the Newport Jazz Festival in August.

Magnetic is Blanchard’s first album since the critically-acclaimed 2009 album, Choices, and marks Blanchard’s return to Blue Note, which last released A Tale of God’s Will, his Grammy-winning triumphant 2007 requiem for his home city, New Orleans, in the wake of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina. Magnetic was produced by Blanchard, Robin Burgess and Frank Wolf and recorded at Avatar Studios in New York City. The vast array of approaches undertaken by the ensemble throughout the album is striking, from the blistering bop of “Don’t Run” to the fragile ballad “Jacob’s Ladder”; the psychedelic electronic haze of “Hallucinations” to the urgent edginess of “Another Step.” As Blanchard says, “It’s a wide range of musical ideas that come together through the efforts of the guys in the band.”

On June 15th, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and Jazz St. Louis will combine forces to premiere Blanchard’s first opera, Champion, an “Opera in Jazz” based on the story of the boxing champion Emile Griffith. Continuing their individual traditions of commissioning music that showcases the talents of the world’s best contemporary composers, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and Jazz St. Louis have joined forces in the development of Champion, featuring a powerhouse team of writers and performers. With music by Blanchard and libretto by the Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright Michael Cristofer, Champion blends the uniquely American tradition of jazz with the dramatic power of opera. The opera will star Denyce Graves, Arthur Woodley, Robert Orth, Aubrey Allicock, and Meredith Arwady. Directed by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Artistic Director James Robinson and conducted by George Manahan, Champion will receive its world premiere June 15-30 as part of Opera Theatre’s 2013 Festival Season.Champion follows his recent score for Emily Mann’s Broadway production of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire.

The track listing for Magnetic is as follows:

1. Magnetic (Terence Blanchard)
2. Jacob’s Ladder (Joshua Crumbly)
3. Don’t Run (Blanchard)
4. Pet Step Sitter’s Theme Song (Fabian Almazan)
5. Hallucinations (Blanchard)
6. No Borders Just Horizons (Kendrick Scott)
7. Comet (Almazan)
8. Central Focus (Blanchard)
9. Another Step (Almazan)
10. Time To Spare (Brice Winston)

For a complete tour itinerary please visit: www.terenceblanchard.com 

Like Terence Blanchard on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter 

SHEILA SWIFT RELEASES FIRST NEW SINGLE IN SIX YEARS “DAISY” INSPIRED BY THE NEW MOVIE RELEASE “THE GREAT GATSBY”

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May 6, 2013 (Los Angeles, CA):  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.

This Houston native didn’t give up though on artistically diving into the local art world and showcasing some of her original pieces at reputable art galleries around her hometown. Sheila is also heavily involved at her alma matter, Houston Baptist University where she is the Assistant Gallery Director for the new Contemporary Gallery on campus; where she also plans to begin her MFA studies this fall.

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” slated to be released in the US May 10 with one of the main pivotal characters Daisy Buchanan, which is the storyline that Swift was inspired by.

“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. 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 quickly becoming a personal ballad and reflection 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 and be released along with the single on May 7^th as well as a new 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 an European tour with guitar player Ben Jarrad starting in late May through July 2013.

Sheila Swift links: Website - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube