A Cappella Vocal Group SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK Sets Final Fall 40th Anniversary Shows for 2014 Performance Season

Share

September 4, 2014, New York, NY – Sweet Honey In The Rock, the venerable and  Grammy nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism, social justice, equality and freedom have announced their final fall shows to commemorate their SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK - 40TH ANNIVERSARY: FORTY & FIERCE year and milestone achievement.

Sweet Honey launched their anniversary in mid-February of 2014 at the Zellerback Theater in Berkeley. CA, and have been performing throughout the year. The SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK - 40TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW fall run will kick off September 18th at the University of Nevada/Reno's Nightingale Concert Hall in Reno, Nevada. Sweet Honey's tour will comprise fifteen shows and culminate on November 22nd at the Edmonds Center For The Arts in Edmond, WA. It will also include the final SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK: 40TH ANNIVERSARY, FORTY & FIERCE larger production on October 14th at the Thrivent Financial Hall/Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton, WI.

Musically, the show relies on the depth of the ensemble's varied repertoire and newly arranged medleys and arrangements of some of their classics. Throughout the show each member will also share their own intimate personal stories in dialogue and perform influential songs that have highlighted their incredible journey over the past four decades. Audiences will also be warmed up and treated to a special pre-show presentation entitled “She-Rocks 5 Radio,” that will comprise an audio compilation of their most revered songs. The program is hosted by DJ Merk (Epatha Merkerson) and produced by Louise Robinson and Jordon Maillard Ware.

"We're extremely excited and feel blessed to have experienced and enjoyed such longevity, and we're very thankful to all our loyal fans who have stood by us all these years," stated Sweet Honey original member Carol Maillard. "They have been the driving force that has fueled all our artistic endeavors, and we're elated and happy to celebrate and share this special show with our fans and show them why we all feel "Forty & Fierce!”  Sweet Honey comprises Louise Robinson, Carol Maillard, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil and Shirley Childress (American Sign Interpreter).

Sweet Honey In The Rock began creating its adventurous and diverse mixture of blues, African, jazz, gospel and R & B music as a quartet in 1973. Formed by Dr. Bernice Reagon (who retired in 2004) the ensemble's patented sound was honed during a workshop at the D.C Black Repertory Theater Company in Washington, DC. Since that time, they have performed throughout the world, including Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, at many of the premiere venues in the United States, released 23 recordings, been featured in documentaries and amassed a distinguished list of honors, awards and accolades.

The ensemble just returned from a short tour of Belize (August 26th - 31st) as part of the longstanding Arts Envoy Program and initiative by the US State Department that's hosted by the US Embassy in Belize. Sweet Honey performed concerts in Belize City, Dangriga and Placencia and conducted artist exchange workshops with a couple noted Belizean artists.

Last year the band successfully launched their first ever fan based fundraising campaign with the IndieGogo online platform.  Funds derived from the campaign have been used to produce their 40th Anniversary show. They also toured Europe and Australia and performed at  the National Memorial Service for the late Nelson Mandela presented at the National Cathedral in Washington DC and were recipients of distinguished awards by the Search for Common Ground Organization in DC and "The Keeper Of Flame" Award" presented at the national convention and Signature Gala of the Delta Sigma Theta Society in Washington, DC.

In 2012, they performed at the unveiling ceremonies for the Martin Luther King monument on the National Mall. They also debuted their first ever orchestral collaboration, providing the lyrics for composer William Banfield’s “Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World,” co-commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra (Christoph Eschenbach, Music Director) and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC; the Minnesota Orchestra, (Osmo Vänskä, Music Director); and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Millennium Park, Chicago, released a thought-provoking single and video, “Are We A Nation,” inspired by the controversial immigration law that was enacted in Arizona . The song captured a Gold Songwriter Award from the 27^th Mid-Atlantic Song Contest and was featured on an all-star compilation, “Bordersongs,” that raised money for the No More Deaths organization, which provides water and humanitarian aid along the Arizona/Mexico border. Their latest 2-CD set, “A Tribute – Live! Jazz at Lincoln Center,” pays homage to some of the great female African-American vocalists whose songs helped shape the group, including Abbey Lincoln, Odetta, Miriam Makeba, and Nina Simone.

The complete list of dates are listed below:

September 18th - University of Nevada/Reno Nightingale Concert Hall, Reno, NV

September 27th - Washington State University, Beasley Coliseum, Pullman, WA

October 8th - Georgia Southern University, Performing Arts Center, Statesboro,GA

October 9th - Wake Forest University, Wait Chapel, Winston, Salem

October 11th - Georgia State University, Rialto Center, Atlanta, GA

October 14th - Thrivent Financial Hall/Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Appleton, WI

October 16th - St. Catherine University, O'Shaughnessy, St. Paul, MN

October 17th - Dimnent Chapel, Holland, MI

October 19th - The Center For The Performing Arts, Carmel, IN

October  22nd - Stoughton Opera House, Stoughton, WI

October 23rd - Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL

October 26th - Macomb Center For The Performing Arts, Clinton Township, MI

October 30th - East Tennessee State University, Martha Street Culp Auditorium, Johnson City, TN

November 21st - Admiral Theater, Bremerton, WA

November 22nd - Edmonds Center For The Arts, Edmonds, WA

For more information go to: www.sweethoneyintherock.org

NEW CD FROM VOCALIST CARMEN LUNDY, ‘SOUL TO SOUL’ SET FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 23

Share

A Myriad Of Special Guests Including Patrice Rushen, Geri Allen, Randy Brecker, Simphiwe Dana, Bennie Maupin, Carol Robbins, Warren Wolf And More

Los Angeles, California.  “Soul To Soul,” a passionate new song cycle from vocalist, songwriter, producer and musician Carmen Lundy, is set for release September 23^rd, 2014 via Afrasia Productions.  “Soul To Soul”, Lundy’s 14^th album, is the next chapter in her critically-acclaimed career as both a musical artist and a visual artist; a return to her roots but also an exploration of these roots -- and the journey that those roots can take you on.  The release of “Soul To Soul” will be accompanied by tour dates both in the U.S. and overseas.

Carmen Lundy began working on “Soul To Soul” well over a year ago in a very hands-on manner – literally composing, co-composing and arranging eleven of the thirteen tracks and then playing and recording all the instruments - including bass, drums, piano, guitar and percussion - in her home studio to get a working “feel” for how the music might sound. She then “sweetened” the songs by adding string sounds and other software instruments to elaborate and experiment with the aural mood of each track, interpreting and identifying with each track’s sound individually as well as part of the overall song sequence.  On the final CD, Lundy plays guitar on all tracks, piano and Rhodes on many tracks, and drums on two.  

“I wrote the music with specific players in mind for each respective instrument,” says Lundy.  “My producer and label co-owner Elisabeth Oei encouraged me to reach out to those musicians whose music I have loved and have been inspired by; some of whom I had worked with but never recorded with. I consider these artists specialists on their instruments.  These are players who bring a distinctive sound to everything they play and

add another layer of individuality to my original music.”

Patrice Rushen, for example, is featured on nearly every track on “Soul To Soul” because of the deep musical connection Carmen felt with her.  “I could hear her sound in my music,” says Lundy, “Patrice creates these beautiful sonic palettes from which I could soar freely through the music.  This project would not be as special to me if it were not for her incredible contribution.”

Featuring the stellar talents of guest artists Patrice Rushen, Geri Allen, Randy Brecker, Mayra Casales, Simphiwe Dana, Bennie Maupin, Carol Robbins, Ada Rovatti, and Warren Wolf along with Carmen’s core rhythm section members Darryl Hall and

Jamison Ross, “Soul To Soul” invites the listener on an intriguing journey. Whether the source of inspiration comes from time spent in Sardinia, Italy (“Soul To Soul” and “Sardegna”) or from her hometown of Miami in the songs “Kindred Spirits” and “Grateful” – “It’s important to acknowledge and remember where you come from and all those who provide unwavering moral support” says Lundy; from the beauty of Mary Lou Williams’ “What’s Your Story, Morning Glory” - “Geri Allen and I have spent many years performing the works of this great pianist,” Lundy remarks, “I could not miss the chance to have yet another of the great pianists/composers of our time be a part of this musical journey”; to the sexy bossa nova beat of “Everything I Need”, the moods and moments of  “Soul To Soul” are genre-bending and traverse many borders, both literally and figuratively.

Of special note is the story of the track “Grace,” the result of a meeting with South African vocalist Simphiwe Dana.  At the time of the meeting – which coincided with tour dates Lundy and Dana had in Johannesburg and Los Angeles – Lundy was in the process of writing the song on guitar and had been haunted by it for months.  She then played the track for Dana who immediately began to sing the melody in her native tongue, and whose contribution to the track on the CD adds yet another dimension to the journey of “Soul To Soul.”

Added Lundy, “It is an honor to have these players joining in this majestic musical adventure.  I hope listeners – both new and established - enjoy the voyage.”

Carmen Lundy is also a celebrated mixed media artist and painter, and her works have been exhibited in New York at The Jazz Gallery in Soho, at The Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles, and at a month-long exhibition at the Madrid Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.  For additional information and media requests, please contact Chip Schutzman at Miles High Productions, 323-806-0400; e:  chip@mileshighproductions.com

A complete track listing with credits is as follows:

TRACK LISTING:

1. Kindred Spirits  (Carmen Lundy)
2. Life Is A Song In Me  (Carmen Lundy, Julie Raynor)
3. Soul To Soul  (Carmen Lundy)
4. When Will They Learn  (Carmen Lundy, Julie Raynor)
5. Daybreak  (Carmen Lundy)
6. Between Darkness and Dawn  (Carmen Lundy, Julie Raynor)
7. Grace  (Carmen Lundy, Simphiwe Dana)
8. Grateful Pt. 1  (Carmen Lundy)
9. Grateful Pt. 2  (Carmen Lundy)
10.  Everything I Need  (Carmen Lundy)
11.  Don’t You Know How I Feel  (Marilyn Castilaw)
12.  Sardegna  (Carmen Lundy, Deborah Ash)
13.  What’s Your Story, Morning Glory  (Mary Lou Williams)

Personnel:

Carmen Lundy – Vocals (all), piano (track 1) Rhodes (track 11), keyboards (track 8), guitar (tracks 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12), drums (track 12), percussion (tracks 1, 6), string arrangements and programming

Patrice Rushen – piano, Rhodes, keyboards (all tracks except 8, 13)

Darryl Hall – acoustic bass, electric bass (all tracks)

Jamison Ross – drums, percussion (all tracks)

Geri Allen – piano (track 8, 13), Rhodes (tracks 6, 9)

Randy Brecker – trumpet (track 3, 10, 11), flugelhorn (track 3)

Mayra Casales – percussion, congas (all tracks except 13)

Simphiwe Dana – Vocals (track 7)

Bennie Maupin – tenor sax, soprano sax (tracks 5, 9)

Carol Robbins – harp (tracks 4, 5, 6, 10)

Ada Rovatti – tenor sax (track 3, 10)

Warren Wolf – vibes (tracks 5, 8, 12)

Background Vocals – Carmen Lundy, Patrice Rushen, Jamison Ross (track 2), plus Mayra Casales, Darryl Hall, Elisabeth Oei (track 7).

All songs composed and arranged by Carmen Lundy, C. Lundy Publishing/ASCAP except * by Marilyn Castilaw (Redfield Music/BMI); ** by Mary Lou Williams (Cecilia Music), Paul Francis Webster, Jack Lawrence; *** by Carmen Lundy and Julie Raynor (Castle Dream Music/ASCAP); **** by Carmen Lundy and Deborah Ash (Compashe Music/ASCAP); ^ by Carmen Lundy and Simphiwe Dana (Black Carrot Publishing).

Produced by Elisabeth Oei and Carmen Lundy

Recorded and Mixed by Don Murray at Firehouse Recording Studios, Pasadena, CA and Mixed at Afrasia Studios, Woodland Hills, CA. Basic tracks recorded and played by Carmen Lundy at Afrasia Studios.

Mastered by Doug Sax at Mastering Lab, Ojai, CA

CD Cover Photo by Victor Dlamini

                                          

www.carmenlundy.com                   

SHOTGUN HOLLER SIGNS TO LONESOME DAY RECORDS Debut Album Mixes Traditional Bluegrass With A Modern Alternative Edge

Share

(LEXINGTON, KY) - It's not often that a bluegrass band comes around sporting tattoos and singing about things that some radio stations of that genre might find a bit too left of center. But that's exactly what Randall Deaton liked about Shotgun Holler, the new five-piece bluegrass band with an edge hailing from all over Kentucky, when he signed them to his Lonesome Day Records this month.

"They are willing to tackle subject matter that is often shied away from in bluegrass music," says Deaton, who has known the band's co-founder and mandolin player Shawn Brock since before he launched his label in 2002. Brock actually performed guitar and mandolin on Lonesome Day Records' very first release by Sam Wilson and will also appear on the Bob Seger tribute record, Silver Bullet Bluegrass, which will be released later in the year. “Sean’s one of the most talented people I know,” adds Deaton.

On signing with Lonesome Day Records, the 33-year-old Louisville, KY-based Brock says, Lonesome Day is not afraid to take a chance. They are not into censorship. They don’t mind being on the cutting edge and trying something different. Lonesome Day is a very reputable label that has a very successful track record in placing new artists on the top and keeping established artists on the top and that’s where we are striving to be.

The subject matter tacked on the band’s forthcoming debut full-length album dives into some darker topics not usually heard in traditional bluegrass music, such as drug addiction and prostitution. “We don’t really fit the typical bluegrass mold of today,” explains Brock. “Instrumentally we are pretty recognizable as bluegrass. We’re using the traditional bluegrass instruments-banjo, guitar, upright bass, mandolin, and fiddle. Where we tend to cross into other areas is the material that we choose, which can be very non-traditional. Lyrically, all the songs aren’t necessarily wholesome.”

One such song is the original 1930’s Washboard Sam version of the “My Bucket’s Got a Hole In It” popularized later by Hank Williams. “We do the Washboard Sam lyrics, which are totally different than Hank’s.” One verse says, ‘They ain’t standing on the corner/Everything was so slow/Can’t make no money/Tricks ain’t walking no more. Another verse says, ‘Gonna sell moonshine in the day/An peddle dope all night.’ This is not what you hear on the radio today, though the song was written in the depression era. These things happen, but they aren’t sung about. We carry all the news, both good and bad. However that song doesn’t necessarily represent the project as a whole. Three band members love to write, and along with material from other writers, we are cutting 8 original tunes.”

It was one fateful day listening to the radio that inspired Brock, a long-time session musician who also has two jazz albums under his belt, to start Shotgun Holler in February of this year. “I was listening to a bluegrass radio station and it was kind of like a volcano was building up inside of me. It seemed like people were cutting this watered down sterile material singing about the same subject matter and no one is trying to sound different. I listened to five songs and couldn’t tell one artist from another. I have been playing bluegrass for 23 years, and in the 90’s I knew every artist who came on just by their sound. Blue Highway had a great distinctive sound, which was vastly different from the classic sound of the Bluegrass Album Band. Both are favorites of Shotgun Holler members, but each unit had their own thing going. I called friend, and former band member from the group Blue and Lonesome, Matt Jones and I said, ‘I’m sick of hearing singers and pickers imitate each other and cover songs that were just recorded three years ago. Lets put and band together and do what we’ve always tried to do-be different.’ His words to me were, ‘Man, I’ve just been waiting on you.’ From there, the two co-founders, Brock and Jones – who takes on lead vocals and guitar for the group – put a band together featuring seasoned players Gil Benson (fiddle), Rod Lunger (bass and vocals), and Donnie Stevens (banjo and vocals). With their impressive resumes, they were able to book shows before the band even had their first rehearsal.

Shotgun Holler will hit the studio on August 22 at Lonesome Day Studio in Booneville, Kentucky, with noted producer and Mountain Heart founding member Jim Van Cleve at the helm.  Van Cleve has produced award winning projects spanning a variety of genres for acts such as Mountain Heart, Newfound Road, Del Shields, Celebration of Life II (Musicians Against Childhood Cancer), Annabelle Road, his own Grammy Nominated solo project, and the IBMA Awards Show Theme, among others.

"We've all known Jim through is work and watched him rise through the ranks. Jimmy is at the forefront of the progressive edge, which is where we strive to be.  Lyrically this will be in territory that Jimmy has not been in before, but instrumentally it's still very edgy, very modern bluegrass which is a specialty of his," says Brock.

NEWFOUND ROAD FRONTMAN TIM SHELTON SETS FORTH ON SOLO DEBUT WITH MOVING NEW SINGLE “LEARNING HOW TO LIVE ALONE ”

Share

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – August 20, 2014 – An already well-respected frontman and singer in the bluegrass community, Tim Shelton rose to fame with his band NewFound Road. After signing to Rounder, a string of hits and critical praise, Shelton aims to venture into a brand new creative project as a solo artist, combining his love for rock, country, and folk. To introduce his solo effort, Shelton is giving away his first single, “Learning How To Live Alone” free to the public in exchange for an email address via his Facebook.

“I’ve always loved and appreciated all kinds of music, and it was almost nagging at me that I wanted to do something else … I didn’t want to deal with reinventing NewFound Road, I’d been wanting to do other things musically, to go other places, and so I thought, now is the time.”

Recorded in Nashville and produced by Barry Bales, this first single to debut his solo album is both heartbreaking and soothing to the ear that one can empathize about living a lonely, single life. Shelton’s crisp vocals and simple guitar riffs are what make it a solid country song and a memorable anthem.

Honest lyrics and Shelton’s pure voice are what make “Learning How To Live Alone” such a relatable song with it’s repetitive, convincing chorus and steady pace. Shelton’s confident introduction to his full-length debut is only driven by his respected reputation and vision.

“I just want to make music that isn’t necessarily traditional Bluegrass.  I love it, but I also love James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Rock, hard Rock, traditional Country—all of those.  Just music.”

Shelton plans to release a Jackson Browne-inspired album February 2015.

Follow Tim Shelton:

http://www.timsheltonmusic.net/

https://www.facebook.com/timsheltonmusic

https://twitter.com/TimSheltonMusic

http://instagram.com/timsheltonmusic

SARAH BORGES' NEW SOLO CD, RADIO SWEETHEART, DROPS JUNE 24

Share

Singer/Songwriter Adds Tour Dates with Girls Guns And Glory

(BOSTON, MASS.) - She's been Boston's singing sweetheart for the past few years as part of Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles. But, now, the singer-songwriter is claiming that title of her own as she readies the release of her new solo record, Radio Sweetheart.

             The 10-track album, set for release on June 24 via Booneville, Kentucky-based Lonesome Day Records, is a return to self for the artist. "I wrote songs that felt important to me. Before, I had a lot of co-writes, so a lot of opinions in the mix, and this time I was able to think of just what I wanted. It was scary and freeing at the same time," says Borges, who Rolling Stone magazine describes as "friendly pop–rock with bits of twang, rockabilly, and '50 pop."

             One song in particular, "Radio Sweetheart," was a track that always held a special place in her musical heart, but never had a home until now. "I wrote that song when I was really young, just out of college. For me, it was this version of my childhood self and very personal - it just didn't feel right to record with the Broken Singles. But, now, it means a lot to have it on my new record," says the Taunton, Mass.-born artist.

             Radio Sweetheart was the perfect title of her new album as well as it represents her newfound optimism as she embarks on a solo career. "I titled the album Radio Sweetheart out of hopefulness about this record. I decided to call myself the radio sweetheart in hope that it comes true," she admits.

            The album was recorded at Woolly Mammoth Sound, which is owned by Dave Minehan, singer/guitarist of Boston rockers Neighborhoods as well as guitar player for the Replacements. Minehan also engineered the album while Steve Berlin, who played saxophone and keyboards with Los Lobos for 30 years, produced the record, which features a few very special guests - NRBQ's Terry Adams and Lone Justice's Ryan Hedgecock.

             "I'm a huge fan of NRBQ and we sort of checked a chord from their song, 'Ridin' in My Car' on my song, 'The Waiting and the Worry.' So it was an honor to have their piano player Terry Adams play on it. When I'm writing songs I always like to think of how it'll play live and this is one I really like to perform. It makes people happy. Lyrically, it tells the story of a girl driving in the car, listening to music, and thinking about a boy," she says.

            Another standout track is "Record on Repeat," which was written with another special guest - Ryan Hedgecock of Lone Justice. "This is the closest to the live show out of the all of the songs. It has lots of energy. I went over to Ryan's house when I was out in L.A. one night. His band, Lone Justice, was instrumental in mixing punk and country, and I am so enamored of them and him. We drank some tequila and ended up writing this song that's just a vignette of a rock and roll; fast girl and guy get together in a burst of flames, personified in the record they can't stop listening to. It was a really fun and natural writing experience," she says.

             Along with her famous friends, her fans helped Radio Sweetheart along as well. "We did a crowd-funding campaign and within one month, I received more than 150 percent of the money I needed. I couldn't believe it. Donations would come in and there'd be $1,000 from someone I didn't know, and donations from China. Holy cow!" she says.

             Borges will be touring for most the year with many shows featuring label-mates Girls, Guns, and Glory's Chris Hersch (guitar), Paul Dilley (bass), and Josh Kiggans (drums) as her backing band.

June 14, Bull Run, Shirley, MA

July 3, Natalie's, Worthington, OH

July 4, The Livery 4^th of July Show, Benton Harbor, MI

July 11, Black Potatoe Music Festival, Clinton, NJ

July 18, Hungry Tiger, Manchester, CT

More dates to be announced...

SINGER SONGWRITER AND 6X BILLBOARD CHARTING ARTIST MARGO REY RELEASES NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE “COLOURS”

Share

“COLOURS” CURRENTLY #27 ON MEDIABASE AC CHART; ADDED ON SIRIUS XM “THE BLEND” CHANNEL

WATCH ON YOUTUBE OR VIMEO

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – June 26, 2014 – Billboard charting singer/songwriter Margo Rey has released an intimate new music video to accompany her latest moving single, “Colours,” her most personal and emotional song yet after major chart success at AC Radio with “Let The Rain,” “Between Us,” “Tempted,” and her Top 5 Holiday classic, “This Holiday Night,” Margo continues to climb the AC Radio charts. The video was directed by AlecZero and produced by StereoZzilla Productions.

“Colours” takes you on a personal journey with moving lyrics written by Margo herself and music by Margo and Barrett Yeretsian. “I am not afraid, I know how to be brave, in the best and worst of days, my colours never fade, impossible they say…”

A simple yet empowering song that describes overcoming any obstacles and gaining confidence in yourself to not care about what or who may bring you down, “Colours” sends a message to encourage listeners to believe in themselves. In the minimal music video, we see Margo playing a grand piano in a studio belting out the meaningful lyrics.

Following her latest CD release, “Habit” and successfully battling breast cancer for a second time in 2013, Margo hasn’t stopped pursuing her music. Margo recently became the National Ambassador for non-profit organization Brides Against Breast Cancer providing her top 20 Billboard charting song, “Let The Rain”, co-written by legendary John Oates as their theme song.

The Indie Music Digest quotes, “Margo Rey’s 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.”

Contact: Chip Schutzman

Miles High Productions

chip@mileshighproductions.com

323 806-0400

EMERGING SINGER-SONGWRITER ROXANNA TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM EXOTICA ON JULY 8

Share

“I believe the world is hungry to hear songs about love. Enough about bad romance and hate and war. Music should be easy on the ear.”

Entering into the music world with a devastating heartbreak, the incomparable Roxanna penned “Unforgotten,” a sorrowful but soulful song, threaded with hope for tomorrow. “That song was my therapy,” Roxanna notes. “It just poured out of me, and helped me believe all of this happened for a reason.”

With the introduction to Exotica, lead single “Close Your Eyes” takes you on a personal journey with its dramatic storyline and emotional lyrics, Roxanna’s heartfelt message is strongly emphasized by the elegance of her gorgeous vocals.  “There is a light at the end of the tunnel, after every storm there is a rainbow, just an overall hope in the end.”

Roxanna believes, “Music should bring pleasure, it should be elegant and relaxing. It’s all about friendship, pleasure, romance, love and beauty.” Roxanna’s world of experience is translated through her passion for music and songwriting. She was born in Iran in the midst of an ongoing war with Iraq. As a child, she turned to music for balance and tranquility, religiously mimicking the English-language songs of Olivia Newton-John.

After traveling the world and experiencing both heartbreak and love, Roxanna has teamed up with the best in the industry to release Exotica, a collection of stories that are universal and inspiring.

Roxanna is determined to craft every song and lyric as relatable to whomever will take a listen with the intention to always spread love and healing through her romantic songs and stories.  It was while studying to be a nurse that Roxanna witnessed first hand the healing power of music. Roxanna sang each night to a young man battling cancer. When he was released, the man’s father said to her, “My son is better because of the way you sang to him.” With that, she realized that music, like medicine is a great healer and it was then hat she realized she needed to pursue signing as a career.

For her full-length album, she contacted well-known producer Mark Portmann credited with working with Julio Iglesias, Barbra Streisand, and Christina Aguilera. It was her rendition of Aguilera’s “Lift Me Up” that convinced Portmann to bring Roxanna under his wing. And what spawned from their collaboration was Exotica, a seamless, mastered mix of adult contemporary, classic pop, and world music.

Listening through the album, you’ll be taken on a journey of love … from the first moment of flirtation to the confidence you find with everlasting love.

Featuring a string of romantic songs including new renditions of The Hollies 1972 hit song, “The Air That I Breathe,” and Lionel Richie’s 1984 smash hit, “Hello”. 

SINGER, SONGWRITER, AND ACTOR CARL THORNTON RELEASES DEBUT DANCE SINGLE “GET UP!” ON AMAZON AND ITUNES

Share

“I am a fun loving, live life to the fullest individual, who always sees the glass as half full and firmly believes in the motto "nothing ventured, nothing gained."

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – June 11, 2014 – Triple threat talent Carl Thornton debuts the perfect summer dance anthem that will inspire and ignite the clubs with his debut single, “Get Up!” From the opening notes, one can hear a melodic and irresistible drive with an electrifying and pulsating beat that entices you to move with unabashed joy until the song is over.

After traveling the world and performing professionally for ten years, Carl has not lost sight of his goals from an early age where he vowed that singing was what he was destined to do. “Get Up!” is the very first song Carl has written where he confidently steps out as an artist.

Blending velvety, rich vocals, the song is both rhythmic and the flawless mix of pop and electronic music taking inspiration from Usher, Calvin Harris, and Avicii.

“GET UP!” is now available at iTunes, Amazon, and CDbaby.com. Four exclusive remixes will be released soon with an accompanying music video shot at Harlem Gay Pride Parade in June 2014 and will be released later this summer.

LONESOME DAY RECORDS READIES A FULL RELEASE SCHEDULE THROUGH 2015

Share

LONESOME DAY RECORDS READIES A FULL RELEASE SCHEDULE THROUGH 2015

Silver Bullet Bluegrass: A Tribute to Bob Seger Slated for August

(Booneville, KY) - Lonesome Day Records is having its most prolific year yet with new releases ranging from a star-studded tribute record to blue-collar rocker Bob Seger to bluegrass stars Tim Shelton, Richard Bennett, Jeff Clair, and Jeff Parker to rock singer/songwriter Sarah Borges and more.

Earlier this year, the Booneville, Kentucky-based label released Boston Music Awards winners Girls Guns And Glory's Good Luck, in February. Good Luck has recently reached Top 15 on the American Airplay Chart and Top 10 on the Roots Music Report, and has received rave reviews from the press. No Depression recently wrote, "If there is any justice, Good Luck will transform the winners of six Boston Music Awards into a national act," while The Day newspaper in New London, Connecticut called Good Luck "the band's finest work."

Next on deck is bluegrass artist Richard Bennett's In The Wind Somewhere, which is due May 27. Bennett's fifth solo release features Mark Schatz (Nickel Creek, Emmylou Harris, LindaRonstadt), IMBA Mandolin Player of the Year Adam Steffey, celebrated fiddler Ron Stewart, and Sean Lane of the Grammy-nominated band Blue Highway on tenor vocals. The record was recorded at the Lonesome Day Studio Booneville, Kentucky, and mixed by Grammy Award winning engineer Brandon Bell.

On June 24, newly signed rock singer/songwriter Sarah Borges will see the release of Radio Sweetheart, her first solo record since disbanding Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles. "I'm really proud of this record. I wrote songs that felt important to me. It doesn't feel like a new me, but it feels like the old me is finally back," says Borges.

The finishing touches are being put on Silver Bullet Bluegrass: A Tribute to Bob Seger, which is tentatively slated for an August release. The compilation features many artists on Lonesome Day Records' roster, as well as American Idol Season 4 runner-up Bo Bice, and singers from the bands Blue Highway, Wildfire, Mountain Heart, the SteelDrivers, and the Boxcars.

"This is a project that I have been wanting to do for a long time, and it is all bluegrass. One of our goals with this record is to make it very easily recognized as bluegrass, and also very palatable to the bluegrass listener. It is not a 'hot pickin' record; the focus is on the songs and the singers, and the arrangements stay fairly true to the originals. These are legitimate versions of great songs that will have some of the best singers in bluegrass contributing to them," Lonesome Day Records owner Randall Deaton recently told Bluegrass Today.

Another release eyed for a potential fall release is a new record by bluegrass artist Jeff Clair, which will start production soon under the helm of country singer Gary Nichols of the SteelDrivers. "I met Gary at the bluegrass festival Rudyfest in Kentucky and we kept in touch. I was a big fan of the SteelDrivers and thought Gary was an excellent singer and was happy to get him on the Bob Seger tribute. He had expressed an interest in producing more and asked if I had any artists. I mentioned Jeff so Gary looked him up on YouTube, they had a few conversations and hit it off, and now here we are," says Deaton.

Meanwhile, Jeff Parker, a bluegrass music stalwart known for his timeless singing and virtuoso mandolin skills and member of Dailey & Vincent, starts production on his next record on April 28. A fall release is planned.

Additionally, Tim Shelton, who fronted Newfound Road on Rounder Records for years, will also begin production soon - sometime this summer - with Paul Kolderie (Girls Guns And Glory, Phish's Mike Gordon) at the helm for an early 2015 release.

Silver Bullet Bluegrass track listing (not final):

1.    Tim Shelton, "Against the Wind"

2.     Girls, Guns and Glory's Ward Hayden, "Betty Lou's Getting' Out Tonight"

3.     Blue Highway's Tim Stafford, "Even Now"

4.     Wildfire's Robert Hale, "Feel Like a Number"

5.     Darrell Webb, "Long Twin Silver Line"

6.     Mountain Heart's Josh Shilling, "Mainstreet"

7.     Larry Cordle, "Night Moves"

8.     Bo Bice, "Ramblin' Gambling Man"

9.     Jeff Clair, "Roll Me Away"

10.   The SteelDrivers' Gary Nichols, "Turn the Page"

11.   Jeff Parker, "We've Got Tonight"

12.   The Boxcars' Keith Garrett, "You'll Accomp'ny Me"

BLUEGRASS ARTIST JEFF CLAIR TAKES ON ROCKER BOB SEGER

Share

BLUEGRASS ARTIST JEFF CLAIR TAKES ON ROCKER BOB SEGER

Touring Continues in Support of His Critically-Acclaimed, They Called Him Jesus

Set to Go Back Into Studio With Gary Nichols For New Album

(Booneville, Kentucky) - As Lonesome Day Records bluegrass artist Jeff Clair continues to crisscross America on tour in support of his latest release, They Called Him Jesus, the Kentucky-bred artist has taken time out of his busy schedule to record a Bob Seger classic for a forthcoming tribute album to the Silver Bullet man.

Clair's contribution to Silver Bullet Bluegrass, which will be released on Lonesome Day Records later this year, is the track, "Roll Me Away" from Seger's 1982 album "The Distance." The album is in its final stages of production and also features contributions from Josh Shilling (Mountain Heart), Tim Shelton, Jeff Parker, Keith Garrett (The Boxcars), and Ward Hayden, the singer of Lonesome Day Records rockers Girls Guns And Glory.

"This is a very tasteful tribute that will showcase Seger's songs, as well as the great voices that are in bluegrass," says Lonesome Day Records owner Randall Deaton, who founded the label in 2002. As for Clair's track, the artist says,"I'm excited to be part of Silver Bullet Bluegrass. Bob Seger is such an icon in the music industry and to be asked to do 'Roll Me Away' on the tribute is a big honor. Seger has such a unique voice and his music is a departure from the straight ahead bluegrass that I have done in the past but I was glad for the challenge and Randall's confidence in my ability to expand into other genres. "

Clair is also getting ready to start work on a new record that will be produced by Muscle Shoals native and former Mercury Records artist Gary Nichols (The Steel Drivers). Brought together by Randall, who has known Clair since he was 13 years old and who met Nichols at Rudyfest about a year ago.  He notes "I was wearing a Sun Records T-shirt and Gary thought that was unusual for a bluegrass festival. He came over and we started talking." Nichols, backed by The Steel Drivers band, also contributed a song to Silver Bullet Bluegrass.

Of the artist's musical direction, Randall says, "Jeff's on a mission to make bluegrass music with lyrical content that is more relevant to society today than what is found in a lot of bluegrass music. Jeff is from Eastern Kentucky and can relate to the lyrical content of traditional bluegrass songs because he grew up in the culture, but he also knows that if you are going to connect with people today you have to sing about topics that they can relate to."

Bluegrass Today.com has been singing the artist's praises as well, describing "They Called Him Jesus" as "soulful, old-style bluegrass music."

"When I set out to make this CD, I wanted to make a CD that included both classic songs and some new material but I wanted to maintain the traditional sound and I think we were able to accomplish that with this album. The title cut is an original that I wrote just prior to recording the album and there are cuts from, Ozzie Thorpe, Tom T. and Dixie Hall, Bob Gilbert, Judy Marshall, Larry Sparks and others," Clair told Bluegrass Today.

Clair's bluegrass roots run deep. As a child, his father would take him to concerts in Jackson, Kentucky, where he's from, and introduced him to such greats as Larry Sparks, Dave Evans, Ralph Stanley, and Sam Wilson. "I grew up listening to this style of bluegrass and when I started performing on my own, naturally I played a style that is heavily influenced by these artists," he told the publication.

When Clair isn't busy making music or touring, he volunteers his time and talent with the Appalachian Service Project (ASP), an organization which benefits low income families in the Appalachia area, including repairing homes and improving the living conditions of those less fortunate.

"Appalachian Service Project provides a great service to the people in our region and they should be commended for it," explains Clair, who has been volunteering for 15 years. "Providing an educational concert for the volunteers is my way of thanking them for all they have done to help the people of Appalachia. In addition to making lifelong friends and meeting thousands of people we have had the opportunity to present bluegrass and traditional music to an audience that may have not heard this style of music otherwise. Many of the volunteers come from hundreds of miles away and I'm glad we had the opportunity to introduce all of them to bluegrass music and bring in new fans for the music."

Jeff Clair tour dates (more to be announced):

March 29, Clay City, KY, Meadowgreen Park Music Hall

April 3, Hazard, KY, Coal River Grille

April 12, Vest, KY, Beckham Combs Community Center

June 7, Hallie, KY, Line Fork Community Center

June 20, Cedar Bluff, VA, Southwest Virginia Community College

June 21, Beattyville, KY, private party