Hard Rock Band Janus Releases "Red Right Return"

Share

Los Angeles, CA-January 30, 2009-In Roman mythology, Janus (or Ianus) was the god of gates, doors, doorways, beginnings and endings. Janus the band opens the door to a refreshing rock-metal sound that begins and ends with the listener while giving you a shot of aural adrenaline.

David Scotney (vocals), Johnny Salazar (percussion), Alan Quitman (bass), and Mike Tyrnaski (guitar, programming) enjoy complete synchronicity and unification of their musical process, making the new release a true team featuring powerful riffs with cunning but accessible lyrics.

Red Right Return, their second effort, brings their sound to the forefront of the rock and metal world with tremendous impact. The band decided at the outset of the recording to stay the course of a pure sound that was distinctively Janus, ignoring any trendy styles or sounds.

The band’s attitude towards their music helps a strong fan base continue to grow. Although their sound fits squarely into the metal genre they seamlessly bring the element of melodic rock into the mix, creating a musical hybrid that many crossover listeners are drawn into.

Lyrically Red Right Return lets the listener come up with their own scenarios and conclusions as each track progresses, with an intense focus on the human condition from both an inward and outward point of view.

Red Right Return gives indie music a shot of instant respect in the arm and boasts a crisp and polished production that you would hear on any major label release that is currently making waves. Janus wants to introduce you to a world where everything is as real as you make it, and they believe their music has the power to transport a listener instantly.

For more information about Janus and their new release Red Right Return visit their website for updates, downloads and more.

Contact: Chip Schutzman
Company: Miles High Productions
Location: 6622 Delongpre Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028
Tel: 323-806-0400
Fax: 323-462-0829
Email: chip@mileshighproductions.com
Website: http://www.janusmusic.com

Funk and Soul Artist FEMI Releases Debut EP "Sweet Water Soul"

Share

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Funk and Soul Artist FEMI Releases Debut EP Sweet Water Soul

Los Angeles, CA-November 25, 2008-FEMI has come a long way in a short period. She rose up from the Oakland underground to record her grand entrance into the world of recorded music with Sweet Water Soul.

FEMI’s debut, a six track EP titled Sweet Water Soul, features funky grooves of hot buttered soul and a sweet sultry voice that echoes Sade at the height of her popularity in the 80s.

With a stunning visual picture of her music, FEMI takes you “there” right inside the music. Her sensuality and style draw you in and refuse to let go. This kind of command and power are indeed a rarity today. The music of FEMI has a crossover appeal that you can relate to on many different levels. Her sound is a unique and compelling blend of neo-funk meets soul with roots that reach down deep and draw from the wellspring of Afro-Latin/Caribbean rhythms, jazz, hip-hop, salsa and rock. The music sounds like it could be equally effective blasted on a dance floor of a late-night club or played softly on your stereo in the car en route to work.

A Bay Area native of Puerto-Rican ancestry, FEMI has established her musical presence with her powerful yet sweet vocalizations that flow passionately through soulful and poetic song-writing, enabled by top-notch production. Tracks such as "Imported," which feature spicy Spanish-rhythm guitars were inspired by her first trip to Puerto Rico and set the stage for a suite. The concept of water is strong throughout the EP, and it is this element that guides listeners on a musical journey, painted by a romantic tapestry of flute, keys, guitar and percussion.

FEMI has toured throughout the US in venues from Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and her hometown of the Bay Area. She has worked with and/or opened for international recording artists like the Black Eyed Peas, Ledisi, Goapele, Mystic, Martin Luther and Les Nubians. FEMI will be touring in 2009 to promote Sweet Water Soul.

Visit the FEMI website for further information and updates.
Contact: Chip Schutzman
Company: Miles High Productions
Location: 6622 Delongpre Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028
Email: chip@mileshighproductions.com
Website: http://www.femimusic.com
Sweet Water Soul Buy Link: http://www.threcords.com/?product=20

FREE DOWNLOAD OF FEMI'S "IF I KNEW" AT:
http://www.femimusic.com/downloads/if%20i%20knew.mp3

Amelia's "A Long Lovely List of Repairs"

Share

Hailing from the great Northwest, Amelia, the band, not a person, is ready to fill your head with a rich pageant of musical tapestries and atmospheres on their new release A Long, Lovely List of Repairs, on the Adrenaline imprint.

Even though the band knew how people would interpret their name, the lead singer Teisha Helgerson commented, "We thought about how it sounded rolling off the tongue, how it looked on the page, and how it would represent our music." That kind of go-for-it-anyway attitude typifies their musical approach and their ever-widening appeal with their audience. .

A Long, Lovely List of Repairs features Tiesha's dreamy vocals along with her contributions on drums and the rest of the musical montage is created by core members Jesse Emerson (upright bass, electric bass, acoustic, piano, percussion, autoharp) and Scott Weddle (acoustic & electric guitars, electric bass, vocals, bass harmonica, glockenspiel, marxaphone, percussion, loops). Noted are the many instruments that the three members combined play and how it enables their music to be just as complex and emotive because of their strong versatility. The music is a mature mixture of folk and roots with reflective lyrics and thoughtful expressions. Rather than lulling you to sleep, Amelia's music will disarm you and pull you in like a magnet and will not let go.....

A Long, Lovely List of Repairs offers memorable tracks such as "Eyesore", "The End" and the closer "Here We Are." With their strong roots based in Portland Oregon, the band has realized tremendous success on the West Coast and with an impending tour this year is a sure bet to expand their fan base nationwide. ....

Visit the Amelia website for more information including album orders, pictures, media and more.

Contact: Chip Schutzman

Company: Miles High Productions

Address: 6622 Delongpre Ave. Los Angeles,CA 90028

Tel: 323-806-0400

Fax: 323-462-0829

Email: chip@mileshighproductions.com

Website: http:/www.ameliaband.com


....

Mike Zito releases "Today" on May 20

Share

Mike Zito Releases New Blues-Rock Album "Today" on May 20

Los Angeles, CA-May 12, 2008-Eclecto Groove Records is proud to announce the release of singer/songwriter/guitar player Mike Zito’s national debut release, Today on May 20, 2008.
On Today, Zito has teamed up with Grammy Award-winning producer David Z. (Prince, Etta James) and a lineup of studio musicians that includes bassist James "Hutch" Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt, Boz Scaggs, Joe Cocker); Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch keyboardist Benmont Tench; co-producer/drummer Tony Braunagel (Taj Mahal, B.B. King) and percussionist Michito Sanchez (Nelly Furtado, Steve Winwood). Also appearing on Today are Joe Sublett (saxophone), Darrell Leonard (trumpet), Mitch Kashmar (harmonica) with Teresa James and Ce Ce Bullard (background vocals). Featuring Zito's powerful original songs about love, compassion and respect, (along with his unique spin on Prince's "Little Red Corvette"), his richly expressive vocals and intense solo guitar work, Today takes the listener on a journey into the mind and heart of this gifted artist.
"A blazing guitarist who possesses a warm and expressive vocal style" (Bill Blankenship/Capital-Journal).”
Mike Zito grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and now calls Southeast Texas his home. Growing up in St. Louis, it didn't take long for him to discover his instrument of choice - electric guitar - after receiving a Van Halen record for his birthday. His education and journey were just starting - little did he know he would find himself among legendary musicians at a local guitar shop just out of high school. "Everyone from Chuck Berry to Bennie Smith came in that store," Zito shares of his experience. "I soaked up the sounds of that store and began building my own style."
His first independent release arrived in 1996, titled Blue Room, which included raw and funky songs. His songwriting experience would break through on his sophomore release titled America's Most Wanted in 1999. This album shares his pop sensibilities and intense guitar work.
He found his true sound from all his experiences, new and old, and released his fourth album, Superman in 2006. Touted as "Soulful pop" by critics, Zito's formative influences blend with musical heroes and legends including Prince, Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, and many others. Zito's journey has lead him to sharing the stage with artists such as Chuck Berry, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tab Benoit, Walter Trout, and many more.
In 2007, Mike Zito's path crossed with Randy Chortkoff of Delta Groove Music. Within months, Zito signed a deal with Chortkoff's label Eclecto Groove Records and booking agency Rick Booth/Intrepid Artists. With Mike Zito's national debut release Today due in stores on May 20, 2008, a new chapter of Mike Zito's life is unfolding. Mike Zito has only begun to scratch the musical surface.
For more, visit Eclecto Groove Records www.eclectogroove.com.
Contact: Chip Schutzman
Company: Miles High Productions
Address: 6622 Delongpre Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90028
Tel: 323-806-0400
Fax: 323-462-0829
Email: chip@mileshighproductions.com
Website: http://www.mikezito.com
Ecard Link: http://www.mikezito.com/ecards/zito_today.html

Sean Costello - April 16, 1979-April 15, 2008

Share

SEAN COSTELLO, 28, DEAD IN ATLANTA ON BIRTHDAY


(Atlanta, GA)---Blues singer, guitarist, composer Sean Costello was found dead in his Atlanta, GA. Hotel room, Tues., April 15 - the eve of his 29th birthday.
Cause of death has yet to be determined.
Costello, a highly regarded blues musician since age 14, was in the middle of touring to support his latest album “We Can Get Together” (Delta Groove Records)
In a statement Robert Fitzpatrick, Delta Groove president and Rand Chortoff, CEO, said: “Losing someone as young, talented and vibrant as Sean, who has accomplished so much in just a few short years and still had so much potential is a terribly difficult blow.
“Sean had friends and fans around the world and was unanimously praised, by critics and fans alike, as one of the main torch bearers of the blues flame.
“Now that potential will go sadly unfulfilled.”
Costello’s manager Carol Peters: “Everybody who saw Sean saw a brilliant musician working in an authentic American art form, the blues, in a really personal and creative way. A tragic loss not just to his friends, family and fans but to the music community at large.”
Veteran producer Michael Rothschild, who worked on three previous albums with Costello, starting with “Cuttin’ In” (2000) that earned Costello a W.C. Handy Blues award: “I first saw him when he was 14 and he knew all about the music, and the great guitarists like T. Bone Walker and Charlie Christian - he was also a great swing guitar player. He was mild mannered, an immense talent in a small package. There’s no telling how far he would have gone with a longer life.”
Costello had been called a Bluesman for the 21st Century, one that incorporated the eclectic mix of music that surrounded him since his early days in Philadelphia (where he was born) when street corner doo wop entranced his young ears. He had the chance as a young musician to play with traditionalists (B.B. King), gospel performers (Five Blind Boys of Alabama), the new wave (Susan Tedeschi), Dylan expatriates (Levon Helm) and any number of the bluegrass, folk or rock community who crossed his path.
But Costello never left the bedrock blues elements, using them as energy to extend his musical thinking and vision.
At age 9 Costello moved to Atlanta. As he was about to graduate high school with a local reputation as a guitarist, he was offered a record date with Susan Tedeschi. The resulting album became a hit, Costello joined Tedeschi and his own career began. Between the ages of 19 and 23 he won awards (from the Memphis Blues Society, W.C. Handy award nomination), was in and out of the recording studio, and earned the respect of his peers, such as B.B. King, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Pinetop Perkins, and James Cotton.
In one of his last interviews Costello observed: “All I ever wanted to do was play the guitar well and I’ve been fortunate to be able to make a good living doing it.”
###

Shauna Burns releases "The Moon And The Fire Circle"

Share

For Immediate Release


ETHEREAL VOICED SINGER, SONGWRITER
AND PIANIST SHAUNA BURNS EMBARKS ON A FASCINATING
JOURNEY OF THE SOUL ON HER
EMOTIONALLY COMPELLING
‘THE MOON AND THE FIRE CIRCLE’

FIRST SINGLE, ‘AROUND YOU’
DEBUTS AT #38 ON FMQB AC CHART AND IS ‘MOST ADDED’ FOR A 3rd WEEK WITH NOTABLES AS JOHN MAYER, THE EAGLES AND COLBIE CAILLAT

On the cover of Shauna Burns’ (www.shaunaburns.com) critically acclaimed 2005 breakthrough album Every Thought, the dynamic singer, songwriter and pianist looks off into the distance while holding a set of keys in her hand.

Those keys were a powerful metaphor for the overall story she told in her songs, about our unconscious minds coming to consciousness and the potential we all have within ourselves to take control of our own destiny. They also unlocked the door to an exhilarating career as one of the most promising multi-talents on today’s music scene—a spiritually driven journey that blossoms on her sophomore release, “The Moon and The Fire Circle,” set for international release on February 19.

“Around You,” the debut single from her soon-to-be released album The Moon and The Fire Circle debuted on the FMQB AC Chart in the Top 40 (#38) earlier this week . Adding to the good news, the single is also one of the “Most Added” on the FMQB AC chart for a third week in a row and is surrounded by such pop and rock notables as John Mayer, The Eagles and Colbie Caillat. “I’m so grateful that radio listeners are responding to my music,” explains Burns.

The singer’s blend of ethereal vocals and sweeping piano and percussion driven atmospheres launched the AAA singles “Pink Girl” and “Petunia” from Every Thought to major success in that format upon its release.

Over the past few years, Burns has enchanted audiences at clubs and Borders Stores across the U.S. and in the U.K. (where she toured early in 2007) with songs from her debut and its follow-up five song EP Desert Tune, which featured songs that overflowed from the first album’s sessions. Her first tour in support of her debut was 40 dates and her most recent jaunt covered 20 dates from coast to coast during the summer and fall of 2007.

A fascinating and richly detailed journey from the light to the dark and back to the light again, The Moon and the Fire Circle finds Burns taking us with her as we travel deep into the underworld of different points of view. “The twist in the story is who is telling us which is light and which is dark?” she says.


Official Website: http://www.shaunaburns.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/shaunaburns

Imeem: http://shaunaburns.imeem.com/

Tourdates:
Mar 6 – Portland, OR – Buffalo Gap
Mar 7 - Seattle, WA - The Mix (Formerly Christoff Gallery)
June 28/29 - Cloudcroft, NM - Renaissance Faire Festival
More dates to be announced shortly

ANNE MURRAY’S NEW ALL-STAR COLLABORATIVE ALBUM

Share

New Duets Album Pairs Music Legend Anne Murray with a Who’s-Who of Top Female Recording Artists, Including Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Nelly Furtado, Carole King, k.d. lang, Shelby Lynne, Olivia Newton-John, Shania Twain and More

Anne Murray to Tour to Several U.S. Cities in February and March 2008


Music icon Anne Murray has sold more than 50 million albums in a distinguished career that spans four decades. On January 15th, Manhattan/EMI will release Anne Murray Duets: Friends & Legends, an exceptional 17-track collection of her top hits and favorites, newly recorded as duets with some of the world’s top female recording artists.

Anne Murray Duets: Friends & Legends showcases a wide variety of Anne's favorite female vocalists. Among the album’s tracks and collaborating artists are "Snowbird" with Sarah Brightman, "You Needed Me" with Shania Twain, "Nobody Loves Me Like You Do" with Anne’s daughter Dawn Langstroth, "Danny's Song" with Martina McBride, “Another Pot O’ Tea” with Emmylou Harris, “A Little Good News” with Indigo Girls, “Cotton Jenny" with Olivia Newton-John, “Could I Have This Dance” with Amy Grant, “Daydream Believer” with Nelly Furtado, “A Love Song” with k.d. lang, “Time Don’t Run Out On Me” with the song’s writer, Carole King, and more.

In 1979, Anne and Dusty Springfield each recorded the song "I Just Fall In Love Again." Anne's version became a hit single that garnered her Canada’s Juno Award for "Single of the Year" in 1980. Anne and Dusty remained friends until Dusty’s passing in 1999, and for Anne, releasing an album with this type of sisterly theme wouldn't seem complete without Dusty's inclusion. With the blessing of the Springfield family and estate, a new version pairing Dusty's original with Anne’s newly recorded vocals is featured on the album.

Anne Murray Duets: Friends & Legends was produced by one of the most respected music producers in the world, Phil Ramone (Tony Bennett, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel), who counts 14 Grammy Awards and 32 Grammy nominations among his many honors. Together, Anne and Phil decided they would treat the songs on their own terms and not adhere rigidly to the arrangements of Anne’s classic versions. While Anne had designs on how she imagined the arrangements, she gave Phil free rein to rework the songs.
“We approached the sessions as if we were just handed these songs and told to make this record,” explains Ramone. “While arrangements were changed, there are also licks on some songs that I didn’t mess with. We stayed true to the song.”
Working with Anne for the first time, Ramone adds, was an easy task. “What I love about Anne is there are no words minced about whatever she feels,” he says. “This is not a person you have to think, ‘Will she tell me the truth?’ When we met for a few hours in Michigan before we started, we agreed we wanted to bring some daring ideas and some freshness to this album.”
“I said to Phil,” joked Anne, “The only reason I asked you was that I’m the only singer left that you haven’t worked with!”
“I’ve done duets throughout my career,” Anne says. “I did duets when I started out on (CBC Television’s) ‘Singalong Jubilee.’ I did a duets album in 1971 with Glen Campbell. Growing up I did lot of group singing at school and sang with my brothers. I’ve always loved singing harmony.”
Since releasing her debut album in 1967, Anne Murray has been honored with a spectacular number of awards. She is the proud recipient of four Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, three Country Music Association Awards, three Canadian Country Music Association Awards and twenty-four Juno Awards. Anne has also been honored with the Legacy Award from the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (2006), the East Coast Music Association Directors' Special Achievement Award (2001), induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (2002), and induction into the Juno Hall of Fame (1993).

Anne Murray will tour to several U.S. cities in February and March 2008 (confirmed tour dates listed below). For updates and additional information, visit Anne Murray’s official Website: www.annemurray.com

Anne Murray Duets: Friends & Legends (CD and Digital Album)
1. Danny's Song Martina McBride
2. I Just Fall in Love Again Dusty Springfield
3. Another Pot O' Tea Emmylou Harris
4. Daydream Believer Nelly Furtado
5. Somebody's Always Saying Goodbye Jann Arden
6. Song For The Mira Celtic Woman
7. Time Don't Run Out on Me Carole King
8. Cotton Jenny Olivia Newton John
9. A Love Song k.d. lang
10. You Needed Me Shania Twain
11. Nobody Loves Me Like You Do Dawn Langstroth
12. You Won't See Me Shelby Lynne
13. Could I Have This Dance Amy Grant
14. A Little Good News Indigo Girls
15. Snowbird Sarah Brightman
16. When I Fall in Love (live) Celine Dion
17. Si Jamais Je Te Revois Isabelle Boulay
(If I Ever See You Again)

Anne Murray: Confirmed U.S. Tour Dates (2008)
FEBRUARY
09 Providence, RI Providence Performing Arts Center
10 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
12 Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre
13 Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre
14 Shippensburg, PA H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University
16 Verona, NY Turning Stone Resort & Casino
17 Morristown, NJ Community Theatre at the Mayo Center for the Performing Arts
18 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Theatre
20 Greenville, SC Peace Concert Hall - The Peace Center
22 Sarasota, FL Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
23 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
24 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
26 Melbourne, FL Maxwell C. King Center for Performing Arts
27 West Palm Beach, FL Kravis Center
28 Coral Springs, FL Coral Springs Center for the Arts
MARCH
03 Lakeland, FL The Lakeland Center - Youkey Theatre
04 Lakeland, FL The Lakeland Center - Youkey Theatre
06 Fort Myers, FL Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
08 Silver Springs, FL Silver Springs Park - Twin Mansion Theatre
11 Columbus, GA River Center for the Performing Arts
12 Knoxville, TN Tennessee Theatre
13 North Charleston, SC North Charleston Performing Arts Center
15 Myrtle Beach, SC Alabama Theatre
16 Charlotte, NC Belk Theatre
18 Bethesda, MD Music Center at Strathmore
19 Easton, PA State Theatre
20 Lowell, MA Memorial Auditorium

* * *