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Creative and artistically expressed music in the genre's of smooth, groove, classical, ballads, and up tempo tracks by Diner-Mate Music and Executive Producer Allen Williams, celebrating 50 years of NASA. Release date: October 2008
VERMONT ARTIST AMBER deLAURENTIS RELEASES FIRST FULL-LENGTH CD, “HEY SADIE”
(Burlington, VT) Former Philadelphia-area songstress now Burlington, VT resident, Amber deLaurentis has announced the release of her long-awaited full-length studio debut, “Hey Sadie,” due out in early March, 2008. deLaurentis’ signature pounding piano style and powerful vocals drive a diverse collection of original songs, written with her longtime musical collaborator, lyricist, Sarah Blue. Their award-winning songs are at once contemporary and timeless, and have been characterized as “Instant Classics.”
“Hey Sadie,” which was recorded at Charles Eller Studios in Charlotte VT and MAJA Audio Group in Philadelphia, was nearly two years in the making. Explains lyricist Blue: “It was a huge undertaking. We really wanted to try to bring the material to life. Even when we’ve just begun writing a song, we fantasize about large instrumentation and arrangements, so it's been a dream come true to witness the making of this record. So many incredible people have poured their energy into trying to capture our visions in a permanent recording. It's been amazing.”
Each of the 12 tracks is painted with a large emotional and musical palate. Lush string arrangements, sophisticated horn parts, sweet yet complex vocal harmonies, and energetic, seemingly effortless rock-and-roll performances by deLaurentis’ Philadelphia-based band (David Anstine on bass, Mark Schreiber [Slo-Mo] on drums, and Mark Tucker on guitar/steel guitar), showcase the evocative lyrics and compelling melodies which characterize the deLaurentis/Blue sound. Guest appearances are also made by some of Vermont’s finest musicians, including Paul Asbell (guitar), Steve Blair (guitar), Tom Cleary (horn arrangements), Chuck Eller (organ), Juliet McVicker (vocals), and Gordon Stone (pedal steel guitar).
The result is an impressive and sophisticated recording with what feels like a very “live” energy. deLaurentis and Blue grew up listening to artists such as Elton John and Carole King, and while “Hey Sadie” is an undeniably contemporary recording, it also has something of a vintage feel to it which reveals these roots, and which is not accidental. “One of my favorite moments during the mixing, was listening as our engineer, Lane Gibson, attempted to match the string effects to some of the string productions on Elton John’s ‘Madman Across the Water,’” recalls deLaurentis.
Amber deLaurentis left Philadelphia for Vermont in October of 2003, where she became the Instructor of Jazz Voice and Co-Director of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble at the University of Vermont. She continues to perform her and Blue’s award-winning songs (Billboard Magazine 2nd place for “Lonely in Love;” Discmakers’ Independent Music World Series best of 1,200 bands; honorable mention John Lennon Songwriting Contest, etc.). As a performer, Amber has supported the likes of NRBQ, Amos Lee, Marshall Crenshaw, Patty Larkin, Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, and Five for Fighting, and as a recording artist, she has collaborated with keyboardist Chris Cameron of Sonia Dada and Jim Tullio (producer Mavis Staples, Los Lonely Boys), among others.
deLaurentis is planning a tour with her newly formed Vermont band including Caleb Bronz, Tom Cleary, and Steve Blair, to promote the release of “Hey Sadie.”
Celebrate the Vermont release of “Hey Sadie” with Amber and the band at Flynnspace, Thursday, May 22nd, in Burlington, VT.
For music, JPEG’s, interviews and more information, please contact: Amber deLaurentis: (802) 878-3721; treesapper@hotmail.com
Sarah Blue: (315) 559-4705; SarahEBlue@gmail.com
WEBSITES: www.myspace.com/amberdelaurentis; www.purevolume.com/amberdelaurentisband; www.sonicbids.com/amberdelaurentisband2 www.myspace.com/sarahbluelyricist
Make Me Whole
Pie Boys Flat to Showcase at Three NACA Conferences
With the release of their new full-length album Uproot the Island, Pie Boys Flat, a Queens based reggae/funk band has been selected to showcase live at three regional conferences of the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA). Fitz Harris (percussion/vocals), Patrick Hambrick (guitar/vocals) and Jason Liles (bass/vocals) of PBF attended their first NACA conferences in 2005, booked a 4-month college tour, and learned the ropes. “We realized the first morning of the first conference that a live showcase means more bookings,” said Patrick, “and because showcases are awarded based on a band’s recorded music, we knew we had to have a higher quality CD.”
PBF was successful with its first two CDs, Come Taste the Pie and Post No Bills, selling over 800 copies of the first during a 2004 3-month tour in the Greek Isles and over 1000 copies of the second at gigs in Manhattan and on the college circuit. “We are proud of both of those CDs and will be eternally grateful to our producer, Tommy Faragher, whose generosity and talent made us sound better than we could afford to sound.” said Fitz, “But we did our first two recordings on a shoestring. Money was always a problem, so during 2005-2006 we saved every cent from our gigs for months and worked other jobs so we could eat and sleep inside, in order to pay for 12 straight days of recording in a bigger studio. Sean Moffitt, a high school friend of mine and now a professional producer, ramped up the value of that investment by giving us a great deal on his time and talents.”
The result is a recording that really showcases the unique sound of this band; a blend of Reggae, Blues, and Funk, laced with soaring three-part harmonies and a fresh blend of percussion and guitars. According to Jason, “It was worth all the work and sacrifice. Each conference gets between 400 and 500 showcase applications for around 40 slots. We were so thrilled to get the first showcase at the Mid-Atlantic Conference that it didn’t occur to us that we would get another. A friend called and told us to login to the Northeast Conference list because we had gotten a showcase there also. When the third one came in from the Mid-America Conference we began to make plans for a big tour. It’s gonna be a great year for us.”
You can check out Pie Boys Flat and hear their music at www.pieboysflat.com or www.sonicbids.com/pieboysflat. Uproot the Island is for sale online at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/pieboysflat.
For Immediate Release October 17, 2008
John “Drumbo” French Reunites Captain Beefheart Alumni for Solo Album
“City of Refuge” in stores November 18
LOS ANGELES—John “Drumbo” French has reunited fellow Magic Band alumni Bill Harkelroad (aka “Zoot Horn Rollo”), Mark Boston (aka “Rockette Morton”), Greg Davidson (aka “Ella Guru”), and John Thomas for a solo recording of all new compositions entitled City of Refuge. The self-produced album was recorded in London and at various locations in the U.S., and lands stateside November 18th on Proper Records.
“I think City of Refuge is important because it re-visits a style of music that was founded by Don Van Vliet (Captain Beefheart) and developed by various Magic Bands over the years. The music on this album came to me as total inspiration from being involved in The Magic Band reunion project. Listening to the music of Don Van Vliet and singing with the band, I realized that I was re-visiting my musical roots and wondered about how I had strayed so far away,” French says.
As the drummer and music director for revered iconoclasts Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band, Drumbo made central contributions to a handful of LPs – notably 1969’s mind-altering, revered masterpiece “Trout Mask Replica,” on which French first acquired the antic stage-name “Drumbo” – that vastly expanded the parameters of contemporary music. French’s influential contributions can also be found on projects with Frank Zappa, Mallard, Crazy Backwards Alphabet, Henry Kaiser and Richard Thompson, among others.
French plans a U.S. tour in conjunction with his upcoming book, Beefheart: Through The Eyes Of Magic, to be released early next year.
BASIC RELEASE INFORMATION:
Drumbo/City of Refuge Catalog: PRPCD024 Release Date: November 18, 2008
Track Listing: 1. Bogeyman 2. Bus Ticket Outta Town 3. Blood on a Porcupine Quill 4. City of Refuge 5. Abandon 6. Get So Mean 7. Maybe That’ll Teach Ya 8. To The Loft of Ravenscroft 9. The Shirt Off My Back 10. The Wicked Witch of War 11. Whose Side Ya On 12. The Withered Hand of Time
On The Web:
http://www.myspace.com/drumbojohnfrench
http://www.proper-records.co.uk
U.S. CONTACT: Lisa Best
Email: lisa@Properrecords.us
ABOUT PROPER RECORDS
Proper Records is a London-based independent roots music label founded by Malcolm Mills in 1995. Over the past decade Proper has released more than 300 records and spawned several new imprints, including its signature box sets featuring vintage and specialty titles. Recent releases include offerings from Joan Baez, Richard Thompson, Little Feat, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Art Garfunkel, and Nick Lowe. Proper Records Ltd. is part of the Proper Music Group of Companies that includes Proper Music Distribution—the largest distributor of independent music in the United Kingdom.
Roger Mapes: a country,gospel,rock singer/songwriter specializing in spreading love and beautiful melodies. Think The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Handsome Family, and Elvis in a blender. Roger is currently promoting his new CD Roger Mapes and Red Hook Junction.
After many years of playing and touring with his indie/alt/cult/jazz/rock/pop band called Yolanda and the Plastic Family, Roger began to re-evaluate his music and what he wanted to do.
Roger is originally from Muscle Shoals, Alabama and his first bands were bluegrass gospel folk and Southern rock. He has now returned to those roots. His act showcases his powerful and sensitive baritone vocals and inspirational songwriting.
Awards and Accomplishments:
July 2008: Roger's song "Love Divine" is #1 on the Christian music charts (final tier-3 rounds of competition) at Song Vault online radio- http://www.songvault.fm/artists/roger_anthony_mapes.htm
2007 Best Vocalist from The Bear Music Awards and was entered into their Hall of Fame.
http://www.myspace.com/2007bearmusicawards
2005 inducted into the GLBT Hall of Fame:
http://www.glbthalloffame.com/standinginductees.htm
Roger's music reviewed in Billboard magazine by Larry Flick 5 times from 1998-2003. Flick called Mapes "...best unsigned artist of 1999."
CONTACT:
Diana DiGiovanni
Tel:647-400-7956
info@dianasound.com
The Sixth Sign Appears Over DC!
Diana’s First Solo Release is a New Beginning
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA (04/02/08) – The sixth sign is now upon us! However, have no fear - the end is not near. This is not the apocalypse and this is not Washington, D.C. This is the DC Concert Theatre in Toronto, Canada. The time and place are set for a defining moment for Indie music and one very talented Indie musician. Diana’s first solo release is entitled The Great Catastrophe of the Sixth Sign and it’s time has arrived. This is a nexus for a new beginning - and what better place than in Canada?
Diana has compressed extreme artistic talent and genius into one tiny musical molecule awaiting a first breath of oxygen. On an April night, in one giant supernova, a “Big Bang” will unveil five tracks. Diana will unleash an explosion of self-composed songs blended over a smooth style of Urban Rock and “chilled-out” Root Rock. The Great Catastrophe of the Sixth Sign is only a catastrophe if you are a fan of cookie-cutter pop. You won’t find that here … Diana’s music is different. This album is a sign and symbol. It’s a sign that pure and unbridled Modern Rock is still alive and well and it’s a symbol that artists can still touch and impact their audience’s lives. Diana’s performances do just that.
The Great Catastrophe of the Sixth Sign has five tracks with lifting melodies dripping with a melancholy mood – it emanates emotion. It is obvious Diana is an old soul in a young earthly body. It is from her soul that the music is composed and created and it flows freely from fingers well trained in instrumentation. It’s with a duality of style that these five tracks come alive. Her style is sometimes a touch of the brashness of Courtney Love and yet sometimes as gentle and sensitive as the Cowboy Junkies’ Margo Timmins. In songs such as “Something Live Heaven” subtle guitar meets harmonica with soothing and smoky vocals. The influence of master artists and songwriters such as Tom Petty are apparent throughout the album. “No Not Alone” and “Don’t Make Me Cry” are lucid haunting melodies taunting a muse of the human condition with all the feel of the best Pink Floyd ever offered. Diana shows she is a simple girl, with complex ideas. “Romeo is Bleeding” is a perfect example of Diana’s ability to deliver the complex themes flawlessly with simply an acoustic guitar and some slide. Except for some masterful help from bass player Nic DiSanto, The Great Catastrophe of the Sixth Sign is all Diana. The sixth sign has appeared over Toronto … it’s not simply something to see … it’s something to hear. A nexus for a new beginning is upon us – the sixth sign has appeared over Toronto. The question will be were you there to see it? For soon all will hear it!
CD Release Party April 11th, 2008
DC Concert Theater
360 Munster Ave. (Bloor/Kipling)
Toronto, Ontario
www.dianasound.com
Contact: Cedric Satchell
Phone: (909)561-1234
Email: SKRMusic@aol.com
PenArk Music
02.06.02 Beautiful Situation
Beautiful Situation is a mix-tape introduction project of beats by producer C Track. Featuring a composition of talent ranging from Hip-hop to Neo-Soul R&B to spoken word. A matter of creativity just waiting to be heard.
But just don’t take our word for it.
"I am only on track two ... but all I hear is greatness and I am not leaving my chair till I hear it all. I was not prepared to hear this level of flyness, but you bet your **** I opened my mind fast so I can receive it all. Track three is running now. So far, hands down, this is the realest ish on such a cultural level .... it's ghetto social commentary from a whole different perspective. Track four has such a beautiful ache to it that makes it so melodic. You kept telling me this project was going to be amazing .... and it's more than that. This is absolutely stunning.”
Sherril Metal Editor in Chief SA URBAN Magazine
"...i love the vibe of your guy’s music... I like track #3... soulful kind of gal to... but keep it up love the production u guys are putting in .. Stay up! “ XO- DJ NITA - Sacramento
Theatrical Rockers, “The Billy Martini Show” to celebrate CD release at Don Quixote’s Santa Cruz, California, February 28, 2008- Santa Cruz’s own Billy Martini is coming home to celebrate the release of his band’s second album, “Pajama Party A Go-Go.”
Don’t let the name fool you, though, this is hard hitting, driving Rock ‘N Roll. On Friday, March 7, 2008, The Billy Martini Show will take the stage at Don Quixote’s International Music Hall in Felton. Their live performance couples the flamboyant front man with pounding drums, heavy bass lines, and bone crushing guitar riffs. The addition of special effects and dancing girls, make this an auditory and visual extravaganza. Other band members, Steve Allison-guitar, Heath Bullet-percussion and backing vocals, and Johnny Lovegroove-the Host of the Show are also from the Santa Cruz area. John Keith-bass, Eric Wood-drums, and The Martini Dancers are from the Bay Area. RoughEdge.com said, “…in my opinion, nobody does it like The Billy Martini Show… solid music, quality musicianship, a band that doesn't take themselves too seriously, that plays the music the way they want to and has a great time doing it. The Billy Martini Show showcases some outstanding musicians.” The Billy Martini Show – Pajama Party A Go-Go CD Release Party Friday March 7, 2008 8:00 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall 6275 Highway 9 Felton, CA 95018 21 & over $7 in advance/ $7 at the door Contact: Billy Martini 831-476-2113 email: billy@billymartini.com http://www.billymartini.com http://www.myspace.com/billymartini Electronic Press Kit: http://www.sonicbids.com/TheBillyMartiniShow
