Blogs
JUNE MAXWELL /GET DOWN TONIGHT/ UBU BAND
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
Thought provoking lyrics rested upon strong melodic musical landscapes.
One of the most lyrical groups that are unsigned, our style is so unique that everyone will feel it.
UBU REVIEWS
Christeen Oneal----Colonial Country Club
High Point, NC
336-472-7715
94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02, 03, and New Years 97, 99, 00
"Thank you for a great night of entertainment. The bands versatility and variety certainly made our Valentine's Dinner Dance a success."
Michelle Benten----Sedgefield Country Club
Greensboro, NC
336-299-5324
We have performed at Sedgefield Country Club over 50 times in the last 11 years. "It was simply amazing on how such a short note your band could accomodate our every need and pull through for one of the most successful nights at Sedgefield Country Club."
Tim Mabe----Fun Fourth Festival
Greensboro, NC
336-274-4595
95, 96, 00
"On behalf of the 1995 Fun Fourth Festival I would like to thank UBU for the great performance at this years Fun Fourth Festival in downtown Greensboro. I know that those who were present during your performance enjoyed UBU immensely."
Albert (Rocky) Rausch----King College
Bristol, TN
615-968-1187
"UBU entertained us at our spring formal and did a great job. I found them to be professional, courteous, flexible, and personable. We had conditions that some other bands would have found problematic, but not UBU."
Sally C. Steele---- The North Carolina Zoo-To-Do
Asheboro, NC
336-879-7250
We have performed for The Zoo-To-Do on four seperate occassions.
"You guys were exellent, and I hope we can get you back next year"
Ray Smith----1999 Special World Olympics
Kernersville, NC
336-992-9560
"U.B.U.'s professional manner and great musical selection created a format for all ages to enjoy. The band really interacted with the crowd and treated our Special Olympians to a night of great fun."
Sharon Kennedy,GM----Country Club Of Johnston County
Smithfield, NC
919-934-4166
97, 98, 99, 00
"The Country Club of Johnston County has hosted the band,.U.B.U., on many occasions in the past. Faron Dawson and all members of the band have always been a pleasure to work with, as well as exceptional entertainment for all the functions they have performed at."
Shirley Patterson, Asst.Mang.----Pine Brook Country Club
Winston-Salem, NC
336-767-2941
95, 97, 99, 00
"The.U.B.U. band made our Presidents Ball the best one yet.They have a vast repertoire, suitable for wedding receptions, dinner parties, dances,etc. It's always a pleasure having them entertain at Pine Brook Country Club. The responce from our members is always positive."
Mrs. Glenda Salerno, chair----Chautaugua Festival
Wytheville, VA
276-228-6855
01, 03
"As usual, the show was energetic and packed with great music and showmanship. We had nothing but rave reviews when the band played at the festival two years ago, and we have had the same compliments this time."
Donna Richardson, chair----Symphony Presentation Ball
Greensboro, NC
336-454-5558
02, 03
"The number of people on the dance floor all night beat all records. In my six years association with the Ball, I have never seen such enthusiasm and envolvement from our guest"
Marcy Parker----Carolina Anesthesiology, PA
High Point, NC
336-882-2567
01, 02, 03
"Our office has booked UBU on several occassions and we have always been extremely pleased. UBU is a band filled with enthusiasm which flows over to everyone in attendance. Their interaction makes the audience become a part of their group. UBU is very professional and entertaining from start to finish." Wendi Schultz,CFE----Department Parks & Recreations
Roanoke, Va
540-387-6078
03
"This past weekend's Virginia Recreation and Parks Society 50th Birthday party celebration would not have been the same without your band! I can only tell you that in my over 20 years of experience working with bands for various events I have rarely found any as accommodating and willing to help as you folks were."
Americana, country/rocker Jennifer Brantley and her band will be appearing at the 2008 International Folk Alliance in Memphis TN Feb 21 at the Memphis Marriot Hotel.
With her new CD Break Down in rotation on over 153 radio stations and 20,000 fans on her Myspace page, Brantley is optimistic about the future. In addition, one of her songs recently reached # 6 on New Music Weekly’s Up and Coming country radio charts. The CD also received a lot of airplay on Americana stations, as well.
It was just three years ago when producer Bil VornDick, (Alison Kraus, Bela Fleck, Ralph Stanley)- a man with Numerous Grammy credits to his name- caught Jennifer’s show at a Nashville club. The two met a couple of times and began working on the CD which was released Sept 4.
Jennifer's music spins songs of about the rural South, dysfunctional relatives, tales of wayward preachers, lost love and hope. Though Jennifer’s music can mainly be classified as Americana and Country/rock, she draws from a lot of different influences. Traces of The Beatles, The Stones, Carol King and Emmylou Harris, Tift Merritt even The Byrds can be heard in Jennifer's work. She even plays a 12 string electric guitar on stage.
Jennifer's last CD did well on the Internet charts. She had a #1 song on Garageband.com and several chart toppers on Mp3.com as well. She also got some radio play. Her song 'Did It for You' even found its way overseas. "Songs come and go, but the response from this song, especially in our New Zealand affiliates is unheard of" says Program Director Mark Baum. Baum's Green Mountain Music Productions has been playing the song on one of its syndicated radio shows. The song also won an Honorable Mention Award from Billboard's World Song Contest.
For More Information Contact:
Jennifer Brantley www.myspace.com/jenniferbrantely David Hand www.jenniferbrantley.com
Includes "Christmas Table"
"Taste of Bluegrass" is a collection of songs with a country/bluegrass flavor from "Excellent" (Music Row) singer/writer Rick Holdin. It features "Christmas Table" a great addition to holiday playlists, as well as the popular "Battle On" and "Shenandoah Waltz" (video below).
443-468-5618
thr3shots@aol.com
YOUNG FAME TO PERFORM AT CLUB MATE
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 23, 2008
YOUNG FAME IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR AND A RISING STAR IN THIS GAME OF HIP HOP. HE WILL BE PERFORMING AT A MAJOR EVENT, MORGAN STATES HOME COMMING, AT CLUB MATE. FAME WILL BE ALONG SIDE WORLD RENOWNED DJ QUICK SILVA FROM 93.9 WKYS KISS FM. HE IS SURE TO MAKE THE CROWD BANG WITH HIS WITTY AND CHARASMATIC STYLE OVER RYTHMIC AND GRITTY BEATS. SO THOSE WHO PICK HIS SONGS UP WILL BE DEFINATELY A PART OF THIS GREAT MOVEMENT. SO WATCH OUT FOR HIM, FAME WILL DEFINATELY BRING THE HEAT!!!!
THE WEBSITE SHOULD BE COMMING SOON!!!
