Fans To Create New Michael Jackson Video - Behind The Mask

 Michael Jackson fans are invited to participate in the making of a new video titled "Behind The Mask". The song was originally penned in 1979 and was included in his posthumous album "Michael".

How will fans be able to contribute to this project? On March 7th, fans should refer to a dedicated website where they will be able to select a move, lyric or crowd reaction to incorporate into the video. They may also use their own webcams to submit their own dance moves.

Director Dennis Liu will then proceed to pick the best videos and include them into the final video, which will be released in the first week of April.

This project is being led by Radical Media and Sony Music.

What are your thoughts on this project, are you looking forward to a crowdsourced Michael Jackson video?

British Artist Creates Jimi Hendrix Mosaic

This is a really nice piece of art, a mosaic of the legendary Jimi Hendrix made from more than 5,000 plectrums. The mosaic is on display at London's Abbey Road Studios.

Ed Chapman, an artist from Manchester created this piece of art to raise money for Cancer Research UK. It is being auctioned tonight at the charity's Sound & Vision music heritage for a price between £12,000 and £16,000. It took several days of work to complete the 120cm x 100cm mosaic.

On his work, the artist says"Jimi Hendrix is a guitar maestro and nobody played a Fender guitar like him. I decided to use plectrums to create a portrait of him because I like experimenting with different materials and textures and I think it is a fitting tribute to the musician. There’s no better place for it to go on sale than at a legendary home of music and I hope it raises as much as possible for charity."

Sade Discusses Soldier of Love World Tour

Sade will be embarking on their first world tour in 10 years, starting April 29th in Nice, France. They will then tour throughout Europe until the end of May, moving along to Canada and the United States in June, July, and August.

In a recent interview, Sade revealed how lucky she feels that they were able to just come out after 10 years and have the same platform they used to have. She also discusses how "Soldier of Love" is different from the previous albums. The band and her are very excited to go back on tour, and there will definitely be some surprises! She also revealed that her favorite songs to perform live are "Cherish" and "Pear". 

Check out the video below to view the entire interview.

Music2Nite Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Aretha Franklin's Debut Album with a Giveaway!

Sony Music Entertainment is proud to celebrate the 50th ANNIVERSARY of Aretha Franklin's debut pop album release this week. Signed to Columbia Records by the legendary John Hammond in the spring of 1960 (soon after her 18th birthday), Aretha released her first pop LP, Aretha (With The Ray Bryant Combo), on February 27, 1961. Her coming of age at Columbia as a young artist in New York City is one of the great stories in the annals of popular music, and set the stage for her ascendance as the Queen of Soul.

In honor of this very special anniversary, Music2Nite will offer ONE copy of  the album "Aretha Franklin: The Great American Songbook" each day of this week!

ENTER MUSIC2NITE'S ARETHA FRANKLIN GIVEAWAY:

SUBSCRIBE TO MUSIC2NITE
LIKE MUSIC2NITE ON FACEBOOK 

FOLLOW MUSIC2NITE ON TWITTER

You will be automatically entered to win a copy of "Aretha Franklin: The Great American Songbook", once you subscribe to, like or follow Music2Nite. It's that easy, and we've got 8 copies to give away! That's 1 copy each day!

This incredible giveaway will run from Sunday, February 27th through Sunday, March 6th 11:59pm EST!

WINNERS: will be contacted directly through e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter.

Columbia / Legacy also commemorate this momentous anniversary with TAKE A LOOK: ARETHA FRANKLIN COMPLETE ON COLUMBIA, available March 22, 2011 (www.arethafranklin.net).

DJ B. Bless Creates Erykah Badu and Jill Scott Mixed Album - "Inspired"

Drfunkenberry just posted a fabulous mixed album from DJ B. Bless of Erykah Badu and Jill Scott's music. Inspired by Erykah Badu and Jill Scott touring together, DJ B. Bless put together a great blend of their music.

A big thank you to Drfunkenberry for this wonderful news!

DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM HERE

Track listing of "Inspiration":

1. JillErykahtro

2. Cross My Mind

3. Next Lifetime

4. Easy Conversation

5. In Love With You (b.blend)

6. Didn't Cha Know

7. Crown Royal

8. Time's A Wastin'

9. A Long Walk

10. On and On

11. Epiphany

12. Kiss On My Neck (Hesi)

13. Honey Molasses

14. Otherside Of The Game

15. Whatever (Live)

16. Cleva

17. It's Love (b.blend)

18. Try

19. Bump It

20. Love Of My Life (Ode To Hip Hop)

21. Love Rain (Coffee Shop Mix)

22. Think Twice

23. Whenever You're Around

24. Sometimes

25. I'm Not Afraid

26. Soldier

27. Slowly Surely

28. Back In The Day (Puff)

29. Golden (Remix)

30. Me (Live)

31. I Want You

32. The Way

33. Do You Remember

34. Green Eyes

Esperanza Spalding Visits Portland State University

Portland jazz artist and Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding returned to the Rose City this week. In this video, she discusses discipline and music, her commitment to her craft, and criticism about her music.

The bassist, who grew up in Portland and won Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards earlier this month, will perform tonight a sold out show for the 2011 PDX Jazz Festival Bridges and Boundaries: Jewish & African Americans Playing Jazz Together at the Newmark Theater.

She also visited Portland State University on Thursday to teach a master class and drew a crowd of nearly 300. She is a wonderful role model for young aspiring musicians and the music industry. Make sure to see her live at any of her upcoming concerts.

A Celebration of Motown at the White House

Smokey Robinson, Sheryl Crow, Jamie Foxx, Ledisi, John Legend, Seal and other musicians performed at the White House last night for a special evening titled "The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House". The event was given in celebration of Black History Month and the legacy of Motown, the distinctive soul-infused pop music sound, style and presentation that was born in Detroit and embodied by the Motown Records label. 

John Legend performed Stevie Wonder's "Love's in Need of Love". During his set, he shared some of his Motown childhood memories, and how his father and uncle inspired his love for music.

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Smokey Robinson took the stage with Sheryl Crow for a duet on his hit, "You Really Got a Hold on Me,' and then Stevie Wonder followed with his classic, "You Are the Sunshine of My Life."

Stevie Wonder also thanked Motown's very own Berry Gordy: "Berry, thank you for this incredible Motown ride". 

"The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House" will air on PBS Tuesday, March 1st. Check for local listings here.

Watch the full episode. See more In Performance at The White House.

Misty Copeland on Tavis Smiley Video

Misty Copeland is one of the world's top Black ballet dancers. Widely credited as the first African American soloist at American Ballet Theatre—one of the three leading classical companies in the U.S.—she rose to stardom despite not starting ballet until age 13. By age 15, she was winning awards. Copeland joined ABT's Studio Company in '00, became a member of the corps de ballet in '01 and was appointed a soloist in '07. Last year, she was handpicked by Prince to appear in one of his videos and perform during his global tour. (Taken from Tavis Smiley's Website)

Ever since I have been following Prince's music, which has now been for the past 19 years or so since I was 11 years old, I was always impressed by the musicians, artists, dancers he has worked with and created awareness for. I have learned so much about art, music, dance throughout these years.

Watch the full episode. See more Tavis Smiley.

Earth Wind & Fire Discuss New Album and Janelle Monae

Earth Wind & Fire announced in a recent interview with Click Track that for the past week they have been working very hard on a new album. They decided to just go back into the studio and not work with computers and focus on driving the creative process from themselves. They are aiming on finishing their album titled "Earth Wind & Fire - Yesterday, Today & Forever" this summer.

"It’s going to have some remixes by some [top] producers of some of the catalog stuff, and some new music as well. And then a couple of songs that were not A-list songs in our catalog that we’ll bring from the “Fire” catalog" says Philip Bailey.

The band is also very interested in Janelle Monae, in fact they love her! Who knows we might see a groovy collaboration between all of them in the future.

Earth Wind & Fire are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a concert at the Kennedy Center tonight. The group will be playing with students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Georgetown.

Timothy Bloom Debuts 'Til The End of Time Video

R&B newcomer Timothy Bloom is taking the music industry by storm with his enchanting lyrics, powerful chord progressions, and sheer raw talent.  With the debut of the video for his first single, "'Til The End Of Time (featuring V. Bozeman)," Bloom shows fans his sultry style and why he is one to watch in 2011. Make sure to check out the sexy video featuring Bloom and singer, V. Bozeman, in an intimate embrace, and purchase the single on iTunes today.

Bloom is set to release his EP titled The Budding Rose on March 8th. For his debut album, In Full Bloom, due out later this year via Zone 4 and Mosley Music Group, Bloom collaborated with both Polow da Don and Timbaland, marking only the second time the two have collaborated together.

For more information on Timothy Bloom, make sure to check out his official site and Facebook.

Prince Covers Rihanna's "Rude Boy" @ Oakland Concert

 

Prince and his backup singers Shelby J., Liv Warfield, and Elisa Dease covered Rihanna's song "Rude Boy" last Monday. Before I heard it I thought, oh no a Rihanna song, why? I just have to be completely honest here, I don't dig her or her music at all. When I heard Shelby J's amazing voice sing it along with Prince on the guitar and Sheila E on the drums I found myself humming along on "Rude Boy". Wow what a difference, it just became a different song for me! Prince just let Shelby J do her thing, and she sure did! It's also great to see that the security staff got down on it too, how fun! Watch it below and let me know what you think.

UPDATE: THE BELOW VIDEO WAS REMOVED FROM YOUTUBE, CHECK IT OUT HERE.

The Blind Boys of Alabama Set to Release Country-Gospel Album

For the first time in their 70-year career, The Blind Boys of Alabama will release a traditional country-gospel album.

The new album will feature collaborations wit Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Vince Gill and Jamey Johnson, who also co-produced the album. “This album beautifully combines two of the seminal roots of the American music tree, gospel and country music. The Blind Boys, Jamey and their hand-picked guests deliver this music in a searingly authentic way,” says Mike Jason Senior Vice President, Retail for Saguaro Road Records.

The Blind Boys of Alabama have earned five Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Their new album will be released on May 3rd.

Check out some tracks from this amazing band "The Blind Boys of Alabama" below:

George Clinton & P-Funk Bring Down Da Roof @ Boston House of Blues

George Clinton and P-Funk have spent the beginning of the year touring across the United States and just ended their tour last Saturday. One of their very memorable performance was last Friday at the House of Blues in Boston. George Clinton landed his mothership in Boston for four hours, what an amazing treat for all the folks who came to see him and his band perform!

George Clinton started out the show by saying "Free your mind and your ass will follow", you can imagine how excited everyone got at that point. So much was going on the stage, reportedly at one point there were about 20 members singing, playing guitar, keyboard, drumming, and dancing simultaneously.

During their set they performed classics such as "Maggot Brain", "Atomic Dog", and "We Want the Funk".

Misty Copeland on Tavis Smiley Tonight!

Misty Copeland, the first African-American female soloist for the American Ballet Theater, has become a true American national treasure. Tonight, you'll be able to get to know her a little better if you don't already, on the Tavis Smiley show. Go on the Tavis Smiley website to check local for local listings.

Misty Copeland began her ballet studies at the age of 13 at the San Pedro Dance Center, and was soon called a prodigy after that. At the age of fifteen she won first place in the Music Center Spotlight Awards. She then began her studies at the Lauridsen Ballet Center. Misty Copeland has studied at the San Francisco Ballet School and American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive on full scholarship and was declared ABT’s National Coca-Cola Scholar in 2000. She has danced Kitri in Don Quixote and the Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara in The Nutcracker.

Misty Copeland joined ABT's studio Company in September 2000, she also joined the American Ballet Theater as a member of the corps de ballet in April 2001 and was appointed a Soloist in August 2007. In 2008, she was a receipient of a 2008 Leonore Annenberg Fellowship in the Arts.

Misty Copeland has performed with Prince in Nice, France and more recently at Madison Square Garden during Prince's "Welcome 2 America" Tour. She also featured in Prince's cover of "Crimson and Clover". Magazines such as People Magazine, Time Magazine, O Magazine, New York Times, BET, and Fox News have featured her.

New Michael Jackson Video - Hollywood Tonight

A new music video is currently being shot for Michael Jackson's single "Hollywood Tonight". The track which was released on February 11th, is the second single from his posthumous album "Michael".

The music video for the Ted Riley produced track will be released soon, it is currently being filmed in LA. It features a female dancer who is dressed and dances like Michael Jackson. She is joined by 60 other dancers.

Here's a teaser of the music video:

In case you haven't heard "Hollywood Tonight", listen to it below:

Larry Graham Announces "Funk Around The World" Tour Dates

Larry Graham just announced the dates for his "Funk Around The World" Tour! Anyone going to Prince's concert tomorrow in Oakland will have the pleasure to see Larry Graham and Graham Central Station!

"Funk Around The World" Tour dates:

February 23rd

Oracle Arena Oakland California

Prince - Larry Graham - GCS

April 8th & 9th

Yoshi’s San Francisco, California

Special VIP offer, only $60!
Click Here to purchase Ticket Package

June 3rd

BB Kings New York City, NY

June 4th

Merriweather Post Pavilion Columbia, Maryland

August 13th

Aarons Amphitheatre Atlanta, Georgia

August 14th

Hollywood Bowl Los Angeles, California

Check out Larry Graham and "Jamie Starr" performing "Free", it's beautiful, click here

BET Honors Cicely Tyson, Jamie Foxx, Herbie Hancock, Iman, Lonnie Busch, and Linda Johnson Rice

Last night, BET aired this year's "The BET Honors - what extraordinary looks like", which was originally taped in the historic Warner Theater in Washington D.C. on January 15th. The purpose of "BET Honors" is to honor legends in arts, music, service and education. The event recognizes lifetime contributions and exceptional service to African-American culture. The honorees included actress Cicely Tyson, jazz legend Herbie Hancock, actor Jamie Foxx, supermodel and philanthropist Iman, historian Lonnie Busch and publisher Linda Johnson Rice.

Performances were made by Marsha Ambrosius, Lalah Hathaway, Yolanda Adams, Ne-Yo, Keyshia cole, Naturally 7, Angélique Kidjo, Chick Korea, Trey Songz, and Tank/Guy. Check out some of the performances below, and the rest here.

Proceeds from this year’s BET Honors private ticket sales were given to the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.

Prince Announces 3rd Concert Date @ Oracle Arena

Drfunkenberry just tweeted the news that a third date to Prince's "Welcome 2 America" tour has been added at the Oracle Arena. Prince and his fabulous band will also perform on Thursday, February 24th. 

The official Facebook page of the Oracle Arena has also confirmed the news, check them out now! Tickets will go on sale tomorrow at 10am.

Wow what a treat, have fun tonight everyone enjoy the one and only PRINCE, his incredibly talented band, Sheila E, and Larry Graham, what a funky night it's going to be!

Facebook page Oracle Arena: http://www.facebook.com/OracleArenaColiseum

The Family Creates New Band Fdeluxe - Listen to "Over the Canyon"

http://www.facebook.com/fdeluxe

Today, Wendy and Lisa posted a new song from Fdeluxe titled "Over the Canyon" on their Facebook page. Fdeluxe include Susannah Melvoin, St Paul, Eric Leeds, and Jellybean Johson, who were all past members of Prince's side project "The Family" (26 years ago).

If you like the music from Prince and The Revolution and The Family in the 80s, then you will LOVE this new song! I can't stop listening to it myself! Apparently, the band is close to finishing their album, which will without a doubt be a success. Check "Over the Canyon" below and let me know what you think!

Like Fdeluxe on Facebook!

Lenny Kravitz Performs @ NBA All Star Game

Lenny Kravitz kicked off the NBA All Star Game at Staples Center, yesterday in LA. He performed as the teams and players of the annual event were announced to a packed house.

Lenny Kravitz performed "Are You Gonna Go My Way", "Come On Get It", and "Fly Away". "Come On Get It" is the first single off Lenny Kravitz' upcoming new album "Black and White America".

"Come On Get It" is available now on iTunes. Check out Lenny Kravitz' NBA All Star Game performance below.

Larry Graham - Official Opening Act for Prince Oakland Concert

Prince has asked his very good friend Larry Graham along with the Graham Central Station to open up tonight's show at the Oracle Arena in Oakland. What a great way to start off Prince's West coast shows! Great hits such as "Every Day People" and "I Wanna Take You Higher" will most likely be played. That's just my hunch, I haven't heard of anything official. In any case, whatever they play will be phenomenal!

Larry Graham and the Graham Central Station will be officially launching their "Funk Around The World" Tour at tonight's show.

More venues and dates for "Funk Around The World" will be posted shortly. Check out http://www.larrygraham.com for further details.

Michael Franti Takes Us Behind New Single - I'll Be Waiting

In this new video, Michael Franti gives fans insight into the meaning behind the new single, “I’ll Be Waiting.” Franti talks about how the best parts of life aren’t “things,” instead they are the moments we will always remember. And, he says the second meaning behind the song is about the person in your life who will always be there waiting for you no matter what you do.

“I’ll Be Waiting” can be found on The Sound of Sunshine, available in stores and on iTunes now. The single can also be downloaded for FREE at www.michaelfranti.com.

Prince's Debut Album "For You"

I was thinking of Prince's debut today and listened to his first album "For You" (released on April 7th, 1978). Prince composed, arranged, performed, and produced the nine songs listed on "For You". He did it all by himself, and that before reaching the age of 20! By that time, he was already mastering over 23 instruments. What a way to start off a music career!

"For You" showcases the musical genius of this incredibly talented man, anyone who appreciates his music should listen and have it. The album starts off with a soft a cappella, and with Prince singing: "All of this and more is for you. With love, sincerity, and deepest care, my life with you I share." The album ends with "I'm Your", which is a rock track with superb raw energy. If you want to find out what's in between then what are you waiting for, go to your nearest record store and get a copy!

Here's my favorite track (although I like all!), what's yours?

Track listing:

1. For You
2. In Love
3. Soft and Wet
4. Crazy You
5. Just As Long As We're Together
6. Baby
7. My Love Is Forever
8. So Blue
9. I'm Yours

Aretha Franklin - Works on New Album

Aretha Franklin, who recently cancelled all public appearances and shows, is on her road to recovery and is currently working on a new album. Last week, a tribute was given at the Grammys for the soul singer, it was a very special performance which Aretha Franklin appreciated greatly.

Not only did she make her first public appearance last week, but now she also confirmed that she is planning to release her new album "Aretha: A Woman Falling Out of Love" on May 3rd. Guest appearances on the album have been confirmed from R Kelly and Billy Dee Williams.

Aretha Franklin is set to perform next at the Seneca Niagara Casino in Buffalo, New York on May 28th. This will be her first show since she had to take some time off.

Janelle Monae and Bruno Mars - "Hooligans In Wondaland" Tour

Janelle Monae and Bruno Mars joined together last Sunday at the Grammys for a very successful performance. It basically showed us a teaser of what we can expect to see at their upcoming "Hooligans In Wondaland" tour.

The name of the co-headlining tour "Hooligans in Wondaland" was pulled from both artists. The 'Hooligans' comes from his debut album title Doo-Wops & Hooligans, and the 'Wonderland' is part of Monae's song title, "Wondaland Arts Society."

Brit Award winner Plan B and Mayer Hawthorne will be joining them on the tour. The tour will launch on May 4th at New York's Roseland Ballroom and will end at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix on June 15th.

Tickets for the co-headlining tour go on sale February 26th.

Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae tour dates:

5/4, New York, NY (Roseland Ballroom)*

5/7, Boston, MA (Agganis Arena) *

5/8, Camden, NJ (Susquehanna Bank Ctr.) *

5/10, Atlanta, GA (Fox Theatre) *

5/11, Miami Beach, FL (Fillmore Miami Beach) *

5/17, Grand Prarie, TX (Verizon Theatre at Grand Prarie) *

5/18, Houston, TX (Reliant Arena) *

5/20, Montgomery, AL (Jubliee CityFest) *

5/22, Windsor, ON (Caesars Windsor) *

5/24, Milwaukee, WI (Eagles Ballroom) *

5/25, St. Paul, MN (Roy Wilkins Auditorium) *

5/27, Chicago, IL (Aragon Ballroom) *

5/28, Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theatre) **

5/29, Broomfield, CO (1st Bank Center) **

5/30, Oren, UT (McKay Events Center) **

6/2, Seattle, WA (WAMU Theater @ Qwest Field) **

6/3, Vancouver, BC (Rogers Arena) **

6/4, Portland, OR (Roseland Theatre) **

6/7, Reno, NV (Grand Sierra Resort & Casino) **

6/8, San Francisco, CA (Bill Graham Civic Auditiorium) **

6/10, Coachella, CA (Spotlight 29 Casino) **

6/11, Del Mar, CA (San Diego County Fair) **

6/12, Universal City, CA (Gibson Amphitheatre) **

6/15, Phoenix, AZ (Comerica Theatre) **

* w/ Plan B

** w/ Mayer Hawthorne & the Country

Beyonce - To play Esther Blodgett in "A Star Is Born"

Beyonce is currently in talks to play the lead the role of Esther Blodgett in "A Star Is born". The movie is about a young woman, Esther, who decides to go to Hollywood to pursue stardom. There she meets Norman Maine and falls in love with him. He helps guide her promising career while his declines rapidly.

Clint Eastwood will direct and produce the film. This will be the fourth version of "A Star Is Born". The first was made in 1937 and the mos recent in 1976. Barbra Streisand starred as Esther Blodgett, and Kris Kristofferson played the role of Norman Maine. Although the movie was not a major hit, Barbra Streisand won an Oscar for its theme track "Evergreen".

The role of Norman Maine hasn't been offered to anyone yet. Possible cast selections include Robert Downey Jr, Russell Crowe, Will Smith, P Diddy, and Jay-Z.

On other Beyonce news, she is reportedly "one song away" from finishing her next studio album.

Watch Barbra Streisand perform "Evergreen":

Essence Music Festival 2011 Headliners: Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Kanye West

Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc. has announced that this year's Essence Music Festival will be headlined by Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Kanye West, and Trey Songz.

"We listen to our audience, and the performers in our first roll-out are the musicians they want to see under one roof over the Fourth of July weekend," says Michelle Ebanks. "Our mission this year was to celebrate community through the prism of the art form that continues to tell our reader's stories: R&B.

This year's Essence Music Festival will be held over the course of three days starting on July 1st in New Orleans, at the Louisiana Superdome.

Besides the headliners there will be so many great performances to see over these three days. Mavis Staples, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia Barrino, Boyz II Men, Stephanie Mills, Dwele, Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle, Mint Condition, Kelly Price, M.C. Lyte and many more.

Purchase your tickets for the Essence Music Festival on Essence.com

Smokey Robinson Releases "The Solo Albums Volume 4: Love Breeze/Where There's Smoke..."

In the history of Motown there is only one person more important in its evolution and everlasting success than Berry Gordy, and that’s Smokey Robinson – the only artist at the label to also become a world-class songwriter, producer and company vice-president. Smokey Robinson, who had reluctantly started a solo career after a brief intermission following his departure from his beloved Miracles, was, by the late 1970s, in full stride. And this volume in the Smokey Robinson Solo Albums series features one of his biggest solo hits.

Love Breeze, a top 20 R&B chart LP, featured the top 10 hit single “Daylight & Darkness” as well as numerous album favorites. Where There’s Smoke… was a step towards another new future for Smokey. While the disco-fied remake of “Get Ready,” a song Smokey had originally written for the Temptations, was the lead single, it was “Cruisin’,” a track tucked away at the end of the album, that became his new signature tune. It was everywhere in late summer 1979, hitting the R&B and Pop top five – and seems to still be everywhere today.

As with the three previous volumes, this new set includes reproductions of the LPs’ original artwork, and newly commissioned liner notes by U.K. author Peter Doggett, who interviewed Smokey specifically for this reissue series. Also included are the original lyrics as seen on the original albums’ inner sleeves. There's also a bonus cut: the 12-inch instrumental version of “Get Ready,” previously available only on limited vinyl.

Get your copy of "The Solo Albums Volume 4: Love Breeze/Where There's Smoke..." on Hip-OSelect.com

Huge Demand for Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave.

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue performed in Portland last week Tuesday, the demand was so high for their show that the venue had to be changed from Dante's to the Roseland Theater. That was before their Grammy appearance, you can only imagine how much more demand there will be after their extremely successful performance last Sunday.

The Roseland Theater usually isn't familiar to crowds jumping up and down after midnight on a Tuesday night, but Trombone Shorty & Orleans sure changed that. "Can we blow the roof off this place one time?" Trombone sure knows how to warm up a crowd!

Los Amigos Invisibles opened the show, Trombone Shorty & Orleans went on to play until past 1am. If you don't know yet how Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue sound like, check them out below or click here.

Watch the full episode. See more Austin City Limits.

Josh Cocktail - Feature on a New Artist

Josh Cocktail, a new artist and songwriter from Los Angeles, started singing when he was 20. He recorded several acoustic home videos and managed to get a loyal fan base on YouTube.

Today, four years later, he moved to New York where he started collaborating with hit producer and songwriter Mic Murphey from the system and Tim K.

Josh Cocktail mainly credits Amos Lee as the reason why he got into music, as he says that he helped him find his voice. Cocktail was also immersed into music at an early age by his father, who himself is a singer/songwriter.

"I grew up listening to musicians who had real soul, raw emotion, deep in their voices," Josh says, "I knew when I started singing that soul would influence the path I would take. You can't fake soul - you either have it in you or you don't".

Josh recently shot the video for his single "Fire", check it out below.

Like Josh Cocktail on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/JoshCocktail

Follow Josh Cocktail on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/JoshCocktail

New Release from Stan Getz "Quintets: The Clef & Norgran Albums"

Verve Select proudly presents Quintets: The Clef & Norgran Studio Albums, a 3-CD, 45-track set that’s the first-ever collection of Stan Getz’s earliest recordings for Norman Granz, the founder of the Verve family of labels. Incredibly, two-thirds of this collection has never been on CD, and it is now available for the first time in nearly 60 years – in a beautifully packaged, wonderfully detailed box set that is a long-overdue tribute to a jazz superstar’s fine early recordings.

Buy "Quintets: The Clef & Norgran Album" here

In 1952, Stan Getz was a young jazz cat on the rise, noticed for his cool, inventive playing – what fans called “The Sound” – and was signed to Norman Granz’s growing roster of class artists, releasing 78-rpm singles and 10-inch LPs on the Clef and Norgran labels, precursors to Verve Records. What Quintets does for both his and Granz’s legacies is present the recordings in their original 10-inch LP form – Stan Getz Plays, The Artistry of Stan Getz, the Interpretations series of three LPs – and adds the singles not on the LPs and other bonus material from the sessions. While Getz in the period from late 1952 through early 1955 recorded with a core quintet – particularly with trombonist Bob Brookmeyer – included in the bonus material are quartet dates featuring drummer Max Roach. Most appealing for the jazz fan is the discovery of three previously unreleased alternate takes recently discovered in the Verve vault.

Tying the entire story together is a detailed essay by Grammy® nominee Ashley Kahn, which is complemented by a full list of the group’s singles and EPs, a chronological discography of the sessions, and an alphabetical index of the set’s songs. Quintets also reproduces all of the rare LP and EP artwork, featuring classic David Stone Martin illustrations and Phil Stern photographs. The cover art of the package is, like the acclaimed Verve Select packages from Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole, a new, original illustration by famed artist Bart Forbes.

Lenny Kravitz Announces New Album - Black and White America

Lenny Kravitz announced today on Facebook that the release of his highly-anticipated ninth studio album, "Black and White America" will be released this Summer 2011 on Atlantic Records/Roadrunner Records. It will be Lenny Kravitz’s first album on the new label.

"Black and White America" will be Kravitz's first release of new material in three years. It is said to be a rich rock and funk-infused collection filled with guitar riffs, compelling melodies and lyrics. Kravitz will also go on tour in June to support his new album.

"I am really excited for everyone to hear the music on Black and White America. Musically and lyrically, I feel it is the most diverse album of my career” states Lenny Kravitz.

"Black and White America" was recorded in Paris and the Bahamas. Lenny Kravitz produced, wrote and arranged the entire album.

The album’s standout tracks include “Stand, You’re Gonna Run Again,” with its melodic beats and rhythms, the inspirational and soul enriching “Push,” “Super Love,” a 70′s throwback to the days of funk with a weaving modern sound and the electrifying beat-driven “Booty Pop.” Also featured on the release is “Dream,” a piano ballad showing off a robust and emotional strings section, and the funk driven title track, which lyrically takes the listener on a journey inspired by his parents’ mixed-race marriage.

Before his album release and tour, Kravitz has been confirmed to headline the 2011 NBA All-Star Entertainment Series presented by American Express. The 60th NBA All-Star Game will air on Sunday, February 20th.

Cee-Lo Green's New Video - Bodies

Cee-Lo Green just premiered his new video for "Bodies". In this mini-movie clip he starts off by saying "My name is not important, and I'm often asked, what do I do for a living? I answer, I do what I want. Spontaneity is the spice of life and I've indulged quite a bit, but I'm not above the law and I'm certainly not lawless. But when it comes to ladies...I have a license, to kill."

In this video, Cee-Lo portrays a cold blooded serial killer who targets beautiful women and collects his victims' heels as a prize. By the end of the clip, he does however meet his match, Janelle Monae. Check it out below and share your thoughts on this VERY different video.

Besides Janelle Monai, the mini-movie mystery stars Kerry Washington, Karl Lagerfeld and was directed by Mikael Colombu.

Hollywood Stars Read Immortal Poetry Set To Classical Music - Words For You

A unique album featuring great poems recited by great voices-- from Jim Broadbent, Helena Bonham Carter, Ruby Dee, and Amber Rose Johnson to James Earl Jones , Garrison Keillor, Terence Stamp and Meryl Streep--and set to classical music arrives just in time for April’s National Poetry Month. Words For You (Mighty Village/Universal/UMe), released April 12, 2011, brings together the emotional words of the likes of Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, Edgar Allen Poe and Maya Angelou with the powerful music of classical giants such as Chopin, Debussy, Grieg and Mahler as well as others.

Drawing on their music and the vocal brilliance of movie, television and radio stars, along with Amber Rose Johnson, the teenage winner of the 2010 Poetry Out Loud competition (a national poetry recitation contest), Words For You brings to life the words of great writers spanning the centuries. Produced by Tris Penna (Marc Almond, Andrew Lloyd Webber), the all-new album follows the unexpected global success of the 2009 U.K. disc of the same name, which hit #1 on the compilation chart, sold more than 200,000 copies and became one of the biggest selling albums of the year there.

All artist royalties from Words For You will be donated to the charity First Book, which provides brand new, high-quality books to children in need as a means of fostering literacy.

Tracklisting:

1) On Marriage (Khalil Gibran)

Georges Bizet - La poupee (Berceuse) from Jeux d’enfants

READ BY MERYL STREEP

2) Let America Be America Again (Langston Hughes)

Stephen Darrell Smith - Recovery

READ BY JAMES EARL JONES

3) On Easter Day (Oscar Wilde)

Anton Bruckner - Symphony No. 5 in Bb major (2nd Mvt. Adagio)

READ BY JIM BROADBENT

4) The Star-Spangled Banner (Francis Scott Key)

Graham De Wilde - Shenandoah

READ BY RUBY DEE

5) A Dream Within A Dream (Edgar Allen Poe)

Gustave Mahler - Symphony No. 3 in D minor (6th Mvt. Langsam, ruhevoll, empfunden)

READ BY TERENCE STAMP

6) Warning (Jenny Joseph)

Antonin Dvorak - Waltz No. 1 (Op. 54)

READ BY HELENA BONHAM CARTER

7) Once I Pass’d Through A Populous City (Walt Whitman)

Francisco Tarrega - Adelita

READ BY GARRISON KEILLOR

8) Sonnet CXVI (William Shakespeare)

Edvard Grieg - Arietta (Op. 12) from Lyric Pieces

READ BY AMBER ROSE JOHNSON

9) Happiness (Raymond Carver)

Claude Debussy - Prelude a l’apres midi d’un faune

READ BY TERENCE STAMP

10) Phenomenal Woman (Maya Angelou)

Music by Stephen Darrell Smith

READ BY RUBY DEE

11) If (Rudyard Kipling)

Guiseppe Verdi - La Forza del Destino (Overture)

READ BY JIM BROADBENT

12) A Dream (Christina Rossetti)

Bedrich Smetana - My Country

READ BY HELENA BONHAM CARTER

13) Because I Could Not Stop For Death (Emily Dickinson)

Antonio Vivaldi - The Four Seasons Concerto No. 3 “Autumn” (Mvt. 2 Largo)

READ BY MERYL STREEP

14) When Lilacs Last In The Dooryard Bloom’d (Walt Whitman)

Frederic Chopin - Prelude No. 13 in F major

READ BY JAMES EARL JONES

15) Topography (Sharon Olds)

Edvard Grieg - Piano Concerto in A minor (Op. 16 excerpt, 2nd Mvt.)

READ BY GARRISON KEILLOR

16) Today Is Ours, Let’s Live It (Anonymous)

Music by Stephen Darrell Smith

READ BY RUBY DEE

17) All The World’s A Stage (William Shakespeare)

John Downland - Gagliarde

READ BY JIM BROADBENT

18) A Blessing (James Wright)

Felix Mendelssohn – Notturno from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Op. 21/61)

READ BY GARRISON KEILLOR

19) Silver (Walter De La Mare)

Frederic Chopin - Nocturne in C# minor

READ BY HELENA BONHAM CARTER

20) Solitude (Ella Wheeler Wilcox)

Francisco Tarrega - Gran Vals

READ BY MERYL STREEP

21) Endymion (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

Robert Schumann - Kind im Einschlummern from Kinderscenen (Op. 15)

READ BY TERENCE STAMP

22) Walking Down Park (Nikki Giovanni)

Music by Stephen Darrell Smith

READ BY AMBER ROSE JOHNSON

Bob Dylan in Concert - Brandeis University 1963

 

Previously available as a limited time offer, Bob Dylan In Concert - Brandeis University 1963 is being reissued in response to overwhelming popular demand for a wide release.  The new Columbia/Legacy edition features liner notes penned exclusively for this release by noted Bob Dylan scholar Michael Gray, author of The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia and the three-volume Song & Dance Man: The Art of Bob Dylan, provided an explication of the album's seven songs and historical/cultural context for the performances.

"It's a small miracle this recording exists," Gray writes in his essay.  "Clearly a professional recording.... (t)he Bob Dylan performance it captured, from way back when Kennedy was President and the Beatles hadn't yet reached America, wasn't even on fans' radar.... It reveals him not at any Big Moment but giving a performance like his folk club sets of the period: repertoire from an ordinary working day....Dylan has leapt a creative canyon with this material....This is the last live performance we have of Bob Dylan before he becomes a star...."

"Bob Dylan in Concert - Brandeis University 1963" will be available anywhere Tuesday, April 12th.

Prince - Welcome 2 America Tour Moves to Oakland

Shelby J. and John Blackwell both confirmed today that they will perform with Prince on February 21, and 23 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 18th at noon, and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

That's wonderful news for the West coast, enjoy everyone!

(Please note that the time and date of ticket purchases mentioned in the below video refer to the previous New York concerts).

Esperanza Spalding - A True Authentic Artist

I don't think I can put the right words together to explain how good it makes me feel to see an extremely talented artist such as Esperanza Spalding do so well in today's world of music. She is a breath of fresh air, who was desperately needed in the music industry. I also appreciate how humble and hard working she is, a true role model.

Esperanza Spalding realized at the tender age of four that she wanted to learn how to play music after seeing classical cellist Yo Yo Ma perform on an episode of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood". “That was when I realized that I wanted to do something musical,” she says. “It was definitely the thing that hipped me to the whole idea of music as a creative pursuit.”

She literally taught herself how to play the violin within a year and then landed a spot in The Chamber Music Society of Oregon, a community orchestra. She stayed with them for ten years until she was fifteen years old and at which point she was promoted to a concertmaster position.

Also, at age fifteen she discovered the bass which opened her up to other genres of music such as blues, funk, hip-hop and a variety of other styles. At age sixteen, she got her GED and went to Portland State University, where she enrolled in the music program.

She then moved on to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she obtained a B.M. and signed on as an instructor in 2005, at only 20 years old! It made her the youngest faculty member in the history of the college. She was the 2005 recipient of the prestigious Boston Jazz Society scholarship for outstanding musicianship. During that time she met a lot of artists such as pianist Michel Camilo, vibraphonist Dave Samuels, bassist Stanley Clarke, guitarist Pat Metheny, singer Patti Austin, and saxophonists Donald Harrison and Joe Lovano. “Working with Joe was terrifying,” she recalls, “but he’s a really generous person. I don’t know if I was ready for the gig or not, but he had a lot of faith in me. It was an amazing learning experience.”

In 2008, she released her first album titled "Esperanza", which is such a special name, because it means Hope. The New York Times raved, “Esperanza has got a lot: accomplished jazz improvisation, funk, scat singing, Brazilian vernacular rhythm and vocals in English, Portuguese and Spanish. At its center is a female bassist, singer and bandleader, one whose talent is beyond question.” "Esperanza" also topped the Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart, where it remained for 70 weeks!

Esperanza Spalding as appeared on many late night shows. Other highlights include two appearances at the White House, a Banana Republic ad campaign, the Jazz Journalists Association’s 2009 Jazz Award for Up and Coming Artist of the Year, the 2009 JazzWeek Award for Record of the Year, and many high profile tour dates, including Central Park SummerStage in New York and the Newport Jazz Festival. 2009 was capped by an invitation from President Obama to perform at both the Nobel Prize Ceremony in Oslo, Norway – where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded – and also at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

In August 2010 she released her latest album "Chamber Music Society", and she is currently working on the sequel of that album, which will be titled "Radio Music Society". Can't wait to hear it!

Esperanza has so many other accomplishments and one of the most recent is a GRAMMY AWARD for  BEST NEW ARTIST! She is the first jazz musician to ever achieve this, she is phenomenal, a true inspiration!

Check out her music, go see her shows, she's phenomenal, and she will definitely make you want to pick up an instrument!

Esperanza Spalding official website: http://www.esperanzaspalding.com/
Esperanza Spalding Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EsperanzaSpalding

For Once In My Life - The Story of an Extraordinary Group of Talented People

For Once In My Life is a touching heartfelt documentary about a band of 28 singers and musicians who have a wide range of mental and physical disabilities. What they also have is incredible musical abilities that most of us can't reach to. The film explores the struggles and triumphs, and the healing power of music, as the band members' unique talents are nurtured to challenge the world's perceptions.

Here is the background of the main characters (taken from For Once in My Life)

Intercut between concerts and rehearsals, individuals are revealed. The audience will understand Terry, the blind and damaged lead singer / saxophone player who was dropped at 14 months and never fully recovered mentally and physically, but definitely emotionally, as he is one of the most inspiring, positive persons alive.

Christian, who has autism and is blind, is an incredible pianist. Although with a slight stutter, he eloquently describes his wishes to become a famous musician where the whole world will hear him play.

Nancy is another main character with mental slowness. She is a soprano with a strong New York accent, and is seen running her own household where she is the main caregiver and breadwinner of her two older mentally handicapped siblings.

Sam, the drummer, could not develop properly in his mother's womb, as she tried to conceal her pregnancy. With many physical and mental problems at birth he has grown into an entertaining but serious adult. The band has helped him to grow socially and contain his internal anger. He's recently proposed to one of the vocalists, Patricia, and together they have dreams of a life together and having a family. Other band members have problems with behavior and coping in general, and risk being removed from the band during this trying period of preparation for an important concert. The film shows the strong bond that drives them to work harder to prove themselves as musicians.

How did this project develop? To answer that, we'll have to ask who is Javier Peña?

Javier Peña started working part-time as a choir director in Miami at Goodwill. A couple of months after working there he noticed that many members of the choir group had a great sense of pitch and a good sense of rhythm. He then proposed Mr. Pastrana, Goodwill’s C.E.O. to create a band, he loved the idea and the band was created.

About Goodwill Industries International:

Goodwill Industries International enhances the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.

Read more about Goodwill, For Once In My Life and join their communities below:

Website: http://www.goodwill.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GoodwillIntl

Twitter: http://twitter.com/GoodwillIntl

Website: http://4onceinmylife.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ForOnceInMyLifeFilm

Twitter: http://twitter.com/foimlfilm

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Support the For Once In My Life cause
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