Showing posts with label Christmas Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas Music. Show all posts

11/15/2024

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge To Release NEW Christmas SINGLE “Love Will Conquer All” on November 15, 2024

New Video premiere featuring John on November 15th!

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, is to release an exciting new digital single “Love Will Conquer All” on November 15, 2024. The single will be the first from John’s new extended EP “Love Conquers All”, due for release on February 14, 2025, and the EP will be available on CD, Limited Edition 180g Violet Vinyl, and all streaming platforms.

“Love Will Conquer All” was written by John during his recent health challenges, suffering, as he put it, a ‘Christmas present he didn’t want’, a stroke. While he dealt with this personal adversity, and the immense challenge of the work involved to recover, he felt his creativity rising to create this heartwarming Christmas song. “Love Will Conquer All” is a song of love, renewal and healing, and John wanted to share it with everyone in the sincere hope that his journey might just help inspire others.

The song was written by John, and features John on vocals, lead guitar, bass guitar and acoustic guitar. Jon Davison, the singer of the progressive rock band YES, and John’s son-in-law, joins him on background vocals, provided the drums and rhythms, and also co-produced the track with John. Lead guitar is provided by Ray Nesbit, John’s Front of House Sound on tour, and also an incredible musician too. Finally, John asked his wife to join him on backing vocals, as at the heart of this song is his relationship with Kirsten, and their 56-year marriage… Love Will Conquer All.

We all have our challenges in life, mine happened last Christmas… but like a phoenix this song appeared and helped me work through some of those difficult days. As I look forward to Christmas this year, I know it was love that got me through, and my Christmas wish for everyone is that they are surrounded with love (and great music) this year.”

The song will be released on November 15th to all streaming services, and will also be available as an instant gratification song from the accompanying EP.

To purchase or pre-save:
SINGLE SLINKY https://slinky.to/LoveWillConquerAll
ALBUM SLINKY https://slinky.to/LoveConquersAll

Signed CDs and vinyl available from the John Lodge store:
https://shop.johnlodge.com/collections/love-conquers-all


Photo by Brian Aris


Photo by Dana Grubb

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/TYzdgyvXiQM

The EP “Love Conquers All” will be released on February 14. 2025, and is a collection of deeply moving songs by The Moody Blues’ John Lodge. All written during difficult times yet reflecting the positive way in which John sees the world. As John explored his journey of healing, he invited different musicians to collaborate with him on each song, making each song unique, yet at the same time they all carry the same message... that love does conquer all.

“Love will Conquer All”, “Whispering Angels”, and “Sunset Over Cocohatchee Bay” were all written through personal health challenges, and “In These Crazy Times”, and “The Sun Will Shine”, originally written in lockdown, have been reimagined and remixed for 2024, reflecting how this time is now firmly in the past.

“Whispering Angels” was written by John and his son-in-law Jon Davison, of YES, and Jon features on all the tracks on the release. “Love Will Conquer All” is an almost Christmas song full of hope, plus there are guest appearances on the album by Geoff Downes of YES, Tim Maple, Dave Colquhoun, Ray Nesbit, John’s 10,000 Light Years Band, and also John’s wife, Kirsten and son, Kristian.

John will be on a short tour in the USA starting November 12th in Clarksburg, WV, and finishing November 19th in Royal Oak, MI, and is currently making plans for further dates in the USA in February and March, and if all goes to plan, dates in the UK in 2025.

JOHN LODGE - NOVEMBER 2024 TOUR DATES – WWW.JOHNLODGE.COM/TOUR
Nov 12, Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center. Clarksburg, WV
Nov 14, Historic Park Theatre & Event Center, Cranston, RI
Nov 15, Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood, NJ
Nov 17, Temple Live at Columbus Athenaeum, Columbus, OH
Nov 19, Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, MI

John Lodge is bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2018 inductees, The Moody Blues. Songwriter of such mega Moody Blues hits from “Ride My See-Saw,” to “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band),” “Isn’t Life Strange” and many more. Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, selling in excess of 70 million albums, as well as releasing his three solo albums “Natural Avenue”, “10,000 Light Years Ago” and “B Yond”. Lodge has been voted one of the “10 most influential bass players on the planet,” and has been the recipient of many awards, including ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers), an Ivor Novello Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Prog Magazine, to name just a few.

For further information
https://www.johnlodge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://twitter.com/johnlodgemusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/c/johnlodgemusic

Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

11/21/2019

Prog Rock Christmas Featuring Members of YES, Renaissance, Utopia, Focus, Curved Air, Hawkwind & Others!


Special guest performance by legendary actor Malcolm McDowell!

Join producer Billy Sherwood (Yes, Circa) for an expansive musical journey through Christmas classics of yesterday and today, all performed by leading figures in Prog Rock music!

Includes gorgeous performances by guitar legend Steve Morse, angelic vocalists Annie Haslam (of Renaissance) and Sonja Kristina (of Curved Air) plus Thijs Van Leer (of Focus), Simon House (of Hawkwind) and others! Also a special guest performance by actor Malcolm McDowell!

Available on both CD in an attractive digipak and on limited edition vinyl in your choice of RED or WHITE!

Track List:
1. Run With The Fox - Jon Davison
2. Christmas Lights - Kasim Sulton
3. Carol Of The Bells - Steve Morse
4. The Twelve Days Of Christmas - Annie Haslam
5. Wonderful Christmastime - Billy Sherwood & Patrick Moraz
6. I Believe In Father Christmas - Martin Turner
7. Fairytale Of New York - Leslie Hunt & Robin McAuley
8. O Come All Ye Faithful - Sonja Kristina
9. A Christmas Song - Thijs Van Leer
10.  You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch - Malcolm McDowell
11. Linus & Lucy (Charlie Brown Christmas Theme) - Geoff Downes [CD ONLY]
12. Silent Night - Nik Turner & Simon House
13. Happy Christmas (War Is Over) - John Wetton

To purchase the CD or Vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=prog+rock+christmas&post_type=product
To stream: https://open.spotify.com/album/1I70MnRFoV31c3cPuChzqx?si=ZbVMu5QPSxq10cGvv0RpnQ
To download: https://music.apple.com/us/album/a-prog-rock-christmas/1483293620

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com
Facebook @Cleopatrarecords
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Prog Rock Christmas Featuring Members of YES, Renaissance, Utopia, Focus, Curved Air, Hawkwind & Others!


Special guest performance by legendary actor Malcolm McDowell!

Join producer Billy Sherwood (Yes, Circa) for an expansive musical journey through Christmas classics of yesterday and today, all performed by leading figures in Prog Rock music!

Includes gorgeous performances by guitar legend Steve Morse, angelic vocalists Annie Haslam (of Renaissance) and Sonja Kristina (of Curved Air) plus Thijs Van Leer (of Focus), Simon House (of Hawkwind) and others! Also a special guest performance by actor Malcolm McDowell!

Available on both CD in an attractive digipak and on limited edition vinyl in your choice of RED or WHITE!

Track List:
1. Run With The Fox - Jon Davison
2. Christmas Lights - Kasim Sulton
3. Carol Of The Bells - Steve Morse
4. The Twelve Days Of Christmas - Annie Haslam
5. Wonderful Christmastime - Billy Sherwood & Patrick Moraz
6. I Believe In Father Christmas - Martin Turner
7. Fairytale Of New York - Leslie Hunt & Robin McAuley
8. O Come All Ye Faithful - Sonja Kristina
9. A Christmas Song - Thijs Van Leer
10.  You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch - Malcolm McDowell
11. Linus & Lucy (Charlie Brown Christmas Theme) - Geoff Downes [CD ONLY]
12. Silent Night - Nik Turner & Simon House
13. Happy Christmas (War Is Over) - John Wetton

To purchase the CD or Vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=prog+rock+christmas&post_type=product
To stream: https://open.spotify.com/album/1I70MnRFoV31c3cPuChzqx?si=ZbVMu5QPSxq10cGvv0RpnQ
To download: https://music.apple.com/us/album/a-prog-rock-christmas/1483293620

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com
Facebook @Cleopatrarecords
https://www.facebook.com/CleopatraRecords/
Instagram @cleopatrarecords
https://www.instagram.com/cleopatrarecords/
Twitter @cleopatrarecord
https://twitter.com/cleopatrarecord
Youtube @Cleopatrarecords
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCopQ0616Fpfrq8Gt0N-0zOQ
Soundcloud @cleopatra-recs
https://soundcloud.com/cleopatra-recs
Dailymotion @Cleopatrarecords
https://www.dailymotion.com/CleopatraRecords
Vimeo @cleopatrarecords
https://vimeo.com/cleopatrarecords
Spotify  @cleopatra_recs
https://open.spotify.com/user/cleopatra_recs
Linkedin @cleopatra-records
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleopatra-records

12/21/2018

Guitarist Markus Reuter Releases First Christmas Album


Download the album for free!

Poly-disciplinary musician and touch guitarist Markus Reuter has just released his first Christmas album - a free, limited-availability-period recording of five traditional Christmas songs (each of which has been given Markus’ distinctive loop/solo/soundscape treatment). As with much of Markus’ music, the pieces are accessible and enjoyable while concealing hidden depths. Beneath and behind Markus’ soulful touch guitar renditions of the original melodies, billowing detailed soundscapes are built on re-examinations and explorations of the pitch series of each tune. Listeners can enjoy the simple snowfall, or choose to tunnel deeper into the ice kingdom. A parallel universe... strangely hypnotizing.

The album is available for free download from https://iapetus-store.com/album/winter-solstice-free-download between 17th and 31st December 2018 (and is available long-term as a free 5.1. surround sound version from https://surroundmusic.one/album/winter-solstice/).

For more information:
http://www.markusreuter.com
http://www.iapetus-media.com
http://www.touchguitars.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Guitarist Markus Reuter Releases First Christmas Album


Download the album for free!

Poly-disciplinary musician and touch guitarist Markus Reuter has just released his first Christmas album - a free, limited-availability-period recording of five traditional Christmas songs (each of which has been given Markus’ distinctive loop/solo/soundscape treatment). As with much of Markus’ music, the pieces are accessible and enjoyable while concealing hidden depths. Beneath and behind Markus’ soulful touch guitar renditions of the original melodies, billowing detailed soundscapes are built on re-examinations and explorations of the pitch series of each tune. Listeners can enjoy the simple snowfall, or choose to tunnel deeper into the ice kingdom. A parallel universe... strangely hypnotizing.

The album is available for free download from https://iapetus-store.com/album/winter-solstice-free-download between 17th and 31st December 2018 (and is available long-term as a free 5.1. surround sound version from https://surroundmusic.one/album/winter-solstice/).

For more information:
http://www.markusreuter.com
http://www.iapetus-media.com
http://www.touchguitars.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

12/07/2018

Holiday Review: Dan Blanchard-The Spirit of Christmas

Release Date: December 7, 2018
Label: Peaceful Vibes  
Website
Dan Blanchard has created one of the more unique Christmas albums I have ever heard. The Spirit of Christmas is the title, which is about as generic and traditional as you can get but don’t let that simple title fool you. This is a significant music project and a tremendous accomplishment for the artists involved. 

Dan has some incredibly talented people join him on this release and since there is the song “Twelve Days of Christmas,” he gives us 12 tracks to enjoy and guess what the twelfth track is? Everything seems to fall in line so far…just wait.

What Daniel sought to create was a musical holiday adventure that was steeped in traditional Christmas Carols and Indian Classical Music. This, of course, provided the opportunity to combine these elements with some improvisation. The cross-section of instruments included on this recording includes Sitar, Santoor, Harmonium, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Tanpura, Tabla, Percussion, Bansuri Flute, Indian Slide Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, and Violin. Just stop and think about the kind of sounds all of those instruments can make and you will be filled with anticipation before hitting the play button.

This is exactly the type of Holiday album I love to hear actually, rather than the same songs year after year with no expectations of change or any kind of new experience. I do respect these traditional songs and from whence they came, however, I do enjoy an artist that is willing to try something entirely different with enough confidence that it is going to work. When it does work, a listener can become mesmerized and also very appreciative of the worldly experience that is being offered.

The core foundation of Indian Classical music is three components, Drone, Rāga and Tāla. The Drone is the part of the music that is continuous throughout the song, the Rāga is the melody and the Tāla is rhythm. So, what you get are two classic traditional forms of music intersecting for a fantastic combination of sounds, rhythms, textures, and color.  Think of it as big Christmas tree with a multitude of different colored lights, that is what this music is and it’s absolutely beautiful, meditative, spiritual and joyous.

Dan’s love for both traditions is what inspired this album and why it turned out so well. I usually get the “Bah! Humbug!,” feelings when I see all the holiday things coming out the same time just before Halloween, it just feels so artificial and money driven. So along comes musical projects like The Spirit of Christmas to put it all into a proper perspective and allow me to focus on the true meaning of the holiday and the pure beauty and worldliness of the music.

Music, the universal healer, it makes the world a better place and this kind of release make you think about the entire planet, not just your own community in a town or city. This is a worldwide spirit that comes in many different forms, languages, and sounds, it really is a beautiful thing and I am grateful for the reminder of that. Thank you, Dan, for transforming me from the Scrooge into old Saint Nick! This truly is The Spirit of Christmas.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
December 7, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
02. Ode to Joy (Beethoven’s 9th Symphony – Movement 4)
03. Jingle Bells
O4. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
05. We Three Kings
06. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
O7. Carol of the Strings (Bells)
O8. Silent Night
09. Joy to the World
10. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
11. Good King Wenceslas
12. Twelve Days of Christmas

 

11/17/2018

Seventies Hitmakers America's Christmas Album "Holiday Harmony" Released Worldwide!


London - Remember the seventies, when the charts were filled with classic songs such as “A Horse With No Name”? Now Gonzo Multimedia has released worldwide the Christmas album from the band who had that international hit, America,  featuring ten familiar Christmas songs and three original songs. With Andrew Gold (another name from the seventies) as producer and multi-instrumentalist, fans of seventies pop music will enjoy this. The set opens with “Winter Wonderland,” which even reminds us of their biggest hit with its arrangement. Other tracks here also provide reminders of their hits.

The year 2018 marks the 48th Anniversary of America. Founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (along with former band mate Dan Peek) met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.” America became a global household name and paved the way with an impressive string of hits following the success of their first #1 single. Forty plus years later, these friends are still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound.

From their formative years, America has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America's audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group's enduring appeal. “I think that the ingredients of the America sound are the basic fundamentals that translate internationally,” explains Beckley. “The Italians are huge fans of dance music, but they also love a ballad - they're romantic at heart. It's the same in the Far East. A lot of times in these countries, we see people singing along, and they don't really know what the words mean. Music is truly the international language.”

If you enjoy America's seventies classic hits, you will love America's “Holiday Harmony.” As a Christmas album alone, it is undoubtedly one of the very best.

Tracks:
Winter Wonderland | Let It Snow | White Christmas | A Christmas to Remember | Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas | Sleigh Ride | Silver Bells | Christmas in California | It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas | Winter Holidays | Frosty the Snowman | Silent Night | The First Noel | A Holly Jolly Christmas (2010 Collector’s Edition Bonus Track)

Release Date: 9th November 2018

To purchase: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/16132

America's official website: http://www.venturahighway.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

10/18/2018

Take A Ride This Christmas With Rock/Soul Legend MITCH RYDER On His First Ever Holiday Album!


Los Angeles, CA - Of the many gifts given to the world by the Detroit music scene, from the compositions of Duke Ellington to the raw punk power of The Stooges and current Hall Of Fame nominees The MC5, one of the most enduring has been the unforgettable voice of Mitch Ryder. Whether performing with or without his Detroit Wheels, Ryder has been one of the most dominant figures in the Motor City’s bountiful music scene for the last 4 decades, stuffing the world’s musical stockings with such sweet hits as “Devil With A Blue Dress On,” “Jenny (Take A Ride)” and lots more! This year he proudly presents a collection of brand new recordings to celebrate the spirit and soul of Christmas, called Christmas (Take A Ride), which finds the blue-eyed crooner offering fresh takes on holiday classics made famous by Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen along with seasonal favorites “Let It Snow,” “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” and more! Christmas (Take A Ride) will be available on both CD and digital starting October 26 via Goldenlane Records, a division of Cleopatra Records, Inc.

Also be sure to watch for a new album from Ryder featuring very special guest appearances by James Williamson (The Stooges), Sylvain Sylvain (NY Dolls), Walter Lure (Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers), Joe Louis Walker, Brian Auger and more!

Track List:
1. What Christmas Means To Me
2. Blue Christmas
3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
4. Someday At Christmas
5. Jingle Bell Rock
6. Santa Claus
7. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
8. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
9. Sleigh Ride
10. Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer
11. Let It Snow
12. Put A Little Love In Your Heart

Buy the CD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/mitch-ryder-christmas-take-a-ride-cd/
Buy the digital: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/christmas-take-a-ride/1438765132

Press inquiries: 
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com


GOLDENLANE RECORDS
Facebook @GoldenlaneRecords
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Twitter @GoldenlaneRecs
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CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

12/24/2015

Holiday Stream: Jennifer Thomas-Carol of the Bells

Jennifer Thomas is a superb piano player and her new release Winter Symphony is exactly that. The beauty of the Winter season and the Holidays come shining through with all the colors and pageantry you would come to expect this time of year.

The focus track “Carol of the Bells,” opens the door to the Holiday with parts of a legendary track that come alive with cascading piano and orchestrations. Classical and New Age music merge with tradition for an entirely new universe of music for a listener to enjoy. 

The video provided displays all the emotion and energy you could find in a traditional holiday song except it is done featuring many different and exciting transitions.

Watch and listen now!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck




More About Jennifer Thomas:

http://jenniferthomasmusic.com


Jennifer released her third album and most recent album, Illumination, towards the end of 2012 – which has been nominated and won many numerous awards including nominations for Album of the Year for Reviews New Age, and Classical Crossover UK, and winning “Album of the Year”, and “Artist of the Year” at the 2013 IMC Awards, as well as being a Piano Heaven UK Award winner. The album is the culmination of four years of hard work, practice, study, and growth in her musical style and technique. It includes not only many new original works by Jennifer, but also familiar classics such as Dvorak’s New World Symphony, Satie’s Gymnopedie No. 1, excerpts from Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto, as well as new classics like OneRepublic’s Secrets, and Mansell’s Requiem For a Dream.

Thomas’ fourth album, “Winter Symphony” will release in November of 2015. This new Christmas album will feature the Ensign Chorus (recorded at Bastyr Cathedral), soprano Felicia Farerre, violinist Taylor Davis, and musicians from The Utah Symphony, Salt Lake City Pops Orchestra, and the Chochin Chamber Orchestra. The orchestration was done by Glen Gabriel. The album includes favorites such as “Silent Night”, “Angels We Have Heard on High”, “Carol of the Bells”, as well as cinematic scores from “Home Alone”, “Edward Scissorhands”, and more.

Jennifer resides in the Seattle area with her husband, Will, and their three sons. Jennifer recently started a video blog on her YouTube channel where you can follow more of her journey as an artist juggling both motherhood and music.

11/16/2015

Hong Kong Based Artist Jennifer Saran Releases Holiday Album “Merry Christmas, You Are Loved” Produced By Legendary Narada Michael Walden Due For Worldwide Release November 20th, 2015 on Tarpan Records


San Francisco, CA - Jennifer Saran is a North American alt-pop/adult contemporary artist, songwriter and vocalist based in Hong Kong. Her first full-length album Merry Christmas, You Are Loved, will be available both digitally and physically worldwide with its release on November 20th, 2015. This album was created with legendary producer Narada Michael Walden, and is being released through his label Tarpan Records.

Since she was a young child, Jennifer has loved Christmas, and when she had the opportunity to work with one of the most lauded producers in modern recorded music, she jumped at the chance to create and release a modern Christmas album. Jennifer says: “Since meeting Narada Michael Walden I have been constantly inspired to write lyrics. Sitting in a pool in Thailand I was thinking about people I love that are no longer with me, or may not be able to be with me, and I wrote about it. I sent it to Narada with a 'what do you think?' He loved it. I called the song 'You Are Loved'.  He wrote a melody around it and we talked for a few days. And it hit me that my first full-length album 'Walk With Me' was not going to be released until after the first of the year, why not make it a Christmas Song. I messaged Narada and said, 'Hey, why not make it a Christmas song?' He said, 'Cool! I love Christmas!' So we called the song, 'Merry Christmas, You Are Loved' and now it’s a whole Christmas album.”

The album is a contemporary mix of brand new originals penned by Jennifer and Narada, as well as some very well chosen covers, all of which revolve around the central themes of love and family and the winter holidays. Musically, the album spans ballads to up-tempo grooves, including some swing and gospel influences as well. This album is a perfect complement to a family holiday dinner, or holiday radio shows all over the world. It features a handful of traditional Christmas songs like Oh Come Oh Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, and Hark The Herald Angels Sing to more modern covers of The Carpenters' Merry Christmas Darling and the classic Baby It's Cold Outside.

Narada enlisted some amazing musicians and performers for his band on Merry Christmas, You Are Loved including: Frank Martin (Angela Bofil, John Handy Band, Tuck & Patti, Jose' Neto, Airto & Flora, Sting & Trudie's Rainforest Band) on Keyboards, Angeline Saris (Gretchen Menn, Zepparella, Ernest Ranglin) on Bass and Vocals, Matthew Charles Heulitt (Zigaboo Modaliste) and Jose' Neto on Guitars. Additional Backing Vocals on this album include vocalists Nate Soul Sanger and Cornell Carter. All of the strings were arranged and conducted by Minna Choi of Magik*Magik Orchestra.

Jennifer Saran, aka Jennifer Hill, was born in Washington DC to a Canadian mother and American father. It was at the local Episcopal Church while at school in Villars, Switzerland, where she first realized how much she loved to sing, performing Handel's Messiah a cappella. Jennifer went on to attend high school in Alexandria, Egypt, where she performed in school plays and learned to speak Arabic. She then attended The American University in Cairo, earning a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. Throughout her years growing up in Egypt she and her friends always followed the local Egyptian live bands that performed American and British pop music, dreaming one day of being a singer.

She went through a long dry spell away from music – raising children, working in various corporate roles, singing in the shower or car, rarely having any time to go out dancing. She was moved to Philippines for an international corporate role for 2 years, followed by Singapore for another 2 years, and then to Hong Kong where she has lived for the past 24 years.

Her debut full-length album Walk With Me was recorded and produced entirely at Tarpan Studios in San Rafael, California, by legendary producer Narada Michael Walden and will be released in March of 2016. Narada has produced music royalty like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Aretha Franklin. With Narada's music and Jennifer's lyrics and vocals, they have created a tremendous debut album that is sure to captivate a worldwide audience.

For Music Samples or to pre-order Merry Christmas, You Are Loved visit: https://tarpanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/merry-christmas-you-are-loved

Check out Jennifer's website for more information: http://www.jennifersaran.com

For more information on Tarpan Records or any of its releases check out: www.tarpanrecords.com

Interview Requests contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR glassonyonpr@gmail.com 828-350-8158

Live Performance Bookings and Management contact Dave Ferguson at The Record Label info@therecordlabel.co.uk +44 203 727 7286.

11/25/2014

Holiday Review: Frank Sinatra-The Classic Christmas Album


Release Date: October 7, 2014
Label: Legacy Recordings
Website

Frank Sinatra is one of the best known crooners of his time and this year Sony Legacy has brought together a fourteen track album of his best loved holiday hits with two previously unreleased tracks."Baby It's Cold Outside" with singer Dorothy Kirsten and an alternate version of "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" with the Page Cavanaugh Trio. Another version of “Let It Snow” is also on the second track of the album with The B. Swanson Quartet and the two pieces are very different indeed. One is bright and shiny and the other more subdued, but both invoke the magic of the season.

As I sit at my writing desk and listen to this master performer belt out songs from my childhood and beyond, I can’t help but be reminded of a simpler time. That, to me, is the magic of Sinatra’s voice. You can here “Let It Snow” a million different ways, but when Sinatra does it, I always stop a moment and sigh.

“Adeste Fideles” or “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” is another classic that brings a sense of nostalgia. The bells and ornate instrumentation have an attention to musical detail that is often lost in modern performances. It made me feel like I did after watching a favorite old black and white holiday movie with my husband. Happy and dreaming of days when mangers were seen in front lawns and churches and Christmas trees were celebrated on main street and in our hearts. Not just the retail rush, but the rush of love for friends and family in this hectic time of year.

“Baby It’s Cold Outside” is from the MGM performance of “Neptune’s Daughter” and is one of two tracks previously unreleased until now. This track alone is worth getting the album. Joyful and full of the magic of young love, this song has always made me smile. This recording brings to life the visage of old Hollywood and lets us visit the sweet playfulness of yesteryear.

Frank Sinatra is the epitome of a music legend. His voice invokes the magic of the holidays and brings us back to simpler times in our lives we have only momentarily forgotten. For those who haven’t heard his magnificent voice, this album with two rare songs is a perfect one to start with. Chock full of the magic of the season, it will warm your heart.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Adeste Fideles, Baby It’s Cold Outside, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!


Tracks:

01. Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
Frank Sinatra

02. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Frank Sinatra with The B. Swanson Quartet

03. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Frank Sinatra with the Ken Lane Singers

04. I've Got a Home in That Rock
Frank Sinatra with the Charioteers

05. Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)
Frank Sinatra with the Ken Lane Singers

06. Christmas Dreaming
Frank Sinatra

07. Jingle Bells
Frank Sinatra with the Ken Lane Singers

08. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Frank Sinatra

09. O Little Town of Bethlehem
Frank Sinatra with the Ken Lane Singers

10. Jesus Is a Rock in the Weary Land
Frank Sinatra with the Charioteers

11. Silent Night, Holy Night
Frank Sinatra with the Ken Lane Singers

12. White Christmas
Frank Sinatra

13. Baby, It's Cold Outside (From the MGM Film, "Neptune's Daughter")
Frank Sinatra with Dorothy Kirsten

14. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (From the CBS Radio Broadcast, "Songs by Sinatra") Frank Sinatra with the Page Cavanaugh Trio


Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

November 25, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

 

11/21/2014

Holiday/Country Review: Classic Christmas Country Album-Various Artists

Release Date: October 27, 2014
Label: RLG/Legacy

Christmas songs come in every flavor and this year its colorful twinkle lights wrapped around a pair of boots. Sixteen well-loved holiday tracks from artists throughout their careers are showcased in this Walmart exclusive album just in time for the holiday season. From the ever popular “Mele Kalikimaka” from Christmas Vacation to “Jingle Bell Rock,” there are classics abundant.

The first song in this merry little lineup is “Christmas Time’s a Comin’” performed by Patty Loveless. With jingle bells and a plucky little guitar number the song ramps up and starts jamming. Full of country twang, images of a country holiday celebration filled with family and friends appear. Food, candles, hearts yearning for home and snow pack this powerhouse of a song. 

“Rockin’ Little Christmas” starts off with a sexy saxophone solo and on come the jingle bells and the sweet and sexy voice of Deborah Allen. A cross between country and rock, this song is a go getter. No wall flowers need apply. Only delicious love scenes allowed! Slip on those boots and get ready to do the boot scootin boogie all night long. Love and longing under the Christmas tree with a passel of mistletoe to bring down the house. This song smokes trials through the snow and that Frosty had better watch out!

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is the last song on the album. Sung by Martina McBride with a mellow multi-instrumentation providing a snowy backdrop of holiday bliss, this song is a fine end to an album filled with holiday songs and memories from years gone by. Her voice is crisp and pure, giving voice to all of our hopes and dreams for a Christmas filled with love and laughter.

This Walmart exclusive is a great compilation of songs from many country performers spanning many years in the industry. I found several favorites on this album and discovered a couple of new ones. So have yourself a Merry Christmas and if you get the chance to pick up this album, do. And please, pass the eggnog.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Christmas Time’s A Comin’, Rockin’ Little Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Tracks: 
01. Christmas Time's a Comin' Patty Loveless
02. Christmas Time John Anderson
03. Pretty Paper Kenny Chesney
04. Rockin' Little Christmas Deborah Allen
05. Santa Baby Kellie Pickler
06. Blue Christmas K.T. Oslin
07. Please Come Home for Christmas Lonestar
08. I'll Be Home for Christmas Sara Evans
09. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree Alabama
10. Jingle Bell Rock Sweethearts Of The Rodeo
11. Mele Kalikimaka Jake Owen
12. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow (Single Version) Ricochet
13. Winter Wonderland Brad Paisley
14. White Christmas Lari White
15. The Christmas Song Brooks & Dunn
16. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Martina McBride

 
Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer
November 21, 2014
Review Provided By Write A Music Review

11/18/2014

Holiday Music Review: IL Divo-The Classic Christmas Album

Release Date: October 7, 2014
Label: Sony Legacy


Music is about emotion brought to life by the training and skill to make it breathe. Il Divo is a quartet of vocalists, also called Simon Cowell’s “man band” that take operatic vocals and blur the lines into several genres including classical and pop. The Classic Christmas Album was previously released in 2005 as The Christmas Album, with the exception of one track. Now releasing with several Classic Hits albums in the new Sony Legacy collection, this album is timely with the flurry of holiday shoppers beginning to descend on shops and malls the world over. If you are not already a fan of this amazing group of singers, with one listen you will be. 

The band consists of Urs Buhler, Sebastian Izambard, Carlos Mann and David Miller. Three of the four are classically trained with Izambard being primarily self-taught. 

“O’ Holy Night” is the first song on the track list. Opening with beautiful piano strains and glowing vocals, this piece stopped me in my tracks to listen to the skilled vocalists’ rendition of this classic holiday song. The voices soar to majestic heights, each a light in the darkness calling forth heavenly music. Swirling instrumentals provide a backdrop for the men to craft a tapestry of sound introspective of the season and beyond.

“When a Child is Born” sparkles to life with chimes and keyboard work. Vocals, both crisp and clear come to pass and the others join in, adding depth. As with each song on this album, the layers and different nuances of each singer provide a puzzle piece that just fits. This song, with its highs and lows and blindingly fantastic vocals made me sigh and dream of Christmas.

“Adeste Fideles” is a song I remember from my childhood. Hearing this version with the tender vocals, bells and chimes made tears prickle in my eyes. Yes. “Come all ye faithful” is one I actually hum under my breath throughout the year. It brings joy on days when life is challenging and the heart needs comfort.

This is the first album by IL Divo I have listened to but it will not be the last. For listeners like me who are new to the group this is a powerful hook to reach out and attract new fans. It worked and here I am. These men each have different vocal skills. Baritone, tenor, classic and pop…they have it all and when you mix it all together you get magic. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: When a Child Is Born, Adeste Fideles, O’Holy Night

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

November 18, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review