News

News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 21, 2012

PAUL THORN’S “WHAT THE HELL IS GOIN’ ON?” DUE MAY 8

On new album, Thorn tries something fun and different —

covering songs he loves by other songwriters

Paul Thorn took an unexpected detour on the road to recording a follow-up to his most successful release, 2010’s Pimps and Preachers. After writing many discs of semi-autobiographical tunes that have drawn comparisons to John Hiatt and John Prine, the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter — hailed as the “Mark Twain of Americana” — decided to do an album of covers. “I wanted to take a break from myself,” he reveals, “do something different, and just have fun.”

The collection, entitled What The Hell Is Goin’ On? (due May 8, on Perpetual Obscurity/Thirty Tigers) finds Thorn putting his own gritty rock stamp on some of his favorite songs. There are some names familiar to Americana fans (Buddy Miller, Ray Wylie Hubbard), some lesser-known (Foy Vance, Wild Bill Emerson) and some surprises. The Buckingham and Nicks tune “Don’t Let Me Down Again” originated on that duo’s debut, not during the Fleetwood Mac era, while the Paul Rogers/Free song that Thorn chose to cover is an obscure one, “Walk In My Shadow.”

The idea for a covers album grew as Thorn encountered tunes that meant something important to him. “I would hear them in the tour van or I’d be at a festival and see someone perform them live,” Thorn says, “and I'd say ‘That’s a great song, I wish I had written it!’” One thing all the writers of these songs have in common according to Thorn is that they are true artists. “They don’t just write songs in an effort to become popular or follow trends,” he explains. “At the risk of sounding corny, they write with their hearts. None of these songs are cookie-cutter tunes like you hear on the radio today. They all have real depth, which is very appealing to me.”

The set covers subjects that are familiar territory to Thorn, from the spiritual pull of Miller’s “Shelter Me Lord” to the spirited fun in Big Al Anderson’s “Jukin.’” Thorn, so skilled with his own character studies, plays storyteller with such lurid tales as Hubbard’s “Snake Farm” and Emerson’s “Bull Mountain Bridge.” Emerson (who has written for George Jones and Tammy Wynette) is someone, according to Thorn, who “can tell a story in a song like nobody else.”

What The Hell Is Goin’ On? also delivers songs of love and salvation. Vance’s “Shed A Little Light” and Eli “Paperboy” Reed’s “Take My Love With You” are emotionally powerful tunes. The latter particularly expresses Thorn’s feelings about being on the road and missing his family back home: “Being a touring musician is a blessing and a curse . . . and Eli put into words what I feel like sometimes.”

What The Hell’s centerpiece is the powerful title track, a blistering look at life in modern times that was penned by blues-rock icon Elvin Bishop. “We are living in a new world where people are very connected, but also at the same time are disconnected,” Thorn states. “I believe technology in moderation is good but too many folks are walking around wearing ear phones and some have forgotten the lost art of basic social skills.”

The song also is significant because he has developed a friendship with Bishop over the years. “I sometimes visit him at his house when I’m out in California and he always gives me a jar of his homemade jelly that he makes with fresh kiwis from his garden,” Thorn recalls. “He sang this song for me on his front porch one day and it blew me away.” It was also a treat to have Bishop perform a guitar solo on the tune — which Thorn describes as “wonderfully raw and dirty.” Other special guests on the album are Delbert McClinton (another Thorn idol) and the marvelous singing McCrary Sisters.

The heavy lifting on the album, however, was done by Thorn and, as usual, his touring band (guitarist Bill Hinds, keyboard player Michael Graham, bassist Ralph Friedrichsen and drummer Jeffrey Perkins). “The guys in this outfit are a tight unit and a well-oiled machine,” he proclaims. “I’ve had the same guys in my band for goin’ on 15 years and they are incredible musicians.” Another long-time collaborator is Billy Maddox, who steered the ship and also served as What The Hell’s producer. The sense of camaraderie among Thorn, his band and Maddox contributes to the disc’s loose, live performances. The lived-in quality is undoubted aided by the fact that Thorn and the band had already played these songs live and honed them into what he calls “crowd-pleasers.”

Thorn has been pleasing crowds for years with his muscular brand of roots music — bluesy, rocking and thoroughly Southern, yet also speaking universal truths. The Tupelo, MS native worked in a furniture factory, jumped out of airplanes, and was a professional boxer before sharing his experiences with the world as a singer-songwriter. Pimps and Preachers, which topped the Americana charts for three weeks and broke into the Billboard Top 100, perfectly exemplified the vivid scope of his songwriting — and illuminated his family background. While his father is a Church of God Pentecostal minster, his uncle (his father’s brother) spent time as a pimp — and Thorn was influenced by both of these men. Mining these “saint and sinner” scenarios, Thorn crafted a disc that All Music Guide lauded as “a great rock & roll album,” while The Nation labeled it “an incredible find.”

When Thorn and his band hit the road, he’ll be performing both his captivating originals and these favored covers, because, as he says, “there are so many great writers out there whose songs need to be heard.” Thorn also might slip in a new song or two as he already has started writing more songs of his own for the next album.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 3, 2012

STEVE POLTZ’S “NOINEEN NOINY NOIN” DUE JUNE 19

On new album, Poltz reminds the world that the intersection of beauty and madness is a majestic place to spend a little time.

Noineen Noiny Noin is without reservation, the most absurdly named, pulchritudinous, foot-stomping party of 2012. Few will be surprised to learn that it is the title of the newest release from award-winning singer-songwriter Steve Poltz.

Southern California’s Steve Poltz is one of the most beloved songwriters of his generation. His music--as both a solo artist and with cult legends The Rugburns--has enjoyed long stretches in the Billboard top ten, gobbled up acres of mainstream radio and appeared in scores of television shows, commercials and movies. He has collaborated with everyone from Jewel to Glenn Tillbrook to Mojo Nixon, and his legendary live show has earned him a ferocious global fan base that makes soccer hooligans seem coquettish and reserved. In fact, X front man John Doe once said, "My idea of hell would be having Steve Poltz open for me every day. There's no place left for the audience to go."

With his latest record, Noineen Noiny Noin, Poltz is back to remind the world that the intersection of beauty and madness is a majestic place to spend a little time. The title refers to one of Poltz’s many tours through Australia, when he asked a promoter if he remembered the year when Poltz first came through Oz. “Oi reckon it was noineen noiny noin,” the man said, referring to the year 1999. And thus an album was born.

Poltz’s 13th full-length album is a wind-in-the-face joyride that takes on a jaw-dropping range of themes, including love, murder, Johnny Cash and transvestites. And that’s just one song. From top-to-bottom, Noineen Noiny Noin rocks, beguiles and entertains, opening like a flower with each new song. A wild, freakish-looking flower, but a flower, nonetheless.

Revisiting his rocker roots, opener “Spirit Hands” begins with the unmistakable sound of a four-string tenor guitar before crashing into a Zeppelin-sized jam, propelled by the thunderous drumming of Malcolm Clark. “Sucker Punch” is a roof-destroying anthem that, like so many of Poltz’s greatest numbers, has a surprise ending that will be punctuated with the sound of the listener’s jaw hitting the floor.

Poltz’ wistful, romantic side has long been the cornerstone of his charm, and “Croatia” and “Slovenia Breeze” are dreamy, dueling odes to the former Republic of Yugoslavia, aching with soulful lyrics, vivid imagery, and Poltz’ stunning acoustic melodies that have

cemented his status as a fingerstyle legend.

In Poltz’s bizarro world, that man turned out to be Johnny Cash’s star-crossed transvestite lover. Discussing this controversial, bizarre and beautiful song, Poltz advises that, “The reason I wrote this song is that it’s fun to lie in songs,” pointing out that because Johnny Cash got to lie in his song, he should enjoy the same freedom. Must be heard to be believed.

“Check Your Head” will see listeners double-checking their music player to make sure the album hasn’t changed, with Poltz delivering a dazzling falsetto in this infectious ode to Seventies soul music.

The album closes with "Some Things About Me You Should Know," a heartbreaking confessional and instant Poltz classic that showcases his head-shaking, melodic brilliance.

Requiring the flimsiest of reasons to launch a world tour, it is no surprise that literally minutes after the album is released, Poltz will be back on the road. When will he slow down? "Never--hopefully I'm doing this when I'm 80 or 90. I'm never retiring because the day I retire is the day I break my hip, catch pneumonia and die, and I don't want to die. Ever."

Noineen Noiny Noin, released on Arrival Records, will be released on June 19.

THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA

RECAPTURE THE MAGIC OF

THEIR NEW ALBUM,

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD,

IN LIVE CONCERT PERFORMANCES

WITH JAMEY JOHNSON, WILLIE NELSON, HANK WILLIAMS, JR,

AND THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

Blind Boys and Hank Williams Jr To Reunite

On CMT’s Music Builds: The Disaster Relief Concert,

Live This Thursday at 9pm ET / 8pm CT

Nashville, TN (May 12, 2011) --- The Blind Boys of Alabama have brought the spirit of Take the High Road out of the studio and onstage with them in every city they’ve traveled to since the album’s release. A number of guest vocalists from Take the High Road have asked the Boys to join them in concert and the Grammy-winning group has repaid the favor, and the 10-day run will be capped off with this Thursday’s live performance by joining Hank Williams Jr on CMT’s Music Builds: The Disaster Relief Concert, airing at 9 ET / 8 CT / 6 PT.

It began in Nashville when the Blind Boys arrived for a CD release show at the historic Belcourt Theater on May 3. They were joined onstage by the album’s co-producer Jamey Johnson, The Oak Ridge Boys, and a host of top-line Music City musicians who played on the recording session. Then in New Orleans, the band played at the legendary club Tipitina’s and Johnson stepped in to sing and play on several songs at a roof-raising concert. The next day, it was the Boys turn to assist Johnson, closing his JazzFest performance with “I Saw the Light,” then joining Willie Nelson during his set for a redux of the song. The Oak Ridge Boys even followed the band to New York City for their City Winery show and turned up (along with Johnson) at a number of television and radio appearances. Tonight, May 12th, the Blind Boys will perform the version of “I Saw the Light” (which appears on their new CD) live with Hank Williams Jr for the first time as part of Music Builds: The Disaster Relief Concert airing on CMT. Held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, the special will rebroadcast on HLN this Sunday at 9pm ET.

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

WOWS

THE CRITICS

New Blind Boys of Alabama Album

Featuring Jamey Johnson, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson,

Hank Williams Jr, Lee Ann Womack

and The Oak Ridge Boys

In Stores Now

Nashville, TN (May 10, 2011) --- The Blind Boys of Alabama kick off a month-long series of national television and NPR appearances, radio promotion and high profile tour dates, propelled by spectacular reviews of their newly released album, Take The High Road (Saguaro Road Records).

Country Weekly magazine raved, “Country music and old-time gospel music have borrowed from each other for decades, but rarely have the two styles blended as flawlessly…an experience that is both musically and spiritually inspiring,” giving Take the High Road 4 ½ stars.

The Associated Press reflected the spirit of the album, declaring, “Jamey Johnson is the young, wild-haired heir to country music's outlaw throne. The Blind Boys of Alabama are the enduring heralds of God's word through gospel music. Mix them together and something heavenly emerges: country soul.”

The New York Times noted, “Take the High Road (Saguaro Road) is this venerable gospel group¹s first organized foray into country music, and it couldn¹t have gone much better. Recorded in Nashville with a serious crew, it finds a respectable balance between earthy and polished, sounding true to all parties involved. ”

Nashville Scene called the album “glorious.”

CMT.com added that the band and guests "made the rafters ring..."

Entertainment Weekly made particular note of Johnson’s vocals, saying he “mellows his bad-boy ‘tude on a heartfelt rendition of ‘Have Thine Own Way, Lord,’” while USA Today selected the track as a coveted Playlist Pick.

Take the High Road is a graceful journey into country music for the longtime gospel group, joined by co-producer Jamey Johnson along with many of Nashville’s greatest vocalists including Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Ann Womack, and Hank Williams Jr.

The group is currently in the midst of a tour that will include stops in New York and Washington, DC to promote the album on Fox & Friends, Good Day New York, AARP television’s My Generation and NPR Radio, among many others.

The Blind Boys of Alabama perform concerts all over the world each year. Honored by both the Grammys and The National Endowment for the Arts with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and winners of five Grammy® Awards, The Blind Boys have attained the highest levels of recognition in a career that spans over 70 years and shows no signs of diminishing. Longevity and major awards aside, The Blind Boys have earned praise for their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material, and now country, by acclaimed songwriters such as Curtis Mayfield, Prince and Tom Waits. Their performances have been experienced by millions on “The Tonight Show,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” the Grammy® Awards telecast, “60 Minutes II,” and on their own holiday PBS Special. The Blind Boys' live shows are roof- raising musical events that appeal to audiences of all cultures, as evidenced by an international itinerary that has taken them to almost every continent. In 2007, they released the Grammy winning album, Down in New Orleans, their first for Saguaro Road Records, which was followed in 2008 by a companion DVD, Live in New Orleans. In 2009, they released Duets, a collection of songs recorded with artists including Bonnie Raitt, Ben Harper and Randy Travis.

RUTHIE FOSTER RELEASES FIRST EVER LIVE CONCERT DVD, WITH BONUS CD, “LIVE AT ANTONE’S

DUE JUNE 21, 2011 ON BLUE CORN MUSIC

Soulful diva Ruthie Foster will release her first live concert DVD, and accompanying bonus CD, “Live At Antone’s,” June 21, 2011 on Blue Corn Music.

In the spirited and sassy production, taped live at the legendary Antone’s in her hometown of Austin, Texas, Foster brings the house down with fan favorites, including “Stone Love,” “Phenomenal Woman,” “Runaway Soul,” and others. Ruthie and her seasoned touring band (Samantha Banks on drums, Tanya Richardson on bass, Scottie Miller on keyboards and Hadden Sayers on guitar) rock out on “Heal Yourself” with special guest Papa Mali and keep the groove going on a soulful duet with guitarist Sayers, “Back To The Blues.” The up-close-and-personal multi-camera shoot also includes an intriguing and interesting behind-the-scenes “Five Minutes with Ruthie Foster.”

Foster, who just won her second Blues Music Award, was catapulted to the forefront of the blues/roots world on the strength of her 2009 Grammy-nominated record, “The Truth According To Ruthie Foster,” and her relentless touring. Winner of the 2010 Blues Music Award for Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year and the 2010 Living Blues Award Critic’s Poll for Female Blues Artist of the Year, Ruthie was also named “Best Female Vocalist” at the 2008 Austin Music Awards. She debuted as a member of Warren Haynes’ band at the 2010 Christmas Jam, is a guest vocalist on his new album, and will join his band for a string of dates later this month. She’s been featured on the PBS syndicated show Austin City Limits and NPR’s All Things Considered. Ruthie has made impact appearances at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in the past, leading to a headlining spot in the Blues Tent in 2011, after which USA Today remarked “Ruthie Foster’s expansive, passionate voice sounded like it was nurtured in the Gospel Tent next door, but it commanded the stage in the Blues Tent as the Austin-based guitarist/singer tore through a dynamic set of R&B, country-tinged blues, folk and gospel songs.”

The DVD, distributed by Spindle/RED Distribution, is available at iTunes, Amazonc.com, and various other retailers.

RUTHIE FOSTER SCORES BLUES MUSIC AWARD FOR TRADITIONAL BLUES FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR/KOKO TAYLOR AWARD

SUMMER TOUR INCLUDES MULTIPLE FESTIVAL STOPS

“Ruthie Foster’s expansive, passionate voice sounded like it was nurtured in the Gospel Tent next door, but it commanded the stage in the Blues Tent as the Austin-based guitarist/singer tore through a dynamic set of R&B, country-tinged blues, folk and gospel songs.” –USA Today

Soulful diva Ruthie Foster was a big winner at the 32nd annual Blues Music Awards held last night at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. Ruthie captured the award as the Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year/Koko Taylor Award. Formerly known as the W.C. Handy Awards, the honors are staged by the Memphis-based Blues Foundation, and voted on by the organization’s 3,000-plus members.

Little-known to the blues community only a few years ago, Ruthie was catapulted to the forefront of that world on the strength of her latest Grammy-nominated record, “The Truth According To Ruthie Foster,” and her relentless touring. With an itinerary as solid as her soulful vocals, Ruthie Foster is hitting the road this summer to spread her “Truth” from the Kate Wolf Festival to the Monterey Bay Blues Festival, and all points in between. She will also be a part of Warren Haynes’ band for the run of dates surrounding the release of Warren’s new CD on May 10. Ruthie plans to take things up a notch or two with her fiery and unmistakable mix of soul, blues, folk, gospel and R&B.

Following the path of critical acclaim and artistic triumph blazed by her audaciously and appropriately titled 2007 breakthrough “The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster,” Ruthie’s latest CD was recorded in Memphis, where she set up shop at the legendary Ardent Studios and had an impressive cast of characters bring her music to fruition (Grammy-winning producer Chris Goldsmith, guitar icon Robben Ford, Memphis legends Jim Dickinson on keyboards and Charles Hodges on organ, with trumpeter Wayne Jackson and the legendary Memphis Horns adding a distinctive coup de grace). The result is “The Truth” as Ruthie knows it.

Catch Ruthie live this summer:

*5/6New Orleans, LA/Mahalia Jackson Theater

*5/7Greenwood, MS/Celebrating 100 Years of Robert

*5/12New York, NY/Beacon Theater

*5/13Boston, MA/Orpheum Theater

*5/14Upper Darby, PA/Tower Theater

6/24Laytonville, CA/Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival

6/25Monterey, CA/Monterey Bay Blue Festival

7/3Quincy, CA/High Sierra Music Festival

7/22Fish creek, WI/Door Community Auditorium

7/24Bayfield WI/Big Top Chautauqua

8/13Glenwood, AI/Davies Amphitheater

8/22Helena, MT/Myrna Loy Center

8/24Telluride, CO/Sunset Concert Series

9/3Laramie, WY/Snowy Range Music Festival

9/4Arlington, TX/Levitt Pavilion

9/16Raleigh, NC/North Caroline State University – Stewart Theatre

9/17Bethlehem, PA/Blast Furnace Blues Festival

*as part of the Warren Haynes Band

The Blind Boys of Alabama’s

“I Saw The Light”

Featuring

Hank Williams, Jr

Hits #3

On Americana/AAA Singles Chart

Album Debuts at #27

on Americana Radio Chart

Take The High Road

Available Today!

Nashville, TN (May 3, 2011) --- The Blind Boys of Alabama’s new album, Take The High Road, became a fan favorite even before its May 3rd release date. Propelled by their collaboration with Hank Williams, Jr on his father’s “I Saw The Light,” which has jumped to #3 on Airplay Direct’s Americana / AAA singles chart, the album debuts this week at #27 on the Americana Radio Chart. Special behind-the-scenes footage from the recording session can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-EcqBi2mR0.

The group will celebrate the release of Take The High Road with a series of concerts including May 4th at the Belcourt Theater in Nashville and a show at Tipitina’s in New Orleans on May 5th (both with Jim Lauderdale - and a special surprise guest). The band will also join Jamey Johnson onstage for an album reunion performance during his JazzFest show at the New Orleans Fairgrounds. The Blind Boys will then travel to New York for a concert at City Winery on May 10th with special guests The Oak Ridge Boys, another band featured on the album (they will also be at the Nashville show).

Over the next two weeks, the Blind Boys will also appear on GAC, Fox and Friends, Good Day New York, AARP Television and Radio, and will perform a Tiny Desk Concert for NPR and a live concert on WXPN as part of the Non-COMMvention.

Country Weekly magazine raves that “Country music and old-time gospel music have borrowed from each other for decades, but rarely have the two styles blended as flawlessly…an experience that is both musically and spiritually inspiring,” giving Take the High Road 4 ½ stars. And CMT.com noted "with the ensemble rooted in 70 years of gospel music, they made the rafters ring with country artists like Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, the Oak Ridge Boys, Hank Williams Jr. and Lee Ann Womack." Entertainment Weekly made particular note of Johnson’s vocals, saying he “mellows his bad-boy tude on a heartfelt rendition of ‘Have Thine Own Way, Lord.’”

Take The High Road marks the first time The Blind Boys have recorded a country gospel album in their remarkable 70+ year career. Original member Jimmy Carter had long been a fan of the genre, but the timing never quite felt right until they met critically acclaimed country music star Jamey Johnson. Johnson stepped in to co-produce the album, which includes guest performances by Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Ann Womack, The Oak Ridge Boys and Jamey himself.

The Blind Boys of Alabama continue to tour the world, performing over 150 concerts each year. Honored by both the Grammys and The National Endowment for the Arts with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and winners of five Grammy® Awards, The Blind Boys have attained the highest levels of recognition in a career that spans over 70 years and shows no signs of diminishing. Longevity and major awards aside, The Blind Boys have earned praise for their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material, and now country, by acclaimed songwriters such as Curtis Mayfield, Prince and Tom Waits. Their performances have been experienced by millions on “The Tonight Show,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” the Grammy® Awards telecast, “60 Minutes II,” and on their own holiday PBS Special. The Blind Boys' live shows are roof- raising musical events that appeal to audiences of all cultures, as evidenced by an international itinerary that has taken them to almost every continent. In 2007, they released the Grammy winning album, Down in New Orleans, their first for Saguaro Road Records, which was followed in 2008 by a companion DVD, Live in New Orleans. In 2009, they released Duets, a collection of songs recorded with artists including Bonnie Raitt, Ben Harper and Randy Travis.

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA

PLAN A

WHIRLWIND SERIES OF APPEARANCES

SURROUNDING

MAY 3rd RELEASE OF

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

New Album Features Jamey Johnson, Vince Gill,

Willie Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Hank Williams Jr

and Lee Ann Womack

Nashville, TN (April 12, 2011) --- The Blind Boys of Alabama are slated to make a number of promotional appearances around the country to promote the May 3rd release of their new album, Take The High Road (Saguaro Road Records). They’ll travel from Nashville to New Orleans, then New York and Washington, DC in the first two weeks of May for back-to-back concerts as well as numerous television and NPR appearances.

Starting out in Nashville, where Take The High Road was recorded with co-producer Jamey Johnson at the helm, The Blind Boys will film a two-hour special for the TBN network, appear on the NPR program Live in Studio C and on GAC, and perform a concert at the storied Belcourt Theater. The very next day they head to New Orleans, performing at Tipitina’s on May 5th and then will join Johnson onstage at his JazzFest concert on May 6th. After concerts in Fairfield, CT (May 7) and Hudson, NY (May 8), the band will arrive in New York on May 10th for a show at the City Winery and stops at Imus in the Morning, NPR’s “Word of Mouth,” multiple SiriusXM channels, and many more. The following week, The Blind Boys travel to Washington, DC to play an NPR Tiny Desk Concert and appear on Voice of America and the SiriusXM show The Loft. From there they’ll perform in both Wilmington, DE (for the radio industry NON-COMMvention) and Alexandria, VA at The Birchmere on May 19th before heading back out on tour, finishing up at the Woodsongs national radio show in Lexington, KY. Fans can also catch the band in the new #1 film Hop, where they make a clever cameo.

Co-produced by country superstar Jamey Johnson, Take The High Road brings the 5-time Grammy award-winning Blind Boys together with country legends including Johnson, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Ann Womack, and The Oak Ridge Boys to record their first country gospel album. Behind the scenes footage of Johnson working with the group can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb-PYZHdOp0. A special video preview of the entire album is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkx-CPjrAf0, with additional behind-the-scenes footage and audio clips of select songs. To view on iPads and iPhones, please visit: http://www.nevessa.com/video/BBA/BBA%20sizzle%20iphone.mp4).

The Blind Boys of Alabama have won five Grammy® Awards, been bestowed Lifetime Achievement Awards by both the Grammys and The National Endowment for the Arts and have been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. They continue to tour the world, performing over 100 concerts each year.

LABEL: BLUE CORN RECORDS

RELEASE DATE: MAY 31, 2011

“Houston’s best all-around rock guitarist.” The Austin Chronicle

Blues power guitarist Hadden Sayers has bent more strings to earn a Hard Dollar than most and his music proves it. Tough to the point of indestructible, yet pliant and vulnerable when required, it is the story of a man who has hit life’s roadblocks head on and emerged unbowed and unbroken. Best of all, like all great art that tells the truth, it could be everyone’s story.

With his road-tested combo of Tony McClung (drums), Mark Frye (bass, Fender Rhodes) and Dave DeWitt (Hammond B-3, Wurlitzer and piano) sharp as mesquite cactus, Sayers has penned 13 numbers guaranteed to bring his career good luck. “Take Me Back to Texas” comes out rocking the blues over a furiously chugging boogie beat, his burnished drawl belying his desire to return home. “All I Want is You” is a classic Gulf Coast 8-bar blues ballad with growling guitar fills that contrast with the yearning lyrics, and a wildly passionate solo that amplifies them. His friend and sometimes employer Ruthie Foster duets on “Back to the Blues,” a gentle, jazzy minor key ballad that gains extra emotional power from their sweet, understated vocals and an insistent solo that counters the melancholy mood. Sayers turns the hip phrase, “She’s a sweet little lady, she’s driving me crazy, my baby turns me inside out” into a wry mantra on the smooth shuffle of “Inside Out Boogie” as Dewitt tastefully tickles the ivories.

“Lap of Luxury” struts in with syncopated stop-time while Sayers lays out a tale about his wealthy woman who keeps him, “…tangled up in that sugar-coated love,” before the tune evolves into a sexy shuffle with a humorously suggestive solo. Further flexing his exceptional songwriting chops, Sayers uses the clever metaphor of a car in need of attention on the R&B-flavored “Flat Black Automobile” to create a sly rant about the trials of financial struggle. “Sweet Texas Girls” is a stone C&W tune dedicated to the women in his life with the boast, “Down in Miami, there’s South Beach eye candy, that’ll make a man glad he’s alive. But the best in the nation is still College Station, where the sweet Aggie girls all reside.” Ramping up the boogie once again, Sayers exposes his desires with “Crush on You” containing hot “chicken pickin’” and in the stop-time, a vocal nod to the Big Bopper, another proud son of Texas. Borrowing the bass pattern from “Killing Floor,” Sayers crafts a classic kiss-off in “Ain’t Comin’ Round No More” punctuated by dynamic, twisting solos that flow from his fingers like the Rio Grande in spring.

After Lightnin’ Hopkins, no one plays the electric boogie shuffle faster or cleaner than Sayers and the winking “Hippie Getaway” shows him blazing like a fuse in the breathless solo for a devastating display of virtuosity. Warming to his task, the grinding traveling blues shuffle “Burnin’ Up,” featuring wah wah guitar and wailing harp lines from Phil Clark, offers a lusty lyric to complement the raging rhythm. A tribute to the late Sean Costello inspired the ominous slow minor key blues of “Room 155” where Sayers finds himself because it is, “Hard for a man to feel alive…when everyday you’re running away from love.” The classic organ trio groove of the closing instrumental “Money Shot” bursts with exuberance as Sayers has fun with “talking” guitar lines reminiscent of Albert Collins.

Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top quips, “Hadden’s pretty much my hero.” If a man can live a heroic life with a guitar in his hand, then Hadden Sayers is an exemplary blues warrior with his hard but tender and righteous music.

Dave Rubin, 2005 KBA winner in Journalism

BIOGRAPHY

The cliché is to get successful, get money, get chicks, get drugs, and get arrested. Lose everything. Get a tattoo, get a facelift, get a new direction, get a book deal about recovery, and get Jesus. Be welcomed back as a role model. Texas blues troubadour Hadden Sayers didn’t follow the usual script. His tribulations weren’t the result of personal demons. But he didn’t call on a team of slick advisors and publicists to resuscitate his career. He didn’t look for reality shows, sex tapes, or reunion tours to make an easy buck. Hadden Sayers knew that sometimes an honest dollar is a hard dollar. Ultimately, his path back from the bottom went through an Ohio country shack where a chance encounter with a retired stonemason rejuvenated Sayers’ soul, and ultimately, his music.

In 2004, Sayers was a successful musician in Houston. He had a powerful agent and record label executives jostled for space at his gigs. His calendar was full of shows and his albums got attention.

Sometimes the saying is true: shit just happens. The record labels disappeared in a haze of bad business deals, excuses, and rip-offs. One company locked the doors and disappeared a day after the ceremonial handshake. Another outfit guaranteed success, as long as they could keep one hundred percent of the profits. Sayers plowed on. He released his own records independently and lugged a battered ’57 Strat all over the world as he performed 200 shows annually. Band members rotated in and out.

The musician moved to Central Ohio, an unlikely home to a bluesman. But Sayers’ wife, a scientist, had an opportunity to work with a world-renowned cancer researcher. Dedicated to supporting her career, Sayers planned to reconstruct his band with pros from the Northeast. Just as the new group began to build momentum, the agent decided to “go in a different direction” and quit.

Gigs dried up. Sayers took a job in corporate music and performed as the Hadden Sayers Band using family members to round out the group. Times got even leaner. Without the assistance of booking agencies, Sayers’ itinerary dwindled to less than 20 shows in 2006. Sometimes the next dollar is the hardest dollar. His cherished uncle Rick Frye, who served as the band’s drummer, collapsed after a performance in Williamsburg, Virginia and literally died in the arms of his band and family members. Then a beloved musician pal overdosed in a dingy Atlanta motel room. And then, Sayers’ wife watched her mentor succumb to the very disease he spent his life trying to cure. Sometimes you reach a point to where the dollar doesn’t matter; life itself is just too hard.

Stung, discouraged, and hurting, Sayers retreated to a dilapidated fishing shack in Southern Ohio. He turned his back on music, left his Strat at home, and focused on making the decrepit structure inhabitable. An old man in battered work boots and a baseball cap arrived to rebuild a stone chimney. In the coming days, retired stonemason Conrad McCorkle and bluesman Hadden Sayers, two men of completely different ages and backgrounds, forged an unlikely friendship. The goal of simply patching the shack evolved into a fully fledged rebuild. Walls came down. New ones were built. The small chimney project grew into a two year rehab for both the shack and the soul.

McCorkle’s silent strength, patience, and friendship revived Sayers’ resolve. He began humming tunes and melodies on the drive to the shack. He hauled in recording gear and began working through songs in the country, sometimes recording lyrics as voice memos on a cell phone until he could reach the studio. Just as the stone mason and the bluesman shared a beer and a handshake celebrating the completion of the new cottage, Grammy-nominated vocalist Ruthie Foster called in search of a guitarist. She had built her career in the Brazos Valley area of Central Texas, Sayers’ old stomping grounds. The two musicians shared a love for the Brazos Valley hybrid of blues, Tejano, country, soul, gospel, and reggae. Sayers immediately began writing songs with Foster in mind. Their duet “Back to the Blues” became the cornerstone of Sayers’ new album.

Sayers just signed with Houston-based Blue Corn Records, home of Ruthie Foster, the Austin Lounge Lizards and others. Their mission is to discover and record the best in Americana and roots music and to disseminate the music to target audiences. Hadden Sayers has done things the right way, not the easy way. It’s ingrained in who he is as a person. And the life lessons from Conrad McCorkle and the late Rick Fry reinforced it. Sometimes, the hard dollar is an honorable dollar.

CD RELEASE TOUR

The tour kicks off May 13, 2011 at The Bamboo Room, Lake Worth, FL. You can also see him performing with Ruthie Foster at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on May 5, prior to his tour. Full details are on Hadden’s website. – www.haddensayers.com.

For more information contact Sue Schrader at Blonde Ambition PR, 262.377.4180, sue@blondeambitionpr.com

THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA MAKE ON-SCREEN APPEARANCE IN UNIVERSAL PICTURES FILM “HOP” - IN THEATERS APRIL 1

April 1 Also Marks the Day Blind Boys Will Begin To Deliver

Daily Inspirational Tweet - “BB Wisdom” - Via Twitter

New Album, Take The High Road, Due May 3rd

(March 28, 2011) --- Legendary gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama will make an on-screen appearance in the new Universal Pictures film “Hop,” in theaters April 1. “Hop,” starring James Marsden and Russell Brand, is a new comedy from the makers of ‘Despicable Me’ that blends state-of-the-art CG animation with live action. The film tells the story of E.B., the teenage son of the Easter Bunny.

The Blind Boys’ cameo appearance revolves around E.B. stumbling upon the band in the studio while they are recording the song ‘Higher Ground” for the video game “Extreme Blues Master.” E.B. sneaks into the session and plays drums with the iconic gospel group. Says director Tim Hill, “The Blind Boys are rooted in gospel and blues, which is very basic to American music. For the story, it helped that they couldn’t see that E.B. was a rabbit and he was “filling in” while their drummer was on a break.” Jokes Ricky McKinnie, the band’s drummer on being “replaced” by a rabbit: “If you can get a kick out of seeing a blind guy like me play drums, then I know you can enjoy seeing a rabbit play drums.”

The band will also launch a series of inspirational tweet of the day messages, “BB Wisdom,” via their Twitter account beginning April 1st. Drawing from their vast history of gospel music and lyrics as well as their faith and life experience, members of the group will post personal and spiritual messages that have inspired them throughout their careers and lives at http://twitter.com/blindboys. The band will also use Twitter to keep in touch with fans about tour dates, promotional appearances and their new album, Take The High Road, which will be released on May 3rd (Saguaro Road Records).

RUTHIE FOSTER ANNOUNCES SPRING TOUR DATES

Foster to Perform with Warren Haynes Band

Soulful diva Ruthie Foster has announced a spring concert schedule that includes a tour of Australia and New Zealand, a closing slot at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and dates as part of the Warren Haynes Band.

The Warren Haynes Band will be touring behind Haynes’ new solo album, ‘Man In Motion,’ which will be released May 10. Ruthie joins the band for a show in New Orleans May 5 (after her own headlining slot at Jazzfest that day), and then for the CD release show at New York City’s Beacon Theatre on May 12. Other early dates include Boston’s Orpheum Theater on May 13 and Philadelphia’s Tower Theatre on May 14.

Foster sat in with Warren Haynes and the Allman Brothers at the 2008 Warren Haynes Christmas Jam and debuted as a member of his band at the 2010 Jam. She sings on two songs on his new album, appearing alongside other guests like Ivan Neville and George Porter. Ruthie was nominated for a Grammy for her most recent release, “The Truth According to Ruthie Foster.” She is also the winner of the 2010 Blues Music Award for Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year.

Following the path of critical acclaim and artistic triumph blazed by her audaciously and appropriately titled 2007 breakthrough “The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster,” Ruthie’s latest CD received more kudos from critics and, as mentioned, a Grammy nomination. It was recorded in Memphis, where she set up shop at the legendary Ardent Studios and had an impressive cast of characters (Robben Ford, Jim Dickinson, The Memphis Horns, etc.) bring her music to fruition. Dubbed “a soulful delight” by the Austin Chronicle and a “full-on blast of soul and blues” by Blues Revue, “The Truth” charted on the Billboard Blues chart, and was also nominated for “Album of the Year” at the Austin Music Awards.

Catch Ruthie live this spring:

4/1Aspen, CO/Aspen Songwriters Festival

4/2Loveland, CO/Sunrise Ranch Concert Series

4/3Tucson, AZ/Suite 147 at Plaza Palomino

4/15Sydney, NSW Australia/Enmore Theatre

4/17Fremantle, WA Australia/West Coast Bluesfest

4/18Melbourne, VIC Australia/Melbourne Recital Centre

4/21 & 22Byron Bay, NSW Australia/East Coast Bluesfest

4/24Auckland, New Zealand/Grass Roots Festival

4/30Kissimmee, FL/Kissimmee Bluesmasters Blues Festival

5/5New Orleans, LA/New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

*5/12New York, NY/Beacon Theatre

*5/13Boston, MA/Orpheum Theatre

*5/14Upper Darby, PA/Tower Theater

*w/ Warren Haynes Band

TEXAS TROUBADOUR HADDEN SAYERS

TO PERFORM AT SXSW

Sayers To Showcase Songs from His Upcoming New Release “Hard Dollar”

Texas’ “best all-around rock guitarist” (The Austin Chronicle), Hadden Sayers, will

showcase songs from his forthcoming new release “Hard Dollar” during SXSW at the Saxon Pub on Saturday, March 19.

Hadden Sayers is gearing up to catch the attention of the roots music world with the release of “Hard Dollar”. The Texas-bred Sayers artfully combines his love for the blues and his Americana-leaning songwriting craftsmanship on his new album, scheduled for release May 3 and to be followed by a national tour.

WHO: Hadden Sayers

WHERE: Saxon Pub – 1320 South Lamar, Austin, TX

WHEN: Saturday, March 19, 9pm

Combining timeless and memorable songwriting with jaw-dropping guitar mastery, Hadden Sayers is a blues and roots force to be reckoned with.

http://www.haddensayers.com

http://www.myspace.com/haddensayersband

BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA

RECORD COUNTRY GOSPEL ALBUM

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

CO-PRODUCED BY JAMEY JOHNSON,

FEATURES GUEST PERFORMANCES BY

VINCE GILL, WILLIE NELSON, HANK WILLIAMS JR,

LEE ANN WOMACK AND THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

DUE MAY 3, 2011

ON SAGUARO ROAD RECORDS

Nashville, TN (February 15, 2011) --- Five time Grammy Award and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners The Blind Boys of Alabama will release a traditional country-gospel album for the first time in their 70-year career on May 3rd, 2011 (Saguaro Road Records). One of country music’s most acclaimed and compelling artists, Jamey Johnson, co-produced the album and performs on it along with Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Lee Ann Womack, and The Oak Ridge Boys, backed by an A-list of top Nashville studio musicians. The result is a stunning, powerful testament to the deep, historic relationship between country and gospel music.

“There wasn’t one person who didn’t bawl like a baby or bust their heart open at least once,” Johnson recounted to the New York Times recently, remarking on the intensity of the recording sessions. “It’s been a dream of mine to do a country gospel album and we couldn’t have found a better partner than Jamey” said Jimmy Carter, the last original Blind Boy still touring with the band. “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,” adds Mike Jason Senior Vice President, Retail for Saguaro Road Records

The concept for the collaboration started with original Blind Boy Jimmy Carter’s longstanding love of country music and his desire to do a traditional country-tinged gospel album. Last year, his idea started to take shape when the Blind Boys were asked to curate a series of shows at the prestigious Lincoln Center Festival. One of the sold-out nights featured country artists Ralph Stanley, Ray Benson (Asleep At The Wheel) and Allison Moorer. Soon after, they met Jamey Johnson and asked him to join them in singing the traditional song “Down By The Riverside” at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Their mutual respect and shared passion for old-time gospel music made for a powerful performance, and that magical moment led to the Blind Boys asking Jamey to produce their next CD. The band had already been planning to make a country record with their Grammy-winning production collaborator Chris Goldsmith, who had enlisted the help of veteran Nashville drummer Chad Cromwell (Neil Young, Mark Knopfler). Jamey then brought in bassist Kevin ‘Swine’ Grantt (Brad Paisley, Daryl Worley) and additional top-notch Music City players, including legends such as guitarist Reggie Young, to join them in the studio. A fantastic array of guest vocalists – Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr, Lee Ann Womack and The Oak Ridge Boys – added to the recording sessions while new friendships were quickly formed and soulful sounds were crafted out of a shared love of real and authentic spiritual music.

The result is a remarkable album, which mines the profound connections between traditional country and gospel music. The amazing spirit and soul of the Blind Boys is celebrated through the songs, some time-tested like Hank Jr.’s energetic re-working of his father’s “I Saw the Light,” and some more recent chestnuts like Danny Flower’s underground classic “I Was a Burden.” Recorded live in just a few days at Ben Folds’ Javelina Studio, the album has the soulful feel of an old-school country classic. In fact, the word got out during the session that something special was going on at the old RCA soundstage, and guests like George Jones, Bill Anderson, and Bobby Bare dropped by just to observe the proceedings. All of them were visibly touched by what they experienced.

This record follows in the renowned Blind Boys tradition of reaching across musical boundaries to collaborate with other artists (from Peter Gabriel and Lou Reed to Anthony Hamilton, Ben Harper and Third Day) to create music that is appreciated as heart-warming, innovative, and inspirational by people from all walks of life.

QUEENS OF DOGTOWN ROCK MYSPACE

BAND GARNERS OVER 260,000 FANS IN TWO WEEKS

Feb. 7, 2011 -- As the Showtime Series Californication continues with Hank Moody’s vicissitudes of daily life, a new focus and sub plot continue this season with daughter Becca (Madeleine Martin) and her new all-girl band, Queens of Dogtown (QOD).

This season, Becca joins an all-girl rock band fronted by Pearl (played by singer and actress Zoë Kravitz) and plots continue to evolve with an emphasis on music and rock culture.

QOD’s MySpace page, which includes photos, videos and songs from the band, has garnered over 260,000 fans in just two weeks. Their cover of Alice in Chains’ “Would” premiered today on MySpace and you can also watch it at www.myspace.com/queensofdogtown. While Hank’s interludes continue, stay tuned for more entertainment from this all girl rock band.

Three exclusive QOD tracks are featured on the new SEASON 4: MUSIC FROM THE SHOWTIME SERIES ‘CALIFORNICATION’ soundtrack, available now on Arrival Records/Scion Music Group. The record also features Tommy Lee’s (Mötley Crüe) solo version of “Home Sweet Home.”

Nora Felder and Budd Carr, the series Californication music supervisors and soundtrack co-producers, recently received the HMMA (Hollywood Music in Media Award) for Outstanding Music Supervision in TV. Other producers for SEASON 4: MUSIC FROM THE SHOWTIME SERIES ‘CALIFORNICATION’ are Jonathan Platt, Tom Kapinos, and label heads, Mark Spier and Rick Rand.

http://www.CALIFORNICATIONTVSOUNDTRACK.com

BLIND AMBITION MANAGEMENT SIGNS HADDEN SAYERS

Nancy Fly Agency also adds Sayers to its roster

Blind Ambition Management, Ltd. is pleased to announce the signing of Texas troubadour Hadden Sayers to its project management roster. Combining timeless and memorable songwriting with jaw-dropping guitar mastery, Hadden Sayers is a blues and roots force to be reckoned with.

“Hadden’s pretty much my hero.”

-Billy F. Gibbons, ZZ Top

“…best all-around rock guitarist”

--The Austin Chronicle

With his upcoming new release HARD DOLLAR, Hadden Sayers is gearing up to catch the attention of the roots music world. The Texas-bred Sayers artfully combines his love for the blues and his Americana-leaning songwriting craftsmanship on his new album, scheduled for release May 3 and to be followed by a national tour.

Sayers continues to grow his career, driven by extensive touring, radio airplay, and word of mouth. He has played guitar in B.B. King’s rhythm section The Silent Partners, and for the Blues Foundation’s Female Blues Artist of the Year. Grammy Award-nominated Ruthie Foster. He has also performed at some of the most prestigious blues and jazz festivals in the world, including Monterey and Telluride, while sharing the stage with Bonnie Raitt, Los Lobos, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Derek Trucks, Bruce Hornsby, Delbert Mclinton, Darius Rucker and many others. After a hiatus from his own touring career, Hadden is poised to re-enter the spotlight as a bandleader with the release of his new album.

He also recently signed with the Nancy Fly Agency, a full service-booking agency specializing in Texas roots music. Their roster includes Carolyn Wonderland, Gary Nicholson, Bruce Robison and Peter Case, among others.

Blind Ambition Management, Ltd. is based in Atlanta and also manages the legendary five-time Grammy-winning Gospel group the Blind Boys of Alabama, Grammy-nominated soul/blues belter Ruthie Foster, southern raconteur Paul Thorn, and Stax soul legend William Bell.

PAUL THORN BAND CONTINUES TO PAVE ICONIC AMERICANA PATH WITH LIVE PAY-PER-VIEW CONCERT

ANNOUNCES SPRING TOUR

Fresh off a boatload of year-end best-of accolades for his latest release “Pimps & Preachers,” Paul Thorn will host a full-length live pay-per-view concert on Sat., Jan. 29 at 8:00 pm CT. Along with his partners from Music Fog Productions, Paul will be webcasting the concert from Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Starting today, fans can log on to www.paulthorn.com or www.musicfog.com and purchase tickets for the low price of $6.99. Confirmation will be delivered via an email containing the concert URL. Following the live webcast, and through March 1, 2011, the concert video will continue to be available at the same URL, allowing repeated viewings by ticket holders.

Paul’s latest album, which gave him his first Billboard Top 100 debut and remained in the top five on the Americana Radio Airplay Chart for ten weeks, has been wowing critics. Paste said “the sacred and the profane pair nicely here, driven by Thorn¹s dusky voice and subtle, often self-deprecating wit,” while the Newark Star-Ledger commented Thorn authors “succinct, epigrammatic verse that unsentimentally assays life¹s common troubles,” and The Nation called the CD “an incredible find.” Twangville.com named the record it’s No. 1 Reader’s Pick for Best Album of 2010 and TheAlternateRoute.com included the CD in the Top 20 of all five of its critics’ Best of 2010 lists. BluesRevue.com and the Memphis News Press, among others, also included the record in their “Best of 2010” lists.

After the live concert Paul will embark on a spring tour that will take him from to theaters and clubs throughout the United States. A complete list of tour dates follows or click here

http://www.paulthorn.com/msc.shows.html

ABOUT PAUL THORN:

Tupelo, Mississippi’s Paul Thorn has created an innovative and impressive career. Before pursuing music, he was a professional boxer, having fought in a nationally-televised bout against former world champion Roberto Durán. He was working in a local furniture factory and playing in local clubs when he was discovered by Miles Copeland and signed to A&M Records. His first album, Hammer & Nail was released in 1997, with seven more to follow. In 2008, he appeared on two national TV shows, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Since 1997, the Paul Thorn Band has embraced its fans as part of the family. The band is proud to offer this pay per view event as a platform to unite their worldwide audience for an unforgettable night of music.

ABOUT MUSIC FOG:

Music Fog is a full service remote multimedia production company. The veteran staff specializes in capturing intimate audio and video. Their clients have included platinum-selling household names, independent artists, GRAMMY® award winners, as well as the newly emerging. Music Fog’s website www.musicfog.com is dedicated to the Americana Music community worldwide. The Music Fog YouTube Channel has accrued over 2 million views and continues to grow.

Paul Thorn 2010 Spring Tour

Feb. 11New York, NYB.B. King Blues Club (Al Kooper’s Birthday Show)

Feb. 12Baltimore, MDThe 8x10

Feb. 13Pittsburgh, PARex Theater

Feb. 15Philadelphia, PAWorld Café Live

Feb. 17Vienna, VAThe Barns at Wolf Trap

Feb. 18Richmond, VAThe Canal Club

Feb. 19Roanoke, VAKirk Avenue Music Hall

March 4Cleveland, OHBeachland Ballroom

March 5Indianapolis, INBirdy’s Bar & Grill

March 8Davenport, IAThe Redstone Room

March 9Rockford, ILThe Sullivan Theater

March 11Dayton, OHCanal Street Tavern

March 12Charleston, WVWoody Hawley Concert Series

March 16San Diego, CAAnthology

March 17San Juan Capistrano, CAThe Coach House

March 18Redondo Beach, CABrixton South Bay

March 19San Francisco, CASlim’s

March 20Nicasio, CARancho Nicasio

March 22Sacramento, TXHarlow’s

March 23Santa Ynez, CATales From the Tavern @ Maverick Saloon

March 24Agoura Hills, CAThe Canyon Club

March 25Cottonwood, AZOld Town Center for the Arts

March 26Phoenix, AZThe Compound Grill

April 7Conroe, TXHeritage Place Amphitheater

April 9Fredericksburg, TXLuckenbach Dancehall

April 12Iowa City, IAThe Mill

April 13Galesburg, ILFat Fish Pub

April 14Green Bay, WIRiverside Ballroom

April 15Comstock Park, MIFifth Third Ballpark Stadium Club

April 30Brooksville, FLStringbreak

ARRIVAL RECORDS/SCION MUSIC GROUP TO RELEASE NEW SOUNDTRACK
FOR SHOWTIME SERIES CALIFORNICATION

SEASON 4: MUSIC FROM THE SHOWTIME SERIES ‘CALIFORNICATION’
FEATURES MUSIC FROM NEW SEASON INCLUDING EXCLUSIVE TRACKS FROM QUEENS OF DOGTOWN AND TOMMY LEE

AVAILABLE JANUARY 11, 2011 IN CD AND DIGITAL FORMATS.

December 16, 2010 – Arrival Records/Scion Music Group will release the new soundtrack for the hit SHOWTIME® comedy series Californication. SEASON 4: MUSIC FROM THE SHOWTIME SERIES ‘CALIFORNICATION’ will include tracks that play a part in bringing to life many of the storylines of the new season (premiering Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 9p PT/ET on SHOWTIME).

On Californication, David Duchovny stars in his Golden Globe® winning role as TV’s favorite anti-hero, Hank Moody – a hedonistic writer who struggles to raise his teenage daughter Becca (Madeleine Martin) while still carrying a torch for her mother, his ex-girlfriend (Natascha McElhone). This season, Becca joins an all-girl rock band fronted by Pearl, (played by singer and actress Zoë Kravitz) called “Queens of Dogtown” and plots will evolve with an emphasis on music and rock culture.

Soundtrack exclusives will feature three rock classics reinvented by QUEENS OF DOGTOWN, as well as TOMMY LEE’s (Mötley Crüe) solo version of “Home Sweet Home.” Music by SHOOTER JENNINGS & HIEROPHANT, EAGLES OF DEATH METAL, BETTER THAN EZRA, MY LIFE WITH THE THRILL KILL KULT, MONSTER MAGNET VS. ADRIAN YOUNG, CRACKER, THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES, WARREN ZEVON, and GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV will also set the tone throughout episodes of Season 4 and on SEASON 4: MUSIC FROM THE SHOWTIME SERIES ‘CALIFORNICATION’.

The soundtrack track list is as follows:

1. F**k You (I’m Famous) – Shooter Jennings & Herophant
2. Stuck in the Metal – Eagles of Death Metal
3. So Alive – Better Than Ezra
4. Would? – Queens of Dogtow
5. Sex on Wheelz – My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult
6. Last Caress – Queens of Dogtown
7.Mirror People – Monster Magnet vs. Adrian Young
8.Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out with Me – Cracker
9. I Remember You – Queens of Dogtown
10. Second Life Replay – The Soundtrack of Our Lives
11. Wanted Dead or Alive – Warren Zevon
12. If I Go, I’m Goin – Gregory Alan Isakov
13.Home Sweet Home – Tommy Lee

SEASON 4: MUSIC FROM THE SHOWTIME SERIES ‘CALIFORNICATION’ will be released online, in stores, and digitally January 11, 2011. For more information, please visit:

http://www.CALIFORNICATIONTVSOUNDTRACK.com

“PARENTHOOD” SOUNDTRACK ROCKS THE FALL

ARRIVAL RECORDS/SCION MUSIC GROUP TO RELEASE THE SOUNDTRACK TO

NBC’S TOP RATED TELEVISION SHOW “PARENTHOOD”

Set for Aug 31, 2010 Digital Release and In Stores Oct. 5, 2010

Soundtrack Features Top Artists Bob Dylan, Wilco, Brett Dennen, The Avett Brothers,

Corrine Bailey Rae, John Doe & Lucy Schwartz, Ray LaMontagne, among others

New Season Premiers on NBC Sept. 14

August 2010 – Bob Dylan, Wilco, Brett Dennen and others are featured on the soundtrack of

the fall – “Parenthood” – set to rock into online retailers on Aug. 31 (to coincide with season

one’s DVD release on Universal Studios Home Entertainment) and in stores on Oct. 5 by

Arrival Records/Scion Music Group (distributed by Fontana Distribution a subsidiary of

Universal Music Group).

The album features 12 tracks all of which are featured or will be featured on the show,

including the much talked about theme song - Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young. ” The physical

CD also includes an exclusive version of that song sung by the iconic John Doe and rising

star Lucy Schwartz as well as Schwartz’s “When We Were Young,” which is the

international theme song for the show.

The talented artists who contributed to the soundtrack include: Bob Dylan, Brett Dennen,

Amos Lee, The Avett Brothers, Corrine Bailey Rae, The Eels, Josh Ritter, Lucy Schwartz,

The Swell Season, Wilco, Ray LaMontagne and John Doe & Lucy Schwartz. Liza

Richardson is the show’s music supervisor and soundtrack co-producer and music supervisor

for the series along with Jonathan Platt, Jonathan Miller and Jonathan McHugh. The

soundtrack is licensed through NBC Universal television, DVD, music and consumer

products group.

Commenting on the album, Liza Richardson says: “Working on “Parenthood” is a music

supervisor’s dream. I’m working with extremely creative pros. These are people who love

music and understand how to put the right song in the right scene and effectively help tell a

story. The editors, the writers, the execs all make a huge contribution to the way the show

sounds.”

Adds Jason Katims: “I am tremendously proud of the caliber of artists who’ve lent their

voices to “Parenthood,” and to this amazing soundtrack.”

Season two of “Parenthood” will premier on NBC on Tues., Sept. 14. The show, which was

number one in its time slot last season, is produced by Oscar-winning producers Ron Howard and

Brian Grazer (“A Beautiful Mind,” “Frost”/”Nixon”) and show runner Jason Katims ("Friday

Night Lights"). A comedic yet heartfelt and thought-provoking series, "Parenthood" follows four

grown siblings of the far-from-perfect Braverman clan as they try to balance kids and careers,

dreams and commitments and romance...or a total lack thereof.

For more information please visit www.parenthoodtvsoundtrack.com

The Parenthood soundtrack track list is as follows:

1. Forever Young – Bob Dylan

2. Darlin’ Do Not Fear – Brett Dennen

3. Colors – Amos Lee

4. Kick Drum Heart – The Avett Brothers

5. Put Your Records On – Corrine Bailey Rae

6. In My Dreams – Eels

7. Change of Time – Josh Ritter

8. When We Were Young – Lucy Schwartz

9. In These Arms – The Swell Season

10. Solitaire – Wilco

11. Let It Be Me – Ray LaMontagne

12. Forever Young – John Doe & Lucy Schwartz

ENTREPRENEUR RICK RAND USHERS IN NEW RECORD LABEL,

ARRIVAL RECORDS, WITH DISTRIBUTION PARTNER SCION/FONTANA

June 3, 2010 - Ellen DeGeneres isn’t the only person launching her own record label these days. Rick Rand is also getting in on the action. This month the manufactured housing entrepreneur announced that he’s launching a new label, Arrival Records, in conjunction with Scion/Fontana Distribution.

Rand a former music promoter, took a thirty-year hiatus from the entertainment business to start a property management and consulting firm. Comments Rand, “Now is a very exciting time in the world of music. Dramatic changes in how we acquire and listen to new music are taking place on a daily basis. Arrival Records is excited about these changes and will work to bring the listener new and easy opportunities to find the music they are looking for.”

The label’s first release, the Friday Night Lights Volume 2 original television soundtrack, was released May 18 and is reflective of some of the most pivotal moments of the top rated show of the same name. The selection of music ranges from soulful to alt rock, and all of the songs included in the album have been or will be featured in the show. Reflecting the passion and emotion of the series, the soundtrack boasts a wide variety of artists and features some of the biggest breakout bands of the year, including White Rabbits, Band of Skulls, Jakob Dylan, the Avett Brothers and others. Rockers White Rabbits, whose song “Percussion Gun” is the lead single from the soundtrack, have just released a compelling music video which includes scenes from the new season. Check the video out here: http://vimeo.com/11661831.

The label’s next release and first signing is Madison, Wisconsin-based pop/rock band Bascom Hill who just won the WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Award for Pop Artist of the Year. Their self-titled debut is due Aug. 24 and you can hear their lead single, “My World,” at: www.bascomhillmusic.com. Just released, the video for the track features special guest appearances by Lou Ferrigno and the Bryan Brothers. Check it out here: www.youtube.com/bascomhill.

Following Bascom Hill, the label’s next endeavor will be the soundtrack to NBC’s critically acclaimed comedy-drama television series “Parenthood,” set to be released this September.

POP/ROCK BAND BASCOM HILL TO PREMIER NEW MUSIC VIDEO

“MY WORLD (SUCKS TO BE YOU)” ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9 AT 7PM CST

VIDEO FEATURES CAMEO APPEARANCES BY LOU FERRIGNO AND

THE BRYAN BROTHERS AND IS AVAILABLE AS A FREE DOWNLOAD

DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE

June 8, 2010 - “One of the Midwest’s hottest acts…”(Shepherd Express), Madison, WI-based Bascom Hill, will world premier its music video for the new summer single, “My World (sucks to be you)” on June 9 at 7pm CST at www.youtube.com/bascomhill.

Bascom Hill is offering the video as a free download at www.BascomHillMusic.com from June 9th-30th. After June 30th the clip will be made available for sale.

The music video was shot in Los Angeles and features cameo appearances by “The Incredible Hulk” Lou Ferrigno and the number one doubles professional tennis team the Bryan Brothers. Los Angeles based director Leon Melas shot it in HD.

The clip begins with a homeless panhandler playing his bass guitar for food, with several generous passerbys lending their support. One kid tries to steal the hard-earned money when Lou Ferrigno appears as a guardian angel that not only chases away the punk but also offers up a cold, green drink. Immediately following the first sip the once penniless bum is partying it up with stars and beautiful ladies. He even serves up a few rounds of tennis with the Bryan Brothers. Throughout Bascom Hill sings “If you’re not living in my world it sucks to be you.” Indeed!

“My World (sucks to be you)” is the lead single off of Bascom Hill’s upcoming self-titled new release, in stores Sept. 7th.

# # #

Bascom Hill is a pop/rock band comprised of four guys from Madison, WI whose unique sound and pop sensibilities are reflected in their live shows and critically-acclaimed recordings. Winners of two Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards, the band has toured with everyone from The Fray to Kenny Wayne Shepherd to Lifehouse. Their songs have been heard on various television shows, including “America’s Next Top Model” and MTV’s “Real World.” They were also recently invited by the producers of a reality-TV pilot, Crash Course To Stardom, to participate in the pilot episode after they saw their performance at Summerfest.

http://www.bascomhillmusic.com

http://www.myspace.com/bascomhill

“WISCONSIN’S POP ARTIST OF THE YEAR (WAMI’S), BASCOM HILL,

RELEASES SELF-TITLED DEBUT SEPT. 7, 2010

VIDEO FOR THE SUMMER SINGLE “MY WORLD” JUST RELEASED,

FEATURES CAMEOS BY LOU FERRIGNO AND THE BRYAN BROTHERS

June 14, 2010 - On Sept. 7, Arrival Records, distributed by Scion/Fontana, will release the eagerly awaited follow-up to Bascom Hill’s highly praised “Maybe,” the self-titled “Bascom Hill.” The band, who writes “great melodies and memorable songs” (Mark Goodman/Sirius XM Radio), has been known and loved as one of the Midwest’s top songwriters and hottest acts, as demonstrated by their recent Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award for Pop Artist of the Year earlier this year.

The album springs to life with a groovin’ vibe on the Bascom Hill-penned “Inevitable.” From there the songwriting prowess and catchy hooks continue with “All About Tonight,” co-written with Mitch Allan (Daughtry, Faith Hill) and the tongue in cheek lead single “My World, produced by Matt Wallace (OAR, Train, Maroon 5). If any one song can encapsulate the spirit and energy of the band it’s the single, with its brash chorus: “If you’re not living in my world, it sucks to be you!” The video for “My World” has just been released and features special guest appearances by “The Incredible Hulk” Lou Ferrigno and the number one doubles professional tennis team Bryan Brothers. You can check it out here: www.youtube.com/bascomhill. The video is available for a free download for the month of June.

The new album was recorded in Los Angeles, Seattle, Milwaukee, and Kenosha, WI over the last two years. The recording was followed by an invitation from the producers of a reality-TV pilot, Crash Course To Stardom, to travel to Hollywood for a single intense week to see if they had “what it took.” During the shoot the band did more than most acts do in a lifetime: songwriting with Mitch Allan (Daughtry, Faith Hill), mixing with Mark Needham (The Killers, Chris Isaak), laying down tracks with producer Matt Wallace (O.A.R., Maroon 5), taking voice lessons from Doc Holliday (Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake) and showcasing for major label execs. The show is currently being shopped. Throughout this process the band was able to secure major distribution for their new album through Fontana/Universal through their label Arrival Records.

Bascom Hill, who the Shepherd Express notes is “one of the Midwest’s hottest acts,” is comprised of four guys from Madison, WI whose unique sound and pop sensibilities are reflected in their live shows and critically-acclaimed recordings. Winners of two Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Awards Bascom Hill will be on the road this summer and fall, performing at festivals and clubs across the country.

Listen to Bascom Hill here: www.bascomhillmusic.com.

THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA TO CURATE A THREE-NIGHT SERIES AT LINCOLN CENTER JULY 12, 14 & 16

YO LA TENGO, LAMBCHOP, RALPH STANLEY, AARON NEVILLE, AND JOAN OSBORNE AMOUNG MANY FEATURE GUESTS

Lincoln Center Festival 2010 will present a three-night series curated by the seminal group The Blind Boys of Alabama, soul gospel veterans who have been deeply influential across many popular genres. The Blind Boys will perform at all three events, demonstrating the breadth of their musical collaborations with vastly diverse artists and their ability to combine the evocative power of gospel with pop, country, blues, and rock-creating a new kind of spiritual music that is both widely accessible and uniquely their own.

The Blind Boys of Alabama Three-concert series

July 12, 8 p.m.

Spirit in the Dark with Yo La Tengo, Lambchop, Yim Yames of My Morning Jacket, Exene Cervenka, Marshall Allen and the Sun Ra Horns

July 14, 8 p.m.

The Unbroken Circle with Dr. Ralph Stanley and Friends, Yonder Mountain String Band, Ray Benson and Jason Roberts of Asleep at the Wheel, Ralph Stanley, Allison Moorer

July 16, 8 p.m.

Blind Boys Family Revival with Aaron Neville, Joan Osborne, Hot 8 Brass Band,

Dan Zanes, John Hammond, Charlie Musselwhite

Additional artists to be announced

Alice Tully Hall, 65th Street and Broadway

Tickets: $35, 45 (each concert)

The celebrated Blind Boys-whose singing has been described as "gutsy

lead vocals and rough-and-ready harmonies" by The New York Times-have

won five Grammy Awards over 10 years, culminating in Grammy's highest

honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. Formed at a school for

the visually impaired in 1939, The Blind Boys have featured many waves

of remarkable and multi-generational musical talent over the past 70

years, and have toured with numerous artists ranging from Peter Gabriel

to Ben Harper and Tom Petty.

The three Lincoln Center Festival celebrations of the incomparable group

showcase The Blind Boys' great range, starting with an opening night

concert with Yo La Tengo and Yim Yames of My Morning Jacket. The second

concert spotlights country music with Yonder Mountain String Band, Texas

Swing sensations Ray Benson and Jason Roberts of Asleep at the Wheel,

and bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley performing songs from The Blind Boy's

upcoming CD. The final evening, The Blind Boys Family Revival, will

feature songs from all of the group's Grammy Award-winning albums and

include duets with Aaron Neville, Joan Osborne, Hot 8 Brass Band, Dan

Zanes, John Hammond, Charlie Musselwhite, and others to be announced at

a later date.

For 70 years, The Blind Boys of Alabama have traversed "higher ground"

together. Since forming their group at the Alabama Institute for the

Negro Blind (Talladega Blind School) in 1939, they have kept alive the

spirit and energy of pure soul gospel music. Founded by Clarence

Fountain, Jimmy Carter and George Scott-and currently featuring Carter

with Eric McKinnie, Joey Williams, Tracy Pierce, Billy Bowers, and Ben

Moore-the group has drawn upon gospel's river-deep reflections on life's

trials, and combined its haunting falsettos and muscular harmonies with

foot-stomping, rollicking beats. Since first reaching a wider audience

in the 1983 Obie Award-winning production of the Broadway musical The

Gospel at Colonnus, the singers have repeatedly reinvented the musical

genre. In 2007, they released the Grammy winning album, Down in New

Orleans, their first for Saguaro Road Records, which was followed in

2008 by a companion DVD, Live in New Orleans. The Blind Boys' new album,

Duets, was released in October and features collaborations with Ben

Harper, Randy Travis, and Bonnie Raitt, along with previously unreleased

recordings with Lou Reed, John Hammond, and Toots Hibbert, as well as a

new song with Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles.

For more information on The Blind Boys of Alabama, please contact Sue Schrader [sue@blondeambitionpr.com], 262.377.4180

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RUTHIE FOSTER SCORES BLUES MUSIC AWARD FOR CONTEMPORARY BLUES FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

SUMMER TOUR INCLUDES MULTIPLE FESTIVAL STOPS

When she sings a cappella, the heavens part.”

-Austin Chronicle

Soulful diva Ruthie Foster was a big winner at the 31st annual Blues Music Awards held Thursday night at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. Ruthie captured the award as the Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year. Formerly known as the W.C. Handy Awards, the honors are staged by the Memphis-based Blues Foundation, and voted on by the organization’s 3,000-plus members.

Little-known to the blues community only a few years ago, Ruthie was catapulted to the forefront of that world on the strength of her latest Grammy-nominated record, “The Truth According To Ruthie Foster,” and her relentless touring. With an itinerary as solid as her soulful vocals, Ruthie Foster is hitting the road this summer to spread her “Truth” from the Madison Square Garden Oval Lawn Series in New York City to the Monterey Blues Festival in California, and all points in between. Ruthie plans to take things up a notch or two with her fiery and unmistakable mix of soul, blues, folk, gospel and R&B.

Catch Ruthie live this summer:

5/13Orlando, FL/The Plaza Theater

5/15Ybor City, FL/Tropical Heatwave

5/21 & 22Juneau, AK/Juneau Jazz & Classics

5/23Seattle, WA/The Triple Door

6/12Warm Springs, VA/Virginia Blues & Jazz Festival

6/16New York, NY/Madison Square Garden, Oval Lawn series

6/17Dallas, TX/Granada Theater

6/26Monterey, CA/Monterey Bay Blues Festival

6/27Mill Valley, CA/The Trockmorton Theatre

7/3Davenport, IA/Mississippi Valley Blues Festival

7/4Dayton, OH/Cityfolk

7/15-25Tour of Italy

7/30Kalso, BC/Kaslo Jazz Summer Music Festival

8/1 & 2Canmore, ALB/Canmore Folk Music Festival

8/6Mammoth Lakes, CA/Mammoth Festival

8/8Henderson, CO/Mile High Blues Festival

8/14San Jose, CA/San Jose Jazz Festival

8/21Wausau, WI/Big Bull Falls Blues Festival

8/22Thornton, NH/White Mountain Boogie & Blues Festival

8/28West Dover, VT/The Vermont Blues Festival