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Tuesday, March 16, 2010
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	Ladysmith Black Mambazo in Denver, Colorado Description: 16 MAR 2010 Gates Concert Hall Denver, Colorado EXPERIENCE HENDRIX TOUR 2010 in Kansas City, MO Description: â€œEXPERIENCE HENDRIX TOUR 2010â€ @ UPTOWN THEATER, KANSAS CITY, MO, 3/16 MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD in Charlottesville, VA Description: MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD @ JOHN PAUL JONES ARENA, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, 3/16 Opening for John Mayer Jonny Lang in Kansas City, Missouri Description: Jonny Lang 16 MAR 2010 Uptown Theater Kansas City, Missouri THE TEMPTATIONS "For Lovers Only CD at Voice Distributions Description: VOICE DISTRIBUTIONS - presents The Temptations CD - "For Lovers Only" http://www.voicedistributions.com The Temptations that made For Lovers Only in 1995 were far from the group that stormed the charts in the '60s and '70s--only baritone Otis Williams remained from the original lineup (he gets all of one lead vocal here), and they were still shaken by the recent death of founding bass man Melvin Franklin. So they went back to first principles--the radiant close harmonies, each voice leaning on the others, that have been their secret weapon from the beginning--and beyond, to pop standards of the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. The album's synthy instrumental arrangements already sound dated (especially a G-funk take on "Time After Time"), despite respectful cameos from Milt Jackson and Stevie Wonder. But the singing (most of the leads are handled by Ali-Ollie Woodson and Ron Tyson, who both joined in the '80s) is splendid: rough-edged and vulnerable, audibly taking refuge in standards like "Night and Day," recasting familiar lyrics about romance as wrenching eulogies. This reissue adds a remix of "Night and Day" that originally appeared on the What Women Want soundtrack to the original track listing as well as new liner notes. --Douglas Wolk Track Listing: 1. Some Enchanted Evening 2. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face 3. At Last 4. Night And Day 5. Time After Time 6. Melvin's Interlude 7. Life Is But A Dream 8. WHat A Difference A Day Make 9. I'm Glad There Is You 10. South Shell Interlude 11. That's Why (I Love You So) 12. For Your Love/You Send Me (Medley) 13. Night And Day (Remix) Listen & Order Yours at www.VoiceDistributions.com http://www.voicedistributions.com Terisa Griffin "My Naked Soul" CD at Voice Distributions Description: VOICE DISTRIBUTIONS - presents Terisa Griffin CD - "My Naked Soul" http://www.voicedistributions.com The Songbird is back! And she has delivered unto us a soulful masterpiece entitled, My Naked Soul. With this offering, Terisa Griffin has emerged as the consummate artist. Her voice has never been richer, her lyrics never more poignant, her soul never more accessible. She clearly knows who she is and the world will be a better place because of it. On My Naked Soul, Terisa Griffin is lyrically fearless. It is as if every song was created in reverse ? born fully cloaked in melodic splendor only to be stripped bare until just the naked soulful truth remains. How else can you explain the raw intensity of "Anymore," the blissful confessional "Wonderful," or the powerful love anthem for the ages, "Better Love Yourself?" This is lyrical truth serum, and the truth never? ever? sounded so damn good! Yet, it is the voice ~ that unmistakable Terisa Griffin Gift from God ~ that melts the senses. Her voice warms like a full-bodied cabernet. It's sexy, alluring, and spine tingling. Who among us can resist her plea on "One More Fight, One More Try?" A daily dose of "Alright" would put some pep in your step and umph in your rump! This album, much like its first single, is pure "Sunshine." It will undoubtably make you feel wonderful. Spend some time basking in its warmth and I'm sure you'll agree. Join us here at Voice Distribution as we present the one and only Ms. Terisa Griffin. Track Listing: 1. My Naked Soul Interlude 2. Anymore 3. Did You Ever 4. Sunshine Interlude 5. Sunshine 6. Wonderful 7. Cigarette Interlude 8. Cigarette In The Rain 9. I Can't, Without You 10. Rose Colored Glasses Interlude 11. Rose Colored Glasses 12. Love Changed 13. Alright 14. One More Fight, One More Try 15. Better Yourself 16. Naked Goodbye 17. Sunshine Remix) Listen & Order Yours at www.VoiceDistributions.com http://www.voicedistributions.com SONJA GRIER New CD Description: Sonja Grier again teams up with writer-producer Bill Bradford for this CD of no-holds-barred soul. Check it out at www.cdbaby.com/cd/sonjagrier2 Anwar Robinson Teams Up With Bo-Ty Productions, LLC Description: In Top Form, American Idol Season 4 Finalist, Anwar Robinson Teams Up With Bo-Ty Productions, LLC (http://www.bo-ty.com) Heating Up The Airwaves With “Exceptional” And “Night’s Hot.” Anwar Robinson’s Voice Is Stronger Than Ever. Since His American Idol Days, Anwar’s Been Making Magic In The Studios Of Bo-Ty Productions, LLC Grabbing The Attention Of Music Greats. What do legendary songwriter, Carole Bayer Sager, Saxophonist/Grammy Nominee, Gerald Albright, Singer Songwriter/Producer, Will Downing, and Super Producer; Onaje Allan Gumbs have in common? All love Anwar Robinson’s newest release called “Exceptional.” The buzz on this track is getting louder and for good reason. It doesn’t matter where you start to break down this song, you’ll love every last drop. The lyrics are intimate and personal without sounding contrived. Each word flows into the next while Anwar drives raw emotion into every phrase. This is a beautifully crafted song and Anwar’s passion for singing is evident. Had he performed “Exceptional” on the Idol show…who knows? Carole Bayer Sager had this to say about the making of “Exceptional.” “I met Bob and Tyrone a few years ago and was immediately impressed with not only the quality, but also the quantity of catalog of songs they produced. I invited them to have a meeting with David Foster and I because we were both impressed with their work. Tyrone shared a number of songs that we thought had really good potential. About a year or so later, Tyrone shared with me that he and Bob were working with an artist who was on American Idol…Anwar Robinson. I had been watching the show and had already taken notice of Anwar. Since that time, Tyrone shared with me a couple of songs that they wrote for Anwar (Exceptional and Night’s Hot). These songs show great creativeness and a high degree of writing skill. The marriage of song to artist is also an important point not to be overlooked as Anwar’s performance is quite breathtaking…especially on Exceptional.” The good reviews don’t stop. Gerald Albright has firsthand experience working with Anwar from the Idol days. As a music industry insider, Albright’s perspective is telling. Hearing “Exceptional” Albright said, "I truly love the song "Exceptional." After performing with Anwar Robinson on American Idol, I immediately became a true fan of his voice and delivery. I also enjoy the wonderful textured and intimate production of this great song. It's a pleasure to hear real depth and passionate lyrics in the songwriting efforts. In this midst of so much that is shallow on the playlists of today's radio programming, this song is a welcomed relief." Making a song like “Exceptional” is no easy feat. Production is equally important in making a classic. Onaje Allan Gumbs talks about the behind the scenes work that went into “Exceptional,” “Writers, producers, arrangers, engineers and all around good guys. The consistent level of creativity and production is light years ahead of many of the top productions being heard on the airwaves today. Bo-Ty Productions is where good music needs to be in the 21st Century.” All great singers recognize real vocal skill so praise from Will Downing has special meaning. “What a beautiful song, yes I said "Song" something you don't hear much of these days. It's a great vocal and Production. Just when you think the song has reached its climax, Anwar takes it up a notch. There's no room to hide as a vocalist on a song like this and Anwar has no reason to as he delivers what I consider to be a more than "EXCEPTIONAL" performance.” How exactly does music magic happen? When do you know you’re sitting on a tune that’s destined to become a quintessential love song? Anwar Robinson’s quote about working in the studio speaks to the creative process. "To this very day, I am still amazed with the results of collaborating with Tyrone and Bob. We have had a long-standing working relationship and even friendship, which is a rare treasure in the business that we are in. Bob and Tyrone have always supported me-long before I garnered the fan base from my run on "American Idol: Season 4,” and that speaks volumes. Musically, Bo-Ty Productions brings unique elements to each artist they work with that enhances the very best quality in their artistry. I often feel as if I'm working with the world's best writing and production team whenever we work together. On top of all of our superb collaborative efforts, I always believe that the best is still yet to come, for with time, it only gets sweeter and sweeter. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to know Tyrone Corbett and Bob Donzella, and I know this to be the case with each artist they work with..." Robert Donzella, Co-Principal at Bo-Ty Productions, LLC recalls the first time he met Anwar and the journey they took together, “One day, while visiting a fellow producer's studio in the corner of the room with his back towards me, a young man was playing incredible piano. A moment later a golden voice erupted from the same part of the room. I was struck by such pure and remarkable talent. A few minutes later I met Anwar. Move forward in time and I find myself in a writing session with Ty and Anwar on Night's Hot...a song I might describe as a combination of swamp and smoke. It's comforting to know when you have a kernel of an idea your partner can take it and whip it into something cool...something Ty does frequently. As a production team both of us are very open to the artist's input. Needless to say Anwar's contribution was spot on and vibey. Add up the elements of unique track, interesting melodies, personalized lyrics and Ty's EXCEPTIONAL vocal production, put them in a creative box, squeeze in some inspirational glue, shake it around and you've got a Bo-Ty production. The creative joy from that first encounter with Anwar continued to be present when we worked together and I am convinced will always be there as Bo-Ty continues with you on your journey. Anwar, I wish you continued success and happiness.” Who could have predicted that needing a haircut would prove to be a launching pad for a formidable creative team? Tyrone Corbett, Co-Partner at Bo-Ty Productions, LLC sums up his experience working with Anwar Robinson and producing “Exceptional.” “Bob and I have known Anwar Robinson for about 10 years. I was initially introduced to Anwar by a mutual colleague at a local barber shop in New Jersey. I don’t recall if we actually exchanged phone numbers or not at that time. Oddly enough, about a month or so later, I was invited to a local producer’s home and as I was walking up to the address, to my surprise, so was Anwar. It was eerily odd, but we both shared there must have been a reason for our having met again. We wound up working together at that time and forming a great friendship. Also during that time period, Anwar was signed to Clive Davis and J Records in a group called “Art of Soul.” Anwar and I were both working on separate projects, when he shared with me that he had auditioned for American Idol. We stayed in touch and after his run on AI, we resumed our working together. What’s really amazing about Anwar is his level of musicality. My partner and I would prepare a track for Anwar to sing and he would come in, listen to the track and say “F, that’s my favorite key”…Anwar has perfect pitch. In addition to this, his knowledge and sensitivity of/to music is quite impressive. When we cut “Night’s Hot,” we immediately felt we had achieved something special as the song stands alone in its own territory…lol! Quite honestly, I had a friend come to me and say that he felt “Night’s Hot” was songwriting 101 as he had heard nothing comparable and the song showed a uniqueness all its own. From a production standpoint, I did the drum track and Bob did the accompanying track…his take on writing and arranging is truly ingenious in my opinion. We added live bass, and then I edited the track to bring out elements that I thought would make things jump off. Bob and I already had the basic lyric concept for “Night’s Hot,” but we decided to bring Anwar in to finish the song as we thought it would be great to explore the collaboration. Once we cut the vocals, it was a wrap! The song has an incredible feel from track to final vocal performance. On “Exceptional,” Bob did an incredible job on the arrangement and after he and I finished the song lyrically, we felt no other singer could capture the honesty and passion as Anwar would. The session was remarkable from beginning to end and we think “Exceptional” will be one of those songs that will transcend time. Tracks available at all online retail outlets. http://bit.ly/BoTyAmazon PRESS RELEASE: NEW ALBUM FOR BETTYE LAVETTE Description: BETTYE LAVETTE Bridges the Atlantic With New CD 'INTERPRETATIONS: THE BRITISH ROCK SONGBOOK' Out May 25 on Anti- LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - February 24, 2010) - BETTYE LAVETTE brings the British Invasion home to its American R&B roots on her latest CD, "INTERPRETATIONS: THE BRITISH ROCK SONGBOOK," due May 25 on Anti-. While BETTYE's Grammy-nominated 2007 disc "The Scene Of The Crime" went to the source to find triumph over her own anguish, "INTERPRETATIONS" looks to the past this time for inspiration and uncovers common ancestry in seemingly divergent musical paths. Produced by BETTYE, Rob Mathes and Michael Stevens, the album is a 13-song journey through compositions by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd among others, before concluding right where the very idea for "INTERPRETATIONS" started: BETTYE's visceral show-stopping rendition of The Who's "Love Reign O'er Me" from the 2008 Kennedy Center Honors, which appears here as a bonus track. That performance -- which first brought BETTYE together with Stevens (the event's producer) and Mathes (its musical director) -- served notice that BETTYE is no mere singer. As an extraordinary interpreter of song, she doesn't merely mold a piece of music to suit her tastes; she is a conjurer of deep, emotional truths: "Bettye LaVette punched a hole right through her version of Pete Townshend's 'Love Reign O'er Me,' letting all the song's emotion pour out in a way that its creators never conceived," observed the New York Daily News. Townshend himself came up to Bettye after her performance, took her hands into his and said, "You made me weep." Throughout "INTERPRETATIONS," her performances are a revelation not just of raw emotion, but of the inexorable ties between British rock 'n' roll and the American blues and R&B, which when combined, catalyzed popular music. That Lennon, McCartney, and so many others who crossed the Atlantic in their wake, were deeply influenced by American music is no great secret. What BETTYE demonstrates here so convincingly is the degree to which rock 'n' roll and American soul remain bound by bloodlines. The Beatles' pre-psychedelic "Rubber Soul" classic "The Word" takes on an almost religious fervor, while Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed" is transformed from a majestic pop song into a stark, almost desperate expression of devotion. Profound alienation becomes intense longing on Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here," and the wistful naivetÃ© of The Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin" matures into a deep and unshakeable lament. BETTYE inhabits these songs, revitalizes them and exposes the humanity that makes these 13 tracks not just pop songs, but enduring works of art. Such mastery hardly comes as a surprise to at least one legend featured here. Elton John (whose "Talking Old Soldiers" appeared on "The Scene Of The Crime") offers this endorsement of BETTYE's impassioned take on "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me": "Bettye LaVette has always been a wonderful singer -- I have been a huge fan for many years. To my delight and surprise she recorded an amazing version of 'Talking Old Soldiers' -- a song that nobody else has covered -- and made it her own. "Now she has recorded 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' and has done exactly the same -- but this time with a much more familiar song. I am truly touched by her picking these songs and can only hope that this album brings more attention to this incredible artist." The full track listing for "INTERPRETATIONS: THE BRITISH ROCK SONGBOOK" is as follows: The Word (John Lennon/Paul McCartney) No Time To Live (James Capaldi/Stephen Winwood) Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Bennie Benjamin/Gloria Caldwell/Sol Marcus) All My Love (John Baldwin/Robert Plant) Isn't It A Pity (George Harrison) Wish You Were Here (David Gilmour/Roger Waters) It Don't Come Easy (Richard Starkey) Maybe I'm Amazed (Paul McCartney) Salt Of The Earth (Michael Jagger/Keith Richards) Nights In White Satin (David Hayward) Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad (Eric Clapton/Bobby Whitlock) Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Elton John/Bernard Taupin) Love Reign O'er Me (Peter Townshend) [BONUS TRACK] PRESS RELEASE: E1 MUSIC & PURPOSE MUSIC GROUP ENTER DEAL TO RELEASE NEW R&B ALBU Description: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: E1 MUSIC AND PURPOSE MUSIC GROUP ENTER NEW DEAL TO RELEASE NEW ALBUMS BY R&B STARS ELISABETH WITHERS AND ANTHONY DAVID (New York, NY) -- E1 Entertainment U.S. and Purpose Music Group LLC are pleased to announce exclusive licensing deals for R&B recording artists Elisabeth Withers and Anthony David. This new deal covers all territories excluding Europe, Australia, the U.K. and South Africa. The labels will collaborate in the artistsâ€™ development and marketing. Withers, a Tony award nominee for her role as Shug Avery in the hit Broadway musical The Color Purple, is a dynamic singer/songwriter who trained at the prestigious Berklee School of Music. She released her first album, the critically acclaimed â€œIt Can Happen to Anyone,â€ on Blue Note Records in 2007. Her first release for E1/Purpose is targeted for June 2010. David, a Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, hails from Atlanta and was featured last year on Urban AC radio on the powerful duet â€œWordsâ€ with India.Arie from his album â€œAcey Duecy,â€ a Universal release. He also has released two earlier, highly-regarded independent albums, â€œThree Chords and the Truthâ€ and â€œRed Clay Chronicles.â€ E1/Purpose plans to release his new album in Summer 2010. Other R&B artists on the E1 roster include Faith Evans, Brian McKnight, Dwele and Vivian Green. Purpose is also the home of Grammy Award winner Maya Azucena, DJ Spinna, Angela Johnson, Monet and Shae Fiol and is co-owned by Russell Johnson and George Littlejohn. About E1 Entertainment E1 Entertainment (AIM: ETO) is a leading independent entertainment content owner that acquires film, television and music rights and exploits these rights in all media in more than 190 countries. The company currently operates in Canada, the U.S., the UK, Holland and Belgium through its four primary businesses units: E1 Television, E1 Films, E1 Music and E1 Distribution. These businesses collectively represent E1â€™s extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production/distribution, Kids content, Licensing and Distribution. E1â€™s content library includes more than 3,700 feature films, 2,700 hours of original television programming and 15,000 music tracks.
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1:00pm	[1:00pm-3:45pm] JIMY BLEU Hosting NEW Daytime Soul/Rock FM Radio Show Description: WFDU 89.1 FM Is Pleased To Announce A Brand New Radio Experience By Musician/Singer/Radio DJ Jimy Bleu~!! "CODE BLEU"........featuring the finest in R&B/Soul/Rock/Blues/Funk heard anywhere on the radio dial is now on EVERY Tuesday afternoon from 1 to 3:45 pm. Due to overwhelming listener support from Bleu co-hosting a popular weekly Gospel show, as well as periodically substitute-hosting various R&B and Blues shows at the station, this new show will surely rock your soul. Following the blueprint created by Sly Stone when he was a DJ at K-Soul before his fame, as well as early Frankie Crocker, Bleu's unique blend of music & commentary is totally beyond comparison. Don’t miss WFDU's exciting new addition “CODE BLEU” & keep tuning in weekly for exciting surprises on each show, such as in-depth celebrity interviews. Streamin' at ya on www.wfdu.fm & all shows are archived on the website for 2 weeks to be listened to at your leisure. More information on Jimy Bleu can be found at http://www.myspace.com/bleuanddivinity www.newdivinity.com www.gospelrevelations.com . ACCESS GRANTED~!!
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Description:: In Top Form, American Idol Season 4 Finalist, Anwar Robinson Teams Up With Bo-Ty Productions, LLC (http://www.bo-ty.com) Heating Up The Airwaves With “Exceptional” And “Night’s Hot.”

Anwar Robinson’s Voice Is Stronger Than Ever. Since His American Idol Days, Anwar’s Been Making Magic In The Studios Of Bo-Ty Productions, LLC Grabbing The Attention Of Music Greats.

What do legendary songwriter, Carole Bayer Sager, Saxophonist/Grammy Nominee, Gerald Albright, Singer Songwriter/Producer, Will Downing, and Super Producer; Onaje Allan Gumbs have in common? All love Anwar Robinson’s newest release called “Exceptional.” The buzz on this track is getting louder and for good reason. It doesn’t matter where you start to break down this song, you’ll love every last drop. The lyrics are intimate and personal without sounding contrived. Each word flows into the next while Anwar drives raw emotion into every phrase. This is a beautifully crafted song and Anwar’s passion for singing is evident. Had he performed “Exceptional” on the Idol show…who knows?

Carole Bayer Sager had this to say about the making of “Exceptional.” “I met Bob and Tyrone a few years ago and was immediately impressed with not only the quality, but also the quantity of catalog of songs they produced. I invited them to have a meeting with David Foster and I because we were both impressed with their work. Tyrone shared a number of songs that we thought had really good potential. About a year or so later, Tyrone shared with me that he and Bob were working with an artist who was on American Idol…Anwar Robinson. I had been watching the show and had already taken notice of Anwar. Since that time, Tyrone shared with me a couple of songs that they wrote for Anwar (Exceptional and Night’s Hot). These songs show great creativeness and a high degree of writing skill. The marriage of song to artist is also an important point not to be overlooked as Anwar’s performance is quite breathtaking…especially on Exceptional.”
The good reviews don’t stop. Gerald Albright has firsthand experience working with Anwar from the Idol days. As a music industry insider, Albright’s perspective is telling. Hearing “Exceptional” Albright said, "I truly love the song "Exceptional." After performing with Anwar Robinson on American Idol, I immediately became a true fan of his voice and delivery. I also enjoy the wonderful textured and intimate production of this great song. It's a pleasure to hear real depth and passionate lyrics in the songwriting efforts. In this midst of so much that is shallow on the playlists of today's radio programming, this song is a welcomed relief."

Making a song like “Exceptional” is no easy feat. Production is equally important in making a classic. Onaje Allan Gumbs talks about the behind the scenes work that went into “Exceptional,” “Writers, producers, arrangers, engineers and all around good guys. The consistent level of creativity and production is light years ahead of many of the top productions being heard on the airwaves today. Bo-Ty Productions is where good music needs to be in the 21st Century.”

All great singers recognize real vocal skill so praise from Will Downing has special meaning. “What a beautiful song, yes I said "Song" something you don't hear much of these days. It's a great vocal and Production. Just when you think the song has reached its climax, Anwar takes it up a notch. There's no room to hide as a vocalist on a song like this and Anwar has no reason to as he delivers what I consider to be a more than "EXCEPTIONAL" performance.”

How exactly does music magic happen? When do you know you’re sitting on a tune that’s destined to become a quintessential love song? Anwar Robinson’s quote about working in the studio speaks to the creative process. "To this very day, I am still amazed with the results of collaborating with Tyrone and Bob. We have had a long-standing working relationship and even friendship, which is a rare treasure in the business that we are in. Bob and Tyrone have always supported me-long before I garnered the fan base from my run on "American Idol: Season 4,” and that speaks volumes.

Musically, Bo-Ty Productions brings unique elements to each artist they work with that enhances the very best quality in their artistry. I often feel as if I'm working with the world's best writing and production team whenever we work together. On top of all of our superb collaborative efforts, I always believe that the best is still yet to come, for with time, it only gets sweeter and sweeter. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to know Tyrone Corbett and Bob Donzella, and I know this to be the case with each artist they work with..."

Robert Donzella, Co-Principal at Bo-Ty Productions, LLC recalls the first time he met Anwar and the journey they took together, “One day, while visiting a fellow producer's studio in the corner of the room with his back towards me, a young man was playing incredible piano. A moment later a golden voice erupted from the same part of the room. I was struck by such pure and remarkable talent. A few minutes later I met Anwar.

Move forward in time and I find myself in a writing session with Ty and Anwar on Night's Hot...a song I might describe as a combination of swamp and smoke. It's comforting to know when you have a kernel of an idea your partner can take it and whip it into something cool...something Ty does frequently. As a production team both of us are very open to the artist's input. Needless to say Anwar's contribution was spot on and vibey. Add up the elements of unique track, interesting melodies, personalized lyrics and Ty's EXCEPTIONAL vocal production, put them in a creative box, squeeze in some inspirational glue, shake it around and you've got a Bo-Ty production.

The creative joy from that first encounter with Anwar continued to be present when we worked together and I am convinced will always be there as Bo-Ty continues with you on your journey. Anwar, I wish you continued success and happiness.”

Who could have predicted that needing a haircut would prove to be a launching pad for a formidable creative team? Tyrone Corbett, Co-Partner at Bo-Ty Productions, LLC sums up his experience working with Anwar Robinson and producing “Exceptional.” “Bob and I have known Anwar Robinson for about 10 years. I was initially introduced to Anwar by a mutual colleague at a local barber shop in New Jersey. I don’t recall if we actually exchanged phone numbers or not at that time. Oddly enough, about a month or so later, I was invited to a local producer’s home and as I was walking up to the address, to my surprise, so was Anwar. It was eerily odd, but we both shared there must have been a reason for our having met again. We wound up working together at that time and forming a great friendship. Also during that time period, Anwar was signed to Clive Davis and J Records in a group called “Art of Soul.”

Anwar and I were both working on separate projects, when he shared with me that he had auditioned for American Idol. We stayed in touch and after his run on AI, we resumed our working together. What’s really amazing about Anwar is his level of musicality. My partner and I would prepare a track for Anwar to sing and he would come in, listen to the track and say “F, that’s my favorite key”…Anwar has perfect pitch. In addition to this, his knowledge and sensitivity of/to music is quite impressive.

When we cut “Night’s Hot,” we immediately felt we had achieved something special as the song stands alone in its own territory…lol! Quite honestly, I had a friend come to me and say that he felt “Night’s Hot” was songwriting 101 as he had heard nothing comparable and the song showed a uniqueness all its own.

From a production standpoint, I did the drum track and Bob did the accompanying track…his take on writing and arranging is truly ingenious in my opinion. We added live bass, and then I edited the track to bring out elements that I thought would make things jump off. Bob and I already had the basic lyric concept for “Night’s Hot,” but we decided to bring Anwar in to finish the song as we thought it would be great to explore the collaboration. Once we cut the vocals, it was a wrap! The song has an incredible feel from track to final vocal performance.
On “Exceptional,” Bob did an incredible job on the arrangement and after he and I finished the song lyrically, we felt no other singer could capture the honesty and passion as Anwar would. The session was remarkable from beginning to end and we think “Exceptional” will be one of those songs that will transcend time.

Tracks available at all online retail outlets. http://bit.ly/BoTyAmazon

Description:: BETTYE LAVETTE Bridges the Atlantic With New CD 'INTERPRETATIONS: THE BRITISH ROCK SONGBOOK' Out May 25 on Anti-
LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - February 24, 2010) - BETTYE LAVETTE brings the British Invasion home to its American R&B roots on her latest CD, "INTERPRETATIONS: THE BRITISH ROCK SONGBOOK," due May 25 on Anti-. While BETTYE's Grammy-nominated 2007 disc "The Scene Of The Crime" went to the source to find triumph over her own anguish, "INTERPRETATIONS" looks to the past this time for inspiration and uncovers common ancestry in seemingly divergent musical paths.

Produced by BETTYE, Rob Mathes and Michael Stevens, the album is a 13-song journey through compositions by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd among others, before concluding right where the very idea for "INTERPRETATIONS" started: BETTYE's visceral show-stopping rendition of The Who's "Love Reign O'er Me" from the 2008 Kennedy Center Honors, which appears here as a bonus track.

That performance -- which first brought BETTYE together with Stevens (the event's producer) and Mathes (its musical director) -- served notice that BETTYE is no mere singer. As an extraordinary interpreter of song, she doesn't merely mold a piece of music to suit her tastes; she is a conjurer of deep, emotional truths: "Bettye LaVette punched a hole right through her version of Pete Townshend's 'Love Reign O'er Me,' letting all the song's emotion pour out in a way that its creators never conceived," observed the New York Daily News. Townshend himself came up to Bettye after her performance, took her hands into his and said, "You made me weep."

Throughout "INTERPRETATIONS," her performances are a revelation not just of raw emotion, but of the inexorable ties between British rock 'n' roll and the American blues and R&B, which when combined, catalyzed popular music. That Lennon, McCartney, and so many others who crossed the Atlantic in their wake, were deeply influenced by American music is no great secret. What BETTYE demonstrates here so convincingly is the degree to which rock 'n' roll and American soul remain bound by bloodlines.

The Beatles' pre-psychedelic "Rubber Soul" classic "The Word" takes on an almost religious fervor, while Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed" is transformed from a majestic pop song into a stark, almost desperate expression of devotion. Profound alienation becomes intense longing on Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here," and the wistful naivetÃ© of The Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin" matures into a deep and unshakeable lament. BETTYE inhabits these songs, revitalizes them and exposes the humanity that makes these 13 tracks not just pop songs, but enduring works of art.

Such mastery hardly comes as a surprise to at least one legend featured here. Elton John (whose "Talking Old Soldiers" appeared on "The Scene Of The Crime") offers this endorsement of BETTYE's impassioned take on "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me":

"Bettye LaVette has always been a wonderful singer -- I have been a huge fan for many years. To my delight and surprise she recorded an amazing version of 'Talking Old Soldiers' -- a song that nobody else has covered -- and made it her own.

"Now she has recorded 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' and has done exactly the same -- but this time with a much more familiar song. I am truly touched by her picking these songs and can only hope that this album brings more attention to this incredible artist."

The full track listing for "INTERPRETATIONS: THE BRITISH ROCK SONGBOOK" is as follows:

The Word (John Lennon/Paul McCartney)
No Time To Live (James Capaldi/Stephen Winwood)
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Bennie Benjamin/Gloria Caldwell/Sol Marcus)
All My Love (John Baldwin/Robert Plant)
Isn't It A Pity (George Harrison)
Wish You Were Here (David Gilmour/Roger Waters)
It Don't Come Easy (Richard Starkey)
Maybe I'm Amazed (Paul McCartney)
Salt Of The Earth (Michael Jagger/Keith Richards)
Nights In White Satin (David Hayward)
Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad (Eric Clapton/Bobby Whitlock)
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Elton John/Bernard Taupin)
Love Reign O'er Me (Peter Townshend) [BONUS TRACK]

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