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The latest release from Tommaso
Starace is Tommaso
Starace - The Power of Three
and it is one of Tommaso's best. The release was recorded in a large open venue
without the use of headphones, which allowed the band to hear and feel the raw
energy they were crafting. The ‘a cappella' type setting created a big resonant
sound that cascades throughout the release. The band takes the baseline of 7
covers and then projects their own feel and music sense to create renditions
that will have you touting the release with other music aficionados.
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The once up-and-coming
star, Ally Venable,
has not only arrived, but she raised the bar across the Blues-Rock genre with
her latest release Heart of Fire.
The release features 10 new songs and a rhythmic cover of Use Me by Bill
Withers. Heart of Fire features guitar legends Kenny
Wayne Shepherd and Devon Allman complementing the guitar
wizardry of Ally Venable.
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Leonard Bernstein
(1918 - 1990) was a highly acclaimed and celebrated American composer,
conductor, pianist, and educator, whose
music thrilled audiences throughout the world. His music has had a profound
influence on the world of Jazz, and Smithsonian Jazz
Masterworks Orchestra - Bernstein Reimagined released on the MCG Jazz label, celebrates his musical style,
achievement, and genius. The album hits the streets on January 29, 2021.
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Rhythm City the
self-titled debut album of Jazz trio Ptah Williams on
piano and keyboards, Larry Kornfeld on bass, and Rob
Silverman on drums, with special guests Eric
Marienthal on saxophone, Randy Brecker on trumpet, and
Michael Silverman on synthesizer, runs over 74 minutes of
instrumental eclectic Jazz pleasure. Released on the Autumn Hill Records label in December 2020,
this 8-track album deserves many a listen. If you love instrumental piano
Jazz, you are going to love Rhythm City.
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If you love Rock, Blues and Brazilian
music, then you are in for a treat with Artur
Menezes' latest release, Fading Away. Joining Artur
Menezes on the release are Gui Bodi, Lemar Carter, Kesha
Shantrell, Revel Day, Carey Frank, Travis Carlton. Matt Mitchell, Zé
Leal, Gary Novak, Chris Chaney, and Special Guests: Joe Bonamassa
and Josh Smith. Released on the VizzTone
label, this 8-track release is destined to become a favorite.
Although the title of the release is Fading Away, make no mistake, Artur
Menezes is front and center and boldly making his presence known.
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American singer, songwriter, guitarist Casey James shines
on his latest 10-track blues release, If You Don't
Know By Now produced by Grammy® winner Tom Hambridge.
Joining Casey James are Tom Hambridge, Tommy Macdonald,
Mike Rojas, Rob McNelley, Wendy Moten,
Bryan Meggison, and Desmond Ng. The release, Casey
James - If You Don't Know By Now, hit the street on September 18, 2020,
so run to pick up a copy.
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Alastair
Greene - The New World Blues is a fresh
and exciting release from Alastair Greene and has his trademark creative
lyrics and blazing electric and slide guitar. The release features a Power Trio
of Alastair Greene, Tab Benoit on drums and
harmonies, and Corey Duplechin on bass. The New World Blues
was recorded with limited remixing and only a few overdubs resulting in a "raw"
energy filled release that is cut from the souls of the Power Trio.
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Nora Jean Wallace has a voice that was made
to sing the blues, a voice that will knock you off your feet and demand your
attention and thank goodness for that. After taking a break from singing to
care for her mother, she returns full force with an album, Nora Jean Wallace -
Blues Woman, released by Severn Records, Inc.
label that is absolutely stunning. Joining Nora Jean are Kim Wilson,
Johnny Moeller, David Earl, Steve Gomes,
Kevin Anker, Steve Guyger, Stanley Banks,
and Robb Stupka. The release hits the streets on October 30,
2020.
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The
latest release Ain't
Done Yet from legendary band Savoy
Brown continues a decade long approach
that lead singer / songwriter / guitarist Kim Simmonds
has taken the band through. The Blues Rock sound of Savoy Brown is one of the longest
running in existence. The latest 10-track release shows that there is no slowing
down in energy or creativity for this legendary trio (Kim Simmonds, Pat
DeSalvo, and Garnet Grimm).
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Singer
Luba Mason has a wow of a release with Luba Mason - Triangle
released on the Blue
Canoe Records label that hits the streets on October 23, 2020.
Marking her fourth solo release, Luba Mason - Triangle features Luba
Mason's signature vocals, Joe Locke on vibraphone, Samuel
Torres on percussion, and James Genus on bass. Always on the
forefront of pushing music to new levels, Luba Mason challenges and engages her
audience with music across genres with Pop songs like Paul Simon's Fifty
Ways To Leave Your Lover and The Beatles Ticket To Ride, to Jazz,
Broadway songs, and more, all done with Luba Mason's creative styling
that will have you hitting the play button several times to have another
listen.
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American Jazz pianist and composer Chick Corea
takes the listener on a musical
journey that transcends time and place playing the music written by some of the
legendary pianists throughout history including Chopin, Scarlatti,
Scriabin, Mozart, Monk, Jobim, Gershwin, Evans, and Wonder
on Chick
Corea Plays, a 2-disc extravaganza of an album released on the Concord
Jazz label! On this release, there is no band backing him up, it is just
Chick Corea playing solo piano with music composed by some of his favorites and
it is fabulous! The first disc has 15-tracks and the second disc has 18 tracks.
Do pick up a copy and sit back for some incredible piano music.
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Multi-nominated bluesman Al Basile takes a
step in a new direction with his latest release, Last Hand
released on his Sweetspot
records label, which has a rich Jazzy Blues feel. Last
Hand is like a Blues opera that tells the tale of a May-December
romance over the course of this fabulous 12-track release. Joining Al are Bruce
Bears on piano and organ, Brad Hallen on electric bass,
and Mark Teixeira on drums. The musicianship is on this release
is pure magic to complement Al Basile's engaging lyrics. The album hits the
streets on August 21, 2020, so grab yourself a copy and sit back and enjoy listening
to an exciting tale told by songwriter extraordinaire Al Basile.
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I love Jazz
piano and when I saw Michael Silverman's debut
instrumental Jazz album, Michael Silverman - Human Spirit featuring Jeff Lorber,
I was intrigued to give it a listen, followed by several listens. Joined by his
brother, acclaimed veteran drummer Rob Silverman, and a host of
talented guest musicians Jimmy Haslip, Eric Marienthal, David Benoit,
Michael Thompson, Adam Hawley, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Gary Novak,
the album sparkles with crystal clarity. The release hits the street on July 15,
2020.
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Anthony Geraci -
Daydreams In Blue with Dennis Brennan released on the Shining Stone
Records label is an
impressive 12-track Blues release that hits the street on July
10, 2020. Anthony Geraci is not only a gifted pianist he also shows his prowess
as a talented a songwriter having written 10 of the songs on this release.
Boston musician and his friend Dennis Brennan along with Troy
Gonyea and Peter Ward contribute one song, and Anthony
Geraci beautifully covers the 1941 hit Jelly, Jelly written by Earl
Hines and William (Billy) Eckstein. Special guests on the release include the
legendary guitarists Walter Trout and Monster Mike Welch.
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New York Jazz
trumpeter John Lake has a fabulous new 11- track instrumental
Jazz release entitled, Seven Angels, that hits the street on June
26, 2020. I got my hands on the release early for Luxury Experience, and instrumental
Jazz fans are in for a real treat with Seven Angels. John
Lake proves his mettle as a dynamic Jazz composer, arranger,
and soloist on this dynamic freshman release, so be sure to grab
a copy and give it a listen.
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 Blues singer songwriter Crystal Shawanda shows her passion and her incredible vocals on her latest release, Church House Blues released on the Canadian True North Records label. Joining forces with Crystal Shawanda on this fantastic release: Darren James, Dave Roe, Michael Dearing, Jonathan Nixon, Hinkie Hamilton, Dewayne Strobel, Tommy Stillwell, Peter Keys, Jessie O'Brien, Dana Robbins, Miqui Guitierez, Stephen Hanner, McCrary Sisters, Angela Hurt, KG Green, and Quisha Wint. The 10-track Blues album hits the streets on April17, 2020. This is one you will definitely want to add to your Blues collection. |
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 Ella Fitzgerald fans are going to fall in love with the new release, Ella 100: Live at the Apollo! Released on the Concord Jazz label, the album celebrates the life and music of the legendary Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. Featuring a host of Jazz greats including Patti Austin, Andra Day, Lizz Wright & The Ella 100 All-Star Quartet: Shelly Berg, Nathan East, Brian Nova and Gregg Field, Afro Blue, Casandra Wilson, Ledisi, Monica Mancini, The Count Basie Orchestra, David Alan Grier, and the inimitable Ella Fitzgerald herself on the last track, this 80-minute album is pure listening pleasure and is destined to become a favorite of Jazz collectors. Ella 100: Live at the Apollo! is set to hit the streets on April 24, 2020. |
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 Instrumental Blues fans are going to love the 14-track album, 11 Guys Quartet: Small Blues and Grooves, released on the Vizz Tone label group. Longtime friends and musicians, Paul Lenart on guitar, Bill "Coach" Mather on bass, Chuck Purro on drums, and Richard Rosenblatt on harmonica make up the 11 Guys Quartet and they wrote all of the original music, so sit back and settle in for a listen of 11 Guys Quartet: Small Blues and Grooves. The release hit the streets in late January 2020. |
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 I just returned from a fabulous trip to Brazil, and while I could not take our readers along, I can introduce you to Brazil's own multi-award winning producer, composer, keyboardist and vocalist, Sergio Mendes and his latest album set to hit the streets on February 28, 2020, Sergio Mendes - In the Key of Joy released on the Concord Records label. |
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 American Jazz pianist, keyboardist and composer Chick Corea has over 20 Grammy awards to his name and 63 nominations, so it came as no surprise to learn that his latest album, Chick Corea The Spanish Heart Band - Antidote, has earned a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album. The 11-track release on the Concord Jazz label is 74-minutes of pure listening pleasure. Special guests joining Chick Corea and The Spanish Heart Band (Marcus Gilmore, Carlitos Del Puerto, Jorge Pardo, Niño Josele, Steve Davis, Michael Rodriguez, Luisito Quintero, Nino de los Reyes) on this stellar release include vocals by Ruben Blades, Gayle Moran Corea, and Maria Bianca. Come the 62nd Grammy Awards on January 26, 2020, I will be cheering for a win for Chick Corea The Spanish Heart Band - Antidote. |
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 Contemporary Instrumental Jazz fans are in for a time travel treat from the band Spyro Gyra with their latest album, Spyro Gyra Vinyl Tap released on the Amherst Records label. Spyro Gyra, comprised of Jay Beckenstein, Tom Schuman, Julio Fernandez, Scott Ambush, and Lionel Cordew take the listener back to the 1960s and 1970s by covering some of the best songs from that period. By giving them an instrumental Jazz interpretation and arrangements, the songs feel fresh and fun. Guest musicians Gary Schreiner, Michito Sanchez and Skip Martin join the band on a stellar release from Spyro Gyra. The album hits the streets in October 2019. |
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 Tad Robinson - Real Street is a perfect Soulful Blues harmonica-driven album released on the Severn Records, Inc. label to help you ease into Autumn as it hits the streets in September 2019. The 10-track release is a well-crafted blend of original music and four select covers that will have you in the mood for dancing to the Blues. Tad Robinson and his band, Charles Hodges, Leroy Hodges, Howard Grimes, Kevin Anker, Marc Franklin, Kirk Smothers, and Devin B.Thompson deliver the musical goods on a Soulful Blues release that deserves recognition. |
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 Philippe Saisse Trio - the BODY AND SOUL sessions Remastered takes the listener down an instrumental memory lane of memorable songs by Steely Dan, Lennon and McCartney, James Taylor, Jorge Ben, Boz Scaggs, and Johnny Green to name but a few. The Philippe Saisse Trio - the BODY AND SOUL sessions, remastered, is 12-tracks of exceptional music by Philippe Saisse on piano, Fender Rhodes, and keyboards, David Finck on bass, and Scooter Warner on drums and percussion. |
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 Adam Holt: Kind of Blues is a 10-track Blues and Southern Rock album released on the Zenith Records label featuring 9 original songs written by the multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist Adam Holt, and a great tribute to Bob Dylan on the band's cover of Lay Lady Lay. Joining Adam Holt are bandmates Owen Finley, Greg Deluca, Donnie Sundal, Lee Yankie, Mark Welborn, and Pierre Robinson, with John Keuler layering in additional guitars. The release hits the streets on May 24, 2019, making it the perfect musical backdrop for the summer (or anytime) months. |
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 The Phil Madeira: Crickets album is one of the best instrumental Jazz piano releases that I have come across in quite a while. Featuring the multi-talented award-winning musician, songwriter, and producer Phil Madeira on piano, Bahsaan Barberon saxophones, Aaron Smith on drums, Roland Barber on trombone and trumpet, James Hollihan on electric guitar, and Chris Donohue on upright bass, the Phil Madeira: Crickets album is one for Jazz collectors' collections. |
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 Brazilian band, the Blues Beatles deftly combines the band's love of the Blues with their passion for the Beatles, and their 9-track release, Blues Beatles 2017 goes beyond a tribute and delves deeper into showcasing and melding two distinct styles and imprinting it with their own indelible mark; namely Blues and Beatles music. With songs: A Hard Day's Night, Eleanor Rigby, You Can't Do That, Stand By Me, I've Got A Feeling, Ticket To Ride, Yellow Submarine, The Word, and Help, the album is a standout. |
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 Multi-award winning singer, songwriter, and Soul-Blues musician, Matt Andersen sets the pace with his latest release, Halfway Home By Morning, a 13-track Blues album released on the True North Records label. Add the incredible vocals of Amy Helm and The McCrary Sisters, along with musicians Steve Dawson, Mike Farrington, Jay Bellerose, Jim Hoke, Charles Rose, and Steve Hermann to the mix, and this is a release that you will want to add to your Blues collection. |
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 Listening to Live At Little Gem Saloon: Basin Street Records Celebrates 20 Years, with Jason Marsalis, Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield, Bill Summers, Dr. Michael White, and Davell Crawford will have you wanting to book an immediate trip to New Orleans to listen to more great Jazz; it's that good. Celebrating Basin Street Records' 20th anniversary, the 9-track Jazz release includes top New Orleans musicians Jason Marsalis, Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield, Bill Summers, Dr. Michael White, Davell Crawford, Oscar Rossignoli, Jasen Weaver, Gerald Watkins, Yoshitaka "Z2", Kevin Morris, Jerry Barbarin Anderson, Ronald Markham, Gregory Stafford, Seva Venet, Devone Allison, Jameison Ledonio, Shelly Spruill II, and Leshawn Lee. |
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 Singer, songwriter, musician Bob Baldwin takes on The Beatles in his latest project, Bob Baldwin Presents Abbey Road and The Beatles, a sensational 12-track urban-jazz album that shows the legacy of the British band and the talents of Bob Baldwin. Add featured vocalists CeCe Peniston and Lori Williams, and saxophone great Euge Groove for good measure and the release really flies. |
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 Getting into the Christmas spirit is easy with a little holiday cheer from Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers: The Christmas Swing. The 10-track Blues album featuring Erin Harpe, Jim Countryman, Matt "Charles" Prozialeck, and Chris Anzalone with Special Guests: John Juxo and Richard Rosenblatt released on the VizzTone Label Group /Juicy Juju Records/Squirrelygirl Music is a mix of new and old-time favorites that are sure to get your holiday party started in style. |
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 Southern Blues Rock singer, songwriter, master guitarist Alastair Greene takes time from touring with the band to speak with Luxury Experience about his new release, Alastair Greene - Live From The 805 recorded in his hometown of Santa Barbara, California, about on the road touring, and life in general. Life is looking good for the multi-talented Alastair Greene. |
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 Listen up Alastair Greene fans! I just listened to the new Alastair Greene Live From The 805, a 2-Disc, 20-track album that is going to rock your Southern Blues Rock world; it did mine. Released on the Rip Cat Records label, Alastair Greene proves his mettle as a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, along and his band mates, Jim Rankin on bass and Austin Beede on drums. Recorded live in Santa Barbara, California in front of a sold-out show, the 94:30-minute release has great energy and drive.
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 British Blues rocker singer, songwriter, guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor has a killer new album, Wild, which hits the streets on August 31, 2018. Joanne Shaw Taylor co-wrote 9 of the 11-tracks on the Wild release, and fully does justice to 2 great covers, the Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington song, Wild Is The Wind, and the George Gershwin and DuBose Heyward song, Summertime. Joanne Shaw Taylor struts her stuff with her powerful vocals and proves her mastery as a top Blues Rock guitarist, as well as songwriter. This release is one that you will want to add to your collection. |
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 Fans of early Blues music are in for a rare treat with Rory Block - A Woman's Soul - A Tribute to Bessie Smith released on the Stony Plain Records label. For her latest release, multi-award-winning Blues singer/songwriter/musician Rory Block pays tribute to the legendary Blues singer, Bessie Smith known as the Empress of the Blues, with songs from the 1920s and 1930s. For this 10-track release, its all Rory Block, with no outside distractions and the result is something wonderful. |
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 Singer, Songwriter, Blues Rocker Dana Fuchs has a killer new album out, Love Lives On, released on her own record label, Get Along Records. The 13-track release is Dana Fuchs at her best, a heady mix of songs that hit you hard, songs that caress and give you hope, and emotionally charged lyrics that will leave you crying, laughing, and hitting the replay button to relive the magic of Dana Fuchs - Love Lives On.
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 Brazilian Jazz pianist, composer Ricardo Bacelar brings exciting rhythms and a host of talented musicians to his latest project, Ricardo Bacelar - Sebastiana. This sumptuous 15-track release brings together the creative talent of Brazilian, American, Venezuelan, Cuban, Columbian, and Argentine musicians and singers to create a release that is as tasty and satisfying as a bowl of Brazilian feijoada with its delicious mélange of instrumental compositions, and songs sung in English and in Portuguese. |
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 The Queen of Blues Rock Dana Fuchs took time to speak with Luxury Experience about her new release, Love Lives On, her own record label, Get Along Records, and life in general. Since her debut album in 2003, Dana Fuchs keeps on growing as an artist and always keeps audiences and listeners delightfully surprised. |
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 Blues Rocker singer songwriter musician Ally Venable shows a maturity and talent beyond her nineteen years writing all of the music for her 10-track release, Ally Venable Band - Puppet Show released on the Connor Ray Music label. Joined by band members Elijah Owings on drums, and Bobby Wallace on bass, and special guests Gary Hoey, Lance Lopez, Eric Steckel, and Steve Krase, the release is outstanding and makes the Ally Venable Band one to watch. |
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 Mike Zito - First Class Life released on the Ruf Records label is a masterful release for Blues singer/songwriter/guitarist Mike Zito .Joined by Lewis Stephens, Matthew Johnson, Terry Dry, and Bernard Allison, the 11-track release showcases Mike Zito's rich story telling lyrics, the talent of the musicians, and has enough chops to keep you repeatedly hitting the replay button. The release hits stores on May11, 2018. |
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 With his latest release, Mud Morganfield - They Call Me Mud released in March 2018 on the Severn Records label, Mud Morganfield, son of the late Blues master Muddy Waters, proves the apple did not fall far from the talent tree, as a singer, songwriter, and Blues musician, with 12 exceptional tracks that will make Blues fans want to pick up a copy a give it several listens. |
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 Looking to Jazz up the Christmas holidays? Dave Koz and Friends - David Benoit, Rick Braun, Peter White - 20th Anniversary Christmas album released on the Concord Music Group is perfect to create a festive atmosphere. For the past 20 years, Dave Koz and friends have helped Jazz fans celebrate the holiday season. For 2017, Dave Koz teams up with friends, pianist David Benoit, trumpeter Rick Braun, and guitarist Peter White to create holiday magic on the 11-track album. Joined by special guest vocalists Gabriel Orengo, Selina Albright, Javier Colon, Kenny Lattimore, and Jeffrey Osborne, Dave Koz and Friends - David Benoit, Rick Braun, Peter White - 20thAnniversary Christmas is the perfect accompaniment for holiday parties or just sitting by the Christmas tree with your special someone. |
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 Blues singer, songwriter, guitarist Casey James took time from touring to speak with Luxury Experience about his new fabulous release, Strip It Down, as well as about his life. From learning to play guitar at age 13, to being a finalist on American Idol, to his musical journey through life, Casey James is clearly an inspired talent who looks ahead and builds on each experience; he is also an extremely nice person. |
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 Casey James hits his mark dead-center with his new 14-track Blues release, Casey James - Strip It Down, produced by Grammy® Winner Tom Hambridge. Joined by Ron McNelley, Tommy McDonald, Delbert McClinton, Pat Buchanan, Muscle Shoals Horns, Tom Hambridge, and Wendy Moten, former American Idol finalist Casey James proves his talent as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. |
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 Broadway star Telly Leung is a "triple threat" - a theater term for someone who can act, sing, and dance. With a host of top-Broadway shows under his belt, including his current role in the hit Broadway musical - Aladdin, as well as television appearances including the role of Wes the Warbler on Glee, he is someone who continues to prove his mettle. Telly Leung takes time from his busy schedule to speak with Luxury Experience. |
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 Alastair Greene - Dream Train is a mélange of Blues and Southern Rock across 13-tracks of excellence with original music written by Alastair Greene featuring the trio of Alastair Greene, Jim Rankin, and Austin Beede, with an illustrious line-up of special guests including Walter Trout, Mike Finnigan, Dennis Gruenling, Debbie Davies, and Mike Zito, released on the Rip Cat Records label. If you love Blues and Southern Rock, you are going to love this release, I sure did! From start to finish Alastair Greene - Dream Train delivers the musical goods.
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 Eliane Elias - Dance Of Time marks Brazilian Jazz pianist, singer, songwriter, composer's 24th album. Released on the Concord Music Group label, this outstanding 12-track release has already earned two Latin Grammy® nominations for Best Latin Jazz Album and Best Engineered Album. The album celebrates the music that influenced Eliane Elias while growing up in Brazil, as well as the 100th anniversary of samba, so put on your dancing shoes and get ready for romance with this spectacularly brilliant release sung in English and Portuguese.
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 Writing about music since college, when I saw the book, Leo Fender: The Quiet Giant Heard Around The World written by Phyllis Fender and Randall Bell, I knew that it was a book I wanted to read, as guitarists have long cherished Fender guitars. Written by Leo Fender's widow, Phyllis Fender, and Randall Bell, who grew up in the same neighborhood as the Fenders, and whose father worked for the Fender company, the book is filled with fun, personal anecdotes and photos that humanize the creative genius who left his mark on the world and forever changed the sound of music and electric guitars.
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