On February 15, 2011, Cowboy Junkies will release Demons, the second album in the four-volume Nomad Series on their own Latent Recordings. A collection of songs by the late Vic Chesnutt, Demons is described by Michael Timmins as “a labour of love” that explores Chesnutt’s deep and much overlooked catalogue and it follows the critically acclaimed first volume of the series, Renmin Park.
The band approached Chesnutt’s music with the same sense of adventure that Chesnutt approached his own recordings. Timmins says, “We let happy accidents happen and tried to invest his songs with the same spirit in which they were written, but at the same time adding our own Northern spin. Exploring his songs and delving deeper and deeper into them has been an intense, moving and joyous experience. I don’t think Vic would have wanted it any other way.”
Also available on February 15 from the band’s website will be a bonus digital only EP of seven Vic Chesnutt songs that Cowboy Junkies recorded during the Demons session that are not available on the CD. The track listing for both the CD and the digital EP are listed below. Demons will be followed by volumes 3 and 4 of the series: Sing in My Meadow and The Wilderness.
1. Wrong Piano
2. Flirted With You All My Life
3. See You Around
4. Betty Lonely
5. Square Room
6. Ladle
7. Supernatural
8. West of Rome
9. Strange Language
10. We Hovered With Short Wings
11. When the Bottom Fell Out
Demons Bonus EP Track Listing
1. Stay Inside
2. Forthright
3. Withering
4. Marathon
5. Old Hotel
6. Sad Peter Pan
7. Guilty By Association
Al Di Meola covers the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields”. It’s It’s from his upcoming release ‘Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody’ out 3.15 on Concord Music Group. The album demonstrates this guitar legend’s ongoing fascination with complex rhythmic syncopation, combined with provocative lyrical melodies and sophisticated harmony -
Di Meola collaborated with World Sinfonia on ‘Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody” (accordionist Fausto Beccalossi, second guitarist Kevin Seddiki, bassist Victor Miranda, drummer Peter Kazsas and percussionist Gumbi Ortiz) as well as Pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, percussionist Mino Cinelu, Hungary’s Sturcz String Quartet and former Weather Report drummer Peter Erskine.
As a member of the groundbreaking jazz-fusion group Return to Forever starting in the 1970s, and in his solo work since, Di Meola earned a reputation for being technically brilliant with unbelievable chops. For the past several years, however, he has been spent as much time composing for chamber orchestras in Europe as creating blazing guitar solos. With World Sinfonia, Di Meola moves his audience with the range of emotions in his music, rather than simply blowing them away with his technique.
The new sensational rock band, Valora, is taking everyone by storm. Lead singer Syd Duran, with her electrifying voice and passionate guitar playing, is the heart and soul of Valora. “Each member lends their own unique talents and personality to Valora. We’re bandmates, best friends, and family” Syd says of Lead guitarist Ryan Villa, guitarist Armani Sanchez, drummer Jared Baez, and bassist Kasim Somers. Syd’s compelling charisma was first discovered when Valora decided to shoot a music video for what would become the band’s first hit, “I Waited For You.” Working with a production budget of only $400, a backdrop of Whittier High School, and a cutting-edge student director, Valora produced a music video that began to spread like wildfire across media outlets on the Internet. Amidst hundreds of thousands of aspiring artists and YouTube videos, Syd’s unique voice caught the attention of a number of major label A&R executives in a matter of one week. Syd responded to a call from Hollywood Records, and days later she was in the Chairman’s office performing live.
Syd describes Valora’s music as “theatrical rock,” with an emphasis on “epic songs.” The band’s sound has been compared to Heart, Muse and Queens of the Stone Age. Valora just completed writing and recording songs for their debut album, currently set for release in June of this year. The band collaborated with Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K, best known for his highly-acclaimed work with Three Doors Down, Plain White T’s, Disturbed and Staind. With Johnny K’s touch, this contagious rock band has created a genuine, heart-wrenching rock album that will withstand the tests of time. Syd’s vocal inspirations include Jack White, Janis Joplin, Chrissie Hynde and Jeff Buckley. But she is humble about her gifts, quick to admit that her powerful singing voice didn’t come naturally to her. “It took a lot of practicing to discover my voice. I had to really work at it,” she recalls. “From my experience, I truly believe that anyone who wants to sing, can. You just have to find your voice.”
“The Yule Logs may just be what you need alongside your eggnog this holiday season. When you’ve had your fill of Andy Williams or The King, do yourself a favor and pop in this debut.” -Stereo Subversion ..
“Mixing slinky surf-guitar, doo-wop harmonies, Beatlesesque melodies, and plenty of straight up rock-n-roll, these tunes sound great anytime of the year, but definitely come in handy when trying find something everyone can agree on for that big holiday dance party you’ve been planning.” -Firestone Pathfinder
“They’re from California, and they are ridiculous. But, also kind of delightful.” -The New York Rocket Market
With a sound and songs that are “timeless and transcend genre” (Celebrity Cafe ’10), the Steve Palmer Band is the latest addition to the east coast rock scene. Led by singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist Steve Palmer, the powerful and accomplished band can play a four piece traditional rock set up, a six piece with a B-3 player and background vocalists, as well as solo and unplugged gigs. Their debut CD “Apparition” will be released March 1st, 2011 on Arythmia Records.
The band features Bryan Ewald on lead guitar, Josh Chapman on bass, Tony Morra on drums and Larry Hall on keyboards and Hammond B3 organ. Its members are all veteran players with a collective century of studio and concert experience that have joined together with Palmer into a genuine and committed band. On the road, Steve works with other great players including Brian Fullen and other Nashville players.
STEVE PALMER BAND OFFERS A FREE
DOWNLOAD OF THEIR HOLIDAY RELEASE
‘IN LOVE’ TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITIES
The song is now
available for a free download to help raise money for charities Save The
Children and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Through January 31,
Arythmia Records will raise and donate $.05 cents for each of the first
200,000 fans who download the feel-good track. Visit
stevepalmerband.com for your free download and click ‘ShareThis.’
