Sunday, August 07, 2011

Sights and Sounds: Counting Crows, The Monkees, Paul Rodgers, Bill Frisell, The Hollies and more!

Eagle Rock Entertainment, Cinema Libre Studio and Savoy Jazz continue to issue fantastic new and long-lost treasures of special interest to music fans. Read some highlights of recent media releases focusing on upcoming collections from the far-flung likes of Django Reinhardt, singer-songwriter Paul Rodgers, '60s group The Monkees, Bill Frisell and Styx that have landed in my welcoming inbox.

I'll kick things off in this post with some highlights from a wrap-up of upcoming releases from Eagle Rock. I am especially excited about the release of sets featuring all of the episodes of the original Monkees television series, as well as live concerts featuring Rodgers (who was fantastic when I saw him in concert recently), The Pretenders and The Hollies. Read on!


August 30
Counting Crows/August And Everything After-Live At Town Hall/CD, Blu-Ray & DVD


All three entertainment formats are present and accounted for in this lavish look at Counting Crows live at Town Hall in New York City on September 18, 2007. Filmed in high definition, this is the first Counting Crows DVD and Blu-ray ever released, complete with a bonus interview about the history of the band’s early days. Celebrating their iconic 1993 album August And Everything After, which sold over 7 million copies in the US, this one night stands supreme in the minds of the band members themselves as one of their greatest nights. The entire August And Everything After album is performed with passion and precision complete with jam-worthy elongated portions. [MSRP $14.98 for DVD, $13.98 for CD, and $19.98 for Blu-ray]

Tangerine Dream/Live in America 1992/MOD

With seven Grammy nominations and a ton of respect, these totally creative musicians have inspired electronica bands all over the world and it’s all on display right here. Caught crossing the States in 1992 promoting their Rockoon album, this CD and DVD captures the band at its most atmospheric and dramatic. In 1992, Tangerine Dream was in its 25th year of existence. Eagle Rock Entertainment previously released this concert on DVD. [MSRP $13.98]

September 13
The Pretenders/Loose In L.A./Blu-Ray

Topping the charts on both sides of the Atlantic, The Pretenders have been a powerful force in rock music for 30 years. Loose In L.A. showcases their 2003 headlining show at The Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, California, in support of their Loose Screw album. Filmed in high-definition for their first concert DVD ever, they delved deep into their catalog for a 26-song set, including favorites like “Message Of Love” and “Brass In Pocket.” Add the promotional video clip for “You Know Who Your Friends Are,” a special backstage bonus feature and an onstage montage and you’ve got two hours and 15 minutes of pure Pretenders. This concert was also released via Eagle Rock Entertainment on DVD in 2003. [MSRP $19.98]

Paul Rodgers & Friends/Live At Montreux 1994/CD & DVD

Paul Rodgers is one of the all-time rock ’n’roll frontmen – Free, Bad Company and Queen. His soulful bluesy style informed such hits as “All Right Now,” “Feel Like Making Love” and dozens of others. Here, at the acclaimed Montreux fest, he fronts an all-star lineup including Journey’s Neal Schon, and Foreigner’s Jason Bonham. Other friends such as Toto’s Steve Lukather, Queen’s Brian May, plus bluesmen Eddie Kirkland and Luther Allison jam on some good ol’ gutbucket blues. (Rodgers was touring in support of his Muddy Water Blues album.) Seventeen tracks…with a rousing finale of Muddy’s “Hoochie Coochie Man.” [MSRP $13.98 for CD, $14.98 for DVD]


September 20
Gary Moore/Live At Montreux 2010/CD, DVD, Blu-Ray


A return-to-form after years of exploring the blues, Irish guitar legend Gary Moore rocked out hard during his Montreux appearance last year, surprising fans with the ferocity of his playing. Moore was in the midst of recording an all-rock album earlier this year when he tragically passed away at the age of 59 on February 6. This kickin’ 11-track concert (the blu-ray includes two extra songs) includes three of those new tracks that will now never be recorded as well as some blues sprinkled in amongst his '80s rock hits. A stunning set! [MSRP $13.98 for CD, $14.98 for DVD, and $19.98 for Blu-ray]


September 27
The Monkees/The Monkees Season #1 6DVD and Season #2 5DVD


Hey Hey They're The Monkees! And now the Emmy Award-winning television series is back for the first time in nearly a decade. Season #1, which introduced Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz, features the first 32 episodes on six DVDs, 830 minutes of zany Monkees comedy and music. Season #2 has the final 25 episodes on five discs, 750 minutes worth. Assembled in 1966, the Monkees had massive hits and mass appeal for a generation weaned on the Beatles. Songs like "I'm A Believer," "(I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone," "Last Train To Clarksville" and many others have stood the test of time. Bonuses include commentary from the band & directors on select episodes, discography, trivia, and more. [MSRP $39.98]


October 4
The Hollies/Look Through Any Window 1963-1975/DVD


Twelve years of those high-flying harmonies and beautifully melodic compositions! With 22 complete performances and new interviews with Graham Nash, Allan Clarke, Tony Hicks and Bobby Elliott, this carefully crafted DVD focuses in on their peak years when the band chimed in to the tune of 27 British hit singles. As part of the much-publicized "British Invasion," The Hollies made their mark in the U.S., pioneering the way for other Brit bands to cross the pond and conquer America. Two hours+ of Holly-Mania! [MSRP $14.98]

Styx/Regeneration/2CD

Having sold over 10 million albums in North America, Styx-- Tommy Shaw, James Young, Chuck Panozzo, Lawrence Gowan, Ricky Phillips and Todd Sucherman—is releasing newly recorded versions of their epic hits, performed by the band’s current lineup. This beautifully-packaged two-disc set, packed with 15 tracks, includes their brand new song “Difference In The World,” as well as “High Enough” and “Coming Of Age” from Shaw’s Damn Yankees.
Up until now, Regeneration has only been available on merch stands throughout Styx’s worldwide tours. Now, it’s finally being released commercially for all classic rock fans to enjoy. The band continues to tour the globe, introducing new fans to favorites like “Crystal Ball,” “Come Sail Away,” and “Renegade,” which are all featured on this album. [MSRP $17.98]

For more information on these exciting releases and many more, visit Eagle Rock Entertainment's Web site at http://www.eagle-rock.com/



Life After Django Reinhardt
LIFE AFTER DJANGO REINHARDT
SRP: $19.95 | TRT: 54 minutes
Street Date: 8/16/11 | UPC: 881394112827
Catalog: CLS 1128 | Genre: Documentary/ Music
Language: French with English subtitles

Django Reinhardt was a jazz pioneer known for creating an idiom of jazz called “Gypsy Jazz” or “Gypsy Swing”. He was the original “guitar hero” in the sense that he invented a radical new way to play guitar, commonly known as “hot guitar.” This film celebrates the 100th birthday of Django Reinhardt by documenting the “Django 100” a group of a 100 musicians whom have gathered together to honor the talented guitarist as a tribute to his life. Cinema Libre Studio proudly presents LIFE AFTER DJANGO REINHARDT, coming to DVD and digital platforms on August 16, 2011.

Django Reinhardt is known as a master, creator and “pure ecstasy” to his devotees. These 100 musicians gather to pay homage to the man, who paved the way for them. Without Reinhardt “Gypsy Jazz” may never have been realized. There is an inexplicable passion and obsession that is brought to life by this film, as conveyed by they way the guitarists have given up words in exchange for melodies.

Reinhardt’s musical style of “Gypsy Jazz” has influenced many musicians. Some of these musicians featured in the film include; David Reinhardt, the grandson of the Django Reinhardt who now leads his own trio inspired by his grandfather. Angelo Debarre, an accomplished guitarist who has performed in several significant jazz festivals, including Birdland's "Django Festival." Boulou Ferre, who was a child prodigy who began playing professional at the age of twelve and has incorporated Django’s “Gypsy Jazz” with other musical styles such as bebop and classical. Tchavolo Schmitt, who began playing at the age of six is another renowned “Gypsy Jazz” guitarist.

THE LIFE AFTER DJANGO director, Olivier Kowalski, is a classically trained musician, whose passion led him to make this film. Kowalski formed a group called Komintern, who is renowned for the album, The Ball of the Dead Rat, which became a collector's item. It was his love for film though that changed the direction of his career. Kowalski became the director of a music publishing company and later the head of Davout Studios, which is one of the top studios to record music for French cinema. In 1994, he bought the studio, which he currently manages today.

SYNOPSIS:
LIFE AFTER DJANGO REINHARDT pays tribute to Django Reinhardt, the Roma genius, born to Gypsy parents in 1910, is considered by many to be the single most important guitarist in the entire history of jazz. To honor the 100th anniversary of Django’s birth, one hundred of his disciples, including his grandson David Reinhardt, have gathered together for the “Django 100 Centennial Tour” -- traveling the world to pay homage to this exceptional type-setter who marked the 20th century. Hear stories of the influence and passion by some of the more notable jazz guitarists including, Elios and Boulou Ferré, Angelo Debarre and Tchavlo Schmitt, as they prepare for the tour. Listen to the familiar songs performed by these renowned musicians -- all of whom have dedicated their lives and their careers to the legend.
More information is available at: www.lifeafterdjango.com or www.cinemalibrestudio.com



BILL FRISELL EXPLORES THE SONGS OF JOHN LENNON ON “ALL WE ARE SAYING”

Master Guitarist/Interpreter Records His Definitive Versions
To Be Released On Savoy Jazz September 27


Consummate guitarist, composer and musical interpreter Bill Frisell has assembled a trusted ensemble consisting of Jenny Scheinman (violin), Tony Scherr (bass), Greg Leisz (guitars) and Kenny Wollesen (drums) to record his definitive take on the classic songs of John Lennon. Titled ALL WE ARE SAYING, the project has long been in the works—one could go as far back as the first time he heard the Beatles at the age of 13. Fast forward a few decades and Frisell is asked to put together an impromptu set in honor of John Lennon as part of a special event in Paris. The preparation, performances and reception to these compositions was an inspiration nurtured to fruition with this project. Recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley and produced by Lee Townsend, ALL WE ARE SAYING will be released on Savoy Jazz on September 27, 2011.

Described by the Wall Street Journal as “the most innovative and influential jazz guitarist of the past 25 years” Frisell’s artistry has earned across the board praise for his instinctual musicianship—working both within and beyond the parameters of jazz music as he effortlessly incorporates elements of Americana, world, blues, classical, creating a rich and unique aural tapestry.

Says Frisell: “John Lennon's music has been with me, the band, everybody, the world...seems like forever. The songs are part of us. In our blood. There was nothing we really needed to do to prepare for this. We've been preparing our whole lives. The songs are there. All we had to do was play them. Everyone involved with this has their own personal, deep, long, relationship to John Lennon's music. It connects us all and brings us together. I feel blessed having the chance to play this music with these people.”.

“All We Are Saying” Songs Include:

Across the Universe
Revolution
Nowhere Man
Imagine
Please Please Me
You've Got to Hide Your Love Away
Hold On
In My Life
Come Together
Julia
Woman
# 9 Dream
Love
Beautiful Boy
Mother
Give Peace a Chance

Bill Frisell is managed by Songline/Tone Field Productions (www.songtone.com).



For more information, visit www.savoyjazz.com

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