Paul Rodgers brings ‘Free Spirit’ to Quarto Valley Records

I truly believe Paul Rodgers is one of rock's greatest-ever and most important voices. Since first catching him with The Firm back in the 1980s, I have been impressed by him every time I've caught him in concert or via his stellar albums. In 2011, he performed at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA; read my review of that concert here. More recently, I caught Rodgers in a spellbinding performance at Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point, CA; you can read my review of that concert here. Today comes exciting news that a May 2017 concert at Royal Albert Hall is coming to audio CD and DVD via Quarto Valley Records in spring 2018. Below is the official media release. Robert Kinsler

Paul Rodgers brings ‘Free Spirit’ to Quarto Valley Records

Live Album From London’s Royal Albert Hall Includes Free’s Biggest Hits

Paul Rodgers / Photo credit: Christie Goodwin

Los Angeles, CA (January 9, 2018) … In London, England, on May 28, 2017, Paul Rodgers returned to his roots, bringing fans an extraordinary evening celebrating the music of Free. This sold out concert at the Royal Albert Hall was captured for a live CD / DVD set to be released by Quarto Valley Records in spring 2018.  The 16-song collection includes inspired performances of rock classics like “All Right Now,” “Wishing Well,” “Fire and Water,” and many deep tracks—some of which were never performed live by the original band, such as “Love You So” and “Catch a Train”. 

“I have been making music for a long, long, long time, so to get super charged and re-inspired to perform was a revelation”, says Rodgers. “I loved the Free Spirit Tour and the guys who helped create the magic, Pete Bullick, Rich Newman, Ian Rowley and Gerard 'G' Louis. I hope you feel it too, just lose yourself in the music and let it fuel your soul.”

Beginning his iconic music career as a founding member, main songwriter, and front man for Free, Rodgers is regarded as one of the greatest vocalists in rock history by contemporaries and fans. According to Eric Clapton, “Paul Rodgers is the real deal,” while Robert Plant, “Paul Rodgers [is] the voice of all British voices.” Rodgers has sold over 125 million records worldwide with his legendary bands Free, Bad Company, The Firm and as a Grammy-nominated solo artist.

“Quarto Valley Records is thrilled to bring this epic night of music to rock ‘n’ roll fans,” says QVR founder and president Bruce Quarto. “We are extremely honored to welcome Paul Rodgers to the Quarto Valley family.”

Paul Rodgers – Free Spirit – Celebrating the Music of Free, will be available on CD/DVD, Blu-ray, vinyl, and across digital platforms. In addition, Rodgers will be bringing the Free Spirit Tour to the US this spring, as well as performing with his solo band and a few select dates with Bad Company in the upcoming months.

About Paul Rodgers

Growing up in the sprawling industrial North Yorkshire city of Middlesbrough, Paul Rodgers formed his first band at the ripe old age of 14. Shortly after at 18, he formed Free along with late guitarist Paul Kossoff. They gained international success with the Rodgers / Fraser smash single “All Right Now.” For almost five decades, Rodgers has been recording and performing. He has written, recorded, produced and released 30 albums and has sold 125 million records. He has received numerous awards: the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music (other recipients include John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Elton John), an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Teessides University, BMI’s 5 Million US Radio Plays Awarded for “All Right Now”, the Chairman’s Award from the US Music Business Association, and more. He has recorded and/or performed with Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Brian May, Sam Moore, Joe Walsh, Ann Wilson, Slash, Nils Lofgren, Charlie Watts, Bryan Adams, Buddy Guy, and others. In his remarkable career, Rodgers has fronted the bands Free, Bad Company, The Firm, and Queen + Paul Rodgers and continues to have a celebrated, award-winning solo career.

About Quarto Valley Records

California-based Quarto Valley Records celebrated their fifth anniversary in 2017. Founded by tech entrepreneur Bruce Quarto, the label is dedicated to supporting and expanding the genres of rock and blues music. Passionate about supporting artists and their creative process, Quarto’s goal is to reinvent the traditional record company with a new business model that is fair and respectful to artists.