New music: Caroline Cotter, Idina Menzel, Julie Christensen

Acclaimed artists Caroline Cotter, Idina Menzel and Julie Christensen are back with essential new albums.

Artist: Caroline Cotter
Title: Gently as I Go (Independent)
You might like if you enjoy: Joni Mitchell, Eva Cassidy, Natalie Merchant, Carol Martini
Tell me more: On her newly released album Gently as I Go, Maine-based folk singer Caroline Cotter showcases a lovely soprano heard on a range of introspective and heartfelt originals. The album opener "Coming Your Way" is a beautiful introduction where Cotter's lyrics and vocal yearning paint a picture of two soulmates who share a powerful bond and how no distance can keep them apart. On "The Year Of the Wrecking Ball," there is a deep sense of melancholy to be sure about the ghosts of childhood and the painful loss of the comfort we find in family: "Inside the bedroom I hear her still on the phone / 33 years of pleading God, please don't leave me alone." The album's first single, "Don't Wait," is a song of encouragement pushing listeners to seize the day; indeed the song's strong call includes the admonition to: "Don't wait for the sun to rise to get out of bed / Don't wait for money to get ahead / Don't wait for praise to feel proud and strong / Don't wait for the true love to feel you belong." Other bewitching tracks on the outstanding independent album include the sweeping "The Call" (written for her 104 year old grandfather's funeral), the heartbreaking "Gently As I Go" that explores a doomed relationship and hopeful album closer "Morning Mantra." The music on Cotter's third album is artfully sparse, with gentle instrumentation adding mood to her poignant and beautiful songs that capture love, loss, hope and the most powerful experiences and emotions that shape our lives. Information: carolinecotter.com. 

Artist: Idina Menzel
Title: Drama Queen (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheryl Lynn, Cher, ABBA
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter and Tony Award-winning performer Idina Menzel conjures up the groundbreaking dance music of the late 1970s and early '80s on her aptly-titled Drama Queen. The album is a true departure from her six past albums, but the aptly-dubbed "Queen of Broadway" brings bona fide vocal firepower and joy to the collection of dance floor-minded anthems on the nine-track album. The lead track "Move" immediately immerses the listener into an infectious disco moodscape, the driving beat catapulting the song forward with every beat. The contemporary R&B track "Beast," ABBA-styled gem "Dramatic," soulful "Paradise" (the latter featuring guest vocals and cool guitar work from Nile Rodgers), funky "Make Me Hate Me" and soaring "Funny Kind of Lonely" further expand Menzel's reach across the outstanding album. In addition to Menzel's talents as a great vocalist and songwriter, a slew of global hitmakers (including the aforementioned Rodgers as well as Jake Shears, Eren Cannata, Simon Wilcox, Lindy Robbins, Michelle Zarlenga and others) bring their skills to elevate the ambitious project. While so much music today is focused on the dangers of romance, self doubt and turmoil across a divided planet, there is something to be said for a stellar collection of songs geared toward escape and the lure of the dance floor.  Information: Website idinamenzel.com. 

Artist: Julie Christensen
Title: The Price We Pay for Love (Wirebird Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joni Mitchell, Lucinda Williams, Rachael Yamagata
Tell me more: Julie Christensen's latest full-length album The Price We Pay for Love features the New Mexico-based artist teaming up with bassist and string arranger Terry Lee Burns for an album of genuinely moving tracks that flawlessly blend Americana, jazz, blues and singer-songwriter stylings. Delivering a mix of self-penned tracks and original arrangements of material written by other artists, Christensen's emotive vocals shine across the 10-track disc. A mesmerizing 7-minute take on Joni Mitchell's "Hejira" opens the album, with Burns' majestic bass playing bringing a lofty creativity to the musical reading. Christensen brings palpable emotion and forcefulness to the acoustic Michael Moss-penned "Goldbridge Road" as well as the Jimmy Webb classic "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress," the latter enhanced by John Funkhouser's touch on the piano. Other highlights on the wonderful The Price We Pay for Love include the tender original "How He Lost Her," plaintive version of Steve Winwood's "Can't Find My Way Home" and sorrowful closer "Hilltop." Information: Website stonecupid.com or Facebook.com/Juliechristensenmusic. 

Robert Kinsler

Holiday Music Aplenty Via Blues, Rock and Broadway Icons

Whether your preference is the blues, Broadway or rock, there are wonderful new holiday music releases out now that truly celebrate the musical spirit of the season. 

Artist: Keb' Mo'
Title: Moonlight, Mistletoe & You (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Keb' Mo', blues, Christmas music
Tell me more: It is little surprise how masterfully blues great Keb' Mo' has approached Christmas on his first-ever holiday album. Moonlight, Mistletoe & You is as original and delightful as any new Christmas-minded collection issued this year with the bluesman offering up artful takes on well-known standards that shine while also using his signature wit on a number of original songs. Take the humorous "Christmas is Annoying," where lyrical rhymes are used to turn tradition on its ear: "I remember caroling and skating down the hill / skating on the pond, you know, it really was a thrill / but now the thrill is gone and all my credit cards are maxed / I'm running here, running there, with no time to relax." His version of Koko Taylor's "Merry Merry Christmas" comes via a cool Chicago blues-meets-rock vibe and is one of those great tracks that would be welcome anytime of the year. Keb' Mo' can also delve into the more traditional sonics of the holiday as evidenced by his original lovely jazz-swept gem "One More Year With You" and the joyful mix of acoustic blues and children's' voices on "When the Children Sing." He also casts a welcome fresh coat of musical paint on the standard "Please Come Home For Christmas," a soulful blues number that benefits from a poignant arrangement and Keb' Mo's resonant baritone delivery. Melissa Manchester joins the celebration for a duet on Irving Berlin's wonderful "I've Got My Love to Keep You Warm," a lovely and timeless jazz arrangement. Information: kebmo.com.

Artists: Jon Davison, Steve Morse, John Wetton, Geoff Downes, more
Title: A Prog Rock Christmas (Cleopatra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Yes, Asia, Curved Air, Utopia
Tell me more: Those who enjoy Christmas music as well as fans of classic and progressive rock will love A Prog Rock Christmas. Featuring a top-tier lineup of genre notables, the collection finds Yes singer Jon Davison kicking things off with a melodic and moving reading of the Chris Squire and Alan White penned "Run With The Fox." Kasim Sulton's lush "Christmas Lights," guitar master Steve Morse's dazzling take on "Carol Of The Bells" and Billy Sherwood and Patrick Moraz's colorful reading of Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" are early standouts on the 13-track set. A Celtic-styled "Fairytale of New York" featuring Leslie Hunt and Robin McAuley, otherworldly "O Come All Ye Faithful" from Curved Air lead singer Sonja Kristina, Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes' instrumental "Linus & Lucy" and the late Asia singer-bassist John Wetton's affecting cover of John Lennon's "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" are among my favorites on the closing run of the holiday title. A Prog Rock Christmas is available on audio CD via digipak as well on limited edition vinyl in either red or white. Information: CleopatraRecords.com.

Artist: Idina Menzel
Title: Christmas: A Season of Love (Decca Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Kristin Chenoweth, Ariane Grande, Billy Porter
Tell me more: Armed with her signature soprano and the world's most beloved holiday songbook, Tony award-winning singer Idina Menzel's Christmas: A Season of Love is sure to please those who appreciate traditional-styled takes on the season. There are wonderful duets here: Menzel is joined by her husband Aaron Lohr for a tender "I'll Be Home For Christmas" while fellow-Broadway star Billy Porter teams up with her for the swinging "I Got My Love To Keep Me Warm." She is joined by Ariana Grande for the jazzy "A Hand For Mrs. Claus." Menzel's vocal power is real as evidenced by her nuanced "Caroling, Caroling," and a glorious medley featuring "O Holy Night" that artfully segues into "Ave Maria" and then back to "O Holy Night." One of the most powerful songs on the disc is "At This Table," a piano-anchored song co-written by Menzel and Jonas Myran. The lyrics focus on a theme of inclusion and togetherness during the holidays, an especially-powerful message at a time when there is so much global strife: "At this table, everyone's welcome," she sings. "At this table, everybody cares. At this table, everybody matters. So come pull out a chair." She also performs an uptempo version of "Ocho Kandelikas" ("Eight Little Candles"), a song sung in Ladino that celebrates the holiday of Hanukkah. Information: IdinaMenzel.com.

Artist: Bryan Adams
Title: Christmas EP (Ume)
You might like if you enjoy: Bryan Adams
Tell me more: Bryan Adams' fast-moving Christmas EP features five inviting songs, all of which will bring smiles in tune with the holiday season. Several of the selections are new to long-time fans of the Canadian rocker; the Chuck Berry-flavored original "Joe and Mary" and joyful sing-along "Must Be Santa" are recent recordings (an interesting side note: "Must Be Santa" was previously covered by Bob Dylan). A trio of previously-heard Adams holiday recordings have been remastered (the anthemic "Christmas Time," catchy "Reggae Christmas" and retro-adorned "Merry Christmas"). Information: BryanAdams.com.

Artist: Charleene Closshey
Title: Christmas Time Is Here (Satya Record)
You might like if you enjoy: Sarah Brightmas, Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth
Tell me more: A gifted actress, multi-instrumentalist and singer, Charleene Closshey taps into the spirit of classic and contemporary yuletide favorites on her magnificent Christmas Time Is Here. The orchestral arrangements are rich and prove to be a luxurious fit with Closshey's wonderful soprano. The Broadway-flavored "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," sumptuous "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman," opulent Celtic-mining "Good King Wenceslas" and gentle "Ave Maria" are among the fantastic selections here. Her reflective approach to singing "O Holy Night" is a revelation; for the first half of the song she is accompanied only by piano and when the orchestra and choir come in later they do with restrained perfection. The wistful version of the title track (anchored by piano and jazz guitar) is another highlight on the 10-track album. Produced by six-time Grammy winner Brent Maher, Christmas Time is Here is available digitally on music streaming platforms, and physically via Amazon and CDBaby. Information: CharleeneClosshey.com.



Robert Kinsler

Groundbreaking artists shine on new collections

There is something for just about every listener via a wide range of new releases available this fall.

Artist: Sarah Brightman
Title: HYMN: Sarah Brightman in Concert (Eagle Vision)
You might like if you enjoy: Sarah Brightman, Idina Menzel
Tell me more: A year after Sarah Brightman's 12th studio album Hymn was released, the multi-format companion release HYMN: Sarah Brightman in Concert has been issued and provides a fully immersive experience for fans of the English soprano. Indeed, the visual/audio recording was captured at the Festspielhaus in the Bavarian Alps; the two-act performance features a musical film in the first act followed by a live concert. Brightman's three-octave voice remains a wonder and is used to perfection as she is accompanied by her band as well as the Bavarian Philharmonic Orchestra, a 50-voice choir and the Ludwig Ensemble of dancers. Guest performers on the title include Japanese keyboardist Yoshiki, and singers Vincent Niclo, Mario Frangoulis and Narcis. Brightman's signature vocals hit their mark on the rich mix of material, ranging from classical crossover selections ("Sogni," "Figlio Perduto") to Broadway hits (particularly "Phantom Of The Opera") and rock- and pop-mining selections (Brian May's "Who Wants To Live Forever" and La Bionda's "There For Me"). Beyond the stunning audio and visual featured on the title is the power of the choreography of dancers, use of state-of-the-art lighting and other theatrical effects that add power to the concept film and concert that follows. One of the early highlights of the film is where Brightman performs "Beautiful" near a reflecting pool, and the bending of her image in the creatively-lit water offers an artful look to the performance. Bonus features on the DVD and Blu-ray include behind the scenes footage, interviews and photo galleries. HYMN: Sarah Brightman in Concert is available on DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD and via digital formats. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Harry Nilsson
Title: Losst and Founnd (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Randy Newman, Ringo Starr, Jimmy Webb
Tell me more: This year has seen a slew of deluxe reissues, concert recordings and lost treasures, none greater than the final album from legendary singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson. Set for release on Nov. 22, 2019 – more than 25 years after he was struck down by a fatal heart attack at the age of 52 – Nilsson's aptly-titled Losst and Founnd finds the late American artist joined by a number of top-tier guests on nine original songs along with his versions of Yoko Ono's inviting "Listen, the Snow is Falling" and Jimmy Webb's beautiful "What Does a Woman See in a Man." The signature sound that had Nilsson scoring a number of radio hits in the late '60s and early '70s abounds across the new disc, from the New Orleans rhythm and blues romp of "Animal Farm" and infectious title track to the tender "Love is the Answer." Guests on the outstanding album include famed drummer Jim Keltner (Ringo Starr, John Lennnon, George Harrison), pianist Jimmy Webb, bassist Klaus Voormann, and Harry's son Kiefo Nilsson. Album producer Mark Hudson is featured everywhere, contributing vocals, percussion, guitar and bass guitar to the ambitious project; his poignant liner notes add depth to the collection. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: David Ball
Title: Thinkin' Problem (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: George Jones, Merle Haggard, Uncle Walt's Band
Tell me more: The 25th Anniversary edition of singer-songwriter David Ball's 1994 hit album Thinkin' Problem includes all 10 songs from that LP as well as eight bonus tracks adding up to an essential collection celebrating traditional country music. Ball, who had previously been a member of the Austin-based trio Uncle Walt's Band, found much-deserved commercial success with Thinkin' Problem, which featured the title track (his first major hit) as well as subsequent hit singles "When The Thought of You Catches Up With Me," "Look What Followed Me Home," "What Do You Want With This Love" and "Honky Tonk Healin'." Listening to the album in 2019, it's easy to believe that all of the songs could have been radio staples, especially the lovely ballad "12-12-84." The bonus material shines as well, with the sparse 2019 acoustic take of "What Do You Want With This Love," spirited "Give Me Back My Heart" (a 1993 studio demo) and the breezy "Circle of Friends" and "I've Got My Baby On My Mind" among my favorites. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Kinky Friedman
Title: Resurrection (Echo Hill Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson 
Tell me more: Texas-based singer-songwriter Kinky Friedman has released a profound album of original songs that serve as a bona fide reminder of the power of music and song craft. Resurrection is an album that shines a welcome light on Friedman, 73, who is writing and crafting songs that draw on his life experiences along with his ever-keen observations at the world around him. The songs have an authentic and timeless feel to be sure, from the utterly beautiful moodscape he paints on "I Love You When It Rains" and acoustic tapestry of "The Bridge That Wouldn't Burn" to the Latin-flavored "Al! Mariachi," countrified blues of the Kris Kristofferson-flavored "Resurrection" and Texas-styled ballad that looks at a beloved pet ("A Dog in the Sky"). Friedman's deep baritone is the perfect instrument to lead the charge when unleashing his songs, and the album is bolstered by the production talents of Larry Campbell and guest vocals from Willie Nelson on the title track. This is one of 2019's outstanding new albums, one that will resonate as deeply generations from now as it does today. Information: KinkyFriedman.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Holiday Music Roundups, Austin City Limits, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve

With Christmas set to arrive in just over three weeks, best to catch up with the latest holiday music collections. Indeed, there are exciting new holiday recordings from the celebrated likes of Erasure, Johnnyswim, The Living Sisters, Darius Rucker, Idina Menzel and more!

You can read my roundup of new seasonal sounds in my latest column on the Music News Nashville site here. You can read George A. Paul's fantastic roundup on his Music Minded blog here.


Austin City Limits Announces Complete Season 40 Broadcast TV Schedule

Milestone Season Continues January 3rd With Seven New Episodes Including Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, Ryan Adams, Jenny Lewis, Nickel Creek, Spoon and Sam Smith

Austin, TX—December 3, 2014—The landmark television music series Austin City Limits (ACL) unwraps the second half of its milestone Season 40, celebrating a four-decade run with more legendary artists, innovators and highly-anticipated debuts.  Seven brand-new shows begin airing in January 2015 as part of the program's fourteen-episode season. Providing viewers with a front-row seat to the best in music performance for 40 years, ACL returns on Saturday, January 3, 2015 with a double-bill featuring the return of roots rockers The Avett Brothers and Grammy-winning bluegrass trio Nickel Creek. ACL airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings for times) and full episodes are made available online for a limited time at http://video.pbs.org/program/austin-city-limits/ immediately following the initial broadcast. The show's official hashtag is #acltv40.

A highlight of the season is powerhouse rock duo The Black Keys, with the six-time Grammy winners making their highly anticipated ACL return, having first appeared in Season 36. ACL favorites Spoon make their fourth appearance, sharing the bill with fellow Austin natives White Denim. Acclaimed singer/songwriter Jenny Lewis returns for her solo ACL debut, originally appearing in Season 31 as part of the indie rock duo Rilo Kiley; in what's sure to be one of ACL's most talked about episodes, Ryan Adams shares the bill in a memorable ACL return. The extended line-up features a number of artists making ACL debuts, among them chart-topping British sensation Sam Smith, synth-pop trio Future Islands and southern rockers J. Roddy Walston & The Business.

Rock superstars Foo Fighters return to the ACL stage with an hourlong, monumental performance. Joined by Austin legends Gary Clark Jr. and Jimmie Vaughan, Foo Fighters’ powerful performance is a high point of the standout season.  The renowned band recently immortalized Austin and ACL's executive producer Terry Lickona in an installment of their HBO series Sonic Highways, even recording a song, “What Did I Do?/God As My Witness”,  in ACL's historic Studio 6A for their companion new release.  

ACL closes out the celebratory season with a special episode featuring performance highlights from the first annual Austin City Limits Hall of Fame presentation.  Performers include music legends Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett,Emmylou Harris, Buddy Guy and Double Trouble.  

“We’ve had an amazing 40th anniversary year,” says ACL’s Terry Lickona, “and the second half of the season says as much about the future as our past. As always, we try to showcase the best music being created today, and every one of these shows is exceptional. Then for a grand finale, we’ll tie it all together with a celebration of the artists and individuals who have inspired the longest-running music show on TV.”

Season 40 | 2015 Broadcast Schedule

January 3, 2015      | The Avett Brothers | Nickel Creek
January 10, 2015    | Spoon | White Denim
January 17, 2015    | Sam Smith | Future Islands
January 24, 2015    | Ryan Adams | Jenny Lewis
January 31, 2015    | The Black Keys | J. Roddy Walston & The Business
February 7, 2015    | Foo Fighters
February 14, 2015  | Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Special

Honoring ACL's milestone 40th anniversary, PBS releases the DVD AUSTIN CITY LIMITS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS on December 2, 2015, featuring an all-star lineup of ACL royalty paying tribute to the show's enduring legacy with unforgettable music performances. With guest hosts Jeff Bridges, Sheryl Crow and Matthew McConaughey, the two-hour program features memorable moments from the trailblazing show’s remarkable run, while the brightest stars in the series’ history return to the ACL stage for dream duets and choice collaborations. Artists performing on the special include: Alabama Shakes, Jeff Bridges, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Joe Ely, Foo Fighters, Buddy Guy,Emmylou Harris, Robert Earl Keen, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Randolph, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Jimmie Vaughan. DVD bonus material includes additional music performances from artists such as Willie Nelson and Alabama Shakes, as well as two behind the scenes segments.


About Austin City Limits
ACL offers viewers unparalleled access to featured acts in an intimate setting that provides a platform for artists to deliver inspired, memorable, full-length performances. The program is taped live before a concert audience from The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. Austin City Limits is the longest-running music series in American television history and remains the only TV series to ever be awarded the National Medal of Arts. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the pilot episode taped in 1974 with Willie Nelson. Since its inception, the groundbreaking music series has become an institution that's helped secure Austin's reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. The historic KLRU Studio 6A, home to 36 years of ACL concerts, has been designated an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark. In 2011, ACL moved to the new venue ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement in 2012.

ACL is produced by KLRU-TV and funding is provided in part by Budweiser, the Austin Convention Center Department, Dell and HomeAway. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Austin City Limits. Learn more about Austin City Limits, programming and history at acltv.com.

Florida Georgia Line, Magic! and Idina Menzel to join Taylor Swift on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve; set to perform for more than one million fans in Times Square

 
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2015" Begins Live 
at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC-TV from New York’s Times Square
 
 

Los Angeles, CA (December 3, 2014) – Florida Georgia Line, MAGIC! and Idina Menzel will perform live for over one million fans in Times Square as part of the lineup on “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2015.” Menzel will sing the winter wonderland instant classic “Let It Go,” Florida Georgia Line’s medley of songs will include their record-breaking, multi-platinum #1 smash “Cruise,” platinum-certified hit "This Is How We Roll" and current single “Sun Daze,” and MAGIC! will perform their chart topper “Rude” and recent release “Let Your Hair Down.” They will join headliner Taylor Swift for the biggest music celebration of the year as the New Year's Rockin' Eve programming begins at 8:00 pm ET/PT on ABC Television Network.

The bi-coastal celebration will include hours of special performances and reports on New Year’s celebrations from around the globe, and Ryan Seacrest will lead the traditional countdown to midnight from Times Square in New York City as he has for the last 9 years. As previously announced, Jenny McCarthy will report live from Times Square and Fergie hosts the Billboard Hollywood Party with previously announced performers Charli XCX, One Direction and Meghan Trainor.

Florida Georgia Line is continuing the record-breaking momentum with the release of their GOLD-certified sophomore album ANYTHING GOES (Republic Nashville) soaring to a #1 debut on the all-genre Billboard 200 and Billboard Top Country Albums charts. Fueled by their hot new single “Sun Daze” and PLATINUM, #1 smash "Dirt," music critics and fans alike have embraced the superstar duo’s fresh sound. FGL has skyrocketed to stardom becoming the only artist in history to join Brooks & Dunn in achieving four back-to-back, multi-week #1 singles; breaking the record for longest #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and selling nearly 20 million tracks worldwide of their 2X PLATINUM debut HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES. In addition to collaborating across genres with sensations like Nelly and Jason Derulo, FGL has won numerous industry awards and for a second consecutive year were named one of CMT Artists of the Year. In addition to scoring the 2014 Billboard Touring Award for Breakthrough Artist and the American Music Award for Favorite Band Duo or Group, Country, FGL scored their first nomination for the 2015 People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Country Group and fans can vote now at http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/. The talented pair, who was named one of CMT’s Artists of the Year for a second time, has also been tapped to perform on WWE’s “Tribute To The Troops” later this month and to host the first-ever American Country Countdown Awards on December 15. Airing live on FOX, FGL scored six nominations for the new awards show, including the top nod for Artist of the Year. Just off the road as direct support on Jason Aldean's BURN IT DOWN TOUR, FGL will take their signature show worldwide next year on the headline ANYTHING GOES TOUR 2015.

Toronto born, Los Angeles based quartet MAGIC! consists of Nasri (lead singer), Mark Pelli (guitar), Ben Spivak (bass) and Alex Tanas (drums). Their debut album, Don’t Kill The Magic debuted at #6 on the Billboard Top 200 and #2 on the Digital Albums Chart. The album produced the certified platinum single “Rude” which was #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 for 6 consecutive weeks, the most Shazammed song of the Summer in the US and has sold over 4 million singles worldwide. The music video for “Rude” has over 230 million views. MAGIC! is set to hit the road in 2015 with Maroon 5 in support of Don’t Kill The Magic. Their follow up single, “Let Your Hair Down” is currently rising up the charts.

Tony Award-winning icon Idina Menzel has a diverse career that traverses stage, film, television and music. Menzel’s voice can be heard as Elsa in Disney’s global box office smash Frozen, in which she sings the film’s Oscar-winning song “Let It Go.” After Menzel’s performance of the multi-platinum song at the 86^th annual Academy Awards, she made history as the first person with both a Billboard Top 10 hit and a Tony Award for acting. Menzel earned her first Tony nomination as Maureen in the Pulitzer Prize winner Rent, and won the award for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked. Other notable roles include Rachel Berry’s mother, Shelby Corcoran, on the hit television show Glee as well starring opposite Susan Sarandon and Amy Adams in Disney’s Enchanted. Menzel starred in her own PBS special, Barefoot at the Symphony, with an accompanying live album of the same name, and her highly successful international concert tour recently included a sold-out performance at Radio City Music Hall. In addition to cast albums, Menzel’s prolific recording career includes the solo albums I Stand, Here and Still I Can’t Be Still. Her first-ever Christmas album Holiday Wishes, released October 2014 on Warner Bros. Records, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Holiday Albums chart and is already receiving rave reviews. Menzel can currently be seen on Broadway as Elizabeth in the original production If/Then, for which she earned critical acclaim and her third Tony nomination, and performed “Always Starting Over” from the musical at this year’s Tony Awards.

“Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2015” is produced by dick clark productions with Ryan Seacrest, Allen Shapiro and Mike Mahan serving as executive producers, and Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco are co-executive producers. Larry Klein is producer.

The complete lineup Wednesday night, December 31 on ABC is:

8:00 - 11:00 p.m. – “Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2015”

11:30 - 1:09 a.m. – “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2015, Part 1”

1:10 - 2:13 a.m.– “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2015, Part 2”
          
Cheat Tweet: 
.@FLAGALine, @ournameisMAGIC & @idinamenzel to perform on #RockinEve. Watch @OfficialNYRE 12/31 at 8pm ET on ABC: http://bit.ly/RockinEvePerformers

Facebook:       Facebook.com/NewYearsRockinEve
Twitter:           @officialNYRE
Snapchat:        OfficialNYRE
Instagram       @officialnyre
Tumblr:           rockineve.tumblr.com
Hashtag:         #RockinEve
Website:           newyearsrockineve.com

ABOUT DICK CLARK PRODUCTIONS
dick clark productions (dcp) is among the world's largest producers and proprietors of televised live event programming. dcp produces perennial hits such as the "American Music Awards," "Golden Globe Awards," "Academy of Country Music Awards," "Billboard Music Awards," and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest." Weekly television programming, includes "So You Think You Can Dance" from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group, and dick clark productions; as well as "Rising Star" and the upcoming “Boom!” from Keshet DCP, the joint venture between Keshet International (KI), the global distribution and production arm of Keshet Media Group, and DC Media, the parent company of dick clark productions (dcp). In 2014, dcp will debut the "American Country Countdown Awards" (FOX), “Hollywood Film Awards (CBS) and "The PEOPLE MAGAZINE Awards" (NBC). dcp also owns one of the world's most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries with more than 55 years of dcp's award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances, and legendary programming. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com.

Sights and Sounds: Whitney Matheson, Austin City Limits, Idina Menzel, Ziggy Marley

Good morning everybody. A sad note that after 15 years of entertaining readers, pioneering Pop Candy blogger Whitney Matheson has been laid off by USA Today. I hope she can continue to inspire and use her wealth of creativity and passion for her countless fans somewhere else soon! I've been reading her column on a daily basis for as long as I can remember and been introduced to not only new music, but other pop culture-related content via her great posts...Now on with today's top music news!

Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years

Two-Hour Primetime 40th Anniversary Special Premieres October 3, 2014 on PBS-TV

Star-Studded Broadcast Features Jeff Bridges, Sheryl Crow, Matthew McConaughey, Willie Nelson, Foo Fighters, Bonnie Raitt, Alabama Shakes, Kris Kristofferson, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Guy, Lyle Lovett, Gary Clark Jr. & many more

Austin, TX—September 4, 2014—The landmark PBS series Austin City Limits (ACL) highlights four decades as a music institution with Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years, a primetime special honoring the program's milestone 40th anniversary, airing Friday, October 3rd, 9-11pm ET on PBS Arts Fall Festival. With guest hosts Jeff Bridges, Sheryl Crowand Matthew McConaughey, the two-hour broadcast features memorable moments from the trailblazing show's remarkable run, while the brightest stars in the series' history return to the ACL stage for dream duets and choice collaborations. Ready to write the next chapter in its storied history, ACL’s Season 40 premieres on October 4 with an epic hour from an American original, musician/songwriter Beck.

An all-star lineup of ACL royalty pays tribute to the show's enduring legacy with unforgettable music performances in Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years. Highlights of the special include the show opener as Bonnie Raitt, Alabama Shakes' Brittany Howard, Jimmie Vaughan and Gary Clark Jr. team up for the Sam & Dave classic “Wrap It Up”. Incredible pairings include ACL Hall of Fame legend Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris on the Nelson-penned classic “Crazy” and Kris Kristofferson and Sheryl Crow's moving take on his signature “Me and Bobby McGee”. The Foo Fighters honor ACL with a wild rendition of Texas cult hero Roky Erickson's "Two Headed Dog," recorded at the show's original television studio especially for the occasion. Host Jeff Bridges performs the late singer-songwriter Stephen Bruton's song “What A Little Bit of Love Can Do” as a tribute to the influential Austin musician who inspired Bridges’ Oscar-winning portrayal in Crazy Heart. Local legends Joe Ely and Robert Earl Keen showcase their troubadour roots and significance to the Austin music scene. Breakout artists and ACL alumni Alabama Shakes and Gary Clark Jr. give blistering performances that forecast the future of the series. Blues titan Buddy Guy brings it all home with an electrifying take on his “Mary Had A Little Lamb”. The special comes to a close with an all-star reading of two Lone Star classics—a stellar lineup of guitar slingers blaze through the Stevie Ray Vaughan standard “Texas Flood” and the biggest names in music trade verses on the Buddy Holly classic “Not Fade Away", as ACL embraces its past and hints at what is to come.

"This is a huge milestone for us,” says ACL executive producer Terry Lickona, “and this show captures the essence of what Austin City Limits is all about. We set the bar high for this celebration, and we exceeded it! The lineup of talent speaks volumes about the respect that artists have for ACL.”

Artists performing on the special are: Alabama Shakes, Doyle Bramhall II, Jeff Bridges, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Double Trouble, Joe Ely, Mike Farris, Foo Fighters, Grupo Fantasma, Buddy Guy, Emmylou Harris, Robert Earl Keen, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Randolph, Kenny Wayne Shepherd andJimmie Vaughan.

Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years was taped at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, and the program's original television studio, Austin PBS station KLRU's Studio 6A.

Austin City Limits (ACL) is the longest-running music series in American television history and remains the only TV series to be awarded the National Medal of Arts. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the pilot episode taped in 1974 with Willie Nelson. Since its inception, the pioneering music series has become an institution that's helped secure Austin's reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. The historic KLRU Studio 6A, home to 36 years of ACL concerts, has been designated an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark. In 2011, ACL moved to the new venue ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement in 2012.

Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years setlist:

Bonnie Raitt, Brittany Howard, Jimmie Vaughan & Gary Clark Jr. | “Wrap It Up”

Bonnie Raitt | “Your Good Thing (Is About to End)”

Kris Kristofferson & Sheryl Crow | “Me and Bobby McGee”

Alabama Shakes | “Gimme All Your Love”

Jeff Bridges | “What A Little Bit of Love Can Do”

Willie Nelson | “Whiskey River”

Willie Nelson & Lyle Lovett | “Funny How Time Slips Away”

Willie Nelson & Emmylou Harris | “Crazy”

Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris & Lyle Lovett | “On the Road Again”

Robert Earl Keen & Joe Ely | “The Road Goes On Forever”

Gary Clark Jr. | “Bright Lights”

Foo Fighters | “Two Headed Dog (Red Temple Prayer)”

Sheryl Crow |“Can't Cry Anymore”

Doyle Bramhall & Sheryl Crow | “I'm Leaving”

Grupo Fantasma | “Mulato”

Jimmie Vaughan & Bonnie Raitt | “The Pleasure's All Mine”

Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Mike Farris | “House Is Rockin'”

Robert Randolph | “Pride and Joy”

Buddy Guy | “Mary Had A Little Lamb”

All-Star Finale | “Texas Flood”

All-Star Finale | “Not Fade Away”

ACL is produced by KLRU-TV and funding is provided in part by Budweiser, the Austin Convention Center Department, Dell and HomeAway. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Austin City Limits. Learn more about Austin City Limits, programming and history at acltv.com.

Tony-Winning 'Frozen' star Idina Menzel to release Christmas album, 'Holiday Wishes,' on Oct. 14 on Warner Bros. Records 

Burbank, CA -Tony Award-winning singer/actor Idina Menzel will release a Christmas album, entitled Holiday Wishes, on October 14^th on Warner Bros. Records. The album was produced by Grammy Award-winner Walter Afanasieff (Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey) and features such classic favorites as "A Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," as well as Joni Mitchell's Christmas-themed "River," one of Menzel's favorites. More info aboutHoliday Wishes, including the full track-listing and special guests, will be revealed soon.

Menzel's career has traversed stage, film, television, and music. She was most recently heard as Elsa in Disney's global box office smash Frozen, in which she sings the film's Oscar-winning song "Let It Go." After Menzel's performance of the multi-platinum song at the 86^th annual Academy Awards, she made history as the first person with both a Billboard Top 10 hit and a Tony Award for acting.

Menzel earned her first Tony nomination as Maureen in the Pulitzer Prize- winning musical Rent, and won the award for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked. Other notable roles include Rachel Berry's mother, Shelby Corcoran, on the hit television show Glee as well as starring opposite Susan Sarandon and Amy Adams in Disney'sEnchanted. Menzel starred in her own PBS special, Barefoot at the Symphony, with an accompanying live album of the same name, and her highly successful international concert tour recently included a sold-out performance at Radio City Music Hall. In addition to cast albums, Menzel's prolific recording career includes the solo albums I Stand, Here and Still I Can't Be Still.

Menzel can currently be seen on Broadway as Elizabeth in the original production If/Then, for which she earned critical acclaim and her third Tony nomination, and performed "Always Starting Over" from the musical at this year's Tony Awards.

www.idinamenzel.com

ZIGGY MARLEY TO RELEASE ITUNES EXCLUSIVE EP TITLED LIGHTHOUSE ON SEPTEMBER 30^TH

4-TRACK EP INCLUDES RARE TRACK VERSIONS FROM FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM FLY RASTA

SECOND LEG OF US TOUR DATES BEGINS OCTOBER 11; ON SALE NOW!

Los Angeles, CA (September 3^rd, 2014) – World renowned, six-time Grammy winner and Reggae icon Ziggy Marley will release a special 4-track EP titled LIGHTHOUSE as an iTunes exclusive on September 30^th.   The EP will feature rare versions of tracks from Ziggy’s highly acclaimed fifth studio album FLY RASTA which released earlier this year, including live acoustic versions of “I Get Up,” and “I Don’t Want To Live On Mars” and a live full band concert recording of “Lighthouse.”  The studio version of “Lighthouse,” also included in the 4 track set, is scheduled to impact radio on September 29^th. 

Marley will continue touring through the fall with a string of Canadian dates beginning September 29^th in Calgary and will begin the second leg of his US tour starting October 11^thin Hampton Beach, NH.  Ziggy’s US dates will also include major city stops in Atlanta, GA, Orlando, FL and Dallas, TX.  Tickets for most dates are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.  For further ticket purchase information, please visit ziggymarley.com.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

Dates:                   City:                                                       Venue:

9/29/14                Calgary, AB                                        Jack Singer Concert Hall

9/30/14                Edmonton, AB                                   Windspear Centre

10/2/14                Regina, SK                                           Regina Casino

10/3/14                Winnipeg, MB                                   Burton Cummings Theater

10/4/14                Thunder Bay, ON                             Thunder Bay Community Aud

10/6/14                Sault Ste Marie, ON                        Kiwanis Community Theater

10/7/14                North Bay, ON                                   Capitol Centre

10/8/14                Kingston, ON                                     Grand Theater

10/9/14                Kitchner, ON                                      Centre in the Square

10/11/14              Hampton Beach, NH                       Casino Ballroom

10/12/14              Bridgeport, CT                                   Klein Memorial Aud. 

10/13/14              Baltimore, MD                                   Baltimore Sound Stage

10/14/14              Newport News, VA                         Ferguson Center of the Arts

10/16/14              Myrtle Beach, SC                              House of Blues

10/17/14              Atlanta, GA                                         Variety Playhouse

10/18/14              Orlando, FL                                         The Plaza Live

10/19/14              Ponte Verdra Beach, FL Concert Hall (SOLD OUT)

10/21/14              New Orleans, LA                              House of Blues

10/22/14              Baton Rouge, LA                               Manship Theater

10/24/14              Dallas, TX                                             Granada Theater

10/25/14              New Braunfels, TX                           Gruene Hall (SOLD OUT)

10/26/14              Austin, TX                                            The Belmont

10/29/14              Santa Fe, NM                                     Santa Fe Community Center

10/31/14              Chandler, AZ                                      Wild Horse Casino

11/2/14                Anaheim, CA                                      City National Grove of Anaheim

11/6/14                San Francisco, CA                             The Fillmore

11/7/14                Redding, CA                                       Cascade Theater

11/8/14                Arcata, CA                                           John Can Duzer Theater

11/9/14                Napa, CA                                             The Uptown Theater

ABOUT ZIGGY MARLEY

A six-time Grammy winner, Emmy Winner, humanitarian, singer, songwriter and producer, Ziggy Marley has released twelve albums to much critical acclaim. His early immersion in music came at age ten when he sat in on recording sessions with his father, Bob Marley. As front man to Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, the group released eight best-selling albums that garnered three Grammys, with such chart-topping hits as "Look Who’s Dancing," "Tomorrow People" and "Tumbling Down." Ziggy's first solo album, Dragonfly (RCA Records), was released in 2003. His second solo release, Love is My Religion (Tuff Gong Worldwide), won a Grammy in 2006 for “Best Reggae Album.” His third solo album, Family Time (Tuff Gong Worldwide), scored him a 5th Grammy award for “Best Children’s Album.”  In 2011, Ziggy released his critically acclaimed 4^th studio album Wild And Free, which earned him a Grammy nomination, as well as his first ever comic book entitled MARIJUANAMAN.  Ziggy Marley Organics, a GMO-free product line including flavored coconut oils and hemp seed snacks, was started in 2012.  The products are distributed throughout the US and are available in over 1000 stores nationwide.  His 2012 live album “Ziggy Marley In Concert,” recently earned him his 6^th Grammy award for “Best Reggae Album.”  Ziggy also recently released his debut children’s book “I Love You Too,” a coproduction of Akashic Books and Tuff Gong Worldwide.  The multicultural picture book is based on one of Ziggy’s most beloved songs of the same title from his Grammy Award-winning album “Family Time,” which explores a child’s relationship with parents, nature and the unstoppable force of love.  Ziggy’s fifth studio album, “Fly Rasta,” also released on April 15^th, 2014 to mass critical acclaim.

For more information, please visit:

ziggymarley.com

facebook.com/ziggymarley

twitter.com/ziggymarley

youtube.com/ziggymarley

instagram.com/ziggymarley

ziggymarleyorganics.com

marijuanamancomic.com

ABOUT TUFF GONG WORLDWIDE

The Tuff Gong label was founded in 1965 by Bob Marley with the vision of producing, distributing and promoting his music free from the constraints of corporate label politics. In a time decades before artist-owned record labels were commonplace, the legendary Bob Marley’s vision was characteristically well ahead of its time. Now, nearly a half-century later, his dream is being realized.  For more information, visit http://www.tuffgongworldwide.com.