Cleopatra Entertainment announces Todd Rundgren 'Liars Live' on Blu-ray

Todd Rundgren fans take note! The forthcoming Ralph Umhoefer-directed "Liars Live" is set to be released on Blu-ray next month courtesy of Cleopatra Entertainment...Robert Kinsler 

Introducing Todd Rundgren - Liars Live

Coming to Blu-ray for the first time on July 19, 2024

   

A stellar 160-minute live concert from legendary musician/songwriter/producer Todd Rundgren, performing material from his critically acclaimed 2004 album, Liars, and other classics!  

This two-hours-plus live concert - released for the first time on Blu-ray disc - was shot on June 9, 2005 in Albany, NY, and features songs from Rundgren's acclaimed Liars album.  

  

The band (including Utopia veterans Kasim Sulton, Jesse Gress, and Prairie Prince) delivers 19 stellar performances, including the classic "Hello It's Me," and a cover of The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."  

Track Listing

Prelude

Truth

Buffalo Grass

Mammon

Fascist Christ

I Hate My Frickin' I.S.P.

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

God Said

Liar

Soul Brother

Flaw

Sweet

Past

Love Science

Born To Synthesize

Feel It

The Want Of A Nail

Hello It's Me

Just One Victory

Bonus Materials

Includes bonus Trailers, Slide Show & more!

Learn more on the upcoming Blu-ray release HERE

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

Todd Rundgren to tour with Utopia; headline Cleopatra Records' first-ever SXSW Showcase

This is shaping up to be another busy year for legendary singer-songwriter-guitarist Todd Rundgren. There are several choice news items I have gathered here...Robert Kinsler 


Todd Rundgren's Utopia to Return this Spring via a Highly-anticipated U.S. Tour

Utopia performing in 1977.

How sweet is this announcement? Groundbreaking artist Todd Rundgren is set to return with his mid-1970s troupe Utopia and tour the U.S. beginning April 18, 2018. 

On the tour, Rundgren will be joined by bassist Kasim Sulton, drummer Willie Wilcox and keyboardist Ralph Shuckett. A complete list of the newly announced concert dates, cities and venues is posted below. Various VIP packages are available at the official Utopia site.


Although Rundgren has performed a few reunions with various members of Utopia dating back to 2011, this more high-profile affair is sure to please fans of Utopia. The band had an enduring top 40 hit titled "Set Me Free" in 1980 but broke up in 1986.

Todd Rundgren's Utopia 2018 Tour
4/18 - Jim Thorpe, PA, Penn's Peak
4/20 - Englewood, NJ, Bergen Performing Arts Center
4/22 - Houston, TX, House of Blues
4/23 - Dallas, TX, Majestic Theater
4/25 - Broward, FL, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
4/27 - St. Petersburg, FL, Mahaffey Theater
4/28 - Atlanta, GA, Tabernacle
4/29 - Durham, NC, Carolina Theater
5/1 - Huntington, NY, Paramount Theater
5/2 - Washington, DC, Warner Theater
5/3 - New York, NY, Town Hall
5/5 - Philadelphia, PA, Tower Theater
5/6 - Boston, MA, Orpheum Theater
5/7 - Ridgefield, CT, Ridgefield Theater
5/9 - St. Louis, MO, Peabody Opera House
5/10 - Cincinnati, OH, Taft Theater
5/12 - Milwaukee, WI, Pabst Theater
5/13 - Minneapolis, MN, State Theater
5/15 - Grand Rapids, MI, 20 Monroe Live
5/15 - Toronto, ON, Massey Hall
5/17 - Detroit, MI, the Fillmore
5/19 - Cleveland, OH, Hard Rock Live
5/22 - Chicago, IL, Chicago Theater
5/24 - Denver, CO, Paramount Theater
5/26 - Las Vegas, NV, The Joint at Hard Rock
5/27 - Phoenix, AZ, Comerica Theater
5/29 - Los Angeles, CA, the Wiltern
5/30 - San Francisco, CA, the Masonic
6/1 - Seattle, WA, Moore Theater
6/2 - Portland, OR, Revolution Theater
6/4 - Sacramento, CA, Crest Theatre
6/5 - Riverside, CA, Fox Performing Arts Center

Rock Legend Todd Rundgren Headlines Cleopatra Records First Ever SXSW Showcase!

Los Angeles, CA - One of the few remaining truly independent, privately owned record labels in existence today, L.A.-based Cleopatra Records has been championing underground music and outsider artists since its inception in 1992. Now, the label has teamed up with the biggest music festival dedicated to discovering and promoting new talent, SXSW, to announce the first ever official Cleopatra Records showcase. 

Headlining this special event is legendary songwriter/producer/guitarist, Todd Rundgren, an artist well known for pushing the boundaries of rock and pop with his distinctive flair for the eccentric and unusual. Todd’s newest album, White Knight, was released by Cleopatra Records in May of last year and features guest performances by Trent Reznor, Robyn, Joe Satriani & Daryl Hall.

In addition to Rundgren, the showcase will also bring together some of the label’s newest acts including dreamwave artist Pastel Ghost, whose first album Abyss has been reissued by Cleopatra and will also see their forthcoming album released later this year on the label. Alternative metal cabaret act from Mexico, Descartes A Kant, partnered with Cleopatra for their newest album Victims Of Love Propaganda in May of last year while L.A.’s own death rock architects, Egrets On Ergot, released Surfeit Of Germütlich last October. Electronic duo United Ghosts will issue their Cleopatra debut later this year while local Texas band Nite, consisting of twin brothers Kyle and Myles Mendez, saw their newest release Rebornlaunched in July of 2016. Each of these bands demonstrates the label’s fondness for uniquely creative acts and a commitment to supporting truly artist-driven music.

The official SXSW showcase for Cleopatra Records will be held at Elysium in downtown Austin, TX on March 15th. The first band will start at 8pm.


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Blue Öyster Cult: Concert Airs Friday, Sept. 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AUDIENCE Network via DIRECTV Ch 239 and U-verse Ch 1114

This media release will be of definite interest to fans of classic rock...There is a bit more information about the band and touring information than my earlier post today.

AT&T and AUDIENCE^® Network Present:

"BLUE ÖYSTER CULT"

Exclusive Interview and Performance with the Classic-Rock Band

Airs Friday, September 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT

On DIRECTV and U-verse (DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114)

Blue Öyster Cult performs on AUDIENCE Network at Red Studios. Photo credit: Aaron Farley, AT&T and AUDIENCE Network.

Watch a Preview as BLUE ÖYSTER CULT Performs Their Classic Hit

"(Don't Fear) The Reaper" on ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK (here)

Tune in to the AUDIENCE Network concert special "BLUE ÖYSTER CULT"airing Friday, September 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT (DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114). The classic rock band stopped by Red Studios in Los Angeles to perform their seminal album Agents Of Fortune in it's entirety live. In the episode, the group sits down with Ted Stryker for an in depth interview spanning their history.

For a preview of the AUDIENCE Network concert special "BLUE ÖYSTER CULT," watch an exclusive "First Look" as the band performs their classic hit"(Don't Fear) The Reaper" on ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK (here)..

View the trailer for "BLUE ÖYSTER CULT" airing Friday, September 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AUDIENCE Network, DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114(here). Watch and share behind-the-scenes clips of the episode (here) and(here).

AUDIENCE Network's new music slate continues to deliver groundbreaking concerts, unique stories and exclusive performances across all genres, plus select programming in ultra high-definition/4K*, to audiences nationwide since multiple series began airing this past January. Recent concert specials include: CeeLo Green, Hank Williams Jr., Cheap Trick, Peter Frampton, Flo Rida, Martina McBride, Lukas Graham, Kelsea Ballerini, Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco, 2 Chainz, Keith Urban, The Lumineers, Cole Swindell, Cypress Hill, Dan + Shay, Josh Kelley, Andra Day, JR JR, Young The Giant and others. New shows premiere via national broadcast Friday at 8:00 PM ET/PT on DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114,as well as streaming on directv.com, uverse.com and on smartphones and tablets, via the DIRECTV and U-verse apps.**

AUDIENCE Network's multiple series of original and exclusive performances give music fans an intimate view of music's most influential artists today. The network collaborates directly with musicians to create a unique show from their perspective.

For over four decades, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT has been thrilling fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs. Indeed, the Long Island, NY-­based band is revered within the hard rock and heavy metal scene for its pioneering work. BLUE ÖYSTER CULToccupies a unique place in rock history because it's one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success. The band is often cited as a major influence by other acts such as Metallica, and BÖC was listed in VH1's countdown of the greatest hard rock bands of all time. Upon the release of BÖC's self-­-titled debut album in 1972, the band was praised for its catchy-­-yet-­-heavy music and lyrics that could be provocative, terrifying, funny or ambiguous, often all in the same song. BÖC's canon includes three stone-­-cold classic songs that will waft through the cosmos long after the sun has burned out: The truly haunting "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" from 1976's Agents of Fortune, the pummeling "Godzilla" from 1977's Spectres and the hypnotically melodic "Burnin' for You" from 1981'sFire of Unknown Origin. The intense creative vision of BÖC's original core duo of vocalist/lead guitarist Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser, and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Eric Bloom are complemented by Richie Castellano on guitar and keyboards, and the longtime rhythm section of bass guitarist Kasim Sulton, and drummer Jules Radino. For the taping of this special performance, they are joined by former member Albert Bouchard (guitar, percussion, vocals).

For more information on BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, visit: http://www.blueoystercult.com/, and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueoystercult/.

Catch BLUE ÖYSTER CULT on tour in the following cities:

DATES		LOCATION	VENUE
FRI	9/2	Marshfield, WI	Central Wisconsin State Fair
SAT	9/3	Virginia Beach, VA	American Music Festival
SAT	9/10	Chesterfield, MO	Chesterfield Amphitheatre
SUN	9/11	Oklahoma City, OK	Zoo Amphitheatre
FRI	9/16	Newton, NJ	Newton Theatre
SAT	9/17	East Durham, NY	Catskill Mountain Thunder Festival
FRI	9/23	Hogansburg, NY	Akwesasne Mohawk Casino
SAT	9/24	Lake George, NY	Charles R Wood Park American Music Festival for the Lake
FRI	9/30	Lakewood, NJ	First Energy Park Rock Carnival
FRI	10/7	Ridgefield, CT	Ridgefield Playhouse
SAT	10/8	Annapolis, MD	Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
SAT	10/15	Tyler, TX	Butler Square "Rock the Square" KKTX 96.1 event
FRI	10/28	Northfield, OH	Hard Rock Live
SAT	10/29	Atlanta, GA	Variety Playhouse
FRI	11/4	Jim Thorpe, PA	Penn's Peak
FRI	11/11	Hammond, IN	The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
SAT	11/12	Kansas City, MO	Voodoo Lounge at Harrah's Kansas City
SAT	12/17	Stateline, NV	Harrah's Lake Tahoe
THU	1/19	El Cajon, CA	Sycuan Casino
FRI	1/27	Brooks, CA	Cache Creek Casino
SAT	1/28	Everett, WA	Historic Everett Theatre
SAT	2/25	Peekskill, NY	Paramount Hudson Valley
SAT	3/4	Warren, PA	Struthers Library Theatre