Tower of Power singer Lenny Williams’ 'Chill' out on Feb. 23 via Omnivore Recordings; on CD for 1st time in 30 years

Check out a new media release for details on a reissue of famed singer Lenny Williams' Chill coming next month...Robert Kinsler

Tower of Power Singer Lenny Williams’ Chill To Be Released On February 23 via Omnivore Recordings

Available on CD For The First Time in 30 Years

January 16, 2024: On February 23, Omnivore Recordings will release the reissue of Lenny Williams’ Chill, the 1994 release from the lead singer of Tower Of Power and lead vocalist on Kenny G’s “Don’t Make Me Wait For Love,” from the 5X Platinum album Duotones. Remastered with updated artwork featuring liner notes from Kevin L. Goins, the album will be available on CD for the first time in over 30 years. Chill will also mark the first release through a new agreement between Omnivore and SoulMusic Records, with this album, in association with Platinum Garage Recordings.

 

Vocalist Lenny Williams joined Tower Of Power in 1972 after releasing singles as a solo artist on Fantasy, Galaxy, and Atco Records. His first release with the band was their self-titled, third album, which went Gold. After two albums with the group, Williams returned to his solo career—releasing albums through the end of the 1970s on Warner Bros., Motown, ABC and MCA Records. Material from those albums became a hotbed for sampling decades later by Kanye West, Mobb Deep, Scarface, Young Jeezy, and others.

 

In 1986, Williams was recruited by award-winning producer Preston Glass to sing lead vocals on a track by jazz artist Kenny G. The track, “Don’t Make Me Wait For Love,” hit #15 on the Pop charts, and the album, Duotones, went on to sell over five million copies in the US. Lenny would reconnect with Duotones producer Glass (Stacy Lattisaw & Johnny Gill, Jermaine Stewart, George Benson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Stanley Jordan) in 1994 for a new album—Chill.

 

The album contains originals from Williams, Glass, and other Duotones contributors, as well as covers of hits by Daryl Hall & John Oates (“Sara Smile”) and McFadden & Whitehead (“Ain’t No Stoppin' Us Now”).

 

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/rsA9k0Ayr4M

 

Pre-order: https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/chill/

Chill Tracklist:

1. Chill

2. Baby, You Caught My Eye

3. Sara Smile

4. Driftin’

5. Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now

6. It Could Have Been You

7. Has Anybody Seen My Heart

8. Baby Take It Off

9. No One’s Ever Loved Me

10. Sentimental

11. I Do

12. There’s No Hiding Place

New Music in 2024: Robby Krieger and The Soul Savages, The Incurables, Popdudes

New releases from Robby Krieger and The Soul Savages, The Incurables and Popdudes are worth adding to your music library.

Artist: Robby Krieger and The Soul Savages

Title: The Players Club (Mascot Label Group)

You might like if you enjoy: Wes Montgomery, The Doors, Craig Chaquico

Tell me more: Leave it to founding Doors guitarist-songwriter Robby Krieger to continue to explore new corners of the musical universe with a masterful touch. The Robby Krieger and The Soul Savages' wonderful debut The Players Club was recorded at Krieger's own Love Street Studios in Glendale, California, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer joining forces with a bunch of good friends to track the disc. The album opens with "Shark Skin Suit," a decidedly funky track where Krieger's freewheeling slide guitar work fuses a winning mix of jazz, blues and even sitar-mining stylings that enhance the bewitching foray. Instrumental music lovers will love the diverse and far-flung influences that are artfully blended across the disc. Standouts include the psychedelic-flavored "Samosas & Kingfishers," the grooving funk sortie "Day In L.A.," adventurous jazz track "Killzon," the bouncy jazz cut "Ricochet Rabbit" (the latter featuring Krieger playing impressive octave jazz lines inspired by the late Wes Montgomery), and the ambitious genre-mashing closer "Math Problem." Among the top-tier musicians who perform on the album are bassist Kevin "Brandon" Brandon, keyboardist Ed Roth, and drummer Franklin Vanderbilt. A must hear album for fans of The Doors and Krieger's virtuoso guitar playing, The Players Club will be released on Jan. 19. Information: robbykrieger.com.

Artist: The Incurables

Title: Inside Out & Backwards (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Ramones, The Romantics

Tell me more: The Incurables' new album Inside Out & Backwards (set for release Jan. 19 courtesy of Big Stir Records) celebrates the Detroit-based garage-pop-punk rock quartet with a set of 10 irresistible rockers that delight on first listen. "When I Grow Up," the sweeping "Far Away" and heavy "Someday" explode out of the gate, showcasing the outfit's dynamic songwriting, rousing approach and solid chops. "Soda Pop" is an all out infectious and fun track. More nuanced, "Man Of Few Words" showcases a dynamic drums and bass-powered rhythm, layered guitars and evocative vocals. "When You" is a driving power pop original bolstered by strong '60s-minded lead vocals and harmonies positioned amidst exuberant instrumentation. The Incurables revisit old school punk on the aptly-pegged "Go Away." The album closes with the wonderful "I Told Myself (Absolutely Nothing)," which is a perfect fusion of melodic rock and punk stylings that morphs into a wonderful detour for a surprising a cappella finale. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Popdudes

Title: The Denny Laine EP (Record label)

You might like if you enjoy: Denny Laine, Wings, Badfinger, Popdudes

Tell me more: Despite being a co-founding member of both the Moody Blues and Paul McCartney's Wings, English singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Denny Laine had a 60-year career that often flew under the radar. In the wake of his tragic death from a rare form of lung disease on Dec. 5, 2023, Southern California-based power pop heroes Popdudes recorded the aptly-titled tribute The Denny Laine EP available now that goes a long way to shine a welcome light on Laine's legacy. The five-track EP is a marvelous celebration of Laine's craft, as well as the terrific talents of Popdudes (drummer John Borack and singer/multi-instrumentalist Michael Simmons), with the selections focusing on Laine's time with Wings (1971 to 1981). The range of material on the EP is truly a delight with several guests' notable contributions elevating the collection. Things kick off with the reflective "No Words," showcasing Simmons' wonderful vocals and Borack's nuanced drumming. "Spirits of Ancient Egypt" captures the otherworldly melodic flourish of the 1975 original version, with Stephen Alva providing lead vocals on the Popdudes' take. The lovely McCartney-penned "The Note You Never Wrote" captures the exuberance of the version included on Wings at the Speed of Sound that featured Laine on lead vocals; Addison Love contributes flashy guitar work on the cut. The bouncy "Again and Again and Again" finds Love on lead vocals, with the version fully capturing the melodic and lyrical strengths of the 1979 classic featured on Wings' final studio album. The soaring "Time to Hide" — a song Laine wrote and often sang in concert with Wings — is bolstered by explosive choruses and Alva's harmonica work wrapped in a truly marvelous arrangement. Information: https://michaelsimmons.bandcamp.com/album/the-denny-laine-ep.

Robert Kinsler

Yamaha to Take Center Stage at NAMM 2024 with New Innovative Products and Dynamic Performances

With NAMM 2024 just over a week away, we are beginning to get major announcements related to the highly anticipated show coming to Anaheim, January 25-28, 2024...Robert Kinsler 

Lindsey Stirling will perform on the
Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage in Anaheim
on Friday, Jan. 26.
Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

Yamaha, the world’s largest manufacturer of musical instruments, has announced its exhibit at The 2024 NAMM Show, the largest global music trade show being held in January at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. For the third consecutive year, Yamaha will transform the third floor of the Anaheim Convention Center into an immersive playground of its latest musical instruments, technologies, and more.

 

Yamaha will introduce innovative, breakthrough products at the show across multiple musical categories, including guitars, drums and percussion, and keyboards, while also offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view an iconic piano played by rock icon Prince!

 

“The Yamaha team is excited to bring a fantastic experience to everyone attending the NAMM Show and those who want to be there. We’re launching fabulous new products to help you make better music and have a tremendous lineup of artists performing at our booth stage and the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage,” Tom Sumner, president of Yamaha Corporation of America. 

This year, Yamaha will present three nights of music on the Grand Plaza Stage, starting with our Night of Worship on Thursday. On Friday, Yamaha will host "An Evening With" featuring famed violinist-composer Lindsey Stirling. An electronic violinist, dancer and actress, Stirling has earned four Billboard chart-topping albums and two Billboard Music Awards.

On Saturday, Jan. 27, the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage will feature acclaimed singer-songwriter/keyboardist Jon McLaughlin and Friends, as the American singer/keyboardist brings his blend of pop, rock, and soul sounds to the stage. 

 

In addition to the new product debuts, Yamaha will showcase, for the first time ever, the piano that was customized for Prince for his Piano & a Microphone solo tour. This one-of-one purple piano is normally housed at Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minnesota, however, it will be available for viewing at the Yamaha booth lobby during regular The NAMM Show hours (Thursday-Sunday). It has never been displayed for Prince fans previously.

 

“Much like Prince, Yamaha has a timeless legacy that continues to inspire new and aspiring musicians across the globe. Partnering together to display this one-of-a-kind piano that was custom-created for Prince by Yamaha was an opportunity that couldn’t be passed up,” said Prince’s former attorney, manager and friend, L. Londell McMillan. “We look forward to giving NAMM attendees a truly unique, intimate chance to view this legendary instrument for the first time.”

 

"We are thrilled to be celebrating our January return to NAMM! Our Concerts on the Grand are always a highlight, and this year, we're honored to be hosting even more remarkable musicianship with three back-to-back nights of amazing live music. There's truly no better way to kick off 2024," says Chris Gero, vice president and chief artist relations executive at Yamaha Artist Relations Group.

The music on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage will be mixed and curated by the company's award-winning commercial audio gear, including the Rivage digital console line. Every note will be articulately amplified through NEXO speaker systems. NEXO is a Yamaha company.

 

Across the globe, Yamaha uniquely offers musicians of all ages instruments to create music and professional audio and recording solutions to ensure every performance is heard in its truest form.

To experience everything Yamaha has to offer at The NAMM Show, visit booth #300DE in the Anaheim Convention Center from January 25 - 28, 2024. For more information, please visit usa.yamaha.com.

"Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny" on Blu-ray for the first time February 13, 2024 from Shout! Studios

Shout! Factory has just announced that the musical film Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny is coming to Blu-ray next month...Robert Kinsler

From acclaimed comedy rockers Tenacious D comes the hilarious musical epic Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, available for the first time on Blu-ray February 13, 2024 from Shout! Studios. Starring Jack Black (School of Rock, Super Mario Bros.) and Kyle Gass (The Cable Guy, Elf) and a supporting cast packed with notable musicians and actors including Fred Armisen (Portlandia, SNL), Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation, Upright Citizen's Brigade), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) and Ronnie James Dio, this uproarious comedic tale is a fan-favorite film that has developed a fervent following since its initial release. 

 

With a new 2K master from film elements, the release also includes a number of bonus features including audio commentary with stars Jack Black and Kyle Gass, audio commentary with director Liam Lynch, behind the scenes featurettes, deleted and extended scenes, and more! Fans can pre-order their copies now at ShoutStudios.com

 

Witness the birth of Tenacious D, the greatest - and craziest - rock band ever "in a movie destined to become the most hilarious musical epic since This Is Spinal Tap" (Pete Hammond, Maxim). Featuring many A-list movie and rock star cameos, this laugh-a-minute riot is sure to have you begging for an encore. On a fateful day in Venice Beach, JB (Jack Black) and KG (Kyle Gass) meet and realize they are destined to make history by combining their musical genius. But when overnight success eludes them, they set out to find the legendary "Pick of Destiny" - a special guitar pick believed to possess magical powers that can make any open mic wannabe a rock legend.  

 

Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny Bonus Features

• Audio commentary with stars Jack Black and Kyle Gass
• Audio commentary with director Liam Lynch
• Deleted/Extended Scenes
• Archival Featurettes
• Home Movies
•  “Hell O’Clock News” Internet Shorts
• Music Video
• Theatrical Trailer

 

About Shout! Studios

Shout! Studios is a multi-platform media company specializing in film and TV distribution, development, and production. The company has evolved with the changing entertainment landscape to excel in all forms of content distribution, including theatrical, digital streaming, broadcast and in-flight licensing, physical media, and more. Shout! Studios owns and manages a large portfolio of contemporary and classic feature films, series, animation, and documentaries. The company’s creative acquisition mandate has established it as a leading independent distributor, with partners and properties including Aardman Animations, ALF, The Carol Burnett Show, Stephen J. Cannell Productions, the Roger Corman New Horizons Pictures Library, GKIDS, Studio Ghibli, ITV Studios, The Johnny Carson Show, LAIKA Studios, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (in partnership with creator Joel Hodgson), and Sesame Street, alongside many others. Shout! Kids focuses on live-action and animated kids and family properties including anime, and the company releases genre and horror films and television shows under the Scream Factory imprint. Shout! Studios also produces, acquires, and distributes new films, and operates the acclaimed streaming service Shout! TV and its family of FAST channels. Shout! Studios is based in Los Angeles, California. For more on Shout! Studios, visit ShoutStudios.com

Omnivore Recordings Announces Previously Unissued Performance From Iconic Folk-Rock Band Steeleye Span

Although we are in early 2024, a number of exciting historic live performances have been announced. The latest is a forthcoming performance by groundbreaking folk-rock group Steeleye Span set for release on Feb. 16...Robert Kinsler

Omnivore Recordings Announces Previously Unissued Performance From Iconic Folk-Rock Band Steeleye Span Recorded Live at NYC’s Legendary Bottom Line

Live At The Bottom Line, 1974 will be available on

CD and Digital on February 16, 2024

January 10, 2024: On February 16, Omnivore Recordings will release Live At The Bottom Line, 1974, a previously unissued performance from the iconic British folk-rock band Steeleye Span, recorded live at New York’s legendary Bottom Line while on the band’s Now We Are Six tour.

 

Fairport Convention co-founder and bassist Ashley Hutchings and legendary singer Sandy Denny parted ways with the group after their classic Liege And Leaf album. Hutchings recruited Tim Hart and Maddy Prior (an established folk duo) and Terry and Gay Woods, naming their new band after a character in the traditional song “Horkstow Grange.” While their line-up fluctuated (Terry Woods would leave and later become the bassist in the classic Pogues line-up a decade later), the band solidified and continues to this day.

 

Staying true to their folk roots, the band found themselves not only supporting

Jethro Tull on tour, but signing to Chrysalis Records. Their breakthrough sixth

album released in 1974, Now We Are Six, referring to both number of album

releases and band members, (with a cameo from David Bowie on saxophone!)

That release included the track “Thomas The Rhymer,” which has become a Steeleye concert staple.

 

On their fourth tour of the US, Steeleye Span played New York’s fabled Bottom

Line in July of 1974, showcasing not only material from their new and previous

albums, but adding the classic jig and reel medleys the band had become known for

in performance. The 74-minute set includes their #14 UK hit “Gaudete,” the classic

“John Barleycorn,” and much more. Many of the US tour dates were headlining

shows, they garnered good press and some were broadcast on local FM radio, including the Bottom Line show which was carried on WNYU-FM.

 

Live At The Bottom Line, 1974 documents what may have been Steeleye Span’s

longest and most successful tour of the US, and we’re lucky that on this New York

City night, the tapes were rolling to capture this fantastic ever-evolving live band.

Slàinte mhath!

 

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/rQdxJ-Dhseg

 

Pre-order: https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/span-live-at-the-bottom-line/

 

Live At The Bottom Line, 1974 Tracklist:

1. Beg Your Leave

2. Irish Jigs (Including Paddy Clancy’s)

3. Alison Gross

4. Song Introduction To “Cam Ye O’er Frae France”

5. Cam Ye O’er Frae France

6. Song Introduction To “John Barleycorn”

7. John Barleycorn

8. Song Introduction To “Little Sir Hugh”

9. Little Sir Hugh

10. Song Introduction To “Two Magicians”

11. Two Magicians

12. Saucy Sailor

13. Robbery With Violins/Kitty Come Down From Limerick/O’Rourke’s Reel

14. Summer Is A Comin’ In

15. Staines Morris/In Peascod Time

16. One Misty Moisty Morning

17. Gaudete

18. Thomas The Rhymer

19. The Musical Priest/The Silver Spear/The High Reel

20. Nautical Medley: Hearts Of Oak/A Life On The Ocean Wave/Rule Britannia

21. Royal Forester

22. The Mason’s Apron