AIR SUPPLY
THE HITMAKING DUO AIR SUPPLY CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF SUCCESS.
Hollywood,Calif.interviewsofrecordingartists .com
Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock of Air Supply have been caught in a joyfully frenzied musical whirlwind these past few years, keeping a diverse international schedule that includes the U.S., The Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Israel, Brazil and even Vietnam. This fall, the 80s hitmaking duo is inviting hundreds of loyal fans—affectionately known as Airheads—to celebrate their 35th year of making music together on the “Air Supply And Friends At Sea Cruise” aboard Royal Caribbean’s “Liberty of The Seas” (October 31-November 7). Nothing wrong with conquering hearts across the planet with classic hits like “All Out Of Love,” “The One That You Love” and “Making Love Out of Nothing At All.” After all, they’re still used regularly on TV commercials and major motion picture soundtracks. But the ever ambitious Air Supply is about to take several generations of adoring fans to another realm entirely on Mumbo Jumbo, their highly anticipated debut on Las Vegas based Odds On Records, distributed by E1 (formerly Koch) Entertainment. Mumbo Jumbo’s lead single, the infectious pop rocker “Dance With Me,” is set hit Adult Contemporary radio in March, building momentum a month before the release of Air Supply’s first studio album of all original material since 2002’s Across The Concrete Sky. Another key track, “Hold On,” features Australian heartthrob rocker Michael Johns, a season seven finalist on American Idol. In 2009, Odds On Records licensed the duo’s mid-2000s recordings Free Love and The Singer And The Song, which featured revamped acoustic versions of their hit singles and deeper album cuts. Recorded at Graham Russell’s home studio near Park City, Utah and at Odds On’s state of the art facilities in Vegas with top session musicians and an orchestra, Mumbo Jumbo was produced by Russell and engineered by Odds On’s Sean O’Dwyer, whose credits include Pink Floyd, Randy Newman and Blink-182. “Because of our crazy touring schedule, Mumbo Jumbo took three years to complete,” says Graham Russell, “and Russell Hitchcock and I couldn’t be happier with the results. We had been releasing projects independently for a long time, but felt that Odds On Records was the perfect match for us. They were looking to sign a band with a strong track record, and we felt they had the resources to help us launch a new project on a global scale. Russell and I were very committed to making Mumbo Jumbo a great recording. We came at it with the attitude of, ‘if this were the last album we ever made, let’s make sure it’s the best we can ever do.’ We worked really hard on the right song selection, strong vocals and arrangements. While sticking to our vow of never making an album unless we are convinced it has numerous potential hit singles, we also believe that we have emerged with our best overall collection to date.” This will be great news to the millions of Airheads out there who have been waiting patiently for the duo’s latest work. Among them are Ozzy Osbourne (who has attended their shows in disguise) and Al Pacino, who recently was spotted hanging out in a dark booth in the back of the Orleans in Las Vegas,one of the duo’s regular venues. Hitchcock was even surprised by some Hells Angels who approached him for an autograph when he was exiting a tattoo parlor on Sunset Strip a few years ago; turns out some of the hard edged biker dudes were huge fans. More casual Air Supply fans who think of the duo simply as creators of ultra-romantic hit singles will likewise be blown away by the depth of Russell’s songwriting and his and Hitchcock’s powerful vocals as they weave the powerful mythical tale of Zed, an idealistic young man in a parallel universe. Zed goes off to find the meaning of life, only to be deceived by false hope in a strangely corrupt, money and greed ruled place called Mumbo Jumbo. In a time when iTunes-driven commerce dictates that the safest bet for artists is to toss out a few random hit singles at a time, Russell’s rich storyline will remind listeners of an era when concept albums and exhilarating rock operas were the norm. He was particularly inspired by the critical and commercial success of Green Day’s Grammy winning 2004 album American Idiot. Fans intrigued about the story that Russell penned to set the scene for the 14 emotion-laden tracks of Mumbo Jumbo can visit Air Supply’s website and read his fascinating 4,000 word short story “Mumbo Jumbo…A Story So Far.” Continually amazed at his partner’s prolific songwriting output even after 25 studio recordings together, Hitchcock says, “He always gives me the best songs to work with, and I couldn’t be happier. I am really amazed at how well he integrated the songs he wrote over a period of a few years into the big picture of the Mumbo Jumbo story. One of the reasons I think it’s our best album is that the songs still maintain melodic simplicity but lyrically, tracks like the title song are very deep. That’s what makes it work, the combination of great melodies, strong vocals and good storytelling. The album runs the gamut from incredible, thought provoking ballads and the loud rocker ‘Me Like You.’ “As the lead singer,” he adds, “the same thing motivates me with every project, and that’s the excitement I get responding to the maturity of Graham’s writing and rising to the challenge of delivering the best vocals I can. Because I hear the core of these songs for the first time just with guitar or piano and Graham’s voice, it’s always a pleasure to ultimately fulfill them with strong arrangements and full instrumentation. Because we usually only have 4-5 days at a time off the road to be in the studio, the achievement is all the more gratifying.” Besides the fact that so many of the songs on Mumbo Jumbo can stand alone and become potential radio smashes even without the context of the story, Air Supply’s great confidence in the album can be explained by the overwhelming reception their diehard fans have always given the new material that Russell and Hitchcock introduce in concert. “People who haven’t seen us before always leave a bit surprised, and in a wonderful way,” says Russell. “They may come to see us because of the old songs, but leave wanting to hear more new songs after the five or six we share with them. We like to say we are cushioning the new material with the classic stuff. But we’re not just a nostalgia act and we like to think our music doesn’t have a time stamp on it. I’m the group’s songwriter and Russell, as the lead singer, has for over 30 years been an invaluable and genuine sounding board for the songs I write. If something isn’t up to par, he’ll let me know. But if it’s working and he says we need to record it, that he’d love to sing it, I know we’re on the right track.” Hitchcock adds, “We had 12 songs recorded for the album, which to me seemed like plenty, but Graham came to me with two more he wanted to record, and I had an equally positive reaction to those. When he said, okay, now we have everything we need, I knew instinctively that we had a finished project. Writing and recording new material is our lifeblood that keeps us fresh and excited. In concert, we know we raise eyebrows when we say we’re going to start playing new songs, but then we start and the audience realizes how much love and care go into them. We’ve been around nearly 40 years and are not only holding our own out there but firmly believe, with albums like Mumbo Jumbo, that our best days are still ahead of us.”
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Kenny Rogers.
Kenny Rogers To Share The Stage With Many Of His Favorite Friends.
Nashville,Tennessee.interviewsofrecordingartists .com
Kenny Rogers is a living legend and this evening in Nashville,TN. at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in front of the assembled media, the first details were announced for an upcoming television special worthy of his musical legacy,Kenny Rogers:The First 50 Years.However,this upcoming event is far more than just a music special,Kenny Rogers:The First 50 Years, will be as star studded as any award show. It will be a rollicking celebration, filled with music and comedy from some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world performing,appearing and sharing stories about Kenny Rogers and his music. Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Alison Krauss,Wynonna and The Oak Ridge Boys are just some of the early names already slated to appear on the show. The array of artists will be part of the performance,and a few will host different segments of the show travelling through Kenny's six decades of hits. Kenny Rogers:The First 50 Years will tape on April 10th,2010 at the MGM Grand At Foxwoods and will be produced by Dreamcatcher Artist Management and Locomotive Entertainment Group.Filmed in pristine hi-definition,digital 3D, this multi-camera,up-close-and-personal special will find the viewer “visually surrounded and fully immersed" in the concert.Mark Lucas,who recently directed the 3D concert films for Dave Matthews and Kings of Leon, will direct, and Monty Powell,2009 SESAC Songwriter of the Year and producer,will serve as Musical Director.Tickets may be purchased starting February 11, 2010 at 9 a.m. online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com,by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Box Office at 1-866-646-0609, by calling Ticketmaster,or in person at the MGM Grand Box Office.“When this was first proposed to me as a 50-year celebration,something about that sounded final,and I didn’t want that, so I suggested we call it ‘The First 50 Years,’” Rogers said.“I will tell you this, the first 50 years TV show is gonna be awesome,the next 50 years TV show is gonna be a bitch.” The red carpet for this event will certainly have to roll for a long way, as there are so many superstars from music, movies, and sports that Kenny has touched over the course of his 50 years in entertainment. It will certainly be an unforgettable night for everyone involved. Kenny is one of a handful of artists to sell over 125 million albums. He also holds the very rare distinction of having a hit single in each of the last six decades. His television movie “The Gambler” is one of the highest rated TV movies of all time. His duet with Dolly Parton,“Islands In The Stream,”is the #1-selling duet of all time. His extensive history of success also includes 20 platinum, 27 gold records and a Diamond-certified Greatest Hits album that has sold more than 24 million copies worldwide. He has won three Grammy Awards, five Country Music Association Awards, 18 American Music Awards, eight Academy of Country Music Awards and 11 People’s Choice Awards. He has recorded 65 albums and is ranked #8 on the R.I.A.A.’s list of Top Selling Male Artists of all time. With his unique storytelling ability and soulful voice, Kenny has continued his amazing run into the 21st century with a critically acclaimed album(Water and Bridges)and a recent gold certification(21 Number Ones). Whether it’s his classic or current hits,or his recent appearance on“American Idol,” his relevance in the world of music and pop culture has never been stronger.“The First 50 Years will reflect the diverse talent Kenny has crossed paths with and enjoyed friendships with throughout the years,” said Dreamcatcher Artist Management President/CEO Jim Mazza."That is what will make this once-in-a-lifetime celebration so special.” “MGM at Foxwoods has provided us with an incredible venue in which to celebrate the career of a true icon,Kenny Rogers," said Locomotive Entertainment Group President Gabriel Gornell."We are planning on shooting a television event that will allow viewers to share in what is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime music experience." “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to partner with Dreamcatcher Artist Management’s music industry leadership and the creative production expertise of Locomotive Group,”states Joseph Jimenez,Senior Vice President for Foxwoods Marketing.“Foxwoods is a destination recognized and unmatched in service standards and signature world class entertainment;attracting over 16 million visitors a year.We are truly honored to host this amazing event celebrating our dear friend,Kenny Rogers’50 years of success in the Entertainment Industry.”
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LONESTAR DEBUTS NEW STUDIO ALBUM,
PARTY HEARD AROUND THE WORLD,
IN STORES APRIL 27,2010.
Nashville,Tennessee.interviewsofrecordingartists .com
The highy anticipated return to the charts of a true country music supergroup,LONESTAR,is near. The Band is releasing their first studio album in four years,cause enough for celebration to the universe of country/pop cross-over fans who have long embraced them. And the news gets better.Party Heard Around The World, their 10th album, is a total ‘hands on’ creative effort, produced by the band with eight of the ten tracks written by the foursome. Noted lead guitarist and original member Michael Britt said in a recent interview: “We feel that this album is a complete reflection of the group, circa 2010. It’s personal and powerful music that reflects the core values of Lonestar through lyrics, performance and production.” Lonestar’s commitment to open the new decade with a new chapter of music will have the full label support of Saguaro Road Records and be the subject of a major multi-phase national retail/radio/media/marketing campaign set to roll-out in advance of the April 27,2010 street date.With being known both for their strong country roots as well as their multi-genre crossover appeal that’s led to a history of success on the pop/rock charts,Lonestar has only their own career records to break. To date,the band has RIAA certified sales in excess of 10 million album units since their national launch in 1995.The Texas bred band has had an impressive list of hit singles on the country charts,including ten #1’s as well as nine Top 40 songs on the pop charts. Signature songs in the mid-90’s included early #1 hits such as “No News,” and “Come Cryin’ To Me.” Their 1999 album release, Lonely Grill,produced Lonestar’s biggest crossover smash to date,the ballad “Amazed,” which spent eight weeks at the #1 spot on the country charts as well as reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The dual win made them the first country act since Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton’s “Islands In the Stream” in 1983 to accomplish this career milestone. Three more singles from the band(“Smile,”“What About Now,” and “Tell Her”) followed to #1 as the Lonely Grill album was certified multi-platinum. Lonestar dealt listeners a follow-up platinum hand with the release of their I’m Already There album (2001) with the title track lead-off single spending six weeks at #1 as the album was on the way to platinum certification.In addition to garnering music accolades, Lonestar has been oft-lauded for their continuous outreach in the arena of humanitarian goodwill. The band was recognized by The Academy of Country Music with the coveted Home Depot Humanitarian Award in 2003 for their continued commitment to help build the dreams of those in need—this in recognition to the group’s single handed dedication to the building of a playground for children in tornado ravaged Jackson,Tennessee.America’s military forces have been a major focus for concert and fund raising efforts by the band as has St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, to mention only a few of their ongoing humanitarian interests.Lonestar consists of original members Dean Sams,Keech Rainwater,and Michael Britt,as well as lead vocalist Cody Collins who joined the group in 2007. Party Heard Around The World is set to make a legion of new fans, as well as re-connect Lonestar to a universe of dedicated fans for whom their latest studio project has been eagerly awaited.Tour dates in support of the new album release are expected to be announced within the next few weeks.
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Becky Schlegel's New CD,'DANDELION'.
Nashville,TN.interviewsofrecordingartists.com
Recording artist Becky Schlegel's brand new CD,'DANDELION',on LILLY RAY/IGO Records, is rich with magical music and poetic lyrics.Co-produced by Schlegel and Brian Fesler and recorded in Minnesota,the recording project is slated to be released April 6,2010."We took a more relaxed,spontaneous approach on,'DANDELION',"notes Becky, who has become a new Nashville resident.She continued,"We let the songs be free to end up where they were destined to be." The 13-song collection resonates with Schlegel's insightful originals and ever-engaging voice. Two special guests appear on the disc:Randy Kohrs and Josh Williams.Among the musicians adding their talents include:Brian Fesler (Banjo, Acoustic/Electric Guitars); Richard Dworsky, Benny Weinbeck (Piano); Gordon Johnson (Bass); Marc Anderson, Phil Hey (Percussion/Drums); Michael Witcher (Resonator Guitar); Kenny Wilson (Pedal Steel, Electric Guitar); Clint Hoover (Chromatic/Diatonic Harps) and Josh Williams,Jeff Midkiff and Joe Cruz on Mandolin. An Appalachian thread runs throughout the recording project,and Schlegel draws heavily upon her bluegrass heritage to add an earthy,yet subtle shine to each track.From the memories of her grandmother, glimpsed throughout the disc's opener "Anna," to the haunting vignettes invoked by the title track, her imaging paints portraits that are startling in their vividness. Her current single, "Colorado Line," is a mid-tempo look back at a well-remembered goodbye - and what might have been, while the engaging "I Never Loved You Cowboy," is a tune inspired by a real-life teenaged breakup. Schlegel confronts infidelity in "So Embarrassing," which features the artful harmonies and signature Resonator Guitar of Kohrs."When It Rains" showcases Williams joining Schlegel to create a mesmerizing vocal pairing.DANDELION is her most "country" effort to date; the result of songs pulled from past memories and dreams unfulfilled and heretofore unspoken. The disc will be in stores nationwide on April 6,2010 however fans can order copies online now.'DANDELION',is Becky's fourth solo album of originals,following,'RED LEAF','DRIFTER LIKE ME',and,'FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE'.
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TONIA TECCE.
TONIA TECCE IS THE ONE WHO DARED TO DREAM.
Hollywood,Calif.interviewsofrecordingartists .com
Long before Susan Boyle took the stage and shocked Simon Cowell, Tonia Tecce was living her own dream,embodying the exciting truth that it’s never too late. The Philadelphia based crossover soprano was captivating thousands of fans everywhere from the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philly to Carnegie Hall with her powerful, soaring vocals and the tale behind the amazing journey which led her to center stage. Anyone who thought Tecce was crazy to start pursuing her singing career in the early 1980s after deferring her lifelong dream to raise six kids might think she’s madder yet to launch a recording career at an age when most people are settling into retirement. The singer, who also has 12 grandchildren, has two responses for them: What A Wonderful World, her 2006 independent debut and Smile, her glorious new, ten-track collection of uniquely selected secular and spiritual songs that,like Tecce herself, can’t help but lift us during these uncertain, troubling times. While Tecce may be a new name to those outside her regular performing base on the East Coast, her collaborators on both projects are world renowned. Grammy nominated arranger/accompanist/conductor Byron Olson has worked with legends of opera (Placido Domingo), pop (Gloria Estefan, Johnny Mathis), jazz (Carmen McRae) and folk rock (Richie Havens) and The London Symphony. Repertoire consultant Ettore Stratta has conducted The London Symphony, The English Chamber Orchestra and The Royal Philharmonic. John Vanore, producer of both What A Wonderful World and Smile, was a featured trumpet soloist with the Woody Herman Orchestra and has accompanied everyone from Tony Bennett and Sammy Davis, Jr. to Nancy Wilson. He also earned a gold record for producing Michael Crawford’s 1998 inspirational album On Eagle’s Wings. With a set list that includes Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile,” the Disney classic “When You Wish Upon A Star,” “His Eye Is On The Sparrow,” “Amazing Grace,” “On Eagle’s Wings” and “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child,” Vanore is helping Tecce tap into the same emotional longings and spiritual aspirations as the Crawford project. A reviewer from Midnight Jazz once compared Tecce’s voice to that of Julie Andrews, which makes the artful medley of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Climb Every Mountain” all the more appropriate and poignant. Tecce says, “For me, this is about uplifting people and I truly believe in the sentiment that we can always find a way to ‘Smile’ through the hard times. My hope is that listeners who hear my interpretation will experience a positive moment that makes them feel better. The album can work on that level or simply be a nice afternoon of easy music to listen to. I wanted to keep it secular but spiritual, simply reflecting how we feel in times of trouble. I closed What A Wonderful World with just Byron on piano and we took the same route this time, wrapping Smile with Irving Berlin’s “Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep” from ‘White Christmas.’” Speaking of Christmas, when Tecce was originally tossing around ideas for the follow-up to What A Wonderful World, her older daughter urged her to do a holiday album. “Needless to say,” Tecce says, “I would have loved to make a Christmas album and hope to do so someday. But I wanted to do more than that. I wanted to touch the hearts of my listeners in a very special way – to give them something that went beyond the music. Because so many wonderful people have drawn me into their lives and shared with me their personal stories, both happy and sad, I began to think of making a recording dealing with a wide range of emotions and feelings. I think Smile conveys the fact that I’m a very optimistic person at heart. I firmly believe if you want something badly enough you can get it. You may not always get the gold at the end of the rainbow, but it’s important to reach for your dream and passion.” Tecce has told her story on local media and before live audiences throughout the Delaware Valley. Accompanied by her heart-filled renditions of favorites from Broadway and the Hollywood screen, as well as classical songs and arias, her story has captivated listeners and enhanced her reputation as one of the most popular –and beloved– performers in the region. Lest anyone think her emergence as a popular song stylist was anything but a too-long-delayed destiny, it’s important to note that she began singing onstage when she was eight years old and planned to head to New York to pursue her career. But her family, including her father-- a small town New Jersey doctor who came from an era when they still made house calls--placed greater value on education. So she went off to Rosemont College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Tecce employs the romantic imagery of Cupid’s arrow to explain how her dream got sidetracked for very worthwhile reasons—seven of them, in fact: her husband (whom she married six days after graduation) and the six wonderful children they raised. More than 20 years after putting her dreams on hold, and as her family responsibilities lessened, Tecce auditioned for master voice teacher Florence Berggren (Julliard), who accepted her as a student and referred her to voice coach Martin Rich, conductor of the Metropolitan Opera. Maestro Rich was so impressed with her voice that he began working with her immediately. One of her fondest onstage moments was performing at Carnegie Hall with Rich in 1991; a few years ago, after he passed away, she sang there for the third time in tribute and was the only singer onstage who was not from the roster of the Met Opera. To draw from an old showbiz cliché, the “practice” that got her to Carnegie Hall also earned her performances at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, where she made her debut as a headliner in “Tonia Tecce Sings!” She’s done eighteen seasons with the Ocean City Pops and has performed at the French Embassy in Washington D.C. and for the President of the United States (at a Presidential Salute and Inaugural Ball) and two inaugural ceremonies for the Governor of Pennsylvania. In addition to appearing onstage with leading operatic voices, Tecce also finds time to perform at benefit concerts and fundraisers for colleges, churches and hospitals. The Scleroderma Federation of the Delaware Valley awarded her its Humanitarian Award in recognition of her artistry and her dedication to this worthy cause. The key philosophy she uses in all of her motivational talks is: “Living your dream takes determination and hard work, but if you want it badly enough, nothing can stop you. Life is not a dress rehearsal, so if you have a dream, follow it…” “If the fact that I’m fulfilling my dream of being a recording artist at this age can inspire someone in their 60s, 70s or even 80s to live their life fully and passionately, that would make me very happy,” Tecce says. “One woman who read my story in the Philadelphia Inquirer went back to get her master’s in English, which she had begun pursuing long ago. So take that cover off your piano, pull that violin out of your closet, begin writing that book. When I auditioned for the Met, I didn’t let anything hold me back. If you’ve always thought you can do it, you can. If someone walks away from one of my performances or talks and thinks, ‘Well she did it, why can’t I?’ that’s the kind of thing that makes me truly Smile.”
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