Friday, April 13, 2012

Jazz Bassist Russel Blake Partners With National Domestic Violence Registry

When Russel Blake creates, he taps deep into his inner most God source. It is evidenced by music the renowned music producer and jazz bassist has gifted the planet with, including three CD's and over 432 compositions within his repertoire encompassing classical, Spanish classical, traditional jazz, Brazilian, opera, Latin and blues music idioms. It rings apparent in the eloquence he embodies as an author penning "Proverbs 31: The Virtuous Black Woman Vol. 1," where he communicates the precious and priceless value of all women. His God space shines clear when he speaks, captivating crowds with a wealth of musical knowledge, spiritual resolve and his genuine love for humanity. Russel Blake is indeed the reflection of a man who embodies reverence and grace and the vision is inspiring. His recently announced partnership with the National Domestic Violence Registry (NDVR) echoes his continued commitment to service, expanding his parameters as a jazz musician, utilizing his talents as a vehicle to help heal the world. As a partner, the musician/producer/author/speaker has positioned himself to enhance the plight of abused women, and women at large, by bringing much need attention to NDVR as a resourceful remedial aid. The National Domestic Violence Registry works to gather and house the conviction records of offenders, both men and women, who have been found guilty of domestic violence and domestic violence related offenses and provides this information, free of charge, to the general public. A woman can now easily look up the name of a paramour and find out if he has a history of abuse in his past, potentially avoiding explosive circumstances. "I have always recognized women as the pillar of our society. The proliferation of hip hop, reality television and escalating violence has hindered her rise and progression. My music and books are an ongoing tribute to her existence and her greatness. I offer them as a healing balm," cites Blake. "I can think of no entity of whom I am both humbled and most proud to vigorously assert my name in endorsement than the National Domestic Violence Registry. NDVR is a preventive cure to the pervasive cancer of domestic violence in our society," adds Russel Blake in an official endorsement statement. As a musician, Russel Blake proudly continues the musical legacy of his father, Latin musical great Alexander Blake, and his brother, world-renowned jazz bassist, Alex Blake. At the foundation of all his artistry lies his impeccable composition, theoretical and musical arrangement skills; all of which are self-taught. A native New Yorker now residing in Los Angeles, Russel Blake has shared his talents in 65 countries, on five continents, and holds the title of 'Adjunct Professor' at five universities. Besides accompanying and recording with several music giants, such as Chaka Kahn, Angie Stone, Wynton Marsalis, Sonny Rollins and Harry Belafonte, to name just a few, Russel has also been featured as the exclusive bassist for Broadway productions "The Lion King," and "Dreamgirls." Among his highest achievements, Blake was appointed by the U.S. State Department to perform as an Ambassador of Goodwill to eight West African nations. He was also contracted by the U.S. Department of Defense to lecture on the symbiotic nature of Science and Music for DARPA's (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) International Conference. Russel's tome "Proverbs 31: The Virtuous Black Woman Volume 1," written in Psalm format, elevates the image of Black women and counters the negative perception created by media and society, expressing the right for all women to be treated with unwavering respect and dignity. The book has been endorsed by author and poetess emeritus Maya Angelou and political strategist Donna Brazile and is supported by First Lady Michelle Obama. Blake is planning two additional volumes which will embrace women of all hue and nationalities. Blake's partnership with the National Domestic Violence Registry is a significant alliance as the issue of domestic violence impacts mostly women victims who are abused by men. His leadership as a male role model lends added resonance to his beautiful music and greater impact to his powerful spoken and written word. For more information on the National Registry of Domestic Violence go to http://www.domesticviolencedatabase.org/ . For a luscious sampling of Russel Blake's musical genius and written word, go to http://www.russelblake.net .

Grammy Award Winning Artists Wants To Know How Important Is Living?

This month marks the 20th year since the release of "3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of..." for Arrested Development and in celebration of this, the Grammy award winning group is set to release a '20' year album. The first single, entitled "Living," is in fact a solemnization of life. "Living" covers a lot of ground; its about life's obstacles and overcoming them to fulfill your true mission” states lead member Speech. And just how important is "Living" - Arrested Development wants to hear from fans, giving one lucky winner the opportunity to win an all expense paid round trip to Atlanta, Georgia and star in the next upcoming Arrested Development video. In order to become a fortunate winner, you must watch the new Arrested Development music video, "Living" - video link: http://youtu.be/581MWQgEW-4 - and correctly count the amount of times the words: "life", "living", "live" and "alive" show up on the screen during the video and submit that number along with a written piece of what life means to you and how you want to live life to the fullest. The contest is open to all ages (only to residents of the United States and minors must get parental approval), there is no entry fee and the deadline to submit is: July 4, 2012. Members of Arrested Development will choose one winner who will be notified and join the group in Atlanta, Georgia in August 2012 for video shoot. For complete contest information, rules and submission form, please log on to: www.ArrestedDevelopmentMusic.com and follow Arrested Development on twitter: @ADTheBand

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Escape Club CD Release Party Los Angeles April 19

Indie label Whipped Cream Records announces a CD Release Party for Escape Club's new album titled 'Celebrity' at The Mint, 6010 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles on April 19 with special guests American Bloomers and D. Henry Fenton & The Elizabethans. Cover is $10 for this 21+ show. The Escape Club began as an English rock band based in London founded by former Mad Shadows members' lead singer/rhythm guitarist Trevor Steel and guitarist John Holliday. They went on to chart five Top 100 songs in Billboard, including the #1 "Wild Wild West." The songs on their new 'Celebrity' album further their inventive rock sound with atmospheric guitars and intelligent lyrics exploring life in the public eye. Standout tracks include "God's Own Radio," already receiving significant airplay across the country, including features on KCRW in the Los Angeles area and online at Slacker.com. The new album was an iTunes "New & Noteworthy Rock" February 2012 feature pick and is available through independent Redeye Distribution of Haw River, North Carolina. The band looks forward to performing again, as "Playing live was always one of our strengths," Steel says, "All those years ago it's what got us started in the London clubs and it's something we've missed very much." http://www.theescapeclub.net D Henry Fenton was born in New Zealand, grew up in Australia and is now based in Los Angeles, California. He has opened shows for Eric Burdon, Keith Urban, John Mayer, Colbie Caillat, and the Corrs, as well as played guitar for Lissie. Henry’s last album, 'Autumn Sweet', was recorded with former REM producer Mitch Easter in North Carolina and received college airplay in Australia with strong reviews internationally: "a strange and magical album" - Sydney Morning Herald'; "pop rock winner" - Rolling Stone. Fenton has just finished songs for a new album called 'Turnin' with engineer/producer Steve Holroyd (Paul McCartney/Tom Petty) that he will be featuring in his performance at The Mint with accompanists The Elizabethans. http://www.dhenryfenton.com American Bloomers is the union of three singer/songwriters: Jaime Wyatt, Jane Sheldon and Jonathan Sheldon, whose voices blend seamlessly over jangling acoustic guitars and Stonesy electric riffs. The music is crafted in the fashion of Lennon/McCartney, with songs that echo of love, heartbreak and heart-wake. http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Bloomers/178402658867350 When: April 19 8PM - D. Henry Fenton & The Elizabethans 9PM - Escape Club 10PM - American Bloomers Where: The Mint 6010 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035 Phone: 323-954-9400 / Fax: 323-938-2994 21 + / $10 cover http://themintla.com/show.cfm?id=75029 Visit Whipped Cream Records and Artist Airplay Advisors at http://www.BeanBag1.com/ ### Contact: David Bean Whipped Cream Records Artist Airplay Advisors powered by BeanBag1.com db@beanbag1.com

Monday, April 9, 2012

Ryan Reid Releases 'Light It Up'

Upon arriving home from a musical stint in New York, Tough Records’ recording artist, Ryan Reid, is releasing his debut record, “Light it Up,” on April 3rd. Reid’s passion is to create a distinctive type of rock that creates fans of all ages. The entire record, written by Reid, is a culmination of soul, blues, and full-energy rock designed to bring the influences of music legends of the past and present into one package. “Light it Up” definitely showcases Ryan Reid’s true to life songwriting ability with songs ranging from spiritual warfare to battling addiction to believing in yourself till the end. As a native of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Ryan Reid’s insatiable taste for rock and the blues have created a project that will leave fans begging for more. Ryan Reid and band are on the “Light it Up” tour. This is one rock show you don’t want to miss! Photos, Bio, and other information about Ryan Reid’s “Light it Up” tour are available at http://www.ryanreidmusic.com and http://www.flatlandentertainment.com. Tough Records, Stillwater, OK is a record label working with artists across the USA. http://www.toughrecords.com. “Light It Up” • Written by Ryan Reid • Produced by Greg Pearce • Recorded at Flatland Recording Studio • BMI, Ryan Reid 1. The Perfect Drug (Light it Up) 2. Mercy Me 3. Never Let Go 4. Believe 5. I Am 6. Save Me 7. Always 8. Eat Your Heart Out 9. Sometimes It’s Real 10. Too Far Gone 11. Bring It On ### If you’d like more information about Ryan or his new release, or to schedule an interview with Ryan, please call Kim Pearce at 405/780-7377 or email kim@flatlandentertainment.com

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Review: "Withstand The Fire (21st Century LGBT Anthem)" By Gay Pittsburgh Rapper "Another One For The Fire"

The song, just under three minutes long, features a rather interesting combination of jazzy background and heartfelt but hateful and brutal lyrics that speak of homophobia and neglect LGBT people have to deal with on a daily basis. With this unusual blend of harsh but truthful rap lyrics and dark jazzy feel, one could say that "Another One For The Fire" has found a perfect genre for expressing his anger and disappointment in the society as well as for building a confident and strong LGBT fanbase. His important message has the ability to reach not only the angry and disappointed gay teenagers but also a wider circle of people that probably need to understand it the most. No stranger to controversy, "Another One For The Fire" made national headlines earlier in March when he released his debut mixtape which included diss tracks aimed at Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. It's interesting to see what he will be up to on his sophomore mixtape which he is currently preparing, and which will feature an exciting guest appearance from Florida's up-and-coming gay rapper Sissy Rich. Stay tuned for more exciting news from the rap world! Email: editor@mi2n.com