IN THE MOOD, A 1940s Big Band Musical Revue, Announces 2016 U.S. Tour

To the delight of fans of American Big Bands and the Big Band era, the brassy, all-singing, all-dancing and all-American 1940s musical revue IN THE MOOD (www.inthemoodlive.com) celebrates 22 years on the road with a new U.S. tour kicking off in January 2016. Much more than a concert, IN THE MOOD is a live, fully staged tribute to the American music and lyrics of the '30s & '40s. Nineteen cast members including the sensational String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra and the In the Mood Singers & Dancers bring authentic, classy costumes, sizzling choreography and more than fifty unforgettable hits to the stage. IN THE MOOD will visit more than 60 cities for 125 performances.

"IN THE MOOD pays homage to America's greatest generation, when people listened to up-tempo big band rhythms and danced to intimate ballads," says Creator and Producer Bud Forrest. "The show's success over two decades is a sign that the swing era music is alive and well, plus we're introducing new generations to the swing, the rhythm and the jazzy, sentimental and patriotic music of a pivotal time in American history."

IN THE MOOD celebrates the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Erskine Hawkins, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and other idols of the 1940s. Hop aboard the "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and you'll soon be "In The Mood" to hear timeless melodies from the Great American Songbook. Hit songs include Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Tuxedo Junction, Well Git It, On The Sunny Side of the Street, In the Mood and many more. "These songs are still very popular and part of the core catalog for high school and college jazz bands performing today."

Watch a preview of the action here: https://youtu.be/n-0o5njMnUc

Now in its 22nd season of touring, IN THE MOOD is a phenomenon among touring shows, performing in 49 states in the U.S, Canada, New Zealand, The Netherlands and two sold-out tours of Australia.

IN THE MOOD takes a look at America's Swing Era and recreates defining moments from the 1930s and 1940s. "From the happy-go-lucky era before WWII to the start of the war when thousands of our youth were going abroad to defend our freedoms and longing for the end of the war when loved ones would be reunited," says Forrest. The show pays tribute to all veterans – from WWII to today's men and women in uniform. The arrangements of these American songs evoke powerful emotions even in people who were born decades after WWII.

The late Vic Schoen, the show's primary arranger, created the musical arrangements for the entire career of the legendary Andrews Sisters and was Music Director for both Universal and Paramount Pictures. He was one of the seminal creators of the swing-era sound that he imbued into IN THE MOOD.

For the fifth year, stage director and the highly-in-demand choreographer Alex Sanchez, a veteran of 11 Broadway shows, is set to bring the IN THE MOOD Singers and Dancers alive with his staging and choreography. "He is committed to bringing a fresh, dynamic, ever-changing perspective on the culture of the Swing Era," says Forrest.

Follow IN THE MOOD on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/InTheMoodLive.

A partial list of IN THE MOOD 2016 tour dates is listed below (subject to change). Visit www http://inthemoodlive.com/calendar/ for a complete list:

January 28
Spartanburg, SC
Memorial Auditorium

January 29
Macon, GA
Grand Opera House

January 31
Charlotte, NC
Knight Theater

February 2
Huntsville, AL
Von Braun Center

February 4
Augusta, GA
Imperial Theatre

February 5
Athens, GA
UGA PAC - Hodgsen

February 8
Birmingham, AL
Alabama Theater

February 23
Riverside, CA
FOX Performing Arts Center

March 16-17
Kansas City, MO
Helzberg Hall-Kauffman Center

March 19
Galesburg, IL
Orpheum Theatre

March 23-26
Cleveland, OH
Ohio Theatre

April 2
Columbus, OH
Capitol Theatre

April 3
Carmel, IN
The Palladium

April 5-6
Pittsburgh, PA
Byham Theater

April 7
Dayton, OH
Victoria Theatre

April 8
Akron, OH
Akron Civic Theatre

April 9
Cincinnati, OH
Aronoff Center-Procter & Gamble Hall

April 20
Frederick, MD
Weinberg Center

April 22
Hartford, CT
The Bushnell

April 26
Burlington, VT
Flynn Center

April 27
Keene, NH
Colonial Theatre

April 28
Portsmouth, NH
Music Hall

April 29
Lynn, MA
Lynn Auditorium

April 30 - May 1
New Haven, CT
Shubert Theater

http://tellemgrodypr.com/wproot/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/IN-THE-MOOD-30-sec-radio-spot.mp3

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=188153

Stevie Hawkins Releases New Two-Song Soul/R&B/Blues Single On Emphasis

As an artist who we have come to know for expecting the unexpected, Stevie Hawkins remains true to form with his new two-song single release, rendering a passionate modern Soul - R&B music ballad, then entertaining us with a rousing Big Band blues arrangement. Yet, both songs are readily identifiable by Hawkins' signature voice.

'Diamonds In The Sky' is a sensuous, romantic ballad that will transport you to a dimension of love and soothing relaxation either by yourself, or with that very special someone. This is sophisticated Soul/R&B with smooth jazz flavors at its very best.

The ballad vocally captures Hawkins as a sensualist, who fluently phrases, caresses and delivers the lyrics from whispers to impassioned intensity. The song is tastefully seasoned with warm -- layered Fender Rhodes and atmospheric synthesizers by Grammy award-winning master of musical magic, the late George Duke. Interspersed throughout the track are sultry alto saxophone embellishments by Stephan Sechi, and a lilting chromatic harmonica solo by Ralph Rosen, reminiscent of Toots Thielemans or Stevie Wonder. The song glows with vibrancy, feels good, and you will want to listen on repeat.

Hawkins inclusion of the bluesy big band song 'Sweet Honey', is brimming with personality and a delightful treat indeed, reminiscent of Ray Charles or Count Basie. The Stevie Hawkins Blue Shoes Orchestra, a 14 piece horn section and 3 piece rhythm section, constitutes this powerful and fun song as a testament to the range of Hawkins' vocals and music, and is a magnificent addition to this release.

Emphasis CEO Tom Stevens said, "Not only is Stevie a remarkable artist, he is a unique musical force whose work resonates around the globe. The release of his new single will undoubtedly be one of independent music's highlights of 2015."

"Diamonds In The Sky and Sweet Honey were originally written and the basic tracks recorded in 2013. At the time, I viewed the songs as one-off tracks that we put together rather quickly for the purpose of using during my solo performance for the Los Angeles Music Awards voting party and press event at the Whiskey A Go-Go in Hollywood, late September of that year. Being nominated as Urban Artist by the LA Music Awards, I wanted to have a fresh Urban/R&B song, as well as a contrasting bluesy song to sing for my live presentation to the judges and audience at the voting event. The mood recently came upon me to polish up the lyrics, record a new vocals, and complete production of the tunes. We are pleased with the outcome, so we're putting them out there. I'm not chasing a sound or jumping on trends with the release of songs. I'm just doing something that feels fresh to me. In the end, it's all about continuing to strive for greatness, doing the best that I can at what I love to do, which is create music”, Hawkins said. Ultimately, Stevie Hawkins was the recipient of the 2013 Los Angeles Music Awards Urban Artist award.

As an artist who likes to explore various styles of music, Stevie Hawkins proves here he belongs in the elite of Soul/R&B/Blues artists who can have ascendancy over more than one genre. He continues to propel his career and remains a formidable force on today's musical landscape.

If you're a true Stevie Hawkins fan, or if you've just discovered this multi-talented man, you'll want to have 'Diamonds In The Sky' and 'Sweet Honey' as part of your sophisticated Soul/R&B and Big Band Blues music collection! - Ozzi Roth - Hollywood Report

About The Artist:
Stevie Hawkins is a multiple award-winning artist who has ascended through the ranks as an adept instrumentalist, vocalist, entertainer, songwriter, film composer, teacher, and producer. His ever-present influence inspires musicians and cult fans globally. As a live performer, he electrifies his audience and immediately establishes a relationship with them during his shows.

As a sideman and session drummer, he is known for his chameleon-like adaptability to envision and perform avant-garde conceptions across multiple genres of music. That is supported by playing drums in specialty realms and cross-genres for international and national recording artists, Chuck Berry, John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Percy Sledge, Bertie Higgins, Dan Seals (England Dan & John Ford Coley), Stanley Jordan, The Ink Spots, Rufus Thomas, Johnny Rodriguez, Daryle Singletary, Webb Pierce, Charlie Rich, Brook Benton, Jeff Carson, Ace Cannon "The Godfather of Sax", Al Dotson Jazz Orchestra, Ringling Brothers Circus, comedians Jackie Mason and Roger & Roger, and many others.

Stevie has performed countless shows at many historic venues including, Whisky A Go-Go, Avalon Theater Hollywood, The Orpheum Theater, Capitol Theater, Strand Theater, and Renfro Valley. Stevie continues his life-long pursuit of musical and artistic excellence, demonstrating a tireless commitment to his craft.

Single Credits:

Diamonds In The Sky
(C. Hannon/T.S. Hawkins)
Stevie Hawkins: Vocals - Beat - Strings - Percussion
George Duke: Fender Rhodes - Synth - Synth Bass
Stephan Sechi: Alto Saxophone
Raymond ”Guitar” Watts: Electric and Classical Guitars
Ralph Rosen: Harmonica

Sweet Honey
(C. Hannon/T.S. Hawkins)
The Stevie Hawkins Blue Shoes Orchestra
Produced, Engineered and Mixed by Stevie Hawkins
Studios: Wintergreen Studio, Atlanta, GA and Fat Hits, Los Angeles, CA
Mastered by ShhhMedia, Atlanta, GA shhhmedia.net
Cover Art:Dmytro Tolokonov
Basic Tracks Recorded: 2013
Final Production and Mix: 2015

© 2015 Emphasis Records - Hannon Hawkins Music, BMI
All rights are reserved.

http://www.emphasisrecords.com/audio/Diamonds_In_The_Sky.mp3

http://www.steviehawkins.com

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=184475

Elijah Rock - 'Elijah Rock LIVE In Hollywood' EP

Rising star Elijah Rock makes big waves in the music world as he releases his digital single, ‘That First Time’ as well as his digital album EP ‘Elijah Rock LIVE in Hollywood’ Rock is a Jazz Crooner, one that is long awaited and rare. A live 7-piece ensemble accompanies him, conveying the sound of a mini Big Band. The EP was recorded live on June 26th, 2012 at the annual KJAZZ (88.1) FM Hollywood & Highland Summer Jazz Concert Series in Los Angeles, CA. In addition to the studio single of ‘That First Time,’ the EP features Rocks enthralling studio recording of the classic spiritual ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”

Elijah Rock started pursuing his love of music in his native town of Cleveland, OH. After attending the Cleveland Institute of Music as a vocal performance major, Rock landed in New York City. His smooth vocal tone and distinctive vibrato drew comparisons to such greats as Arthur Prysock, Billy Eckstine, Joe Williams and Sammy Davis Jr. Both the single and the LIVE recordings swing hard, reminiscent of 1960’s Big Band era but with a contemporary flare. ‘That First Time, ‘New York City Springtime’ and ‘Shake it Baby Blues’ are all Rocks original compositions but they’ll take you back to the classic sound of The Great American Songbook. With acclaimed musicians Abe Lagrimas, Jr. on Drums, Mahesh Balasooria on piano, Dominic Theroux on bass, a swinging horn section led by trumpeter Antonio Dangerfield and Rock highlighting his tap dancing prowess, his show is known to be immensely entertaining.

Rock not only embodies the Big Band in sound but also in aesthetic. His tailored suits and fine haberdashery confirm his essence and his honest nature as a first class act. He says, “Duke Ellington, and Billy Eckstine taught me the timelessness of the consummate gentlemen’s lifestyle. It’s in everything I do. It’s who I’ve learned to become.”

Email: JessicaLVine@gmail.com
Website: http://www.ElijahRock.net