Alex & Friends Release Second Album: "Some Winter Tales"

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=179942

After the angry 'One Thing Left" published in 2012, Alex & Friends are back with the quieter yet infectuous 'Some Winter Tales' and the timing - with Christmas coming to town - couldn't be more spot on.

The combo here is at its best. Pierre Alexander's disenchanted songs are brought into life by an intricate combination of 70's like ambiant rock and more pop-oriented tunes. The beautiful piano-driven ballad 'Glamorous Glow' is a perfect introduction to Alex & Friends' classy approach to pop music, while 'Losing Ground' and 'Speed Limit' remind the listener of how good this band is at wrapping up catchy nasty singles.

As for the majestic 'Christmas Day' with its epic ending, a hundred listens might not be enough to capture its dark and poisonous beauty.

A very special Christmas present for a decidedly very special band.

The Inspiration Behind The Versions Of "Santa Baby" Remakes... Hint, Never Marilyn Monroe!

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=180106

Sultry Jazz Pop singer, actress, Nobel Nominated Cynthia Basinet whose iconic version of "Santa Baby", that has often been mistaken for Marilyn Monroe; although Marilyn never sang the song, has been the inspiration behind the versions of "Santa Baby" recorded to date since 2000, whether well-known or not.

Cynthia's one off of Eartha Kitt's renowned Holiday Tune is a true homage to the famous Cat Woman herself also a lyrical gift to a very special person in Cynthia's life: "I recorded Santa Baby as a gift for a very special person in my life, Jack Nicholson. Have always loved that song, as so many do, thanks to Eartha.' She recorded it and another, "Someone To Watch Over” Me, as gifts that went on a Christmas card CD. That was 1997. She then launched Santa Baby via the Internet and it went viral in 2000. This version, perhaps because it was sung from the heart, has oft credited to Marilyn Monroe. (Well, that and illegal file sharing. ;-).) Ironically, this version has become the standard for today's artists from pop to R&B to country, worldwide.

Watch the OFFICIAL Music Video:
http://vevo.ly/O9nQbl

A bit more on the leggy, statuesque, strawberry blonde who has been seen in over 200 commercials and films, on magazine covers and whose image has been retributed: The quirky natural beauty with sparkling versatility as an entertainer, Cynthia Basinet was born in Van Nuys (Los Angeles), California. A single mom she is a resilient star, a rare inspirational gem of entertainment, combining her experience as an actress, a sought after American fashion model in Europe during the rise of the supermodel, as well as being recognized as a remarkable humanitarian¸ She was nominated in 2005 for a shared Nobel and has addressed the UN on numerous occasion of issues facing the Saharwian peoples living in self-determination. Her quote "Displaced societies are of value. Their issues are our issues." has become an anthem worldwide for the UN and refugees.

With crowning distinctions as a classically trained vocalist and musician (she learnt opera, the saxophone and flute as a child), Cynthia is one of the best jazz singers in the world today and is capable of conjuring up Hollywood's golden era of glamour from American history with her critically acclaimed performances and sultry jazz recordings. The artist has 10 releases from pop to electronic but it's her exquisite, speak-easy singing style smouldering with elegant mastery has ensconced Basinet as a cultural living treasure of the American jazz canon comparing her to the likes of Ella, Frank, Billie and others.

Her songs have been heard in soundtracks as varied indie cult film, "Party Monster" and the very popular CBS show "NCIS Los Angeles".

Cynthia's limited releases including her latest, "The Christmas Song" with Lee Musiker from "The Standard" on @iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/cynthia-basinet/id193221514

Follow Cynthia on social media @cynthiabasinet, Google+ and more

To celebrate Noël À l’Africaine (Christmas In Africa's way)!

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=179462

Herléo Muntu announces the release of a new single for the holidays.

In studio for a new album in 2015, Herléo Muntu launches Noël À l’Africaine. A digital title for the holiday season.

Festive and joyful, Noël À l’Africaine is ideal for family gatherings year-end.

Written and performed by the artist, Muntu Herléo offers us a song with Hip-Pop World accents, as he likes to say. He invites us this year, through his song, to travel and celebrate Christmas in the African's way!

__________________________

Since the launch of his album Reflexions in 2013, Muntu Herléo toured Ontario-Quebec, two African tours and two shows in France and Belgium. www.herleo.com


Writer/Author : Raymond Kashiba
ISRC : CA2P91400001
UPC: 889211185481
Genre: World (African)
Label: Groupe Grio

HRI:UNArts Release: Rocked - Xmass 2009

Url: http://www.unarts.org
Sound: http://airplaydirect.com/music/stephenmichaelapatow3/

This year's HRI:UNArts holiday message is "Focused on Progress by Bridging Unmet Needs to Untapped Resources in our communities." Please reach out to your family, friends, neighbors and front line service programs, define their unmet needs and be a part of solution oriented strategic planning and development of efforts that can help. Many times, just disclosure of a need can help those who have the resources, move them into action.

During this next year, the Humanitarian Resource Institute United Nations Arts Initiative, will be working to establish grassroots organizers to specifically target the scope of unmet needs in a community or region.... This means 3100 U.S. counties, 50 states and territories, 192 United Nations member countries. The arts community will be the source for intensive facilitation, communications initiatives, media events, and performances. More to come.

In contemplation of the years challenges (unarts.org/news) and the motto "Work Hard, Play Hard," I arranged 7 high energy soundtracks in an album compilation entitled "Rocked" - Xmas 2009, available to radio stations on AirPlay Direct (tracks streaming online for all in continual play format).

Wishing you a blessed holiday season and happy new year,

Stephen Michael Apatow
Founder
Humanitarian Resource Institute
United Nations Arts Initiative
Url: www.unarts.org
Twitter: unarts

"Amazing Grace" Is Renewed In Soulful Holiday Rendition On Native American Flute And Flugelhorn

Url: http://www.cdbaby.com/licateroster

San Francisco, CA - December 23, 2009 - The well-known classic "Amazing Grace" experienced a holiday makeover by visionary musicians Ann Licater and Jeff Oster. The San Francisco-based musicians collaborated to create a completely new rendition of one of the world's best-known songs. Unclassifiable as either Jazz, World, Christian or New Age music exactly, the track is finding a wide audience during its Holiday 2009 release as a 99-cent digital download exclusively on CDBaby (http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/licateroster ) and iTunes. (http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ann-licater-jeff-oster/id347771432)

Licater explains, "Jeff (Oster) and I were originally inspired to create this rendition of ‘Amazing Grace' for consideration in the 2009 presidential inauguration; to us the Native American flute represented the heart of the people and the Flugelhorn really conveyed the honor and heraldry of the occasion."

The song stayed in the artists' hearts and minds all year long, seeming to beckon for a Holiday release. Although the musicians are both working on producing their next albums, they felt compelled to share the song with the world this year, rather than hold it for inclusion on future albums. Hymns and holiday music traditionally receive a boost at the holidays, and at just 99 cents on CDBaby.com, the download is priced right for sales during a recession-riddled holiday. The duo intends to employ a completely online "green marketing" approach to promoting the track, hoping fans will love it enough to pass it on to family and friends.

Jeff and Ann began their collaboration in 2007, when they noticed each other's music being reported by broadcasters worldwide. Tracks such as "Saturn Calling" (Oster's tribute to N.A.S.A.) and "Following the Call" (Licater's title track about pursuing artistic dreams) were being played back-to-back and in the same programming schedules on radio stations around the globe. When they eventually met on MySpace and discovered they both live in the San Francisco Bay Area, their real-time collaboration began.

Their curiosity prompted them to explore the question "Flugelhorn with Native American Flute…why not?" Their music styles, although divergent, have a connection of spirit through a common improvisational nature of playing. In fact, the arrangement of "Amazing Grace" emerged during improve in their initial joint concert, immediately striking them both as a meaningful musical gift.

Ever since their first meeting, they continue to perform together as guest artists at each other's concerts, such as the INAFA conference at the University of Wisconsin/Eau Claire.

Their digital release of "Amazing Grace" is being promoted to radio by KDM Promotions. Both Ann and Jeff's music is heard on NPR stations on shows like "Echoes" and "Hearts of Space," as well as on cable and internet radio stations worldwide.

About the Artists:
Ann Licater is a Native American and World Flutist. She is a former student of R. Carlos Nakai, a recording artist, featured performer at the World Flute Fest at Carnegie Hall, and a San Jose Chamber Orchestra soloist as a world flutist. She facilitates healing workshops for Kaiser Permanante Wellness Centers and holds an M.L.A. in Spirituality. Her CD "Following the Call," solo wood and clay flute music was nominated "Best Native American Album" and "Top Twelve Best Contemporary Instrumental Album" of 2007 in the NAR Lifestyle Music Awards. Ann's music is heard on NPR stations on the "Hearts of Space" syndicated show as well as on cable and radio stations world-wide. www.annlicater.com

Jeff Oster has been a Trumpet and Flugelhorn player for over 40 years. His music is described as "Miles Davis meets Enya." Jeff's albums "Released" and "True" each won "Album of the Year" by broadcasters who report their playlists to New Age Reporter in the NAR Lifestyle Music Awards. Jeff has collaborated with NASA and JPL to create music using radio transmissions of aural recordings from space. These can be heard on "Saturn Calling" from the award-winning "True" release. Oster's music is produced by Will Ackerman, GRAMMY®-winning guitarist and founder of Windham Hill Records. Jeff's music can be heard on NPR stations including "Echoes" syndicated program, as well as on cable, satellite and radio stations world-wide. www.jeffoster.com

Crazy Aunt Mary's Christmas video

Both successful musicians, Michelle Holmes and Steve Pinkney have teamed up to form Crazy Aunt Mary, a Los Angeles-based modern rock and blues band that aims at always having a good time. The duo has put together a video called "A Little Bit Better This Christmas" which is sure to make you smile and get into the holiday spirit.

Watch the MusicDishTV video on YouTube

Hope might really be possible in this jazz holiday classic by Crazy Aunt Mary. Holmes (vocals, bass, and keys) and Pinkney (guitar) are sure to give a bright start to your holiday season this year. This music video was directed by Bob Kent.

For artist biographies, more music, and contact information:
http://www.crazyauntmary.com

Give The Gift Of Music Promotion This Season With Mi2N Music PR

Url: http://www.mi2n.com/gift.php3

As part of Mi2N's continuing efforts to make its services available to more artists/musicians, the company will begin offering the purchase of its Mi2N press release distribution services in the form of gift certificates for the upcoming holiday season. The decision to do so was quite logical, partially due to Mi2N's popularity as well as the current economic climate.

"People love giving gifts to their friends and family for the holidays, but during economically challenging times, they tend to choose gifts that are more practical than fun. By giving an Mi2N PR Gift Certificate, you can do both. We offer several PR distribution packages to choose from, so you can support your favorite artist and without breaking the bank," said Eric de Fontenay, Mi2N's Founder and CEO.

Ideal for artists and labels, as well as supporting promoters and agencies, the Mi2N Music PR service provides guaranteed press release placements through a network of newswires, eGroups, blog communities, boards and forums, as well as MP3 and video distribution. In addition to guaranteed PR placement, the packages provide exposure through the Mi2N website, and multiple other sources with target based distribution. Through Mi2N's penetration in the music industry as well as its diverse and substantial delivery network, your giftee's PR announcement will be seen by prospective fans, promoters, labels - everyone who's anyone in the music industry.

"You can be the best artist/musician in the world, but if you aren't able to get news out about your music, upcoming releases, or performances to music industry professionals, it really doesn't matter. Waiting to be discovered based on talent alone is like trying to find a needle in a haystack," de Fontenay continued. "There are lots of talented artists who know that visibility and exposure are critical to their success. It's what separates them from the rest. They have a better chance at being successful, not necessarily because they are more talented, but because they know that publicity is a need, not a luxury, and they make the investments accordingly to acquire as much exposure as possible. We're proud to play a role in making that happen."

If the person you love is a talented musician, then you probably know how hard they work on making their music the best it can be. This holiday season, you can help them to tell the world about it by giving them something they'll thank you for: a seasonal gift certificate for the Mi2N Music PR marketing service.

Mi2N gift certificates will be available for purchase beginning December 1st. Get yours at http://www.Mi2N.com/gift.php3

Hit Recording Artist Matt Brouwer Completes 18 City Fall Tour

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Black Shoe Records/Indie Extreme recording artist Matt Brouwer's latest CD, Where's Our Revolution, produced by Grammy award-winning producer, Michael Omartian, has already garnered rave reviews, radio airplay and concert dates across the USA and Canada, and it's not even been released in wide distribution yet! The promotional tour began in The Woodlands, TX on September 6th and ended November 12th in Nashville, TN with a total of over 38 concerts in front of more than 8500 people in 18 cities.

Brouwer has logged over 10,000 miles this Fall touring in Mississippi, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Colorado, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Tennessee. While out on the road, Brouwer did 14 live on-air radio interviews, performed on 3 TV shows and played live at the GMA Covenant Awards Show in Calgary, AB.

After a 2 week hiatus, Brouwer heads back out on his first 17 city Christmas Tour with concerts in Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Songs from Brouwer's A Merry Little Christmas EP will be featured during the upcoming tour interspersed throughout his growing catalogue of songs.

Brouwer has previously landed hits on the Billboard CCM records chart (I Shall Believe); CCM CHR chart (Water, Sanity); and the New Music Weekly Hot 100, AC, Indie AC, and Top 40 charts (Surrender). Where's Our Revolution, marks a huge step forward for Brouwer, being hailed by critics as an artistic and production triumph. The success of Beautiful Now, #1 on CRW Global AC chart and #1 on CanCon AC chart, points to a very successful run as the album is overflowing with a bevy of radio friendly pop singles.

"It's an honor working with Matt and his independent label, Black Shoe Records," said Indie Extreme CEO Kathy Douglas. "The Where's Our Revolution CD has been a result of several years of hard work and growth in Matt, both as a writer and musician. He is a unique individual with a clear yet gently confrontational message to his generation, one of love, hope and authenticity."

Brouwer's Where's Our Revolution is currently available in limited release throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as online, with a massive distribution deal in the works for 2009. For tour dates and the most up-to-date information on Matt Brouwer, visit http://www.mattbro.com, http://www.myspace.com/mattbrouwermusic or http://www.indieextrememusic.com/matt_brouwer

Singer Sherrie Keys Is Offering Free MP3 Downloads Of Christmas Music On Myspace

Christmas in November? Gospel Songstress Sherrie Keys likes to celebrate the holidays early.

"With so many attention-grabbing headlines about the economy, I thought we might capture in song the feelings of goodwill often shown during the holidays and be inspired to show Christlike behavior during challenging times," says Keys.

She adds, "Christmas is a wonderful celebration. It's an opportunity to show our love for God and our love for each other by sharing our bounty with someone less fortunate whether it's a gift, a toy, a phone call or a basket of food".

The singer has uploaded a holiday favorite "What Child Is This?" to her myspace page. The song was recorded with noted jazz pianist Willie Daniels.

"What Child Is This?" is a popular Christmas carol. The words to "What Child Is This?" were written by William Dix in 1865. The music is a traditional 16th century melody called Greensleeves.

The singer's myspace page has already received brisk activity from Myspace music devotees. Holiday music lovers from around the world are joining Sherrie Keys in celebrating the joyous holidays and in celebrating the birth of Jesus.

http://www.myspace.com/sherriekeys