Joe Hamgeri Releases Debut E.P. "Violet"

Singer-songwriter, and guitarist Joe Hamgeri brings melodically charged pop-rock to the masses with the his new E.P. "Violet!" to be released on May 24. "Violet" will be available through iTunes, Amazon, and Joe's website.

"I'm very excited about this release. A lot of people have been asking when the EP would be available, so I'm glad to be able to finally release it."

Coinciding with the EP release, Joe will also be releasing a video, "The Making of The Violet! EP" through major video sharing platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo. "Documenting the process of recording and producing the record was a good idea. People can get a feel for what happened behind the scenes of making The Violet! EP."

"Violet!" commands immediate attention from the very beginning. "Love, Love, Love" ushers in the album with a lively drum beat that sets the backdrop for Hamgeri's fluid, precise guitar riffs. Joe's guitar prowess is a constant focal point throughout the E.P., continuously appearing throughout, in the form of bluesy fills and inspired blues/rock solos. "The Cost of Love" and "Trouble" showcase Hamgeri's acute ability to craft highly original melodies lyrics that one can instantly relate to. From the first electric guitar riff of "Love, Love, Love" to the last acoustic strum of "The Cost of Love," "Violet" is a lush and intimate view into the complex but wonderful world of Joe Hamgeri.

Joe Hamgeri is currently living in Indianapolis. His musical career started to blossom in 2007 after he won the Taylor University Battle of the Bands. Truly a songwriters' songwriter, Hamgeri's lyrical approach grew out of his love for poetry, and has developed into an evocative, highly personalized style all his own. Joe has spent years cultivating his craft, and his captivating lyrics and melodies are sure to capture the hearts and minds of many.

Executive Music Group To Release Shawty Boy Debut Single "Bet I Smash Her"

Executive Music Group has announced that they will be releasing the first single from newly signed Atlanta based rapper Shawty Boy on May 31. The single "Bet I Smash Her" is the first single off Shawty Boys upcoming Executive Music / Fontana / Universal release. The track is currently impacting radio in the southeast.

Prior to its release, the single became exceedingly popular in the Southern club scene, making it an easy pick as the first single off the record. Shawty Boy is currently in the studio finishing up the rest of the tracks that will accompany this single on his debut album, which is due out later this year.

By the age of 19, and after years of development with some of the top managers and labels in the Atlanta hip hop scene, Shawty Boy met Robert Thorn, his current manager. Their collaboration lead to Shawty Boy signing a major deal with Executive Music Group/Fontana/Universal ran by Jacob Cap "The Executive" and Jimmy Swan.

Currently, Shawty Boy is in the first leg of his radio tour, which will hit stations in Georgia, the Carolinas, and Alabama. Visit his social networks for information on how you can catch up with him at the stations and request the single.

Official Links:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/shawtyboy300

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy440#!/pages/Shawty-Boy-Official/181354231884000

His new single, "Bet I Smash Her" will be available on May 31 at:

http://www.amazon.com/Bet-I-Smash-Her-Explicit/dp/B0051T1B3K/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306184079&sr=301-1

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bet-i-smash-her-feat-y-u-n/id439165864?ls=1

Label Website: http://www.ExecutiveMusic.com/

Management: 720 Management
Robert Thorn – Robert.thron@executivemusic.com

Label: Executive Music Group
Jacob Capricciuolo – Jacob@executivemusic.com
Jimmy Swan – jimmy.swan@executivemusic.com

Press: 440 Artist Alignment
Amy Houck – amy@440artistalignment.com
Chris Beaven – chris@beavenmusic.com

Pennan Brae - "Pathways"

Directed by Mogcat and shot in Canada and in 6 states in the U.S. over a 10 day period, covering 6,000 miles, Pennan Brae's video "Pathways" from his debut release Shaded Joy conveys the story of a couple who are obviously experiencing some turbulence in their relationship. Initially, the young woman waits for her lover with anticipation at a restaurant, and they continue to text each other while he makes a trek that seems to take him across the world and through all types of terrain and weather. He walks in haste with the sole purpose of getting to her, but an apparent pain from the past won't allow her to believe that he's really coming. One of his last text messages to her is that "He's almost there" and to "Order a beer" for him. She responds, "Sure you are," waits a few more moments and then departs to the ladies room in disillusionment. Mere seconds later, he arrives, doesn't see her, and leaves. It's a lesson about how sometimes we fail to give each other the benefit of the doubt when we should and how if you just believe and hold on, what you've been waiting for might be just around the corner. The video is an emotional one, almost invoking tears at the end when you realize that if either of them had only given the other a break and not given up, they would be together.

Musically, the folksy harmonica plays a huge role in the song, both as part of the background and as a solo. The piano, drums, guitar and bass carry the tune well, which is easygoing and part Americana and country. Brae's mellow voice is perfect for "Pathways," which is quite touching, with lyrics like 'As the daylight shines/My mind is calmly thinking/When the evening calls/Your light is gently sinking' and 'As you draw the blinds/To end another day/Should our pathways fail/Good luck along the way'.

Watch "Pathways" On MusicDishTV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOKb87oedj8

Robert Weingartz Chairman And CEO Of AirPlay Direct Recognized In Music Row "In Charge" Edition

Robert Weingartz, Chairman and CEO of AirPlay Direct, has been recognized by Music Row magazine in their annual "In Charge" edition which profiles Nashville’s top music industry decision makers.

The prestigious Music Row publication - on stands now - includes the following profile about Weingartz:

Robert Weingartz founded digital-to-radio music delivery platform AirPlay Direct in 2005 and relocated to Nashville in 2009. Current artist members include Roy Orbison, Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, Robert Plant, Susan Boyle, Charlie Daniels and others. Weingartz is also Publisher & Founder of their digital publication, the Direct Buzz. He was recognized by Music Connection Magazine in its Top 50 "Innovators, Iconoclasts, Groundbreakers & Guiding Lights of 2008."

"I am honored to be included in this illustrious grouping of industry movers-and-shakers," states Weingartz. "Since relocating the company to Nashville in late-2009, my team and I have worked hard to reach out to the established local music business community. This acknowledgement definitely makes me feel welcome here as a leader."

About AirPlay Direct:
AirPlay Direct is a global digital music delivery system servicing radio and the entertainment industry with downloadable content from some of the biggest names in music, alongside rising independent artists. AirPlay Direct’s web-based artist marketing, promotion, education, and advocacy platform allows artists, record labels, and music publishers to securely deliver broadcast-quality music and digital press kits to industry professionals worldwide. Our system allows media programmers and film/TV music supervisors to connect to new music, create music calls, browse top downloaded artists, and immediately download music and related artist information. AirPlay Direct recently introduced our genre-based APD Global Radio Indicator Charts which track the download activity that our member's music receives from our world-wide radio panel. AirPlay Direct also publishes the digital/interactive publication, the Direct Buzz.

For more information about AirPlay Direct visit http://www.AirPlayDirect.com

Follow AirPlay Direct on Twitter: http://twitter.com/airplaydirect

Media Contact:
Clif Doyal
AirPlay Direct
clif@airplaydirect.com

Singer Tony Adamo @ # 5 With "What Is Hip"

Singer Tony Adamo @ # 5 with "What is Hip"

Singer Tony Adamo's "What is Hip" moves up to #5 on alllaboutjazz Top MP3 Downloads in the last 30 Days

"'What Is Hip' is Tony Adamo's exuberant jazzy take on Tower of Power's funk classic. Adamo and his producer/guitarist Jerry Stucker take Tower of Power's classic funk number and give it a more sinewy vibe, elasticizing the vocals and the bass, while crackling up the song's more timpanic elements. This exuberantly selfassured remake recalls the Acid Jazz insouciance of the early 90s while harkening back to the Big Band era and the Vegasy stylings of suave masters of selfconfidence such as Tom Jones and Al Jarreau. Adamo has a brash selfassuredness and a sense of showmanship that's neither unearned nor in your face." Devon Jackson, Magazine Editor Freelance Music Journalist- The Village Voice to Rolling Stone and Details.
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownloads_day.php?day=30

"What Is Hip?" (S Kupka, E Castillo, D Garibaldi : BobALew Songs ASCAP)

Vocal/Hipspokenword Tony Adamo
Drums Mike Clark
Bass Richie Goods
Piano Neil Larsen
Guitar Jerry Stucker
Percussion Bill Summers
Bari Sax Stephen Doc Kupka
Trumpet Eddie Henderson
Background Vocals Sandy Griffith
Midi Programming Jerry

Cutting Edge - If The Walls Could Talk

The band Cutting Edge knows how to make a political statement with both impact and style. They simply do it musically, in a way that captures your attention and never lets go. Their video, "If The Walls Could Talk" begins with a powerful guitar lead that is backed up by a bass and rhythm guitar that go into overdrive bringing it all together. The piercing lyrics kick off a pretty substantial critique of the workings of our government, bringing to light the questions "If the walls could talk on Capital Hill, what do you think they would say? Would it be a place of honor or a place worse than hell? How can they say they truly feel our pain, when we're the ones who suffer and they're the ones that gain?" Greedy, power hungry politicians who do not have the people's best interest in mind are not spared the rod by this group.

"If The Walls Could Talk" reminds one of the way music videos used to be made – always moving, very busy and highly intriguing. It begins with a live performance and shifts constantly between pictures of the Capital in Washington, D.C., the "devils" in Washington, and scenes indicative of seduction, manipulation and crookedness. The point is firmly driven home with a talking mouth that appears on various sites in D.C. and other famous places, mouthing the words to the song, even throwing in images from Star Trek, Jay Leno and others. Highly creative and entertaining, the video is a perfect match for the track, which is thought provoking and expresses the sentiments of the way most Americans feel about the government. It's impossible to stop watching as it grabs you at the proverbial collar and leaves you thinking about what the walls would indeed say if they could talk. The perfect mixture of rock, rap, and frankness make "If The Walls Could Talk" cutting edge, fun, fresh, and fantastic!

Watch "If The Walls Could Talk" on MusicDishTV:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mof5rO2XOQ

Tony Adamo/The Grammys Have Lost It

Over the last few weeks, much more has been learned about the factors and the people behind the decision to drop the Latin Jazz Grammy category In response and in solidarity with other music communities, we have now reopened the Petition demanding the NARAS leadership to rescind this action, and restore the Grammy Awards for all these categories, and not just for Latin Jazz. If you know of musicians and supporters from other music communities, please feel free to circulate the petition. The link again is:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/latinjazzatthegrammys/

This issue has also Blues, Jazz, Cajun & Zydeco, Rock, Native American, Mexican, Polka, and other music communities and cultures across the country. One of the most disappointing discoveries was to find that none of the NARAS' Membership or local Chapters were even consulted about this action. There will be more information coming soon.

PLUNKY & ONENESS - Plunky On Fire

The video "Plunky On Fire" by Plunky & Oneness is a live performance that was taped at the Martini Kitchen & Bubble Bar in Richmond, Virginia. First of all, kudos to the venue, an oasis of sophistication that would have been necessary to contain the hotness, professionalism, and savvy of an act such as Plunky & Oneness. The track and video build a fire so hot, you just can't sit still and don't want to! The flame changes colors from red to blue to white hot, climbing higher and higher as Plunky and his band throw down a rhythmic melody that makes you want to jump up and get busy while you're 'Burning, Burning'! A fantastic horn section and synthesizer start things off as the band declares that it's "Oh so hot" and "I'm on Fire", and you best believe they are.

This is definitely one groove that will bring everybody to their feet. The video is tastefully done, and the band, dancing, and fire sequences are captured and executed perfect. With a dance hall, jazzy, Jamaican, and just plain funky beat, the message comes across loud and clear that Plunky is indeed on fire. The performance and audience participation are more than impressive, and watching this video makes you wish you had been there to join in on this night because it was obviously a memorable experience, and one that this reviewer wishes she had been a part of.

Watch it now on MusicDishTV:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmJ9HEvdZG4

Songbird Crystal Johnson Drops Debut CD "The Day Before Heaven"

When Crystal Johnson sings, we can feel her soul stirring ours in every note she hits. Her voice is laced with the nuances of a woman who has been there and done that. Grown, sexy, seductive and serious, Crystal Johnson is no newcomer to the game. And we get that. We feel that. We can hear it! With her debut CD "The Day Before Heaven" Crystal is releasing her testimony about life, about nurturing, about giving and getting. Fierce, yet feminine, it is music that fills you, served straight up, no chaser!

Crystal Johnson CD cover"The Day Before Heaven" on Egyptian Fusion Music is a momentous accomplishment for a woman whose life journey has been one long continuous song. Having first recorded at the age of seven with Pink Floyd and the award winning Institutional Children's Choir, this debut release has been a long time coming and is indeed a celebration.

May 10 will mark not only her CD release date but also a listening party and performance produced by Egyptian Fusion Music in association with Ubiquita Worldwide at Drom in New York, her native home. Drom is located at 85 Avenue A and showtime is 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Crystal's incomparable vocals have complimented numerous projects over the years. In fact, her entire life can be viewed as a movement toward this day. At age 11, she landed the original lead role of "Doris Winter" in the smash hit and gospel classic, "Mama I Want To Sing." Soon after she performed in the widely acclaimed opera, "Porgy and Bess", a Shakespeare In The Park Production with the Lincoln Philharmonic Orchestra, starring Theresa Merritt. Crystal then made her debut on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in the original production of "Gospel at Colonus" starring Morgan Freeman.

A warrior of personal achievement, Crystal's musical career as a singer, songwriter, producer, vocal coach and entrepreneur has consistently propelled her. She has musically collaborated with Usher Raymond, Angie Stone and Anthony Hamilton. She also appeared on the soundtrack for "Who's The Man" performing the self written/produced song, "Lovin You". Other collaborations include Mobb Deep's classic, "Temperature's Rising," Heavy D's "Got Me Waiting" and also Pete Rock and CL Smooth's "I'll Take You There". Crystal can also boast working with Dr. Dre on his multi-platinum "Chronic 2001" co-writing "The Message," which featured Mary J. Blige and Rell.

With "The Day Before Heaven" the New York transplant, now living in Atlanta, brings the journey to fruition. Fourteen tracks sway with the fire of a woman who has come full circle and stands rooted in her vocal ability and power. Blending R&B, jazz and hip hop with elements of house and world music, "The Day Before Heaven" rocks to the core. Her "Summer Nights" is a jazzy escapade into the mind of a woman who has traded romance for marital security. Her voice rides a breezy, uptempo cadence in "Feeling Out" and with "Who Am I" she magically whirls us with a breezy spin of melodious rhythms. Crystal slows the pace with the melodious revelation "Butterfly," while the self-produced title track "The Day Before Heaven" sways as a mantra of serenity and affirmation.

"I am the first generation of hip hop, now evolved. My music is from my soul...a story of my triumphs and pains. A song has the ability to take you places within your spirit and with "The Day Before Heaven" it is my wish that we can travel together within those spaces. The women will know what I'm talking about when they hear the music and the men will feel it and be happy they were invited along for the ride!" reveals Crystal.

Journey with Crystal Johnson and preview what "A Day Before Heaven" feels like at http://www.CrystalJohnson.com.

Radio Live365 "Robert Lauri On The Air"- The Public And Fans Participate In His Radio Programs

Today, "Robert Lauri on the Air" Radio announced a new concept of radio interaction with the public. Fans, as well as the general listeners, can record a voice message online via a special radio webpage. They can express and share how they feel about a song or an album, about the artist, or any other musical topics they would like to discuss. The messages will be inserted into the Live365 radio programs that day, and as a result, the broadcast become a live show that changes daily due to listener participation and interaction with the artist. A special webpage with integrated voicemail allows listeners to record a message, check their recording, and send it with the click of a button. The radio station immediately receives the voice messages and inserts them into the broadcast the same day.

Special page with all info and integrated voice messaging: http://www.robert-lauri.com/radio-robertlauri/

The radio concept was created by Linda Vranken, who has been passionate about international marketing, creating and developing new concepts and communications for many years. She also created the program "Concert a la carte" that was used for a Robert Lauri show.

Radio Live365 "Robert Lauri on the Air" offers an international as well as a French program for listeners. The musical moods are so varied and new that there is no mistaking that they are the work of a single artist.
And yet...
Robert Lauri has been a writer, composer, an excellent melodist and performer for more than 30 years.

Robert Lauri’s songs reflect his great skill in creating innovative arrangements. Although each composition is infused with its own magic, a common thread runs through his unique creations: dreams and relaxation.

The album, United Souls, is a perfect example of Robert Lauri’s talent for composing in a wide array of musical styles ranging from urban, contemporary classical to early music via hip-hop. When listening to the movie music from the albums The Other Side of Robert Lauri and New Face, we find a way to escape through his emotions and imagination. The albums, Si Je Meurs Par Hasard (If Perchance I Die) and J'y Crois Encore (I Still Believe) are two compilations of timeless songs flooded with poetry and magic. The album Liberté (Liberty) was recorded in Paris and New York. The lyrics are deep and sensitive as they float above innovative arrangements with multiple rhythms. With the album Power in Heaven, set for release in May 2011, Robert Lauri shows us that he knows how to build a melody into a unique musical work of art, a true canvas of harmonies and color variations that, upon hearing, will remain etched in the listener's memory. He is a melodic visionary, a unique creator within his genre in all musical styles that he offers his listeners. Robert Lauri constantly produces, and all new yet-unpublished songs are aired immediately.

Another musical world is the "Alef" concept by Robert Lauri and Chantal Allon. Yaacov Alvo adapted the biblical Psalms of David, and Michel Bernholc created the musical arrangements. Alef has performed in prestigious venues worldwide. Yaacov and Robert Lauri did the vocals. Their album, Resource, is part of the international program.

Robert Lauri has also written for other artists. Some of these songs can be found online. However, for fans searching for harmony between the musical arrangements and beautiful poems, an unpublished catalogue of songs are yet to be revealed.

The "Robert Lauri on the Air" radio station offers so many different musical worlds that listening to it is like traveling to distant lands and experiencing its cultures.