Jazz News

Costellos Spectacle a Different Look at Music

Source: All About Jazz
December 2, 2008

Singers experience, insights make music-talk show great viewing Elvis Costello's new original series Spectacle will premiere on the Sundance Channel on Dec. 3 at 9 p.m. ET.

During an interview with Elton John for the debut of his new Sundance Channel show Spectacle, Elvis Costello didn't ask about stage costumes, boyfriends or “Island Girl." Instead, the conversation turned to Laura Nyro, Leon Russell and David Ackles.

The two men closed the show, which airs Wednesday at 9 p.m., performing the ...

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Artists to Watch at Midemtalent 2009

Source: All About Jazz
December 2, 2008

The line-up of the second edition of MidemTalent will once again showcase an array of upcoming artists with strong international potential. Around 20 groups or artists covering pop/rock, electro, folk, world music and jazz, hailing from every continent, will perform in Cannes from 18-21 January in front of an audience of industry executives and the public as part of MIDEM, the world's music community. American rock group Blue October; Colombian artist Monica Giraldo, recently nominated in the “Best New Artist" ...

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Ty Showers - 5 for 5

Source: All About Jazz
December 2, 2008

Today, Ty Showers has released his 5th album in as many months on iTunes, Amazon.com, eMusic and Rhapsody. This compilation sounds and feels quite different from his previous 4 releases. These new tracks explore additional genres and musical instruments. His music has become even more accessible through the launch of tyshowers.com which is complete with bio, discography, and full streaming of past and future releases (works in progress that may change daily or weekly). On Ty's website you will hear ...

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A Rockapella Holiday to Jollify 14 States in December

Source: All About Jazz
December 2, 2008

Rockapella's holiday show is a “must see" event! With their completely original take on the holidays, Rockapella creates a light-hearted and unforgettable holiday experience as they travel the country spreading musical holiday cheer. From unique takes on classic favorites, to brand new originals destined to become classics, audiences of all ages can expect to be charmed by a holiday performance like no other. This awe-inspiring, five-man powerhouse of vocal talent sweeps across the country on the 2008 “Rockapella Holiday" tour. ...

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Songwriter Alan Gordon Dies

Source: All About Jazz
December 2, 2008

Songwriter Alan Gordon, who co-wrote the Turtles' hit song “Happy Together," died of cancer Nov. 22 in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 64.

Gordon also wrote chart-toppers “She'd Rather Be With Me," “You Know What I Mean," “She's My Girl" and “Three Dog Night's “Celebrate" with long time writing partner Garry Bonner, and “My Heart Belongs To Me" for Barbara Streisand on his own. His songs have been recorded by artists including Bobby Darin, Alice Cooper, The Righteous Brothers, Petula Clark, ...

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Bill Drake 'Boss Radio' Inventor Spread Less-Talk Format Across Country

Source: Michael Ricci
December 2, 2008

Bill Drakes “Boss Radio" format turned KHJ-AM into Los Angeles top station in the 1960s and had similar success nationwide. He slashed commercial time, picked deejays with strong personalities, aired songs during competing stations news breaks and made sure the hits would keep on coming.

Bill Drake, the legendary radio programmer who revamped Top 40 radio in the 1960s and helped launch highly successful “93/KHJ Boss Radio" in Los Angeles, has died. He was 71. Drake died of lung cancer ...

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Coroner: Jazz Pianist Died from Blunt Force Trauma in Swedish Hip Hop Artist Assault Case

Source: All About Jazz
December 2, 2008

A jazz pianist who was killed in what police say was an episode of road rage in a Hollywood crosswalk died from “blunt trauma”, according to the coroner’s office.

A Swedish hip-hop artist is facing assault and battery charges in the Nov. 23 death of John Osnes, 55. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office has said David Jassy, a 34-year- old rapper and songwriter, could face additional charges depending on the results of the autopsy and further investigation. Arraignment ...

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Live Nation to Sell Tickets at Remaining Blockbuster Locations

Source: All About Jazz
December 2, 2008

Live Nation and Blockbuster announced a three-year contract that will put the promoter's large-scale ticketing system exclusively in 500 or so brick-and-mortar Blockbuster locations.

As part of the deal, blocks of tickets to shows ticketed by Live Nation will be available only at Blockbuster locations for the first four hours that they're on sale. The plan will go into effect after Live Nation's Ticketmaster contract expires at the end of the year, as part of the rollout of its own ...

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