JAZZ LEGEND GROVER WASHINGTON JR. NEW VINYL RELEASE!

Studio City, CA – Lightyear Entertainment announces that it will release a commemorative double vinyl of beloved artist Grover Washington, Jr. on Black Friday for Record Store Day.

This release marks 20 years since the passing of the immensely popular artist who was largely responsible for creating a bridge between jazz and R&B.

Grover was well loved by his fans but also by the many musicians who worked with him over the years. He was a contemporary jazz artist whose music topped the “Smooth Jazz” charts, but his sound was funky, and his music was respected in all jazz and R&B circles. His live performances and worldwide success prove that he was a timeless gem of an artist who entertained his audiences with a powerhouse band of some of the best players in the business.

This superb live recording – cut in June 1997 at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill, upstate New York – captures the essence of Grover’s greatness. With a coterie of ‘A’ class musicians in support, the legendary sax man’s work on this album demonstrates why he was not only a leader in his field but a pioneer capable of blending the subtleties of jazz with the funk and sweat of soul music.

In addition to Grover himself on tenor, soprano, alto, and baritone sax, the album features Donald Robinson on keyboards, Gerald Veasley on bass, Richard Lee Steacker on guitars, Steven Wolf on drums, and Pablo Batista on congas and percussion. It was produced by Grammy winner Jason Miles, and Executive Produced by Christine Washington, Jason Miles and Tim Ryan.

“We released a CD of these recordings in 2010, which has sold well for 10 years,” said Lightyear President Arnie Holland. “But when Grover’s family suggested we do a vinyl, we were thrilled to do it. The album was lovingly remastered for vinyl by Peter Humphreys at Masterwork, and lacquers cut by Joe Nino-Hernes at Sterling Sound. The result sounds amazing and feels like you are at the show.”

The Double Vinyl with download card is in a gatefold jacket with satin coating and metallic gold highlights. The vinyl itself is 180 Grams audiophile quality and gold metallic opaque colored vinyl was utilized, to match the gold on the cover of the album.

The album will be released on November 27 to Record Store Day retailers on an exclusive basis for 90 days, after which it will be available generally.

QUINCY: NEW DOCUMENTARY ABOUT QUINCY JONES IS A MUST SEE!

Quincy Jones:  Producer | Soundtrack | Composer | Musician | Actor

I just can't rave enough about this new documentary about Quincy Jones on Netflix! Thankfully he is still with us to see this. I sat mesmerized for the entire 2-hour film and wanted another 2 hours.

Quincy Jones and Frank Sinatra

There were so many aspects of his life that I didn't know. I never knew how many times he suffered from serious health issues. The massive resume he has built is just staggering.  Here is the trailer and I give Quincy 10 stars!! Make your kids watch with you! We are so lucky to live in the world with him.

Artist. Father. Visionary. QUINCY is an intimate look at musical icon and influential legend, Quincy Jones.

Beyond his own acclaim as a trumpeter, producer, conductor, composer and arranger, Quincy Jones’ inimitable gift to discover the biggest talents of the past half of the century is unprecedented.

He has shaped the pop culture landscape for 70 years, mentoring and cultivating the careers of young talents, from Lesley Gore and Michael Jackson to Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith.

Directed by his daughter Rashida Jones!! (Angie Tribeca and Hot Girls Wanted) and Alan Hicks (Keep On Keepin’ On), QUINCY seamlessly threads personal vérité moments with private archival footage to reveal a legendary life like no other.

Featuring the all-new original song "Keep Reachin'" by Quincy Jones, Mark Ronson, and Chaka Khan.

Watch Quincy on Netflix:

GUITAR LEGEND STEVE HUNTER HAS A NEW CD!!

Our dear friends Steve and Karen Ann Hunter have released a new album 

Guitar legend Steve Hunter's “Before The Lights Go Out”. We have our copy and just keep playing it over and over. Steve's unique guitar style is such gorgeous music. Thank you Steve and Karen!! xoK

Here is the official press release from Glass Onyon below:

The Deacon Of Rock Bites Back!

“Before The Lights Go Out” is long time Alice Cooper/Lou Reed Guitarist Steve Hunter’s latest solo album. The cover art and title make a statement about his failing eyesight, but don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a quiet wave goodbye. As soon as you put on the first track, you will know that this is more like a Blues Rock Declaration of Independence! There are sexy grooves, luscious guitar tones and melodies galore.

As with all Hunter’s releases, there is some diversity and sound imagery, not least of which is Tienes Mi Corazón where alongside his nylon string improvisation comes the sound of his own heart. And listen out for Joe Satriani adding his fire to the heat of “Mojo Man.”

Also joining Steve on a couple of tracks are two great Bass players: Erik Scott can be heard on “Mojo Man,” Erik is also an Alice Cooper alumni. On “Under The Bodhi Tree” is Andy Stoller. Steve and Andy toured together with Tracy Chapman during the “Telling Stories” album period, most recently Andy has been touring with Ann Wilson of Heart.

Says Steve, “This album was a real joy for me on many levels. A big part of the inspiration and motivation that kept me going; was from all the people out there who had faith in me and encouraged me through the entire process with their donations and comments. It was really a wonderful experience having you all be a part of it. It’s my deepest hope and desire that you all enjoy the music on this album as much as I enjoyed making it. Thank you and God bless!”

Watch the album sampler video: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBYCZ_sPVVA

Steve Hunter is his own man; he has been around the block with a forty-five year career.

From his 1973 solos on Alice Cooper’s “Billion Dollar Babies” album, his legendary acoustic work on Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill,” his “Intro” to Lou Reed’s “Sweet Jane” and his searing opening solos on Aerosmith’s version of “Train Kept A Rolling” Most recently he can be heard on Alice Cooper’s 2017 album “Paranormal” making this his ninth Cooper album appearance. The Deacon is not done yet but his life is evolving! He has challenges playing live now but his honed skill, tone, power and soul, is dished up on this hot plate of guitar driven instrumental tastiness.

Order your copy today!

Before the Lights Go Out

Click link above or icon below 

Tracks:
1. On The Edge Of Uncertainty
2. Mojo Man
3. Summer’s Eve
4. Cinderblock
5. Softtail Deuce
6. Tienes Mi Corazón (You Have My Heart)
7. Ice Storm
8. Under The Bodhi Tree
9. The Other Side Of The Coin
10. Happy Trails (vocal Karen Hunter)

For more information:
http://www.stevehunter.com/
https://www.facebook.com/steve.hunter.54

BB KING THE KING OF THE BLUES LEGEND HAS DIED

(CNN) Riley B. King, the legendary guitarist known as B.B. King, whose velvety voice and staccato-picking style brought blues from the margins to the mainstream, died Thursday night.

He was 89.

His daughter, Patty King, said he died in Las Vegas, where he announced two weeks ago that he was in home hospice care after suffering from dehydration.

The Mississippi native's reign as "king of the blues" lasted more than six decades and straddled two centuries, influencing a generation of rock and blues musicians, from Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, to Sheryl Crow and John Mayer.

The BBC made a great documentary THE LIFE OF RILEY...watch it below...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROY ORBISON! MERCY

Roy Kelton Orbison (April 23, 1936 – December 6, 1988)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROY.... MERCY!

Roy Orbison was an American singer-songwriter and also a musician born on 23rd April and died on 6th December 1988. Roy was known well for his dark emotional ballads, complex compositions and distinctive powerful voice. He at the age of 52 years out of a heart attack. Roy died way too young.....

I met the drummer on Oh, Pretty Woman...his name was Kenny.. I believe...he was in my show in Nashville. He told me all about working with the legendary Roy ORbison and how fortunate he was to be the drummer on Roy's biggest hit.. You can see Kenny really well in the video!

Chuck Santoni I met Roy when he was in for the 1984 Detroit Hoedown presented by W4 Country. (Good story)...I remember walking Roy from his bus into the Veterans Memorial Building where we had food, dressing rooms, etc, and Roy was the most humble, non assuming rock star I had ever met...just a sweet gentleman. Off in a distance, someone recognized him in his dark shades and shouted out, "Roy, you're just too cool!" Roy just looked his way and gave that cool smile......GREAT GUY!

ERIC BURDON: TILL YOUR RIVER RUNS DRY

Just saw Eric's show last week in Ann Arbor and he debuted some of his new cd 'Til Your River Runs Dry.  We just loved the sound of Eric's amazing voice with an amalgam of seriously talented musicians behind him. I loved "Water" the most.. Get a copy, Eric Burdon is one of the very few stars who remains totally cool to this day...he wears it well...very well indeed....

Eric Burdon "Some people are squandering the world's most precious resource while others have too little clean water to drink," said Burdon. "At the same time, we have tsunamis and cities under water. And yet, we still ignore Mother Nature's warnings. I sing this song in the hope that I can bring some balance to the issue, to bring some awareness of the importance of water to our future on the planet."

Track Listings

1. Water

2. Memorial Day

3. Devil And Jesus

4. Wait

5. Old Habits Die Hard

6. Bo Diddley Special

7. In The Ground

8. 27 Forever

9. River Is Rising

10. Medicine Man

11. Invitation To The White House

12. Before You Accuse Me 

LEGENDARY POSTER ARTIST GARY GRIMSHAW DIED

Gary Grimshaw
February 25, 1946- January 13, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to Laura..and Big Rich

**  Funeral arrangements for Gary Grimshaw,
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday
MOCAD, the Museum of Contemporary Art
4454 Woodward in Detroit.
There will be music from 8-9 p.m.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Sunday
at MOCAD, with a reception following at the Scarab Club**

Just got the sad news that the amazing artist Gary Grimshaw just passed over. Gary had been battling poor health issues valiantly for years. Gary was one of the most beloved men in the world. Those who were privileged to be his friend will never let his memory fade.  Those who knew his art will celebrate his talent in perpetuity. RIP Gary, your talents changed this world in so many positive ways. You were so BRAVE to fight for our freedom and protest the war when you returned. Your courage is what I'll remember most..

 About Gary's beginning

Gary's official bio

At the start of his career Gary became well known as the Grande Ballroom artist and later as the MC5 artist. These works stand out as the centerpiece of an enormously prolific output of art from the mid-1960’s to the late 1970’s. He became part of a dynamic collective of intellectuals, promoters, poets, artists, musicians - people that spent many years together in some form or another and in different circles of interest.

 
For instance, as a Vietnam veteran he was an anti-war activist and a key player in the White Panther Party; he worked to reform unfair law and unjust incarcerations. His contribution was through art and his art inspired and energized the people. He was a member of Trans-Love Energies and The Rainbow People’s Party. He worked on newspapers, magazines, did posters to advertise music events, did record album covers.

 
Gary worked with Underground Press Syndicate icons The San Francisco Oracle and the Ann Arbor Sun. Gary has just completed a book with Leni Sinclair that documents this celebrated era in the history of Detroit. It features a sample of his enormous output during the first fifteen or so years of his career and dynamic photography of his friend Leni Sinclair and is called “Detroit Rocks!”.

 
Back in the late seventies he also worked with the legendary rock magazine Creem as an associate art director. During this time he and his then-wife had a son named Alan Morgan Grimshaw. Gary’s son continues the Grimshaw art and design tradition with his own career.

 Our thoughts and prayers are with his cherished wife Laura, his son, and all of his legions of fans...Very sad day..

 If you'd like to pay tribute:

 Gary Grimshaw
Facebook Fan Page Here

ELVIS IN BLACK AND WHITE