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 Loudon Wainwright III's "So Damn Happy" in stores August 19 Loudon Wainwright III's new live CD "So Damn Happy" will be released August 19 on Sanctuary Records. The 17 song CD was recorded live in front of enthusiastic audiences at Largo in Los Angeles and at the Mystic Theater in Petaluma and features 5 new songs! Special guests on the record include Richard Thompson, Van Dyke Parks, David Mansfield, and Martha Wainwright. Advance order at Amazon.com >> Johnny A. Signature Gibson Guitar Unveiled The new Johnny A. Signature model from the Gibson Custom Shop has been unveiled. The Custom Shop continues their tradition of supporting a select few premier players with its Signature Series, which features guitars that are designed specifically for (and in conjunction with) the artists who are playing them. The 2003 Johnny A. model combines several innovative new design aspects with loads of vintage Gibson appointments to create what will surely become a modern classic. Other guitarists selected for 2003 Signature models include Joe Perry from Aerosmith, Duane Allman, and Lee Ritenour, among others. To view the new Johnny A. Signature model or locate a dealer, go to Gibson.com: Johnny A. Signature. Look for a new Johnny A. album in the coming months and catch select tour dates throughout 2003 -- see tour dates. Bettye LaVette Featured In Current Living Blues & Blues Revue Magazines Bettye LaVette is featured in current issues of the two largest circulation blues magazines. Living Blues features her in an extensive rave lead review while Blues Revue magazine follows their recent rave with a rare full page Q&A session. In reviewing the new CD "A Woman Like Me", Living Blues says "LaVette has only gotten better over the years and has crafted a disc that will surely rate among the year's best." LaVette, acclaimed by those in the know as the greatest unrecognized soul singer of the past 40 years, has also been the surprise hit at summer festivals across the USA and Canada as glowing reviews come in from both buyers and fans. Be sure to check out Bettye LaVette on tour throughout 2003 -- see tour dates. The Bad Plus Named #1 Rising Stars In Down Beat The Bad Plus, comprised of bassist Reid Anderson, pianist Ethan Iverson, and drummer David King, were named the #1 Rising Star Acoustic Jazz Group by critics in the August issue of Down Beat magazine. In addition, critics named the band's Columbia Records debut "These Are The Vistas" as one of the top jazz CDs of the year. Individual honors also went to Reid, David, and Ethan as rising jazz stars on their respective instruments. Catch The Bad Plus on tour throughout 2003 -- see tour dates. Ruth Brown, Robert Cray, John Hammond, and Mavis Staples in Vanity Fair Ruth Brown, Robert Cray, John Hammond, and Mavis Staples are pictured in the August 2003 issue of Vanity Fair along with other artists who participated in the historic Salute To The Blues concert at Radio City Music Hall in February. The text that accompanies the photo includes a lead quote from Ruth Brown and a mention of Mavis Staples' "bone-chilling" concert highlight "See That My Grave Is Kept Clean". The concert kicked off what Congress has declared the "Year of the Blues" and was filmed for distribution later this year. The film was directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and executive produced by Martin Scorsese. The Year of the Blues continues with a seven-film documentary series produced by Martin Scorsese which will air on PBS in September. YearOfTheBlues.com: Salute To The Blues Photo Gallary >> Mavis Staples Featured on Johnny Cash Blues Tribute Album Mavis Staples is featured on the upcoming Northern Blues CD "Johnny's Blues: A Tribute To Johnny Cash" with the newly recorded track "Will The Circle Be Unbroken". The CD will be released on July 29. The tribute CD features blues artists such as Maria Muldaur, Gatemouth Brown, Chris Thomas King, and more paying homage to the legendary Johnny Cash. Catch Mavis Staples upcoming Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers tour dates as well as festival and fine arts performances throughout 2003 -- see tour dates. Ruth Brown Named Among 50 Women Who Rocked the World By Women Who Rock Magazine Ruth Brown has been named one of the "50 Essential Women who Rocked the World" in the July/August issue of Women Who Rock magazine. The magazine is dedicated to the celebration and promotion of creatively independent women in music. A legendary musical pioneer and a celebrated icon of rhythm and blues, Ruth's credits include induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy Award, a Tony Award and multiple W.C. Handy Awards. Catch Ruth Brown performing at festivals and select dates across the country -- see tour dates. The Blind Boys of Alabama and Mavis Staples Included Among Mojo Magazine's Top Ten Essential Gospel Albums The Blind Boys of Alabama's "Oh Lord Stand By Me/Marching Up To Zion" and The Staple Singers' (featuring Mavis Staples) "Uncloudy Day" have been ranked #2 and #5 respectively in a listing of the Top 10 Essential Gospel Albums of all time in the July 2003 issue of Mojo Magazine. Also included on the list is gospel great and mentor to Mavis Staples, Mahalia Jackson ("Best of", #4). Mavis can be seen performing her show "A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson", as well as shows with her band performing the hits of The Staple Singers. Look for a new Christmas release from The Blind Boys of Alabama in September as well as live performances from both artists throughout the year -- see tour dates for schedules. |
