MAY 2013 Trombone Shorty, Grammy Award Nominee | "The Visionaries Series"
(release May 31, 2013)
Trombone Shorty Featured on Complex Magazine's "The Visionaries" Series Presented By Cadillac, Also Upcoming Performance At Red Rocks Amphitheater With Big Head Todd & The Monsters Will Be Broadcast On AXS TV
Trombone Shorty was featured on Complex Magazine's The Visionaries video series presented by Cadillac on Complex TV. In the video, Shorty is interviewed about his history and numerous accomplishments to date, and he speaks about the crucial role his musical upbringing in New Orleans has played in his career.
AXS TV's promotional video for the event featuring footage from Trombone Shorty's closing set at the 2013 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Trombone Shorty's upcoming performance with Big Head Todd & the Monsters at the scenic Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO on June 8, 2013 will be broadcast live on AXS TV at 6:00pm PT. This live broadcast follows on the heels of AXS TV's live coverage of Shorty's performance closing the entire 2013 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 5, 2013. The upcoming June 8 performance marks a special homecoming for local stars, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, as they return to Red Rocks for the 20th Anniversary of their album, Sister Sweetly. For more details on the broadcast and to subscribe to AXS TV click here.
Behind the scenes look, inclding interviews with Fogerty, Hudson and Allen on the recording of "Proud Mary"
Allen Toussaint Featured Among Top Stars On New John Fogerty Album
Allen Toussaint is featured on John Fogerty's new album, Wrote A Song For Everyone, out May 28, 2013 on Vanguard Records. In addition to Allen, the record also features a superstar lineup of special guests including Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, Bob Seger, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Jennifer Hudson, Tom Morello, My Morning Jacket, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band and Rebirth Brass Band collaborating with Fogerty on some of his classic compositions. On the CD, Allen is featured alongside both Jennifer Hudson and Rebirth Brass Band on the track "Proud Mary".
Fogerty said about the new album "it's maybe the best thing I've ever done as far as making a record," and in an interview with USA Today he proclaimed, "it's just been probably the experience of a lifetime."
MAY 2013: Wavy Gravy, Legendary Social Activist, Master Satirist, and Humanitarian Icon Joins The Rosebud Agency
The Rosebud Agency proudly welcomes legendary social activist, master satirist and humanitarian icon, Wavy Gravy, for worldwide booking representation. Wavy, born Hugh Romney, was given his moniker by blues legend B.B. King at the Texas International Pop Festival in 1969. Throughout his career Wavy has been at the forefront of major social causes and events, always creating change through his own unique fusion of comedy, song, and non-violent protest. He has been described as a town crier, pied piper, jester, cultural phenomenon, holy clown, living treasure, revolutionary, and Saint. His ability to create change has garnered raves from high profile media and public figures such as the legendary late Lenny Bruce who named him "a perfect entertainer", author Tom Wolfe who described him as "a master satirist", and The Grateful Dead's Bob Weir who called him "a saint in a clown suit". Wavy is perhaps best known for his role as Master of Ceremonies at the first Woodstock Festival in 1969, and he is the only act in history to have been billed at all three original Woodstock Festivals. At Woodstock he was also the leader of the "Please Force" with members of the Wavy Gravy-founded Hog Farm.
Wavy has collaborated with organizations such as the Children's Cancer Research Institute in San Francisco, and he co-founded The Seva Foundation, an international medical aid organization. In his efforts to help serve the greater good, Wavy has worked closely with artists such as The Grateful Dead, Joan Baez, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Ani DiFranco, and Ben Harper to raise money and awareness. Wavy has published two books, and in 2009 he was the subject of The Wavy Gravy Movie: Saint Misbehavin' by Michelle Esrick. The film has garnered rave reviews from reputable sources including director Michael Moore who proclaimed it "wonderful... a moving tribute to a man who today lives his life at the service of others", and The New York Times who called it "an unabashed love letter to the world that defies the cynicism of our age." Wavy's current work includes his one man show as well as speaking appearances and acting as "Beloved Master Of Ceremonies" once again this Summer for the Gathering Of The Vibes Festival among other special appearances.
MAY 2013: Allen Toussaint To Receive Honorary Doctorate From Tulane University
Allen Toussaint received an honorary doctorate degree of Fine Arts at Tulane University's commencement ceremony on May 18th, 2013. Others recipients of honorary degrees at this year's ceremony include Dr. John, The Dalai Lama and Pulitzer Prize winner, Natasha Trethewey. His Holiness The Dalai Lama gave the keynote address at the commencement ceremony which took place at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The Honorary Doctorate Award is the highest award that Tulane University confers, and it is given "to individuals who have distinguished themselves through extraordinary achievements" and to "recognize outstanding civic engagement that advances Tulane, New Orleans, the Gulf Coast or the world." Some of Toussaint's past accolades include induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Blues Hall of Fame, and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame; multiple GRAMMY nominations, and a GRAMMY Trustees Award. Actively touring the US and abroad, Toussaint continues his influential work and efforts to spread the musical culture of New Orleans.
Jim Lauderdale Featured On ABC's Nashville And In Pistol Annies' New Music Video Alongside Brenda Lee
Jim Lauderdale just appeared on the May 15, 2013 episode of ABC's Nashville. Jim was featured performing on stage at the Grand Ole Opry with characters Scarlett O'Connor (played by Claire Bowen) and Deacon Claybourne (played by Charles Esten). This is the third time either Jim or his music has been featured on the acclaimed, country music-based drama, which ABC has now picked up for a second season. To watch Jim's performance (beginning 30 minutes into the episode) and the full episode click here.
Jim was also recently featured on country music sensations, Pistol Annies', music video for their new single, "Hush Hush". In the video, Jim plays the role of the preacher alongside Country Music and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Brenda Lee, playing organ.
The Blind Boys Of Alabama's New Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) Produced Album Out This Fall, Plus All-Star Benefit CD Featuring The Blind Boys
The Blind Boys of Alabama have signed with Sony Masterworks and will release a new album this fall. The new album, produced by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, will feature an array of special guests, who, along with the album's title, will be announced at a later date. Vernon's production credits also include work with James Blake, Kathleen Edwards, Land of Talk, and also on The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Be sure to watch in the coming months for more information on the new album as well as international tour dates.
The Blind Boys also recently joined an all-star group of artists for We'll Paint You A Rainbow, a benefit album supporting HEARTbeats Foundation, a nonprofit that strives to help at-risk children internationally. Others featured on the album include Paul Simon, Joan Baez, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, composer John Williams, and opera singers Jessye Norman and Christine Brewer. The album was released worldwide on April 8, 2013. For more information, please visit HEARTbeats Foundation at heartbeatsforchildren.org. The Blind Boys of Alabama's current lineup includes founding vocalist Jimmy Carter, along with vocalists Eric McKinnie (also on drums), Ben Moore, Bishop Billy Bowers, guitarist Joey Williams, bassist Tracy Pierce and keyboard player Peter Levin.
Jim Lauderdale Nominated For Two 2013 Americana Music Awards With Buddy Miller, Jim Hosts The Americana Music Awards Ceremony For the 11th Consecutive Year, And Jim And Buddy's NPR Tiny Desk Concert Now Available
Jim Lauderdale is nominated for two Americana Music Awards for Album of the Year and Duo/Group of the Year for his collaboration with Buddy Miller on the album, Buddy and Jim. The nomination ceremony took place at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on May, 14 2013. A live broadcast of the ceremony, which included performances from Buddy and Jim as well as from now nominated artists T Bone Burnett with Lisa Marie Presley, Elizabeth Cook, and The Milk Carton Kids, was aired on AXS TV at 2PM ET/11AM PT. In addition to his nominations with Jim, Buddy was also nominated on his own for Artist of the Year.
The Americana Music Association's Honors & Awards ceremony, which will be held September 18, 2013 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, will once again be hosted by Jim. This marks his eleventh consecutive year hosting the event. The ceremony will also be broadcast live on AXS TV.
Jim and Buddy's February 19, 2013 performance on NPR's Tiny Desk concert series is now available. During the performance the two performed three songs from their album, Buddy and Jim. Jim and Buddy also continue to host great Americana and Roots artists on The Buddy and Jim Show airing Saturdays at 10PM ET on SiriusXM Outlaw Country (Ch. 60). Check out siriusxm.com/outlawcountry for more info.
Ruthie Foster Honored With Fifth Blues Music Award Win In Four Years, Muddy Waters / Rolling Stones DVD Also Wins BMA
Rosebud artist and 2013 Grammy nominee Ruthie Foster picked up her third consecutive Koko Taylor Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year category at the Blues Music Awards on Thursday, May 9 in Memphis, TN. Ruthie's win makes for an impressive total of eight Blues Music Awards nominations and five wins since 2008. In addition to her three consecutive wins for Best Traditional Blues Female Artist, in 2010 Ruthie also won the Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year category and in 2012 she also won for Best DVD of the Year for Live At Antone's. The BMAs, which celebrated it's thirty-fourth year this year, has been proclaimed as being "universally recognized as the highest honor given to Blues artists."
Ruthie's longtime friend and collaborator Eric Bibb also scored at the BMAs, winning the Acoustic Artist category. Ruthie and Eric will join forces on tour again in 2014 performing on their own and together. The title of the tour, Thanks For The Joy, is drawn from a song composed by Eric and performed by Ruthie on her 2009 Grammy nominated CD The Truth According To Ruthie Foster .
Among the winners at the 34th annual BMAs was the CD/DVD Muddy Waters & Rolling Stones, Live at Checkerboard Lounge, which won the DVD category. The release captures the classic 1981 performance at the legendary Checkerboard Lounge in Chicago featuring the Blues icon Muddy Waters (a Rosebud artist until his passing) and Rock legends The Rolling Stones (whose drummer, Charlie Watts, is represented by Rosebud for his special Jazz projects).
Congratulations to all the winners as well as nominees Bettye LaVette and Elvin Bishop. Catch these Rosebud artists performing live on stage, please see Tour Dates >>
James Cotton On NPR's Weekend Edition And In Rolling Stone - Trombone Shorty Recently Featured On NPR's Talk Of The Nation
James Cotton was featured on one of NPR's flagship programs, Weekend Edition, on Saturday, May 11, 2013. The interview came just four days after the release of Cotton Mouth Man - Cotton's brand new autobiographical album which features special collaborators Gregg Allman, Keb' Mo', Delbert McClinton, and Rosebud artist and 2013 Blues Music Award winner (for Best Traditional Blues Female Artist), Ruthie Foster, telling his story. The program is now avilable online at NPR Weekend Edition: James Cotton: 'The Voice Is Gone, But The Wind Is Still There'. In addition to Weekend Edition, watch for Cotton on NPR again on an upcoming episode of World Café. For more details on that click here.
On reviewing the new album, Rolling Stone proclaimed that Cotton is "A world-class harmonica-playing bluesman... boasting fine musicianship and the same undeniable spirit Cotton has displayed for close to 60 years now," while Chicago Tribune stated, "Listen to Cotton's harmonica playing on the album - gritty, gutsy, ferociously uninhibited - and you're hearing what great blues harp work is all about. No wonder they call him 'Superharp.'" To read Rolling Stone's review click here, and to read Chicago Tribune's full article and interview click here.
Also on NPR, Trombone Shorty was featured on Talk of the Nation on May 7, 2013 in an interview along with WWNO correspondent, Gwen Thompkins. The program focused on the state of New Orleans since its struggle with the recession, the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and multiple hurricanes since Katrina. In addition to discussing the Trombone Shorty Foundation and Shorty's recent prestigious performance closing the 2013 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the program also highlighted the unique experiences of visitors to the city of New Orleans with host Neil Conan asking listeners to join the conversation and share their "post card from New Orleans." To listen to the full show click here.
Bill Frisell's New Album, Big Sur, Out June 18, 2013, Named For Prestigious Curator Roles
Bill Frisell's new album, Big Sur, will be released on June 18, 2013 via Okeh Records. Inspired by the 90 mile coastal region in central California, the album marks Frisell's Okeh Records debut and features the Big Sur Quintet (which combines his 858 Quartet and Beautiful Dreamers trio). In 2012 Frisell was commissioned by the Monterey Jazz Festival to write the completely original work, which blends chamber jazz, country, classical, folk, and rock. Six months later, the Big Sur Quintet recorded the 19 song, hour-long album at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, with longtime Frisell collaborators Lee Townsend and Adam Muñoz. About his experience creating Big Sur, Frisell stated "It was extraordinary. You're surrounded by forest, and there's a trail that you can walk to the end of the bluff, where the land just drops off and you see the whole panorama of the Big Sur coast and the Pacific Ocean... It was incredible... I filled up pages and pages... The music just kept coming." Frisell has also released a "making of" video which discusses his creative process and how the new album references the environment in which it was created.
Frisell is also currently acting as Guest Curator for the Roots of Americana series at Jazz at Lincoln Center for their '13 - '14 season. This appointment marks Frisell's second role curating at a major jazz institution in a year, as he also currently acting as a Resident Artistic Director at SFJazz overseeing programming and performances.
Johnny A. Ranked #6 In The Top 20 Bands In Boston Right Now By The Alternate Root, Plus Jamming With Jeff Beck At Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp
Johnny A. was ranked #6 in The Top 20 Bands In Boston Right Now by The Alternate Root. In the list, The Alternate Root stated, "Johnny A. is in a class that includes only a few names but when those names are Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Jeff Beck, B.B. King and Wes Montgomery, well, that's a good class to be in... He's a master of intonation, melody and technique and with Les Paul and Chet Atkins gone, probably the best "soul" for the instrument that's around today." Check out the complete list at thealternateroot.com.
Johnny also recently had the chance to perform on stage with guitar icon Jeff Beck. The two performed together at Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp held November 7 - 11, 2012 in Las Vegas. In addition to Johnny, the camp also featured performances from rock stars including Brian Wilson, Warren Haynes, Jack Bruce of Cream, and John Popper of Blues Traveler.
Johnny is currently finishing up a brand new studio album so look for that coming soon.
Marcia Ball, Ben Harper And Charlie Musselwhite, And Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue To Be Featured On AXS TV's Live Coverage Of 2013 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Marcia Ball's performance, Charlie Musselwhite's performance with Ben Harper and Trombone Shorty's prestigious closing set at the 2013 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will be broadcast on AXS TV. AXS TV's live coverage will begin May 3, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. EDT with programming continuing through May 5. This is the first ever live TV broadcast of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and it will also feature other major artists including Billy Joel, John Mayer, Willie Nelson & Family, Widespread Panic, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Phoenix, Gary Clark Jr., Cowboy Mouth and Galactic. The live coverage will also feature on-the-scene and backstage reports from around the festival with Savannah Jane Buffett, daughter of Jimmy Buffet, reporting. More info on broadcast times for each performance will be posted at axs.tv/jazzfest. To find an AXS TV channel on your TV provider please visit axs.tv/subscribe.
An audio stream of AXS TV's live coverage will be available on TuneIn, an online radio network. TuneIn's broadcast will also be from May 3 and continue through May 5, and it can be found on it's New Orleans Jazz Fest Radio Station. TuneIn's New Orleans Jazz Fest Radio Station is currently playing a mix of music from artists performing at this year's Jazz Fest.
To Catch Marcia Ball, Charlie Musselwhite, and Trombone Shorty Live, See Tour Dates >>
Ruthie Foster Honored With Fifth Blues Music Award Win In Four Years, Muddy Waters / Rolling Stones DVD Also Wins BMA
James Cotton On NPR's Weekend Edition And In Rolling Stone - Trombone Shorty Recently Featured On NPR's Talk Of The Nation
