New Releases Compiled by Maria Villafana - The long awaited Eva By Heart, a second album from the late jazz/blues vocalist Eva Cassidy, will be distributed by Liaison Records in the Washington area in mid-July. The 11 studio cuts, recorded between 1990-96, are a mix of traditional gospel songs and jazz standards. The CD insert will include lots of photographs of Eva and her art work. Cassidy died Nov. 2 from cancer at age 33.
- Warner Elektra Atlantic (WEA) has picked up for distribution Deanna Bogart's latest album New Address. Lightyear, a boutique label under the WEA banner dealing primarily with jazz and children's music, will re manufacture and re-release in June.
- Steel Rails a collection of classic railroad songs released on Rounder Records includes the Johnson Mountain Boys burning up the Orange Blossom Special. The wailing instrumental, featuring Eddie Stubbs on fiddle, was recorded in 1988 at the quintet's farewell concert in Lucketts, Va. The traditional bluegrass group led by guitarist Dudley Connell ranked among the top in its genre during the band's 10 year existence.
- Nils Lofgren released his first acoustic album. Performing with brothers Tom, Mark and Mike plus guitarist Paul Bell, Nils recorded Acoustic Live at The Barns of Wolf Trap.
- Celtic Ruminations is The Flying Cows of Ventry's debut CD The Cows, brothers Tim, James and Jeff Walthall, have created an authentic-sounding album of traditional Irish ballads. Produced by the Walthalls, the project was recorded at Shuman Recording and includes guest appearances by Bernard Argent and Barbara Ryan of the Celtic group Iona.
- African, calypso, Afro-Cuban rhythms energize the African Music Ambassadors' new album Dance to African Music. Originally from Nigeria, the Ambassadors' mission is "to help bridge the gap between African-Americans and Africans" with music and its lively album of predominately original material is designed to make feet want to dance. The project was recorded by Barton Chew at Omega Recording Studio.
- Coming full circle to the mode of singer/songwriter John Jennings has released his first solo CD titled buddy on Vanguard Records. Jennings' self-produced effort has the same meticulous guitar work he has lent to Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lyle Lovett and Beausoleil. The soft-spoken performer has penned several poignant songs including the gentle Do You Want Me Now and a strutting, light-hearted number titled Everybody Loves Me whose video can be seen CMT. The album was recorded by Jennings and Bob Dawson at Bias Recording.
- Astronomy Made Easy the Boud Deun's new release on the Cuneiform label is definitely music for the heavy thinker. The instrumental album is a fusion of intricate progressions combining jazz, bluegrass, punk, rock and classical music expertly executed at a lightening pace. Engineered by Mike Davis, the album was recorded at Inner Ear Studios.
- The Pat McGee Band has released its second CD Revel. The pop/rock album is a soft blend of acoustic, electric and percussive instruments with guest appearances by vocalist Julie Murphy (Eddie From Ohio), percussionist Gali Sanchez (Santana) and sax player J.C. Kuhl (Agents of Good Roots). The project was produced by McGee and engineered by Stuart Ridgway at Pyramid Digital Productions and Cue Studios.
- Dave Sherman & the Nightcrawler's The First Time, a raucous blues standards compilation, includes an original rootsy tune I Wish You Would. The six song cassette relies heavily on Sherman's meaty voice and Roger Edsall's harp work. The project was recorded at Inner Ear studio by Tom Carroll and Don Zientara.
- Beneath It All, a soulful jazzy creation from the Michael Sheppard Group was released by Milesh Records. Sheppard's voice pumps life into each of the 10 love ballads, with an especially touching rendition of Hendrix's Little Wing. Produced by Sheppard, the album was engineered by Doug Johnson at Cue Recording.
- Me'Shell Ndegeocello will be heard on the "Batman and Robin" movie soundtrack compact disc doing a rendition of "Poison Ivy." The film, staring George Clooney as Batman, is due out in June.
- Guitarist Tom Principato has released Really Blue on Voodoo Records. The album is composed mostly of original compositions and Principato's guitar work is expressive, spanning from the jazzy upbeat riffs of Orbit to the mournful title cut Really Blue. Guest musicians on the album include percussionist Gali Ricardo Sanchez, bassists Jeff Sarli and Steve Wolf and Joe Maher on drums. Produced by Peter Bonta and Principato, the CD was recorded at Bias Recording and Wally Cleaver's Recording.
- Adelphi/Genes Records, has released The Great Medical Menagerist, a collection of Harmonica Frank Floyd's work and Travelin' Man, songs by Roy Book Binder. Originally recorded in 1972 and re-released 25 years later as part of Adelphi's Blues Vault Series, Floyd's style blends the black and white country music sounds of the 20s and 30s. Out of print since 1979, Book Binder's acoustic blues album includes a bonus track Candy Man.
- Love songs from the 60s, three volumes of Smooth Grooves released by Rhino Records include Close Your Eyes, a 1967 hit single for local crooners Peaches (Francine Barker) & Herb (Herb Fame). According to industry trade magazine ratings of the late 60s and early 70s, Peaches & Herb consistently placed in the top of the soul charts. Francine Barker left the duo in 1970, and Linda Green became Peaches number two. Late 70s hits for the new team included Shake Your Groove Thing and Reunited.
- Armed with faith and song the Positive Flow Music Ministry has set out to bring comfort to the flock through its music. The family gospel group, started by L.T. Bradley, Jr. and Larry Staples, has released Praise The Lord, a 10 song cassette recorded by Ray Tilkens at Ambient Recording. Harmonizing on the mostly original contemporary gospel hymns are Valerie and La Shell Staples, Anita Bradley and Rick West.
- A delicate balance of power and sensitivity characterizes Toshi Reagon's Kindness released on the Smithsonian Folkways label. The modern blues stories sung in a hybrid language distilled from funk, rap and folk show Toshi's growth as a vocalist and songwriter. Engineered by Jim Robeson at Bias Recording the solo project includes a brief guest appearance by Bernice Johnson Reagon.
- Early American Roots, a collection of instrumentals from the time of the Revolutionary War, is the latest album from the early music ensemble Hesperus. The release traces the musical migration from England and France and offers a glimpse of 18th century social life in the American colonies. Hesperus is Scott Reiss on recorders and hammered dulcimer, Tina Chancey on viola da gamba and baroque violin and Mark Cudek on cittern and baroque guitar. The album was released on the Maggie's Music label.
- Praising God through song has been Virgil Taylor's mission since 1988,he continues to broaden his ministry releasing Lord, I Love You on Christ-Centered Records. Accompanying Taylor on vocals are Jacynth Underwood, Derek Spencer, Monica R.J. Bland and Thera Bennett. Produced by Taylor and Corey Brooks, the album was engineered by Les Lentz at Live Sound Productions.
- Hey Norton'sLive in Concert at the Luna Park Grille is a collection of rhythm and blues staples. This workingman's band gives a heartfelt rendition of Al Green's Can't Get Next to You and T-Bone Walker's Stormy Monday. The album features band members guitarist Tom Erbland, drummer Dave Olson, bassist Hal Singer, sax player Charlie Hastings plus lead guitarist Keith Grimes who makes a special guest appearance.
- "The 13th Annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Winners' CD" compilation offers a little something for everyone, from country to jazz, hip hop to folk, the sampler runs the gamut in genres and performance styles. Distributed to interested music publishers throughout the country by the Songwriters' Association of Washington, the winners' sampler includes material penned by several area songwriters including the catchy pop tune All the Same by Roy Wright and the rootsy Morning's Over by Ted Natale and Blue Yard Garden.
Seminars, Workshops, Conferences, Showcases, Grants & Contests Rescheduled
Music Meets Technology The Washington Area Music Association (WAMA), the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA) and BMI are co-sponsoring a seminar on the issues facing musicians in the Internet era on Thursday, July 24. Online publishing and distribution issues will be addressed as well as copyright considerations. Registration begins at 7pm in the Georgetown University Law Center's Moot Courtroom located at 600 New Jersey Ave. NW. Early registration costs are $20 for WAMA, WALA and DC Bar Section members, $25 for non-members and $10 for students. To register or for more information contact WALA at (202) 293-2826. WALA Workshop The Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts will be presenting a workshop on Non-Profit Incorporation and Tax-Exempt Status. The workshop will take place on July 16 at the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington, and costs $45. To register or for more information contact WALA at (202) 293-2826. Songwriting Workshop The Songwriters' Association of Washington (SAW) presents "The Craft of Songwriting" with special guest folk singer/songwriter Tom Paxton on Sunday, June 29 at the George Mason University Law School in room 304 starting at 2 p.m. Attendees will be able to have one song critiqued during the three hour panel at a cost of $5, plus an attendance fee of $10 for SAW members and $15 for non-members. A lyric sheet must accompany each song submission. You're It! The Organizational License Tag Program is calling for entries for artwork to complement the theme "Washington, D.C.- Alive With the Arts." The Commission is offering a fee of $500 to the creator of the selected design. Deadline June 30, 1997. For applications or information call (202) 724-5613. Grants From DC The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities is now accepting grant applications for fiscal year 1998. The Grants-In-Aid Program offers fellowships to individuals and general operating support to arts organizations in the following areas: crafts, dance, literature, media, music, theater, and visual arts. Deadline July 25, 1997. The City Arts Projects offer funds for programs that encourage the growth of quality arts activities throughout the city, support local artists, and make arts experiences accessible to District residents. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to festivals, concerts, visual arts exhibitions, and salary support to enhance cultural diversity among the staffs of arts organizations in the District. Deadline August 1, 1997. The Arts Education Projects Program offers funds for projects that provide training and exposure to the arts to young people. Eligible projects include artist residencies, workshops, arts curriculum development, arts projects in all disciplines, performances, and organization-sponsored arts education programs. Grammy Showcase '98 Grammy Showcase '98 is currently accepting submissions for its upcoming new talent search. Winners receive: one week of recording time; a NARAS artist development grant; passes to the Grammy Awards; your song on a compilation CD; a video of your band. To enter the showcase send one CD or cassette of original music, containing at least three songs, one band photo and biography plus contact information to Grammy Showcase, 3402 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, Ca. 90405. For further information phone 800-544-8991 or the web address http://www.showcase.grammy.com. Submission deadline is September 15, 1997. Songwriters' Contest The 14th Annual Songwriters' Contest sponsored by the Songwriters' Association of Washington's (SAW) is accepting entries until August 16. First and Second place winners will be selected in 10 genres that include country, urban/hip hop, rock, gospel and jazz. An overall Grand Prize winner and first and second place runners up will receive cash awards. Contest participation costs $17 for the first entry and $15 for each additional entry, for details and submission form call 1-800/218-5996. Songwriting Camp The Nashville Acoustic Music & Songwriting Camp/a takes place Sept. 1-6 at the Montgomery Bell State Park outside of Nashville. The week's agenda includes technique workshops, how to demo and pitch your songs plus private instruction from the guest music staff. The $550 admission price includes tuition, room and board. Call 615/292-0967 or email NashCamp@aol.com for details. CMJ Music Marathon CMJ Music Marathon & MusicFest '97 is scheduled for Sept. 3-6 at the Lincoln Center in New York City. The college radio programmer's convention will showcase 500 bands at 40 clubs plus present a multitude of educational panels. Early registration is $160 for students and $300 general before August 1, call 516/498-3150 for information. Bands can apply to showcase prior to June 30, call 516/498-3117 for information.
Open Mics and Showcases Music Americana Dick Cerri's Music Americana Showcase is now taking place at O'Brien's Pit Barbecue in Rockville. Every first Tuesday of the month local folk and Celtic performers try out new material and strengthen their skills in a relaxed and intimate setting. Encouraged by Cerri's success, the 75-seat room presenting folk, bluegrass and Irish music Tuesdays through Thursday. Tiffany Tavern Open mic at Tiffany Tavern, a very friendly and comfortable place on King St. in Old Town Alexandria. Monday nights, 8:30. Call (703) 534-4860 for info. Six Degrees Showcase The Six Degrees showcase, hosted by Lisa Moscatiello every Tuesday at the acoustically splendid Courtyard Concert Cafe in Falls Church, presents an eclectic mix of performers stretching from Richmond country artist Janet Martin to the acoustic art rock of Arcana. Moscatiello, who is trying to increase the variety of genres at the diverse showcase said, "I would like to see more jazz, alternative, world music, etc." For bookings call Lisa at 301-270-1710.
Studio News Lion and Fox Recording Jim Fox recently produced the audio for "Marley Magic" a double CD set and feature-length video tribute to Bob Marley. Recorded live in Central Park by Fox on a 24-track digital system and mixed at Lion and Fox's Studio A in Washington D.C., the project includes performances by Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Rita, Julian, and Damian Marley. Tuff Gong International will release the project for broadcast, home video and CD. Bias Recording Jim Robeson has been working on six different projects with Bernice Johnson Reagon. The founder of the a cappella Afro-centric Sweet Honey in the Rock, Reagon's projects include recording a selection of Laura Nyro songs with the group. Also at Bias, Robeson completed a new album, "Caledon Wood" for guitarist Al Petteway and Bob Dawson engineered and mixed a new album for Bruce Gates' Jazz consortium. Omega Recording Studios Omega Recording Studios has been working on tracks with Branford Marsalis and Buckshot LeFonque, Charlie Byrd's new album for Concord Jazz, and vocals for the upcoming Christmas release from the Richard Smallwood Singers. Visiting the studio for the WHFS Just Passing Thru series were Mark Eitsel, Peter Buck of R.E.M., Fiona Apple, Sneaker Pimps and Third Eye Blind. Classified Advertising - CD & CASSETTE DUPLICATION. Oasis Duplication, Your LOCAL source. We offer honest pricing, top-quality CD & cassette duplication, and personal assistance through the life of your project. Oasis Inc., the most conscientious name in duplication. (301) 345-6188; (800) 697-5734. email: info@oasis.com. Web address: http://www.oasiscd.com
- REAL TIME CASSETTE DUPLICATION, 20 to 2000 tapes, highest quality, low prices, fast turnaround. 100 c40, hi bias chrome, case, assembly & wrap $180. Blue House Productions 301-589-1001 or http://www.smart.net/~bluehouse.
- TAKAMINE ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR for Sale- excellent shape, only several years old: NP-15C cutaway with the renowned Takamine pickup; extremely popular band and singer/songwriter guitar. Sells at Veneman for $1035, my price $575. Casey (202) 273-2704.
- AL PETTEWAY ACCEPTING GUITAR STUDENTS: Premiere solo guitarist, Al Petteway, has a limited number of openings in his schedule for guitar students of all levels. An award-winning finger-style guitarist and the coordinator for Guitar Week at the Swannanoa Gathering, Al instructs students in hour-long, one-on-one classes. Lessons will be held in Takoma Park, MD on weekdays in the afternoons and evenings. For further information and scheduling call 301-855-1319 or e-mail strings@erols.com.
- SINGER-SONGWRITER seeks musicians/band to collaborate/play material- some covers, pop/country style. Call Heidi (202) 362-3113.
- FEMALE VOCALIST searching for pianist/arranger for jazz and Broadway repertoire. Future gigs. Please call Melinda at (703) 680-4017.
- LYRICIST looking for rock'n'roll band to use songs. Call Karen at (301) 990-3482.
- SMOKIN' KICKIN' DRUMMER WANTED: National act level group with serious industry interest. Styles Santana, Sting, Doobies, James Brown. Pro gear, transportation, and little time to learn the material. Vocal ability a plus. (410) 789-9675, (301) 927-4543.
- FEMALE SINGER/SONGWRITER/GUITARIST in the pop/folk/country vein looking for an acoustic/electric bass player for gigs. Please call Julie @ 301-469-7359.
- DON'T DRINK THE WATER - unless it's been filtered by The Natural Solution! High quality, low-cost home drinking water and shower/bath filters. Not available in stores. Why support a corporation? Buy from a musician and support the arts. (541)-597-2839. Email:carolv@magick.com
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