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Alan Cumming’s Debut Album
11
September
Albert

Star of stage and screen Alan Cumming is set to release his debut solo album titled ‘I Bought a Blue Car Today’ from the newly launched Yellow Sound Label. Including song selections from his original concert of the same name, the exciting collection is comprised of everything from rock opera to little-known gems, as well as brand new material. The album will be available on September 22, 2009.

A Tony Award® winner for his work in ‘Cabaret’, Alan Cumming is admired for his work on Broadway and beyond. Cumming takes us on a musical journey with ‘I Bought a Blue Car Today’. With an ensemble led by musical director Lance Horne, the album is peppered with material by Cyndi Lauper, Dory Previn and Kander & Ebb, to name a few. Tracks include songs from ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’, ‘Chess’, ‘Falsettos’ and ‘Cabaret’.

‘Alan Cumming: I Bought A Blue Car Today’ premiered at Jazz at Lincoln Center in February 2009 followed by a March 2009 run in Sydney, Australia, earning rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The New York Times claimed Cumming “exudes the fabulousness of a brash showbiz kid.” Alan will be performing live in concert in London on the West End in September 2009 before returning to New York and touring the West Coast and various other parts of the country this Fall. For a list Alan Cumming’s upcoming LIVE performance dates, please visit Alan Cumming.

The concert is based on Cumming’s experiences living in the United States for the past 10 years. He says, “The album title comes from the naturalization test I took to become a citizen of the U S of A. In the test, there is a bit where the man says a sentence and you have to write it down to prove your prowess in English. My sentence was “I bought a blue car today,” which initially I thought was really sweet and childlike, but on closer examination I realized that it’s all about consumerism and gas guzzling, which rather brilliantly encapsulates America’s financial and energy crises in one fell swoop. So, when I was putting my Lincoln Center show together, I knew exactly what title to choose. The album’s song choices come from that show. It’s made up of songs and stories about my ten years living in the states culminating in my becoming a citizen.”

Michael Croiter, album producer and co-founder of Yellow Sound Label, says, “This album is a diverse mix of pop, theater, punk and chamber rock. Alan’s immense talent and achievements in theater and film are abundant and nothing short of exceptional. His talent as a recording artist, singer and front man has been untapped until now. Biding his time, Alan waited for the perfect opportunity to debut this side of his personality. This now realized project features great songs with fresh arrangements enhanced by Alan’s natural and spirited delivery. This exciting adventure will keep followers of Alan excited and riveted, and likely make him a few new fans.”

Tracklisting:

‘Shine’–Cyndi Lauper
‘Dance and Dance and Smile and Smile’–Dory Previn
‘That’s Life’–Dean Kay & Kelly Gordon
‘Wig in a Box/Wicked Little Town’–Stephen Trask
‘Don’t Tell Me’–Lance Horne
‘Here You Come Again/My Interpretation’–Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Mika, Jodie Marr & Richie Supa
‘Next To Me’–Lance Horne & Alan Cumming
‘Unexpressed’–John Bucchino
‘Where I Want To Be’–Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Tim Rice
‘Thinking Of You’–Victoria Wood
‘What More Can I Say’–William Finn
‘Mein Heir’–John Kander & Fred Ebb
‘All I Know’–Jimmy Webb

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More About Alan Cumming:

U.S. film audiences were first introduced to Cumming in ‘Circle of Friends’, and he went on to appear in varied films including ‘X2: X-Men United’, the ‘Spy Kids’ trilogy, ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’, ‘Goldeneye’, ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, ‘Titus’, ‘Emma’ and ‘Sweet Land’, for which he earned an Independent Spirit Award for producing. Alongside friend Jennifer Jason Leigh, he wrote, produced, directed and starred in the acclaimed ‘The Anniversary Party’, which won a National Board of Review Award and two Independent Spirit nominations. Alan will next be seen in the upcoming films ‘Dare’, ‘Boogie Woogie’, ‘Riverworld’ and ‘The Tempest’ opposite Helen Mirren. On television he has appeared in “Sex and the City,” “Frasier,” “Third Rock From the Sun,” “The L Word,” “Reefer Madness” and in Sci-Fi Channel’s record-breaking “Tin Man.” He is also the host of PBS’ “Masterpiece Mystery.” Prominent stage work includes ‘Cabaret’, which garnered him a Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Awards, ‘Threepenny Opera’, ‘Design for Living’, ‘Elle’, ‘The Seagull’, ‘Bent’ and ‘The Bacchae’. He will next be seen as the Green Goblin in Julie Taymor’s ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark’ on Broadway in the Spring of 2010.

Cumming’s activism and charity work for civil rights and sex education causes have earned him several humanitarian awards including two Human Rights Campaigns awards, GLAAD’s Vito Russo Media award and The Trevor Project Hero Award. In 2005, he was awarded an Icon of Scotland and in 2006, received an honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of Abertay, Dundee. Most recently, he was appointed an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list recognized for services to film, theater and the arts and to activism for equal rights for the LGBT community. He is also the author of the book ‘Tommy’s Tale’, and has launched a successful fragrance and body line.

About Yellow Sound Label:

Yellow Sound Label is a leading-edge record label that produces both established performers and up-and-coming artists. As a boutique label, the award-winning founders Michael Croiter and Bill Sherman take a hands-on approach in nurturing and producing their artists. The goal is to become the “go-to” independent label for passionate, focused performers and composers who seek a partner in the development and creation of notable quality recordings. On the heels of its debut release from Alan Cumming, YELLOW SOUND will follow with new albums from established stars and hot up and comers including: Tony Award® winners Chita Rivera (’The Rink’, ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’) and Karen Olivo (’West Side Story’), Christopher Jackson (’The Lion King’, ‘In the Heights’), the celebrated songwriting/performing duo Marcy and Zina (“Taylor, the Latte Boy”) and Jeremiah James, a member of the all-male vocal quartet Teatro. For more information, please visit: Yellow Sound Label.

Category: Awards, Blogging, Books, Exhibitions, Festivals, Film, Hollywood, Homosexuality, Hot Lists, Live Shows, Music, New Releases, Pop Culture, Product, Production Notes, The O List, Theatre  Leave a Comment
Return Of The Divas…
26
August
Albert

(NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 25, 2009)–A superstar diva in her own right with sales of over 50 million records and six number one hits, multiple Emmy and Grammy awards winner Paula Abdul is set to host the VH1 Divas live concert event.

Joining the star-studded list of Divas performers is one of America’s favorite pop idols – the platinum selling artist, Jordin Sparks. Previously announced “Divas” include Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Miley Cyrus. The VH1 Divas concert will be televised live on VH1 on Thursday, September 17 at 9:00pm ET.

For the first time ever, these leading ladies at the top of their musical game will perform together live at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. Continuing in true Divas tradition, the evening will feature a night of unforgettable performances from various performers, presenters and special guests. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fans can go now to Divas.VH1.com to submit a “Diva Stories” text or video testimonial that tells the world how their favorite divas have influenced their lives. VH1 wants to hear from all Divas’ fans – favorite songs, favorite moments and the craziest things they’ve done to show their diva how they feel. Select testimonials may be featured online and on-air leading up to this year’s live telecast.Divas.VH1.com has also launched close to 50 past “VH1 Divas” performances, featuring Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and many more. Join Divas.VH1.com on Thursday, September 17 for live blogging coverage before and during the live telecast. Users can also follow all show-related news by following the VH1 Divas twitter account at http://twitter.com/vh1divas.

Premiering on VH1 in 1998, VH1 Divas became synonymous with some of the most memorable live female vocal performances in television history. The show quickly became a highly anticipated annual phenomenon, generating speculation among music fans and industry executives on who would be part of that year’s telecast. Previous featured performers over the years included Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Cher, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Chaka Khan and many more.

VH1 Divas is executive produced by Lee Rolontz, Rick Krim and Patrizia DiMaria.

As in previous years, this VH1 Divas special will raise funds for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in American public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education. Since VH1 Save The Music was created in 1997, more than $43 million worth of musical instruments have been donated to 1,600 public schools in 100 cities, improving the lives of more than 1.2 million children.

Exclusive VH1 Save The Music VIP tickets and Gold Circle ticket packages will offer premium seating to the live VH1 Divas concert plus pre and post party access and an exclusive gift bag. Event sponsorship opportunities are also available to the two distinctively different VH1 Divas Parties on the same night. For more information on tickets or to sponsor an event, please contact:Nia.Mack@vh1savethemusic.com or at 212-846-7324.

VH1 Divas is sponsored by Garnier® Fructis® and CoverGirl®.

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VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

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Mr. Robbie Williams: ‘Reality Killed The Video Star’
06
August
Albert

(August 5th, 2009 – New York, NY) – The multi-talented Mr. Robbie Williams, who has sold a staggering 55 million albums worldwide has announced that he will release his brand new album, ‘Reality Killed The Video Star,’ globally on November 9th followed by a digital release in the U.S. on November 10th on EMI’s Virgin Records. Robbie teamed up with producer Trevor Horn (Paul McCartney, Seal, Pet Shop Boys, Cher) for ‘Reality Killed The Video Star’ which was recorded and mixed London.

Robbie Williams has consistently set new records for album and ticket sales, not least when he entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2006 having sold 1.6 million tickets on one day for his 2006 tour. That tour played to 3.7 million people in total. Three years previously he played the biggest live music event in UK history when his 3 nights at Knebworth saw him play to over 365,000 people.

Robbie has also won more Brit Awards than any other artist to date, has won 3 Ivor Novello awards for songwriting and holds the UK record for the fastest selling Greatest Hits album ever – that same album reaching number 1 in 18 countries.

Category: Blogging, E-Male, Hot Lists, Live Shows, Music, New Releases, Personal, Pop Culture, The O List  Leave a Comment
Cue The Reign…
08
July
Albert

Category: Blogging, Data, Exhibitions, Hot Lists, Live Shows, Music, New Releases, Pop Culture, Television, The O List  Leave a Comment
Remember This Name: Kristina Train
17
June
Albert

I recently got my hands on a preview copy of Kristina Train’s debut album on Blue Note Records. ‘Spilt Milk’ won’t be released until September 22, 2009, but let me tell you right now it’s one of the strongest debut albums of the year. I’ve been listening to it non-stop for two days now and every single time it moves me, it sends me, it captivates me.

Ms. Train, who was born in New York City and raised in Savannah, Georgia, is a singer/songwriter of the first caliber. Her bluesy vibrato easily transitions from gentle balladeering to hair-raising power belting and the album of eleven perfectly crafted tracks does not let down. It’s rare to find an album, especially from a debut artist, that “works” from beginning to end. ‘Spilt Milk’ pulls the trick off flawlessly. There’s going to be a lot of comparison’s to the British songbird invasion (and not unjustly so) of the likes of Adele, Duffy, and Corrine Bailey Rae. However, Train takes that bluesy, soulful and lush genre one step further evoking the stunning elegance of Dusty Springfield.

The bulk of ‘Spilt Milk’ was recorded in London with Jimmy Hogarth (who’s worked with Duffy, Bailey Rae and James Blunt). Hogarth says of Train, “Kristina possesses a true classic voice–an effortless delivery with complete commitment to the emotion of the song. It was a real pleasure and an honor to have worked on this very special recording.” The songs for ‘Spilt Milk were mainly co-written by Train and Eg White (who was nominated for a Grammy for his work on Adele’s “Chasing Pavements”).

The title track unfolds with an almost cinematic grandeur, its string-laden chorus swelling with widescreen melancholy. Balancing the sultry with the strong, Train excels on bittersweet breakup/makeup numbers like “Don’t Remember” and “It’s Over
Now.” As the aphorism of the album title suggests, Train knows how, over the course of a song, to walk away from a relationship with tremendous style.

“I wanted my album to offer glimpses of my influences, but not sound like them,” Train says. “Jimmy, Eg, and I are of similar background, we appreciate the same music. The arrangements are just what we felt the songs needed. They give the songs flavor, but don’t try to steal anybody else’s style. My hope was for the album to nod to the music I love, while still sounding
modern.”

Raised by a single mother, Train took music and ballet lessons, sang in church and school choirs, and soaked up the southern soul, blues, and gospel music that have had such a profound effect on her work. As a teenager, she unearthed her mom’s tucked-away stash of Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Janis Joplin albums and tried to make her voice sound raspier. “When we had
thunderstorms, I would go up to the roof and scream at the top of my lungs,” she says. “God only knows what that’s done to me!”

At 19, Train was spotted by a local producer who offered to bring her to New York to showcase for Blue Note Records, which immediately offered her a development deal. Train decided to put off signing for a few years to attend college in Athens, GA. It was time well-spent as Train now realizes. ”At 19, I would not have been able to make this kind of album, which, ultimately,
is the album I have always wanted to make. It defines who I am. I always had a feeling that music wouldn’t just be in my life. It would be my life.”

The track-listing for Spilt Milk is as follows:

“Spilt Milk”
“No Man’s Land”
“Don’t Remember”
“Don’t Beg For Love”
“It’s Over Now”
“You’re Still Going to Lose”
“Moon Rivers and Such”
“I Can’t But Help”
“Call In The Maker”
“Half Light”
“Far From The Country”

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Friday E-Male: OK Now
03
October
Albert








Mr. Jon McLaughlin
(‘OK Now’ arrives in stores October 7, 2008)

Category: Blogging, E-Male, Hot Lists, Live Shows, Men, Music, New Releases, Personal, Photography, Pop Culture, The O List  Leave a Comment
James Morrison Returns…
23
September
Albert

James Morrison’s debut album ‘Undiscovered’ was so loaded in depth that it yielded no fewer than five singles: “You Give Me Something”, “Wonderful World”, “The Pieces Don’t Fit Anymore”, “Undiscovered” and “One Last Chance”. The songs were deceptively simple yet beautifully written. They stitched together a canvas that showcased James’s raw, bluesy voice. There was no bullshit, no clichés, no schmaltz. And a lot of people liked that.

‘Undiscovered’ went to No 1 in Britain, Top 20 in America and won him the 2007 Brit Award for “Best Male” (he was also nominated for “Best Single” and “Best Newcomer”). James’s debut sold over two million copies worldwide and he became the biggest selling British male solo artist of 2006. He was just 21–but had already accumulated enough life experience to give his candid folk-soul songs genuine emotional content.

James’s reputation as a must-see live performer soared. Following his jaw dropping, first ever TV performance on ‘Later With Jools Holland’ he went on to play amazing shows to adoring crowds: including the V Festival twice in one day–in 2006 so many people came to see him in one of the smaller tents that he was invited to give an impromptu performance on the main stage; last year he played a full set on the main stage. Then there was the Royal Variety Performance, the Concert for Diana and the more traditional 3 sold-out UK tours. He did the Peace One Day concert at the Royal Albert Hall – and had one of those moments where he suddenly realised that his life had changed forever. “Just before I went on I was watching Yusuf Islam and I thought, I’m on after Cat Stevens! I remember being at home with my dad listening to his albums during the darkest times, the best of times…” James has subsequently provided vocals on Yusuf’s new album.

He toured Europe, Australia and Japan, did three separate tours of America, gigging coast to coast. He also supported John Mayer on his large outdoor ‘sheds’ tour in the US. He gave an acoustic rendition of “You Give Me Something” on national TV on NBC’s ‘Today’ as well as ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ and performed on Jay Leno’s show twice at the host’s invitation.

He finally stopped in August 2007. For two weeks. And then he sat down to write and record the Notoriously Difficult Second Album. And at first it did prove difficult. He tried to write rockier, harder tunes – as glimpsed on Undiscovered’s “Call The Police”, which touched on the subject of domestic violence. “I went for something with a bit more electric guitar but in the end it just sounded contrived.”

The pressure was on and it was making him try too hard, too self-consciously. “As soon as I’d get something good I’d think about it and screw it up.” And then the penny dropped: “Just go for what you’re feeling at the time. That’s how I worked on the first album, and in a way I think that’s some of the reason why people liked it. It wasn’t trying too hard.”

And so the people who really made him feel, the ones who became the subjects of his songs on ‘Undiscovered’–his family and friends–his relationship with each of them, and the new chapters in all their lives, became central to the new album. James went with whatever and whoever was on his mind, and took it from there. The songs began to flow.

“I’ve called the album ‘Songs for You, Truths for Me’ because that’s what I feel it is. It’s songs for Gill and everyone else. But for me they’re truths. They’re how I feel. I’ve got a song called “Love is Hard”. In fact, there are three songs with ‘love’ in the title – and I never thought I’d do that, but that’s the way it went. “Love is Hard” is about when you’re deep in it and it hurts a lot of the time. You’re fighting, or not always agreeing, you might be away from each other and you’ve still got to be strong. So the album’s a collection of truths I’d learnt in the previous year. It just turned out that way: I knew I didn’t want to write about being on the road. I can only write about what I feel.”

In the end, James enlisted many of the same collaborators from ‘Undiscovered’ to work with him on ‘Songs for You, Truths For Me’ hooking up once more with co-writers Martin Brammer, Steve Robson and Eg White. He also added a new fan, One Republic’s Ryan Tedder to that list. The Nashville string quartet feature once again. “I know we work well together now – it’ll take a lot for me to work with someone new.”

There is also a notable collaboration on this record, one of the only things his debut album didn’t have, a fantastic duet with Nelly Furtado on the epic “Broken Strings”.

‘Songs for You, Truths For Me’ is a classic James Morrison record that once again showcases his distinctive, raw, soulful style–but takes it to the next level. “It’s less playful, more to the point,” he says. “But I haven’t consciously gone for a different sound. With me, it always comes down to the lyric, the melody, and the rest flows from that. But I’ve definitely tapped into my feelings about life more on this album, rather than writing about characters on the bus (”Wonderful World”), or whatever. I was just letting stuff flow through me.”

James Morrison’s big, unashamedly romantic heart and generous spirit shines through like a beacon. ‘Songs For You, Truths For Me’ sees the wide eyed soul-boy become a wiser man. With this he shines once more on a brilliant new collection of songs and cathartic truths.

‘Songs For You, Truths For Me’ will be released on September 30, 2008 on Interscope Records. To whet your appetite, here’s an exclusive 90-second peek at one of the tracks, “Nothing Ever Hurt Like You”. It hurts…so good.

Category: Blogging, Download, E-Male, Hot Lists, Live Shows, Music, New Releases, Personal, Pop Culture, Production Notes, Relationships, The O List  One Comment
Get Your Whore’s Mascara!
09
September
Albert


(photo credit: b-havior arts and felt photography)

My favorite triad of lovers, Whore’s Mascara, is once again gracing New York City with its revival of the sexual revolution against a backdrop of mind-blowing sound. Chaz, Lonnie, and Georgia will be presenting “We Are Bristol Palin” at Don Hill’s on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 10:00 PM. Don Hill’s is located at 511 Greenwich Street at Spring Street. Admission is $10.00. For information, please call (212) 334-1390.

Downtown’s tastiest trio is back at Don Hill’s performing a special tribute show for America’s favorite slutty daughter, Bristol Palin. Take notes while Whore’s Mascara offer up some abstinence-free education. Featuring new songs, and the seductive shakes of dance diva darlings Tiffany and Darla. Don’t miss a minute, as it will be the talk of the town.

If you haven’t purchased the debut album from Whore’s Mascara, ‘Like This, But Sexy’, what’s wrong with you? Get it now and play it loud. If you don’t, I’ll make Chaz come over and spank you with his riding crop…(after he finishes with me).

Category: Blogging, Exhibitions, Fashion, Hot Lists, Humor, Live Shows, Men, Music, Personal, Politics, Pop Culture, Sexuality, The O List  Leave a Comment