Friday, July 26, 2024

'Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision' Box Set To Accompany Documentary Out September 13

On September 13, Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision, a deluxe box set that accompanies the upcoming documentary by the same name, will be released. Included are 39 tracks (38 previously unreleased) that were recorded by the new-look Jimi Hendrix Experience (Billy Cox on bass, Mitch Mitchell on drums) at Electric Lady Studios between June and August of 1970, just before the guitarist’s untimely death the following month.

In celebration of the forthcoming release, on August 8, the City of New York will be temporarily renaming the portion of West 8th Street between 6th Street and MacDougal Street JIMI HENDRIX WAY. This is the block on which Electric Lady Studios was built and still stands. There will also be a media screening event inside the studio that night.

The official theatrical premiere of Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision will be on August 9 at Quad Cinema in Manhattan at 7:00 PM and feature a post-screening Q&A session with director and co-producer John McDermott, co-producer and president/CEO of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. Janie Hendrix, and producer/engineer Eddie Kramer. The film is distributed by Abramorama and all confirmed worldwide theatrical bookings for it can be found at ajimihendrixvision.com/showtimes/

Pre-order Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision

Directed by John McDermott and produced by Janie Hendrix, George Scott and McDermott, the film features exclusive interviews with Steve Winwood (who joined Hendrix on the first night of recording at the new studio), Experience bassist Billy Cox and original Electric Lady staff members who helped Hendrix realize his dream. The documentary includes never-before-seen footage and photos as well as track breakdowns of Hendrix classics such as “Freedom,” Angel” and “Dolly Dagger” by recording engineer Eddie Kramer. The package includes an extensive booklet filled with unpublished photos, Hendrix’s handwritten song drafts, and comprehensive liner notes. The new release comes on the heels of another feature-length documentary that was created by the same team; Music, Money, Madness… Jimi Hendrix Live In Maui, which was nominated for a GRAMMY in the Best Music Film category in 2022.

Contained on the five vinyl LPs or three CDs in the Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision box set are 39 tracks recorded by Jimi and his band — consisting of bassist Billy Cox and drummer Mitch Mitchell — at the studio within the last four months of the guitarist’s life. Hendrix was hard at work creating First Rays Of The New Rising Sun, the ambitious double album that would follow his 1968 masterwork Electric Ladyland. Inspired by the possibilities of the new studio, the Experience built classic fare such as “Night Bird Flying,” “Freedom,” and “Dolly Dagger” from the ground up. The set offers a comprehensive look at the work Hendrix undertook during that fruitful summer of 1970. The music ranges from four-track demo recordings of “Valleys Of Neptune” and “Heaven Has No Sorrow,” alternate arrangements of promising new songs such as “Come Down Hard On Me” and “Belly Button Window,” extraordinary, live in the studio takes of “Tune X/In From The Storm,” “Astro Man” and “The Long Medley,” a stirring, 26 minute spontaneous exploration of “Beginnings,” “Hey Baby (New Rising Sun),” “Keep On Groovin’” and “Freedom.” Additionally, the box set present many of the mixes the guitarist completed with engineer Eddie Kramer before leaving to begin a European tour on August 30 at the Isle Of Wight festival in England.  Hendrix would never again return to Electric Lady Studios.

Leading the project is a previously unreleased version of “Angel [Take 7].”  This newly mixed, stripped down version includes the original performances recorded by Hendrix, Mitchell and Cox on July 23, 1970.  It does not include any of the drums and additional percussion elements Mitchell opted to add to this master take after Jimi had died. Have a listen below.

The project also includes 20 newly created 5.1 surround sound mixes of the entire First Rays Of The New Rising Sun album plus three bonus tracks [“Valleys Of Neptune,” “Pali Gap,” and “Lover Man”]. The Blu-ray includes the critically acclaimed, full-length documentary Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision. The film chronicles the creation of the studio, rising from the rubble of a bankrupt Manhattan nightclub to becoming a state-of-the-art recording facility inspired by Hendrix’s desire for a permanent studio. 

Thursday, July 25, 2024

The Sweet Release New Single & Video -- 'Little Miracle'

 

The Sweet, the 1970s band who who scored a string of hit albums and singles due to their highly melodic and anthemic sound and glam look have released a new single/video called “Little Miracle.” Model Dominique Mercedes makes her stunning debut appearance in the video, and her innocent yet enticing beauty captures the essence of true love. Singer Patrick Alan Stone along with his band mates deliver the goods, with a catchy tune that has the legs to go all the way. The video can be viewed below. 


The Sweet's classic 70s line-up featured Brian Connolly on lead and backing vocals, Steve Priest on bass, backing and lead vocals, Mick Tucker on drums, backing and occasional lead vocals, and Andy Scott on guitar, keyboards, backing and lead vocals.

After the passing of Connelly (in 1997) and Tucker (in 2002), Priest wanted Sweet to carry on and for its line up to possess the talent, feel and high energy that The Sweet had in its glory days. Priest’s new line-up was an instant smash success, playing hundreds of concerts across the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, and many other countries around the world – for well over a decade, until Priest’s passing in 2020. 

Shortly after, it was decided that The Sweet should continue onward, as Stevie and Richie were part of that line up and were asked to carry on by Steve. Sweet 2024 is comprised of frontman Patrick Alan Stone, guitarist Jimmy Burkard, keyboardist Dave Schulz, bassist Stevie Stewart, and drummer Richie Onori.

The band achieved massive commercial success around the globe in the '70s, including such hits as “Ballroom Blitz,” “Fox On the Run,”  “Love Is Like Oxygen,” “Little Willy,” “Blockbuster,” “Action,” “Teenage Rampage,” and “AC/DC,” among many others. This new release demonstrates the same driving force and unpredictable musical quality that has always been the hallmark and essence of The Sweet’s iconic sound.

Confirmed Engagements:

July 25 Hollywood CA - The Bourbon Room

August 23 Regina SK - Shake the Lake 

August 24 Toronto ON - Sobey’s Stadium

September 6   St. Charles IL - Arcade Theater

September 7   Wisconsin Dells WI - Crystal Grand Music Theatre

September 8   Nashville IN - Brown County Music Center

November 8    Warren MI - Andiamo Celebrity Showroom

For more info, go to thesweetband.com.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Rainbow's 'Live In Munich 1977' Double CD + DVD Package Due September

On September 19, Mercury Studios will release Rainbow's Live In Munich 1977 as a Special Edition double CD+DVD package. This show has been previously released as individual DVD and double CD packages in the past, and this is the first time they have been packaged together.

Rainbow was the brainchild of legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, created in 1975 after his departure from Deep Purple. A string of hit albums ignited immediate success, which persevered until 1983, when Blackmore disbanded the group (and re- joined Deep Purple). Featuring the line-up of Blackmore, Cozy Powell (drums), Bob Daisley (bass), David Stone (keyboards), and vocalist Ronnie James Dio, the excitement in the air during this night was electric. This might be due, in part, to Blackmore’s late arrival to Munich just before the concert, after being smuggled out of Austria after trouble with the police at a gig two nights earlier. This seemed to inspire both the band and the audience to create a truly remarkable gig.

The DVD includes original promo videos for “Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll,” “Gates Of Babylon,” and “L.A. Connection,” a photo gallery, slideshow with audio commentary, interviews, and the “Rainbow Over Texas ‘76” feature, which includes additional interviews and performance footage. Truly, Live In Munich 1977 is a brilliant showcase of Rainbow with the classic Ritchie Blackmore/Ronnie James Dio/Cozy Powell line-up.

Thursday, July 18, 2024

'Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision' Trailer Released

The trailer for Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision has been released, providing a nice glimpse into the upcoming documentary that chronicles the conceptualization and construction of the famed recording studio in Manhattan that opened less than a month before Jimi Hendrix's untimely death in 1970. Abramorama has recently acquired global theatrical distribution rights from Experience Hendrix, L.L.C., and will be premiering it on August 9 at Quad Cinema, less than a half mile from the still fully-operational Electric Lady Studios. 

View Trailer For Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision below:

“The construction of Electric Lady [Studios] was a nightmare,” recalls award-winning producer/engineer and longtime Jimi Hendrix collaborator Eddie Kramer in the trailer. “We were always running out of money. Poor Jimi had to go back out on the road, make some money, come back, then we could pay the crew . . . Late in ’69 we just hit a wall financially and the place just shut down. He borrows against the future royalties and we’re off to the races . . . [Jimi] would say to me, ‘Hey man, I want some of that purple on the wall, and green over there!’ We would start laughing about it. It was fun. We could make an atmosphere that he felt comfortable in and that he was able to direct and say, ‘This is what I want.’”

Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision recounts the creation of the studio, rising from the rubble of a bankrupt Manhattan nightclub to becoming a state-of-the-art recording facility inspired by Hendrix’s desire for a permanent studio. Electric Lady Studios was the first-ever artist-owned commercial recording studio. Hendrix had first envisioned creating an experiential nightclub. He was inspired by the short-lived Greenwich Village nightspot Cerebrum whose patrons donned flowing robes and were inundated by flashing lights, spectral images and swirling sound. Hendrix so enjoyed the Cerebrum experience that he asked its architect John Storyk to work with him and his manager Michael Jeffery.  Hendrix and Jeffery wanted to transform what had once been the Generation Club into ‘an electric studio of participation’. Shortly after acquiring the Generation Club lease however, Hendrix was steered from building a nightclub to creating a commercial recording studio.

Directed by John McDermott and produced by Janie Hendrix, George Scott and McDermott, the film features exclusive interviews with Steve Winwood (who joined Hendrix on the first night of recording at the new studio), Experience bassist Billy Cox and original Electric Lady staff members who helped Hendrix realize his dream. The documentary includes never-before-seen footage and photos as well as track breakdowns of Hendrix classics such as “Freedom,” “Angel” and “Dolly Dagger” by Eddie Kramer.

The documentary explains in depth that while Jimi Hendrix’s death robbed the public of so much potential music, the continued success of his recording studio provides a lasting legacy beyond his own music. John Lennon, The Clash, AC/DC, Chic, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, BeyoncĂ© and hundreds more made records at Electric Lady Studios, which speaks to one of Jimi’s lasting achievements in an industry that has radically changed over the course of the last half century.

Screenings of Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision 

(Check local listings for additional dates)

August 9  - Quad Cinema - New York, NY              

August 13 - Center for the Arts in Natick - Natick, MA                   

August 15 - Regent Theatre - Arlington, MA               

August 15 - Center for the Arts in Natick- Natick, MA                   

August 19 - Laemmle NoHo 7 - North Hollywood, CA    

August 19 - Carolina Theatre - Durham, NC                 

August 20 - Laemmlie Monica Film Center - Santa Monica, CA        

August 20 - Center for the Arts inNatick - Natick, MA                   

August 21 - Laemmle NewHall - Santa Clarita, CA         

August 23 - Mary D. Fisher Theater - Sedona, AZ                  

August 25 - Avonca Beach Theatre - Avonca Beach, AUS   

August 26 - Woodward Theater - Cincinnati, OH              

August 28 - Avonca Beach Theatre - Avonca Beach, AUS    

August 29 - The Cabot - Beverly, MA                 

August 30 - Gateway Film Center - Columbus, OH             

September 2 - Gateway Film Center - Columbus, OH             

September 8 - WFMU - Jersey City, NJ             

September 9 - Grail Moviehouse - Ashville, NC                 

September 13 - The Flicks - Boise, ID                      

September 16 - The Grand Illusion Cinema - Seattle, WA                  

September 17 - The Hollywood Theatre - Portland, OR                

September 18 - The Light Addlestone - Addlestone, UK            

September 18 - The Light Bolton - Bolton, UK                   

September 18 - The Light Bradford - Bradford, UK                

September 18 - The Light Cambridge - Cambridge, UK            

September 18  The Light New Brighton - New Birghton, UK        

September 18  The Light Banbury - Oxfordshire, UK           

September 18  The Light Redhill - Redhill, UK                   

September 18  The Light Sheffield - Sheffield, UK                

September 18  The Light Sittingbourne - Sittingbourne, UK         

September 18  The Light Stockport - Stockport, UK               

September 18  The Light Thetford - Thetford, UK                

September 18  The Light Walsall - Walsall, UK                  

September 18  The Light Wisbech - Wisbech, UK                

October 7 Old Town Center for the Arts - Cottonwood, AZ           

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

New Wishbone Ash Coffee Table Book Coming In August

No Easy Road – Wishbone Ash Live In The 70’s, a coffee table book from Madfish, is the first official tribute to the band’s life on the road during their classic years from 1970-1980. The 216-page tome, set for release on August 30th, offers a unique glimpse into the band’s journey and features contributions from Martin Turner, Andy Powell, Steve Upton, Laurie Wisefield, and head roadie Mark Emery.

No Easy Road includes many previously unseen photographs captured by renowned photographers Jill Furmanovsky (Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin), Michael Putland (The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney), Barry Plummer (Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley) and Dick Barnatt (Alice Cooper, Rod Stewart), alongside personal photographs from the band members' private archive plus images of rare memorabilia and tour ephemera.

Limited to just 1000 copies, each book comes with a photo signed by four band members: Laurie Wisefield, Andy Powell, Steve Upton and Martin Turner.

The book comes packed in a rigid slipcase containing a bonus 10-track KRO-NCRV concert CD, originally broadcast in Holland during the landmark Startruckin' 75 Tour - an essential addition for any Wishbone Ash enthusiast.

No Easy Road follows Madfish’s recent 50th anniversary edition of the band’s 1972 classic album, Argus.

Pre-order No Easy Road – Wishbone Ash Live In The 70’s

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

4K UHD Releases From Black Sabbath & Eric Clapton Out In September

 

Mercury Studios will unveil, for the first time on September 13, 2024, the 4K UHD releases of Black Sabbath's The End and Eric Clapton's Slowhand At 70 – Live at the Royal Albert Hall.

The End formerly released on November 17, 2017, on DVD and Blu-ray, captured the final destination of that adventure – an unforgettable farewell show at the Genting Arena in Black Sabbath’s hometown of Birmingham. Filmed February 4, 2017, The End showcases the legendary line-up celebrating their storied career, marking the closure of a monumental chapter in rock history.

With a hit packed set list including "Iron Man," "Paranoid," "War Pigs," and many more, the high production values, visual effects and pyrotechnics wowed fans, as the band delivered the most emotionally charged show of their lives.

The 4K UHD includes the bonus feature The Angelic Sessions, an in-studio look at the band playing a selection of their favorite songs not played on tour. These intimate live sessions at Angelic Studios were recorded in the days after their final live performance, and mark the band’s final studio recordings.

The End captures a once-in-a-career performance, an essential snapshot of musical history, and a fitting farewell to true innovators and original heavy metal icons, Black Sabbath.

Slowhand At 70-Live At The Royal Albert Hall was previously released on multiple formats including DVD and Blu-ray on November 13, 2015.

This special landmark release, celebrating Eric Clapton’s 70th birthday at his favorite venue, includes career defining tracks like "Cocaine," "I Shot The Sheriff," "Layla," "Wonderful Tonight," "Crossroads," "Tears In Heaven," "Hoochie Coochie Man," and more.

Following his 70th birthday in March of 2015, Clapton performed his 200th concert at London’s famous Royal Albert Hall in May, 50 years after his first performance there with The Yardbirds. Clapton’s seven-night run at the venue was acclaimed by critics and adored by the fans. The setlist blended vintage blues tracks and Clapton classics from across his storied career.

Monday, July 15, 2024

Eagles Add January 2025 Shows To Sphere Residency

 

sThe Eagles have announced four additional shows for the band’s residency at SPHERE in Las Vegas, now featuring a total of 20 shows, over ten weekends, from Friday, Sept. 20 through Saturday, Jan. 25.  The Sphere residency will offer fans the ultimate connection to the band’s legendary catalog in an immersive experience that only Sphere can provide. The general on-sale for the four new weekend shows will begin Friday, July 26 at 9:00 AM PT at eagles.com.

EAGLES – LIVE IN CONCERT AT SPHERE dates:

  • Friday, September 20
  • Saturday, September 21
  • Friday, September 27
  • Saturday, September 28
  • Friday, October 11
  • Saturday, October 12
  • Friday, October 18
  • Saturday, October 19
  • Friday, November 1
  • Saturday, November 2
  • Friday, November 8
  • Saturday, November 9
  • Friday, December 6
  • Saturday, December 7
  • Friday, December 13
  • Saturday, December 14
  • Friday, January 17
  • Saturday, January 18
  • Friday, January 24 
  • Saturday, January 25 

Tickets start at $175 and will reflect all-in pricing, meaning the ticket price listed is inclusive of taxes and fees. 

To assist in getting tickets directly into the hands of fans, advance Artist presale registration is available now at https://eagles.com powered by Seated. The Artist presale begins Tuesday, July 23 at 10:00 AM PT. Live Nation and SiriusXM presales begin Thursday, July 25 at 9:00 AM PT. 

Vibee is the Hotel & Experience Package partner for the Eagles Sphere residency. Vibee packages include a concert ticket and 2-night stay at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas - the only resort attached to Sphere - with guests receiving priority entry to the venue, commemorative keepsakes, and access to a fan experience. Vibee Hotel & Experience packages for the existing and newly announced dates are available immediately and exclusively now at Eagles.vibee.com.

Limited VIP Ticket Packages will be available, Tuesday, July 23 at 10:00 AM PT at eagles.com and include premium seats, exclusive merchandise, parking, and more.

These shows will utilize Sphere’s next-generation technologies, including the world’s highest-resolution LED display that wraps up, over, and around the audience, creating a fully immersive visual environment. The venue also features the world’s most advanced concert-grade audio system, Sphere Immersive Sound, powered by HOLOPLOT, which delivers audio with unmatched clarity and precision to every guest.

'Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision' Box Set To Accompany Documentary Out September 13

On September 13, Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision , a deluxe box set that accompanies the upcoming documentary by the same name,...