Het was even stil maar de mooie releases gaan er weer aan komen. Hier de aankomende releases van het Blue Rose label voor de maand mai 2010...

Met releases van oud Geen on Red voorman Dan Stuart met zijn Slummers project, het lang verwachte nieuwe werk van Susan Cowsill. de nog altijd niet versleten

Rich Hopkins en zijn Luminarios en de nieuwe Austin Collins met Will Johnson (Centromatic) als producers...Heerlijk toch allemaal!

Gaarne jullie enthousiaste reacties...

Groet, Robbie Klanderman

The Slummers, Love Of The Amateur (Blue Rose/Sonic RendezVous)

Dan Stuart! Or the wondrous musical resurrection of a formerly influential desert rock band leader, after years of withdrawl into an early retirement. The founder and bandleader of Green On Red decided in the mid 90s to never have anything to do with the Rock’n Roll business again, moved from Tucson, Arizona to Madrid the exile of personal choice……and after all has been back for the past few years with not just one but several brilliant projects: first a short but all the more impressing reunion with the mentioned Green on Red (incl. Chuck Prophet), then the a lot more elaborate reactivation of Danny & Dusty, another very successful cult band of the 80s with Steve Wynn, and now THE SLUMMERS, his newest baby making the first statement with the debut record Love Of The Amateur!

The Slummers certainly doesn’t consist of just Dan Stuart, but matured in the about one year start-up phase into a real band, where one pinion fits perfectly into the other, where the single musicians complement each other with their abilities and add the peculiarities of their different cultural backgrounds.  The Slummers are an intercontinental American/Italian entity with exactly defined and shared tasks. Stuart and his sideman for many years, the in No Depression/Alt.County/Guitar Rock circles well known producer and multi-instrumental JD Foster, are responsible for songwriting, guitars, and vocals, the two Italians Diego Sapignoli on drums and Antonio Gramentieri, composer, arrangeur, producer and multiinstrumentalist, are the backbone of the band.

Together those two guys from Italy form the esthetic and rhythm foundation of the Slummers that enables Dan Stuart and JD Foster to spread their own vision of rock music. And that is: screaming guitar rock (like on the opening track 'Rift Valley Evolutionary Blues'), massive electro power pop ('Last One Out'), melancholic Neil Young flavor ('East Broadway'), down to the bone, blues-soaked Keith-riff rock ('Bowery Boy'), misty acoustic psychedelic folk ('Ironbound'), twisted glam rock-meets-Bay area rock like a satanic crossing between Mott The Hoople and Quicksilver Messenger Service ('Who Knows?'), big Green On Red revival experience ('Bread & Water') and last but not least the best track as a grand finale of a very versatile record: 'Waiting For You' starts with the noises of a train station (somewhere in Italy), guitar riffs set in, Dan Stuart begins "a beautiful day in the city, sittin' here waitin' for you, and all the girls are lookin' pretty, a fresh breeze is blowin' through" the track swings guitar by guitar, layer by layer all the way to a true killer ballad, amazes with a great break, organ and vibraphone get louder, some more subtle guitars drift on, "and here you come now and you're smilin', and everything else just fades away, all the noise and confusion, man, what a beautiful day" Foster and Stuart crooning "hey hey hey, huh huh huh" up to the royal finish - "it's a beautiful day!". 5 minutes of absolute Slummers-blessedness.

Susan Cowsill, Lighthouse (Blue Rose/Sonic RendezVous)   

Lighthouse, SUSAN COWSILL’s second solo album, once again embodies the timeless qualities of heart, soul and craft that are already known to anyone familiar with Cowsill’s solo debut Just Believe It. The new album is slated for May 14 release on Blue Rose Records in Europe.

Susan first entered the pop-culture spotlight at the age of eight, as the youngest member of the ’60s musical family the Cowsills. In adulthood, as a member of the beloved alt-pop supergroup the Continental Drifters, she reemerged as a vocalist and songwriter of remarkable depth and insight. In 2005, Susan made an inspired solo debut with Just Believe It. But the album’s creative triumph was overshadowed by the intrusion of real-life events — namely the deaths of Susan’s brothers Billy and Barry, and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, which temporarily displaced Susan and her family from her adopted hometown of New Orleans.

“Lighthouse was written over the last four years during our recovery from Hurricane Katrina,” she says. “As you might guess, the songs on this record are pulled from the very deep well of this most life changing experience. Having lost 99.9% of our material and emotional belongings, and one whole human being, my brother Barry Cowsill, there was much to say and feel and express. It has taken all this time to pull ourselves back together to even be able to form comprehensible sentences never mind full on songs.”

The tribulations of the past few years resonate throughout Lighthouse. Cowsill’s new songs reflect the hard-won lessons of her recent experiences, while maintaining the unmistakable sense of optimism and spirituality that’s always been at the heart of her work. That indomitable spirit is reflected in the infectious grit of such emotionally vivid originals as “ONOLA,” “Sweet Bitter End,” “The Way That It Goes” and “Avenue of the Indians,” which features guest vocals by longtime friend and admirer Jackson Browne.

In addition to Susan’s own compositions, Lighthouse includes an impassioned reading of the late Barry Cowsill’s “River of Love,” which features soaring harmonies by Susan’s brothers Bob, Paul and John Cowsill, as well as sister-in-law (and Bangles/ Continental Drifters member) Vicki Peterson, and renowned session guitarist Waddy Wachtel, who began his career playing with the Cowsills in the 1960s. Another highlight is a distinctive, stripped-down reworking of the Glen Campbell/Jimmy Webb classic “Galveston,” which demonstrates Susan’s status as a peerless interpretive singer.

Rich Hopkins & Luminarios, Et Otro Lado/The Other Side (Blue Rose/Sonic RendezVous)    

Blue Rose veteran Rich Hopkins is back with a new record and for the first time in over four years even the name Luminarios is back on it. Rich Hopkins and his Luminarios stand for unconditional guitar rock, true Tucson Rock’n Roll, Byrds-style Psychedelic Pop  - electricity on its highest level and genuine power. El Otro Lado/The Other Side certainly isn’t any different!

The new Luminarios album is moving in the same direction of the preceding 2006 record The Horse I Rode In On and classics like Dirt Town, El Paso und The Glorious Sounds Of, on the other hand it profits from Hopkins new lifestyle. It’s generally known that he found the love of his life, Lisa Novak, who doesn’t just care for his happiness and emotional wellbeing but adds herself as an accomplished musician competent and stunningly clear to the usually masculine characterized Hopkins desert cosmos. The duo CD Loveland (Blue Rose, 2008) already showed that and can be heard on El Otro Lado as well, since Novak took the solid place next to the well-tried rhythm guys Ken Andree/Bass und Bruce Halper/Drums (Sidewinders, Sand Rubies). She gets the co-credits as producer and besides two songs as songwriter as well (and we’re not thinking of Linda McCartney!), she plays guitar and percussion, and with her dark nasal contralto voice a great addition to the up to now sophisticated Luminarios backing vocals, she even takes on one or the other lead part in fine-tuning with Rich. Any bet, he got influenced by her Americana/pop past with the very unique jingle-jangle twang sound that’s noticeable throughout the record like a recurrent theme.

The songwriting quality on El Otro Lado is on such an extraordinary high level and the music so versatile like probably on no other Luminarios record before.  Therefore the remaining two tracks have to be mentioned as well since they’re in no way inferior to the others - far from it! 'Lou Reed', basically the big Lisa Novak song, on which she can really shine with her brilliant voice and leaves the desire for a new solo record. Almost casually we experience here the two very best Rich Hopkins guitar soli, tight, edged and down to the point, feedback soaked!

Austin Collins & The Rainbirds, Wrong Control (Blue Rose/Sonic RendezVous)

Singer/Songwriter/Musician AUSTIN COLLINS and his band the Rainbirds, are set to release their highly anticipated record Wrong Control May 7th, on Blue Rose Records in Europe.

The band returned to the studio with Will Johnson (Centro-matic) to record this past October. The end result - 10 tracks - seven of which were written by Collins, one by lead guitarist Dylan McDougall, and two by drummer Craig Bagby. Collins says that producer Johnson, who's been moonlighting as the drummer for the Monsters Of Folk tour, "brings the grit and pop of a Centro record to our Americana leanings." "We're obviously proud and very pleased with the album."

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Austin Collins & the Rainbirds make American music that would make anyone longing for a Whiskeytown reunion proud. With two previous albums, hundreds of live shows countrywide, a recent contest win, and a record deal with European label Blue Rose Records, the guys have gained considerable momentum and earned a reputation as a dedicated, hardworking band that produces provocative lyrics and catchy tunes.

After their acclaimed 2008 release Roses Are Black, Austin Collins & the Rainbirds set out to forge their own destiny, a decision vindicated by their 2009 win of the Airplay's Direct 2009 All Things Americana award. "It wasn't a glamour contest - they're not taking a waitress who's cute and making her a pop star," Collins said. "We were selected out of 130 entrants. We earned this."

The songs he sings are earnest and heartfelt, hauntingly beautiful in melody and superbly sharp in observance. They are sweetly serious, and they are delicately crafted.

Austin Collins is a bit of a juxtaposition in personality from the songs he so masterfully writes - he's a witty guy who leans more often than not on his keen sense of humor to soak up the few down moments during his shows. He'll make you cry with a song, he'll make you laugh with a joke, and then he'll make you cry again if he feels like it.

BeNeLux Distributie: Sonic RendezVous Tel: +31 (0) 72 567 3030  contact: william email: info@sonicrendezvous.com

BeNeLux Promo: Klanderman Promotion Tel: +31 (0)20 420 8040  contact: robbie  email: hightone@planet.nl

ZOE MUTH, Zoe Muth & The Lost High Rollers (Zoe Muth/Sonic RendezVous)

This debut from Seattle singer-songwriter Zoe Muth has been hailed by critics and dj’s as one of the best country albums of the year. Here are 12 beautiful vignettes of heartbreak and longing. In a sweet lilting

drawl, Muth sings songs that sound so true and familiar, you feel like they’ve been around forever. Songs that never fall simply into cleverness but instead give truths about our lives and relationships that are unflinching

but tender. Heartwrenching pedal steel and dusty mountain mandolin fill the spaces in between. Together with the Lost High Rollers, a seasoned band of laid back rootsy honky-tonkers, Muth works within the old

traditions of classic country music to create a new sound and style all her own. “These are songs you can lean on and not worry about them breaking beneath you . . .Great albums don’t come

along all that often, this is one to pay attention to.” - Iaan Hughes KBCS 91.3, NoDepression podcaster

STACE ENGLAND & THE SALT KINGS, The Amazing Oscar Micheaux (Rank Outsider/Sonic RendezVous)

Best known for the acclaimed Greetings From Cairo, Illinois, Stace England & The Salt Kings now illuminate the legend of filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. His story sounds like the stuff of myth and legend but it is all true.

The first African American feature filmmaker was born in Metropolis, Illinois, homesteaded in South Dakota, published seven novels and wrote, produced and directed 44 films between 1919 and 1948. Audiences were

stunned by his jaw dropping push backs to The Birth of a Nation - leading many to ask, “just what impetuous planet was this man from, and how did he pull it off?” Rediscoveries of lost Micheaux films in Europe

including Within Our Gates and The Symbol of the Unconquered, his extraordinary counters to The Birth of a Nation, have re-written film history in the last decade. “Every American needs to hear this story.” -

Giancarlo Esposito, Actor/Director (Usual Suspects, Do The Right Thing).

KEB’MO’, Live & Mo (Yolabelle International/Sonic RendezVous) 

Live & Mo’ is a custom blend of songs hand picked by multiple Grammy winning artist Keb’ Mo’ for the premier release on his own label Yolabelle International. Comprised of six live performances harvested from

pinnacle moments on the road and four new studio recordings, including the anthem “A Brand New America” and the funky groove of “Government Cheese”. Keb’ Mo’s distinctive sound embraces multiple eras and

genres, including pop, rock, folk, jazz and the singer songwriter movement. For Keb’ Mo’ the common bond between these influences is the power of song to convey human experience and emotional weight. Keb’ Mo’

has won three Grammys for Best Contemporary Blues Album (’97-’99-’05) and been nominated on four other occasions in addition to winning ten WC Handy Blues awards. His first album has been certified gold.

He has portrayed bluesmen Robert Johnson and Jimmy Rogers in films and worked extensively in television.

MURALI CORYELL, Sugar Lips (Murali’s Music/Sonic RendezVous) 

The new Murali Coryell CD, Sugar Lips, w/special guest stars Larry Coryell and Joe Louis Walker also features Reese Wynans on Keyboards and Steve Mackey on Bass and was produced by Grammy nominated

Producer/Songwriter/Drummer Tom Hambridge (Susan Tedeschi, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter). Acclaimed by CNN, Rolling Stone, & The New York Times, singer/guitarist/songwriter Murali Coryell is a rising force in

contemporary American music. The son of jazz guitar legend Larry Coryell and author/actress Julie Coryell and grandson of TV, film and stage actress Carol Bruce, Murali is a natural born entertainer. Murali is blessed

with a voice that has been called soothing and soulful and has a guitar style to match.

SEAN CHAMBERS, Ten Till Midnight (Blue Heat/Sonic RendezVous)

The former musical director for Hubert Sumlin, blues guitarist and singer Sean Chambers’ third CD, Ten Til Midnight, showcases the powerful style which earned him critical plaudits from a host of magazines,

including Europe’s Guitarist Magazine, which listed Sean as “one of the Top 50 Blues Guitarists of the last century.” On Ten Til Midnight, Sean Chambers and co-producer Tim Blair wanted to go for a live sound

similar to their incendiary concert shows; so most of the tracks were recorded with few overdubs. Sean’s aggressive, yet fluid blues guitar approach is evident throughout the seven originals, as well as covers of

songs from ZZ Top, Luther Allison and Eddie “Guitar Slim” Jones. It’s that combination of reverence for tradition along with his special jolt of energy that makes his sound so unique.

BETH MCKEE, I’m That Way (Tribute To Bobby Charles) (Solo2/Sonic RendezVous)  

Soulful vocals, blasting saxes, New Orleans piano, slashing and sliding guitars, organ, accordion and earthy beats all merge on I’m That Way, Beth McKee’s tribute to Louisiana songwriter Bobby Charles. McKee, once

a member of the New Orleans group Evangeline (MCA), is a deeply moving Southern singer- her twang falls between Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams- and piano player- her driving left hand recalls Professor

Longhair. The Big Easy spirit is conspicuous on her latest effort devoted to the songs of Charles who has written such classics as “See You Later Alligator” and “Walking To New Orleans”. Beth covers both on I’m

That Way and there is absolute joy in some of the lesser known songs too, including the title track, “Small Town Talk” and “I Don’t Want to Know”. The backing band, led by McKee and drummer Juan Perez, features

players like Charlie Dechant who has performed with Hall & Oates for over two decades

THE WHORE MOANS, Hello From The Radio Wasteland (Mt. Fuji/Sonic RendezVous)                                                                  

Fist pumping, hip shaking, swagger-inducing, and yes, completely gorgeous - Seattle Rock and Roll dynasty The Whore Moans have been slanging their tight, soulful brand of scuzz rock since 2005.

The Whore Moans newest release on Mt. Fuji Records is titled "Hello from the Radio Wasteland!" Recorded in glorious analog by producer Johnny Sangster, (The Posies, Mudhoney, The Briefs,)

the album moves the group into new and exciting territory. Refusing to be boring, the record is a meditation on the strange musical landscape one finds crackling on the midnight radio.

THE SONS OF HERCULES, A Different Kind Of Ugly (Saustex Media?Sonic RendezVous) 

Texas’ long reigning garage rock kings The Sons Of Hercules are back with their new full-length disc A Different Kind Of Ugly. The Sons make no big departures from their time tested formula: Pounding drums,

riffing guitars and punk attitude courtesy of legendary frontman Frank Pugliese. Chris “Frenchie” Smith’s sharp production takes the band’s near perfect synthesis of Dolls, Dead Boys and Stooges to new heights

on rockers like “Brain Dead”, “Startin’ To Slip” ,“A Different Kind Of Ugly” and the pop-friendly “Your Salvation”. Also includes a cover of the Saints “Misunderstood”. This disc is a must-have for any fan of the

Garage Rock/Punk genre.

Distributie BeNeLux: Sonic RendezVous – Tel: +31 (0)72 567 3038 email: marcel@sonic.nl