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Liona Boyd releasing new CD and autobiography, No Remedy For Love on August 19

Jul 20, 2017

After touring the world for over three decades, on August 19th 2017 Liona Boyd, Canada’s celebrated “First Lady of the Guitar”, is releasing on Universal Music a much-anticipated new album, and new autobiography published through Dundurn Press, both titled No Remedy For Love.

Liona Boyd, known around the world as “The First Lady of the Guitar” has released twenty-eight albums, spanning a wide range of styles, many of which have gone gold and platinum. She has been awarded the Order of Canada, Five Juno awards, and was inducted into the Guitar Player “Gallery of Greats”. Liona has been a special guest on numerous television shows including The Tonight Show, Today Show, Entertainment Tonight and many others, her YouTube views total over five million. Liona has recorded with such musicians as Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Sir Andrew Davis, Chet Atkins, Al Di Meola, Yo-Yo Ma and Olivia Newton-John. In 2009 she added vocals to her guitar playing, became a songwriter, and now tours with her duo partner Andrew Dolson, a talented young guitarist and singer from Waterloo, Ontario.

Liona Boyd’s memoir is a fascinating, personal story of adventure, romance, and her recovery from musician’s focal dystonia. After her 2004 divorce and departure from Beverly Hills, the renowned classical guitarist relocated to Miami, reinvented her career, became a singer-songwriter and embarked upon a new chapter in her life and career, moving seven times on her own. She has been the pen pal of Prince Philip for over thirty years and describes performing for him over the decades, most recently in Windsor Castle this March. Also being released at the same time is her best selling 1998 autobiography, In My Own Key, My Life in Love and Music which describes her unique career, her rise to the top of the classical world and her eight year romance with the former Prime Minister of Canada, Pierre Trudeau.

The title, No Remedy for Love is a partial quote from Henry David Thoreau, “There is no remedy for love but to love more”. It is also the title of one of Liona’s songs that Leonard Cohen had expressed admiration for and that she had dedicated to him before his death. The central theme of the album is love in it’s many incarnations. The collection of songs talks about her love for the planet (Prayer For Planet Earth), her love for animals and the people who advocate for them (People who Care for the Animals), romantic love (Who Knows with special guest JUNO Award winner Jack Grunsky and Nothing’s As Cruel As Time, an ode to a young lover), memories of teenage love (in the ABBA-inspired Near To You) as well as love for the place she now calls home (The Toronto Song, Song for Ontario). Lightfoot, is a special musical tribute to Gordon Lightfoot, the man who helped launch Liona’s career when she was his opening act in the 70’s. Gordon was deeply touched by this song that features a legendary guest, his friend Ronnie Hawkins.

The complex production of No Remedy for Love was inspired by the melodic folk, pop and classical music Liona grew up with and embraces a wide range of influences across its seventeen tracks. Liona said “This album which began three years ago has been a labour of love for both myself and my brilliant producer Peter Bond. We feel proud of every song, and I am delighted that through my book people will now be able to read all the behind the scenes stories, struggles and triumphs behind this special album.”

Kids Describe Their Dream Job to an Illustrator

Jul 20, 2017

“I want to be a Pokemon trainer and catch potatoes.”

Take Off Eh! Raises $325, 000 for Jake Thomas and Spinal Cord Injury Ontario

Jul 20, 2017

Dave Thomas and The Second City are pleased to announce that TAKE OFF, EH!, which took place Tuesday, July 17 on The Second City Toronto’s Mainstage, raised over $325,000 to benefit ‘Jake Thomas’s Road to Recovery’ and Spinal Cord Injury Ontario.

TAKE OFF, EH! was a star-studded intimate evening with performances by Canadian legends including: Bob and Doug McKenzie’s “Great White North” reunion with Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis riffing on craft beer, political correctness, and inventing rap on their first album; Martin Short hosting with classic characters like Ed Grimley and a signature one-on-one interview with Jiminy Glick and Rick Mercer one upping each other; auctioneering and blues from Dan Aykroyd; Catherine O’Hara & Eugene Levy reprising their Bobby Bittman and Lola Heatherton characters in a memorable duet with a medley from the Canadian songbook; The Kids in the Hall’s Dave Foley, Kevin McDonald and Scott Thompson; Women Fully Clothed’s Robin Duke and Katherine Greenwood; and Special Guest Musical Performances from Paul Shaffer, Ian Thomas, Murray McLauchlan and surprise musical guest Geddy Lee who led a rousing rendition of Take Off.

Donations can still be made to ‘Jake Thomas’s Road to Recovery’ and Spinal Cord Injury Ontario now at gofundme.com/jakethomasmuskoka and sciontario.org/donate.

On January 7, 2017, Jake Thomas, nephew of SCTV’s Dave Thomas, sustained a complete spinal cord injury while snowmobiling, which has left this active community member from Muskoka Region paralyzed from the waist down.

41,000 Kids Are Getting Music Education, Thanks To U2’s The Joshua Tree Tour

Jul 20, 2017

Music Generation today announced that it will expand into nine new areas of Ireland within five years, thanks to the ongoing support of U2 and The Ireland Funds who together will have raised a total of €6.3m for the program’s second phase. This combined investment in ‘Phase 2’ of Music Generation will include donations from the proceeds of U2’s The Joshua Tree Tour 2017, as well as donations previously raised for Music Generation through the band’s iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour in 2015, alongside further philanthropic investment by The Ireland Funds. A grant from Bank of America, through the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, forms part of The Ireland Funds’ investment in this second phase of Music Generation.

Moreover, this next phase of Music Generation has been assured of long-term sustainability through a commitment by the Department of Education and Skills to co-fund the new areas into the future, together with Local Music Education Partnerships.

Currently Music Generation creates access to high-quality, subsidised music tuition for more than 41,000 children and young people annually in 12 areas of Ireland (Carlow, Clare, Cork City, Laois, Limerick City, Louth, Mayo, Offaly/Westmeath, Sligo, South Dublin and Wicklow). This ‘first phase’ of the programme was seed-funded through a €7m philanthropic donation by U2 and The Ireland Funds in 2009.

In January 2017, just over a year after confirming plans for further expansion, Music Generation launched an open national call for applications from new Music Education Partnerships to participate in ‘Phase 2’. As a result of U2 and The Ireland Funds’ combined donations, a total of 9 new areas will soon be selected for participation and rolled out on a phased basis between 2017 and 2021.

Speaking of this milestone achievement for music education in Ireland, U2’s The Edge said: ‘This is a really important moment for Music Generation. Our ambition is for every child and young person in Ireland to have access to tuition and this next phase of expansion brings us ever closer. Huge thanks to both the Government and The Ireland Funds for their ongoing commitment to a programme of which we, as a band, are immensely proud.’

Small World Music announces the formation of Polyphonic Ground collective

Jul 20, 2017

Small World Music Society, the catalyst behind Polyphonic Ground, is thrilled to launch this new initiative that will support Toronto’s culturally diverse music presenters and inspire ‘culturally curious’ Torontonians to hear the music of Toronto, where the world lives.

The shared collaborative working model unites 12 small to medium-sized live music presenters committed to building and sustaining Toronto as a global music city. The initial 12 organizations include Ashkenaz Foundation, Batuki Music Society, Good Kind Productions, iNative, Link Music Lab, Lula Music & Arts Centre, MonstrARTity Creative Community, Music Africa, Revolutions Per Minute, Small World Music Society, Uma Nota Culture, and World Fiddle Day Toronto. Together, these presenters constitute a formidable cultural force, employing 40 key operating people and presenting almost 300 concerts per year to an estimated audience of over 300,000.

Polyphonic Ground’s mission is to provide points of connection for artists and audiences, strengthen industry practices and be a united voice to government, business and industry. Polyphonic Ground will encourage exchange and discovery through an innovative Polyphonic Ground monthly double-bill series and professional development initiatives for diverse artistic leaders.

Polyphonic Ground will launch with a series of double-bill concerts on the second Thursday of every month at Revival Bar, 783 College Street. Two distinct partner organizations will be paired together to collaboratively program a night of musical discovery. The inaugural concert on September 14 pairs Ashkenaz Foundation and Small World Music Society. A fresh juxtaposition will be on stage with Batuki Music and Uma Nota presenting October 12, Link Music Lab and Good Kind Productions offering November 9, and Lula Music & Arts and Music Africa co-presenting December 14. Artists to be announced soon.

Beyond the concert hall, Polyphonic Ground is determined to increase access to training and leadership, bolstering professional development opportunities within the music industry. An upcoming Diversity & Live Music Panel Series, supported by MusicOntario, Music Canada Live, City of Toronto and Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario (CPAMO), is set to cover topics that range from funding, media coverage, city services, conferences and venues to programming. A Developing Diverse Leaders program, with the goal of empowering young talent through mentorship, and expert-led Best Practice Workshops are also forthcoming.

That Time Ronnie James Dio Sang In Doo-Wop Groups

Jul 20, 2017

The late, great Ronnie James Dio was known for fronted numerous groups including Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, and Heaven & Hell, and credited with popularizing the “metal horns” hand gesture in metal culture. What is lesser known about the musician, however, is his early career as a headlining Doo Wop singer in bands such as Ronnie and the Redcaps (“An Angel Is Missing“) and Ronnie Dio and the Prophets (“Follow Me“).

David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ To Be Released In September As Limited Edition Picture-Disc

Jul 19, 2017

On September 22, 2017 one of David Bowie’s most celebrated tracks “HEROES” will be released as a special limited edition 40th-anniversary 7″ picture disc on Parlophone.

Originally released in the UK on 23rd September 1977 “HEROES” was the first single to be taken from the album of the same name, the second of the so-called ‘Berlin Trilogy’ of albums.

“Heroes” was recorded in English, French and German and has over the past forty years become an inspirational anthem. When Bowie performed the song in West Berlin in 1987 with the Wall as a backdrop, thousands of East Berliners could be heard singing and cheering along; Bowie later described it as one of the most emotional performances he had ever done.

The AA of the 7” picture disc is a previously unreleased live version of the track from Marc Bolan’s ‘Marc’ ITV show, the first time public performance of the song. The track was recorded on the 7th of September 1977 but wasn’t broadcast until later that month by which time Bolan had passed away in a tragic accident.

“Heroes” is one of Bowie’s most-covered tracks with the likes of Prince, Blondie, Oasis, Nico, Depeche Mode, LCD Soundsystem, Peter Gabriel, Janelle Monae, King Crimson, Philip Glass, Kasabian, TV On The Radio, The Wallflowers and many more have performed it.

A-Side “HEROES” (Single version 2017 Remaster)
(Lyrics by David Bowie, Music by David Bowie and Brian Eno)
Produced byDavid Bowie & Tony Visconti
Recorded at Hansa by the Wall, Berlin and Mountain Studios, Montreux

AA-Side “HEROES” (‘Marc’ show version)
(Lyrics by David Bowie, Music by David Bowie and Brian Eno)
Recorded for the television show ‘Marc’ on 7th September 1977 and broadcast on 20th September 1977

Aretha Franklin Weaves Her Classic Vocals With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra For “A Brand New Me” Album

Jul 19, 2017

In January 1967, a 24-year old Aretha Franklin signed to Atlantic Records and began one of the most legendary runs in music history, releasing five U.S. hit singles in that year alone. Rhino celebrates the 50th anniversary of Franklin’s historic signing with an opportunity to hear her classic Atlantic masters like never before.

A BRAND NEW ME: ARETHA FRANKLIN WITH THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA pairs classic vocals from some of the most iconic songs that the Queen of Soul recorded for Atlantic Records with new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The album will be available from Rhino on November 10 on CD, LP, digital download, and streaming services.

A BRAND NEW ME features Franklin’s instantly recognizable voice woven together with new orchestral arrangements. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra recorded the music at Abbey Road Studios in London, with brand new backing vocals led by Grammy®-winning singer Patti Austin.

The result is another timeless record that retains the soul, groove, and gospel power of Franklin’s revered talent. Among the standout tracks are newly re-imagined versions of classics like the Billboard #1 R&B hits “Respect,” “Think,” “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied),” and “Angel.”

The album was produced by Nick Patrick and Don Reedman, the masterminds behind the massive worldwide success of If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which recently topped the charts in multiple countries and has sold more than 1.5 million copies.

Nick Patrick says: “There is a reason that Aretha Franklin is called the ‘Queen of Soul.’ There is nothing more exciting than that incredible voice taking you on an emotional roller coaster ride through her amazing repertoire of songs. To have the opportunity to work with that voice on this project has been the greatest honor and to hear a symphony orchestra wrapped around those performances is breathtaking.”

Don Reedman says: “I was 15 years old when a song came on the radio called ‘Rock A Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody.’ It blew me away; the power, the soul. The feeling that went through me got me hooked on Aretha and I have been ever since. To be able to make this album and be able to select songs from hits like ‘Respect’ to ‘Think’ then blend them with classic songs like ‘Let It Be’ and ‘Border Song’ and create an album which is versatile and fresh is truly an honor.”

James Williams, Managing Director of The Royal Philharmonic says: “The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is thrilled to perform on this new recording, combining Aretha Franklin’s iconic voice with lush new arrangements of her greatest hit songs for full orchestra, bringing a whole new generation to the music of this legendary performer.”

A BRAND NEW ME: ARETHA FRANKLIN WITH THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC
Track Listing
CD / Digital
1. “Think”
2. “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)”
3. “I Say A Little Prayer”
4. “Until You Come Back To Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)”
5. “A Brand New Me”
6. “A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)”
7. “Angel”
8. “Border Song (Holy Moses)”
9. “Let It Be”
10. “People Get Ready”
11. “Oh Me Oh My (I’m A Fool For You Baby)”
12. “You’re All I Need To Get By”
13. “Son Of A Preacher Man”
14. “Respect”

LP
SIDE A
1. “Think”
2. “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)”
3. “I Say A Little Prayer”
4. “A Brand New Me”
5. “A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)”
6. “Angel”

SIDE B
1. “Border Song (Holy Moses)”
2. “Let It Be”
3. “People Get Ready”
4. “You’re All I Need To Get By”
5. “Son Of A Preacher Man”
6. “Respect”

Canadian Singer-Songwriter Barney Bentall’s ‘The Drifter & The Preacher’ Set for Release on October 13

Jul 19, 2017

After a five year recording hiatus, JUNO Award winner Barney Bentall returns with what is arguably his most personal record to date, The Drifter & The Preacher.

The Drifter & The Preacher is the great paradox of a nomadic homebody, and a musical tour de force that could prove to be truly defining for a musician, a songwriter, a friend, a father, a brother, a husband and a son… coming face-to-face with a life lived. Lead single “The Miner,” which was co-written and features his son Dustin Bentall, will be immediately available as a download to fans who pre-order the album on iTunes. Check out the official video for “The Miner” here. Pre-order begins today on iTunes, Amazon and on the True North Records label store.

Barney Bentall hit the music scene as the lead man for Barney Bentall and The Legendary Hearts back in 1988, with his self-titled debut CD soaring to the top of the charts, reaching platinum status in Canada and establishing Bentall as a must-see as a concert draw.

The last couple of years have seen Barney Bentall translate his tremendous ability and deep introspection into his 10th studio album, which is an ambitious effort accomplished by one of the greatest storytellers of our time. “This was written for my father-in-law. Bar none, one of the most interesting and intelligent people I have met,” says Bentall. “He taught me many valuable things and gave me the best friend I have. He died with his boots on at the age of ninety-three. I wrote this at my ranch shortly after on a star-studded night.”

While plenty of musicians have told stories of their family, Bentall possesses the emotion and interpretive skills to reveal an eclectic range that few could muster, and no more so than in the first single, “The Miner.” Says Bentall, “My son Dustin is a travelling musician. ‘The Miner’ marks the first time we wrote a song together… It started out as a story about Dustin’s grandfather and as a continuation of ‘The Drifter‘. Songs often have a mind of their own and… ‘Life goes where it goes’. When the dust had settled, we ended up with a story loosely based on a good friend of ours. He, much like the two of us, is driving down the road less travelled.”

The Drifter & The Preacher also features a collaboration with Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo on “Won’t Change The World.” Bentall says, “Sometimes a song is the only tool in the chest when you are trying to get back into someone’s favour. My good friend Jim Cuddy jumped in on this one. I swear, that boy gets behind an old tube microphone in a recording studio and puts on a clinic every time.”

Inspiration set in not only from his family, but good friends, too. “The Ocean and You (A song for John Mann)” is a stirring song paying tribute to the Spirit Of The West singer. “Around the time we were forming the Legendary Hearts, we had this rustic studio in a millwork shop in the False Creek area in Vancouver. It was a sketchy part of town at the time, but heaven to us. Back in the day, that studio was our Clubhouse. We wrote and demoed ‘Something To Live For’ there, among many other songs. The founding members of Spirit Of The West — Geoffrey Kelly and John Mann — became lifelong friends of mine in the early ‘80s. We made their first record in that studio and had a wonderful party or two. Along with our partners/wives, it was an unforgettable and cherished circle. I wrote this song about John and his ongoing courageous fight with early onset Alzheimer’s. It is also about the equally courageous role of John’s partner Jill. God bless ya, Johnny.”

Look for more official videos and tour dates to follow. Below is the complete track listing.

The Drifter & The Preacher | Track Listing

The Miner (Featuring Dustin Bentall)
Moon At The Door
The Drifter
Hey Mama
In The Morning
The Preacher
Won’t Change The World (Featuring Jim Cuddy)
Don’t Wait For Me Marie
Say Goodbye To Albert Comfort
The Ocean And You (A Song For John Mann)
On The Shores Of Grise Fjord

Catch Barney Bentall live at the following Canadian tour stops:
July 20 – Toronto, ON – Live on the Patio at Roy Thomson Hall
July 21 – Mission, BC – Mission Folk Music Festival
July 26 – 30 – Calgary, AB – Calgary Folk Music Festival
August 4 – Minnedosa, MB – Rockin’ The Fields of Minnedosa Festival
August 6 – Comox, BC – The Filberg Festival
August 18 – Saskatoon, SK – Rock The River Festival
August 19 – Wainwright, AB – Come By The Hills Music Festival
October 29 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre – Azrieli Studio