Category: News Desk

  • Sparks to Perform at Beacon Theatre

    In their more than 50-year history, pop-rock duo Sparks have never headlined a tour as big as the one they’re about to embark on this May. The duo will be performing in four North American venues, with the first at the Beacon Theatre in New York on Tuesday, June 27, and the last at a to-be-announced venue in their hometown of Los Angeles, CA on Sunday, July 16.

    Sparks members: Ron (left) and Russel Mael (right)

    The world tour is in support of Sparks’ 26th studio album, The Girl Crying In Her Latee, arriving Friday, May 26 via Island Records.

    Sparks is a pop duo consisting of brothers Ron and Russel Mael. They grew up in Pacific Palisades, an affluent beach neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA. The brothers have been performing for over 50 years, since their late teens/early adult years. Prior to The Girl Crying In Her Latee, they were signed with Island Records from 1974-76. Their upcoming 26th studio album is their first release with the label in nearly 50 years.

    The Beacon Theatre, located on Broadway between 74th and 75th streets, was built in 1929 and seats 2,600 guests. In 2006, the venue was acquired by Madison Square Garden Entertainment. Other than Sparks, some of the greatest names in music have played at the Beacon Theatre, such as the Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Coldplay, Ray LaMontagne, and Eddie Vedder. In October 2014, The Allman Brothers Band performed their final concert there.

    For Sparks Fan Club members, presales began Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m.; Mailing List presales followed at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1. General on-sale starts at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, and tickets can be purchased via allsparks.com/#tour.

    SPARKS TOUR 2023

    MAY

    23 – Oxford, UK – New Theatre

    24 – Liverpool, UK – Philharmonic Hall

    26 – Glasgow, UK – Clyde Auditorium

    27 – Manchester, UK – Bridgewater Hall

    29 – London, UK – Royal Albert Hall (SOLD OUT)

    30 – London, UK – Royal Albert Hall (SOLD OUT)

    JUNE

    2 – Barcelona, Spain – Primavera Sound Barcelona  *

    8 – Madrid, Spain – Primavera Sound Madrid *

    10 – Porto, Portugal – Primavera Sound Porto *

    13 – Paris, France – Le Grand Rex

    14 – Utrecht, Netherlands – Grote Zaal

    16 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Store Vega

    18 – Berlin, Germany – Tempodrom

    20 – Brussels, Belgium – Cirque Royal

    27 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

    28 – Philadelphia, PA – Keswick Theatre

    30 – Washington, DC – Lincoln Theatre

    JULY

    1 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur Theatre

    3 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall

    5 – Chicago, IL – Copernicus Center

    6 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater

    8 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland

    9 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater

    12 – Dallas, TX – Texas Theatre

    13 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at the Moody Theatre

    16 – Los Angeles, CA – Venue TBA

    24 – Osaka, Japan – Namba Hatch

    25 – Tokyo, Japan – Line Cube Shibuya

    * Festival Appearance

  • February Comedy at Funk n Waffles features Dave Lester

    Following a successful triple roast in January, Funk n Waffles will welcome Brooklynite Dave Lester for a show on Thursday, February 9th.

    dave lester
    Dave Lester

    Lester was born and raised in Brooklyn and this comic did not stay isolated to Kings County for long. Traveling all over the country and being the talk of most festivals he works, Lester is a Comedians Comic. From hard hitting humor to the light and goofy, Dave makes us laugh at just about everything. His monthly shows in Brooklyn are as legendary as his TV appearances. This is a headliner you won’t want to miss.

    Comedy returns to Funk n Waffles in March with both a roast and a show.

  • American Classical Orchestra Announced “Healing Bach” Concert On March 2nd

    The American Classical Orchestra (ACO) is announcing the “Healing Bach” performance including much-loved Bach cantatas at the Gothic-style Church of St. Vincent Ferrer in Manhattan on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 8 pm. This wonderful concert is featuring notable soloists including Sherezade Panithaki, Daniel Moody, Brian Giebler, and Joseph Parrish.

    American Classical Orchestra bach
    from left to right: Sherezade Panthaki © David Fung, Daniel Moody © Courtesy of the artist, Brian Giebler © J. Demetrie Photography, Joseph Parrish © Courtesy of YCA.

    Founded in 1984 as the Orchestra of the Old Fairfield Academy and renamed in 1999, the American Classical Orchestra (ACO) is the New York City’s foremost period instrument orchestra. It is now the City’s only full-scale orchestra dedicated to performing 17th, 18th, and 19th century music on period instruments. By playing music on original instruments and using historic performance techniques, ACO strives to recreate the sounds that audiences would have heard when the music was first written and performed.

    The Church of St. Vincent Ferrer is a Roman Catholic parish in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City. It was designed by Bertram Goodhue and completed in 1918 and made a New York City designated landmark in 1967.

    Before the concert, Artistic Director Thomas Crawford will give a brief talk to illuminate the program at 7:15 pm. The concert featuring soloists including soprano Sherezade Panthaki, head of Mount Holyoke College’s vocal program; countertenor and Metropolitan Opera singer Daniel Moody, tenor Brian Giebler, the 2020 Best Classical Solo Vocal Album Grammy winner; and bass-baritone Joseph Parrish, winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists International Auditions. Especially, this concert will highlight J.S Bach’s Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats, BWV 42; Gleichwie der Regen und Schnee vom Himmel fällt, BWV 18; Schwingt freudig euch empor, BWV 36.

    The following performance will close the ACO season with an evening of Romantic music by Schumann, Sarasate, and Grieg. It will feature baritone William Meinert, praised for his “rich vibrant bass” (Opera Today) and award-winning violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, on May 18 at Alice Tully Hall.

    American Classical Orchestra will be conducted by Thomas Crawford, consisted of soprano Corrine Byrne and Sherezade Panthaki; mezzo-soprano Sylvia Leith; countertenor Daniel Moody; tenor Lawrence Jones and Brian Giebler; bass-baritone Joseph Parrish and Edmund Milly; and Marc Schachman on oboe and oboe d’amore.

    Tickets, priced at $75, $55, and $35 are available at American Classical Orchestra website. For more information, visit aconyc.org.

  • Judy Collins to Perform Acclaimed Album ‘Wildflowers’ at The Town Hall in NYC

    On Saturday, February 25, pop icon Judy Collins is heading to the Town Hall to bring her signature blend of folk and pop to NYC as she performs her 1967 album, Wildflowers — to this day, her highest-charting album —  front to back with the Harlem Chamber Players. 

    Judy Collins Wildflowers
    Judy Collins, performing Wildflowers on February 25 at The Town Hall

    Judy Collins came to NYC from the west coast at the start of the sixties. She landed in Greenwich Village, singing songs written by contemporaries such as Tom Paxton, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. With Cohen, Collins was a veritable salonnière of the Greenwich Village scene; she brought together Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman and many more, so the artists could share inspirations and audiences. Her background working with protest singers has stayed with Collins, she works with multiple social justice organizations and represents UNICEF.

    While she came on the scene as an interpretive cover artist — she won the Grammy for Best Folk Recording in 1969 for her cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now — Collins soon established herself as an adept songwriter as well, starting with “Since You Asked” in 1967. This year, Collins has been nominated for a Grammy again, this time for her folk album Spellbound, her first complete album of all original, self-penned songs in her career. 

    At the Town Hall on February 25, fans will hear Collins’ famous rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” live, as well as other hits from that album: “Albatross,” “Since You Asked,” and “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye.” Joining Collins is the Harlem Chamber Players, an acclaimed chamber band that works to increase access to high-caliber classical music in Harlem and the greater city. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here

  • Pedro Pascal Hosts with Musical Guest Coldplay on Saturday Night Live

    On the February 4th episode of Saturday Night Live with Pedro Pascal, best known for his roles in Narcos, Game of Thrones, and The Mandalorian, hosts with 2023 Grammy nominated band Coldplay.

    Pedro Pascal and Coldplay
    Pedro Pascal and Coldplay.

    The cold open is a parody of the MSNBC talk show, with Chloe Fineman as the anchor. The cold open focuses on the China balloon that was seen going over the United States. Bowen Yang plays the balloon, and talks about his experiences of being the balloon, saying he flew over Montana because he likes the show Yellowstone. They talk more about politics and racism.

    https://youtu.be/gG3kUa8uM4c

    The monologue of Pedro Pascal features him talking about his experience with shooting with HBO and in Canada. He talks about his upbringing in Chile, and how he is very close with his large extended family. Pascal talked about his range as an actor, and how excited he is to be on SNL. The monologue was short however to the point, showcasing how being on the show is a big deal to him.

    The first skit features a parody of Jeopardy, called Big Hollywood Show. The categories feature information about film and TV, with Pedro Pascal playing a contestant. The questions talk about new pop culture trends going on today, like the new 80 For Brady film, and other new shows. The next skit is a movie trailer featuring the characters of Mario, which recently came out in a new animated film.

    Following that skit comes a new one, surrounding characters in a hospital, making fun of the L.A. accent, reminscnent of the Californians sketch on previous seasons. Pascal broke character a few times, which made it even funnier. After that skit, the Gen Z slang came out in a high school centered sketch, referencing the app TikTok and the edits made on them, and the SNL audio of previous host SZA singing. It is funny watching this as someone who is considered Gen Z and dealing with the Internet and the aftermath of COVID 19. Sarah Paulson, best known for her role in American Horror Story, makes a guest appearance.

    Musical guest Coldplay has had 34 nominations and four wins for the GRAMMY awards, with nomination for Album of the Year in 2023 for their record Music of the Spheres. The first song they performed, “The Astronaut” sounded magical, with the four piece, including lead singer Chris Martin, providing energy. There was an appearance of a person dressed as a mysterious alien, which made the performance feel out of this world. As the song carried on, more and more people joined the stage with glow sticks, doing background vocals.

    https://youtu.be/64W30CcJqjA

    Weekend Update with Colin Jost and Michael Che was the upcoming sketch, always featuring satirical and comedic takes on what is happening in the country and beyond. They talk about the upcoming Superbowl, and Groundhog’s Day, and how the groundhog saw his shadow. Punxsutawney Phil (Michael Longfellow) made a guest appearance with British rappers (James Austin Johnson, Devon Walker).

    Coldplay performs another track from their newest album, called “Human Heart/Fix You.” It featured a number of backing vocals and Martin singing. He shouted out Pascal for hosting the great show. The sound of the record is authentic to Coldplay, and their signature sound didn’t change up much.

    https://youtu.be/wPKbuDFC1Rs

    The last sketch features Pascal at a birthday celebration dinner with other SNL cast members. One of the characters was comically cutting her food shaking the whole table, causing Pescal and others to break character.

    The next episode on February 25 features Woody Harrelson and musical guest Jack White.

  • Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper ‘Freaks On Parade Tour’ Coming to Jones Beach

    The rock icons Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper unite to announce the 2023 Freaks on Parade Tour. The 19-city run begins August 24 in Dallas, TX, and includes a stop at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY, on September 9. 

    Rob Zombie alice cooper

    Following a successful run last summer, Rob Zombie is at it again. Alongside Alice Cooper and Rob, the tour will feature the “godfather of Shock Rock”. Rounding out the line-up are industrial pioneers Ministry and eclectic alternative rock act Filter. Promised by Cooper, fans can expect to be met with his signature style of macabre rock on tour. 

    The Freaks on Parade Tour is one you won’t want to miss. Rob Zombie has continuously challenged audiences as he stretches the boundaries of both music and film. The eight-time Grammy nominee has sold over 15 million albums worldwide and is the only artist to encounter unprecedented accomplishments in both music and film. Each of Rob Zombie’s seven solo studio albums have premiered in the top 10 on Billboard’s 200 chart, including his most recent album, The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse, in 2021. Incorporating horror movies, vaudeville, and garage rock, Alice Cooper brings his own brand of rock psychodrama to fans. Cooper is constantly touring, and releasing’s hits such as 2021’s Detroit Stories, which entered the Billboard Album chart at #1. 

    Freaks on Parade Tour tickets will be available for purchase on February 3 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be accessed here.

    2023 FREAKS ON PARADE TOUR DATES

    Thu Aug 24 –  Dallas, TX –  Dos Equis Pavilion

    Sat Aug 26 –  Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Sun Aug 27 – West Palm Beach, FL –  iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    Tue Aug 29 –  Raleigh, NC –  Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

    Wed Aug 30 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

    Fri Sep 01 –  Tinley Park, IL –  Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    Sat Sep 02 –  Des Moines, IA –  Wells Fargo Arena

    Tue Sep 05 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    Wed Sep 06 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

    Fri Sep 08 – Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain

    Sat Sep 09 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

    Sun Sep 10 – Hartford, CT – The XFINITY Theatre

    Tue Sep 12 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

    Sat Sep 16 – Englewood, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre *

    Tue Sep 19 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

    Wed Sep 20 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre

    Fri Sep 22 – Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion

    Sat Sep 23 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center

    Sun Sep 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

  • The Wood Brothers Announce New Album, 5 Stops in NY on National Tour

    Roots band The Wood Brothers have announced their eighth studio album, titled Heart Is The Hero, which is set to be released on April 14 through Honey Jar/Thirty Tigers. The album will be supported by a tour, with stops in Buffalo, Ithaca, New York City, Accord, and Fairpoint. Prior to embarking on their tour, the band will release the first single from Heart Is The Hero in February.

    From left to right: Chris Wood, Jano Rix, and Oliver Wood

    The Wood Brothers consist of brothers, Chris and Oliver Wood, who grew up in Boulder, Colorado. Their “honorary sibling,” Jano Rix is also in The band. They focused more on the importance of performing rather than studio perfection for this album, resulting in an album that emphasizes the themes of presence, grace, and faith.

    “The chorus of the album’s title track says, ‘the heart is the hero of every song.’ By no means was it intentional, but much of the material we were writing for this record seemed to come full circle to the idea of trusting in your heart in matters that you can’t control,” says Oliver Wood.

    I’m looking forward to going on the road with these new songs from Heart Is The Hero and seeing how they evolve from night to night when performed in front of audiences. The recording process for this album was completely different from our last one, Kingdom In My Mind, where we had all the time in the world to experiment, tinker, and shape performances. For those sessions, I was living in Nashville close to Oliver and Jano, but I’ve since relocated to Canada, so our time to record together this time around had to be extremely focused and intentional.

    Chris Wood

    The Wood Brothers tour has New York shows that start this March. Dates and venues are available below. As of Jan. 26, artist pre-sale has begun. General on-sale started Jan. 27. Tickets can be purchased at thewoodbros.com.

    The Wood Brothers 2023 Tour

    1/31 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern ^ (Sold Out)
    2/1 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern ^ (Sold Out)
    2/2 – Ventura, CA – Ventura Music Hall ^
    2/3 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater ^
    2/4 – Stateline, NV – Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino Resort ^
    2/6 – Santa Cruz, CA – Rio Theatre ^
    2/8 – Bend, OR – Midtown Ballroom ^
    2/9 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre ^ (Sold Out)
    2/10 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall ^ (Sold Out)
    2/11 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall ^
    2/24 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena ^^
    3/1 – Lexington, KY – Lexington Opera House
    3/2 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
    3/3 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
    3/4 – Ithaca, NY – State Theatre
    3/6 – Westerly, RI – The United Theatre
    3/8 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live
    3/9 – Rocky Mount, VA – Harvester Performance Center (Sold Out)
    3/10 – Winston-Salem, NC – The Ramkat
    3/11 – Chattanooga, TN – Walker Theatre
    4/11- Scottsdale, AZ – Virginia G. Piper Theater – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
    4/12 – Flagstaff, AZ – Orpheum Theater
    4/14 – Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar Performing Arts Center
    4/15 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
    4/17- Salina, KS – The Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts
    4/18 – Fayetteville, AK – JJ’s Live
    4/20 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom
    4/21- Tilmon, TX – Old Settler’s Music Festival
    4/22 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater
    5/10 – Peoria, IL – Premier Event Center *
    5/11 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed *
    5/12 – Minneapolis, MN – Utepils Brewing Co. *
    5/13 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater *
    5/15 – Akron, OH – Goodyear Theater *
    5/16 – Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre *
    5/18 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern *
    5/19 – Raleigh, NC – North Carolina Museum of Art *
    5/20 – Washington, DC – The Anthem *
    5/21 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre *
    6/7 – Portland, ME – State Theatre *
    6/8 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner *
    6/9 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17 *
    6/10 – Accord, NY – Arrowood Farms *
    6/11 – Fairport, NY – Perinton Center Park Amphitheater *

    6/13 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall *
    6/15 – Charlottesville, VA – Ting Pavilion *
    6/16 – Williamsburg, VA – Virginia Arts Festival’s Williamsburg Live *
    6/17 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mountain View Amphitheatre *
    6/18 – Grand Rapids, MI – venue TBA *
    6/23 – Greenfield, MA – Green River Festival
    8/18-20 – Wellston, MA – Hoxeyville Music Festival – Wellston, MI

    ^ w/ Taylor Ashton
    ^^ w/ The Avett Brothers & Turnpike Troubadours
    * w/ Shovels & Rope

  • MVP Arena in Albany Sets new Record for net Operating Profits in 2022

    MVP Arena in Albany ended 2022 with a record breaking net profit of $2,321,245, the most since the venue opened in 1990, then named the Knickerbocker Arena.

    MVP Arena
    Greta Van Fleet, photo by Csilla Kajtar for NYS Music.

    Albany County officials announced the record breaking net profits for the venue last week, with the previous record being in 2000 with a profit of $2,188,761. In 2022, MVP Arena presented 106 events with an attendance of 434,277. Some of the top acts that came to the venue include John Mayer, Journey, Korn, Slipknot, Roger Waters, Cody Johnson, My Chemical Romance, Luke Combs, Greta Van Fleet, Judas Priest, and more. Family favorite events included Disney On Ice and the Harlem Globetrotters, and for the first time ever, AEW made their Albany debut to a crowd of professional wrestling fans.

    The pandemic may have knocked us down, but MVP Arena has come back stronger than ever. The proof is in the numbers as we set a new record for net operating profits since Sinatra played the first show in 1990 and after welcoming some of the biggest names in music, comedy and more to Downtown Albany this year. Additionally, we’ve now invested $43 million into arena enhancements over the last four years alone with the NCAA March Madness and other great events scheduled for 2023. In the words of the great Frank Sinatra: ‘The best is yet to come.’

    Albany County Executive Daniel P.McCoy

    Once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, those from Upstate New York, Western Vermont and Massachusetts attended the venue and enjoyed a slew of events. The annual economic impact derived within the capital region from those events at MVP Arena is estimated to be over $100 million. New technology to immerse fans further into the event going experience is helping the venue be so successful and helps the Albany area as a whole, according to ASM Global Executive Vice President Doug Thornton.

    For the 2023 season, the MVP Arena will be hosting a wide variety of events. Coming this year are Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Old Dominion, For King + Country, Zach Bryan, and Thomas Rhett with Cole Swindell. Other events include the NCAA Men’s DI Men’s Basketball 1st and 2nd Rounds, the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships, Jeff Dunham and Friends, Siena Saints men’s basketball, and the Albany FireWolves. For more information about the venue and to see the full schedule of events, visit here.

  • Billy Joel Announces August Performance at MSG

    By popular demand, long time New York music sensation Billy Joel will continue his concert residency at Madison Square Garden. The venue announced that Joel’s August 29 performance will mark his 93rd monthly and 139th lifetime show at the arena. Named a franchise by MSG in December 2013, the upcoming 93rd performance for Billy Joel comes nearly 10 years after he started his residency.

    Billy Joel MSG
    Billy Joel pictured on the cover of his debut album, Cold Spring Harbor, in 1971

    Billy Joel’s career spans more than 50 years, earning him a number of awards. The sixth best-selling recording artist of all time, his song “Piano Man” was chosen for preservation by the Library of Congress in 2016 for its “cultural, historic, and artistic significance.” Joel ranks as one of the most popular and respected entertainers in history.

    Significantly, in Dec. 2013, Joel received one of the top cultural awards in the country, The Kennedy Center Honors. He has won six Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Legend Award, and is a member of the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Joel has won various industry awards, awards including a Tony Award for “Movin’ Out,” a Broadway musical based on his work.

    In Nov. 2014, Joel received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The award honors living musical artists’ lifetime achievements in promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of cultural understanding, entertaining and informing audiences, and inspiring new generations. Moreover, that same month, he won the ASCAP Centennial Award, which is presented to American music icons for their achievements in their respective genres.

    Joel performed at MSG’s benefit concert, “12-12-12, The Concert For Sandy Relief,” to raise awareness and money for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Similarly, he performed at “The Concert for New York City,” to provide aid and relief to the victims and heroes of 9/11. Adding another milestone to his career, Joel has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

    Tickets for the Aug. 29 show go on sale to the general public starting Friday, Feb. 10 starting at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Tickets will also be available at the MSG box office on Saturday, Feb. 11.

  • Count Basie Tribute Album Announced, Lead Single “Didn’t You” By Lettuce ft. Talib Kweli Released

    Primary Wave Music has announced their latest creation, a collaborative tribute album of New York/New Jersey legend Count Basie’s classics remixed by modern day artists. The first single, “Didn’t You” by Lettuce featuring Talib Kweli is now available on all platforms.

    Count Basie tribute

    A keystone figure of the Harlem Renaissance, Count Basie’s name alone conjures images of late nights, and ever cool, hip, and fresh sounds. The world-famous jazz pianist and band leader helped redefine music several times over and set the preconditions for jazz innovations, rock and roll, and popular American music.

    On April 7th, a whole new host of colorful talents will mix with Basie’s legendary sound and influence as part of a brand new album called Late Night Basie. This new album captures the essence of Count Basie and his music with each song a modern-day interpretation. For both the longtime fan and the new listener, surprise and delights await in this timely, important recording. And for those who may have never heard the magic of Count Basie, Late Night Basie is certainly intended to be a door into his plentiful catalog of music.

    “Putting together this tribute album to Count Basie has been a labor of love over the last several years. As we strive to continuously develop fresh and tasteful approaches to celebrate (and create new IP) for our iconic song catalogs, this release will introduce Count Basie to new generations of music lovers while respecting his existing fanbase.”

    Rob Dippold, Primary Wave President

    Today, listeners can hear the first track from Late Night Basie, “Didn’t You,” performed by GRAMMY-nominated funk torchbearers Lettuce and hip hop trailblazer and activist, Talib Kweli. Written by saxophone great Frank Foster for Basie’s best selling album, April in Paris, this remix leaps out of the speakers with a leadoff, funky bass drum figure before the horns of Ryan Zoidis (alto sax) and Benny Bloom (trumpet) blend and bend the notes of the first chord on top of Erick Coomes’ chugging bass—all within the song’s first four bars.

    Following Lettuce’s statement of the melody, Kweli flows over the rhythm section with a verse that manages to jump off the title and bridge his signature social commentary with a quick sweep of Basie’s life, making plain the link between hip-hop and Count Basie-swing.

    Fans can check out “Didn’t You” by Lettuce (feat. Talib Kweli) right now and Late Night Basie can be pre-saved or pre-ordered ahead of its April 7th release right here. For more information, please visit CountBasie.com.