New Releases

• Boogie woogie mama Deanna Bogart has a new album on the New York based Viceroots Music label. New Address, Bogart's third release to date, is produced by Jon Carroll, who continues to add to his musical reputation by working as Mary Chapin Carpenter's keyboard player. Most of the cuts are written by Bogart and many of the tunes, such as Another Lonely Night and Alright, list guest performances by Carroll as well as guitar-slinger Steuart Smith (Rodney Crowell) and Milestone recording artist Ron Holloway on sax. Also released this month is a compilation CD on the Rounder Records label, Women In Blues which includes one of Deanna' performances.

• Grin, Euphoria's debut album is a rock standard with plenty of punch. The CD is receiving airplay on college radio stations from Maine to Florida. Produced by John Piette, the album was recorded at Rugby Road Studios and engineered by Piette, Chris Nelson and Andrew Pavilonis.

• Jazz, Romance And Passion a new CD by the guitar/vocal team of Marcus & Lisa features a mix of original material such as the duo's Passport East and Never Say Never, as well as some jazz standards.

• Pianist Bob Orr released his debut album Full Circle. The CD's title cut won first place in the "Open" category and placed second in the "Overall" category at the 12th annual Songwriters' Association of Washington Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. The album's 10 cuts were recorded by Alan Wonneberger of Prodigital on location at the Western Presbyterian Church in downtown Washington.

• Riding the resurgence of the Hammond B-3 organ sound in jazz ignited by Joey DeFrancesco, Greg Hatza releases a second albumon the Palmetto label. The instrumental In My Pocket, is a bluesy, sometimes funky but definitely jazz focused 10 cut CD. Featuring Hatza's meaty B-3 sound, the compositions blend equal parts of Paul Bollenback's sparkling guitar (DeFrancesco, Stanley Turrentine) textures, Ralph Lalama on tenor sax and Gary Jenkins on drums. Produced by Matt Balitsaris, the album was recorded live to two-track at Sound On Sound Recording in New York City.

• Reach Out International Records (ROIR) the New York City based indie label, has released on CD the Bad Brains' classic 1982 self-titled album. Revered by punk and hardcore followers, whether musicians or fans. The group's lightning reggae influenced beats made music history. The album tracks were recorded during 1981 with H.R. on vocals, Darryl Jennifer on bass/vocals, Earl Hudson on drums/vocals and Dr. Know on guitar/vocals.

• The group Julius Bloom has released Slab on Fowl Records. The seven cut album is a collection of solid rock tunes reminiscent of the late 60s' hard rock sounds, complete with a Hammond B3 organ flavor. Recorded at LSP Studios by Steve Wright and Pat Scott, the CD was produced by the group.

• Described as "an under-appreciated master of the honky-tonk tenor sax " Joe Stanley got some over-due attention Nov. 29 at the Twist & Shout. Playing in the metro area since the early 60s, Stanley's performance credits include gigs with Roy Buchanan, Dale Hawkins, Roy Clark, Marvin Gaye, doo-woop and R&B groups the Clovers and the Orioles, the Moonglows, and guitarist Danny Gatton. Members of Gatton's band Billy Hancock and John Previti, plus Big Joe Maher, joined Stanley on stage to celebrate the release of Stanley's first solo album, King Of The Honky Tonk Sax, produced by Maher. The CD was recorded at Maple Shade Studios in Upper Marlboro.

• High Rotation Records has released Da Whole 9's first CD. The dreamy sounding R&B/hip hop dance single, titled Weekend (Give It Up), was created by group members Da' Mack, DJ K-New and Break-a-Don, who also produced the single.

• Blue Yard Garden, based in Rockville, has released its second CD, On the Galaxy. The blues influenced rock album was produced by the six member group. Engineered by Bob Dewald, tracks were recorded at at Bebop Studios.

• John Trupp has a new release titled beware of the dogma. The 11 cut CD is Trupp's first effort as a solo artist and presents a collection of styles and moods. His previous releases were issued while performing as drummer/songwriter with the group New Potato Caboose (RykoDisc Records) and as guitarist/lead singer with the band The True, which resulted in a development deal with MCA Records. Though Trupp produced, composed and performed the majority of the tracks, he did get a little help from sax player Peter Fraize, Doug Derryberry on background vocals/lead guitar and John McConnell on congas.

• Contemporary bluegrass recording artists the Seldom Scene have a new release on Sugar Hill Records. Dream Scene continues the Scene's style of giving new life to traditional songs and taking popular songs, such as John Fogerty's Bad Moon Rising, and giving them a bluegrass tint. The album was recorded at Bias Recording and produced by Billy Wolf.

• California Christmas a cassette single by Melissa Lou is a funny a cappella holiday time tune. Released by Skip to Mel Lou Publishing, the ditty's refrain quips "Flashing his pearly whites at all the babes, Santa rides in on a 50 foot wave."

• Sara Landymore has released Corner of the World, the singer/songwriter's first album. Recorded by Matt Holsen at ESM Studios in Herndorn and produced by Landymore, the project includes tracks by bassist John Previti, harp player Larry Tapper and harmonies by Dave Alberding. A release party is tentatively scheduled for January at Iota, in Arlington.

• Songwriter/rocker Jeff Smith has finally released an album and his collection of small town stories and tales of "getting loose down at the hideaway" dish out a slice of Americana Smith calls The Human Wilderness. The tunes have a 50s rock & roll feel mixed with a rootsy sound. Backing Smith on the album are Mary Chapin Carpenter Band regulars and alumns John Jennings on guitar/vocals, Robbie Magruder on drums, Jon Carroll on piano/vocals and Rico Petruccelli on bass. Produced by Smith and recorded by Rob Schnapf (Beck, Foo Fighters) at Bias Recording, the album is on the Acetate Records label.

• Ritmo Junction has a self titled CD on Caesar Records. Produced by Ritmo's core group of Chris Webster, Rob Teegarden and Stuart Ridgway, the album is original contemporary latin jazz instrumentals with Afro-Cuban rhythms. Punctuating the 13 tracks are the Habanero Horns assisted by special guests trumpeter Brian Lynch (Eddie Palmieri), Sony Music recording artist David Sanchez on sax and Tropijazz recording artist Dave Valentin on flute. The album was recorded at Pyramid Digital Productions.

• Oasis Recording has released, five compilation CDs divided by genres, to radio stations nationwide, promoting the independent artists that have had their albums duplicated at the Silver Spring plant. Among the Washington artists appearing on the alternative music sampler are emmet swimming, Basehead, Big Village, Black Hole Buddha and The Grandsons.

• Drive to Survive is Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers' new albumon the Blind Pig label. The blues/rock guitarist/singer and ex-Nighthawk Thackery has created another soulful/rocking 11 cut album, with enough energy that Thackery's previous backup, the six piece Assassins, are not missed. Produced by Jim Gaines (Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan), the album was recorded at 315 Beale St. Studios in Memphis.

• Pianist David Bach has a new instrumental collection titled Window on the West. Released on the Integrity label the 12 cut album is a blend of jazz and new age pieces composed entirely by Bach and recorded by Frank Marchand. Guest musicians appearing on the album include drummer Ju Ju House and bassist Jim Charlsen.

• Vocalist Beth Wasserman has a debut album titled Revolving Door. A mix of jazz standards and original compositions such as the humorous The Mr. Right on Paper, Mr. Wrong in Real Life Blues. Produced by Anna Garris Goiser, Steve Proto and Wassserman, the CD was recorded at AURA Studios at The American University.

• The four piece alternative rock/pop group Honeypole has a two song, self titled cassette. The release is a prelude to the band's upcoming album expected to be available in March. The two songs, Lied To and Bitter Pill, will be included in the album.

• Def/American Records recording artist, rapper DJ Kool has a new video. A remix of his hit song Let Me Clear My Throat, featuring special guests Biz Markie and Doug E Fresh, is currently playing on video channels across the country including MTV, Black Entertainment Television and The Box.

• The Patty Reese Band has a cassette release titled The Broad Highway. Raw rock is the group's style and Reese's gritty vocal work gels its sound. The "chillin' side" of the cassette covers Yellow Moon an Aaron & Joel Neville tune with a New Orleans feel that shows Reese at her best. The release, produced by Ron Zebron, includes guest appearances by Brian Jack on vocals and Jeff Avery on guitar.

• Between White and Black is Barbara Martin's third release. The contemporary folk artist solicited the aid of bassist Steve Wolf and guitarist Mac Walter to create the CD. The fussion worked and Martin along with husband/percussionist Joe Dockery decided to make the union permanent by forming the Barbara Martin Quartet. The album was produced by Kevin McNoldy and Martin at Dream Sequence Studios.

• Blue Note Records has reissued Stanley Turrentine's 1960s release The Spoiler. Turrentine's tenor sax is accompanied by McCoy Tyner on piano, Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Pepper Adams on baritone sax along with other jazz greats. A bonus track, Lonesome Lover has been included on this album.

Seminars, Workshops, Conventions

Folk Alliance Conference

The 9th Annual Folk Alliance Conference is slated for Feb. 13 to 16 at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto, Ontario. The conference, presents educational and networking opportunities for those interested in folk music, dance, storytelling and related performing arts. Opportunities for privately sponsored performance showcases are available through Jan. 6. Early registration fee is $215 member and $270 non-member, but a varriety of free programs exist. Contact 202-835-3655 or email. Web page at Folk Alliance.

Applications for consideration as a Folk Alliance showcase artist for the conference will be available starting Jan. 1, 1997 from the Folk Alliance office.

Copyright Infringement

The Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA) will host a lecture on the Nuts And Bolts of Copyright Infringement, at The Arts Club of Washington, on Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 8:30a.m. to 11 a.m. The session, geared toward those interested in the practice of copyright law, will be presented by attorney Jay Rosenthal of the firm Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe. The program will start by defining what copyright actually protects, including a discussion of works made for hire, derivative works, moral rights and fair use. A discussion of copyright infringement and enforcement of copyright will follow. Cost is $40 for WALA and D.C. Bar members and $50 for non-members.

Sweet Vocal Workshops

The a cappella women's group Sweet Honey in the Rock will present a day of free vocal workshops in the African-American tradition, on Sunday, Jan. 12 at the Levine School of Music in Georgetown. For details call 202-337-2227.

Who's Listening?

Dr. Sidney Harman, founder of Harman International Industries, will discuss, "Who's Listening? The Digital Revolution and its Implications for Musicians and Audiences," on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m., at the Georgetown Campus of the Levine School of Music. An influential pioneer in the field of high-fidelity and audio technology, Dr. Harman's company manufactures fidelity products with brand names such as JBL, Harmon Kardon and Infinity. The event is free and open to the public. The Levine School is at 1690 36th St. NW.

• Thinking about sending your new CD to radio stations? Check out Gavin magazine's insertion options. Established in 1958, Gavin is a music trade magazine that compiles and reports radio station play lists in 14 formats from urban to country. It is subscribed to by over 1600 radio stations weekly. For as little as $300 Gavin will mail your CD or cassette plus one sheet of printed information to 82 radio stations that report their play lists exclussively to Gavin. Or for a higher fee Gavin will mail your product to a larger number of stations reporting their play activity to Gavin as well as to other industry trades. The fee includes a print out of the radio stations that received your product for follow up. For more information contact David Rothstein at 415/495-1990 ext. 623.

• Planning an event? Maybe the "Big E, little e" directory can help. Listing over 5500 businesses providing products and services for event planners, the directory is designed to assist with any size event. For more information call 703/866-5112.

• The Rhythm and Blues Foundation Inc., announces a call for entries for its new Performance Grant Program, designed to provide public recognition, employment and financial support to living Americans who performed, recorded and wrote the hits of the 1930s through the 1960s. The Performance Grant Program will provide a limited amount of funding to support live performances and educational outreach in public venues and schools. The foundation is now accepting applications for the first round of funding. For information call 202/588-5566.

• The 1997 Rosebud Awards is now accepting entries for its annual film and video competition. All works produced or first released, including music videos, between January 1995 and January 1997 by directors or producers currently residing in the Maryland, Virginia or District of Columbia are eligible. For an application contact Natasha Reatig at 202/797-9081.

• WGMU, George Mason University's (GMU) radio station, located in Fairfax offers bands playing in the area a chance for some extra exposure. The station will promote a band's upcoming performance through on-air giveways, live interviews and flyers. Contact the alternative music director, Nick Maison at 703-993-2935 two weeks prior to performing in the Fairfax area. Maison is also looking for bands to appear on GMU's new music video program. The weekly program will cablecast on Thursdays at 4 p.m. on Media General's Channel 48. Show taping begins first week of January.

• A new music ensemble, to be called the NIH Chamber Orchestra and led by conductor/composer Gary Daum, is now organizing. Interested musicians are invited to the group's first meeting to be held Saturday, Dec. 21 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cheesecake Factory, at White Flint Mall, in Rockville, Md. For more information contact Sophia Pao at 202-986-1518 or Nancy Pandhi at 301-496-4765.

• Musician Magazine is searching for the 1997 Best Unsigned Band. Open to bands and artists of all genres, deadline for the competition is Dec. 31, 1996. Participants are judged on a two song cassette by a panel of artists including recording artist Tori Amos, guitarist Joe Satriani and blues legend Buddy Guy. For rules and entry form, call 1-888-282-2946.

Studio News

Omega Recording

John Sutton and the gospel group The Choraleers completed their new album Highest Praise.

WPGC-FM's Donnie Simpson broadcast his morning show live from Omega before a studio audience. The group Mint Condition performed during the show which was simultaneously broadcast on the internet via the studio's ISDN line.

4th Avenue, on the La Face Records label, continues to work on its upcoming album in Studio B, while Wammie Award nominee Debbie Macfarlan contributes vocal tracks to Craig Bazen's latest project in Studio A.

Rutabaga Studio

While mastering Blue Miracle's as yet unnamed new album with engineer Billy Wolf, Doug Derryberry relayed that partner John Alagia had just returned from London, where he recorded a Ben Folds Five live concert, and is now mixing the tracks. The Derryberry and Alagia team completed projects in November for the Blue Dogs and Red Light Management (Dave Matthews) artists Agents of Good Roots.

Recording Arts

Marco Delmar reports that the alternative rock band Triggerfish is currently working on a new CD, as is the world music group Big Village. Smart Bomb (formerly The Drowners) has just begun a new project and emmet swimming completed edits on some new radio releases requested by Epic Records.

Other Recording

Halloween night Union Records hosted a live recording of the hip hop/rap group 3LG, at the State of the Union nightclub. Big Mo Recording assisted by engineer Doug Derryberry (Dave Matthews, Everything), which will eventually become Volume II of Union Records' Live Local Music series. Volume I, released early this month, features jazz saxman and managing partner of Union Records, Peter Fraize.

Tapscott Recording Studios

ABCE, the publishers of Straight From the Street magazine, have opened Tapscott Recording Studios. The "A" Room has a combined total of 70 tracks. Tapscott also has the "Rehearsal" room, a space large enough for bands, vocal groups, or dance rehearsals. For information contact Tapscott Recording Studios at 1206 Ingraham St, NW, Suite 202, Washington, DC 20011. Phone 202-723-2223 or fax 202-882-0836.

WAMA Beyond the Beltway

Revolutions is a collection of original and traditional instrumentals by Dean Shostak. A musician at Colonial Williamsburg since 1979, Shostak is one of only six glass armonicists in the world. His use of the 18th century instrument gives the compositions an ethereal beauty and period realism. The album includes songs like Fortune My Foe a popular 16th century tune requested at hangings and Mesmerized an original song inspired by the work of an 18th century doctor who played the glass armonica to hypnotize his patients. Contributing to the album are Sue Richards on Celtic harp, Jacqueline Schwab on piano and Steve Bloom on percussion. The project was recorded at Bias Recording by Heidi Gerber.

Waykool Rock and Roll a roots rock album release by the three piece group Nobody's Business was produced by Lee Rocker. Recorded by Ed Marx at Number 5 Studio in Michigan, the 11 cut CD includes the work of guest artists Artie Wolff doing harmony vocals and George Canterbury on piano.

The Scottish Fire Fiddle Revival song competition awarded first place in the jig category to Sue Richards for her tune Achnaruie plus third place, under reels, for The Caledonia Mud Pike. An award winning Celtic harpist, and now a fiddle player, Richards performs solo as well as with the Ensemble Galilei, a group that revitalizes 18th century Irish airs and Welsh melodies.