Clapton's 'Best Of' Compilation Is 'Forever Man'

March 17^th, 2015- (Burbank, CA.) - Legendary songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and 19-time Grammy Award-winner Eric Clapton will release a brand-new 'Best Of' compilation, entitled Forever Man, via Reprise Records on April 28^th in the U.S.

Featuring 51 tracks over three CDs, Forever Man spans three decades of Clapton's Reprise Records years and features classic studio tracks and a Blues-themed disc.

The collection traces much of Clapton's career featuring the Grammy Award-winning tracks "Change The World", "Tears In Heaven", "Bad Love" and including materials form Eric's Grammy Award-winning albums From The Cradle and Unplugged. Guest performers include B.B. King and J.J. Cale.

The release of Forever Man coincides with an upcoming tour, which includes nine concert dates in celebration of his 70^th birthday on March 30^th. The shows will take place at New York City's famed Madison Square Garden on May 1^st and 2^nd and at London's Royal Albert Hall on May 14^th, 15^th, 17^th, 18^th, 20^th, 21^st, and 23^rd. The shows will feature Clapton, accompanied by his band members Paul Carrack, Steve Gadd, Nathan East, Chris Stainton, Sharon White, and Michelle John, with opening support act Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Riders.

 

Forever Man is available for pre-order beginning today, Mar 17^th, and will be available in multiple configurations: a 3-CD, 2-CD, a vinyl 2-LP set and digital downloads. The package also comes with liner notes written by noted rock journalist and author Malcolm Dome. Click here or here to pre-order.     

Please see below for all Forever Man track-listings.

3CD and Digital Download Edition:

CD1- Studio

1. Gotta Get Over
2. I've Got A Rock 'N' Roll Heart
3. Run Back To Your Side
4. Tears In Heaven
5. Call Me The Breeze
6. Forever Man
7. Believe In Life
8. Bad Love
9. My Father's Eyes
10. Anyway The Wind Blows - with J.J. Cale
11. Travelin' Alone
12. Change The World
13. Behind The Mask
14. It's In The Way That You Use It
15. Pretending
16. Riding With The King - with B.B. King
17. Circus
18. Revolution 

CD2 - Live

1. Badge
2. Sunshine Of Your Love
3. White Room
4. Wonderful Tonight
5. Worried Life Blues
6. Cocaine
7. Layla (Unplugged)
8. Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out (Unplugged)
9. Walkin' Blues (Unplugged)
10. Them Changes - with Steve Winwood
11. Presence Of The Lord - with Steve Winwood
12. Hoochie Coochie Man
13. Goin' Down Slow
14. Over The Rainbow

CD3 - Blues

1. Before You Accuse Me
2. Last Fair Deal Gone Down
3. Hold On, I'm Comin' - with B.B. King
4. Terraplane Blues
5. It Hurts Me Too
6. Little Queen Of Spades
7. Third Degree
8. Motherless Child
9. Sportin' Life Blues - with J.J. Cale
10. Ramblin' On My Mind
11. Stop Breakin' Down Blues
12. Everybody Oughta Make A Change
13. Sweet Home Chicago
14. If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day
15. Hard Times Blues
16. Got You On My mind
17. I'm Tore Down
18. Milkcow's Calf Blues
19. Key To The Highway - with B.B. King 

2CD and Digital Download Edition:

CD1

1. Gotta Get Over
2. I've Got A Rock 'N' Roll Heart                              
3. Anyway The Wind Blows - with J.J. Cale                      
4. My Father's Eyes                                            
5. Motherless Child                                            
6. Pretending                                                  
7. Little Queen Of Spades                                      
8. Bad Love                                                    
9. Behind The Mask
10. Tears In Heaven
11. Change The World
12. Call Me The Breeze
13. Forever Man
14. Riding With The King - with B.B. King
15. It's In The Way That You Use It                             
16. Circus
17. Got You On My Mind
18. Travelin' Alone
19. Revolution

CD2 - Blues

1. Before You Accuse Me
2. Last Fair Deal Gone Down
3. Hold On, I'm Comin' - with B.B. King
4. Terraplane Blues
5. It Hurts Me Too
6. Little Queen Of Spades
7. Third Degree
8. Motherless Child
9. Sportin' Life Blues - with J.J. Cale
10. Ramblin' On My Mind
11. Stop Breakin' Down Blues
12. Everybody Oughta Make A Change
13. Sweet Home Chicago
14. If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day
15. Hard Times Blues
16. Got You On My mind
17. I'm Tore Down
18. Milkcow's Calf Blues
19. Key To The Highway - with B.B. King

Vinyl Edition:

Side 1

1. Gotta Get Over
2. I've Got A Rock 'N' Roll Heart                              
3. Anyway The Wind Blows - with J.J. Cale                      
4. My Father's Eyes                                            
5. Motherless Child                                            

Side 2

1. Pretending                                                  
2. Little Queen Of Spades                                      
3. Bad Love                                                    
4. Behind The Mask 

Side 3

1. Tears In Heaven
2. Change The World
3. Call Me The Breeze
4. Forever Man
5. Riding With The King - with B.B. King 

Side 4

1. It's In The Way That You Use It                             
2. Circus
3. Got You On My mind
4. Travelin' Alone
5. Revolution

Blake Aaron's 'Soul Stories' Set For May 5 Release

Aliso Viejo, Calif. (16 March 2014): Guitarist Blake Aaron utilized an unconventional approach when constructing his fifth album, “Soul Stories,” which will be released May 5 by Innervision Records. To maintain his presence on radio and in the marketplace while juggling a busy schedule as a first-call session player, featured sideman and in-demand producer, he issued a variety of singles with three cuts – the retro funk-disco energizer “Groove-O-Matic,” the urbane romantic duet with jazz crooner Spencer Day entitled “You’re the One for Me” and the salsa-singed “Encantadora” featuring Najee on flute - entering the Billboard Top 10. The ten-track “Soul Stories,” Aaron’s first collection that is entirely self-produced, contains eight original tunes authored by the artist.     

Saluting one of his hallmark influences, Aaron embodies seminal jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery on the aptly-titled “Wes Side Story,” an evocative selection that will be serviced to radio stations for playlist adds beginning April 6. 

Weaving engaging narratives told through a triad of guitar voices, Aaron’s “Soul Stories” unfolds amidst a varied backdrop of contemporary jazz, R&B, Latin and funk settings. He approaches his compositions as a storyteller and elects to feature a different guitar – cool jazz electric, gentle acoustic or emotional nylon string – as the protagonist of each musical vignette. Often Aaron provides a counterpoint by waging an expressive discourse using interpretive play between multiple guitars on the same song. Whether emoting on brisk radio-friendly jaunts or taking his time to elaborate on expansive improvised jams, Aaron’s inspired fret work is crisp, clear, lyrical and skillfully performed with passion and precision.       

“As with my live performances, I like to make all of my records as if they are movies with all the emotional ups and downs, as if I am taking the listener through a story or a musical landscape. On ‘Soul Stories,’ I wanted to try to tell compelling musical stories - some with words, but most without. Many artists like to focus on one trademark sound, but I prefer using different modes of expression because that’s really who I am. It keeps the albums fresh and allows for more spontaneity onstage,” said Aaron who recently previewed the album at a sold-out gig at Spaghettini south of Los Angeles. “It’s the most expressive album I’ve ever made as an artist representing the many different facets of the music I love and who I am creatively. There’s literally every part of me on this CD – my heart, blood and sweat. It’s all on this record.”

The musicians who helped Aaron illustrate “Soul Stories” were vocalist Derek Bordeaux, keyboardists Tom Zink, Rob Mullins and Lew Laing; bassists Hussain Jiffry and Melvin Davis; strings arranger and keyboardist Mike Whittaker; strings arranger and label mate Craig Sharmat; percussionist Ronnie Gutierrez, and drummers Ricky Lawson and Winston Butts.

Another creative outlet occupying Aaron’s time is his weekly “Blake Aaron Live with Tina Anderson,” a nationally-syndicated radio show airing in markets including California, New York, Florida, Arizona and on Urban Soul Radio. Over the years, Aaron has hosted, interviewed and played with a galaxy of the brightest stars in contemporary jazz, adult contemporary and pop on the radio program. 

The Southern California-based recording artist debuted with 2002’s “With Every Touch” that offers collaborations with David Benoit and Eric Marienthal. Subsequent releases – “Bringin’ It Back,” “Desire” and “A Romantic Christmas” – garnered airplay and chart action while frequent appearances on the concert circuit enhanced his national profile. In other media, Aaron held a 14-year-stint as the guitarist and theme song co-composer for “MAD TV” along with more than a dozen films and television series the likes of which include “The Ben Stiller Show,” “Super Dave Osborne” and “The Jamie Kennedy Experiment.” For more information, please visit www.BlakeAaron.com.       

“Soul Stories” is comprised of the following songs:

“Groove-O-Matic”

“Wes Side Story”

“Sol Amor”

“Europa”

“You’re the One for Me”

“Story of the Blues”

“Sara Smile”

“Story of My Life”

“You’re My Miracle”

“Encantadora”

Win A 'Top Five' DVD, Set For March 17 Release

Win a Top Five DVD!  Just answer the following question. True or False, Rosario Dawson, who stars in the film, actually started as a child actor when she appeared in the children's show, Sesame Street in 1969?  Leave your answer in the comments section. One winner will be selected. Top Five debuts on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and VOD March 17, 2015 (Paramount Home Media Distribution)

Donloe's Lowdown To Give Away 'Top Five' DVDs

Donloe's Lowdown is going to give away some 'Top Five' DVDs over the next three days. To find out how to win a DVD, keep checking this page! 'Top Five' debuts on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and VOD March 17, 2015 (Paramount Home Media Distribution)

Josh Groban Set To Release 'Stages' On April 28

March 11, 2015 - Burbank, CA - Multi-platinum recording artist Josh Groban announced today on ABC's Good Morning America that he will release a new album, entitled Stages, on April 28, 2015, via Reprise Records. The album is a collection of some of the greatest musical theater songs of all time, which Groban describes as "gorgeously arranged songs that have stood the test of time," and which he was drawn to because of their combination of "incredible melody with an incredible story." The album is available for pre-order at all participating retailers and JoshGroban.com. An exclusive edition of the album will be available at Target containing 2 extra tracks.

"Nothing has inspired me more in my life than the energy that is shared in a theater when great songs and great art are on the stage," he says. "I wanted this album to pay tribute to those inspirations and memories."

Recorded with producers Humberto Gatica and Bernie Herms in both Los Angeles and London's Abbey Road (with a 75-piece orchestra), Stages features songs from Les Misérables ("Bring Him Home"); Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel ("You'll Never Walk Alone"); Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George ("Finishing the Hat"), Sweeney Todd ("Not While I'm Around"), and Into the Woods ("Children Will Listen"); The Fantasticks ("Try to Remember"); A Chorus Line ("What I Did For Love"); Andrew Lloyd Weber's Phantom of the Opera ("All I Ask of You"), The Wizard of Oz ("Over the Rainbow"), and others.

Another highlight is "Pure Imagination," originally sung by Gene Wilder in the film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, which though best known as a film, is also a West End musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. "It's a tiny bit of a cheat because it was from a film originally, but I really wanted to sing it," Groban says. "The fans wanted me to as well. It's one of my most requested songs to record ever. I am a huge fan of the original film, it was a part of my childhood. Gene Wilder will always be number one for me with this song. There's a tenderness to the way he sang it that is just the essence of Wilder. It's something in his soul that will never be duplicated."

"Stages is an album I've wanted to make since I signed to Reprise/Warner Bros. Records during my freshman year as a Musical Theater student at Carnegie Mellon," Groban says. "I knew in my heart that, at some point, I would visit the songs I love from that world as an album. Having lived in New York City the last few years, seeing as much theater as I could see, and having so many great friends in the theater community, it became really inspiring to take this on. It was time."

Groban says the title was inspired by his lifetime love for the musicals represented on the album, as well as "the countless stages, both physical and metaphorical, it has taken for me to get to a place where I have the opportunity to record an album like this in the way we did it, with the great orchestra at Abbey Road. It was an extraordinary 'pinch me' opportunity. There was a great freedom to go big with these songs because the world of musical theater welcomes that. It's all about big stories, big emotions, and big vocals. Every arrangement on this album is its own work of art. Standing in the room and listening to the orchestra was just breathtaking. And Both Humberto and Bernie are producers who think about the warmth and clarity and emotion of the voice. What I love about them is the vocal, the arrangement, the quality is key."

Stages features three duets: Kelly Clarkson is featured on "All I Ask of You" ("she can, quite simply, do anything"); Audra McDonald sings on "If I Loved You" ("in my head I heard her on this and to sing it in the room with her was a dream come true"); and trumpeter Chris Botti plays on "Old Devil Moon" ("he plays with such control and expressiveness"). "All of these duets have great meaning to me and I'm honored to have them on this album," Groban says.

Watch the album trailer for Stages here.

The track-listing for Stages is as follows:

"Pure Imagination" (from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory)

"What I Did For Love" (from A Chorus Line)

"Bring Him Home" (from Les Misérables)

"Le Temps Des Cathédrales" (from Notre Dame de Paris)

"All I Ask Of You" (from The Phantom of the Opera) (feat. Kelly Clarkson)

"Try To Remember" (from The Fantasticks)

"Over the Rainbow" (from The Wizard of Oz)

"Children Will Listen"/"Not While I'm Around" (from Sweeney Todd/Into the Woods)

"You'll Never Walk Alone" (from Carousel)

"Old Devil Moon" (from Finian's Rainbow) (feat. Chris Botti)

 "Finishing the Hat" (from Sunday in the Park with George)

"If I Loved You" (from Carousel) (feat. Audra McDonald)

"Anthem" (from Chess)

Talbert's Actor's Workshop/Talent Search Expands

  Los Angeles, CA— Fresh off the heels of a hugely successful run with his Multi-City Actor’s Workshop & Talent Search in October and November of 2014, David E. Talbert is resuming his Actor’s Workshop & Talent Search and expanding it to additional cities. For those who can't get to Hollywood, David E. Talbert is bringing Hollywood to them.

 

For the spring 2015 leg of his Actors Workshop & Talent Search, David E. Talbert will continue to help thousands gain insight into the entertainment industry when he makes a stop in their city. The tour resumes on April 11th in Atlanta, GA, followed by stops in Houston, TX on April 18th, Detroit, MI on May 2nd and New York on May 16th. There will be one session per day scheduled from 9 AM - 3 PM. The registration fee for the workshop is $250 per person. As an added bonus, everyone who attends the workshop will also receive a private one-on-one audition the next day with David E. Talbert for a chance to be cast in his next production. 

“The first leg of this tour in the Fall of 2014 was met with such overwhelming response and success that I had to bring it back and give more people in more cities an opportunity to experience the workshop and get their chance at being discovered,” said Talbert. “I just wanted to answer the call to find that next big star. I also wanted to continue to give people in as many cities as I could access to Hollywood in a way they would not normally be able to experience in a very up close and personal way.”

 

The first person discovered from David E. Talbert’s Fall Installment of his Actor’s Workshop & Talent Search was just cast. On February 19, 2015, the red carpet was rolled out for Teresa Sykes of Chicago, IL when Talbert personally called her and announced that she was the first person to be cast from his Actor’s Workshop & Talent Search Tour. 

DAVID E. TALBERT & ACTOR'S WORKSHOP &

TALENT SEARCH  WINNER TERESA SYKES OF CHICAGO, IL

Talbert awarded Teresa Sykes with a featured role in “Another Man Will” and a starring role in the DVD version of the play that will be aired across the world. “Another Man Will” centers on Joe and Cynthia Scott. Many see them as the perfect couple...or at least twenty years ago they were. Somewhere in the routine of it all, Joe forgot just how much of a knockout Cynthia is. So, for everything Joe isn’t giving her, another man will.

 

Teresa will also receive an all-inclusive trip to Los Angeles, a head shot photo shoot and a chance to audition for David E. Talbert’s next film, slated for release in 2016. Teresa was chosen from hundreds of attendees from previous workshops in DC, Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago and LA.

 

“Words haven't been created to describe my feelings,” said Teresa Sykes. “This is life-changing. I'm so thankful to God and David E. Talbert and his wife and producing partner Lyn Talbert and the entire Talbert staff.  I’m beyond blessed.  My Father is 83 years old and my Mother is 81 years old and they are alive to see my dreams come true. David E. Talbert saw and believed in my God given talent. I'm just humbled by this entire experience. This would not have been possible without taking a huge step to participate in his Actor’s Workshop.”

Just like the Fall Tour, attendees from sessions in Atlanta, Houston, Detroit and New York will all be vying for a chance to also be cast for a role in Talbert’s play, “Another Man Will.” He will be choosing winners from the workshop, based on their one-on-one private auditions with him. Winners of the Talent Search will, not only appear in the LIVE production of the play, but they will also be included in the DVD filming of the production.

 

If you are someone who has ever considered a career in theater, film, or TV or even watched a play or a movie and said, "I could do that," then David E. Talbert’s Actors Workshop & Talent Search was created just for you.  Bringing two decades of skill and experience to the craft of acting, pioneering theater producer and respected Hollywood film director -David E. Talbert continues his journey to open the door to thousands of people from coast to coast for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn, grow, and be discovered in the entertainment industry.

 

Perfect for the professional and the beginner, David E. Talbert's Actors Workshop & Talent Search gives attendees a chance to learn first-hand how to elevate their craft and get their foot firmly in the door of the entertainment industry. Participants receive detailed instruction on how to shape their performance and gain valuable insight into what directors really want. What makes David E. Talbert's Actors Workshop & Talent Search really unique is the ability for participants to be able to audition with a working Hollywood director.

 

"I've worked with so many incredibly talented actors, singers and comedians over the years in my plays and films, like Jamie Foxx, Paula Patton, Morris Chestnut, Ice Cube, Tracy Morgan and Jill Scott, just to name a few, added Talbert. Now, I just want to find and help launch the career of the next great talent. I have already found an amazing talent in Teresa to star in my next play and I can’t wait to go back on the road to look for more.”

 

Those interested in attending the workshop in their city should visit www.davidetalbert.com to receive full details on registration and location. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Reserve your seats today. 

 

About David E. Talbert

David E. Talbert began his career in the world of theater, quickly establishing himself as a highly renowned playwright. The Los Angeles Times labels Talbert, "One of the most prolific theatre makers in America" and The Washington Post "A Playwrighting and directing wunderkind." David E. Talbert has written and directed 14 nationally acclaimed touring productions that have garnered an unprecedented 24 NAACP nominations, winning Best Playwright of the Year for THE FABRIC OF A MAN. In 2007, Talbert received the New York Literary Award for Best Playwright of the Year for LOVE IN THE NICK OF TYME and the prestigious NAACP Trailblazer Award for his groundbreaking accomplishments in theater. While Talbert continues his success as a highly respected theatre-maker, with his most recent tour being the box-office juggernaut WHAT MY HUSBAND DOESN'T KNOW starring Morris Chestnut, he has also successfully expanded his brand into the world of feature films and television. His most recent film, the Fox Searchlight romantic comedy BAGGAGE CLAIM, which Talbert adapted from his own Essence best-selling novel, starred Paula Patton, Derek Luke, Jill Scott, Adam Brody, and Djimon Hounsou. This marks the first time an African American filmmaker has adapted and directed his own novel. BAGGAGE CLAIM, released in the fall of 2013, opened as the #1 Comedy in America.

 

 

For more information on David E. Talbert

and to register for the Actors Workshop

& Talent Search, go to www.davidetalbert.com

Wladyka's 'Manos Sucias' Set For April Release

The Spike Lee-produced film will debut in 10+ U.S. markets with non-profit indie film distribution organization The Film Collaborative

NEW YORK (March 11, 2015) – Non-profit independent film distribution organization The Film Collaborative will distribute Josef Kubota Wladyka’s debut feature Manos Sucias in a multi-city theatrical run beginning April 3, 2015.  From director/co-writer Wladyka, Executive Producer Spike Lee, and producers Márcia Nunes and Elena Greenlee, the film will open at New York’s Cinema Village on April 3^rd and Los Angeles’ Laemmle NoHo 7 on April 10^th before expanding into other markets, including Miami, Santa Ana, Detroit, and Houston.

Manos Sucias follows the journey of brothers Jacobo (Jarlin Martinez) and Delio (Cristian Advincula) as they leave the port of Buenaventura, the most dangerous city in Colombia, to navigate up the Pacific coast on a desperate mission. A set of mysterious coordinates is their guide, a fishing net is their cover, and a narco-torpedo filled with 100kg of cocaine is their cargo. A story of brothers risking everything for a chance at a better life, Manos Sucias takes a close look at life at the bottom of the food chain in the international drug trade.

Shot on location in Colombia with local actors and a largely local crew, the filmmakers created an unprecedented level of authenticity by collaborating closely with the Buenaventura community to tell the dramatic narrative.

“I’m excited to partner with The Film Collaborative to bring Manos Sucias to the larger public.  We hope audiences will get swept up in the suspenseful, harrowing journey of the fictional Jacobo and Delio, but also walk away with a better understanding of the horrific realities of the international drug trade.  While Manos Sucias is a Colombian narrative, the film tells a global story,” said Josef Wladyka.

A festival favorite, Manos Sucias premiered at the 2014 Cartagena International Film Festival (FICCI), before screening at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival, where the film took home prizes for Best New Narrative Director and Audience Award, 2^nd Place. Manos Sucias went on to play AFI Fest, San Francisco International Film Festival, Zurich Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Traverse City Film Festival and Festival do Rio, among others.

About The Film Collaborative
THE FILM COLLABORATIVE is the first non-profit committed to distribution, education, and facilitation of independent film.  Launched in early 2010, TFC offers independent filmmakers a full range of services, including fiscal sponsorship, education about distribution, and distribution and marketing services (including sales representation, service theatrical releases, hybrid distribution, grassroots marketing, traditional marketing, digital aggregation, distribution consultation, and contract consultation).  Connect with TFC at www.thefilmcollaborative.org/ or on Twitter @filmcollab.