Ann Harada, Lauren Kennedy, et al. Set for Michael Patrick Walker Birdland Concert, 11/7

YELLOW SOUND LABEL will release Out Of Context, the debut CD of composer Michael Patrick Walker on iTunes, Amazon and other outlets on November 8, 2011. Best known as co-writer and co-creator of the hit musical, Altar Boyz, the award-winning composer/lyricist will have a special one-night only CD release event on Monday, November 7 at 7:00 PM as part of "Broadway at Birdland," the weekly concert series at the legendary jazz club.

The evening will feature a stellar group of Broadway's best performers singing selections from the album - a brand new collection of songs that are taken "out of context" from the musicals they were written for. Michael's wide range of musical styles, clever lyrics and infectious melodies make this an event not to be missed. Currently scheduled to perform are Ann Harada, Lauren Kennedy, Peter Friedman, Kenita Miller, John Tartaglia, Julie Foldesi, Noah Galvin, Andy Karl, Tyler Maynard, Andy Mientus, Jim Stanek and Betsy Wolfe.

In addition to Friedman, Galvin, Karl, Mientus, and Stanek, the CD includes performances by Cheyenne Jackson, Kelli O'Hara, Rachel York, Michael Arden, Lisa Howard, Anne L. Nathan, Kate Wetherhead, Telly Leung, Kerry O'Malley and Natalie Venetia Belcon. The album was produced by Michael Croiter and Michael Patrick Walker.

In addition to Mr. Walker on piano, the concert will feature Michael Croiter on drums and percussion, Brian Koonin on guitar, Mary Ann McSweeney on bass, Claudia Chopek on violin and Clay Ruede on cello.

"Most of my songs are part of a larger story," says Walker. "They're from musicals I've written, musicals I'm writing or musicals I'm going to write. For this album, I've chosen thirteen of those songs and embraced that you'll be hearing them 'Out of Context.' As isolated moments of joy, defiance, sorrow, realization and love you might not know exactly how the characters got there, but I think you'll recognize where they are. I'm excited to share these songs with you - most for the very first time - and I hope you enjoy listening to 'Out of Context' as much as I enjoyed making it.

Michael Patrick Walker's debut musical, Altar Boyz, garnered him two Drama Desk nominations (shared with Gary Adler) for both "Outstanding Music" and "Outstanding Lyrics," won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical and ran for five years. His new musical, The Distant Bells, was a finalist for the Eugene O'Neill Musical Theatre Festival and received a reading at the Roundabout Theatre in early 2011 starring Chita Rivera, Ana Gasteyer and Rachel York. He is currently writing an original new musical with book-writer Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher) and developing a dance musical with director Stafford Arima (Carrie, Altar Boyz) and choreographer Andrew Palermo (artistic director of dre.dance). Beyond the world of theatre, he composed the new Rockette dance number "Humbugged!" for the 2011 Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and his music and lyrics can be heard on TV on the Disney Channel's "Johnny and the Sprites" and Nick JR's "Olivia". Recordings include the Altar Boyz cast album and several editions of BC/EFA's "Carols for a Cure." For more information, please visit www.michaelpatrickwalker.com.

Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street in Manhattan. Please visit www.birdlandjazz.com  or call (212) 581-3080 for reservations. "Broadway at Birdland" is presented by Jim Caruso.

Yellow Sound Label is proud to present Out Of Context to listeners. With this recording we continue our commitment of bringing high quality new music to the public through our composer series of releases. For more information, please visit www.YellowSoundLabel.com.