About the Album: he Clef Club of New York City, Inc. was a fraternal and professional organization for the advancement of African-American musicians and entertainers; all of the composers on this recording were members or closely affiliated with the Club. The "Clef Club" was founded toward the end of 1909 in New York by James Reese Europe and his associates. Their mission to highlight the value, dignity, and professionalism of African-American performers was a great success and did much to change racial attitudes at all levels of white society. It quickly became a "whoÕs who" of early twentieth-century black music and show business. With its reputation for reliability, gentility, and quality performances, the Clef Club soon gained the favor of the loftiest of New YorkÕs white society; it became the very height of fashion to announce that one had secured a genuine "Clef Club Orchestra" for an upcoming social event. The composers featured on this revelatory recording represent the cream of Black BohemiaÕs musical lifeÑthe movers and shakers who paved the way for the music of the better remembered "Harlem Renaissance" of the 1920s. And while their names are obscure today, all once enjoyed national reputations in white America as well, feeding its burgeoning interest in black music, theater, and dance. Taken altogether, the talent, persistence, cooperation, and courage of these pioneers is an amazing American story that deserves to be better known. The recording features nineteen works by ten composers and is accompanied by a 40-page booklet. In addition to those by Europe and Cook, highlights include works by Will Vodery, an acknowledged influence on Ellington, and the first instrumental rag ever published, Sambo: A Characteristic Two Step March (1896), by Will Tyers.
Label: New World Records
New Historical Biography A LONG, LONG WATCH: VOLUME II: THE SEA: 1925 TO 1946 Released
by Blair Ingenthron
- November 03, 2024
David G. Gitkov has invited readers on a journey spanning continents, seas, and decades in A Long, Long Watch: Volume II: The Sea: 1925 to 1946. This remarkable historical biography chronicles Gitkov's relentless pursuit of a life shaped by ambition, adventure, and the pursuit of freedom during some of the 20th century's most turbulent years.
Jane Monheit Releases New Holiday Single 'Silver Bells' via Club44 Records
by Blair Ingenthron
- November 01, 2024
CLUB44 RECORDS has released “Silver Bells” – the new holiday single from celebrated jazz vocal stylist Jane Monheit – on streaming and digital formats. The song, a joyously infectious Latin-inspired take on the seasonal classic, was originally released as a bonus track on last year's vinyl edition of her 2022 album, The Merriest.
Mike Campbell to Release 'Heartbreaker' Memoir in March 2025
by Josh Sharpe
- October 30, 2024
Celebrated guitarist and songwriter Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Fleetwood Mac) is set for the release of his memoir, Heartbreaker, written with Ari Surdoval. The book is due March 18 via Grand Central Publishing.
Short Play Anthology ALL GOOD THINGS MUST BEGIN Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz
- October 28, 2024
The Arts & Climate Initiative and Centre for Sustainable Practice in the Arts released an anthology of short plays, ALL GOOD THINGS MUST BEGIN, exploring future visions with themes of regeneration and justice. Learn more!
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Pianist Kathryn Stott Release New Album 'Merci'
by Josh Sharpe
- October 25, 2024
Yo-Yo Ma and longtime collaborator Kathryn Stott have released their newest album, Merci (Sony Classical), which is out now. Merci is a deeply personal expression of gratitude, a celebration of the powerful relationships that keep music alive. Listen to the new album here.
New Album KAREN MASON AND ALL THAT JAZZ! Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz
- October 25, 2024
Karen Mason And All That Jazz! – the singular album from acclaimed Broadway star and concert artist KAREN MASON – is now available on CD and in digital and streaming formats. Listen here.
Florence + The Machine Royal Albert Hall Concert to Receive Live Album
by Josh Sharpe
- October 18, 2024
Florence Welch made her debut at the BBC Proms at the iconic Royal Albert Hall alongside Jules Buckley and his Orchestra in London on September 11th, 2024. Now, Florence & Jules Buckley announce that the Symphony of Lungs (BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall) live album will be available digitally on Friday, October 25th and on vinyl and CD on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Olivia Newton-John Duets With Jane Lynch on Reimagined Holiday Album
by Josh Sharpe
- October 18, 2024
This holiday season is sure to be filled with joy, love, and light with the release of “Angels in the Snow,” a new album featuring reimagined Christmas recordings by the four-time GRAMMY®-winner. Listen to a new single featuring Jane Lynch, out now!
Jazz Artist Bob Holz Signs With SoVibe Entertainment
by Blair Ingenthron
- October 13, 2024
Jazz artist Bob Holz signed with SoVibe Entertainment and will release a new album in 2025 honoring guitar legend Larry Coryell. His work is featured in the September 2024 issue of Downbeat Magazine.
Composer Rick Sowash To Debut A PIRATE'S CHRISTMAS For Flute, Cello, and Piano on Digital EP Next Month
by Blair Ingenthron
- October 13, 2024
For holiday listening, Cincinnati's Rick Sowash, a prolific, self-described 'outsider composer' with some 500 published scores to his credit, will release the world-premiere recording of the whimsical 'A Pirate's Christmas,' his newest trio for flute, cello, and piano, as part of a digital-only seasonal EP available November 8, 2024.
Exclusive: Read an Excerpt from Eric Idle's THE SPAMALOT DIARIES
by Nicole Rosky
- October 11, 2024
Crown released The Spamalot Diaries, the inside story of what it took to bring Monty Python and the Holy Grail to Broadway as the unlikely theatrical hit Spamalot, as told through actual diaries from the legendary comic performer, founding member of Monty Python, and New York Times bestselling author Eric Idle. Check out an excerpt here!
Video: Take a Look Inside Allyson Briggs' New Album
by Chloe Rabinowitz
- October 11, 2024
Explore the behind-the-scenes documentary of Allyson Briggs as she celebrates the release of her new Burt Bacharach album, PROMISES, PRAYERS, AND RAINDROPS, offering an intimate look at her creative process.
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