::: The Roots Agency

"Girls From the North Country" on PBS

Continuing throughout August 2010 on many PBS stations, “Girls From the North Country” features roots folk-pop duo Dala, with special guests Oh Susanna and the Good Lovelies. Dala members Amanda Walther and Sheila Carrabine vividly evoke the musical beauty of the lush and rugged North Country terrain with their infectious harmonies and fresh sound.

Check local listings at http://pbs.org/tvschedules.

Watch Dala perform "Horses" from the "Girls From the North Country" stage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwqA92DiMzA&feature=youtube_gdata

Richard Bona to Be Honored at Festival Int’l. de Jazz de Montreal

Richard Bona is to become the 7th recipient of the Antonio Carlos Jobim Award, created for the 25th anniversary of the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal to honor artists distinguished in the field of world music whose influence on the evolution of jazz and cultural crossover is widely recognized. Armed with his bass, Cameroon’s Richard Bona won swift entry to the most prestigious of musical circles: Salif Keita, Harry Belafonte, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Bobby McFerrin, Branford Marsalis. Routinely recognized as the most expert of musicians, Bona is an equally impressive composer, ingeniously blending the rhythms of his native land with those of jazz, imbuing the whole with a lyrical, reflective quality that is sensitive, touching and very personal.

The 31st Festival International de Jazz de Montreal runs from June 25 through July 6, 2010. Richard Bona performs on June 30 and July 2. http://nouvelles.equipespectra.ca/blog/?p=1210&langswitch_lang=en

Airing on Public Television during August

Music of Ireland – Welcome Home, the two-part music special celebrating 50 years of contemporary Irish music, will be airing on PBS throughout the month of August. The series features intimate performances and exclusive interviews with many of the greatest Irish artists of our time, including: The Chieftains, The Clancy Brothers, U2, The Dubliners, Riverdance, Bob Geldof, Ronan Tynan, Sinead O’Connor, and many others. Hosted by Moya Brennan of Clannad, the series features The Roots Agency’s entire Irish-based roster!

Check local listings for airdates and times. Companion CD available at Barnes & Noble. http://www.musicofireland.com/

Parent's Choice Silver Award for Sones de Mexico

Parents' Choice Award winning musicians and storytellers share a common bond; they know what it takes to grab and keep a child's attention. Their original songs and stories deliver intelligent, inventive lyrics; they craft and tell a captivating story, both in words and music. They create magical worlds that kids believe – and want to live in – if even for only a few minutes. Their stories and songs may be imaginary; their creativity and talent is anything but. Those who perform traditional songs or stories do so with a fresh approach and a personal imprint. Serious or silly, the material is delivered with a respect for the audience and the medium.

Congratulations to Silver Award winner Sones de Mexico on this prestigious - and well-deserved – recognition! http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=27669&StepNum=1&award=aw

Tom Jones to Cover Susan Werner’s “Did Trouble Me”

Watch for the upcoming new release from Tom Jones, ‘Praise and Blame,’ a spiritual album that will feature Susan Werner’s “Did Trouble Me” as its first single release.

Island Records plans to release the album in England on July 26th and in the US on July 27th.

A Tip of the Hat to Lesley Gore from Eminem and Amy Winehouse

The new Eminem song “Untitled,” from the monster new CD ‘Recovery,’ contains a sample from the Lesley Gore 1960s Top 40 hit “You Don’t Own Me.” Additionally, a new Quincy Jones tribute to be released later this year will feature Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson singing a cover version of “It’s My Party,” another Lesley Gore Top 40 hit.

Fur Peace Ranch – Django Jam Workshop

Guitar virtuoso and gypsy jazz expert Frank Vignola will be conducting a three-day workshop at Jorma Kaukonen's Fur Peace Ranch, August 20 - 23, 2010. Space is limited.

Details at:
http://www.furpeaceranch.com/instructors/frank_vignola.html

New Signings

Orla Fallon
“I have been privileged in the places that music has brought me," says Orla Fallon. Given the places she’s been these past years, it would be difficult to disagree. His Holiness the Pope, US Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and Irish President Mary McAleese have all been a part of Orla's audiences, both as a solo artist and with the phenomenally successful group Celtic Woman.

A winner of The International Feis Ceoil and International Pan Celtic Competition on two occasions, Orla has also recorded with the legendary Irish group Clannad and the acclaimed choral group Anuna. Her first album debuted in the Billboard World Music Top Ten. Her haunting, deeply moving renditions of traditional Irish airs and her self-penned compositions aroused the interest of musical director David Downes, who invited Fallon to join Celtic Woman for its 2004 inaugural show.

During her time with Celtic Woman, Orla completed several triumphantly successful US tours, selling out such exalted venues as New York's Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Boston's Opera House, The Los Angeles Greek Theatre, and Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Now, after her wonderful, exciting years of touring and recording with Celtic Woman, Orla Fallon feels the time has come to embark on a different journey, touring and promoting her solo album. Given the extraordinary journey she has been on to date, she looks forward to what is yet to come.

Trout Fishing in America
Trout Fishing in America is the long-standing musical partnership of Keith Grimwood (St. Elmo’s Fire) and Ezra Idlet (Houston Symphony; St. Elmo’s Fire). The name, taken from a Richard Brautigan novel, seems almost as incongruous and intriguing as a photograph of this confounding musical duo - Idlet (guitar) stands six feet nine inches and Grimwood (bass), five feet five and one half inches. Even more intriguing is the musical career they have carved out in three decades of writing, recording, and performing together. On the heels of their fourth GRAMMY nomination for Big Round World, the release of a children's book/CD My Name is Chicken Joe, and the premier of Ps and Qs: The ABCs of Manners, a family musical they composed, it is no wonder that Trout Fishing in America sees the future as the brightest part of their successful career.

Sharing knowledge and encouraging art has become a musical mission for Trout Fishing in America. In recent years the duo has developed a variety of song writing workshops that illustrate how art and music can emerge from the fabric of everyday life. A willingness to make fun of our most annoying and sometimes disgusting daily habits in one song, then to touch our hearts with tender and passionate images of family life in the next, is what makes the connection between Trout Fishing in America and its audiences so compelling.

Upcoming Releases

John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky, Eliza Gilkyson – Red Horse
Red House Records
Release Date: July 13, 2010

Red House Records is pleased to announce the July 13, 2010 release of Red Horse, the debut album from folk’s newest supergroup, featuring Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka, and Lucy Kaplansky. The three veteran songwriters have teamed up to cover each other’s songs and to breathe new life into old favorites. Awash in gorgeous harmonies and austere acoustic production, the album is sure to be an instant folk classic - and a big hit with fans.

Gandalf Murphy – The Grand Slambovians
Slambovian Music
Release Date: July 2010

Pre-order now and receive an autographed copy of The Grand Slambovians, plus a free download of the Studio Roughs EP.

Luka Bloom – Dreams in America
Big Sky Records
Release Date: Summer 2010
"I'm allergic to nostalgia. Long nights reminiscing about the good old days are a bit of a yawn to me. Much more excited by the good now days, the next song, the next gig, the seed of the next record....

And yet, perhaps it's ok to press the pause button for a moment, and reflect a tiny bit on experiences over a period of time. Not dwell too long; just feel it again, pay respect to the places and the people. Say thank you to life for bringing me here. Say thank you to all the people who have shared the journey so far."

Hothouse Flowers – Goodnight Sun
Rhino/Warner Brothers
Release Date: September 2010
"We were onstage in Missouri. Kansas City Missouri. We were in the embrace of a great night and the sun was setting to my right. 'Good night sun,' I said. 'Be back before dawn!' Well you know, Fiachna was the first to hear the recording that Stephen Ceresia and Phoebie made of that great embrace of music that we were blessed to be a part of. We decided it was worth putting out there to be heard. Every single bit of this earth is beautiful at sunset. Sunrise in our hearts. Shine on rock and rollers!"

The upcoming Hothouse Flowers CD "Goodnight Sun" was recorded live at the Kansas City Irish Festival in 2009.

Robin Spielberg – Sea to Shining Sea
Release Date: September 21, 2010

Robin Spielberg's SEA TO SHINING SEA features fresh arrangements of the songs Americans have been singing for generations: "My Bonnie," "Danny Boy," "Aura Lee," "In the Good Old Summertime," "The Band Played On," "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," and more. The selections highlight and celebrate the journey of Americans from the Gold Rush, through the Civil War, and beyond.

‘Sea To Shining Sea’ is a departure from many of Spielberg’s other recordings in that all of the tracks, save for two, are arranged for ensemble. The CD includes Grammy-winning oboist/English horn player Nancy Rumbel, cellist Catherine Bent, percussionist Paul Henle, and guitarist/vocalist/fiddler Kate MacLeod, as well as Robin’s eleven-year old daughter Valerie, an aspiring marimbist.

Eileen Ivers – "Beyond the Bog Road"
Koch
Release Date: 2010
Virtuoso Celtic fiddler Eileen Ivers—founding member of Cherish the Ladies, original Riverdance star, and lifelong traveler of Ireland’s musical paths—brings to light the riveting world of Irish stories and sounds, ones that will amaze even the most seasoned travelers through immigrant history.

Saw Doctors – TBD
Ireland Release Date: Summer 2010
US Release Date: TBA

The Saw Doctors is currently touring in Ireland, showcasing songs from the upcoming release.

Salsa Celtica – "En Vivo en el Norte"
European Release Date: April 2010
U.S. Release Date: TBA

Salsa Celtica's synthesis of Scottish and Irish traditional music combined with elements of Latin American salsa has been an unabashed hit at major Celtic, Jazz, World Music, and Salsa festivals throughout the world. The band is a stunning combination of virtuosity and energy, making it one of the most exciting groups on the world music circuit today.

2010 will see the release of a live Salsa Celtica concert DVD and CD album recorded in Manchester, England during November 2009.

Frank Vignola and Bucky Pizzarelli – "Moonglow"
Re-Release Date: TBA
With just two guitars, legendary virtuosos, Bucky Pizzarelli and Frank Vignola, have crafted a seamless blend of classics from the great American songbook, providing the perfect musical compliment for wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Whether it be a romantic dinner or a relaxing Sunday morning, Bucky and Frank set the mood through gorgeous melodies gently strummed and picked as only these two masters are capable.

Frank Vignola – "101 Years of Django"
Release Date: TBA
"100 Years of Django," released in January 2010, was only the beginning of an ambitious vision Frank Vignola has for honoring the master: a 10-volume CD series (one a year for the next nine years after this) comprising all of Django Reinhardt’s original compositions given a fresh perspective. "101 Years of Django" will be recorded early June 2010.

Recent Releases

Dala – Girls From the North Country
Maple Music – DVD and CD
Release Date: June 7, 2010

Dala's first ever live CD and DVD "Girls From The North Country" are now available for pre-order online. Click here to get your copy now! "Girls From the North Country" features roots folk-pop duo Dala, with special guests Oh Susanna and the Good Lovelies. Dala members Amanda Walther and Sheila Carrabine vividly evoke the musical beauty of the lush and rugged North Country terrain with their infectious harmonies and fresh sound.

Sara Hickman – "Absence of Blame"
Sleeveless Records
Release Date: May 4, 2010

"A new adult album, of the darkest parts of my life, of lives of those I have loved, of those I haven't even met."

Sara Hickman – "Big Bird, Little Bird"
Sleeveless Records
DVD Release Date: May 4, 2010

Send your little ones off to dreamland with visions of flowers, clouds, and butterflies dancing to the delightful vocals of renowned singer/songwriter Sara Hickman in "Big Bird, Little Bird," a beautifully animated DVD just released for Mothers' Day! "Big Bird, Little Bird," based upon Sara’s award-winning CD "Newborn," features soothing songs for children ages newborn to five. The DVD is brought to life through bright, colorful computer animation that creates a calming bonding experience between parent and child.

Dave Grisman & Frank Vignola – "Frank 'n' Dawg: Melody Makers"
Acoustic Oasis
Release Date: May 2010 (Download Only)

Frank Vignola and David Grisman have been friends and musical cohorts for years, and the time had come for them to collaborate on a special collection of acoustic duet performances featuring some of their favorite melodies from the Great American Songbook.

Frank'n'Dawg are both great admirers of melody - the focus of this project - without sacrificing either spontaneity or groove. Finely crafted classic melodies are reborn as mandolin-guitar duets, both timeless and timely.

Sones de Mexico
"Fiesta Mexicana: Mexican songs & stories for niños & niñas and their papas & mamas"
Realease Date: April 24, 2010

A dual-language, double CD set based on the children's programs Sones de Mexico has been performing for the past 15 years in residencies at TPAC, Raue Center, Lincoln Center, and hundreds of public schools across the country. Recipient of the Parents' Choice Silver Award!

More information: http://www.rockpaperscissors.biz/go/sonesdemexico

Richard Bona – The Ten Shades of Blues
Decca
European Release Date: October 5, 2009
US Release Date: April 6, 2010

Richard Bona kicked off his international album promo tour on September 17th with four nights at the Jazz Standard in New York City.

An in depth interview with Richard Bona is featured in the Oct./Nov. issue of Bass Musician Magazine: http://bit.ly/1iAxM

Graham Parker – "Imaginary Television"
Bloodshot Records
Release Date: March 16, 2010

Inspired by the grossly lame themes used for sitcoms and television dramas, "Imaginary Television" is Graham Parker thinking outside of "the box," or maybe inside it. Parker created his own TV treatments, wrote the tunes to go along with them, and rocking ensued.

"I went off to write treatments to my own imaginary TV shows which I would grace with the correct theme tunes, not ones chosen by idiots. (Instead of lyrics on the album cover, you get plots!)"

Frank Vignola's Hot Club – "Django 100"
Azica Records
Release Date: January 26, 2010

In celebration of Django Reinhardt’s 100th birthday, guitar virtuoso Frank Vignola, a leading proponent of Reinhardt’s ‘Gypsy Jazz’ style of playing, has assembled a searing tribute to one of his earliest musical influences.

Frank Vignola and Tommy Emmanuel – "Just Between Frets"
Solid Air Records
Release Date: November 3, 2009

Tommy Emmanuel and Frank Vignola turn many a well-known tune inside out with their virtuosity and unique chemistry as a duo, creating a non-stop chain of magical moments that were captured in a couple of spontaneous recording sessions.

Saw Doctors – "To Win Just Once – The Best of the Saw Doctors"
Ireland Release Date: Midnight October 22, 2009
UK Release Date: October 26, 2009
US Release Date: November 3, 2009

"Here we are at the 'Best Of' stage! Who'd a thought? Our original ambitions were to put out a single and play a gig in tune, which, even if it wasn't great, wouldn't be too bad. A good few singles later (the odd number one), six studio albums, and something over two thousand gigs - the time has come for us to compile the 'All-Stars' list, so to speak."

John Gorka – so dark you see"
Red House Records
Release Date: October 13, 2009

With "so dark you see," John Gorka solidifies himself among the folk music greats with a collection of songs that are multi-layered and full of rich meaning and emotion. Intelligently crafted lines weave themes of love and hope in troubled times, together with sharp observations of the privileged few and troubles we must endure. “so dark you see” captures a songwriter at the pinnacle of his craft. A Gorka classic!

John Gorka's "So Dark You Can See" charted at #1 on folk radio in October - plus #1 artist - plus #1 song - plus songs #3, 11 & 18!... http://bit.ly/2ykNQY11/2/

Harry Manx – "Bread and Buddha"
Dog My Cat
Release Date: September 15, 2009

It’s been five long years since East-West fusion blues artist Harry Manx released an album of original material. His ninth CD, titled "Bread and Buddha" is quite prescient for these uncertain times. The songs explore the ephemeral nature of the human experience while amply covering the folk ballad, world, and blues genres.

"I feel like my songwriting has moved ahead, and I'm also putting a lot of time and energy into the production," he enthuses. "Usually I knock a record off in a matter of days, but I'm having strings, organs, bass, and lots of wonderful voices on this one – all of which should serve to make it unique." Harry performs "Nine Summers Lost" from the new album at http://talkinblues.podbean.com/2008/11/18/talkin-blues-video-podcast-episode-4/.

McPeake – 100 Years of Irish Tradition
Release Date: September 2009

Just in time for the band's US tour in September, a live EP featuring 5 McPeake tunes.

Anúna – "Sanctus" (CD)
Anúna – "Invocations of Ireland" (DVD)
Claddagh Records
Ireland Release Date: July 1, 2009
U.S. Release Date: August 1, 2009

On April 5, 2008, Anúna recorded material for a new project at St Peter's Church in Drogheda, Ireland. The resulting album features Michael McGlynn's "Agnus Dei," Allegri's "Miserere," and Lotti's eight voice "Crucifixus," among other tracks. The CD is being released simultaneously with a new DVD “Invocations of Ireland,” which features Anúna performing on location throughout Ireland, including Christ Church Cathedral crypt, the Wicklow Mountains, the rugged west Galway coast, and the Burren.

Dala – "Everyone is Someone"
Big Bold Sun Music/Universal Music
Canadian Release Date – June 9, 2009
U.S. Release Date – July 12, 2009

The new Dala album "Everyone is Someone" is the duo's fourth release and features the jaunty single "Levi Blues." Dala is currently touring in support of this much-anticipated release.

Check out Dala’s new "Levi Blues" music video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eBowaOvOmM

NewFound Road – "Same Old Place"
Rounder Records
Release Date: April 28, 2009

When it comes from NewFound Road, it comes from the soul. You'd be hard pressed to find a bluegrass band that plays and sings with more feeling and heart than this extraordinary ensemble. NewFound Road has blossomed into a band that can shake you to your emotional core. Listen to “Same Old Place” and believe.

"Same Old Place" made its debut on Billboard's Bluegrass Sales Chart at #8.

Articles by David Tamulevich

"Should you be Working with an Agent" from Performing Songwriter Magazine
You've been booking yourself, or maybe a friend's been helping, and you feel you've got something to offer and that your career is starting to happen. What's the next step? People are starting to tell you that you should get an agent. What does that, and what would that, mean? How do you know if you really do need an agent, and how would you find one? (read more...)

"Finding an Agent" from SingOut! Magazine
Let me start by making two points that I believe are invaluable considerations for any artist looking to be in this business seriously: (read more...)

Charlie Dahan Recording Industry Blog

"Center of the Indie Label Universe" is Charlie Dahan’s straight-talking blog that addresses issues of interest to students of the Recording Industry and to Indie artists. It has broad appeal to virtually anyone involved in, or seeking to become involved in, popular music. As an Associate Professor at Middle Tennessee State University in the Recording Industry Department, Charlie’s perspectives are focused, pertinent, and highly sought after. http://indieuniverse.wordpress.com/

Celebrity Access Interview with Roots Agency President and Founder Tim Drake

Tim Drake, president of The Roots Agency in Westwood, New Jersey, started his career at 14 booking bands into his high school.

At 18, he promoted his first major concert--with Mountain.

Working as Tim Drake Presents for over 15 years, he followed up with shows by Billy Joel, Aerosmith, the Kinks, the Charlie Daniels Band, the Marshall Tucker Band, Eddie Rabbit, Squeeze, Richard Pryor, BeBe and CeCe Winans, and Take 6

Drake promoted primarily in the suburbs of New York City, in venues such as Newark Symphony Hall, Westchester Premier Theater, Westchester County Center and The John Harms Theater.

In 1995, Drake and former Premier Talent agent Sean LaRoche, co-founded the folk-based booking firm Drake & LaRoche initially representing five acts, including Tony Bird and Vance Gilbert (who remains with Drake today).

Read More...

The Roots Agency on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook

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