Matt Goss: Life You Imagine (new album)

 Published On December 31, 2014 | By Mason Williams | 

Matt Goss - the singer/songwriter released his fifth album this year entitled; Life You Imagine. Matt is one hot singer whom has for a while now lit up the Las Vegas lights on stage. His live performances with a big band are brought into Matt's current album where he stays true to his vocals and the lush sounds.

Lovely Las Vegas is a track that easily one could hear Harry Connick Jr. or Michael Buble record.

In the 1980s, Matt was part of a group called Bros. in which had a hit entitled When Will I Be Famous, where the singer revisits it and breaths new life into it with this time a big band feel. One of the singles off the album is Strong where Matt's vocals soar and sound amazing. The entire album flows very well from track to track with no true misses other than for me; Face My Fears which was a bit on the boring side.

The current album showcases Matt Goss as the ever talented showman and the creative singer/songwriter. It is very refreshing that Matt took a very creative direction within this album. He did not simply stick to the tried and true standards or a songbook rather wrote and re-imagined songs for someone like myself this was delightful. A great thing to note is that the gentleman that you hear via the album is also whom you get live on stage in Vegas. This is one entertainer that is truly worth seeing live and checking-out his current album.

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Matthew Huff "Gave It All He Got" in 2014!

Matthew Huff - has had one incredible 2014 musically from releasing his 3rd album; "Give It All I Got" with the hit single; "A Little Bit of Crown." Additionally, this year had brought Matthew to release a lovely song dedicated to his state of Arkansas entitled; "This Is Our Home" which was co-written with fellow country artist Lance Carpenter. The song was written after the tragic tornado this year devastated his home state leaving a trail of destruction. What a lovely song of courage and strength!

Matthew has brought is talent on the road both nationally and globally where he has started his well received gigs via StageIt along with touring from all corners of the nation to the United Kingdom! That is right Matthew is getting tons of love across the pond! 

A big item for Matthew is receiving huge recognition at thus year's annual "International Music and Entertainment Awards" (IMEA Awards) for 2014.  In the genre of country Matthew won a total of 3 awards:
Song of the Year ( A Little Bit of Crown)
Album of the Year ( Give It All I Got)
Entertainer of the Year

Here is a message from Matthew:
"I wish you all a fantastic 2015.  Thank you for helping make 2014 a huge success for me, with the birth of an award winning album. ( Give It All I Got)  Thank you for making that possible.  I will be hitting the road again in January and looking to add shows in the Northeast and Southwest this upcoming year."


TOUR DATES: 

January 9 - 9:00AM - Good Morning Arkansas - KATV 7

Little Rock, AR

January 9 - 8:30pm - Hawgs - Hot Springs, AR 

 w/ Gabriel Bradley Band

January 10 - 8:00pm - Rev Room - Little Rock, AR (full band)

January 24 - 5:00pm - Concert For Casey - 

Mammoth Spring High Scho

 

 

January 9 - 9:00AM - Good Morning Arkansas - KATV 7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 9 - 8:30pm - Hawgs - Hot Springs, R

January 9 - 9:00AM - Good Morning Arkansas - KATV 7

January 9 - 9 AM - Performing live on "Good Morning Arkansas!" (KATV 7)"n
January 9 - 8:30pm - Hawgs - Hot Springs, AR

January 30 - 10:00pm - Dublin's Pass - Springfield, MO

January 10 - 8:00pm - Rev Room - Little Rock, AR (full band)

January 9 - 9:00AM - Good Morning Arkansas - KATV 7

Little Rock, AR

January 9 - 8:30pm - Hawgs - Hot Springs, AR 

 w/ Gabriel Bradley Band

January 10 - 8:00pm - Rev Room - Little Rock, AR (full band)

January 24 - 5:00pm - Concert For Casey -

January 24 - 5:00pm - Concert For Casey - 

Mammoth Spring High School - Mammoth Spring, AR

January 9 - 9:00AM - Good Morning Arkansas - KATV 7

Little Rock, AR

January 9 - 8:30pm - Hawgs - Hot Springs, AR 

 w/ Gabriel Bradley Band

January 10 - 8:00pm - Rev Room - Little Rock, AR (full band)

January 24 - 5:00pm - Concert For Casey - 

Mammoth Spring High School - Mammoth Spring, AR

January 30 - 10:00pm - Dublin's Pass - Springfield, MO

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Chrsitmas Albums 2014!

Christmas Albums 2014 - this year we were gifted many various styles of holiday music. I am truly a big fan of this time of year and it's music though can not say just how tiring it can be when they all sound like one another. In a day and age where the Christmas season starts right at Halloween which is just too soon for me with radio stations playing 24/7 holiday tracks.

I like many others truly love this time of year. It is great to give onto others and enjoy the festive decorations and find the time to be with the one's you love. Music that can bring you back to your childhood and perhaps provide new memories to come. That being said 2014 was like any other year in the recording industry where recording artists released new holiday albums. Some as in all year's are bringing a fresh sound, new tracks which I adore then there are one's that seem to utilize the same method with jingling of bells and the same huge sound that another artist has done time and time again. In past year's artists that have in my book whom successfully recorded albums for the holiday season have been; Kelly Clarkson, Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jr., Natalie Cole, Sarah Brightman, Dolly Parton/Kenny Rogers, Lorrie Morgan, Vanessa Williams, Jonny Blu, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and others.

2014, brought us several albums whom each placed hopes that theirs will become a staple in one's household and strikes that perfect chord to one's ears. I am giving you my favorite's of 2014 that were released this year. There are MANY and these I found were truly beautifully done, unique, and simply stood out! There in my book are a must for holiday listening.

1. Renee Fleming - Christmas In New York

2. Idina Menzel - Holiday Wishes


3. Darius Rucker - Home for the Holidays



4. Leann Rimes - One Christmas, Chapter One


5. Anthony Hamilton - Home For The Holidays



6. Michael W. Smith & Friends - The Spirit of Christmas


7. Pentatonix - That's Christmas to Me

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"Uptown Funk" the Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars style!

Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars - there is a brand new single that is hitting the airwaves fast and gaining a lot of attention in such a short time. Singers Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars vocally collaborated on the hit; "Uptown Funk." This single was originally slated to be released on January 11th 2015 though due to a performance on the UK's X Factor's contestant Fleur East it heated up the airwaves fast.

Fleur's version of the song was performed recently on "The X Factor" where it quickly hit the UK Charts and made airwaves for a new hit. With this live performance getting so much buzz it had the record label and artists Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars push the release of the single by five weeks where it is as of December 8th released as a single. The track is part of the up-coming second album from Mark Ronson entitled; "Uptown Special" which is to be released in January.

The short time that the single from Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars is out has made it a chart topping hit surpassing Fleur's version and making this single; "Uptown Funk" a huge hit for 2015 and for the end of 2014! Both hit singers recently made a live appearance as the musical guests on Saturday Night Live (SNL) with Cameron Diaz as host. Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars hit the ground running with a dynamic and funky performance of the single. This single has already received from it's official music video online over 27 million views where if I was a betting man would think these two singers will be doing a 2015 global tour which I will be going to!

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Jesse Johnson (Preview of Exclusive Interview)

Jesse Johnson - is a hot commodity in the Broadway theater world. Jesse is having a very successful career from his Broadway roles as Boq in the hit; Wicked, Glory Days playing the role of Jack, and Xanadu. 

On top of the hectic theatrical work; Jesse has his first EP released this year entitled "Ginger Love," A true labor of love for this multifaceted actor, singer, dancer, and entrepreneur. Jesse's current EP is a very well received album (I am loving it and have to say Jesse is one of my favorites!). The kick-off for the release of the EP was at the famous New York City venue; The Bitter End.      

Here at "The Beat!" I am very excited to say that we have a very exclusive interview with this amazing singer/actor Jesse Johnson. Jesse will be talking about his current EP, up-coming album/vocal collaborations, touring, being part of a retail store and performance space within NYC, his past theatrical projects, and much more!

Now, take a look at the special teaser video message from Jesse especially made for "The Beat!" where he gives us some great insight into his outgoing and hilarious personality! Jesse even shares his vocals with us! See it here exclusively where Jesse sits with us and will get your GINGER LOVE! 

Jesse Johnson Official Website: http://jessejpjohnson.com/
Jesse Johnson on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jesse-johnson/id940249888
Jesse Johnson on Twitter: @jessejpjohnson
 

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The Holidays with Natalie Cole!

Natalie Cole - has one of the loveliest voices of ladies which only makes sense with her father being the great Nat King Cole. I have for years adored Natalie Cole as a singer and performer. Natalie is one lady that opposed to many of her contemporary's has kept her vocals in tact and sounds truly timeless. A stable for my Christmas music enjoyment is always Natalie Cole and her wide array of holiday songs and albums. My personal favorite is her 1994 holiday album entitled; "Holly & Ivy."

"Holly & Ivy" is celebrating it's 20th Anniversary and is one of my all time favorite albums since buying it in 1994 to this day. Natalie brings her always classy, soul, passion into each of the tracks of this particular holiday album. It is set with her lush big band sounds and powerful vocals and emotions that one can tell this is not a phoned in album rather a classic that stays true to the songs and makes the listener go on the journey both jubilant and sentimental. This is one classic lady and album that I always listen to annually come the holiday season from start to finish. My favorites have to be;
"Joy To The World" "Jingle Bells" "No More Blue Christmas" "Silent Night" "The Christmas Song" & "The Holly & The Ivy."

In 1993, David Foster released another of my staples now since it first was released as a go-to for the holiday season where he featured Natalie performing; "Grown Up Christmas List" & "White Christmas" (the later being recorded with other greats also featured on the album such as; Michael Crawford, Johnny Mathis, Wynonna Judd, Vanessa Williams, BeBe & CeCe Winans).

In 1999, Natalie Cole released another holiday album and this time with the London Symphony Orchestra where she did lovely recordings of; "O Tanenbaum" "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" "Sleigh Ride""Carol of the Bells" and one of my favorites of the album; "Mary, Did You Know."

Natalie also recorded a live holiday album in December 1995 entitled; "A Celebration of Christmas." The powerful powerhouses of opera joined her this time being both Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. All tracks on this album were sung by all three of the artists and were simply a glorious collaboration.

Now when you are looking for a classic album and singer for the holiday season look no further to one of my all time favorites and go-to ladies Natalie Cole!

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Darren Cinque releases "Because of You" new single/video

Darren Cinque - one of our "Artists In Residence" here at "The Beat!" has big news of a brand new single and music video out entitled; "Because of You." I am pleased that Darren is sharing the video and putting into his own words the concept of the music video which as the song was very well thought out and executed. Check-out the music video below along with Darren speaking to us about his new bundle of joy being his new single/music video that you will love! 

A recording studio in the middle of nowhere...would you imagine?

This is where my new single "Because of you" came to light, years ago.

I was playing in a band by the name of Lomo. An alternative rock outfit. We were in lock down in a recording studio for a couple of weeks in Lombardy, North of Italy. Literally there was absolutely nothing around us except rice fields.

A great place for full concentration on recording as well as "writing" new material.

After a long day of recording (perhaps about 2 hours recording and then sitting around listening to the others record their parts) - I sat at the lovely concert grand piano in the live room where I started dabbling on the tune for "Because of you".

Since I was far from my loved one and was missing her dearly, the words for the song came easily.

The language of love is universal, it speaks to everybody, and relates to every aspect of our lives - be it our soul mate or even a place we belong to - I guess this song can trigger different interpretations.

The music was pretty fitting from the word go as well, so the song pretty much wrote itself within moments...just the way I like it - rather than those songs that take weeks or months to write, where you can't find the right hook, or lyrics...they just don't work for me...you lose the vibe. So I was pretty satisfied.

The video was directed by Luca Orsi who also directed all my other videos. I chose him for the job yet once again because of our great synergy. He knows what I'm thinking as soon as I start explaining what I want.

Why "Because of you"?

 I guess I needed and it was expected of me by my fans to put out a ballad. This is a slow song and has only piano and voice, but the plan is to record it again some day soon with complete instrumentation. But anyway, I thought that the melody and words manage to stand on their own and give the right idea of my song, so I went with it.

I'm pretty happy with the response so far!

As a kid I always watched music videos on MTV etc., I would record them on VHS cassettes and watch them over and over again. I was drawn to the different styles and always thought if I ever get to make a music video one day, I would like it to be just like this.

The first thing I decided as a "must" for this video was to have a grand piano to play on. Grand piano - yeah!! - and then as a bonus, a beautiful room filled with stunning furniture as well as a view of a lake in the north Lombardy Italy region helped set the mood of the song.

Darren Cinque - "BECAUSE OF YOU" copyright 2014.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgGV1_DE-Ss&list=UUJWokQEJqyyC0BtXfrqlX7g

https://www.facebook.com/darrencinqueofficial

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Renée Fleming as the Merry Widow!

Renée Fleming - the opera diva is going to star in the Metropolitan Opera's new production of Lehar's operetta; "The Merry Widow." The world premiere is on New Year's Eve with an excellent cast in every aspect. Susan Stroman, the Broadway director and choreographer whom is directing this production with past credits being the hugely successful productions of; "Contact" "The Producers" and many more. Along with Susan Stroman the design team is the best being Julian Crouch and William Ivey Long for costume design whom also did the costumes for Broadway's productions; "Cinderella" "Hairspray" etc. The sets along with costumes are lavish and vibrant with rich colors. Ones eyes will be filled with beauty and ears with the best cast.

In addition to Renée Fleming in the starring role as Sonia with her leading man Nathan Gunn playing the role of Danilo whose is captivated by Sonia by first site. Broadway super star Kelli O'Hara the star of Broadway productions of; "The Bridges of Madison County" "The Pajama Game" the 2001 revival of "Follies" and much more. Kelli plays the role Valencienne. Susan Graham the mezzo-soprano star will take on the title role later in 2015. For any fan that will be unable to attend this production in NYC have no fear it will be filmed and telecast for the movie theater's and I am sure for PBS.

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Kristin Chenoweth is Coming Home!

Kristin Chenoweth - the Broadway, television, motion picture singer/actress is releasing her first album on Concord Records. Kristin's first album on her new label is entitled; "Coming Home" which was a live concert recording in her hometown of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center.

The album was recorded over two sold-out performances this year.  Kristin being very proud of her roots donated her Tony and Emmy Award along with other keepsakes to her hometown's performing arts where they will be put on display.

"Coming Home" will be released as a full length concert which will be aired via PBS and available for purchase along with the album. Any fan will love the very well thought out collection of music that is on Kristin's live album which seems to be something for everyone. For the fans of Wicked two songs being; "Popular" and "For Good" are covered along with the classic theater fans; "Bring Him Home" (from Les Misérables), "I Could Have Danced All Night" and Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" (from Phantom of the Opera). We also have Kristin doing a great rendition of Dolly Parton's song; "Little Sparrow" and then the pulse hitting "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" originally sung by Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand. Lastly, Kristin brings her classics; "I Was Here" and "Fathers and Daughters." This is one full length concert that is a feast for the eyes and ears with a great reception from all fans.

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The Best of Jonny Blu!

 

Jonny Blu - one of my all time favorite jazz artists of my generation and a mainstay of this online publication has released; "The Best of Blu!" Jonny's brand new album chronicles his musical journey thus far with capturing the best tracks from all of his albums. It includes hits from; "Taboo!" (2009), "In Just That Kind of Mood" (2006), "The Ukulele Experience Volume One" (2012), amongst others.

Jonny is a true cross-over star whom has hit #1 with three singles in China, to become the first singer whom is non Chinese to record and write an entire album in Mandarin, to have a song featured in the motion picture; The Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement, he is the real deal! From contemporary pop, swing, jazz, big band, Jonny infuses all of these to never want to be placed into one simple niche. I am as one can see by this article and the overall publication heavily biased on his music since being now a long time fan know that if you are looking for some great music from a highly talented singer/songwriter look no further! Jonny Blu is going to gain your attention musically and your ears will thank me for it. The first single from "The Best of Blu" is "Let Go" which will have an accompanied music video soon.   

Official Jonny Blu website: http://jonnyblu.com/

 

"Best of Blu" track listing:

1	Make Your Move
2	Dignity
3	Let Go
4	I Got You
5	Girl from Ipanema
6	Babalú
7	Bésame Mucho (En Español)
8	Fascination
9	Holiday for Two
10	Smilin' Eyes (Ain't Always Nice)
11	The Ooh-Wee Song
12	Sweet Lovin'
13	Someone Like You
14	Crossroads 十字路口

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Gaga & Bennett are "Cheek to Cheek!"

Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett - a collaboration that I did not think of when the two joined forces to record; "The Lady Is A Tramp" for the 2011 album; Duets II. Tony Bennett is one classic singer whom has seemed to enjoy breathing new life into classics to new generations. What Tony Bennett was able to do for several years now and with his dynamic duet with Lady Gaga for his 20133 album is educate us the music listener to a more sophisticated songbook from legendary singers/songwriters that many of us never had on the radar. The classically trained Gaga sounded like sheet perfection vocally with Bennett and it is not a surprise that two decided to give their stamp of gold to classics on a brand new album that gives such iconic standards light once again.

"Cheek to Cheek" is the brand new album that Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga have collaborated and released this year. I have found that the album lives up to the high standard for both artists where it has a lush big band sound with the best of the best musicians pairing with such amazing tracks and singers. Personally, I am enjoying the entire album from start to finish where unlike most albums released in this day and age there are no fillers it is simply perfection of music with both singers at their level best. The chemistry is absolutely lovely between the singers on each and every song. What I see makes the alum such a "must have" is one would think these are new tracks from two singers whom have known each other for decades. An evening at a refined jazz club with well dressed attendees dancing the night away over a glass of champagne with the view of NYC in the background is what I envision.

The artists bring classics written from the greats; Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and George Gershwin to life where we all will swoon from the very first note to the final. This album is a perfect gift for this holiday season for not just the Lady Gaga and/or Tony Bennett fan but also one whom loves jazz and simply great music. I would not have thought of the pairing but now it is genius and hopefully we will hear much more from them!

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