Music has been present in Hugh Laurie’s career in some form or another since the days of Fry & Laurie, even working its way into House, the American television series that turned him into an international star in the 2000s. Without House, Laurie would never have been granted the opportunity to record an album like 2011’s Let Them Talk, a full-blooded immersion into American blues via New Orleans, shepherded by acclaimed roots producer Joe Henry and featuring such Big Easy heavy-hitters as Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, and Irma Thomas. To his enormous credit, Laurie never sounds like a dilettante among this group; he holds his own, working his way into the marrow of the songs, playing credible piano throughout the record.
No one, least of all Deep Purple themselves, expected the success of 2013's Now What?! It placed at number one on four European album charts and in the Top Ten of six other countries. It also sold exceptionally well: It was certified Gold in Poland, Germany (where it sold over 100,000), the Czech Republic, and Russia – it was the band's first album to crack the U.K.'s Top 40 charts in 20 years. For InFinite, Deep Purple re-enlisted producer Bob Ezrin. At this point, he is almost a sixth member. This the longest running lineup in their history. InFinite is a heavier and more expansive record than its predecessor, but it's not as consistent. Ian Gillian is in excellent form – still possessing intense expressive power and range, his falsetto remains intact four decades on. Don Airey's organ and keys – so elemental in DP's musical architecture – is physical, atmospheric, and dynamic. He and guitarist Steve Morse combine brute force with imagination and finesse. Ian Pace, who had a mini-stroke last year, seems to have recovered fully. Roger Glover remains a bassist whose musical signature is so dominant it is only rivaled by Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler.
Best known for his work with Ultravox and as a co-founder writer/founder of Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’, Midge Ure has also had a rich and illustrious career prior to Ultravox with the Rich Kids, Visage and throughout his career as a solo artist. Chrysalis Records are releasing a new 32-song collection, encompassing four decades of Midge Ure’s rich and varied career. This 2CD/1DVD is presented with double-gatefold card sleeves, a 20-page booklet with track notes by Midge and housed in a clamshell box. It features promo videos including the Rich Kids, through to his solo work and various collaborations. Bonus features include documentaries and additional live and video clips. As a special bonus, Midge has recorded a commentary over the promo videos. Midge Ure will be on a world tour from October – beginning with a full UK tour, then moving to Poland, Germany, Holland, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand and North America.
Superstar violinist David Garrett is back on blistering form to unveils his brand new album, Rock Revolution. Featuring unique interpretations of rock and pop classics from hitmakers including Phil Collins, Prince, The Verve and Rage Against The Machine, as well as Garrett’s own new compositions, Rock Revolution showcases the extraordinary talent of one of his generation’s most talked-about and accomplished artists. Now the Rock Revolution Limited Edition Fanbox is the ultimate Rock Revolution package. Includes the deluxe version of new album which has 18 tracks and bonus DVD with 9 videos, all inside a special limited edition box with inner fitting and slip case with cut outs.