Taxman 2016

The day after what would have been George Harrison's 73rd birthday, February 26, 2016, Hot Records Ltd. and Vagrant Records are proud to present George Fest: A Night To Celebrate The Music Of George Harrison. Recorded and filmed on September 28th, 2014 at the The Fonda Theater in Los Angeles. This wonderful live tribute will be available in 4 configurations including 2xCD/DVD, 2xCD/Blu-Ray, 3xLP (180 gram) and digital download.

2016 two CD collection of recordings by the former Rolling Stones bassist, both solo and with his Rhythm Kings. With all the tracks chosen by Bill Wyman himself, these two CDs present the perfect introduction to his recordings. Disc One contains songs from Bill's solo albums, kicking off with '(Si Si) Je Suis Un Rock Star', his big hit from 1981, as well as the follow-up hits. Disc Two features songs from Bill's Rhythm Kings, the ten-piece band with revolving guest stars that he put together in the 90s after leaving the Rolling Stones, as well as tracks from Willie And The Poor Boys, Bill's 1985 all-star side-project. The guest stars include Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers, Georgie Fame, Peter Frampton, Chris Rea, Gary Brooker, Andy Fairweather Low, Charlie Watts, Dr John, Joe Walsh, Van Morrison and many more. The booklet lists who plays what on every track, along with annotation by Tony Rounce.

'Alafia Moon' is the 2021 release from veteran bluesman Damon Fowler, a masterful singer, guitar player and songwriter. Combining first rate musicianship and soulful vocals, the album represents various styles that make up the roots of American music. 'Alfafia Moon' marks Fowler's 8th solo release. With all the elements of a classic blues record, it shows off Damon's unique fret work, heartfelt vocals and vivid songwriting to the max.

On toward the mid-'70s, it dawned on the powers-that-were at Capitol/EMI that millions of listeners had come of age since the breakup of the Beatles in 1970 and, thus, had never experienced the group except in a historical context. (This notion was aided by true tales of younger Wings fans discovering – to their amazement – that Paul McCartney had been "a member of another group"). All of the Beatles' albums were still in print and easily available (and routinely stocked by most record stores), but it was thought that some new excitement was needed, some fresh exposure, to re-introduce their work to these younger listeners…

On November 29, 2002, one year after the passing of George Harrison, Olivia Harrison and long-time friend Eric Clapton organized a performance tribute in his honour. Held at London's Royal Albert Hall, the momentous evening featured George's songs, and music he loved, performed by a line-up that included Eric Clapton, Jools Holland, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Monty Python, Tom Petty, Billy Preston, Ravi and Anoushka Shankar, Ringo Starr, Dhani Harrison and many more.

After three strong-selling albums in a row, Black Oak Arkansas released Ain't Life Grand to a somewhat cool response. The successes of the past seemed to have afforded the group better recording accommodations, as this 1975 offering sounds vastly superior to anything that preceded it. The material isn't improved, but the performances are tighter, and the mixes are punchy and clear. James "Jim Dandy" Mangrum still dominates the proceedings with his snarling vocals; however, the singer's more annoying ticks are softened a little, making this a very listenable record. Highlights include a decent cover of the Beatles' "Taxman," the uplifting closer "Let Life Be Good to You," and "Keep On," with its pronounced Grateful Dead shading. Outside of their two near-classics, Raunch 'N' Roll Live, and High On the Hog, this just might be the best effort from Mangrum and Black Oak Arkansas.

For those well versed in the mythos of early 80s heavy metal, the name Michael Denner will be inevitably tied to the legacy of Mercyful Fate and the early, highly consequential studio offers of said band’s iconic front man King Diamond in a solo artist capacity. What is perhaps not is well known is that there is a fairly extensive that predates the release of the iconic debut dubbed “Melissa”, one that is heavily steeped in that mixed up era of sonic experimentation in the late 70s where punk, hard rock and heavy metal often converged…

After three strong-selling albums in a row, Black Oak Arkansas released Ain't Life Grand to a somewhat cool response. The successes of the past seemed to have afforded the group better recording accommodations, as this 1975 offering sounds vastly superior to anything that preceded it. The material isn't improved, but the performances are tighter, and the mixes are punchy and clear. James "Jim Dandy" Mangrum still dominates the proceedings with his snarling vocals; however, the singer's more annoying ticks are softened a little, making this a very listenable record. Highlights include a decent cover of the Beatles' "Taxman," the uplifting closer "Let Life Be Good to You," and "Keep On," with its pronounced Grateful Dead shading. Outside of their two near-classics, Raunch 'N' Roll Live, and High On the Hog, this just might be the best effort from Mangrum and Black Oak Arkansas.