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KIRK FLETCHER
"MY TURN"
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KIRK FLETCHER
"MY TURN"
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"Fletcher favors toothy Strat tones, stinging bends, and flurries of tight, staccato riffs that seem to pop from his fretboard like little firecrackers." - Guitar Player Magazine
"Fletcher clearly has ensemble dynamics down, suggesting that his years as a sideman have been fruitful. But he's also unabashed as a bandleader, and his guitar work earns its prominence." - Blues Revue Magazine
"Kirk Fletcher is a young man with a big reputation... he exudes class and style, knows all the classic licks but never resorts to mere copying, always with his own take in his trick bag." - Blues & Rhythm Magazine
Now Kirk Fletcher's long awaited return is finally here! Produced by legendary Los Angeles guitarist and close friend Michael Landau, "My Turn" finds Fletcher stretching out instrumentally and exploring new sonic territories on the guitar. In addition, Kirk also makes his surprising vocal debut on two songs which include the Jimmy Reed classic “Found Love,” and an ultra funky version of Sly Stone’s “Let Me Have It All.” This is a project that is very near to Kirk, and one that he just absolutely felt compelled to make. So with the intuitively selected album title of “My Turn,” it would only be appropriate to let Kirk have the last word… ”I am so proud of this record. Though it took a while it was so much fun to get together with my best friends and just play! So here you go and God bless you all.”
“Comin' on like a sci-fi hybrid of T-Bone Walker, Little Richard, and Guitar Slim, guitarist/singer Nick Curran is a powerhouse performer who owes a strong debt to blues and rockabilly artists of the '50s.” – All Music Guide
“Nick and his group mix jump blues, boogie, and greasy rock and roll into a perfect stew." – Vintage Guitar
"...just a total ass-kicker." – Jimmie Vaughan
"Curran delivers a powerful punch on his latest album. The retro-styled record sounds astonishingly fresh. This is the real deal, baby." - Guitar Edge
"One of the most authentic and exciting roots musicians of his generation" (All Music Guide) Is Back, Following Awards, Critical Huzzahs & Turn On HBO's "True Blood" On 'Reform School Girl' Nick Curran's first new album in five years, the shouter, songwriter and monster guitarist is an unstoppable, high-energy one-man 50's R&B revival. Curran wrote or cowrote 12 of the album's 14 foot-stomping tracks. Called "just a total ass-kicker" by no less an authority than Jimmie Vaughan of The Fabulous Thunderbirds (with whom he played for three years), the Austin-based Curran and his new rock 'n' roll roots band, The Lowlifes, pull out all the stops on the new album. Curran recorded 'Reform School Girl' on vintage instruments and analog equipment, all the better to recreate the raw, explosive sound of early R&B and rock 'n' roll 45's that he loves. Tracks such as "Tough Love" and "Lusty Li'l Lucy" show the influence of Little Richard and Chuck Berry, while the title track - with its refrain, "She stole my heart and then she blew this town" - pays homage to girl groups like the Shangri-Las and the Ronettes. "Baby You Crazy" recalls the Sonics at their loudest.
“Reform School Girl” is a culmination of Curran’s multitude of talents: a throwback to his roots, only amped up to the limit. “I’ve written more songs on ‘Reform School Girl’ than on any other records. I wanted it to have no filler – only good stuff. All my influences are there, from old blues like Lazy Lester and T-Bone Walker to girl groups like The Ronettes and The Shangri-Las, to Guns N Roses.” The album also features a couple of appearances by some of Nick’s close personal friends including a duet on the song “Flyin’ Blind,” co-written with Blasters’ frontman Phil Alvin, as well as harmonica ace Jason Ricci on “Reel Rock Party.” Catch Nick Curran as he shakes, rattles and rolls a head-spinning combination of genres and tunes into a cool, irresistible cocktail that is rough and ready for action.
“His bluesy Americana vibe finds an impressively restrained balance between melody and musicianship.”– Blues Revue
“Singer-songwriter-guitarist Mike Zito boasts a road-hardened voice that spews the fiery tales of life’s ups and downs with a serious conviction that’s impossible to ignore.” – Metronome
“Zito’s voice is so incredibly soulful that it can be placed into that diminutive group of elite male blue-eyed soul/blues singers like Steve Winwood, Michael McDonald and Rod Stewart… A fine guitarist and composer as well, it’s a winning combination of a genuine and complete performer.” - Modern Guitars Magazine
01. Black John (4:13)
02. Betty Jean (4:02)
03. I Knew A Lady (3:53)
04. Bottom Chick (4:33)
05. Holiday Inn (4:44)
06. Thinking About You (2:27)
John Black: vocals & guitar
The Soul of John Black is John “JB” Bigham, an adventurous artist who isn’t afraid to take risks while pursuing his musical vision. His stage moniker is a name shrouded with an element of darkness and mystery, inspired by the 1976 cult film “J.D.’s Revenge.” JB declares, “I tend to like artists who lean toward the shadows and walk the edge and wanted my music to reflect that.” He draws his inspiration from blues and soul pioneers of the past and stands as a true testament to the dynamic beauty and freedom of musical expression, which he strips down to the core – guitar, voice and exposed human emotion conveyed in sparse, soulfully captivating performances wrought with raw, spontaneous power.
On “Black John - Acoustic EP” JB masterfully reinterprets his favorite songs from his full length album "Black John" by creating acoustic versions which expose their deep emotional roots and his soulful song writing.
“From straight-ahead blues-rock to sultry jazz and reggae, Popovic continues the blues tradition with a unique voice and a distinctive guitar sound.”
– Vintage Guitar
“Ana Popovic is a fine example of a blues artist who takes new directions while remaining true to the essence of the genre… Though capable of thunderous, Stevie Ray Vaughan-inspired guitar solos, Popovic is equally adept at a quieter, more contemplative style.” – Blues Revue
"Ana Popovic is not only a superb singer and songwriter, but also a very capable guitarist who can flatpick fluid jazz lines, craft deep-pocket slide grooves, and bend strings with SRV-style emotion.” - Guitar Player
In early May, a group of Blues music industry professionals (including music writers, managers, musicians, Blues Blast Magazine staff and other industry professionals) nominated the best of 2010 Blues music in eight categories. Eclecto Groove recording artist Mike Zito was honored with two nominations including Best Contemporary Blues CD and Best Blues Song for Pearl River. Voting to determine the winners has begun and continues until August 31st, 2010! Voting is open to anyone who is a Blues Blast Magazine subscriber. Subscriptions are FREE and you can sign up as part of the voting process. http://www.thebluesblast.com/
ANA POPOVIC - BRITSH BLUES AWARDS
Great news, Ana Popovic has been nominated for this years British Blues Awards in the ‘Overseas Artist’ section. She is part of a shortlist that includes amongst others BB King, Walter Trout and Joe Bonamassa. Voting today and hlep An a win this award. CLICK HERE! Voting will close on 31st July 2010.
NICK CURRAN INTERVIEWED BY MOKB
MOKB (My Old Kentucky Blog) the highly influential indie blog just recently spotlighted Nick Curran and his new release "Reform School Girl". The post includes and interview with Nick as well as an MP3 link to "Kill My Baby." Click here to check it out!
MIKE ZITO - SONG OF THE YEAR!
MIKE ZITO won the award for "Song of the Year" for his duet with Cyril Neville, "Pearl River" at this years 2010 Blues Music Awards!
Photograph by Tommy A Lund
Fender spotlights Zito playing their Custom Shop Deluxe Telecaster guitar as they congratulate him on his recent award. Click to read more.
JASON RICCI - BMA WINNER!
JASON RICCI won the award for "Instrumentalist - Harmonica player of the Year" at this years 2010 Blues Music Awards!
NICK CURRAN & THE LOWLIFES
REVIEW IN PEOPLE MAGAZINE
The glowing reviews for Nick Curran's first new album in five years, "Reform School Girl," are pouring in. Recorded with his band The Lowlifes and released by Eclecto Groove, the record features 14 tracks of explosive rock n' roll, early R&B, and punk-laden rockabilly lead by Curran's screeching howl. Congratulations Nick! The rave review in People Magazine awarded “Reform School Girl” 3 ½ out of 4 stars – higher than anyone else! We support you 100% and are really excited to see that everyone else agrees that “Reform School Girl” is an absolute knockout!
NICK CURRAN
Nick Curran's song "Baby You Crazy" from the album "Reform School Girl" was included in music critic Jerry Shriver's "Playlist" in the 03.23.10 issue of USA Today! It says "On this rockabilly beast from 'Reform School Girl,' Curran channels Little Richard's manic whoops."
THE SOUL OF JOHN BLACK
"BETTY JEAN" MUSIC VIDEO SPOTLIGHT
The Soul of John Black continues to make a huge impact world wide. The music video for his hit song "Betty Jean" is currently being featured on the home page of the "Celebrity" section on MySpace. The video which was directed, written, and produced by Clifton Collins Jr. has been selected as the MySpace Celebrity Video pick and will be featured all week long. Click to watch the video in its entirety!
In addition to the video being spotlighted on MySpace, the "Betty Jean" music video is also being featured on the home page of http "SHOCKYA.com" which is a website that gets roughly 274,000+ hits per month! There is also an interview with director Clifton Collins Jr. on the site which is worth checking out. Click here to read the interview!
MIKE ZITO "PEARL RIVER"
#3 BEST OF 2009 - THE DAILY VAULT
FROM THE DAILY VAULT:
Blues guitarist Zito is making a habit of appearing on these lists, and why wouldn’t he? Over the past 20 years a lot of talented folks have attempted to travel down the hard blues trail forged by Stevie Ray Vaughan, but nobody’s done it more successfully than Zito, who wrings emotion from every note he plays and effortlessly slides between writing songs that tear at your heart and ones that simply demand you move your feet.
MIKE ZITO "ONE STEP AT A TIME"
MUSIC VIDEO - NOW FILMING
MIke Zito is in New Orleans filming the music video for his hit song "One Step At A Time" which features Anders Osboren. Check out behind the scenes footage shot by Mike Zito.
Eclecto Groove Records proudly presents the first commercially available video single for purchase by The Soul of John Black. The song “Betty Jean” is taken from The Soul of John Black’s latest album “Black John,” which the Los Angles Times hails as “simmering, groove-heavy modern blues that belongs on a bass-heavy dance floor as much as a rickety porch in the Delta.” The video single is directed by actor Clifton Collins Jr. who recently won a Country Music Award for “Breakthrough Video of the Year” for the song “Chicken Fried” by the Zac Brown Band. In addition to his directing/producing talents Clifton has also appeared in over 70 film and television shows including most recently the landmark blockbuster movie franchise Star Trek. “Betty Jean" (the video single) is now being sold as a digital release only on iTunes.
Check out the Vintage Guitar Magazine article "Of Churches And Harps" where VG writer John Heidt talks shop with Jason Ricci & New Blood's guitarist and rising star Shawn Starski. The secret is out and the industry is certainly taking notice of Starski's talents as he recently signed on as an endorser for Category 5 Amps and last year was named one of the Top Ten Hottest Guitarists by a reader's poll in the June 2008 of Guitar Player Magazine.
ECLECTO GROOVE NEWS
MUSIC VIDEOS
Check out the new Music Videos from your favorite Eclecto Groove artists.
Eclecto Groove Recording artist Nick Curran has been diagnosed with cancer of the tongue. He is staying in his hometown of Austin, TX for the next two months to undergo treatment and to prepare for his upcoming tour. A full recovery is expected and he anticipates resuming his full touring schedule afterwards. The Feb. 16th, 2010 release date of his new album 'Reform School Girl' is unchanged.
Curran says, "I'm really looking at this as just a small bump in the road. I think it's one of those life things that happens which reminds you not to take life for granted and help you become the best person you can. I've already changed a lot in a good way and I really think this is gonna turn out to be a positive thing. This ain't what's gonna do me in. I am gonna kick this thing in the ass and then go out and kick some serious ass with my new record! It's just a little set back, thats all. I'm excited about everything to come! I'm ready to conquer the world." - Nick Curran
ANA POPOVIC & JOHN BLACK - VIDEO CLIP
Ana Popovic: guitar & vocals, The Soul of John Black: guitar & vocals, Bobby Jones: vocals, Finis Tasby: vocals, Kirk Fletcher: guitar, Kid Ramos: guitar, Ronnie James Weber: bass, Richard Innes: drums, Randy Chortkoff: MC
Slated as the best night of music in Park City during Sundance, the after party thrown by Big Sky Motion Pictures was a tremendous success! Festivities began during the afternoon of Monday, January 19th with the sneak preview teaser of Big Sky Motion Pictures' upcoming film, "Spring Break '83". The showing was a total hit, leaving viewers raving about the comedic genius of writer/director, Mars Callahan and yearning to see the final product!
That evening the party started off just right with Eclecto Groove artist, Mike Zito kicking off the lineup with cuts from his newest album, "Today". Up next was The Soul of John Black. With only a short amount of time on stage, JB and his band put out a solid 20 minutes of dynamic music featuring cuts from his Eclecto Groove release, "Black John", due out in February! Zito and JB set the tone for what would be a rockin' night of who's who in the music business.
Headlining the show was rock-star supergroup, Camp Freddy. The band featured a plethora of rock legends, including guitarists Steve Stevens of Billy Idol's band, and Billy Duffy of The Cult, bassists Billy Morrison of The Cult and Circus Diablo, and Chris Chaney of Jane's Addiction, drummer Matt Sorum of Guns n' Roses, The Cult and Velvet Revolver, vocalists Donovan Lietch Jr. of Nancy Boy, Corey Taylor of Slipknot, and Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray. The show featured special appearances by pro snowboarder/skateboarder, Shaun White on guitar and none other than guitarist and founding member of ZZ Top, Billy Gibbons. Label exec Randy Chortkoff had the pleasure of sitting down and talking music with Gibbons before the show!
Camp Freddy indulged the audience in a number of classic covers, including Ted Nugent's "Cat Scratch Fever", apparently a Robert Redford request, Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell"and "White Wedding", the Stooges' "I Wanna Be Your Dog",Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady", ZZ Top's classic, "La Grange" and covers of songs by the Sex Pistols, Iggy Pop, Van Halen, Motorhead and others. The band even dedicated their version of the Cars' "Just What I Needed" to Barack Obama, in honor of his inauguration the next morning! All in all, it was a spectacular night of music that will remain in the memory of those lucky enough to experience it for quite some time! And what a thrill to be a part of it all.
As Mars Callahan and his creative force behind Spring Break ‘83 continue to edit and trudge forth with the post-production aspects of the film, we’ve noticed that the movie seems to be taking on a life of it’s own! As more and more people view footage of the film the general feedback is that it seems like a 100 million dollar movie. In reality, the film is being made for a fraction of that cost. Between the aerial shots, water stunts and sinking of an entire set, it could be easily alluded that the movie was made by a major film production company for a major motion film budget. As we continue to edit the film, we’re getting a clear picture of which shots remain to be picked up. As soon as we are confident that we’ve got all shots covered, we’ll jump back into production of the film, shooting the remaining portions in Los Angeles. In the meantime, Randy Chortkoff has been busy in the post-production room with writer, co-director, producer and actor, Mars Callahan, editing and getting a concise idea of where we will utilize the music of Ana Popovic and Mike Zito, in addition to their role as the house band in the film. Stay tuned for updates as you definitely don’t want to miss this coming of age spoof comedy complete with the artists and music of Eclecto Groove Records.
