Music News Net

Welcome to MusicNewsNet.com (MNN), thanks for your visit. We're sure you'll enjoy your time here and the music news we offer.  We welcome your comments and feedback, and music tips!  MNN is passionate about all types of music and report on new releases, music dvd releases, music industry news, concert & touring news and general rock/pop stuff. We cover all genres - new, indie, alt, classic rock from both indie & major labels.  Subscribe to our feed, so you don't miss anything on MNN, click here and follow us on Twitter @ Twitter.com/MalMNN .

Jon Anderson and Jean Luc Ponty Announce "Anderson Ponty Band"

MUSIC NEWS- Music legends Jon Anderson and Jean-Luc Ponty have officially announced the formation of a new ensemble - The Anderson Ponty Band!  YES founding member, and original singer/songwriter for 35 years, Jon Anderson has had a successful solo career, which includes working with such notable music artists as Vangelis, Kitaroand Milton Nascimento. International jazz superstar Jean-Luc Ponty is a pioneer and undisputed master of violin in the arena of jazz and rock. He is widely regarded as an innovator who has applied his unique visionary spin that has expanded the vocabulary of modern music. Together these two music icons form a musical synergy that is unparalleled!

“A breakthrough feeling came as I sang with Jean-Luc's music, to be in a band again is very exciting on many levels, we will play and sing our way around the world and have fun, for music is pleasure, music is all that is, music is God” said Anderson recently.

The Anderson Ponty Band also includes Jamie Dunlap on guitars; well known as a film and television composer, most notably 'South Park'; Wally Minko on keyboards, virtuoso player and composer who has performed and recorded with many worldwide stars including Pink, Toni Braxton, Jean-Luc Ponty, Tom Jones and Barry Manilow; Baron Browne on bass who has played with Steve Smith, Billy Cobham and Jean-Luc Ponty; and Rayford Griffin on drums and percussion, who has played with Stanley Clarke Band, George Duke, Jean-Luc Ponty and Michael Jackson.

The band will visit the music created by Jon Anderson and Jean-Luc Ponty over the years with new arrangements, virtuosic performances and new energy, while creating new compositions as well.

The Anderson Ponty Band have been writing and arranging old favorites during the past three months. They will be in residence for three weeks in September at Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado rehearsing, recording and playing a public performance on Saturday September 20th. An album will be finished in Los Angeles and is scheduled for release in early 2015. Also, a videography documenting the making of the album will be released as well as videos and performances. A world tour beginning in March 2015 is in the planning stages.

The Anderson Ponty Band announce the launch of a Kickstarter campaign today July 25th beginning at 2pm eastern. The campaign will encourage fans and friends to become a stakeholder in the project. Numerous tiers of donations will be rewarded by album downloads, premium CD/DVD packages, VIP ticket access, merchandising, special one of a kind collectibles, special meet and greets with the band and much more. More Kickstarter campaign info here: http://bit.ly/apband2014

YES Release New "Heaven & Earth" Album

MUSIC NEWS-  YES, the iconic and Grammy-winning prog rock band, released their new studio album HEAVEN & EARTH this week via Frontiers Records.

The band's current line up features bassist CHRIS SQUIRE, guitarist STEVE HOWE, drummer ALAN WHITE, keyboardist GEOFF DOWNES and singer JON DAVISON. Check out the lyric video below for "In a World of Our Own"

After having sold nearly 40 million albums in a career that has so far spanned more than four decades and featured legendary rock singer Jon Anderson and keyboardist Rick Wakeman, HEAVEN & EARTH sees YES continuing with its tradition of symphonic progressive rock that remains timelessly fresh and innovative. Less of Yes from their heady Tales and Topographic Oceans and Relayer days, the new album contains eight new tracks, each of which boasts a more pop sound but yet unique musicianship and craftsmanship that have come to be known as “the YES sound.” YES’ distinctive layered music, swirling arrangements, brilliant vocals and harmonies are all in abundance.

 

YES Release New Heaven & Earth Album

MUSIC NEWS-  YES, the iconic and Grammy-winning prog rock band, released their new studio album HEAVEN & EARTH this week via Frontiers Records.

The band's current line up features bassist CHRIS SQUIRE, guitarist STEVE HOWE, drummer ALAN WHITE, keyboardist GEOFF DOWNES and singer JON DAVISON. Check out the lyric video below

After having sold nearly 40 million albums in a career that has so far spanned more than four decades and featured legendary rock singer Jon Anderson and keyboardist Rick Wakeman, HEAVEN & EARTH sees YES continuing with its tradition of symphonic progressive rock that remains timelessly fresh and innovative. Less of Yes from their heady Tales and Topographic Oceans and Relayer days, the new album contains eight new tracks, each of which boasts a more pop sound but yet unique musicianship and craftsmanship that have come to be known as “the YES sound.” YES’ distinctive layered music, swirling arrangements, brilliant vocals and harmonies are all in abundance.

YES Release New Heaven & Earth Album

MUSIC NEWS-  YES, the iconic and Grammy-winning prog rock band, released their new studio album HEAVEN & EARTH this week via Frontiers Records.

The band's current line up features bassist CHRIS SQUIRE, guitarist STEVE HOWE, drummer ALAN WHITE, keyboardist GEOFF DOWNES and singer JON DAVISON. Check out the lyric video below

After having sold nearly 40 million albums in a career that has so far spanned more than four decades and featured legendary rock singer Jon Anderson and keyboardist Rick Wakeman, HEAVEN & EARTH sees YES continuing with its tradition of symphonic progressive rock that remains timelessly fresh and innovative. Less of Yes from their heady Tales and Topographic Oceans and Relayer days, the new album contains eight new tracks, each of which boasts a more pop sound but yet unique musicianship and craftsmanship that have come to be known as “the YES sound.” YES’ distinctive layered music, swirling arrangements, brilliant vocals and harmonies are all in abundance.

FARM AID 2014 Announced

MUSIC NEWS- Farm Aid organizers today announced that its 2014 annual benefit festival will take place on Saturday, September 13, at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in Raleigh, NC, with tickets on sale to the public on Friday, August 1.

"In North Carolina and across the Southeast, family farmers have struggled to stay on the land, but they have also pioneered new roads to economic sustainability. This region knows the value of its farmers and offers increasing opportunities for new farmers to build a strong regional food system," said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. "On the Farm Aid stage Saturday, September 13, we'll celebrate family farmers and the healthy communities they're growing for all of us."

Farm Aid 2014 will feature Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews; with Tim Reynolds, as well as Jack White, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Jamey Johnson, North Carolina's own Delta Rae, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Carlene Carter, Pegi Young & The Survivors, and Insects vs Robots.

Jackson Browne Summer/Fall Tour Dates

MUSIC NEWS- As he readies the October 7 release of his Standing in the Breach, Jackson Browne has added USA concert dates to his tour itinerary, through October 25.  His new album, his fourteeth studio album, will be out via Inside Recordings.  Watch for additional album news soon.  In the meantime, Jackson Browne's full concert tour itinerary is below.

DEEP PURPLE Announce August North American Tour

MUSIC NEWS-  Heavy metal legends, Deep Purple, fresh off a European tour to support their 19^th studio album NOW What?!, are heading stateside for a North American concert tour! The run kicks off August 4 in Scottsdale, AZ (full tour itinerary is below from MNN).

NOW What?! was originally released in North America in April 2013 via earMusic / Eagle Rock Entertainment. The album marked the next great chapter in the band’s 40+ year career, blending the classic 70s Deep Purple spirit with modern production and a progressive mindset. Having reached #1 in Germany, Russia, Czech Republic and Austria, charting Top 5 in 7 countries and Top 10 in 10 countries, not to mention hitting the British Top-20 for the first time in 20 years, Deep Purple celebrated with the release of NOW What?! Gold Edition earlier this year, which included additional songs and a live bonus disc.

Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi Says a Tour Will Happen

MUSIC NEWS- Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi recently gave fans new hope that the reunited heavy metal rockers will continue on after revealing there are plans afoot to tour again.

Iommi, who has been battling cancer since 2012, recently hinted that the band's July 4 gig at London's Hyde Park would be his last with Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler.  But in a new video message to fans, filmed on the eve of the show, the guitarist reveals the reunion might not be over just yet.

The classic rocker said, "It's been great. We've had a laugh... Thanks so much. I am at home at the moment, about to leave for Hyde Park... and I'm really looking forward to that. The tour has been marvelous; we've had a great year, and you couldn't wish for better.

The Who Announce Their "Hits 50!" Tour, Their Last

Music News- The Who have announced that they are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, and next, by embarking on a The Who Hits 50! tour, which frontman Roger Daltrey says "is the beginning of the long goodbye."There is no word yet if the tour plans will extend to other markets across the globe but Daltrey's comments have lead to speculation that this is the first leg of the band's farewell tour with USA dates in 2015

The British series of shows is scheduled to kick off on November 26 in Dublin, Ireland and will include stops in Belfast, Glasgow, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester, Cardiff and will wrap up on December 17 in London.

Gregg Allman Hospitalized

MUSIC NEWS- Allman Brothers Band founding member Gregg Allman has reportedly checked himself into a hospital for an undisclosed illness, forcing him to cancel or postpone several upcoming concerts. Mr Allman's official site and Facebook made no mention of the hospitalization as of Wednesday night, but his Facebook page did announce that Tuesday night's concert in Boise, ID was postponed with the new date to be announced.

The news of the hospitalization came from a report from Oregon Live. The publication reported that Allman checked himself into a hospital on Monday but no indication what the issue was.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse Bassist Billy Talbot Suffers Mild Stroke

MUSIC NEWS - Neil Young & Crazy Horse bassist Billy Talbot has suffered a mild stroke and will be unable to join Crazy Horse on their upcoming European concert tour. Though Talbot's doctors expect him to make a full recovery, they have advised Talbot to sit this tour out and recover his strength.

Crazy Horse will be joined on tour by Rick Rosas, who has played with Young extensively throughout the years, including in Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Crosby, Stills & Nash Add Summer Concert Dates

MUSIC NEWS - On the heels of their sold out March 2014 tour, Crosby, Stills & Nash have announced additional USA summer tour dates.  Adding to the CSN July tour, the new dates begin August 6 at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The trio will perform songs from their extensive cataloge, as well as new material from each member.  Advance tickets are available through the official CSN website.

The summer tour currently is booked to run through October 4 with a show at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. Once again, CSN will be accompanied by its backing band featuring: Shane Fontayne (guitar), Steve DiStanislao (drums), Kevin McCormick (bass), James Raymond (keyboards), and Todd Caldwell (organ). 

 

SPOON Kicks Off Tour for "Then Want My Soul"

MUSIC NEWS - Spoon kicked off their late summer North American headlining tour last night in Las Vegas.  The band is on the road to promote their August releasing eighth studio album, They Want My Soul.

In addition to some dates, the band will be headlining throughout the Midwest and East coast. These dates follow Spoon's triumphant return at festivals including Governors Ball .  A listing of confirmed shows is below.  All shows are on sale Friday, June 27 at 10am local time with the exception of festival dates and the band's August 30 Montreal show as special guests of Arcade Fire.

Spoon will releases the new album, They Want My Soul, on August 5 via Loma Vista Recordings after years with Merge Records.   Lead track "Rent I Pay" was premiered live from NYC on June 6

 

PHOX Self-Titled Debut Out Now, Tour Begins!

MUSIC NEWS- PHOX's much anticipated self-titled debut album is out now via Partisan Records. The album premiered last week on NPR's First Listen, who praised the band for their charisma and "impeccable arrangements," while noting the debut record "has a way of seeping under the skin."

Produced by Brian Joseph at April Base Studio in Eau Claire, WI and mixed by Michael Brauer at Electric Lady Studios, the album is from the school of simple folk-pop songs swimming amidst a chaotic eddy of rock, psychedelia, and soul. Give a listen to their "1936 and Slow Motion", below.

The Madison via Baraboo, WI sextet are embarking on a massive USA headlining concert tour kicking off today. The run will make stops in various major markets, as well as festivals including Newport Folk Fest and Shaky Knees.  For the band's full tour itinerary, please see below.