ALEX ADAM'S: September 2010

Carlos Santana reinterprets the classics from the Beatles, Def Leppard and more on new album
LAS VEGAS September 23, 2010 (AP)
Carlos Santana knows a bit about classic songs: After all, he's made a few of them himself, from "Oye Como Va" to the more recent "Smooth."
But for his latest album, the guitar god took on some timeless songs from others. "Guitar Heaven ... The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time," was created by Santana and music mogul Clive Davis as a collection of covers of some of the best known songs in rock.
"These songs ... to me, are like women that belonged to Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton," said Santana in a recent interview. "I had the courage to take them out on a date. I feel very grateful, and pretty certain that if I take them out they will go out with me again."
The guitarist paired up with several singers on the album. Chris Daughtry helps provide an updated version of Def Leppard's "Photograph." Gavin Rossdale lends energy to T. Rex's "Bang A Gong" and a soulful India.Arie gives The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" an earthy vibe.
Santana is also working on original material. The album "Shape Shifter" is set for release next spring.
Before that, though, he'll take on something closer to his heart: Santana and Cindy Blackman, his drummer, plan to marry Dec. 19 in Maui, Hawaii.
"I am thankful to God for sending me a queen once again in a different form," Santana said, smiling. "We offer each other everyday something that goes, 'First time ever, everything.' First time ever, always. First time ever, always signifies that we give ourselves to each other with purity and innocence. With these elements one can create a relationship that is magical."
Blackman is a jazz and rock drummer who worked with Lenny Kravitz, among others. In 2007, Santana was divorced from Deborah Santana after 34 years of marriage.
Santana is also ready to make a biographical film about his life. After being approached by Hollywood many times, Santana has given brothers Peter and Benjamin Bratt the green light. Benjamin Bratt is set to star in and direct the film, aiming for release in 2011.

source:associated press/MARCELA ISAZA Associated Press Writer

The Beatles

0 comments Posted by alex morgan at 3:36 AM

Dame Shirley Bassey will be the headlining act at The Beatles' 50th anniversary concert.
The Welsh diva will be joined by Tony Christie, Beverley Knight and Darius Campbell at the star-studded spectacular celebrating the songs of the legendary band, which have been given a classical twist.
The exclusive show, held at the Royal Albert Hall on October 28, will feature the 70-piece Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a 100 member-strong choir.
Broadcaster and Beatles aficionado Mike Read will present a narrative backdrop to the nostalgic philharmonic tribute, taking the audience on a trip through The Beatles' musical heritage.
Proceeds from the event will go to charity, including The Noah's Ark Appeal in aid of the Children's Hospital of Wales, Community Chest Fund of Malta and Nordoff Robbins.

source:Press Association/independent.ie

The Beatles

0 comments Posted by alex morgan at 3:27 AM

The Beatles Hit #1 on Billboard DVD Chart (September 23rd, 2010 by Jayvee)
The Beatles are chart toppers yet again thanks to the release of the 4 Complete Ed Sullivan Shows starring the band, which debuted this week at #1 on Billboard’s DVD music video chart. The DVD features legendary appearances by The Beatles with newly remastered audio, carefully restored video, and presents those shows uncut, including not only all of the other performances but also all of the original commercials. Also included on the two-DVD set is material from other “Sullivan” shows, notably a short interview with The Beatles which has not been seen since its original television airing in 1964.
When The Beatles stepped onto Sullivan’s New York stage on Sunday, February 9, 1964, to make their American TV debut, 86 percent of all TVs on at that hour–73 million Americans–tuned in. It was the most-watched program in history to that point and remains one of the most-watched programs of all time. Pretty incredible if you think about it in relation to TV shows today.

source:theroundtableonline.com