Welcome to our May newsletter!

In May, Badfinger bassist MARK HEALEY releases his solo album 'Inside Out' featuring colleague JOEY MOLLAND, whilst STRAY frontman DEL BROMHAM releases his 2004 solo album with bonus tracks. 

We also have STEVE ELLIS' soundtrack album recorded in 1970 for the cult film 'Loot' which features session stalwarts CLEM CATTINI, HERBIE FLOWERS, BIG JIM SULLIVAN, MADELLINE BELL and DORIS TROY.

June releases include RANDY VAN WARMER 'The Vital Spark/Sings Stephen Foster', a two CD set which features the bonus track 'Just When I Needed You Most'.  Mick Ronson makes a guest appearance on 'The Vital Spark'.

June also sees the release of 'If You Dare', the new solo album from SPOOKY TOOTH guitarist LUTHER GROSVENOR.

Roy Young plays a rare date at The Half Moon in Putney in London on May 1st 2011

The Halfmoon, 93 Lower Richmond Road, Putney SW15
www.halfmoon.co.uk Ticket info: 08444 77 1000
www.ticketweb.co.uk

***** AT A GLANCE...

http://www.angelair.co.uk/dvd_catalogue.htm

AUDIO RELEASES (CD)

April 2011 - MO FOSTER, TOMMY JAMES

May 2011 - MARK HEALEY, DEL BROMHAM, STEVE ELLIS

June 2011 - RANDY VAN WARMER, LUTHER GROSVENOR

Released in May 2011

[Release date 23.05.11]

MARK HEALEY Inside Out (SJPCD364)

MARK HEALEY has since 1986 been the bass player in BADFINGER responsible for hits like "Day After Day" and "Come And It" His new album "Inside Out" includes contributions from his fellow Badfinger band member Joey Molland.

Since 1994 Mark has also run his own busy studio in the USA and what with working with Badfinger touring the USA regularly he had very little space to record a solo album. However over a 12 month period and encouraged by other band members he went into the studio.

He explains "the reason it took so long to come out is a lot to do with the studio. If you give everything that you've got to everyone else every day then there's not much left over for your own music"

The album was recorded in 2009 and only released in North America and reflects Mark's classic rock roots with pop and modern rock written throughout the album.

MUSICIANS
MARK HEALEY, JOEY MOLLAND, AUSTIN HEALEY, BRIAN JENTES JOHN RICHARDSON

http://www.angelair.co.uk/sjpcd364.htm

... there's some good songs here, especially the opening title track and 'The Well's Run Dry'. Bass, drums and piano all rattle away on the jaunty 'Ain't Love A Wonderful Thing', whilst 'House Of Love' reminds me of the Spencer Davis Group.

It's a mixed bag of styles with the bluesiest outings being on Train and the reprise of 'Devils Highway'.

Chris Simmonds Blues Matters

This singer/guitarist has produced an excellent blues album, ranging from acoustic to full electric blues. The vocals suit the music, and the guitar features some great slide. Solo notes burst out from the rhythm at just the right moments, not wanting to over do as many try to do.

Joe Geesin, Get Ready to ROCK!

DEL BROMHAM is singer/guitarist with legendary British Rock band STRAY and 'Devils Highway' is following in the footsteps he created of his strong blues style of guitar playing that permeates throughout STRAY.

The album was originally released in 2004 when he went on the road as a solo performer touring with LESLIE WEST on his 'Blues To Die For 'tour in the UK and Europe

Some 5 songs have been added as bonus tracks which were recorded in 2011. Del is planning a solo tour of the UK to promote the re release of the album.

http://www.angelair.co.uk/sjpcd366.htm

LOVE AFFAIR whose 'Everlasting Love' has become the soundtrack to radio today had just left the Love Affair and in 1969 he got a call from his manager asking if he would like to sing on a film soundtrack.

When STEVE ELLIS learnt that Keith Mansfield who had produced all the Love Affair hits was commissioned to write the film score he jumped at the chance.

The film in question was 'Loot' and it was released in 1970 to great critical acclaim and Steve was backed on vocals on the soundtrack by SUE & SUNNY, MADELLINE BELL and DORIS TROY.

The musicians who played on the tracks included CLEM CATTINI, HERBIE FLOWERS and BIG JIM SULLIVAN.

Having got the film soundtrack out of his system he formed in 1971 the band ELLIS but that as they say is another story.

MUSICIANS
STEVE ELLIS, CLEM CATTINI, HERBIE FLOWERS, BIG JIM SULLIVAN, MADELLINE BELL, DORIS TROY
 

http://www.angelair.co.uk/sjpcd367.htm

Released in June 2011

[Release date 20.06.11]

RANDY VAN WARMER The Vital Spark/Sings Stephen Foster (SJPCD351)

RANDY VAN WARMER recorded "The Vital Spark" in 1994 and "Sings Stephen Foster" in 2003 just before he was diagnosed with Leukaemia and he died on 12th January 2004
age 48. His widow Susan has overseen this release and added as a bonus track a beautiful never before released solo recording of "Just When I Needed You Most" which was a worldwide smash HIT (USA no 4 and UK No 8) when it was released in 1979. Mick Ronson who was working with Ian Hunter at the time also guested on "The Vital Spark"

Amongst the songs Randy wrote was the hit single for The Oak Ridge Boys "I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometime" Other artists who have recorded his songs include Charley Pride, Dolly Parton, Conway Twitty, Kenny Rodgers Michael Johnson and Alabama. In his later years he continued to write music for others. His final album "Sings Stephen Foster" was released posthumously only in Japan. Ironically Randy Died 140 years to the day since Stephen Foster died.

In keeping with one of his greatest loves his cremated remains were sent into space in 2007

MUSICIANS:
RANDY VAN WARMER, SHANE FONTAYNE, MICK RONSON, BOBBY HAMILTON, LEIGH FOXX, DAVID BEEBE

http://www.angelair.co.uk/sjpcd351.htm

LUTHER GROSVENOR If You Dare (SJPCD360)

LUTHER GROSVENOR a.k.a ARIEL BENDER past reads like a who's who of the rock elite. A member of SPOOKY TOOTH, STEALERS WHEEL, WIDOWMAKER and MOTT THE HOOPLE he has constantly delivered a performance as a guitarist that rates amongst the finest. Luther has always rewritten the guitar players rule book, simply by remembering that technique isn’t everything: you have to have some fun as well.

Having released over the years a number of solo albums Luther has been recording for the past year the "If You Dare" album which captures both his stunning guitar playing as well as his substantial song writing and vocal talents.

His most recent public appearances have been at Film receptions for MOTT THE HOOPLE "The Ballard Of Mott The Hoople" where he has enthralled the audiences with his stories about the group. The film premièred at London Film Festival and recently regionally at Hereford where Luther was born.

MUSICIANS:
LUTHER GROSVENOR, MIKE TRIGGS, MARK EDEN, JIM HOUGHTON

http://www.angelair.co.uk/sjpcd360.htm
 

Released in April 2011

[Release date 04.04.11]

MO FOSTER Bass Themes (SJPCD349)

MO FOSTER is one of the most prolific session musicians within the music business in the UK. He has played on a staggering 350 albums and has rubbed shoulders with the good and the great. His style has embraced from jazz to rock to pop.

Back in 1988 he released his first solo album 'Bel Assis' and now releases his sixth solo album made up of production music he recorded between 1983 and 2009.

MUSICIANS
MO FOSTER, RAY RUSSELL, MARK ISHAM, TONY HYMAS, RALPH SALMINS

http://www.angelair.co.uk/sjpcd349.htm

TOMMY JAMES A Night In Big City...Plus (SJPCD354)

TOMMY JAMES album 'A Night In Big City' was recorded in 1994 and reunited Tommy with arranger Jimmy 'Wiz' Wisner whom Tommy had teamed up with back in the 60's on one of his smash hit singles 'I Think We're Alone Now'.

The album was inspired by Tommy's fascination as a boy growing up in a pre television age where the family radio was an enchanting source of national stories.

The 'Plus' bonus tracks on the album were all recorded 1974 to 1991.

The complete behind the scenes story of Tommy's career can be found in his best selling autobiography Me, The Mob, and The Music published by Simon & Schuster/Scribner.

MUSICIANS
TOMMY JAMES, GLENN TAYLOR, JIMMY WISNER, GREG ECKELMAN, MIKE CHAMBERS, ARTIE KAPLAN

http://www.angelair.co.uk/sjpcd354.htm

2011 CATALOGUE!!

NEW 28 page full colour CD and DVD Catalogue

FREE 2011 full colour Audio and DVD Catalogue will be sent out with every order.

http://www.angelair.co.uk/order.htm

Download the catalogue: http://www.angelair.co.uk/page1.htm

BOOK CHARTS RISE AND RISE OF ANGEL AIR

To celebrate Angel Air's 10th Anniversary a new book by James McCarraher was published in 2007.

The book details the development of the label, its philosophy, and lists all releases with reviews.

Further information: 

www.angelair.co.uk/book_catalogue.htm

'Angel Air is 10' is a welcome celebration of the label's first ten years and for any rocker of a certain age, and with an eye for trivia, makes essential reading. Where else could we read about Affinity, an early jazz rock stomping ground for the great Mo Foster, Warhorse (debut album on the Vertigo 'swirl' label) and what happened to Bobby Harrison of seventies funk rockers Snafu? Author James McCarraher has brought together the 200-plus label catalogue, prefacing each release with an essay culled mainly from the original liner notes.

David Randall, www.getreadytorock.com

...a celebration of the label rather than a detailed account of the every day ins and outs of a small independent record company...'Angel Air is 10' is as much a reference book as anything else.

More Black Than Purple (June 2007)
 

Angel Air DVD clips online

You can now view online actual clips of artists performing from the Angel Air DVD catalogue on www.audiotube.com Click onto Channels and select Angel Air Records

LATEST REVIEWS...

Don't forget you can read a selection of album reviews on the website from a wide range of music magazines...

http://www.angelair.co.uk/reviews.htm

http://www.angelair.co.uk/dvd_reviews.htm

CD Reviews

ANDY KIM 'Happen Again' (SJPCD363)

These intelligent pop-rock songs bearing reference points to Crowded House, Ray Wilson, Mike & the Mechanics or Julian Lennon, are performed by Kim with an impressive supporting line-up...an impressive triumph of substance over surface...

Classic Rock Society, (March/April 2011)

It may have been a long time coming, but this welcome comeback from a wonderfully talented singer and songwriter has been well worth the wait and hopefully signals a more prolific period for this enduring artist.

Fireworks magazine (May 2011)

MO FOSTER Bass Themes (SJPCD)

The tracks are perfect for easy listening or great in the car stereo while driving along the motorway.

www.music-news.com (April 2011)

BOBBY HARRISON Anthology (SJPCD358)

A great tribute to a great artist, and really it should be played at every rockin' hot party.

www.music-news.com (April 2011)

...a fantastic journey through the entire career of a real rock and roll trooper who deserves to have his music reach a wider audience.

Fireworks magazine (May 2011)

This anthology has something for everyone who likes the rock genre in all its diversity. Funk to blues to rock it's here; and this guy has one hell of a voice. Worth several listens...I'm converted try it.  4/5

Mark Woodhead, www.getreadytorock.com (April 2011)

TOMMY JAMES Re-issues

Best known as the leader of American 60's band Tommy James and The Shondells, James has been making records since 1964 and post Shondells has recorded a number of solo albums. It is James' solo output that has been revisited with 5 of these albums being re-issued by Angel Air.

A Night In Big City (SJPCD354) was originally released in 1996 and for the most parts has a late ‘80's feel to it - it's a slick production with stand out tracks like 'Red Headed Woman (In a Black Limousine)', 'Baby Tonight', 'In Slow Emotion' and re-workings of his earlier hit 'Tighter, Tighter' and Shondells hit 'I Think We're Alone Now', as made popular again courtesy of being a massive hit in the ‘80's by Tiffany...

Then we have 'In Touch' and 'Midnight Rider' (SJPCD353) released together on one CD. In Touch was released in 1976 and finds James with a more matured voice than in his Shondells days. Covers of Suzi Quatro's 'Devil Gate Drive' and The Glitter Band's '(Do You Wanna) Touch Me' and 'I Love You Love Me Love' sound surprisingly good, and original track 'One Track Mind' fits in nicely alongside these. There is also a cover of Elvis's 'Treat Me Nice', the pop ballad 'Don't Want To Fall Away From You' and a couple of more pop like tracks.

1977's Midnight Rider is a country influenced album that does tend to feel a bit middle of the road/easy listening in places. However, 'Midnight Rider', 'Double or Nothin'', 'Still Got A Thing For You' and the Eagles meets The Bee Gees style 'What Happened To The Girl' are all worth a listen. Coincidentally, Michael McDonald and The Eagles Timothy B Schmidt make an appearance on backing vocals on the album...

In 1980 Tommy James released Three Times In Love (SJPCD350), the album had a mostly ‘60's sound to it and featured an unknown Luther Vandross on backing vocals. 'You Got Me', 'Three Times In Love' and 'It's Magic' are pure ‘60's style pop whilst the slower 'Everything I am' has an air of Manilow about it. 'Lady In White' and 'I Just Wanna Play The Music' could easily be covered by Cliff Richard whilst that disco sound re-appears on 'Long Way Down' and 'Let It Slide'. The only track on the album to showcase James' rockier side is 'It's Alright For Now'.

The album is packaged with the re-release of 1990's Hi-Fi, a bass and synth heavy album that has a strong late ‘80's soundtrack feel to it. The highlights here are 'Go', 'Burning For You' and 'Heartbeat In The Night'. You also get ballads 'Ordinary Girl' and 'Love You Too Much' and the'80's pop of 'You Take My Breath Away' and 'What Kind Of Love (Do You Want)'.

Of the 5 albums, it is probably 'A Night In Big City' and 'Hi-Fi' that are the most consistent, unfortunately - as with many of today's chart making bands, there is an overall feeling that James' output is influenced by the current trends but I guess that is what sells records- and let's face it Tommy James has sold in excess of 100 million records since the 1960's.

Nikk Gunns, www.getreadytorock.com (April 2011)

TOMMY JAMES A Night In Big City (SJPCD354)

Angel Air Records have yet again released a real winner here and if you haven't had the chance to check out the original then there's no time like the present.

www.myglobalmind.com (April 2011)

TOMMY JAMES In Touch/Midnight Rider (SJPCD353)

When played simultaneously, both have enough good songs and great performances to keep you interested...a worthy release.

Fireworks magazine (May 2011)

VARIOUS ARTISTS Ventis Secundis, Tene Cursum - This Is Progressive Rock!(SJPCD348)

...Carmen surprise with the bi-lingual Bulerias, which effortlessly syncs flamenco guitar and the sort of soaring Moog work you might recognise from a selection of sci-fi TV shows that aired in the early 70s...Seek it out, but give The Ian Gillan Band's run at Child In Time a miss.

Classic Rock magazine (May 2011)

VARIOUS ARTISTS War Horses - Angel Air Rocks! (SJPCD362)

Eclectic it may well be but 'War Horses' is all the better for it and as a starting place this is a perfect introduction to an excellent label.

Fireworks magazine (May 2011)

This compilation features lots of good stuff that Angel Air are now putting out or re-issuing; and although retro is a good sampler of some top musicians. 3/5

Mark Woodhead, www.getreadytorock.com (April 2011)

DANNY PEYRONEL Make The Monkey Dance (SJPCD356)

'Make The Monkey Dance' is an album packed with some of the best commercial rock that you're liable to hear anywhere.

Fireworks magazine (May 2011)

MOURNBLADE Anthology - Vol.1 (SJPCD325)

Mournblade's music is punked up NWOBHM which is somewhat bizarrely boosted by huge keyboards that add an air of Hawkwind majesty...Angel Air don't often get it wrong, with the vast majority of their vault plundering being of the highest standard.

Fireworks magazine (May 2011)

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