ECLECTO GROOVE RECORDS HITS THE BIG SCREEN!
Tease out your hair and slip into your tiny bikinis!!! You’re invited to an outrageous party filled with rock music and movie stars! Eclecto Groove recording artists Ana Popovic and Zito suit up and show up, making their silver screen debut on the MTV Spring Break ’83 stage, celebrating everything that was so right and yet so wrong about the ’80s in Big Sky Motion Pictures’ upcoming release “Spring Break ‘83” a coming of age teen spoof comedy, set to titillate a theatre near you!
| “Spring Break ‘83” is building momentum and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. With the lion’s share of production in the can and the remaining “pick-up” shots to be completed in Los Angeles in the first quarter of 2008, the culmination of Big Sky’s vision of creating a box office monster in the comedic genre is quickly becoming a reality. After weathering numerous hurdles, the filming in New Orleans turned out a huge success. With a minimal budget to work with, Big Sky managed to create massive sound stages, both indoor and outdoor, flooded and sank sets, raced motorboats, completed numerous water stunts and shot aerial footage via helicopters. |
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With the completion of “Casting Call,” the reality based T.V. show, Big Sky is taking groundbreaking and innovative steps to drive the exposure and up the sales for “Spring Break ‘83.” “Casting Call,” similar to other star searching shows like FOX's “American Idol” and MTV's “Making the Band,” seeks out the next big movie star as well as diverse talent to be placed in the feature film. “Casting Call” features celebrity judges Joe Piscopo, Morgan Fairchild, and Adrian Zmed, and is being hosted by comedian Dan Levy.
Take a behind the scenes look into the production of Casting Call "Spring Break '83"
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS! |
Starring such iconic 80’s actors as John Goodman, Lee Majors, Joe Pantoliano, Downtown Julie Brown, Richard Portnow and Erik Estrada, “Spring Break ‘83” follows in the footsteps of other box office topping films in the genre, such as “Animal House,” “Naked Gun,” “American Pie,” “Suberbad” and many others. The coming of age teen comedy spoofs the ‘80s in reminiscence of comedic classics like “Porky’s,” “Revenge of the Nerds,” “Airplane” and “Police Academy.”
Delta Groove Productions is proud to see Eclecto Groove recording artists Ana Popovic and Zito lend their talents as the “house band.” Like legendary blues performers, Stevie Ray Vaughan in “Back to the Beach” and Robert Cray in “Animal House,” Ana and Zito make their silver screen debut alongside comedic geniuses. In addition, the music of Ana Popovic and Zito will be featured in this comedic film which celebrates everything that was so right and yet so wrong about the 80’s, from the outrageous parties and tiny bikinis, to the rock music and big hair. This is a big step for Randy Chortkoff and his vocation to incorporate blues music with major motion pictures, helping to stir a resurgence in the genre by exposing it to a brand new audience. |
TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE PRODUCTION OF "SPRING BREAK '83" CLICK HERE! |
Every year, over ten thousand music industry professionals from over 90 different countries gather together in Cannes, France at the MIDEM forum to respond to the overwhelmingly increasing demand for music. MIDEM assembles spokespersons from the publishing, recording, digital, live, mobile and branding divisions of the music industry, allowing them to network, check out new talent, learn and make deals. This January, Eclecto Groove Records has made the decision to make their mark on MIDEM by taking out a full page color ad in what is referred to as the MIDEM “bible.” The MIDEM Guide is distributed to every attendee of MIDEM and contains contact information for the who’s who of the music industry. Because this resource is kept on hand for an entire year before being updated, Eclecto Groove Records and our artists, specifically Ana Popovic, who’s had a presence in Europe for many years now, will be exposed to over ten thousand industry professionals again and again as they refer to the MIDEM Guide for contact info. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE AD IN THE MIDEM GUIDE (3.8MB)
STILL MAKING HISTORY (REMIX) - UPDATE:
What do Eclecto Groove Records recording artist, Ana Popovic, Def Jam recording artist, Rihanna and Bad Boy Records founder, Sean “Puffy” Combs all have in common? If you guessed their involvement with multi-platinum producer, Rudy “Mayru” Maya, you’ve been keeping up to date on your industry news! Maya has already begun remix work on two tracks from Popovic’s album, “Still Making History” and Ana will be flying into Los Angeles in early February for some one on one studio time with the esteemed producer.
Eclecto Groove Records and Ana Popovic continue to trudge forth towards the plans of breaking Ana in a commercial pop market. The powers that be at Eclecto Groove Records have teamed up with multi-platinum producer/composer Rudy “Mayru” Maya to record and release a remix of the “Still Making History” album. The project will include remixes of 8 tracks from the original “Still Making History” record as well as two additional original tracks. Here at Eclecto Groove Records, we knew we had to take a bold step in order to cross Ana over into the desired market we felt would best put her music out to the rest of the world. Given Rudy “Mayru” Maya’s background, we felt he was just the guy to lead us down that path!
Maya most notably produced tracks for Def Jam recording artist, Rihanna on her multi-platinum debut album, “Music of the Sun.” Following the release of her debut album, Rihanna’s career has skyrocketed to include numerous hit singles and chart topping releases! Maya has also been involved in production work for Capital recording artist, Javier, Sony recording artist, Nikki Flores, as well as Sean “Puffy” Combs’ (aka Diddy, P. Diddy, Puff Daddy) MTV/Bad Boy Records project, “Making the Band.” Additionally, “Mayru” has scored numerous film, television and commercial projects, most recently for CBS’ hit show, “Cane.”
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“Still Making History” closed out the month of December at #10 on the Billboard Blues Charts. It was the 7th week in a row for Ana Popovic who was originally selected as a Top Heatseeker by Billboard back in October before her rapid rise up the charts. “Still Making History” held the #4 spot on Billboard two weeks in a row, sharing company with the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bettye Lavette, Joe Bonamassa, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Keb’ Mo’.
The nationally syndicated House of Blues Radio Hour with host Elwood Blues (aka Dan Aykroyd) will be featuring the music of Ana Popovic on an upcoming show scheduled for the weekend of January 26th & 27th. |
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Hittin’ The Note (Issue #55) featured a full page review on Ana Popovic “Still Making History,” selecting the song “Doubt Everyone But Me” as one of the album’s standout tracks. Other articles, reviews and features have appeared in Rock Times, Concerto Magazine, Guitarist, Living Blues, The Tennessean, Nashville Scene, Creative Loafing, NUVO, Knoxville Daily Times, Vintage Guitar, Classic Rock Magazine, Montrose Daily Press, Twelve Bar Rag, Grand Rapids Press, Cleveland Scene, Gitarre & Bass Magazine and the Erie Times News. |
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Ana Popovic’s “Still Making History” is currently featured on the Full Tilt Boogie Program by AIMS (Alliance of Independent Media Stores) and will be available to preview on listening stations throughout the month of January. AIMS stores are a group of independent, locally owned music retailers united in their dedication to putting artistic integrity ahead of mass-market commercial hype. The membership consists of 29 stores in 21 cities located from coast to coast. For a complete listing of store locations or to find a store near you please visit their website at http://www.thealliancerocks.com/
Borders will continue to feature Ana Popovic “Still Making History” on listening stations nationwide until the beginning of March 2008. Borders requested an extension on the current promotion over the holiday season due to the ongoing success they’ve experienced in sales. Since the promotion began last September, Ana’s CD has remained a top seller for our distributor City Hall Records at Border locations across the U.S. |
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01/04/08: Bad Windsheim, Germany – Musikcafe Jam
01/05/08: Zurich, Swiss – Moods In Schiffbau
01/10/08: Weinheim, Germany – Muddy’s Club
01/11/08: Samedan, Swiss – Out Of The Blue’s Samedan
04/29/08: Wendelstein, Germany – Blues Festival Wendelstein
05/30/08: Heemskerk, Netherlands – De Nozam & De Non
05/31/08: Valkommen, Sweden – Monsteras Blues & Roots Fest
06/01/08: Castel San Pietro, Italy – Festival In Blues
06/12/08: Chattanooga, TN – Riverbend Festival
06/19/08: Ft. Wayne, IN – Ribfest
06/21/08: Ft. Smith, AR – Riverfront Blues Festival
06/28/08: Alpena, MI – 5th Annual Alpena Blues Festival
06/29/08: Detroit, MI – Detroit Blues Society Function
07/06/08: Thunder Bay, Ontario – 6th Thunderbay Blues Festival
08/06/08: Azores, Portugal – Festas De Praia
10/03/08: Frankfurt, Germany – Sinkkasten
10/04/08: Koblenz, Germany – Café Hahn
10/25/08: Cham, Swiss – Live-In Cham
11/15/08: Lingen, Germany – Gruner Jager
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Intrepid Artists
Rick Booth (email)
1300 Baxter Street, Ste. 405
Charlotte, NC 28204
PH: 704.358.4777
FX: 704.358.3171
www.intrepidartists.com |
Delta Groove Music
Frank Roszak (email)
14602 Victory Blvd., Ste. 200
Van Nuys, CA 91411
PH: 818.755.4460
FX: 818.755.4469
www.deltagroovemusic.com |
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"ROCKET NUMBER 9" - SPECIAL OFFER!:
For a limited time, Eclecto Groove Records will make available autographed copies of “Rocket Number 9.” The CD is signed by all four members of the band – Jason Ricci, Shawn Starsky, Todd “Buck Weed” Edmunds and Ron Sutton and will be available while supplies last.
Retail: $17.99 / New Discounted Price: $12.99
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO AUDIO CLIPS AND TO VIEW LINER NOTES! |
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NEW BLOOD DIARIES:
Get your news direct from the source as Jason Ricci reports in with the trials and tribulations of life as a touring musician.
"I guess the biggest news for the band lately has been the huge write up in the new issue of Blues Revue. I pretty much hate all interviews, as they have a tendency to spin or misquote ideas and principles but this write up rocked and I'm really happy about it. Additionally our CD "Rocket Number 9” has gotten almost unanimously rave reviews minus one only one mind you from a website owning, Dungeons and Dragons loving, short sited and slandering, uninformed and presumptuous, rock and roll dissing, net hater geek boy. But anyway... All the big magazines and people that don't play Dungeons and Dragons love the record and thanks to Rand Chortkoff and the team at Eclecto Groove this band is enjoying more press, love, support, success and world wide attention than ever before and were stoked!"
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE! |
Airplay for Jason Ricci & New Blood’s “Rocket Number 9” continues to hold steady eliciting enthusiastic responses from radio programmers and DJ’s alike to the forceful and eruptive music contained within the big grooves on that small silver platter.
“Jason Ricci - Is this stretching the outer limits of the harmonica, or what?...The songwriting and production values are extraordinary.”
- (WHQR / www.whqr.org)
“Jason Ricci is fantastic. Blew the cobwebs away. Thanks for turning me on to the record.”
– Suzanne Cheavens (Music Director / KOTO, Telluride, CO / www.koto.org)
“Jason Ricci & New Blood’s new album ‘Rocket Number 9’ is burning up the airwaves here at WQNR! Rippin’ stuff, the energy is infectious, and if this doesn’t make you rock, you must be dead!” – Wildman Steve (Music Director / WQNR, Auburn, AL - 99.9 FM / www.wqnr.com )
Triple A Radio Airplay:
WJHS (21 spins first week!)
KBUT – KDNK – KFAI – KOTO – KPCW – KRFC – KRVM – KRVS – WEEM – WRRW – KZMU – WUSM – KROK – KAXE – KNBA – KPFT – KSLU – KSMF – KSRQ – KUNI – KUNM – KVNF – WACC – WMSV – WNKU – WNTI – WXCS – WBAI – WBZC – WDIY – WFIT – WJHS – WKWC – KCUV – KDBB – KINK – KROK – KTKE – KYSL – WMMM – WMVY – WQNR – WTTS - WUSP
Jam Band Radio Airplay:
KHEN (Sonic Gumbo) – KPIG (Saturday Ham Jam) – WESS (Six String More Or Lesh) - KPFA
Blues Revue just published their feature article on Jason Ricci in the Feb/Mar issue (#110) of their magazine. The six page story titled “Gets His Rock Off” finds Jason discussing his tumultuous past, forming his new relationship with Eclecto Groove, and the experience of working in the studio with producer John Porter on “Rocket Number 9.” Available on stands now!
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE!
Other recent articles and reviews have appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune, Fort Collins, Tennessean, Living Blues, Denver Post, Herald Reporter, Coloradoan, Sun Community, City Beat, Blues Festival Guide, Big City Blues and the Phoenix New Times. |
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Beginning this month, Jason Ricci & New Blood’s groundbreaking release “Rocket Number 9” will be featured on the Rock listening stations at Borders locations nationwide. While Ike Turner took us on an airborne adventure back in ‘51 with his explosive “Rocket 88,” Jason Ricci & New Blood will now blast you into the stratosphere with “Rocket Number 9!” Be sure to drop by your local Borders store beginning January 8th for your opportunity to take the most sonically thrilling ride of your life! |
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01/17/08: Maryville, TN - Brackins
01/18/08: Parkersburg, WV – Front Row Bar & Grill
01/19/08: Erie, PA – Docksider’s
01/21/08: Sharon, PA – Tully’s
01/22/08: Louisville, KY – Stevie Ray’s Blues Bar
01/23/08: Angola, IN – Skip’s Lounge
01/24/08: Auburn Hills, MI – Callahan’s
01/25/08: Mishawaka, IN – Midway Tavern
01/26/08: Dubuque, IA – The Busted Lift
01/31/08: Montgomery, AL – Capital Oyster Bar
02/01/08: Hattiesburg, MS – Bottling Co.
02/07/08: Marietta, GA – Darwins
02/08/08: Tallahassee, FL – Bradfordville Blues Club
02/09/08: Jacksonville, FL – Mojo Room
02/12/08: Key West, FL – Green Parrot
02/13/08: Key West, FL – Green Parrot
02/14/08: Key West, FL – Green Parrot
02/15/08: Boca Raton, FL – Back Room
02/19/08: Nashville, TN – Bourbon St.
02/21/08: Silverton, OH – Silverton Cafe
02/22/08: Lansing, MI – Cadillac Club
02/23/08: Grand Rapids, MI – Billy’s
02/25/08: Rockton, PA – Over The Mountain
02/27/08: Hanover, PA – Kclinger’s Tavern
02/28/08: Teaneck, NJ – Mexicali Blues
02/29/08: Blanox, PA - Moondogs
03/01/08: Cleveland, OH – The Winchester
03/02/08: Lawrenceville, PA – Lakeview Lodge
06/08/08: Hughesville, PA – Blues Festival
07/05/08: Thunder Bay, ON - Bluesfest
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Intrepid Artists
Rick Booth (email)
1300 Baxter Street, Ste. 405
Charlotte, NC 28204
PH: 704.358.4777
FX: 704.358.3171
www.intrepidartists.com |
Delta Groove Music
Frank Roszak (email)
14602 Victory Blvd., Ste. 200
Van Nuys, CA 91411
PH: 818.755.4460
FX: 818.755.4469
www.deltagroovemusic.com |
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“To know that you’re helping keep the music that really touched you alive. There’s no better feeling than giving people something that touches them. Passing it on. You don’t get there very often but when you do, it makes life sing.” -Bill Bentley
Eclecto Groove Records adds yet another heavy hitter to “The Dream Team!” Publicist/Writer/Musician/Producer, Bill Bentley joins the arsenal of industry giants who together, have big plans for the career of Eclecto Groove recording artist, Zito. Organized by CEO Randy Chortkoff and President of Eclecto & Delta Groove Music Robert Fitzpatrick, “The Dream Team” features David Z (producer to Prince, Buddy Guy, Ana Popovic, Jonny Lang and Etta James), and Tony Braunagel (who produced Eric Burdon’s most recent CD “Soul of a Man”). In addition to Zito’s natural talent, Tony Braunagal put together a stellar assembly of world class musicians that included bassist James “Hutch” Hutchinson (who has recorded on nearly thirty Grammy award winning projects, playing with iconic musicians such as Bonnie Raitt, Roy Orbison, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson, Boz Scaggs, Keb’ Mo and B.B. King), keyboardist Benmont Tench (longtime pianist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and highly sought-after session player who has appeared on recordings by Jackson Browne, Johnny Cash, Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, U2, and the Rolling Stones to name just a few!), drummer Tony Braunagel (Taj Mahal, Eric Burdon, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt and Phantom Blues Band) and Michito Sanchez on percussion.
Bill Bentley’s credentials are certainly impressive enough to earn him a spot in this selective group of individuals! Bentley has worked as a publicist for Eric Clapton, Barenaked Ladies, The Blasters, Elvis Costello, Green Day, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Los Lobos, Lou Reed, Neil Young, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, and Wilco. Bentley has also been credited as record producer of Where the Pyramid Meets the Eye: A Tribute to Roky Erickson, More Oar: A Tribute to the Skip Spence Album and the solo album, Hand Made by The Blasters’ pianist, Gene Taylor. Bill Bentley humbly and respectfully refers to these associations as “walking with giants.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
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Eclecto Groove CEO Randy Chortkoff
& Zito.
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ECLECTO GROOVE CEO RANDY CHORTKOFF DISCUSSES THE DISCOVERY OF ZITO:
How did you first learn about Zito?
A production friend of mine from Mississippi, who works out of Nashville, named David Hughes referred Zito to me. Zito then contacted me through email, sent demos, myspace and YouTube links and called me repeatedly until he got me to give his stuff a listen. I finally went to his myspace and viewed the videos of his live shows as well as listened to his previous self-produced albums.
What did you think about first hearing his music? Did everybody at the label feel the same?
Upon first listen, I felt it wasn’t very strong traditional blues music. I felt his guitar playing was too much the main focus of his music and too busy. However, on his original songs, I heard something very unique. It was obvious that he was an extremely talented and gifted guitar player and with some direction, could develop his talents tremendously. Even so, I still wasn’t sold on the idea that he was right for the label. I got a lot of negative feedback from others at the label that were focusing on his style of playing blues and guitar pyrotechnics, causing them to overlook his vocal qualities and songwriting abilities.
When was it when you realized that he needed to be on Eclecto Groove Records? What exactly happened?
My fiancée, Kelly, and I were on a long drive and finally got a chance to actually listen to Zito’s music. We were really starting to get into his music when we heard his song, “Today” and it dawned on us that the song was all about recovery. I immediately felt a connection to Zito because I too have battled demons in my life and have been able to overcome them and experience life in the good lane. Once we realized what his lyrics were all about, I was sold. In a world where so many hit songs send such negative messages, Zito’s music was a breath of fresh air. I’m so tired of hearing music talking about how much money so and so has, what kind of car they drive, how big their butts or breasts are, what kind of clothes they wear, and all this negative crap that gets forced into the minds of impressionable youth. I have a teenage daughter and I want her to be exposed to music with a positive message. Zito’s lyrics are all based upon loyalty, spirituality, recovery, love, patience, respect, compassion, positive change, taking responsibility for our actions and the genuinely important things in life. Then again, there is also just enough good-natured smut from his past to bring it all together.
What are some of Zito’s qualities that you believe make him a star?
Zito is a shining star in so many ways. His passion for music, vocal qualities, songwriting abilities, guitar playing, original arrangement of songs, stage presence, personality, humbleness, dedication to his family and his respect for humanity and music in general are only a representation of his impeccable qualities that make him a star. All these qualities not only make him a star, but they make him a terrific role model for the youth of today, tomorrow and yesterday. |
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COME ON OVER TO MY SPACE:
The official Zito myspace has once again been updated with the most current and exciting news! We hope you’ll drop in and add Zito to your circle of friends and stay current on all the latest news, photos, tour dates and happenings in the Zito universe. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the exclusive samplings from his upcoming 2008 Eclecto Groove Records release “Today,” featuring the world premier of three hit singles “Holding Out For Love,” “Slow it Down” and “Blinded by the Life” heard exclusively on myspace!
Click here to view Zito's MySpace page! |
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01/01/08: Jackpot, NV – Ameristar Casino
01/02/08: Jackpot, NV – Ameristar Casino
01/03/08: Jackpot, NV – Ameristar Casino
01/04/08: Jackpot, NV – Ameristar Casino
01/05/08: Jackpot, NV – Ameristar Casino
01/06/08: Jackpot, NV – Ameristar Casino
01/07/08:Las Vegas, NV – CES Convention
01/08/08: Las Vegas, NV – CES Convention
01/09/08: Las Vegas, NV – CES Convention
01/10/08: Jackpot, NV – Ameristar Horshu Casino
01/11/08: Jackpot, NV – Ameristar Horshu Casino
01/12/08: Jackpot, NV – Ameristar Horshu Casino
01/13/08: Jackpot, NV – Ameristar Horshu Casino
01/15/08: St. Charles, MO – Ameristar Casino St. Charles
01/16/08: St. Charles, MO – Ameristar Casino St. Charles
01/17/08: St. Charles, MO – Ameristar Casino St. Charles
01/18/08: St. Charles, MO – Ameristar Casino St. Charles
01/19/08: St. Charles, MO – Ameristar Casino St. Charles
01/20/08: St. Charles, MO – Ameristar Casino St. Charles
01/23/08: Vicksburg, MS – Bottleneck Blues Bar – Ameristar Casino
01/24/08: Vicksburg, MS – Bottleneck Blues Bar – Ameristar Casino
01/25/08: Vicksburg, MS – Bottleneck Blues Bar – Ameristar Casino
01/26/08: Vicksburg, MS – Bottleneck Blues Bar – Ameristar Casino
01/27/08: Vicksburg, MS – Bottleneck Blues Bar – Ameristar Casino
To view all of Zito's upcoming tour dates CLICK HERE!
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Intrepid Artists
Rick Booth (email)
1300 Baxter Street, Ste. 405
Charlotte, NC 28204
PH: 704.358.4777
FX: 704.358.3171
www.intrepidartists.com |
Delta Groove Music
Frank Roszak (email)
14602 Victory Blvd., Ste. 200
Van Nuys, CA 91411
PH: 818.755.4460
FX: 818.755.4469
www.deltagroovemusic.com |
THE
OFFICAL ZITO WEBSITE: http://www.mikezito.com/
THE
OFFICAL ZITO MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/mikezito5150 |
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> CLICK HERE! |
Keep up to date with all the latest Delta Groove / Eclecto Groove news, releases, tour dates, reviews and more by visiting our website @ www.EclectoGroove.com
Until next month,
Your Delta Groove Family |
