JOHN MAYER’S BATTLE STUDIES TAKES #1 WITHOUT A FIGHT

SECOND MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SHOW ADDED TO BATTLE STUDIES WORLD TOUR; KICKING OFF FEB 4th

UPCOMING ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW, JAY LENO SHOW, LARRY KING LIVE & JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE APPEARANCES PLANNED

(New York, NY – November 25, 2009) – One day after John Mayer’s latest album, Battle Studies was released last week, the buzz began that the seven-time Grammy winning artist had another bullet-proof hit on his hands that left the competition in the dust. Today, the Billboard Top 200 Chart confirms that Battle Studies, Mayer’s fourth studio album, has reached the highest chart position in the U.S. after a release week that catered to fans and focused on performance. Via a multitude of broadcast partners, Mayer’s performances were seen live on Fuse, heard around the world by the troops via American Forces Network, watched throughout a morning on The Today Show and streamed live from the Letterman studios, courtesy of CBS. Meanwhile, around the world, Battle Studies has earned Mayer his highest Australian debut at #3, while he leads at #1 in Holland.

As fans know, there is no substitute to seeing John Mayer perform live and the release of Battle Studies kicks off a North American tour on February 8th in Charleston, SC and featuring special guest, Michael Franti & Spearhead (dates below). Demand has been high since tickets became available to the public on November 21 and has led to the addition of a second night at the famed MadisonSquareGarden on February 26. In the meantime, Mayer will make upcoming television apperances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Jay Leno Show, Larry King Live and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Battle Studies incorporates the warmth, melodies and simplicity of 70’s and 80’s California rock and pop. Battle Studies is a confessional, relaxed and liberated album recorded in a private home in California where Mayer lived and worked over the course of six months before wrapping at the famed Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. The album was co-produced by John Mayer and Steve Jordan and released on Nov 17th, 2009 on Columbia Records.

ABOUT JOHN MAYER – The consistency with which John Mayer combines word craft and melody has earned him rarefied status in popular culture as a genuine and respected songwriter and musician. Since his acclaimed debut in 2001 with Room For Squares, each release has earned John Mayer additional accolades. Through 2003’s Heavier Things, his work with John Mayer Trio in 2005, CONTINUUM’s 2006 release and now, Battle Studies, John Mayer has established himself as a musician and collaborator who exceeds genre boundaries. The guitarist, vocalist and songwriter has earned seven Grammy Awards and sold nearly 12.5 million albums worldwide.

In May 2007, Time Magazine placed John Mayer on their Time 100 list of the most influential contemporary thinkers, leaders, artists and entertainers. For two consecutive years, Rolling Stone Magazine featured John Mayer on the cover of their annual “Guitar” issue – first with the May 2008 “Living Guitar Legends” issue and then as part of February 2007’s “Guitar Heroes” round-ups featuring Mayer with peers and icons alike.

Pairings with a range of artists are a defining trait of the musician whose collaborative streak is well-known. From rock to blues, hip-hop to jazz to country, Mayer has performed and/or recorded with Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, T-Bone Burnett, Herbie Hancock, Dixie Chicks, Jay Z, Alicia Keys and Taylor Swift. In 2005, Mayer famously toured and recorded with power players Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan as John Mayer Trio, whose live album TRY! featured searing blues and rock. As on Continuum, John Mayer again took the helm as the co-producer of Battle Studies, his fourth studio album, which will be released November, 17, 2009.

MAYER’S BATTLE STUDIES TOUR W/MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD:

February
4 Thu Sunrise, FL BankAtlanticCenter

5 Fri Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum

6 Sat Jacksonville, FL Veterans Memorial Arena

8 Mon Charleston, SCNorth Charleston Coliseum
9 Tue Birmingham, AL BJCC Arena
10 Wed Nashville, TNSommetCenter
12 Fri Auburn Hills (Detroit), MI The Palace of Auburn Hills
13 Sat Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
16 Tue Ottawa, ON Scotiabank Place
17 Wed Montreal, QC Bell Centre
19 Fri Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
20 Sat Washington, DC Verizon Center
21 Sun Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
24 Wed Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden
25 Thu New York, NYMadisonSquareGarden
26 Fri New York, NYMadisonSquareGarden
28 Sun Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena

March
1 Mon Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center
2 Tue St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
4 Thu Omaha, NE Qwest Center
5 Fri Oklahoma City, OKFordCenter
6 Sat Houston, TXToyotaCenter
8 Mon Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
9 Tue Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
10 Wed New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
12 Fri Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
13 Sat Louisville, KY Freedom Hall
15 Mon Greensboro, NCGreensboro Coliseum Complex
16 Tue Charlottesville, VA John Paul Jones Arena
17 Wed Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
19 Fri Memphis, TN Fed Ex Forum
20 Sat St Louis, MOScottradeCenter
22 Mon Kansas City, MOSprintCenter
23 Tue Denver, CO PepsiCenter
25 Thu Los Angeles, CAStaplesCenter
26 Fri San Jose, CA HP Pavilion
30 Tue Portland, OR Rose Garden
31 Wed Seattle, WA KeyArena

April
1 Thu Vancouver, BC General Motors Place
3 Sat Calgary, AB Pengrowth Saddledome
4 Sun Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
6 Tue Saskatoon, SK Credit Union Centre
7 Wed Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre
8 Thu Fargo, ND FargoDome
10 Sat Chicago, IL United Center

Susan Boyle Makes Music History

Susan Boyle Makes Music History as the “Fastest Selling Worldwide Female Debut Ever” and is today announced as the “Fastest Selling Debut Album in UK Chart History”.

As Susan Boyle’s album ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ confirms its place at the top of the UK, Australian and Irish charts today and continues to race to number 1 in the US, Canada, New Zealand and hits #1 iTunes status in France, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland and Japan the message across the world is clear -Susan Boyle has validated her place among music giants.

In Britain, Susan Boyle’s debut album was confirmed as the fastest selling UK debut album of all time selling 411,820 copies beating the previous fastest selling debut of all time, Arctic Monkeys in its first three days. I Dreamed a Dream also outsold the rest of the top 5 albums combined.

In America, Susan is already outselling young mega-sellers Rihanna, Lady Gaga and 50 Cent, defying them all with an expected number 1 position. In doing so she is set to break Eminem’s previous record for highest first week (US) sales this year. Susan has broken retail records around the world including selling 80,OOO copies in four short sales windows on QVC and becoming the biggest pre-ordered album in the history of Amazon.

As I Dreamed A Dream finds its way into over 2 million homes across the planet in 7 short days, it is time to crown a new worldwide musical phenomenon.

A delighted Susan Boyle said “It’s fantastic”.

Simon Cowell congratulated Susan yesterday saying “I’m incredibly proud of Susan and delighted for her. This success couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person. Susan Boyle quite simply has broken the rules, her story is like a Hollywood movie but this time it’s real life and a really talented, nice lady who has won.”

HMV’s Gennaro Castaldo says: ‘People of all ages seem to be buying it, and it’s clearly going to be one the must-have gift items this Christmas. Susan’s accomplished performance on The X-Factor has given the album a massive, timely boost. It now has the momentum to challenge for the Christmas No.1′

The Official Charts Company’s MD, Martin Talbot, adds: ‘Susan Boyle’s achievement is quite phenomenal. After all of the excitement surrounding her appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, everyone expected her to make a big impact when she released her first music – but to arrive with such a bang is exceptional.’

The statistics:

• Fastest Selling Global Female Debut Album

– Number 1 album in UK making it the ” Fastest Selling Debut Album in UK Chart History” beating previous fastest selling debut of all time Arctic Monkeys in first three days. Its also the highest one week sale for a female act in chart history.

– Projected 1 Album in US, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia and many European countries.

– Most pre-ordered album in Amazon history.

• #1 iTunes Japan, Canada, France, Spain, Switzerland

• First album of the month in the Italian #1 retail account by a non-Italian artist ever

I Dreamed A Dream is released in the UK by SYCO Music and is out now.

Shakira in the Economist & on the cover..

1) How does it feel to be on the cover of the world’s most influential publication?

It’s a great honor; I was quite surprised and humbled to see myself alongside the likes of individuals such as President Obama. It is something I could have never imagined. Beyond the initial surprise though, I am so heartened and glad that such importance is being placed on the topic of education. This is a reflection that as individual people and members of civil societies, we can bring awareness to the rest of the world and call our governments to action on pressing issues, such as this one, that do not always receive the attention they merit.

2) What do you mean by a global fund for education?

I believe there are certain issues that transcend the geographical and sovereign boundaries of nations and become part of a global effort where every country can play a crucial role. This has been the case with the fight for global human rights, the struggle against the AIDS epidemic and malaria. It is imperative that the same actions be taken for education; sooner rather than later education must become a lawful right to which everyone is entitled and is globally protected by a collective global alliance. A single child without a proper education is a problem that befalls on everyone’s shoulders; a child with an education is an opportunity for the entire world. I hope President Obama will soon lead the agenda on this initiative. I am certain he shares the same vision I do; his recent commitment of US$2 billion for the creation of a global education fund for the Americas is testament to this.

3) When you say that someone who is born poor dies poor, to what countries do you refer?

It is a universal rule that applies to every single country. A child born into poverty and who lacks basic access to nutrition or to a good education is almost certainly doomed to a life of poverty. There really is only one way to break the chains of poverty and that is through education. It starts at birth with early childhood stimulation.

4) What do you feel the model of the Barefoot Foundation has successfully proven?

The model is proof that the private sector can play a role in the developmental trajectory of a country. It is proof that the public and private sectors can work together successfully and that civil society has both the drive and the predilection to find and build connections and associations that will lead to better and more effective end results. While I have achieved a lot through the Foundation, this has only been possible with the collaboration and partnership of individuals such as Carlos Slim, Howard Buffet, Alejandro Santo Domingo, Bruce MacMaster, Antonio Celia, Samuel Azout, former President Clinton, Frank Giustra, Haim Sabant, among many others who dedicate ever-growing amounts of their time to pursue those philanthropic causes they believe in. They invest their money and their time in ways that have historically never been seen before.

5) In what ways is the Barefoot Foundation different from the ALAS Foundation?

The Barefoot Foundation/Fundacion Pies Descalzos is focused on the construction and administration of schools and community facilities. Today, we have five thousand students who receive a high quality education and basic nutrition at our schools and thirty thousand people participating in some way from the communal activities offered through the schools, which also serve as community centers. The ALAS Foundation is focused on building a regional alliance to implement early childhood development. This is the most effective and highest return investment that a government can make and we want it to be at the forefront of every government’s agenda in the region.

6) ALAS does not build schools?

No, ALAS neither receives nor manages public funds. What it has achieved is to convoke all the multilateral organizations, governments, and experts and specialists such as Jeffrey Sachs of ColumbiaUniversity, to join the Ibero-American Secretariat for Early Childhood Development and to create a regional strategy that individual countries can implement in order to achieve universal early childhood development in the region. The formation of this Secretariat and for all these different organizations to be working together on creating this plan is a huge success. The largest challenge we face now will be whether every government chooses to implement this strategy or not.

7) What is the objective of this plan that is being developed by the experts and specialists?

The objective is a critical path of specific commitments that each government must make year after year to achieve universal early childhood education within the next decade. If Latin America were to successfully achieve this, we would be changing our destiny forever. It would eradicate inequality and violence.

8) In the article, you say that education is the best security plan a government can have. How does this concept work?

Globally, trillions of dollars are spent annually to protect us from violence. The United States’ occupation of Afghanistan, the ever-growing size of police forces, the private sector’s creation of private security forces to protect their families — all in all, this is an incalculably large sum of money and despite these efforts, violence continues to escalate. There is only one security plan that will achieve real results: education. A stimulated child with a good education has the necessary tools and skills to avoid the industry of violence. A child that lacks these tools is dragged into a world of violence without even consciously realizing this. No private army or federal army can prevail.

the economist nov 09[2].pdf

2009_11_20_17_08_50[2].pdf

My friend Barry Varkel, the attorney in denial on stage again

My friend Barry Varkel, the attorney in denial, will hit the stage again with more dark humour.

Venue : Ragazzi Aperitivolounge, 33 Long Street(corner Strand and Long street.)

at 8pm

Wednesday 2 December 2009

P.S the picture is of Barry giving the world the finger in the water in Monaco….

The Mobile Boutique 48 fashion Designers

join us tonight at The Mobile Boutique. 48 Fashion Designers ready to rock the face of South African Design.

Get your friends together, and expect to be dazzled by great style, food, and fashion!

Tonight at The Old Biscuit Mill, From 18:00 – 23:00.

Much Obliged,

Jacques Rusch

Email: Jacques

Web: www.themobileboutique.co.za

AZ Abrahams musical tribute Sat 28 Nov on the couch from 8-9am on heart 104.9fm

Both Sam and I feel it would be fitting to remember the first person who ran on the couch 1st on Sat. Az Abrahams.

We have a wonderful musical tribute to Az Abrahams. Please listen .

I sometimes feel like the director general in the office as I have had five presenters do the show.

Fiona Furey for a few weeks then AZ ,Robin Vember ,Peter Stemmet ,now Sam Roy.( these blokes are like the cabinet ministers they keep getting moved) ,but the director stays.

AZ my brother you gave me unconditional love and an amazing friendship. No one can take that way. I will always celebrate your life. You are an unforgettable fire, gone too soon.

Love and respect

Martin

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Goldfish ‘Submerged’ Sundays

Gold Fish Submerged Sundays

Goldfish’s Submerged Sundays have truly become part of the fabric of Cape Town.

Now in its 3rd year, Goldfish have taken the Submerged Sunday’s Concept and grown

it into Cape Town’s hottest night of the week – hands down.

Featuring 12 exclusive sets from Goldfish every Sunday, the cream of South Africa’s DJs,

Sushi Bar courtesy of Tank, incredible visuals courtesy of Afterlife VJ’s, mind-numbing

sound from Audio Engineering, as well as top secret production effects to rock the

dance floor, The Fishies have upped their game once again.

Pull in early for a drink, grab some Sushi and watch the sun set with the perfect soundtrack

and setting before Goldfish take the stage to play the cutting edge live show that has

made them a global phenomenon, showcasing tracks from their new album

Perceptions of Pacha – Remixed.

With La Med’s refurbishment complete, there’s a more spacious Dance Floor,

a new VIP area and reserved parking, the stage is set for a Summer to remember.

Entrance: R50

Strictly over 18

Dress: Beach sand welcome.

Avoid the queue:

Presale: Tickets from Havaianas, V&A Waterfront

Online: www.webtickets.co.za

www.goldfishlive.com

www.youtube.com/goldfishlive

www.myspace.com/goldfishlive

www.facebook.com/goldfishlive

www.twitter.com/goldfishlive

SADE ALBUM ANNOUNCEMENT

SADE
SET TO RELEASE SOLDIER OF LOVE WORLDWIDE ON FEBRUARY 8th

SOLDIER OF LOVE MARKS SADE’S FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM
SINCE THE MULTI-PLATINUM LOVERS ROCK

New York, NY– The wait is now over. Epic Records is pleased to announce the release of SOLDIER OF LOVE, the highly anticipated new body of work from SADE. SOLDIER OF LOVE – which will be released WORLDWIDE on February 8, 2010 – is Sade’s first official studio album since the multi-platinum release of Lovers Rock in 2000.

Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984 the band have seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They’ve been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won three Grammy Awards – first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for “No Ordinary Love”, and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock.

SOLIDER OF LOVE was recorded in England and produced by the band and their longtime collaborator Mike Pela.

WWW.SADE.COM

AZ Abrahams a true friend my tribute

Saturday 21st Nov, Oh boy, was I up for our radio show on Heart 104.9fm .

My beloved All Blacks are playing England and Italy would get smashed by the Boks. Two fantastic rugby games.

Sam Roy is controlling the mayhem that is on the couch from 8am – 9am with Zahieer Adams and I having a full go at the French for the World cup hand goal. The private line rings in the studio; no one has that number .Sam takes the call. Off air Sam mentions to us that this man has called in to say AZ has been killed in a car accident.

My first thoughts are no this is a terrible prank. The show ends at 9am and we all leave and I drive to my office in Mowbray only to get a call at 9.40am with Sam saying two words “It’s true”.

I nearly crash my car crying uncontrollably. My first words out my mouth are Why, Why, Why. Why do the good guys go so early! I drive back to the station to see Vernon Adams calling staff. I know it is true. AZ is dead. The most amazing friend you could ever have, our birthdays are 7 days apart his on 27 Jan mine on 20th. When we first met we disliked each other, he was working for a small record label and I was at the mighty B.M.G .What did this cocky young enthusiastic kid know, the elixir of youth. We found out latter we saw ourselves in each other.

We boxed heads and we went our separate ways until I got a show at Heart 104.9fm talking sport on the couch on Sat mornings .I started with Fiona Furey and then the station did a switch and AZ was now the presenter,Wow this kid again I thought! How wrong I was .His first words to me went along the lines of “just talk and talk into the mic.” AZ loved the Boks; I loved the All Blacks – radio heaven.

We struck up an instant friendship and a deep love and respect for one another, but we needed someone to talk cricket. A chance meeting at a braai with a great friend Alan “Flapper “Alperstein, who knew cricket, played cricket and could talk was the answer. AZ I have the solution “Flapper” What he laughed, but AZ trusted my judgment.

To cut a long story short the show rocked AZ was dynamic and teaching these two complete novices everything he knew about radio, AZ loved on the couch and we loved AZ. He gave of himself 100% and we excelled so much so that I am still doing the feature today .It’s because of AZ!

AZ worked in the fashion field a lot and he would often MC or host a fashion event and I would be running the sound. It was never “work” when AZ was around .It was a joy to watch him work a crowd from Vangate Mall to Cavendish Square. He could make people rock. AZ was a total pro 100% committed to the task at hand and an absolute joy to see being in control of the stage with great mic technique and stage presence…AZ was like a young Alex Jay.

On another note I remember buying a pink baby blanket as a baby gift for his new born 1st love Zara, AZ found this very very funny .I was single and what did I know about babies, but I was taken up to his lovely home in Walmer Estate, to be shown the blanket, with the words “Zara loves the blankie look”

Eventually on the couch ended after a year and a half (on 3 March 2007) was the last show and AZ was moved to another slot .

AZ late night show 10 -2am Fri and Sat .AZ joked they moving me to fix the show and get the Listenership up. The party king was born .AZ always had it in him but now he could manifest this personality on air and off air.

Away from the public eye AZ had these amazing strong family values, with a love for his fellow friends, and his undying love for his daughter Zara. AZ would always come and confide in me or his great great friend Karen Burt who has knows AZ since he was 17. We both saw and knew the other side of AZ, this wonderful love for his daughter and son.

AZ did confide in me the last time we worked together 3rd October at Cavendish Square .

AZ was getting ready to work in Johannesburg. He was excited and wanted new challenges. He was happy for me as I was in love with Razia and insisted in no uncertain terms to Razia that she look after me as we are bothers. That was AZ always worrying about his friends .We had our customary cigarette before the show and then AZ rocked the crowd and the show pumped. He then went north that night flying backwards and forwards.

I Really wanted to see AZ and on Friday night (20th Nov ) before his show, I thought lets make plans for Saturday, I will call him Saturday morning. We needed to catch up and we could perhaps watch rugby together and Razia also wanted to see him. A friend of yours became a friend of his, he always made people feel at ease. I still face booked a message to him in the morning as his log in details are on the PC I use in the studio when I come in.

AZ my brother you gave me unconditional love and an amazing friendship. No one can take that way. I will always celebrate your life. You are an unforgettable fire, gone too soon.

Love and respect

Martin

heart fm 2

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this must be the ultimate box set

I was reading the Dec 2009 issue of Vanity fair( best magazine in the world even if I say so myself) and on the music page, page 82 ,they ran an article on Xmas and the time for giving.

Wow what a selection of product but the crux of the matter is this box set that . Yo – Yo Ma is putting out.

This must be the ultimate box set ever .

The set is called “Thirty years outside the box” , a 90 cd set , its every CD ever made by the artist as well as a 312 page booklet and at the oh so lovely price of $790.00 , Beat that !