brianlewis
Been There & Done That
Re: Max Merritt & the Meteors
Well the day of releasing "Been Away Too Long", an appropriate title if there ever was one (the title track too) is upon us. Digital Release is Feb 15th, 2012, and CD release is April 15th, 2012.
This page is the link to global retailers and full-length track previews: http://www.lostraxx.com/styled/BeenAwayTooLongSalesPage.html.
It is a must listen for anyone who likes Max and The Meteors, and maybe it will introduce some new fans too.
As Max always says - Keep on Rockin'.
Here is the press release - don't share it till Feb 15th please.
LosTraxx Records
1217 SW Sunflower Dr., Lees Summit, MO 64081
Date: February 15th, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian Lewis Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Phone: +1-816-651-4299 Email: [email protected]
MAX MERRITT & THE METEORS
LONG FORGOTTEN LIVE PERFORMANCE
FINALLY RELEASED AFTER 43 YEARS!
"Uncovering a complete performance from that time is certainly cause for celebration."
"Max Merritt & the Meteors at the end of sixties were held in such exceptionally high regard as a live act and as musicians' musicians."
"The gruff vocals, the tight playing, the ferocious funk, all contributed to something we'd never really heard in this country before."
"For those who didn't get to hear it rolling off a stage back then, this is an opportunity to find out what the fuss was all about." - Glenn A. Baker, Music Writer/Researcher
Max Merritt & The Meteors "Been Away Too Long" producer Brian Lewis explains, “The latest release from one of Australia and New Zealand’s greatest bands is not a compilation, nor a reissue. It is a rare event in the music industry. It is a new album of a live performance, recorded in Melbourne in late 1969, that has not previously been released. Only a handful of people even knew the recording existed until recently." (You'll have to read The Official Back Story to get all the details.)
This recording has not been mixed down or changed in any way. What you hear is exactly how the audience heard the band that night in late 1969, captured via multiple microphones and a reel-to-reel tape recorder. Every instrument is clear and naturally balanced. Superbly recorded, amazingly well preserved, and expertly digitally remastered, "Been Away Too Long" is NOT your father’s bootleg!
The CD starts with two great numbers written by Max, followed by five proven crowd pleasers, and the band rounds out the set with a brilliant nine minute tribute medley to Otis Redding.
There are so many numbers* the band never recorded elsewhere for an album, even life-long fans will be listening to plenty of “fresh” material.
1. I've Been Away Too Long 2:56 (Merritt)
2. I'm So Happy* 3:25 (Merritt)
3. Gonna Send You Back To Your Moma* 2:23
4. Kush* 9:55
5. Louisiana Ana 3:47
6. Western Union Man 4:34
7. The House Will Rock* 5:10
8. Otis Redding Medley* 9:47
You've Got Me Hummin'
Fa, Fa, Fa, Fa, Fa (Sad Song)
Try a Little Tenderness
Satisfaction
Lewis continues, "In 1969 and 1970, the band was at the top of their game and widely acknowledged as one of the most popular live acts on the Australian music scene. The album showcases some of the very best the Meteors had to offer. This particular band lineup produced a unique sound, a cross pollination of rock, jazz, soul and blues as Max puts it. "Been Away Too Long" has the unique ambience of a live performance that can never be matched by studio sessions. The sound quality is outstanding."
Max Merritt is one of Australia and New Zealand's most important and influential pioneering Rock & Roll, R&B and Soul artists, and has been tirelessly pleasing audiences for over 50 years. Max's unique and unmistakable musical style and influences are evident throughout the album. When Max applies his magic, the results are nothing less than fantastic!
Lewis adds, "The release includes a terrific drum solo by the late Stewie Speer in Kush. We brought it to Glenn A. Baker’s attention, and he believes it is Stewie’s only known recorded drum solo. Stewie was one of Australia's all-time great drummers. It is rumored that on more than one occasion, Rolling Stones' drummer Charlie Watts was seen paying close attention to Stewie's technique when the band performed in London in the 70s."
Bob Bertles, one of Australia's top jazz musicians and longtime Meteor sax and flute player (1967-1974) provides a memorable performance on the album including a number of solos. Dave Russell, guitarist and music producer, and Meteor bass player (1969-1973) performs superbly on the album, like he had been with Max for years, and not just the few months since signing on when the recording was made. The quartet's power and flawless execution makes for a great listening experience.
Although recorded half a lifetime ago in the 20th century, "Been Away Too Long" will be a true 21st century release. Lewis says, "Beginning today, fans anywhere in the world will be able to sample and purchase the album, individual tracks and streams from these digital music websites - iTunes, Press Play Music and LosTraxx Records. Over the next few weeks the release will be fully integrated into these digital retailers - Amazon MP3, MySpace Music, Spotify, Rhapsody/Napster, eMusic, Zune, Nokia, iHeartRadio and VerveLife. Fans can find links to digital and physical retailers around the world at LosTraxx Records, or search their favorite retailer for "Max Merritt Been Away Too Long".
"Press Play Music has been appointed our exclusive antipodean CD distributor. Beginning today, fans everywhere (except the U.S, Canada & Mexico) can get a great CD pre-order deal directly from Press Play Music, and fans can pre-order from their favorite online or "bricks & mortar" record store. U.S, Canadian & Mexican fans can order directly from LosTraxx Records and take advantage of the great CD pre-order deal. Once the CD is released, April 15th, 2012, fans everywhere in the world can also order a CD directly form Amazon.com." (Sorry, Amazon does not do CD preorders.)
He concludes, "On a personal note, to be associated with a legendary band like Max Merritt and The Meteors is a real privilege. Without a doubt, everyone involved in this project demonstrated to me they are generous, understanding and dedicated music professionals.
"My ultimate hope is that fans will make this album a big retro hit, as a way to thank Max, and continue to pay him back for the 50+ years of good times he has given us all!"
________________________________________________________________________________________
Lewis was born and raised in Melbourne and moved to the U.S. in 1981.
For information: Contact Brian Lewis (Aus EST + 7hrs) at +1-816-651-4299 or email [email protected]
To preview and buy the album:
In Australia & NZ, and Globally (except U.S, Canada & Mexico), go to Press Play Music.
In the U.S, Canada & Mexico, go to LosTraxx Records.
If all else fails, on the CD release date, you can find the CD at Amazon.com.
Well the day of releasing "Been Away Too Long", an appropriate title if there ever was one (the title track too) is upon us. Digital Release is Feb 15th, 2012, and CD release is April 15th, 2012.
This page is the link to global retailers and full-length track previews: http://www.lostraxx.com/styled/BeenAwayTooLongSalesPage.html.
It is a must listen for anyone who likes Max and The Meteors, and maybe it will introduce some new fans too.
As Max always says - Keep on Rockin'.
Here is the press release - don't share it till Feb 15th please.
LosTraxx Records
1217 SW Sunflower Dr., Lees Summit, MO 64081
Date: February 15th, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian Lewis Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Phone: +1-816-651-4299 Email: [email protected]
MAX MERRITT & THE METEORS
LONG FORGOTTEN LIVE PERFORMANCE
FINALLY RELEASED AFTER 43 YEARS!
"Uncovering a complete performance from that time is certainly cause for celebration."
"Max Merritt & the Meteors at the end of sixties were held in such exceptionally high regard as a live act and as musicians' musicians."
"The gruff vocals, the tight playing, the ferocious funk, all contributed to something we'd never really heard in this country before."
"For those who didn't get to hear it rolling off a stage back then, this is an opportunity to find out what the fuss was all about." - Glenn A. Baker, Music Writer/Researcher
Max Merritt & The Meteors "Been Away Too Long" producer Brian Lewis explains, “The latest release from one of Australia and New Zealand’s greatest bands is not a compilation, nor a reissue. It is a rare event in the music industry. It is a new album of a live performance, recorded in Melbourne in late 1969, that has not previously been released. Only a handful of people even knew the recording existed until recently." (You'll have to read The Official Back Story to get all the details.)
This recording has not been mixed down or changed in any way. What you hear is exactly how the audience heard the band that night in late 1969, captured via multiple microphones and a reel-to-reel tape recorder. Every instrument is clear and naturally balanced. Superbly recorded, amazingly well preserved, and expertly digitally remastered, "Been Away Too Long" is NOT your father’s bootleg!
The CD starts with two great numbers written by Max, followed by five proven crowd pleasers, and the band rounds out the set with a brilliant nine minute tribute medley to Otis Redding.
There are so many numbers* the band never recorded elsewhere for an album, even life-long fans will be listening to plenty of “fresh” material.
1. I've Been Away Too Long 2:56 (Merritt)
2. I'm So Happy* 3:25 (Merritt)
3. Gonna Send You Back To Your Moma* 2:23
4. Kush* 9:55
5. Louisiana Ana 3:47
6. Western Union Man 4:34
7. The House Will Rock* 5:10
8. Otis Redding Medley* 9:47
You've Got Me Hummin'
Fa, Fa, Fa, Fa, Fa (Sad Song)
Try a Little Tenderness
Satisfaction
Lewis continues, "In 1969 and 1970, the band was at the top of their game and widely acknowledged as one of the most popular live acts on the Australian music scene. The album showcases some of the very best the Meteors had to offer. This particular band lineup produced a unique sound, a cross pollination of rock, jazz, soul and blues as Max puts it. "Been Away Too Long" has the unique ambience of a live performance that can never be matched by studio sessions. The sound quality is outstanding."
Max Merritt is one of Australia and New Zealand's most important and influential pioneering Rock & Roll, R&B and Soul artists, and has been tirelessly pleasing audiences for over 50 years. Max's unique and unmistakable musical style and influences are evident throughout the album. When Max applies his magic, the results are nothing less than fantastic!
Lewis adds, "The release includes a terrific drum solo by the late Stewie Speer in Kush. We brought it to Glenn A. Baker’s attention, and he believes it is Stewie’s only known recorded drum solo. Stewie was one of Australia's all-time great drummers. It is rumored that on more than one occasion, Rolling Stones' drummer Charlie Watts was seen paying close attention to Stewie's technique when the band performed in London in the 70s."
Bob Bertles, one of Australia's top jazz musicians and longtime Meteor sax and flute player (1967-1974) provides a memorable performance on the album including a number of solos. Dave Russell, guitarist and music producer, and Meteor bass player (1969-1973) performs superbly on the album, like he had been with Max for years, and not just the few months since signing on when the recording was made. The quartet's power and flawless execution makes for a great listening experience.
Although recorded half a lifetime ago in the 20th century, "Been Away Too Long" will be a true 21st century release. Lewis says, "Beginning today, fans anywhere in the world will be able to sample and purchase the album, individual tracks and streams from these digital music websites - iTunes, Press Play Music and LosTraxx Records. Over the next few weeks the release will be fully integrated into these digital retailers - Amazon MP3, MySpace Music, Spotify, Rhapsody/Napster, eMusic, Zune, Nokia, iHeartRadio and VerveLife. Fans can find links to digital and physical retailers around the world at LosTraxx Records, or search their favorite retailer for "Max Merritt Been Away Too Long".
"Press Play Music has been appointed our exclusive antipodean CD distributor. Beginning today, fans everywhere (except the U.S, Canada & Mexico) can get a great CD pre-order deal directly from Press Play Music, and fans can pre-order from their favorite online or "bricks & mortar" record store. U.S, Canadian & Mexican fans can order directly from LosTraxx Records and take advantage of the great CD pre-order deal. Once the CD is released, April 15th, 2012, fans everywhere in the world can also order a CD directly form Amazon.com." (Sorry, Amazon does not do CD preorders.)
He concludes, "On a personal note, to be associated with a legendary band like Max Merritt and The Meteors is a real privilege. Without a doubt, everyone involved in this project demonstrated to me they are generous, understanding and dedicated music professionals.
"My ultimate hope is that fans will make this album a big retro hit, as a way to thank Max, and continue to pay him back for the 50+ years of good times he has given us all!"
________________________________________________________________________________________
Lewis was born and raised in Melbourne and moved to the U.S. in 1981.
For information: Contact Brian Lewis (Aus EST + 7hrs) at +1-816-651-4299 or email [email protected]
To preview and buy the album:
In Australia & NZ, and Globally (except U.S, Canada & Mexico), go to Press Play Music.
In the U.S, Canada & Mexico, go to LosTraxx Records.
If all else fails, on the CD release date, you can find the CD at Amazon.com.
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