Attention, citizens of France. John Shannon has landed.
On Wednesday, the French vloggers of La Blogotheque debuted two “Concerts a Emporter” or “Take Away Shows” on their blog, featuring ObliqSound vocalist and guitarist John Shannon. The videographers of Blogotheque followed him through the streets of Venice this spring while he performed from his album American Mystic and captured “Somewhere” and “Falling Into All” on film. You can watch the videos here or by clicking the image above.
The next day, French music magazine Les Inrockuptibles also published a full page feature about John and his music. Pick up a copy if you’re in town, but you can see the online version here.
John is performing this weekend in Paris, Berlin and then coming back to his hometown of Pittsburgh in two weeks for a hometown release show on May 28. Come join us - venue and tourdates are here.
Til the next time, Paris, je t’aime!
May 16th, 2008
Expounding on two recent jazz albums that take on classic pop tunes, including Cyrus Chestnut’s Elvis homage and our friendly quartet’s (made up of Pietro Tonolo, Gil Goldstein, Steve Swallow and Paul Motian take on Elton John, the feature places our album in a very good light.
QUOTE:
“I prefer the quartet’s versions in at least a few cases — the melody of “The One” sounds better without the cheesy ocean effects and the disco drum machinery on the 1992 original. The most memorable tune is no surprise: The ballad “Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word” is the rare Elton John song that was already performed by Jimmy Scott, Ray Charles, and even Sinatra, and is played here slightly faster and punchier than I expected. The Pietro Quartet confirms that it’s a song worthy of being in the jazz repertoire.
In an online promotional video for “Your Song,” Mr. Tonolo relates that when he informed Mr. Swallow of the idea behind this project, the bassist (whose fender playing in the higher register often sounds like a guitar) responded, “Oh, I actually like some of Elton John’s songs — but don’t tell anybody!” As “Cyrus Plays Elvis” and “Your Songs” prove, fans of this music don’t have to keep it a secret: The best tunes by rock-era songwriters are worthy of sitting at the big table with the grown-ups.”
Click here for the full jazzy article.
October 9th, 2007
ObliqSound and JazzThing Magazine are pleased to present a selection featuring staples from the ObliqSound catalogue like Lionel Loueke and Grand Pianoramax, as well as the rising stars from the label’s upcoming releases. Andy Milne & Gregoire Maret, as well as Pietro Tonolo, Gil Goldstein, Steve Swallow, and Paul Motian’s upcoming Your Songs – The Music of Elton John are just a few of the ObliqSound releases sure to make waves in 2007.
Details on JazzThing….or details on ObliqSound…Read it in every language and it still sounds great!
Available at German retailers starting April, 2007
March 23rd, 2007
Attention W Hotel shoppers! 
The ObliqSound Remixes Vol. 2 CD and Limited Edition Handbag are now available for sale in the W Hotels in Chicago, Dallas and New York. You can buy the Remixes Vol 2 disc solo, or choose a limited edition handbag designed by the one-and-only Karim Rashid - great for toting around your iPod, wallet, glasses and other small essentials. Each handbag comes pre-stuffed with Remixes Vol 2 CD, too!
The blogosphere is lighting up for the project, with popular sites like Luxist showcasing the item’s sale at MoMA Design Store.
March 23rd, 2007
