RE-ISSUE GIANT

 EMPIRE MUSICWERKS

PLANS ECLECTIC SLATE OF EARLY 2005 RELEASES.

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Miami Based Label Offers Mix of Pop, R&B,

Classical, Latin, Jazz, Dance, plus a follow-up to 2004

TV inspired hit Queer For The Ear: Extreme Makeovers

For Disco Dance Classics

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Top Releases include classics by Aaron Neville, Charlie Parker, Andres Segovia

& John Williams and Woody Herman with Tito Puente.

Miami based record label Empire Musicwerks kicks off 2005 with an ambitious, multi-genre schedule of re-issues and compilations. Empire, which was one of the first independent labels to sign on to the groundbreaking MSN Music Service last year, has rekindled the torch for over 85,000 master recordings since President and CEO Paul Klein formed the company in 2000.

Among the most anticipated releases is Queer For The Ear, Volume II (released January 11), a follow-up to the megapopular 2004 compilation Queer for the Ear: Extreme Makeovers For Disco Dance Classics which coincides with the Bravo debut of Queer Eye For The Straight Girl, a female version of the longtime hit Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Empire has taken the original vocals and given some bona fide Billboard chart singles that rocked the disco and pop world a complete makeover - including Miquel Brown's “So Many Men So Little Time,” Pat Marano's “Love Disco Style,” Carol Jiani's “It's Raining Men,” Hazell Dean's “They Say It's Gonna Rain” and some exclusive never before released tunes.

Empire celebrates the 40 th anniversary of Aaron Neville's legendary hit “Tell It Like It Is” with the March 29 re-issue of the original 1965 recording of the same name, restored to its original luster thanks to modern technology and expert remastering. One of the bestselling and enduring R&B vocalists of the past four decades, Neville has never sounded better than on this seminal recording, whose current packaging includes the original artwork, liner notes and for the very first time, complete info on the musicians who participated on this historic date.

The Art of Guitar , released January 25, is a gem from the vaults of Everest Records which captures the genius of Andres Segovia—the premier classical guitarist of the 20 th century—and Australian born John Williams—one of the most versatile and respected guitarists in the world—as they interpret Bach from different perspectives, forty years apart. The Segovia sides are quite rare and are among his first recordings, dating back to the late 1920's. Although the recordings are a bit primitive, their historical importance cannot be overlooked and the sheer intensity of his performances will overshadow any technical anomalies inherent in the recording.

2005 marks fifty years since Charlie Parker, aka “Bird,” the greatest improviser of modern jazz, died at the age of 34. Liveology , scheduled for a February 15 release, is a jazz collector's dream—a rare collection of spontaneous party and jam session performances from the 1940s where the master could play free from the restraints of recording directors, time limitations or given set lists. Although the live recordings themselves were of questionable sound quality, the Everest record label began cataloging and releasing these performance in the late fifties on LP to the great enjoyment of Bird fanatics everywhere. Now, for the first time, Empire offers remastered versions of these incredible performances and a greatly improved sound quality. Package features include a striking cover painting by renowned Texas artist Debra Hurd and new, extensive liner notes by esteemed jazz historian Larry Hollis.

Released January 25th, Get Your Groove On is not your average “slow jams” compilation. From the silky smooth sounds of Philly soul (Barbara Mason, Eugene Wilde, Johnny Ingram), to the sexiest party jam of all time (Little Beaver's “Party Down”) to the sensual stylings of Jamaica's Third World and OLAS (Original Latin All Stars) this is one slow jams comp that doesn't rehash the same old tunes. The collection includes rare previously unreleased tracks and a wide range of genres from R&B and reggae to smooth jazz and Latin music.

Due March 15, DJ Afrowax Presents eVolution is a compilation of rarities and exclusive and unreleased mixes from the underground independent Afrowax label,

which proved to be a breeding ground of inventive up and coming DJ producers from Japan, Canada, England, Germany and the U.S, many of whom went on to become household names.

The cleverly titled Herman's Heat & Puente's Beat , due February 8, is a legendary album from 1958 that brought together Woody Herman, one of the world's most renowned big-band leaders, with Tito Puente, perhaps the greatest exponent of modern Latin rhythms. Included are bonus tracks from a special reunion session held that same year which brought Herman together with past alumni Al Cohn, Bob Brookmeyer, Ernie Royal and Don Lamond. The album will be presented in its original LP format complete with original liner notes from esteemed Jazz historian Nat Hentoff and remastered from the original stereo mix.

Gloria Lynne's classic, groundbreaking 1965 recording I Wish You Love , due for re-issue March 29, elevated the singer to the top of the Jazz, R&B and Pop charts simultaneously, a feat never before achieved by a jazz artist. Propelled by a voice with undeniable universal appeal, a true “standard” was born – “I Wish You Love”. Like the other Everest reissues, the CD features original liner notes, restored artwork and expert remastering.

The reigning Queen of the folk blues - Odetta's classic album “Sings Ballads and Blues”—retitled Ballads & Blues: The Classic Recordings and due February 1—was recorded in 1956 for Everest label offshoot Tradition records. It was a major component of the folk revival of the late 50's and 60's, and the next generation of folk and blues singers, including Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and Joan Baez, frequently cited Odetta as a major influence. This digitally remastered re-issue contains added bonus material, new, extensive liner notes and restored artwork. Fans who have owned the original 1958 LP will be pleased to see the original cover restored as earlier editions failed to do.

South Beach Flamenco Lounge , due March 1, is a delightful, infectious collection of modern Flamenco music which gathers some of France's most popular, young Flamenco artists (who now call South Beach, Miami there home) together for the first time on disc. Bands like Paye, Manolito The Gypsies, Gypsies Five all draw large crowds wherever they play, playing a brand of Flamenco that is so intoxicating that people lose track of time and space.

Five CD volumes comprising The Ultimate Sound Effects Library will be released on March 1: Machines & Movement , Nature & Animals , People & Sounds , Sound Effects and Sounds of Passion . Long out of print, these original libraries of sound effects have finally been digitally remastered for today's market. The discs contain 99 sound effects per volume and retail for less than five dollars apiece.

 

 

EMPIRE MUSICWERKS
IS ONE OF FIRST INDEPENDENT LABELS TO SIGN ON
WITH BILL GATES' MSN ® MUSIC SERVICE
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Empire Musicwerks extends online reach of it's vast catalog of Pop, Doo Wop,
R&B, Disco, Cuban & Latin Jazz with MSN ® Music Service
and embraces Microsoft ® Digital Entertainment Anywhere technology

“You just saved me 500 bucks! I was about to buy an I-Pod!” said Empire Musicwerks ( www.empiremusicwerks.com ) President Paul Klein to Bill Gates just after the Microsoft ® Chairman and Chief Software Architect demonstrated MSN® Music ( www.music.msn.com ) and announced a host of new consumer technologies.

Microsoft's official U.S. release of MSN Music provides an easy way for people to find, discover and legally download music online. MSN Music's features and content work in conjunction with other new consumer technologies from Microsoft that create new digital entertainment experiences for the home and on the go. Microsoft also announced that MSN Music will be available in eight additional countries, creating the world's largest network of legal online music download services.

Miami- based Empire Musicwerks is betting on MSN Music to extend their reach online and will take full advantage of the new technology that Microsoft has announced as part of their Digital Entertainment Anywhere vision. MSN Music and the other products and services are designed to let consumers create customized digital entertainment experiences with their favorite music, photos, television and home videos -- and enjoy them anywhere throughout the home or on the road. Gates underscored the importance of MSN Music as a key element in the company's comprehensive vision for Digital Entertainment Anywhere .

Empire Musicwerks was one of the first independent music label to sign on with Microsoft's MSN Music and will make available their catalog of 85,000 master recordings reaching back to doo wop, R&B and Blues, disco, and embracing Cuban classics, Latin jazz, pop, and more.

www.empiremusicwerks.com

www.music.msn.com

 

 

 

BABY BASH
RAPPER'S SOPHOMORE DISC VIA EMPIRE MUSICWERKS MENAGE A TROIS HEATS UP BILLBOARD'S R&B/HIP HOP ALBUM CHART DEBUTING AT #33 AND COMMANDS THE #10 SLOT ON THE BILLBOARD DVD AND MUSIC VIDEO CHARTS
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"MENAGE A TROIS" VIDEO DEBUTS AT #39 ON CVC TOP 50 BROADCAST & CABLE CHART

Latino rap superstar Baby Bash's new CD Menage A Trois ( Empire Musicwerks) is heating up several of the Billboard charts. The album makes its debut on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop chart at #33 while it continues to hold the #10 slot on Billboard's DVD and video charts. The music video for "Menage A Trois" also debuted at #30 on the CVC Top 50 Broadcast & Cable chart. Menage A Trois is the sophomore disc from the Houston-based "spitter," as Bash calls his style, following on the heels of the The Smokin' Nephew which continues to burn up the Hot 100, Top 40, Rap Singles and Single Sales Charts with "Suga, Suga."

Empire Musicwerks is an eclectic, Miami-based record label, with distribution through Universal Music, that recently released albums as diverse as Jordan Knight (The New Kids on The Block) and The Spooky Kids (vintage unreleased Marilyn Manson). Upcoming releases include an album from British popstar Brian Harvey featuring Wyclef Jean.

 

 

 

HOT SUMMER SINGLES – THREE ON THE 3 rd !!!
Empire Musicwerks brings current European Chart Topper "Dragostea Din Tei" stateside in Five–Track Maxi Single Aug. 3 rd
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Empire releases up and coming R&B/Soca/Reggae diva Trini's version of the massive hit "Turn Me On" plus her "Sexy Ways" duet with Kevin Lyttle And DJ Party's "We Like To Party"  – the infectious theme park groove

 

The extremely catchy song, whose loosely translated title means to make love under the Linden tree (a tree with heart shaped leaves) recently rose to #4 on the Eurochart and is currently at #3 in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. "Dragostea Din Tei" is also spreading its branches in France, Spain, Mexico, The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

In addition to the original mix, Empire's five-track Maxi single cuts it up with four bonus versions, including an extended version for the dance floor. In the meantime, Haiducii is in the studio working on her full-length debut album.

Empire will also release up-and-coming R&B/Soca/Reggae diva Trini's definitive version of the smash "Turn Me On." Kevin Lyttle's original version has sold more than a million units worldwide. As a bonus, Empire unearths the surprise seductive duet "Sexy Ways" featuring Trini and Kevin Lyttle for the B side.

Rounding out three on the 3 rd , Empire also releases a new version of the infectious theme park ditty "We Like To Party" under the moniker DJ Party, showcasing some instrumental good time grooves.

 

 

 

MARILYN MANSON & DAISY BERKOWITZ SETTLE
ON SPOOKY KIDS CD/DVD RELEASE
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LAWSUIT BY
MARILYN MANSON
VS. SPOOKY KIDS' LUNCH BOXES & CHOKLIT COWS CD/DVD

SETTLEMENT IS ANNOUNCED BY BY EMPIRE MUSICWERKS AND FORMER “MARILYN MANSON & THE SPOOKY KIDS” BAND MEMBER SCOTT PUTESKY
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"WE COULD HAVE AVOIDED ALL THE LEGAL B.S. IF BRIAN WOULD HAVE JUST CALLED ME!" SAID DAISY BERKOWITZ (Scott Putesky)
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Settlement requires all artwork similar to art created by Marilyn Manson to be removed from packaging making original release now in stores a collectors item.

(Please note the new CD cover is without the original animated characters.)

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - (Friday, June 4th, 2004) - Empire Musicwerks announced today that a settlement was reached with Marilyn Manson and they will remove all artwork on Lunch Boxes & Choklit Cows that is similar to copyrighted works listed in the lawsuit that was filed on behalf of Marilyn Manson and Madonna Wayne Gacy on April 28th 2004 in United States District Court in Santa Monica California.

Goth-rock superstar, Marilyn Manson (birth name Brian Warner) filed a lawsuit against a former member of his own original band “Marilyn Manson & The Spooky Kids” and Empire Musicwerks . Empire Musicwerks recently released the CD with companion DVD, Lunch Boxes & Choklit Cows by The Spooky Kids , championed by former Spooky Kids/Marilyn Manson guitar player and producer Scott Putesky .

Brian Warner, p/k/a Marilyn Manson and Stephen Bier p/k/a (another member of Spooky Kids/Manson band known as Madonna Wayne Gacy ) claimed in a lawsuit the release was an infringement of copyright, unauthorized use of illustration, images and film footage. Manson asked for cease and desist of sales of the CD Lunch Boxes & Choklit Cows , return and destruction of all product and promotional materials, and is claiming an estimated $500,000 in damages and asking for other punitive damages and attorney costs. 

"We could have avoided all the legal B.S. if Brian would have just called me!" Said Scott Putesky p/k/a Daisy Berkowitz . Putesky is also refuting rumors that the release was testing the waters for a Spooky Kids reunion and the lawsuit was a publicity stunt to sell CD's.  "I waited a long time to release this historic material, I could have released it a long time ago, but nostalgia is not something you can microwave!"

More information re: Spooky Kids' Lunch Boxes & Choklit Cows and Empire Musicwerks available at www.empiremusicwerks.com and www.luckmedia.com

 

 

LAWSUIT BY
MARILYN MANSON
VS. SPOOKY KIDS' LUNCH BOXES & CHOKLIT COWS CD/DVD
CONFIRMED BY EMPIRE MUSICWERKS AND FORMER “MARILYN MANSON & THE SPOOKY KIDS” BAND MEMBER SCOTT PUTESKY
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ACTION FILED APRIL 28, 2004 IN UNITED STATES DISCTRICT COURT

Goth-rock superstar, Marilyn Manson (birth name Brian Warner) has filed a lawsuit against a former member of his own original band “Marilyn Manson & The Spooky Kids” it was confirmed today by Richard Wolfe , legal representative for Florida-based Empire Musicwerks , the record company named as a defendant in the suit. Empire Musicwerks recently released the CD with companion DVD, Lunch Boxes & Choklit Cows by The Spooky Kids , championed by former Spooky Kids/Marilyn Manson guitar player and producer Scott Putesky . Putesky has recently been conducting media interviews touting the release that impacted the sales charts in last week's “Billboard” magazine. The suit was filed on behalf of Brian Warner, p/k/a Marilyn Manson and Stephen Bier p/k/a (another member of Spooky Kids/Manson band known as Madonna Wayne Gacy) against both Scott Putesky (who is known as Daisy Berkowitz in Spooky Kids) and Empire Musicwerks as the record label that released and is marketing the project. The action was filed on April 28, 2004 in the United States District Court in and for The Central District of California Western Division.

The public document claims, among other things infringement of copyright, unauthorized use of illustration, images and film footage. Manson asked for cease and desist of sales of the CD Lunch Boxes & Choklit Cows , return and destruction of all product and promotional materials, and is claiming an estimated $500,000 in damages and asking for other punitive damages and attorney costs. A copy of the lawsuit is available.

States Richard C. Wolfe, attorney for Empire Musicwerks and Scott Putesky in the matter, “the lawsuit is a desperate attempt by Manson to continue to oppress the members of his band who are largely attributable to his success. He should support the efforts of Scott Putesky to bring these historical recordings to the group's fans.

“The lawsuit is not properly founded and the California courts have no jurisdiction over the parties. We have attempted to resolve matters and Manson has refused to discuss the matter.”

 

 

 

 BOLSHOI means “BIG” in Russian
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Empire MusicWerks presents The Bolshoi Collection.
Performed at the Russian capital’s celebrated "Big" Theatre, The Bolshoi.
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Includes Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Prokofiev’s Cinderella,
Adam’s Giselle, and Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov

Greetings, Arbiters of Culture,

Perhaps you have been to Russia, and look forward to your return visit in the unspecified future. Or perhaps you haven’t yet been, but plan to “some day.” While I am not writing to offer a pair of plane tickets to Moscow, I am pleased to impart to you on behalf of Empire MusicWerks front row seats for a
night at the opera. Or to be precise, four nights at the Russian capital’s celebrated Bolshoi Theatre, as Miami-based Empire MusicWerks presents The Bolshoi Collection.

This outstanding DVD series is comprised of some of the most renowned and beloved Russian ballets and operas ever written, including Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Prokofiev’s Cinderella, Adam’s Giselle, and Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov. These extraordinary performances were recorded in 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound, and feature scene selection, composer biographies and story history.

One of the many highlights of The Bolshoi Collection is that each was mounted with the original costumes and stage design from their first productions; Giselle and Boris Godunov, both in 1841, The Nutcracker in 1892, and Cinderella in 1944. All are inspiring, breathtaking and wonderfully entertaining, each a singular event at the time of their filming in various locations in the late 1970’s and mid ‘80’s.

With the drama of conscience at its core, Modest Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov is a crime thriller within a historical epic, and framed by Russian folk tunes, hymns and spectacular chorus scenes. For a Russian cultural experience of a different nature, Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is pure magic, and
transcends the Christmas season in which it is traditionally associated. Sergei Prokofiev’s Cinderella moves gracefully beyond its fairytale origins to soar as a visual and musical masterpiece. Composer Adolphe Charles Adam’s Giselle is a love letter in motion from author and poet Théophile Gauthier to
prima ballerina Carlotta Grisi, while setting a thematic precedent for ballet scores.

We trust that you will relish your evenings with The Bolshoi Collection, and will share your experiences with your own audiences, as well.

Best,

Luck Media & Marketing, Inc.

 

 

 

EMPIRE MUSICWERKS TO RELEASE

QUEER FOR THE EAR: EXTREME MAKE-OVERS

FOR DISCO DANCE CLASSICS, MAY 18th

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No. 1 Billboard dance and pop singles including Company B's “Fascinated,”

George McRae's “Rock Your Baby,” Evelyn Thomas' “High Energy,”

Tavares' “More Than A Woman,” Santa Esmeralda's “Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood,”

Foxy's “Get Off,” Denis & Denyse Le Page “Your Love,” and others

get House music design and Electroclash flash

 

            Queer Eye for the Straight Guy fashion savant Carson zshuzshes the sleeves, and grooming guru Kyan zshuzshes the hair.  Hip and happening Miami-based record company Empire MusicWerks is zshuzshing the music with Queer for the Ear: Extreme Make-Overs for Disco Dance Classics, to be released May 18th, 2004.

            While Carson, Kyan, and the rest of the Fab Fivers from the hit reality TV show revamp hapless schlubs from their shoes to the nines, Empire MusicWerks took the best songs of the wild disco and high energy eras of the ‘80s and made them better.  Original No. 1 Billboard dance and pop singles remain intact, but receive a 21^st century update with modern dance sounds of House and Electroclash.

            Queer for the Ear crosses borders and state lines, making these irresistible remixes a diverse representation within this unified, historically remarkable collection.  Dance-pop trio Company B took “Fascinated” to the top in '87, thanks to Cuban-born Miami resident Ish Ledesma, who brought these ladies together.  (But what would Carson say about their blue leather outfits and white wigs?)

            Empire MusicWerks includes another Ledesma project, Foxy, and the Top 10 groove, “Get Off.”  Nigerian born, Canadian transplant Carol Jiani's  “Hit & Run Lover” is a perennial Hi-NRG anthem, especially among the gay community, while her Montreal neighbors, the husband-wife duo Denis & Denyse Le Page (formerly of Lime) get down with “Babe We're Gonna Love Tonight.”  Sweet home Chicago teams another Hi-NRG diva, Evelyn Thomas, with British dance producer Ian Levine for “High Energy.”

Reggae superstars Third World gave Jamaican flavor to “Now That We Found Love,” (originally performed by The O'Jays), and the Queer make-over is ultra cool, along with the Exodus (a.k.a. Tinga) underground dance track, “Together Forever.”

            Queen of Philly soul, Barbara Mason, did for disco what the Fab Five does for lifestyles, with her the mid-‘80s controversial song, “Another Man,” which was one of the first Billboard hits in which the subject matter dealt with a same sex relationship.

            Quite possibly Toronto's most unusual export, Michael Jackson impersonator Gary Indiana lands the honors of a Queer styling with the Jackson hit, “Don't Stop Until You Get Enough.” 

Disco kings Harry “K.C.” Casey and Rick Finch of K.C. & The Sunshine Band spin George McRae's performance of the 20-million selling “Rock Your Baby,” as well as Jimmy Bo Horne's sassy “Spank.”

             Empire MusicWerks makes it crystal clear on Queer for the Ear with Santa Esmeralda's flamenco-cum-disco cover of “Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood.”  The group's debut album by the same name sold 25 million copies, as their Leroy Gomez-produced version of the single was a chart-buster in 17 countries.  Just ask Queer Eye culture vulture Jai.

            Guaranteed to get your groove on, Queer for The Ear: Extreme Make-Overs for Disco Dance Classics is guaranteed to take you straight to the dance floor – no matter who you like to shake it with.