02.11.2012
Carl Carlton & The Songdogs cast Ballot with Powerful new
single, "King Of The
USA"
Renowned Musician/Songwriter enters political debate with his unique
perspective on U.S. Presidential election
Provocative track heralds much anticipated new album; “ Lifelong
Guarantee” arrives in early 2013
Carl Carlton & The Songdogs has announced the upcoming release of
their provocative new single, “King of the USA.” Due TK, the track heralds
the internationally acclaimed rock band’s eagerly anticipated new album,
“LIFELONG GUARANTEE,” which is slated to arrive early next year.
“King of the USA” sees Carlton – a three-time Grammy Award
nominee for his extraordinary work as guitarist and producer alongside
such legends as Robert Palmer, Eric Burdon, and Joe Cocker – offering his
own unique perspective into the ongoing United States presidential race.
The exhilarating track delivers a powerful message of support for
President Barack Obama’s reelection while also warning against the
potential consequences of a Republican-led government. More significantly,
“King of the USA” serves as a kind of rock ‘n’ roll call to arms,
inspiring voters with Carlton’s message of “Power to the people, with the
power of love!”
“While I am not an American citizen,” Carlton says, “I feel absolutely
obliged to contribute to this event which has a definite global impact. If
this election took the wrong turn, and I had done nothing to fight or
support what I believe in, how could I answer my kids when the
inevitable question comes, ‘What did you do when…?’”
The German-born Carlton has long considered himself a citizen of the
world, with his deepest roots linking him to the great tradition of
American music. A veteran of countless sessions and worldwide tours, he
first stepped into centerstage with his own Songdogs in 2001, earning
critical praise for their soulful debut album, “REVOLUTION AVENUE.”
Three further albums followed, each one an expression of Carton’s
undying affection and appreciation of funk, soul, R&B, and rock ‘n’
roll. In 2011, Carlton teamed with fellow guitarist/producer Larry
Campbell (Levon Helm Band, Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello) to co-write and
produce “Toast To Freedom,” an extraordinary commemorative song
celebrating the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International. The brainchild
of Carlton and longtime music industry executive, activist, and
entrepreneur Jochen Wilms in collaboration with Art for Amnesty founder
Bill Shipsey, the track sees contributions from nearly 50 artists,
including, among others, the late Levon Helm, Kris Kristofferson, Carly
Simon, Angelique Kidjo, Ewan McGregor, Donald Fagen, Warren Haynes, Keb
Mo, Eric Burdon, Taj Mahal, Florent Pagny, Marianne Faithfull, Jane
Birkin, Jimmy Barnes, Rosanne Cash, Shawn Mullins, and the Blind Boys of
Alabama.
“Toast To Freedom” proved an unqualified global phenomenon,
spawning innumerable international interpretations while also drawing
critical acclaim from all corners. Here in the United States, Carlton and
Campbell celebrated the single’s release with an amazing live rendition of
the song on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, accompanied by the
all-star “Art For Amnesty Band” (featuring such luminaries as Kris
Kristofferson, Shawn Mullins, Theresa Williams, Essie Jain, and Jonny
Lang).
The production “KING OF THE USA” sees Carlton and Campbell reteaming at
the late, great Levon Helm’s world-renowned studio in Woodstock, New York
– known far and wide as simply ‘”The Barn.” As ever, Campbell, Carlton and
The Songdogs – currently comprised of longtime keyboardist Pascal Kravetz,
guitarist Moses Mo and bassist Jerry “Wyzard” Seay (both formerly of the
legendary funk rock outfit, Mother Finest), and drummer Zach Alford (Bruce
Springsteen, David Bowie, Billy Joel) – have crafted a vigorous and
distinctive musical melting pot, rich with crafty songwriting, crack
musicianship, and ineffable spirit.
“The Barn in Woodstock had become a second home to us thanks to our
brothers Levon Helm and Larry Campbell,” Carlton says. “We, the Songdogs,
had worked with Levon for more than a decade and he meant the world to us.
His studio, his team and the wonderful people of Woodstock took us right
in. And with Larry Campbell at the helm, we had a blast.”
"Carl Carlton is an immensely talented European artist with a unique
respect and understanding of American music,” Larry Campbell says. “Levon
and I felt like he was part of the family here in Woodstock and I look
forward to further collaborations in the future."
Filmmaker Tine Kluth captured the spirit of the song on an
outstanding animated music video. Kluth is known for her work in London
for awarded animated film projects and for her work for Aardmans “Shaunthe
sheep” and “Timmytime”.
While the song’s passionate political message is undeniably a strong
one, Carlton has also imbued it with remarkable wit and humanity,
projecting his own fantasy reign as “the righteous King of the USA.” No
less an authority than Carlton’s longtime friend, the master
composer/producer Van Dyke Parks, has hailed the track as “a beautiful
lyric in all ways…in step with the kind of direct observations now found
in Ry Cooder’s work.”
“We want and need to be disruptive to wake up indecisive minds before
this election is done and dusted,” Carlton says. “We’d like to prevent the
innocent sleepers from the biggest hangover they might ever experience.
But we also aimed to bring some humor back in this tooth and claw
situation. Even in the hardest and dangerous times, artists always took
the piss out of their oppressors and many a time paid with their lives.
Thanks to our ongoing fight for human rights, at least in the western
world we don't need to fear these kinds of consequences anymore. But
voters of the world still need to wake up and keep their eyes open.”
Teaser for King Of The USA
Song "King Of The
USA" available from 2nd November 2012 as Download!
For more, please see
www.carlcarlton.com www.facebook.com/carlcarltonofficial www.youtube.com/carlcarltonofficial |
14.06.2012
Carl Carlton @ Electric Burma - concert for Aung San Suu Kyi
On Monday, 8th of June, 2012 there will be a special event in Dublin
named "Electric Burma":
Artists from all corners of the globe will play a concert for Nobel
Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi geben.
There is included a special version of "Toast To Freedom" celebrating
the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International. Carl Carlton will led an
all-star band,performing this song he wrote together with Larry
Campbell.
Line-Up:
Bono, Lupe Fiasco, Vanessa Redgrave, Bob Geldorf, Angelique Kidjo,
Damien Rice, Riverdance, Jack Gleeson, Yungchen Lhamo, Sarah Nemtanu,
Vyvienne Long, Romain Descharmes, Declan O'Rourke, Nazanin Afshin-Jam,
Donal Lunny, Martin Hayes, Wu'er Kaixi, Carl Carlton.
More information about this event: http://www.electricburma.com/ |