Melissa Etheridge sets MEmphis Rock and Soul release date

Melissa Etheridge has announced the release of her new album MEmphis Rock and Soul, a tribute to Stax Records and the rich history of classic Southern soul, scheduled for release on October 7, 2016 via Stax Records, a division of Concord Music Group. The album is a collection of deep soul covers associated with the original Stax label, including songs recorded by Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, The Staple Singers, William Bell and more. The album also features new, original verses written by Melissa on two of the tracks.

Etheridge showcases her signature rasp and unmistakable guitar prowess on the lead single "Hold On, I’m Coming.” The fierce take on a Sam & Dave standard premiered today on Billboard.

While the original Stax studio is long gone, Etheridge took to another hallowed local spot, Willie Mitchell’s Royal Studios (home to Al Green, Ann Peebles and others), to channel the classic Memphis sounds found on these soulful standards. MEmphis Rock and Soul was produced by Willie’s son Boo Mitchell, and features a backing band comprised of Hodges Brothers and other top Memphis musicians who are legends in their own right. Etheridge even recorded with Al Green’s famed RCA 77DX ribbon microphone ("No. 9”). MEmphis Rock and Soul also spotlights the empowering role Stax played in the Civil Rights Movement, a fitting theme for Melissa, who has become a pivotal voice of the modern LGBT rights movement.

Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals' "Call It What It Is" Releases to Raves!

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals' first album since 2007, 'Call It What It Is' (Stax), was just released to rave reviews and is topping charts and radio. The album debuted at #7 on Billboard's Album Sales chart, #2 on the Folk Albums chart and #4 on the Rock Albums chart. It also debuted as the #1 album at independent retail. Outside of the United States, 'Call It What It Is' debuted at #1 for International Albums in Italy and France and in Canada's Top 10. "Shine," the latest single, is Top 20 at Triple A radio, has been the #1 Most Added track at the format for 3 weeks running, and is spinning in several major markets including NYC and LA.

Ben and his longtime collaborators The Innocent Criminals wrap up the first leg of a sold-out tour next week and in June launch another extensive and international run that has them on the road until the end of 2016. Highlights include Red Rocks, Hollywood Bowl, Fuji Rock in Japan plus Europe and Australia in the fall.

Recent appearances include interviews on Charlie Rose, Tavis Smiley, NPR's Here & Now, a USA Today profile plus performances ranging from ESPN's Sportscenter to KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic, NPR Music and more.

Melissa Etheridge Set to Release New Concord Album on Legendary Stax Records

Concord Music Group has announced that acclaimed singer-songwriter and activist Melissa Etheridge is scheduled to release a new album honoring Stax Records in August or September 2016. Etheridge; an Oscar and two-time GRAMMY winner, is currently recording at Royal Studios in Memphis on what will be her first album since 2014’s critically lauded This Is M.E.

Along with original material, Etheridge’s ambitious Concord release will feature interpretations of classic songs from the legendary Stax catalog, celebrating its artists and legacy and spotlighting the vital role Stax Records played in the Civil Rights Movement. Engineered by Lawrence "Boo” Mitchell, son of famed music producer Willie Mitchell, the as-yet-untitled project will include a number of top Memphis musicians, including the Hodges Brothers.

"We are delighted and honored to welcome Melissa Etheridge to the Concord family,” says album co-producer and Concord Label Group President, John Burk. "She’s an incredible talent with her own unique blend of rock and soul that’s perfectly suited to interpret some of the classic Memphis repertoire that was foundational to both genres.”

Etheridge says, "It is such an honor to work with John Burk and Concord Music Group. I can see how well the company serves its artists, and it’s the perfect place for me to make my first musical concept album. Stax is like the Bible of rock ’n’ roll, and to pay tribute to that label, to see the roots of that music and to sing an Otis Redding song is such an amazing experience. I am so thrilled – I can’t wait to get started.”

The Staples Singers Box Set Announced by Stax

Stax/Concord Music Group will release the first-ever comprehensive, career-spanning overview of the Staple Singers, one of the most important American musical acts of the 20th century.  Due out November 13, this limited edition 4-CD box set—titled Faith and Grace: A Family Journey 1953-1976—also includes a very special bonus: the earliest known recording of the gospel, soul and R&B group, housed on a 7" vinyl record, marking the first time that this track has been available in any format since the Staples' self-released edition of 500.

Housed in a deluxe, old-school "45-folio" package, the accompanying book features new liner notes by Mavis Staples, James Miller, Opal Louis Nations and compilation producer Joe McEwen, as well as rarely seen photos of the family band taken over the course of their career.

The long-lost recordings embodied on the 7" record, "Faith and Grace" and "These Are They," are the earliest known recordings of the Staple Singers and were made in a friend of Pops Staples' basement in Chicago in 1953. These have never before been commercially available in any format except the 500 or so copies the Staples pressed themselves on 78-RPM records. The box set also contains the live recording "Medley: Too Close/I'm On My Way Home/I'm Coming Home/He's Alright [Live]." This live performance from 1960 Clarksdale, Mississippi has never before been available in its entirety.