SPINAZZOLA SIGNS RECORD DEAL. ECMA New Artist of the Year nominee CARLO SPINAZZOLA has inked a European record deal with Germany’s Skalde Music. Skalde Music, in partnership with Taxim Records (whose specialty is Roots Blues), flew to Halifax to meet with Spinazzola last week. “Carlo is more than a musician,” states Illa Schuette, owner of Skalde Music. “We were immediately caught up in his diversity and depth of talent. He is a strong addition to our label and is destined to be a huge star in Europe.” Spinazzola’s deal includes licensing and distribution throughout Europe and plans for promotional materials will include not only his music but a portfolio of his artwork as well. An extensive tour across Canada is planned for March through the Boone’s New Music Network, a Cape Breton company which services listening rooms from coast to coast. And then it’s off to Europe to promote and tour his cd Walk.
DEBISON TALKS WITH MAJOR LABELS. ECMA nominated Glace Bay singer ASELIN DEBISON could be celebrating Christmas in an even bigger way as negotiations are underway with a major record label. Several other big names have expressed interest in signing the rising performer as well. Debison is nominated in the ECMA Pop Artist / Group of the Year category alongside legendary artist ANNE MURRAY, and producer of her The Little Angel Christmas cd BRUCE GUTHRO.
THREE NOMINATIONS FOR POWER. Newfoundland singer-songwriter COLLEEN POWER received three nominations for 2002 East Coast Music Awards last week – New Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Alternative Artist of the Year. In November, Power was recognized by the Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador as Female Artist of the Year and Alternative Artist of the Year. At ECMA, Power will also be showcasing on the mainstage, Saturday, February 2.
TEN TONS OF ROCK, FIVE POUNDS OF ROLL. The Rock And Roll Party Machine presents local favourites ROCK RANGER and very special guests REE REE BOWLER, GRIZZLY BABINS, BABY LEGS KELLY and BALDY THE RETARD collectively known as THE HEELWALKERS. This bad-ass Halifax outfit lives on sex, drugs and rock’n’roll. Their in your face three chord kick ass jean jacket rock and roll is the perfect match for Rock Ranger’s hard and heavy riff rock. Music to drink by Saturday night at Chandler’s.
JOHN GRACIE’S CHRISTMAS. Glace Bay native JOHN GRACIE returns home with his annual Christmas show at the Savoy Sunday night. Winding down the successful seasonal run, the show has become somewhat of a tradition among his loyal fans throughout the Maritimes, selling out in Sherbrooke and Bridgewater. His Yuletide cd Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, was released in 1996 and continues to sell in record numbers each year. Gracie was once again nominated for an ECMA in the Country category, with the awards ceremony slated for Saint John, New Brunswick in February. He’s also been involved with Canadian Musicians Relief Foundation, a compilation effort in aid of of the victims of September 11th tragedy, titled Tears of a Thousand Years.
