FRANK SINATRA CLASSICS GO DIGITAL TODAY WITH ‘RARITIES VOLUME 5’
Frank Sinatra, one of the popular culture’s most captivating singers, was also a label founder, and the 60th-anniversary celebration of his Reprise recordings continues across all streaming services today with the release of Frank Sinatra: Reprise Rarities Volume 5 from Frank Sinatra Enterprises and UMe.
Showcasing 14 Reprise tracks spanning 1962-1981, Frank Sinatra: Reprise Rarities Volume 5, available HERE, completes this digital-only series, which focuses on the legacy of “The Chairman of the Board” founding Reprise Records and features rarities available via all digital streaming platforms. Most of the songs on each volume have made their digital debut, and today’s collection follows Volume 1 (HERE), released December 2020 in honor of Frank Sinatra’s birthday; Volume 2 (HERE), released in February 2021 for Valentine’s Day; the spring release of Volume 3 (HERE)in May and the summer release of Volume 4 in August (HERE).
Volume 5 features Frank singing with musical legends such as Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Keely Smith, Nancy Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, and Sammy Davis Jr. Several of the tracks are from Sinatra’s acclaimed Reprise Musical Repertory Theatre project. Taken together, all five volumes, now available on all streaming services, present non-LP singles, alternate versions, and bonus tracks from previous box sets.
Hailed by The New York Times for an “extraordinary voice [that] elevated popular song into an art,” Sinatra realized a long-time dream by forming his own record label, Reprise, in 1960. At the time Sinatra’s business model was highly innovative in the recording industry; the very first of its kind, he pioneered the concept of having artists create and control their recordings.
“Untrammeled, unfettered, unconfined” is how the early advertisements described Sinatra on Reprise.
Siriusly Sinatra (SiriusXM Ch. 71) will air an exclusive ‘Sinatra: Reprise Rarities’ special in September with additional 60th-anniversary highlights through 2021.
Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., the first Black-owned craft beer brand in Inglewood, CA, is further cementing its dedication to the City of Inglewood through its brand mission of preserving culture, building community, and expanding the palate of consumers in the area.
The commitment starts with the brewery laying roots in the community through its 14,000 square foot location off Manchester Ave. and Crenshaw Blvd. Crowns Inglewood is a community establishment based in the heart of Inglewood, and it will provide a safe family-friendly space to gather, dine and have delicious independent craft beer. To help support this mission, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co. recently launched their equity crowdfunding campaign “OWN CROWNS” to help raise the capital needed for the new location.
“We have always celebrated the mission of community and ownership in the craft beer industry. We’re excited to bring these concepts of investment and equity to a region that has been starved of resources for generations,” said Teo Hunter, COO & Head of Beer Operations.
This investment opportunity allows the community to participate in the revitalization efforts of a city. Crowns & Hops will offer locals and visitors alike an opportunity to publicly connect in Inglewood/South L.A. to enjoy premium products produced in Inglewood. Co-founders Beny Ashburn & Teo Hunter believe this opportunity will allow for the community to invest in the city’s development while supporting Black-owned businesses in the region.
As stated by Beny Ashburn, CEO, “Our brand started with the community. Now, we want to offer the community an opportunity to own a part of Crowns in the City of Champions and wherever we expand.” 360 Magazine is very excited to associate with a company, whose values are to give back to the community.
In addition, last month the brewery co-hosted a panel discussion and mixer at All In Co-Working with the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce and the City of Inglewood in celebration of Black Business Month.The panel specifically discussed balancing the benefits, resources, and initiative in a developing city, with Inglewood Mayor James Butts opening the event by announcing the official date for the ground-breaking of the new Los Angeles Clippers arena. Butts also delivered a heartfelt message about the ongoing progress and growth happening within the city and amongst its residents.
The brewery is also adding a new beer to its selection of craft brews. The beer is called “Inglewood Juice,” with the name paying homage to the city of Inglewood and showcasing the city’s place in their hearts. Inglewood Juice is a juicy IPA full of tropical notes and a traditional hop signature made popular by the West Coast IPA. This beer was brewed for the people of Inglewood, California, a city full of diversity, swag, hustle, resilience, progressiveness, and love.
The brewery will also be participating in two upcoming events. On September 18, they will join Beers without Beards, a female-focused virtual festival where co-owner Beny Ashburn will be speaking on a panel. On September 30, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co. will join the virtual event Gathering Spot LA.
Today, Motown Records Black Forum label reissued Black Spirits Festival Of New Black Poets In America. Recorded at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY, the spoken word collection features performances by Imamu Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones), The Original Last Poets, Stanley Crouch plus a number of amateur youth poets.
On Black Spirits Festival Of New Black Poets In America, Imamu Amiri Baraka provides introductory comments and closes the album with Éc;A History Poem.Éd; The famed author, who taught at several universities, co-founded the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s. The Original Last Poets were a group of poets and musicians that formed in East Harlem in 1968 on Malcolm X’s birthday, May 19. They had a significant impact on popular culture that lived on in the work of subsequent lineups, known as The Last Poets. In addition to his poetry and novels, Stanley Crouch was known for his jazz and cultural criticism. He served as an artistic consultant for Jazz at Lincoln Center and appeared in several Ken Burns’ documentaries, including Jazz and Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson.
The album also features six poems ;Grosvenor plus performances;Johari Amini, Clarence Major, Norman Jordan, Jackie Earley, Askia Muhammad Tour, David Henderson, Larry Neal;Amus Moore. Woodie King Jr. produced Black Spirits Festival Of New Black Poets In America as well as Imamu Amiri Baraka’s 1972 album, It’s Nation Time African Visionary Music, also released by Black Forum.
Motown Records was founded to provide Black artists and executives space to pursue their personal dreams through music and sound. But as a label birthed in the community, Motown has always deeply understood that achieving Black dreams has always been about something more significant than a single individual. Thus, in 1970, Motown established Black Forum to be where the collective dreams of Black communities were pursued, protected and given permanence. Originally released in 1972, Black Spirits Festival Of New Black Poets In America exemplified Black Forum’s commitment to providing a platform for a new generation of writers.
After Receiving over 7,000 Inspiring Applications, the Sonoma County Winery Hires Two Top Candidates to Pursue Their Wine Industry Dream Jobs
Murphy-Goode, the Sonoma County winery that launched “A Really Goode Job” nationwide job search in March 2021, is pleased to announce that Lindsay Perry in Austin, TX and Veronica Hebbard in Orlando, FL have been selected as the newest employees of Murphy-Goode and are the winners of A Really Goode Job. They will begin their dream job journeys at Murphy-Goode on Sept. 1, 2021, shadowing winemaker Dave Ready, Jr. before moving into separate roles that align with their respective interests and expertise. Each will receive a $10,000 salary per month, live rent-free in Healdsburg for a year, and will enjoy a year’s supply of Murphy-Goode wine.
Over the course of this nationwide job search, Murphy-Goode received over 7,000 creative and inspiring applications from around the world. In July, the winery selected the top 17 finalists and welcomed them to Healdsburg for in-person interviews and wine country exploration. Throughout the week, candidates had the opportunity to meet with Murphy-Goode winemaker Dave Ready, Jr., as well as other Murphy-Goode employees and fellow “A Really Goode Job” candidates.
Murphy-Goode looks forward to welcoming Lindsay and Veronica to the team and working closely with them to make their wine industry dream jobs a reality. Throughout the application process, both candidates stood out due to their passion for wine, creativity, humor, and drive. “When we started out on this journey, we cast the net wide to find candidates with unique experiences and points of view,” said winemaker Dave Ready, Jr. “I’m looking forward to working with Lindsay and Veronica this harvest, but also learning from each of them, and seeing what new ideas they will bring to the job.”
Lindsay Perry is aYardley, Pennsylvania native, but currently lives in Austin, Texas, working in sports marketing. Lindsay received scholarships to complete her WSET Level I & II through Wine Unify and the Roots Fund in 2020 and 2021 respectively, and she is looking to add her diverse voice to the ever-changing climate of the wine world. “Working for Murphy-Goode Winery will present a unique challenge and represent a big pivot in my life. I’ll be jumping into the wine industry in the best way possible. Having the opportunity to shadow Dave, learn to make wine, and grow professionally through this year of exploration, will change the trajectory of my life,” Perry said. View Lindsay’s application videohere.
Veronica Hebbard, originally from Montgomery, New York, will be making her way to Sonoma by way of Orlando, Florida. She currently works as an engineer in the themed entertainment industry. As an engineer by trade, Veronica is most excited about being immersed in the science of winemaking and exploring sustainability and innovation initiatives. “When the opportunity presented itself, I thought it was the most interesting way to make wine approachable for people who weren’t already in the industry. Joining Murphy-Goode will provide me the opportunity to navigate and harness this energy and passion and steer it into where my role might be in the wine industry,” Hebbard said. View Veronica’s application videohere.
First launched in 2009, “A Really Goode Job” became a revolutionary campaign to create a real job opportunity in the wine industry at a time of economic distress and high unemployment. Today, as the country faces a new set of challenges, creating access and viable career opportunities is more important than ever. Murphy-Goode cast the net wide and launched the job search to find candidates from across the country who want to follow their passion and land their dream job in the wine industry.
To follow along on Lindsay and Veronica’s journey, follow Murphy-Goode on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Murphy-Goode Winery
Welcome to the Goode life. Founded in Sonoma County in 1985 in a spirit of love and friendship by Tim Murphy, Dale Goode, and Dave Ready Sr., Sonoma County’s own Murphy-Goode Winery crafts some of
California’s best wines without taking itself too seriously. The story lives on today under the Jackson Family Wines portfolio, continuing a tradition based on a shared appreciation of friendship, hard work, a wicked sense of humor, and, of course, a good bottle of wine. Murphy-Goode offers high-quality wines from some of California’s great growing regions with the approachable and inviting attitude of Sonoma County. Murphy-Goode is never pretentious, is often irreverent, and is about having fun. Because of its consistent quality, the brand has become a favorite wine for consumers everywhere. For more information,www.MurphyGoodeWinery.com, and follow Murphy-Goode onFacebook,Instagram, andTwitter.
360 Magazine has revealed a new, bedazzled brand bottle in collaboration with Integrity Bottles. Decorated with approximately 6,040 Swarovski crystal gems, this lavish flask radiates glamour and elegance. The shimmering container was created by artist Gabe Majalca of Good Vibe Gliders, who constructed the piece in over thirty hours of dedicated craftsmanship. Thousands of glimmering gems encase the container, creating a luxurious, polished and sophisticated look, as 360 Magazine represents. The bottle is to be debuted at the upcoming 360 Magazine Immersive Bodega Pop-Up.
Chrysolite, which is Greek for “gold stone,” sheaths the outside of the gleaming bottle in a rich yellow-green hue. For the “360” design on the side of the bottle, Chrysolite AB was utilized. Further, the cork is detailed with Electric White DeLite. The construction of the flagon took 30 hours in total. Overall, the process in creating this custom Swarovski-swathed bottle was time consuming, but the end result is an incredible feat of precision and dazzling artistry.
On 360 Magazine’s website, the popular Summer Sip List showcases some of the magazine’s favorite alcohol brands and drinks, all of which can be enjoyed in the new container. Cocktail recipes like Pinnacle Vodka’s Apricot Honeysuckle Spritz, Santo Spirit’s Hibiscus Smash, D’USSE’s champagne sparkler, and Cavit Wines’ Rosjito all invite readers to host a happy hour of their own. 360 Magazine is sure that the new pitcher will bring good times spent together enjoying fine sips and spirits. Now that the careful process of creating the bottle is over with, we will be sure to use this bottle in our everyday lives, whether we’re trying out new cocktail recipes, transporting drinks on-the-go, or simply displaying the container’s magnificent beauty.
This isn’t the first time 360 Magazine has worked with Integrity Bottles. In November of 2020, Integrity Bottles unveiled the 360 Magazine collection of glassware. The collection features seven products, including decanters, a refillable bottle, a stemless wine glass, a whiskey rocks glass, a 16 oz pint glass, and a Gibraltar beer mug. As with the previously released products, the new bedazzled carafe can hold your scotch, vodka, tequila, gin, rum, or any other desired sips. As the two brands look to their most recent collaboration to create the Swarovski-coated container, Integrity and 360 Magazine gleam with pride and assurance in the highest quality of production.
Integrity Bottles started as a small business between friends, but has blossomed into a thriving online store and studio based in San Diego. The company is run by military veterans and former law enforcement officers who always place integrity and honor at the forefront of their business practices. Having sold more than 3,200 bottles and earned 100% positive reviews on Amazon, Integrity Bottle products are sure to bring more merry making into your home. Integrity Bottles’ website can be accessed here, and customers can use the discount code “GIVEBACK” for 5% off their purchase.
Gabe Majalca, who constructed the 360 Magazine × Integrity Bottles’ bottle, spoke about the design process. His brand, Good Vibe Gliders, provides custom, crystal-encrusted creations to suit customer’s vibes.
What was your process of decorating this brilliant 360 Mag bottle?
First thing was choosing the right color. We wanted something that resembled sacred water or a magical lagoon. Chrysolite and Chrysolite AB Swarovski turned out to be the color most true to my vision. Next, was construction. It’s most important to keep your lines straight at the beginning, starting with the foundation. So, by the time your pattern reaches the top, your lines will still be straight!
How long did the process of decorating the bottle with Swarovski crystals take?
It was a tedious 30-hour [long] project. The thing is, you’re not just laying stones in a line–eventually you need to fill in the 360 Logo–and that right there was a massive challenge. It’s similar to a jigsaw puzzle. Putting the right stone in the right place is paramount to the letters looking clean [and] uniform. Lots of mental energy went into the letters. I’m very pleased with how it turned out.
What did you think when Vaughn first came to you with the idea?
Vaughn’s the homie and I knew he had worked with Integrity Bottles before. So, naturally, I was stoked to hear 360 Mag was getting themselves an iced-out bottle. I’ve always wanted to complete a Swarovski bottle–so the project made perfect sense to me and I jumped right on it. Anything for Vaughn.
How do you feel after seeing the original vision tangibly come to life?
It feels great! Looks like a magical lagoon! Something to keep in mind–it’s always a marathon when doing this artwork, so seeing something come together, completely finished–well, that makes me really happy inside. This was a challenging but very satisfying project, no doubt about that.
What was your first thought when you viewed the finished bottle product?
“I’m done! I’m finally done!” Haha No really though, I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what I said. This bottle was a deceiving hard project to complete – so many elements. Since this was my first try at a something like this, there were many twists and turns to the design that I simply did not foresee. In the end, it was like someone giving me an XL pizza and sa[ying], “you can’t get up until you finish it.” Not that it wouldn’t be totally delicious while I was eating it, but eventually you slow down at about half way through [when] you’re getting full and your stomach starts to hurt, but your tastebuds and your will power keep saying MORE! That’s what this project felt like… right up to the point when [I] took the last delicious bite. Worth it.
What do you think would be the best use of this bottle? Do you have a drink of choice you imagine drinking from it?
Easy, tell Vaughn to make me a Caramelized Citrus Smash! This refreshing summer cocktail is equal parts vodka and grilled citrus juice with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. Vaughn will need some ruby-red grapefruits, lemons, limes, and navel oranges. Slice your citrus in half, brush the cut side with some honey, and dip the cut sides in sugar. Throw your fruit cut-side-down on the grill to caramelize the sugar. Once grilled, let it rest until cool. Lastly–the booze. Mix 1.5 ounces vodka, 1.5 ounces juice, and 1 ounce of water or sparkling water.
Hey V, I’m on my way!
Vaughn Lowery, President of 360 Magazine, spoke about the concept and creation the 360 × Integrity Bottles design:
How you originally come up with this idea of encrusting a bottle in Swarovski crystals?
Not too long ago, Victoria Secret had embellished some lingerie in diamonds for a runway show. Shortly after, Joe Boxer mocked the idea with boxer briefs for a stint during NYFW in Bryant Park. As the former spokesperson for this brand [Joe Boxer], I struggled in these uncomfortable underwear (the rhinestones literally dug deep into my skin causing several scratches on my thighs). Over the years, Gabe has bejeweled scooters and e-bikes for Good Vibe Gliders. Once we saw that he’s ventured out into sneakers with various customizations, we knew that he had to lace one of our Integrity Bottles with Swarovski crystals, adding a touch a glam and panache. This meticulous process took more than 30 hours and was executed by a total of 4 craftsmen with close to 1000 dollars of materials (not to mention intensive work).
Did you come up with the Chrysolite color way? We wanted the bottle to embody a monochromatic color palette to reflect today’s modern and colorless society in celebration of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Why were these gems/colors specifically chosen? We provided Gabe with a water theme and the end product represents clarity and purity, mimicking our eclectic mantra of transparency. After all, 360 readers are permanently celebrating their uniqueness along with this masterpiece.
Does the vessel actually cost $1,000,000? No, not at all. But Swarovski crystals are the closest thing to a blood diamond without destroying the lives of people like in the Congo. They refract light as a prism, showcasing almost all the colors of the rainbow (thus paying tribute to the LGBTQ community).
Why did you choose to work with Integrity Bottles again? What is working with them like?
Integrity Bottles is a veteran-led business and provides opportunities for people who have proudly served our country. The[y] [are the] same people who return from a period of service to find themselves displaced in society, especially [from] the work force.
How do you envision using this bottle in your own life?
We will exhibit the container in our workspaces and activations though out the world where guests will be able to witness its unforgettable beauty. Furthermore, several team members mentioned that we could auction the carafe in the hopes of helping to raise awareness and offer them some financial support for their efforts.
How do you view this product as representative of 360 Magazine?
Everything in this made-to-measure bottle embodies 360. Similar to life’s circle, we start our journey into this world as a fragile piece of glass. Over the years, we have evolved into something bigger and better than we were before.
Emerging German pop singer-songwriter, Zoe Wees, has released her inaugural Spotify Singles recordings. As the face of Spotify’s 2021 EQUAL program for the month of May and one of Spotify’s Germany RADAR artists in 2020, Zoe has almost 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and is excited to share these new songs with her wide global fanbase.
Side A is a heartfelt ballad version of her hit single, “Hold Me Like You Used To,” backed by a stunning string section. For Side B, Zoe flexes her powerful vocals with a raw, soulful cover of Canadian singer-songwriter Tate McRae’s “You Broke Me First.”
To date, Zoe’s music has been featured on over 345 Spotify playlists worldwide including New Music Friday, Today’s Top Hits, Hits du Moment, It’s Hits Sweden, and Pop Rising, with Zoe’s first two singles, megahit Control and Girls Like Us, having reached half a billion global streams.
Zoe says, “I decided to do a string version of ‘Hold Me Like You Used To’ because I love strings and I wanted to give the song another sound with a different kind of vibe that makes it even more sad. I covered Tate McRae because I love ‘you broke me first,’ I love Tate, and she’s doing an amazing job. I love the lyrics and the way she wrote the song.”
The half-century celebration for the staple actor that has helped sculpt American culture, Corey Feldman, brings newly re-imagined music, more clues into his NFT Store, and a summer of love surrounding his film and music career. On Corey’s birthday, July 16th, Feldman’s Cosmic Wire debut will showcase a fresh re-imagined sound of a classic tune from his previous releases in collaboration with label head and synth explorator/producer, BLAZAR. Corey in his usual fashion will be celebrating by throwing extravagant parties and events. This year’s events will be centered around 3 key points, the 1st being a private affair for friends and family at the Landmark Hollywood Roosevelt, the 2nd being a VR live streaming event centered around his 50 years in film, and the final being a Benefit concert celebrating 50 years in music.
The first will be his debut single release off of Corey Feldman’s forthcoming album, Love Left 2. The 25th Anniversary of his debut album is celebrated with the Love Left 2.1 box set full of raribles, while more of his novelty art will soon surface as NFTs.
As the 36th Anniversary of The Goonies, 35th of Stand By Me, 34th of The Lost Boys, 32nd of Dream a Little Dream and The Burbs crosses, Corey Feldman digitizes iconic items from those movie sets to make available in his custom proprietary NFT store via Cosmic Wire.
To continue “the summer of love” 2021, and help launch Corey Feldman’s NFT store, there will be a fully interactive NFT based streaming event celebrating 50 years of film with his most classic films and cast, followed immediately by a live celebrity-filled concert celebrating his music career as he enters his fiftieth year. His unearthed collection will be used as decor and tributes to Corey Feldman to warm up love-filled nights. Premiere virtual ticket holders will be treated to a more immersive experience with Corey Feldman and friends.
The NFT artwork will be authenticated and protected using proprietary and unique technology from Cosmic Wire partners, REV3AL Technology, and NCODED, disruptive multi-factor authentication and encryption technology that shows the authentic creation of the work and protects it from being counterfeited in the digital space.
The holistic multi-media company will be producing and publishing a number of exciting projects over the coming months while also founding a clean energy solution specifically focused on the environmental impact of the crypto industry and secure digital archive to protect humanity’s most valuable assets.
Summer is in full swing and Snoop Dogg’s INDOGGO Gin and entertainment mogul, Terrence J kicked things off with a Miami take over experience. The TV personality, along with co-founders of INDOGGO Gin, Keenan Town & Marc Weisberg (owners of Trusted Spirits) led guests through a one on one cocktail class at a Miami hotspot, The Goodtime Hotel where they were educated on the light and fruity flavor notes of INDOGGO Gin as they made founder, Snoop Dogg’s favorite cocktails including: Long Beach Lemonade, TheRemix, and classic Gin N Juice.
After enjoying the new summer sippers, guests were invited to the Pool at Strawberry Moon for a cabana party and INDOGGO Gin bottle parade where the crowd went wild when the DJ spun the cult classic, Gin N Juice. The exclusive experience offered interesting and educational moments for guests to become acquainted with the liquid while learning the brand story.
After fun in the sun, everyone was treated to an INDOGGO pairings dinner at the one and only Komodo restaurant located in the heart of South Beach. Guests dined on a curated pairing menu which included Hamachi jalapeño sashimi, citrus miso black cod, koji aged wagyu filet, and more. Closing out the night guests hit up the famed LIV nightclub where the INDOGGO tables were waiting.
The first of its kind, The Hard Seltzer Cocktail Book is your go-to resource for transforming your favorite alcoholic seltzers into deliciously fun cocktails. Whether you’re a fan of Truly, White Claw, Vizzy, or Bud Light Seltzer, there’s something for everyone with these easy-to-make recipes, including Aperol Spritz-o-Clock, Fizzy Fuzzy Navels, Watermelon Sugar Slushy, Millennial Cosmo, Fizzier French 75, Summer in the City Manhattan. Truly LIIT (Long Island Iced Tea), Lemon Drop It Like It’s Hot, Lost in the Jungle Juice and much more!
Author Casie Vogel, a self-declared lover of all things carbonated, is sharing her expertise to help you make every season hard-seltzer season. “At 4 to 6 percent alcohol content, it’s an easy beverage to imbibe any time of day. But sometimes you have to take it up a notch…or several,” she said. “What’s the right ratio? What actually tastes like a cocktail, doesn’t skimp, but also doesn’t immediately send you to blackout town? Well, my friend, that is where my help comes in. The recipes are dangerously delicious and designed to get the party going, whether it’s a Friday night pregame or your next big party—or if it’s just been a tough day (girl, you do you). Instead of that next round of probably (always) regrettable tequila shots, pick up this book and let’s get bubbly.”
The Hard Seltzer Cocktail Book offers everything you need to add a little snap, sparkle, and pop to your favorite cocktails.
“It’s always exciting to unpack the latest music by Alex Cuba! His work is divine from start to finish, the production is outstanding, his themes are universal, and his voice is luscious! We’ve all gone through a dark year, so every moment of beauty has been especially poignant and ‘Mendo’ has been a steady companion.”– Ariana Morgenstern – KCRW–Executive Producer, Music Department.
Alex Cuba is back with another collection of killer songs… some of his best songs in a career filled with brilliance… It’s not for no reason that this completely indie artist has multiple Latin Grammy nominations to his credit… On Mendó, he reached out across the digital universe to collaborate with some of Latin music’s biggest names for 10 new tunes that range from funk to flamenco, nuevo canto to bossa ballads. Naturally, all of these songs bear the distinctive Cuba stamp of pristine production, instrumental prowess and silky singing that just seduces the listener… each track is like a single designed to evoke a unique mood and emotional reaction. Cuba usually plays everything on his homemade records. And why not, when you can bring a personal touch to any instrument you come into contact with? But a special place is reserved for his spectacular dexterity on the standup bass. opening track Hablando x Hablar (feat. Cimafunk). is blown wide open by Cuba’s slapping, rubbery bass lines coupled with sparse handclaps and layered choruses…. H X H (feat Cimafunk, Joaquin Betancourt & Su Joven Jazz Band). this swinging big-band arrangement makes clear that somewhere down the way, Cuba needs to cut an album backed by a full orchestra. The baritone saxophones loop that underpins the whole tune is just so incredibly deep that it’s impossible not to tap along with it. This deserves a big extended remix by some ace Miami scene dance DJ, because it’s got packed dance floor stamped all over it.” – Vancouver Sun
“Bringing his distinctive folk, funk and rock hybrid to life, the four-time Latin Grammy winner presents his new album Mendó, a testament to the respect other artists have for Alex. On this set, Cuba collaborates with renowned artists including Antonio Carmona, Cimafunk, Lila Downs, Gian Marco, Raul Midón and Gilberto Santa Rosa.” – Billboard
“A while back I had to ask myself ‘Is it me or do I actually like everything Alex Cuba releases?’ So far, the answer is: Very much! …The four-time Latin Grammy winner’s brilliant discography has evolved from Afro-Cuban music to world music, rock en español, salsa, alternative Latin and Latin crossover blends of pop, soul and jazz. And it just gets better… Irresistible, superbly minimalistic yet profoundly full …a sensory upload of sublime playing, creative arrangements and melodic delight.” – NPR
“Fresh off his most recent Latin Grammy nominations (seven along with four wins), and notable performance on the November 2020 broadcast… and in advance of his upcoming eighth studio album… Alex Cuba, is releasing new single ‘Hablando x Hablar’ with Cuban breakout star, Cimafunk. ‘Hablando x Hablar’ is a fun and funky upbeat track that questions what we think we know to be true in society… a brave musical concept using only one physical instrument (an upright bass), handclaps, and vocals, ‘Hablando x Hablar is a bold, full bodied song, completely universal in nature, that feels like a giant production without getting bombastic… high energy performer Cimafunk has been rated by Billboard as a ‘top 10 Latin artist to watch’ with his Afro-Cuban funk-soul music style…. [While] Alex carries his Cuba within, incorporating subtle jazz influences, and tasteful, sophisticated chords and lyrics expressing his poetry in an undeniably Cuban way. His growing body of work defines a unique musical place in the Latin diaspora.” – Cashbox Canada
ABOUT ALEX CUBA
Alex Cuba is a Latin Grammy/Juno winner, singer-songwriter who is not tied to tradition; Alex has a vast musical vision. His sugarcane-sweet melodies, pop-soul hooks and powerful guitar riffs, relinquish a conventional stereotype that exemplifies much of the Latin music landscape. Born Alexis Puentes in Artemisa, Cuba, was immersed in music at a very young age, joining his father’s (respected guitarist and teacher Valentin Puentes) group of 24 guitarists. Alex then went on to study electric and upright bass and touring and recording nationally and internationally. Relocating to Canada in 1999, Alex went on to record his solo debut album Humo De Tobaco (produced by Martin Terefe), which earned him a Juno award for World Music Album of the Year in 2006, with tours in Canada, Japan and the US.
In 2007, Alex released Agua Del Pozo earning him another Juno award for World Music Album of the Year in 2008. From there, Alex released his third album, a self-titled project Alex Cuba in 2009, playing shows in the US, Canada and Spain. And features his first ever English track titled “If You Give Me Love”. The album gained recognition on an international level. In 2010, Alex took home the award for Best New Artist at the 2010 Latin Grammy Awards, where it was also nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Album. It also followed a nominated for Best Latin Pop Album at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards and in 2011 Alex took home a BMI Latin Award for his songwriting on Nelly Furtado’s #1 Spanish hit “Manos Al Aire”. In 2012, Alex released his fourth album Ruido En El Sistema, which Alex received his second Socan Hagood Hardy Award for outstanding achievement in Jazz and World Music. He also won his second Latin Grammy Award – this time as a songwriter, alongside co-writer Yoel Henriquez received the award for Best Tropical Song for the Milly Quezada’s single, “Toma Mi Vida”. In 2013, he brought home a Latin Grammy for the video “Eres Tu” fromRuido En El Sistema, a video produced entirely in his hometown of Smithers.
Alex Cuba’s 5th studio album, Healer, was recorded using a live rhythm section, trading in horns for guitars and vocal harmonies. With five duets with singer songwriters, four being Canadian, Ron Sexsmith, David Myles, Alejandra Ribera and Kuba Oms as well as New Yorker Anya Marina. The album won a Latin Grammy for best Singer-songwriter and nominated for a Grammy as best Latin Pop in 2016. In 2017, his 6th album Lo Unico Constante was released, Looking at the filin movement in Cuba of the forties that fused jazz and trova together with emotional lyrical content. Nominated for both a Latin Grammy in the singer songwriter category and Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album Alex continues his independent journey in music.
His most recent album, Sublime, incorporated the feel of Lo Unico Constante with 6 duets alongside Latin American Singer-songwriters celebrating a contemporary or Neo folk expression of the Canción Latinamericana. The release continued Alex’s recognition form his musical peers garnering his third consecutive Latin Grammy Nomination for Best Singer-Songwriter Album, and another performance slot on the global telecast.
