SANTA MONICA, CA (Savoy Label Group, LLC) - SLG Records, a division of the Savoy Label Group, is proud to announce the imminent release of platinum-selling artist Jim Brickman's new CD, "Escape."
The pianist/producer/composer has recently finished an album of all new solo piano and pop vocal compositions - "Escape" - which features special appearances by Sara Evans (the Academy of Country Music's "Female Vocalist of the Year" for 2006), R&B vocal star Gerald Levert and smooth jazz guitarist extraordinaire Marc Antoine. In addition, Brickman will embark on a five-month tour of North America beginning November 3rd. Jim Brickman's "Escape" is in stores October 3rd.
Brickman's first collaboration with SLG Records is a fine return to form for the chart-topping, multi-platinum artist. "Escape" is a lush, unabashed work of romanticism, both in the instrumental compositions and vocal ballads - a niche that he almost single-handedly dominates. Like his numerous gold and platinum-selling projects, "Escape" features an enchanting collection of gorgeous piano compositions, romantic piano and vocal ballads and rhythmic light jazz selections. Gerald Levert (who attended the same high school in Cleveland with Jim) adds his effortlessly fluid vocals on the beautiful lullaby, "My Angel" - it's a collaboration that reaches beyond musical genres and fits seamlessly into Brickman's repertoire. Other guest artists include jazz guitarist extraordinaire Marc Antoine, Jake Simpson (a fantastic singer who won "Star Search" and made a heartwarming appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show with a surprise appearance by his idol, Stevie Wonder), and Geoff Byrd, an incredible vocal talent who has been touring the past few months with Hall and Oates.
The singles being released to Adult Contemporary radio will be the evocative "When It Snows" featuring Geoff Byrd and "Never Alone" featuring Sara Evans on vocals with lyrics and music by Victoria Shaw. Both were produced by Dan Shea, the musical genius responsible for Brickman's chart-topping singles, "Valentine" and "The Gift."
Much like the Brickman/Martina McBride song "Valentine" (Jim's first No 1 single on both the Adult Contemporary and Country charts), "Never Alone" matches that impeccable styling, unforgettable melodies and lyrical beauty.
Jim Brickman's remarkable career includes six Gold and Platinum selling albums, three No 1 and twelve Top 10 Adult Contemporary radio hits, consistent debuts at No 1 on Billboard Magazine's New Age chart, a Grammy nomination in 2003, SESAC "Songwriter of the Year" award, a Canadian Country Music Award for "Best Vocal/Instrumental Collaboration," a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association for "The Gift" and sold out concert tours internationally.
The SLG relationship reunites Jim Brickman with Savoy Label Group's Steve Vining, who presided over Windham Hill Records when Jim first began his impressive run of blockbuster releases. The charismatic performer quickly became known as a fresh and vibrant recording and concert artist who created and performed enormously moving solo piano compositions as well as established himself as an Adult Contemporary radio iconoclast. Brickman also regularly handles TV hosting chores and presents most of his own concerts worldwide. He also finds time to run his own online marketing company, Brickhouse, which provides virtual and physical marketing services for a broad array of artists and management companies.
The Savoy Label Group (SLG) features not only the historic Savoy Jazz label but also the Denon, Denon Classics, Kin Kou and 429 Records labels. SLG is the North American unit of Columbia Music Entertainment (formerly Nippon Columbia), the oldest music company in Japan. Newly reorganized and now headed by Chairman Strauss Zelnick, Columbia Music Entertainment has re-emerged as a significant creative force with a stable of newly signed platinum-selling artists. SLG is one of the most successful marketers of adult music in the U.S. and focuses on classical, jazz, new age, world and adult alternative genres.
