A stream of consciousness merging styles and eras, Blue Note Ridge is pure, elegant and honest. In the 70's and 80's Roger Powell's groundbreaking electronic synthesizer albums Cosmic Furnace (Atlantic) and Air Pocket (Bearsville) were hailed as masterworks. Best known for his work with pioneering musical ensemble Utopia (featuring Todd Rundgren), as well as inventing the 'Probe' keyboard, Powell has always been held in high esteem by his peers.

2006 signaled a welcome return of Roger Powell with the retrofuturistic, groove oriented, Fossil Poets (Inner Knot CD/Vinyl LP). The critically acclaimed release was produced by award winning producer Gary Tanin who, along with Powell, produced the 2009 solo piano offering Blue Note Ridge. "For many years, I have wanted to release a solo piano recording, as the piano is my main instrument from high school days onward," Roger explains. "There were a few piano segments and pieces on my other albums, as well as on Utopia recordings, but I had never done a full album of solo piano."

June 13th saw the band playing the free NXNE stage at Pearson International Airport. Their second performance will be at the Boat on Thursday June 18th.

Their debut self-titled album is in stores and online today through Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. The 11-song set was produced by Tom Morello and features Boots Riley on vocals, Morello on guitar and bass, and Stanton Moore (Galactic) on drums. SSSC's debut tour with Nine Inch Nails and Jane's Addiction wrapped up this past weekend. Look for August/September Tour details coming soon.

Charismatic singer, songwriter and keyboardist Dave Schulz dazzled a packed audience at The Mint L.A. on June 3 with an incredible performance of material from his solo debut album, Connect. Dave engaged the crowd with his energetic vocals and keyboard riffs in pop/rock ballads such as "Perfect Day" and "Everything." Terry Nunn (Berlin) and Sharon Stone also stopped by to show their support for Dave.

For the past decade, Dave has been a touring/recording vocalist and keyboardist for superstars including Goo Goo Dolls, Bo Diddley, English Beat, Fuel, Berlin, and The Rembrandts.

NHOR : One notable situation on this album is the fact that for the first time in over 20 years founding bassist Pete Way isn't involved in the recording due to his current battle with liver disease. Seeing as Pete has been there from the beginning, and has been such an integral part of the band for the vast majority of the albums, what was the mood going into the studio with Pete not there?

VM : I really wished he could be there, and be part of it. I hoped that would happen, but it just wasn't going to work out. He's a nice guy, I really like him, and he'll be missed that's for sure. To the fans, he such a big part of the band, and he is such a big part of the band, it's a shame that things went this way.

NHOR : How is Pete doing these days? Is there a point at this time where he may be well enough to rejoin the band?

Back And Fourth - which was released on iTunes with the bonus track "Rooftop" this morning - will hit stores and all other digital platforms Tuesday, June 23.

Aimee's new album, A Little Happiness is the quintessential summer soundtrack. Its 11 deeply introspective, largely acoustic songs conjure up the simple bliss of a drive down the Pacific. Allen's signature autobiographical storytelling examines heartbreak as much as the celebration of getting over it. Often described as a female Jason Mraz or Gwen Stefani fronting Sublime, Aimee's sound radiates the summer vibes of California's reggae scene.

In addition, they will be taking part in XBOX "Game With Fame" promotions, where they will be playing Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 live against fans on June 28th.

The Original Music Tee, a "mix tape" shirt containing "album art" on the front and a play list on the back, features such up-and-coming artists as The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, Alice Russell, Theresa Andersson, WAZ, Magic Arm, Lettie, Passenger, Holmes, Amy Kuney, Charlie Mars, The Silent Years, Mason Proper, Nive Nielsen and Afternoons.

Andy honed his craft DJing at various underground parties in New York, so returning to the decks was a very natural step for him. He's used the comp' to showcase a broad sweep of classic house and disco, plus a brand new Hercules' exclusive. Says Andy, "I am excited by this compilation to realize two ends: it's a slamming mix with tracks that have historically made me freak out in the club, along with new productions - including my Hercules & Love Affair exclusive."