Counting Crows' Adam Duritz Releasing Notar CD

Devil's Playground is the follow-up to Notar's self-titled EP, currently gaining the attention of press and fans alike.

Expanding the traditional definition of hip-hop music, through blending rock, funk, pop, and Notar's classical training, his music inhabits a spot where gutter meets the church choir and where harsh, raw beats settle in nicely behind gritty hook-driven rock melodies. And, above all, a spot where the artist's instinct for emotionally honest lyricism and diverse flows. "I like cutting up a beat eight different ways so it doesn't become boring�" says Notar.

This past summer, Notar joined The Counting Crows and Augustana among other artists, on the "Traveling Circus and Medicine Show," performing for thousands of fans during the 25-city tour. Rather than a traditional show format, the Traveling Circus took a communal approach with many of the musicians onstage together at the very beginning of the show, performing covers such as Van Morrison's "Caravan," Bob Dylan's "Just Like A Woman," or The Rolling Stones' "Sweet Virginia." With a revolving potpourri of musicians taking turns playing original songs and joined by the other featured artists, Duritz served as the 'ringmaster' of the evening. Notar's philosophy on music aligns perfectly with the Traveling Circus & Medicine show concept. And, although Notar dominates the stage with his unmatched energy, Duritz recently told an interviewer "I can't keep guys off the stage when he's playing. Everybody wants to play with him."

Devil's Playground was produced by Notar, famed hip-hop producer MGeezy (Paul Wall, Wyclef Jean, T-Pain), Kevin Augsburg and Ken Lewis. The album consists of 13 songs, written and performed by Notar and features such talent as Young Cash, Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional and Adam Duritz. Tour plans will be announced at a later date.