March 17, 2008 - Kan'Nal announces the release of the Live At Boulder DVD as a Video Download...Sunset to feature the video at Amazon's Unbox starting May!

March 11, 2008 - New CD by Kan'Nal due out this summer; new Madeline Burke CD on Alamo Records, Starr Cullars and Live Kan'Nal on DVD and Video Downloads...

FEBRUARY 2008

February 18, 2008 - Sunset Home Visual Entertainment and Sunset Urban receive award for DVD Collection Set.

JANUARY 2008

January 31, 2008 - Sunset Urban Record Label Announces New Releases for 2008.

January 30, 2008 - Sunset to release videos of Robert Gordon, Tommy Conwell and Reach Around Rodeo Clowns on DVD and as video downloads.

January 16, 2008 - Sunset begins adding staff people to Sunset Urban and in the Sunset Holding Corporate Division this month.

___________________________________________________________

JUNE 2008

Dirk Quinn Band CD Release Party at Steel City!

The Dirk Quinn Band plays "QuinnTet," a brand new studio CD that boasts 9 of the most incredible jazz and funk tunes.

QuinnTet is a striking and out of this world sophomore CD by Dirk Quinn with his band of incredible musicians that will also play at the CD release party this weekend. Although the CD is an obvious jazz album, Dirk beautifully portrays each song with the perfect delivery and with solid original arrangements, making this CD a one of the best jazz albums of the year. The CD has 9 of his original tracks that are in his live repertoire. The QuinnTet CD is a definite magic carpet ride that grooves from song to song and from the beginning to the end of the CD. The CD release Party is collaboration once again with many of the top jazz artists in Philadelphia (Elliot Levin, Mike Borowski, James Cooper and Joe Baldacci). They not only participated on the new QuinnTet CD, they will all play with Quinn live this Saturday night at The Steel City in Pheonixville, PA. The result should be a night of amazing music at the Steel City. These same jazz musicians all lend their own imprint all over the CD creating a very distinctive jazz and funk style of music that can be seen at their live performance this weekend. Quinn's soulful guitar playing is truly an extraordinary exploration with a rhythm, drive and groove that has you listening to song after song.

Steel City is a beautiful European-style coffee house and premiere music venue located in Phoenixville, PA which is just west of Philadelphia. The full band will be headlining with Quinn playing a full set of original jazz and funk music. Johnny Duke and the Aces will also play the Steel City this Saturday night.

For advance copies of the QuinnTet CD or to set up interviews, please contact Don Lichterman at 212.631.3615 or by email at Don.Lichterman@SunsetRecordings.com.

HERE'S THE DETAILS FOR THE RELEASE PARTY

DATE: Saturday, June 28, 2008 - One Night Only!

TIME: 8pm (Doors)

PLACE: Steel City @ 203 Bridge Street - Phoenixville, PA 19460 - (610) 933-4043, http://steelcitycoffee.stores.yahoo.net/sa6diqubajod.html - ALL AGES!

WHAT: Dirk Quinn's CD Release Concert Party for the "QuinnTet" featuring Dirk Quinn (guitar), Mike Borowski (Keyboard), James Cooper (Bass), Joe Baldacci (Drums) as well as a special guest performance by Sax player Elliot Levin (Flute and Sax).

COVER: $12 adv/$15 door.

Tickets can be purchased now at the Steel City website

The New Surreal to release their debut CD by signing a multi recording deal with Sunset Records

The New Surreal gears up for debut release with new record deal!

The New Surreal to release their debut CD by signing a multi recording deal with Sunset Records

New pop sensation The New Surreal has signed to Sunset Records and is expected to release their debut album later this summer on Tuesday, August 19th.

“Signing a record contract with Sunset Records is truly everything we wanted for the band,” states Danny Chait of The New Surreal. “We have been wanting to be a part of Sunset Records since the main label was announced starting up at this time last year, and I have been impressed with the new music signed by Don Lichterman. I am excited and humbled to be a part of this label group. I’m really impressed how the label works with new artists."

Don Lichterman, the main A&R person at Sunset and the chief executive and founder of the Sunset Label Group, adds, “It only took a few seconds for me to realize we had something special with these guys. This band is the quintessential pop act, and has a gifted singer that can write amazing songs which will instantly win over huge audiences at radio and when they play live shows." Continues Lichterman, "Danny went back to the studio finished the mixes and then he mastered The New Surreal CD and we expect to do very well with this music for the last half of this year; this band gives the label what we have been trying to find for a couple years. There is no doubt The New Surreal has a great future ahead of them in this industry”.

Don Lichterman then comments, “The New Surreal has already won me over and we have already allowed some regions of the world to stream their new music. The response has overwhelming enough for me to add this to an end of the summer street date. They are a group of young, talented singer songwriters with amazing vocals and a sound that currently has wide appeal and great accessibility on every song on the CD. We’re over the top thrilled to have them be a part of the Sunset future and to have joined our artist roster this week."

The New Surreal are now all three based in New York City and will work closely with Don Lichterman at the Sunset Records label with artist development efforts for the band. The trio consists of Danny Chait – Guitar and Vocals, Ross Wilson – Bass, and Nick Smeraski – Drums. The band began when they met going to school at NYU (New York University).

The self titled CD by The New Surreal will be released on August 19th. Sunset will start working the music to radio and to press after the July 4th holiday. “I am psyched to have something this easy to work for the rest of the year,” Lichterman says about the songs on the debut CD. Sunset will work the music to AAA, AC and CHR / Pop format stations all over the world. The self titled debut album will be made available at top retail outlets like Target, FYE, Circuit City, Virgin Megastores, Barnes & Noble and thousands of independent stores. The full length CD will be sold at online retail stores like Barnes&Noble.com, TowerRecords.com, BestBuy.com, CircuitCity.com, Borders.com, Sonicnet.com, CDuniverse.com, SamGoody.com, VirginMega.com and ArtistDirect.com. And, the CD will be made available as downloads, streams at ringtones wherever they are sold online (iTunes, REAL/Rhapsody, eMusic, Napster, AT&T and more).

Blackbird announces Independence Day gig at House of Blues on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood!

Sunset Recording Artist to play on the evening of July 3rd at the world famous House of Blues Club in Hollywood, California!

The band is set to celebrate this summers start of the Independence Day weekend’s festivities with a very special live show in Hollywood, California on July 3rd. Blackbird comes through Hollywood playing the July 3rd Thursday evening show starting the weekend off with a promotional show at the House Of Blues.

The Fresno, California natives have just released their debut CD ‘Songs For The Broken Hearted’ last month, with Sunset Records. “Unstoppable” is the first single currently being played on alternative radio today. Their first promotional show in San Francisco starts this weekend at the beautiful Broadway. That very special live show is being simulcast around the world with CD Pulse and Sunset Live.

The band is getting famous for their live show with their fans knowing every word to every song they perform. They will perform much of the new album at this weekend's live simulcast being shown around the world at www.Sunset-Live.com. Tickets for the House Of Blues July 3rd show are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com or at the House of Blues Box Office during business hours at the club. Doors open at 8pm and Blackbird is set to hit the stage at 9pm.

Blackbird will be playing three very special Promotional shows in California.

The California tour dates are:

The Broadway Studios – San Francisco, CA – June 28th (Live Simulcast)
The House Of Blues – Hollywood, CA – July 3rd
Club Fred – Fresno, CA – July 11th

Opening Show of Blackbird's 2008 Summer Tour Presented Live via Simulcast at Sunset Live, June 28th!

Please join Sunset Live and CD Pulse via live simulcast, on Saturday, June 28, 2008, for the first international Blackbird Live Simulcast. Experience this very special live event from the beautiful Broadway in San Francisco, California in top quality live streaming video available to everyone all over the world. Blackbird fans and fans of live music can enjoy the live feed of the entire show this Saturday night. The show will also be made available as a live download at the Sunset Live web site.

Sunset Records recording group Blackbird will begin their summer run of shows in Northern California on June 28th at 9:00 p.m. PT (12:00 a.m. ET) with a very special concert from the world renowned Broadway Studios presented live via simulcast in high quality video from San Francisco, California. The show’s simulcast will be exclusively available at the Sunset Live web site and at the CD Pulse web site to fans of live music all over the world. Advance tickets for the very special opening day concert are on sale now at the Broadway Studios, 435 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, at participating theatre box offices or online at http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaID=160345. Tickets for the show will be available up to capacity the day of the show at the box office or online for $10 pre-sale and $15 at the door the night of the show.

Arlie Patten from Blackbird says from his Hollywood house in California that he thinks this is “a great idea that will give us some marketing and publicity to our fans.” The humble superstar then says “thank you for choosing us” and “it is a huge compliment and privilege to me and the band.” “I really can't say thanks enough!” One month after the release of their debut new studio album, "SONGS FOR THE BROKEN HEARTED," Blackbird will headline the early century theatre that had been converted to this incredible rock club, seats 400, and audiences around the world will be able to watch the show live from their home or at other bars and clubs around the world.

“This event is very special for me because it takes the live downloads concept to another level,” says Don Lichterman, the head of Sunset Records and Sunset Live Entertainment. “First off, I grew up on live music,” Lichterman continues, “whether it was recording live shows off FM radio and seeing music live, that is how I started to love music as a kid.” Lichterman also says that adding live simulcast to the Sunset Live download company adds value to live downloads in the same way DVDs are added value for consumers compared to CDs. “It’s that same mentality I have today with David Gans and CD Pulse that I had with DVDs when I started Sunset.” He says, “You cannot sell a CD for more than ten dollars at retail today where as a DVD can sell for fifteen, twenty or twenty five bucks” and “it basically costs the same to manufacturer lines of DVDs as it does to make CDs.”

It is that added value that attracted Lichterman to his latest deal with his Sunset Live Entertainment Company and CD Pulse. Sunset recording artist Blackbird's eagerly anticipated debut album, "SONGS FOR THE BROKEN HEARTED," is available exclusively at Target and inline at Amazon today. The album will then be made available at Circuit City, Virgin Megastores, Barnes & Noble and thousands of independent stores, and then will also be available this month leading online retailers including but not limited to Barnes&Noble.com, TowerRecords.com, BestBuy.com, CircuitCity.com, Borders.com, Sonicnet.com, CDuniverse.com, SamGoody.com, VirginMega.com and ArtistDirect.com. Blackbird's debut album was recorded in Fresno, California last year and includes 10 brand new songs with “Unstoppable” being added to radio as the first single for the label. Tickets for the show at The Broadway Studios are expected to sell out that evening. The band will play live throughout the summer months in California.

Dirk Quinn Announces the "Starbucks Run" of Live Shows at Starbucks Coffee Houses All Over Philadelphia

Dirk Quinn begins his exclusive engagement of live shows this week at the Starbucks Coffee Houses all over downtown Philadelphia.

(Billboard Publicity Wire) June 16, 2008 -- A very special run of shows have been booked at the Starbucks Coffee Houses throughout all of Philadelphia this month. Dirk Quinn, the new Sunset Jazz Recording artist will play a run of acoustic shows at the many Starbucks Coffee Houses in downtown Philadelphia. The shows will mark the beginning of a summer tour that takes Quinn to music festivals, a 4th of July Celebration event after his CD Release Party on June 28th which features Quinn with his full band.

Starting on Thursday, June 12th, Quinn will play his acoustic guitar for his fans at the different Starbucks in Philadelphia. He will continue to play at the different Starbucks stores on the following days and throughout the entire month of June. "It's a brilliant concept for both Quinn and for Starbucks" says Don Lichterman, the head of Sunset Jazz and Sunset Records. "And, he (Dirk Quinn) gets to work out his material for the summer," Lichterman continues to say about the bookings throughout the Philadelphia area.

After the opening show on Thursday, Quinn will then play (see below for all Starbucks dates, locations and times) the next day on Friday at two other Starbucks in Philadelphia, and then again on Saturday at another two Starbucks located down on the famous South Street. And, then Quinn will do the same thing for the next three consecutive Thursdays and weekends in the month of June. Lichterman says that "I think we are playing every Starbucks in that market this month" says Lichterman, and "what is even more amazing is that Dirk has late night shows to play every one those nights." And, on one evening, Quinn plays the Starbucks Coffee House shows, a show featuring him at the Phoenixville Summer Series before his late night show at Haru in Philly.

All of the acoustic sets at the Starbucks are a promotional run of shows and is FREE admission for everyone.

The dates for the very special performances at the Starbucks Stores throughout Philadelphia with the locations are:

Thursday, June 12th
1PM-3PM - Starbucks - 10th Street and Chestnut Street

Friday, June 13th
Noon-2PM - Starbucks - 19th Street and Chestnut Street
3PM-5PM - Starbucks - 12th Street and Walnut Street
(Dirk Quinn also plays a Late Night Show tonight at Haru in Philadelphia, PA that begins at 10PM)

Saturday, June 14th
2PM-4PM - Starbucks - 9th Street and South Street
5PM-7PM - Starbucks - 4th Street and South Street
(Dirk Quinn also plays a Late Night Show tonight at the Gryphon Cafe in Wayne, PA, begins 9PM)

Thursday, June 19th
1PM-3PM - Starbucks - 10th Street and Chestnut Street

Friday, June 20th
Noon-2PM - Starbucks - 19th Street and Chestnut Street
3PM-5PM - Starbucks - 12th Street and Walnut Street
(Dirk Quinn also plays the Summer Music Series (Free Event) in Phoenixville, PA, begins at 7PM)
(Dirk Quinn also plays a Late Night Show tonight at Haru in Philadelphia, PA that begins at 10PM)

Saturday, June 21st
2PM-4PM - Starbucks - 16th Street and Walnut Street
(Dirk Quinn also plays the Bellview Winery Jazz Festival in Landisville, NJ that begins at 6PM)

Thursday, June 26th
1PM-3PM - Starbucks - 10th Street and Chestnut Street
(Dirk Quinn also plays a Late Night Show tonight at the Coffee Dot in Sea Isle City that begins at 8PM)

Friday, June 27th
Noon-2PM - Starbucks - 19th Street and Chestnut Street
3PM-5PM - Starbucks - 12th Street and Walnut Street
(Dirk Quinn also plays a Late Night Show tonight at Haru in Philadelphia, PA that begins at 10PM)

Saturday, June 28th
21PM-4PM - Starbucks - 9th Street and South Street
5PM-7PM - Starbucks - 4th Street and South Street
(Dirk Quinn also plays his CD Release Party at Steel City tonight that begins at 8PM)

Dirk Quinn Announces Summer Shows in Support of His Brand New QuinnTet CD

Dirk Quinn sets up summer tour dates that have them playing music festivals, July 4th celebration events and a special run of acoustic shows at Starbucks.

(Billboard Publicity Wire) June 15, 2008 -- Combining the intense jazz and funk sounds with exceptional guitar work, Dirk Quinn has gained critical acclaim in the world of jazz music. Quinn, together with his band, just finished up and is set to release their QuinnTet CD on Sunset Jazz label, and this summer, Quinn's summer tour dates have them playing large festivals that are hosting July 4th events and host jam band style of rock artists. This is a style of music that rarely gets too much mainstream awareness, though its aficionados are hardcore collectors of this style of music. Quinn's new CD release, QuinnTet, is being reviewed by many popular publications such as Entertainment Weekly, the New York Press and Billboard, along with many jazz industry publications. The brand new CD features incredible guitar work with many of the songs on the QuinnTet CD, derived from playing them improvisational at live shows. There is a modicum of exceptional influences that Quinn draws from like "The Word (Robert Randolph and North Mississippi All-stars)," "SoulLive" and "Medeski, Martin and Wood (MMW)."

Quinn is supported on many of the key dates by his all-star jazz styled band that includes Trumpeter, CHIS ASCHMAN, bassist JAMES COOPER and drummer JOE BALDACCI. Whether they are going off by playing spontaneous, improvisational and exploratory songs or whether Quinn is playing by himself with an acoustic guitar, the music will be the perfect compliment to these summer shows. Interpreting the clear and concise sound of jazz music to thousands of people one day (including the Phoenixville Summer Music Series, Phoenixville July 4th Festival, the Endless Summer Music Festival, the Belleview Winery Jazz Festival…) to playing for a handful of people at very special shows (Starbucks in Philadelphia) throughout the summer, bringing the music to a high level is what Quinn does best with his live music.

"Whether you get to see (Dirk) him at these festivals this summer or at the Starbucks in Philly, now is the time to see him," says Don Lichterman, the head of Sunset Jazz / Sunset Records.

Whether it's because of his live shows, or because of this brand new CD, it is obvious that we will be hearing a lot from this incredible jazz artist.

Dirk Quinn's 2008 Summer Tour Dates:
6/19 - Starbucks 10th & Chestnut, Philadelphia, PA
6/20 - Summer Music Series, Phoenixville, PA
6/21 - Belleview Winery Jazz Fest, Landisville, NJ
6/25 - Birches - Burlington City, NJ
6/26 - Starbucks 10th & Chestnut, Philadelphia, PA
6/26 - Coffee Dot Comedy, Sea Isle City, NJ
6/27 - Starbucks 19th & Chestnut, Philadelphia, PA
6/28 - Steel City (CD Release Party), Philadelphia, PA
7/04 - July 4th Celebration-Friday Night Arts & Music Festival, Phoenixville, PA
7/05 - July Dawson Street Pub - Manayunk, PA
7/12 - Milford Music Festival - Milford, PA
7/14 - Chris' Jazz Café - Philadelphia, PA
7/18 - Robins Nest Crow Bar, Mount Holly, NJ
7/19 - REX Festival, Bechtelsville, PA
7/24 - The Coffee Dot, Sea Isle City, NJ
7/24 - The Endless Summer Festival, Paradise Lakes Campground, NJ
7/26 - Windmill Boogie Fest, Tamaqua, PA
8/01 - Rush A Palooza Music Festival, Boyertown, PA
8/02 - Gryphon Café, Wayne, PA
8/08 - Phoenixville Summer Music Series, Phoenixville, PA
8/20 - Phoenixville Summer Music Series, Phoenixville, PA
8/23 - Shine Fest "Family Picnic", Sheelers Park, PA
8/29 - Phoenixville Summer Music Series, Phoenixville, PA
9/05 - World Music Cafe, Philadelphia, PA

SUNSET URBAN GETS READY TO RELEASE THE BRAND NEW “HEARTBREAK” CD BY BLACKWELL!

Blackwell set to release his follow up CD, Heartbreak on Sunset Urban Records. The spirit of Christopher Wallace and Tupac Shakur was always with Michael Blackwell with hints of their styles found on his debut album, Un4givable and their untimely deaths have always obsessed Blackwell. Heartbreak is an epic full length CD, packed from beginning to end with high level melodic hip hop anthems, but moreover, is filled with stories of his life and a feeling of appreciation for the hip hop greats in music. The opening song of Where It All Started Pt. 2 does just that for Blackwell as he introduces the story of picking up where he left off last time. “I’m Your Puppet 2008” is another example of this evolving artist and Don Lichterman, the head of Sunset Urban and Sunset Records celebrates the CD in a jovial tone saying that “we have a very well orchestrated, colorful and melodic CD to release to radio, press and retail” this summer.
What's on the CD is that melodic blend of colorful music production, excellent harmonies coupled with a gritty vocal expressing his unwavering and accessible stories about life. There are also more blends of obvious posturing for people's needs for material items, but that is life. All in all, Heartbreak shows the journey of people's lives which has naturally brought music lovers a capricious mix of great melodic tunes ("Tha Way", "Lost But Found", "Question Remix") that all boast guest vocal harmonies (Abigail Tosca, Crystal Ann, Lil Dynomite) that take you on a great melodic ride throughout the entire CD.

The production level is perfect and at a high level. Don Lichterman has opened up ways for Blackwell to be able to deliver some of the most charming and opaque hiphop beats along with great harmonies that will most definitely be heard all over top urban radio stations. Heartbreak is just as fierce as his debut Un4giveable CD. Blackwell’s songs on this brand new studio CD are melodic and perfectly constructed rap songs. Samples are non existent yet replaced by the beautiful guest vocalists. One of the most effective things about Blackwell’s new CD is the use of his own songs from his initial CD. “Where It All Started, Pt 2” and “I’m Your Puppet 2008” are just a few ways to continue the story of Blackwell.

The lyrics throughout Heartbreak are concise and consistent to his message from his initial CD to this new CD. Blackwell has lived much of the life he raps about on Heartbreak. His feelings about life and persecution are what can actually make you strong in life. He is not necessarily talking about “gangsta life” in his raps, he is talking about life that seems to ring true in any city, town and in many families. When he and Lil Dynomite rap "Why’s the government still depressing us, politicians every day second guessing us, why the cops gotta be pressing us, why the hell aint anyone blessing us, why are the parents abusing us," it’s to send a message about ways for all walks of life to grow stronger no matter what’s happens. In other songs, he talks about relationships and how it is to use the “L” word and his friendships while growing up in his neighborhood.

While Blackwell has a bunch of female guests on Heartbreak, that really work, his remarks of praise towards woman are scattered on the CD – “You gotta keep giving…keep giving” which is very refreshing to hear in lyrics on hiphop songs. The entire CD blends his hardcore vocal rap with the harmonic sounds of his female vocalists he has featured on the Heartbreak CD. He does express his love for family and his wanting to be in love and in a great relationship. Much like the sound of 2Pac and Biggie, Blackwell makes does not hide about rapping in ambiguous ways. What he wants to say in his songs, he does it in a very tactful way.

“What it comes down to today in music is the substance of an entire album,” says (Don) Lichterman, “Heartbreak is a one of those albums you will keep on your iPod forever if you love this style of music” “A lot of the newer urban groups rap about addressing many great issues in life while still making accessible music to groove too,” Lichterman continues to say after being asked about the landscape of music today. “I just want something not only at a top level and with color; I also look to see what is off the normal beaten track no matter what genre of music we work at Sunset.”

Blackwell quotes that he is "always working on music all of the time and I am always down for adding my vocals and my rhymes with anyone of these artists that are on this CD." We are not only left with great understanding about Blackwell on this current Heartbreak, CD, this album is clearly produced by an artist that continues to develop his great rap in 2008.

Sunset Jazz Launches New label, New Web site and Brand New CD by Dirk Quinn

Sunset is set to release Dirk Quinn's QuinnTet, a daring fresh CD from Philadelphia's finest jazz funk ensemble and the debut CD on Sunset Jazz Recordings, the newly created jazz label.

(Billboard Publicity Wire) June 12, 2008 -- Sunset is set to release Dirk Quinn's QuinnTet, a daring fresh CD from Philadelphia's finest jazz funk ensemble and the debut CD on Sunset Jazz Recordings, the newly created jazz label. Since starting his music career, guitarist Dirk Quinn has gained a name as one of the most intense jazz, soul -funk artists in the music scene, a work horse on the road playing live in places everywhere from small coffee houses to music festivals throughout the entire summer. When the guitarist began to work on his acoustic music, this year, he discovered that rather than go that direction with his follow up CD, he started creating new music with his band. The result is this nine song incredible CD by incredible jazz musicians.

"We would show up at our live shows and realize we had something special ," Dirk recalls. "I continue to play acoustic shows every week, 'Sometimes at 10AM" The guitar aficionado continues to say as he laughs. "We then began to record some of the stuff we played live. We all added some great layers to the music. And it all ended up on this new CD."

With QuinnTet, Dirk Quinn's band have taken that quintessential jump from being great performing artists to being great recording artists. Quinn's astounding guitar work has had a ground breaking effect in the live music world and he has set some high standards for his second studio CD. "Dirk wanted his next CD to be produced at a high level and he wants this CD to be more than just something for his fans to leave with at his shows," says Don Lichterman, the head of the Sunset Records group of Distributed Labels. As far what inspires Dirk Quinn -- Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Theloniuos Monk, David Brubeck along with the more contemporary sounds of Bela Fleck, John Scofield, Ahmad Jamal and Jaco Pastorius -- are some of the artists that come to mind when describing his music. Lichterman goes on to say that "Quinn began heavily turning his musical direction to a more free form and improvisational sound" and "his guitar wizardry is the focal point of his live shows."

Lichterman says this is one of the best full length CDs he has listened to in a long time drawing comparisons to The Word, Robert Randolph and Soulive. "I've always wanted to bring fresh new sounds and even reinvent myself with every project; I never really wanted to ever fall into doing the same old thing all the time," says Quinn from his latest show held in Reading Pennsylvania last weekend.

Quinn has been easily recognized for his astounding abilities on his guitar. He makes no bones about knowing the time spent playing in the studio is ultimately how this CD evolved this year. "Nowadays, we have the ability to play over the basic layers that had been the basis of our music and I have learned to intertwine melodies along with a defined arrangement in each song, " he says about the new QuinnTet CD. "We did not intend to change the way the music is today, but it all needs to work within my grooves and melodies within music". Lichterman says that is what "I look for in developing music - it can be a 98 piece orchestra or one person with an acoustic guitar -- when it works, it is easy to see which is the case with these guys live." Lichterman ends the interview by saying that "this CD by Dirk is amazing for the label and I have it playing in my car all the time."

Having grown up outside of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, Quinn has now made the elevation from playing tiny coffee houses around the east Coast of the United States to headlining weekend long music festivals, Quinn's goals with his music go well above his individual melodious limits. "I am making the attempt to build a new scene and a new style of jazz funk that will hopefully inspire people to say that they want to grow up playing improvisational jazz music from the Philadelphia area," he says. "I have followed the careers of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, how they evolved as artist in the jazz community and they would just play live as much as possible every day - - and I truly believe music fans always want to see live improvisational music."

You can see how Quinn has broken through to a higher level of playing with this QuinnTet CD in stores this month at Sunset Jazz Recordings. The band will play live at key events throughout the summer - a July 4th show at the Phoenixville Music festival, the Rex fest in Milford, PA and the Endless Summer Music Festival in New Jersey - along with a very special show at the World Cafe Live on WXPN will culminate the summer tour for Dirk Quinn.

"I am still creating music every day, Quinn says. "What Don (Lichterman) has done by giving us this worldwide reach is open up avenues for me to create more creative music. We have definitely elevated our situation as band by signing with Sunset."

SUNSET JAZZ LAUNCHES NEW LABEL AND A BRAND NEW CD BY DIRK QUINN!

Sunset is set to release Dirk Quinn’s QuinnTet, a daring fresh CD from Philadelphia’s finest jazz funk ensemble and the debut CD on Sunset Jazz Recordings, the newly created jazz label. Since starting his music career, guitarist Dirk Quinn has gained a name as one of the most intense jazz, soul -funk artists in the music scene, a work horse on the road playing live in places everywhere from small coffee houses to music festivals throughout the entire summer. When the guitarist began to work on his acoustic music, this year, he discovered that rather than go that direction with his follow up CD, he started creating new music with his band. The result is this nine song incredible CD by incredible jazz musicians.

"We would show up at our live shows and realize we had something special ," Dirk recalls. "I continue to play acoustic shows every week, ‘Sometimes at 10AM" The guitar aficionado continues to say as he laughs. "We then began to record some of the stuff we played live. We all added some great layers to the music. And it all ended up on this new CD."

With QuinnTet, Dirk Quinn’s band have taken that quintessential jump from being great performing artists to being great recording artists. Quinn’s astounding guitar work has had a ground breaking effect in the live music world and he has set some high standards for his second studio CD. “Dirk wanted his next CD to be produced at a high level and he wants this CD to be more than just something for his fans to leave with at his shows,” says Don Lichterman, the head of the Sunset Records group of Distributed Labels. As far what inspires Dirk Quinn -- Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Theloniuos Monk, David Brubeck along with the more contemporary sounds of Bela Fleck, John Scofield, Ahmad Jamal and Jaco Pastorius -- are some of the artists that come to mind when describing his music. Lichterman goes on to say that “Quinn began heavily turning his musical direction to a more free form and improvisational sound” and “his guitar wizardry is the focal point of his live shows. "

Lichterman says this is one of the best full length CDs he has listened to in a long time drawing comparisons to The Word, Robert Randolph and Soulive. "I’ve always wanted to bring fresh new sounds and even reinvent myself with every project; I never really wanted to ever fall into doing the same old thing all the time," says Quinn from his latest show held in Reading Pennsylvania last weekend.

Quinn has been easily recognized for his astounding abilities on his guitar. He makes no bones about knowing the time spent playing in the studio is ultimately how this CD evolved this year. "Nowadays, we have the ability to play over the basic layers that had been the basis of our music and I have learned to intertwine melodies along with a defined arrangement in each song, " he says about the new QuinnTet CD. "We did not intend to change the way the music is today, but it all needs to work within my grooves and melodies within music". Lichterman says that is what "I look for in developing music - it can be a 98 piece orchestra or one person with an acoustic guitar -- when it works, it is easy to see which is the case with these guys live." Lichterman ends the interview by saying that "this CD by Dirk is amazing for the label and I have it playing in my car all the time."

Having grown up outside of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, Quinn has now made the elevation from playing tiny coffee houses around the east Coast of the United States to headlining weekend long music festivals, Quinn’s goals with his music go well above his individual melodious limits. "I am making the attempt to build a new scene and a new style of jazz funk that will hopefully inspire people to say that they want to grow up playing improvisational jazz music from the Philadelphia area," he says. "I have followed the careers of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, how they evolved as artist in the jazz community and they would just play live as much as possible every day - - and I truly believe music fans always want to see live improvisational music. "

You can see how Quinn has broken through to a higher level of playing with this QuinnTet CD in stores this month at Sunset Jazz Recordings. The band will play live at key events throughout the summer – a July 4th show at the Phoenixville Music festival, the Rex fest in Milford, PA and the Endless Summer Music Festival in New Jersey – along with a very special show at the World Cafe Live on WXPN will culminate the summer tour for Dirk Quinn.

"I am still creating music every day, Quinn says. "What Don (Lichterman) has done by giving us this worldwide reach is open up avenues for me to create more creative music. We have definitely elevated our situation as band by signing with Sunset."

MAY 2008

May 10, 2008 - Sunset Urban Records will host the Sunset Urban Live Music Showcase on Friday, May 30th, 2008 at The White Gate (1222 Putnum Avenue) in Brooklyn, New York.

The next Sunset Urban Live Music Showcase has been announced this week to be held on Friday, May 30th, 2008 at The White Gate (1222 Putnum Avenue) in Brooklyn. The doors open at 7:00pm; admission is $5 to the public. The show is part of the ongoing Sunset Urban Showcase series featuring the up-and-coming Sunset Urban artists and songwriters in rap, hip hop, R&B and neo-soul.

(Billboard Publicity Wire/Billboard Publicity Wire/PRWeb ) May 10, 2008 -- The line-up includes such rising Sunset Urban artists Capt. Crunk, Paula Perry, Blackwell, Lil Dynomite, the Rican Rebelz, and B.L.O. and the entire show is hosted by Knowledge again that night. The show will be filled with hiphop music with Capt. Crunk premiering music from his "It's A Hell Of A drug" CD which will be in stores that week on May 27th.

The Sunset Urban Showcase will also feature new music from the upcoming Paula Perry CDS due in stores this summer. And, will feature a special guest performance by the latest Sunset Urban Records signing, Lil Dynomite.

Sunset Urban opened its doors this year and just released the first CD by the upstart label this week. The brand new by D'Cyple. The For My People CD is currently in stores at Target and sold online at Amazon. Expect new releases every month at Sunset Urban Records this year.

May 9, 2008 -- Pacifica Radio in Los Angeles Presents The Very Special KPFK screening of the new documentary film about the War On Drugs this Friday evening on May 9th.

The public is invited to a free advance screening of the major new documentary, American Drug War: The Last White Hope, on Friday May 9, at 7 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church of Glendale in Los Angeles.

Film maker and director Kevin Booth will attend the screening, which takes place in advance of the film's May 27th DVD release day. The screening is being sponsored by the KPFK Pacifica Radio 90.7FM in Los Angeles. (Kevin) Booth will introduce the film and afterward, will discuss the documentary film with a Question and Answer session with Booth.

A powerful award winning documentary film, American Drug War" The Last White Hope explores the controversial and complex explorations of the so called "war on drugs" by inspiring from his own experiences along with society's race and class. The American Drug War: The Last White Hope, made on a shoestring budget, won the last four (4) Best Documentary Awards at the last four (4) film festivals. The very special screening is produced by N.O.R.M.L. (National Organization To Reform Marijuana Laws). The film has been seen on the Showtime Cable Networks over the last month and Booth has the film being released at Sunset Home Visual Entertainment on DVD this May 27th.

The documentary film and DVD features interviews interviews with Freeway Ricky Ross, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Mike Ruppert, General Barry McCaffrey Celerino Castillo III, Judge James Gray, T Rodgers, Joe Rogan, Ron Paul, Ralph Nader, and Jello Biafra. The DVD is filled with rare footage and over three (3) hours of previously unseen footage from the final film release at the film festivals this year. Actor/Activist Esai Morales called the film a "must see" last month while speaking as a panel member on the HBO show, Real Time With Bill Maher. Booth recently appeared on the "Deadline" show and on the Alex Jones Show before speaking last month at the University of Memphis campus.

Booth, is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose 2008 film won the Best Documentary award at the last four (4) film festivals this year. The documentary started airing on Showtime and at Showtime On-Demand last month. On Friday, May 9, at 7PM, Kevin Booth will participate in presenting the special screening of the film show by the KPFK Pacifica radio on 90.7FM. KPFK Pacifica Radio for Southern California is a progressive and Independent station for cutting edge News, Talk and music.

For more information, call (818) 985-2711, ext. 214. A $10 donation is appreciated at the event that begins at 7PM this Friday evening with all proceeds supporting the KPFK radio station. The First Lutheran Church of Glendale is located at 1300 east Colorado Street in Glendale, California.

APRIL 2008

April 30, 2008 - Capt. Crunk’s Hardcore Hip Hop CD, ‘It’s A Hell Of A Drug’, Hits Stores on May 27th

Brand new Capt. Crunk CD in stores May 27^th worldwide online at Amazon.com and in stores at Target

The upstart Sunset Urban Records readies to add its second release into the world of urban hip hop music with Capt. Crunk’s highly anticipated debut hip hop CD entitled, ‘It’s A Hell Of A Drug’. The CD will be available to consumers at top retail outlets such as Amazon and Target as well at all stores that sell music downloads (iTunes, Real/Rhapsody, Napster, Groupie Ringtones (Sprint, Cingular & Alltel), etc.).

In stores May 27^th worldwide, ‘It’s A Hell Of A Drug’ is a very distinctive hip hop album with evocative life messages, that boasts the incredible sounds of Capt. Crunk who is from the Bronx in New York City. Don Lichterman, the head of Sunset Records / Sunset Urban says, “Crunk has an amazing rap and an amazing way to say what is on his mind throughout the entire CD.” The new Capt. Crunk CD is being released just weeks after Sunset’s first Urban release with D’Cyple’s, “For My People” CD and just weeks before the new Paula Perry CD, “Godmommy.”.

Lichterman then says that “(Ronald) Bullock came to me with Crunk’s music saying he had the ‘inspiration’ of the late hip hop and rap icon Tupac Shakur.” “What I love is the hardcore, down and dirty feel of the entire CD” , says Lichterman, crediting the great scouting and production work of his Sunset Urban A&R staff. Lichterman continues, "today’s urban environment is filled with corporate hip hop artists and music that has no message. This unfathomable project from Sunset Urban Records shows the world what is ‘genuine’ and tells the stories of what goes on in the streets and in the lives of people living in hip hop community".

New hip Hop performer Capt. Crunk is more than a rap and hip hop artist. He is a lyricist whose words sound like an established poet. Crunk's music also shows that he is a strong activist; he campaigns very hard to make sure his listeners will know the down side of drug abuse. “His message is very clear and about real life in the city,” says Ronald C. Bullock, A&R staffer at Sunset Urban. Bullock goes on to say that "Crunk has the ability to spread the message in his rhymes.” The brand new CD from Sunset Urban Records is distributed by Sunset’s new distribution arm, Sunset Label Group Distribution Company. ‘It’s A Hell Of A Drug is being released to every major digital download site and to every top mobile content site starting in mid May and is being worked to hip hop radio stations starting this week.

After being asked about his sense of direction with his music, Crunk makes no bones about saying “all aspects of my life are represented on this CD,” - from Crunks street mentality, to his political beliefs, to his deep intimate self. A total look at life is evident from the very beginning of the CD. “Lost Soulz” is the first song being worked to hip hop and urban styled radio formats. The second single is the “Gunz and Drugz” with “Club Crunk” also being worked to radio all over the world starting this month.

“Violence and drugs which generally lead to incarceration has touched so many people in the hip hop community and this CD is not only a hymn for that lifestyle, it tells many real life stories,” says Crunk from New York City. It also emphasizes why lyrics are so important in the hip hop community. Capt. Crunk has the real life experiences and the overall experience of life put down in such a relevant way on his debut CD with Sunset. Crunk says that he always wanted to put out a hip hop album that has many ‘consequential messages’ about life.

April 29, 2008 - Blackbird’s ‘Songs For The Broken Hearted’ debut CD with Sunset Records will be in stores worldwide on May 27^th.

Blackbird's, ‘Songs For The Broken Hearted’ CD will be in stores all over the world beginning May 27^th. CD to be sold online at Amazon.com, in stores exclusively at Target and at all stores where music downloads are sold.

Southern California’s quirky popsters Blackbird do not necessarily follow a trend; they are more interested in simply playing together as a band and most of all, being brothers. Their close relationship to each other has consumed Blackbird and cemented their bond as a band. And now this has forged them a place in the alternative rock world as well. The full length CD is set to hit stores on May 27^th with radio solicitation starting this month.

Blackbird has become a well known alternative rock band with a lot of punk and hardcore influences. Brothers Arlie Patton (vocals/guitar) and Gabe Patton (drums/vocals) started playing clubs on the Sunset strip in Hollywood with two friends and fellow musicians, Gary Jones (guitar/vocals) and Michael Nightingale (bass/vocals). The result is an edgy alternative rock band with catchy hooks and great melodies on their debut CD entitled, ‘Songs For The Broken Hearted.’ Both Arlie and Gabe agree that since the duo was already playing music as kids, adding two more was seamless.

Blackbird blends melodic alternative sounds, inside an eclectic mix of rock music.

In 2005, Blackbird released their last full length album “Living Is Bleeding”, which came after participating on the New York Dolls Tribute CD, “Jetboys Of Babylon.” The new “Songs For The Broken Hearted” CD released by Sunset records has a different sound from their past albums. The first single, “Unstoppable” is already getting airplay in major radio markets around the world with two other songs “The Hell You Put Me Through” and “So Lost Without You” which will also be worked to alternative and Adult Alternative radio formats. Don Lichterman, the head of Sunset Records says that “we are featuring the CD exclusively at Target and at Amazon” and “we are also going for key bookings this year” such as trying to get on the Vans Warped Tour which begins in June.

Blackbird also got their taste of the spotlight by performing live on radio stations and getting press in major markets in the United States. During their time before Sunset Records, Blackbird contributed a performance on a New York Dolls Tribute CD released by Fastlane Records. They also contributed to the Fastlane Cheap Trick Tribute CD, “Trickled Out”. Blackbird also received accolades receiving nominations as best rock band and best rock group in 2007 from the Rock City News and All Access Magazine.

Blackbird's success does not stop with award nominations, with press (LA Weekly CD Review) and at radio (WLFR 91.7 FM, 88.3 WLFC, KOOBA Radio and broke Top 20 on GIANT Radio Network), the first single, “Unstoppable” is now featured in the comedic show, “An Ordinary Hero.” Blackbird also has endorsements with Kerly Strings and Samack / Greg Bennett Guitars.

The release of this CD has been greatly anticipated by us at Sunset,” says Don Lichterman, “the response this month has been amazing since starting to work the first song to radio.”

April 18, 2008 - AWARD WINNING FILM DIRECTOR KEVIN BOOTH “AMERICAN DRUG WAR” TO BE FEATURED ON DEADLINE LIVE w/ JACK BLOOD – APRIL 28^TH 2008

This film “AMERICAN DRUG WAR – The last White Hope” is by far one of the most important documentaries to be released in the last several years.

After winning just about every film festival award the film was entered in, American Drug War spent some time on Showtime via cable TV.

Now the film is finally released to the public in its new DVD release at www.sacredcow.com

Kevin Booth is well known for his work with America’s most prolific comedian, Bill Hicks.

Booth has also worked with many of today’s cutting edge comedians such as Doug Stanhope, and Joe Rogan, while helping to produce powerful documentary films with the controversial Alex Jones.

We had the honor of arranging an advanced screening for American Drug War in Austin TX in 2007, and the overflowing crowd absolutely loved it!

With minor changes, the film is even more powerful than ever, and shows the complete hypocrisy by the US Government, and the complete failure of the so called “War on Drugs”

Booth’s interview on DEADLINE LIVE with Jack Blood will take place LIVE on April 28^th 2008 at 5PM EDT. Free web streams are always available at www.gcnlive.com (Streams 1 and 3), www.wtprn.com and www.shoutcast.com where DEADLINE LIVE has for years been a top 10 webcast in the talk radio format.

The interview can also be heard on AM and FM affiliates for DEADLINE LIVE nationally.

(If you should miss the show live, it will be available “On Demand” at www.gcnlive.com and will be placed at www.jackblood.com on our Multi Media Page.)

Jack Blood has said that this film is a MUST see for any parent and teen currently barring the brunt for the failed policies of the last several presidential administrations. “If you are concerned for our young adults today getting hooked on dope, and then subsequently losing their lives and liberties to the overall “Prison Industrial Complex”, you MUST see this film and share it with your loved ones and neighbors.”

Like Mr. Booth, Jack has lost many friends and relatives to Drugs, and alcohol. “American Drug War” explains why this has happened, and what we can do about it.

Jack Blood is a syndicated radio host, a Freedom Activist, and an investigative reporter. More information about Jack Blood and DEADLINE LIVE can be found at www.jackblood.com

April 16, 2008 - The Urban Journal's Power XM 169 Satellite Radio Program welcomes Kevin Booth, the creator of the American Drug War: The Last White Hope Film and DVD...

Kevin Booth, the creator of American Drug War: The Last White Hope will be appearing on Urban Journal at XM Satellite station The Power XM 169.

Tune in Monday, April 21st at 1PM East Coast Time / 10AM West Coast Time on XM 169 for a very special appearance by award winning documentary filmmaker, Kevin Booth!

The Power XM 169 Radio show, the “Urban Journal: News. Information and Mind Stimulating Conversation,” presents a very special appearance by the creator of the award winning Best Documentary Film, American Drug War: The Last White Hope. Film producer Kevin Booth discusses the film’s positive reception by activists, actors, colleges and talk shows.

The Power XM 169 Satellite and Internet Radio Station is the station for top media host Travis Smiley and world leader Rev. Al Sharpton. The station picked up the 2005 Achievement in Radio Award. The Al Sharpton Show tackles a range of issues from national news stories, key issues impacting people of color, presidential politics, and more. "The Rev.", as he is affectionately called by close friends and supporters, is bringing his powerful voice to radio and getting the answers to real questions. The urban Journal’s brain child Keith Murphy is also very well known fir his customized presentations which have delighted audiences from the college campus to the board room. He brings a wealth of business and personal experience and poignantly along with 15 years in Broadcast Communications

The American Drug War: The Last White Hope topic has been mentioned on the HBO show, Real Time with Bill Maher’s last Friday evening. Bill O’Reilly was faced with questions about the documentary film topic this week. And, in the same few days, actor and activist Esai Morales urged viewers along with a panel consisting of House of Representative Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), economist Robert Reich, political strategist Amy Holmes, Bill Maher to view the American Drug War film. (Kevin) Booth spent the last week at the University of Memphis where a very special screening along with question and answer session. Plus, he spent many hours discussing his amazing story on the Alex Jones Show Radio Talk Show.

Booth’s film is not only won these awards on the film festival circuit this year, the Showtime Network had the movie scheduled on cable for the last month. Now, the film is set for release to retail stores on May 27^th. The new DVD will include over three hours of bonus footage and beginning on April 20 this month, the American Drug War: The Last White Hope DVD will be made available through Sunset Home Visual Entertainment (SHE) for sale exclusively at www.AmericanDrugWar.com, the www.SustainableActionNetwork.org web site and at the Sunset Music Store (powered by Amazon.com). The documentary film boasts informative interviews with Tommy Chong, Freeway Ricky Ross, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Mike Ruppert, General Barry McCaffrey Celerino Castillo III, Judge James Gray, T Rodgers, Joe Rogan, Ron Paul, Ralph Nader, and Jello Biafra.

Kevin Booth is available for all media interviews at 856-267-5092.

Keith Murphy is available for professional voiceovers (known as "The Voice That Works") by calling 414.357.8129.

April 15, 2008 (New York) Filmmaker Kevin Booth to Speak at University of Memphis.

One of the most influential filmmakers in documentary cinema today will be the speaker with a question and answer session at the University of Memphis.

One of the most influential filmmakers in documentary cinema today will be the speaker with a question and answer session at the University of Memphis. Kevin Booth, producer and director of the four (4) time consecutive award winning Best Documentary film American Drug War: The Last White Hope will appear at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April. 15, in Panhellenic Hall on the university's main campus. There will be a very special free screening of the film prior to the Q&A session with (Kevin) Booth.

Booth is recognized for his controversial and complex explorations of the so called "war on drugs" by inspiring from his own experiences along with society's race and class. The American Drug War: The Last White Hope, made on a shoestring budget, won the last four (4) Best Documentary Awards at the last four (4) film festivals. The very special screening is produced by N.O.R.M.L. (National Organization To Reform Marijuana Laws). The film has been seen on the Showtime Cable Networks over the last month and Booth has the film being released at Sunset Home Visual Entertainment on DVD this May 27th.

For information about Booth's talk and this special screening of the film, please contact Lydia Carpenter at 901-496-1873 or by email at 1carpntr@memphis.edu. Booth's talk at the University of Memphis is sponsored by N.O.R.M.L. (National Organization To Reform Marijuana Laws) Organization. The American Drug War: The Last White Hope topic has been mentioned on the HBO show, Real Time with Bill Maher's last Friday evening. Bill O'Reilly was faced with questions about the documentary film topic this week. And, in the same few days, actor and activist Esai Morales urged viewers along with a panel consisting of House of Representative Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), economist Robert Reich, political strategist Amy Holmes, Bill Maher to view the American Drug War film.

The American Drug War: The Last White Hope film is set for worldwide release on DVD to retail stores through the Sunset Home Visual Entertainment (SHE) on May 27th. Although, beginning April 20th, the DVD will be made available for sale exclusively at the www.AmericanDrugWar.com website and at the www.SustainableActionNetwork.org web site and through the Sunset Music Store (powered by Amazon.com). The documentary film and DVD boasts informative interviews with Tommy Chong, Freeway Ricky Ross, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Mike Ruppert, General Barry McCaffrey Celerino Castillo III, Judge James Gray, T Rodgers, Joe Rogan, Ron Paul, Ralph Nader, and Jello Biafra.

Kevin is available for all media interviews at 856-267-5092.

Kevin Booth, the award winning producer / filmmaker, appears on nationally syndicated Alex Jones show today…

Los Angeles, CA – April 9, 20087 -- (Billboard Media Wire) -- Kevin Booth is interviewed by Infowars nationally syndicated radio talk show host, Alex Jones. Kevin Booth is the buzz of the film festivals this year after winning four (4) consecutive Best Documentary awards for his critically acclaimed American Drug War: The Last White Hope.