Larry Carlton Tak Matsumoto East Meets West Plus:

RGK Entertainment Group President Ron Kitchener

College Troubadour Corey Smith

Christian Music Weekly Charts, Featured Artists & Reviews

June 2010 FROM THE

6 Cover Story PUBLISHER Take Your Pick East Meets West: On their new album, , Grammy®-winning the Direct American jazz guitarist extraordinaire, Larry Carlton and Asian rock guitar wiz- Welcome to the June edition of Buzz ard, Tak Matsumoto, create an exciting blend of modern Eastern and Western . Nashville is bouncing back from the guitar styles. We caught up with these world-class talents to hear all about it. thousand-year fl ood that overtook her in ear- ly May. Through the proud spirit and gener- osity of our artists and residents at-large, our 14 Behind the Desk fi ne city is returning to normal. Ron Kitchener represents a new breed of artist manager. Wearing many hats, Two extraordinary talents take over our his umbrella of companies preside over all facets of the artist’s career, includ- cover feature this month: American Jazz and ing management, record label, touring, publishing, marketing, television and Pop guitar master Larry Carlton and Japa- more, providing the artist the opportunities that they need to compete in today’s nese Rock guitar wizard Tak Matsumoto music market. talk about their new album – a wonderful collaboration of Eastern and Western gui- 28 The Indie Way tar music. With Carlton’s history of playing Check out guest writer, Jody Gnant’s take on publicity in “It’s Easy to Get Press with everyone from Joni Mitchell to Mi- – But Getting Press Doesn’t Sell Records.” chael Jackson – and Matsumoto’s reign as Asia’s most-renowned guitarist, they have a 27 Now Media great story to tell. Ron Kitchener holds court in the “Behind In today’s fast-moving Internet world, two years can make a huge difference in the Desk” feature as we profi le this man of what is “hot” and what is “not.” With the continued growth of Facebook and the many talents who has proven successful – explosion of Twitter and YouTube, things are heating up on the web. not only as an artist manager, but also as a record label head who controls the Canadian 23 Christian Music Weekly rights to Taylor Swift’s recorded music and a host of other Country and Americana art- ists. 28 Featured Artists We are saddened with the recent losses of This month we showcase our Opportunity winners, Stephanie Quayle, winner singer, dancer, and actress, Lena Horne and of the “AirPlay Direct Free Radio Marketing Campaign” and Veronica Ballestri- Heavy Metal vocal legend, Ronnie James ni, who won the AirPlay Direct / Jeannie Deva Best Vocalist Contest. Other Dio. The silencing of these great talents will great music includes Jim Silvers, Si Kahn, Johnny Gimble, Human Brother, leave a void and they will be missed. Cyril Neville -The Evolution, Doc Walker, No Justice, and Tim Carroll. “The Writer’s Round” highlights college sensation Corey Smith and one of his latest 30 A Woman’s Way songs that is destined to be another sing- Transformation of body and mind is explored in this lifestyle column. along anthem for his fans. We also introduce a great new Opportu- nity for our AirPlay Direct artist members to 4 The Writer’s Round have their music available on the interactive video game, “Rock Band.” So whip out your hottest guitar tracks and submit them today. 18 Global Radio Charts We hope you enjoy the Direct Buzz. We welcome your comments and feedback. Un------til next time, keep your eyes on the horizon. PUBLISHER & FOUNDER: Robert Weingartz DIRECTOR OF CONTENT: Clif Doyal DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS: Scott Welch Robert Weingartz CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Clif Doyal, Mike Hagler, Jr, Raleigh Founder & CEO, AirPlay Direct Squires, Paul Clifford, Susan Fischer, Jody Gnant, Andrea Gray Founder & Publisher, the Direct Buzz ART DIRECTION: Aleven Creatives (aleven.com) ------Larry Carlton Tak Matsumoto East Meets West

By: Clif Doyal

ast meets West – for some, and dozens of others. Along the concept may conjure the way, he has performed on Eimages of political intrigue over 100 albums which have from the halcyon days of the been certifi ed in the Gold, great James Bond fi lms. For others, Platinum and multi-Platinum it envelops the senses with exotic im- categories and has received 18 ages of the historical fi rst encounters Grammy® nominations. between the great empires of Europe Matsumoto is known as the and the Orient. But in the musical most renowned guitarist in all realm, when East meets West, it is a of Asia. As the chief songwrit- rare occurrence. And when two gui- er, guitarist and producer of tar wizards from opposite sides of the the Japanese rock band, B’z, globe unite to collaborate on a project Matsumoto has presided over together, it is a rare treat indeed. On their new album, Take Your Pick, Grammy® -winning American “Something great would happen if we jazz guitarist extraordinaire, Larry Carlton, and Asian rock guitar wizard, could get together in the studio.” Tak Matsumoto, create an exciting blend of modern Eastern and West- ern guitar styles delivering a dynamic their 12 albums which have sold over Matsumoto has been blending inspi- collection of music that will be en- 80 million units in Japan alone, mak- ration from American staples such joyed by fans from around the globe ing them the country’s bestselling as Aerosmith and Jimi Hendrix with – regardless of where they live. band in history. He has also released modern classical and oriental sounds Carlton has a long-established mu- two critically heralded instrumental for most of his career. With the smooth sic career - both as a solo artist and albums, Hana and Dragon From The jazz stylings of Carlton juxtaposed ace fi rst-call session musician. He West. He is the only guitarist from against the rock and classical tones of has recorded with some of the top Asia to be given a Gibson Signature Matsumoto, Take Your Pick presents names in a multitude of genres, in- Model Les Paul. both guitarists in full creative bloom. cluding Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Interestingly enough, their summit Playing off of each others strengths Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis Jr., meeting would come as no surprise to as soloists, they easily slide into sup- Herb Alpert, Quincy Jones, Bobby their followers. Carlton has long been port roles to propel the other where Bland, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt adored by music fans in Japan, while needed, and the results are a wonder- ful collaboration that showcases each schedule was so tight for the coming this record? man’s instrumental prowess to great year due to the 20th year anniversary LC: Tak actually had four songs effect. Take Your Pick was produced of B’z. I just couldn’t commit to any- prepared prior to me even starting to by Carlton and Matsumoto, and fea- thing else at that time. However, we write for this project. That really in- tures Billy Kilson on drums, Michael kept in touch via e-mail. Larry would spired me and gave me great insight Rhodes on bass guitar, Jeff Babko on be coming to Japan again later that to what the material and the approach keyboards, Mark Douthit on saxo- year with his group Fourplay and we of this album could be. Tak and I phone, Mike Haynes on trumpet, and Barry Green on trombone. We had the opportunity to visit with “We both have the same vision for any these two formidable talents recently to discuss the new project, their forth- music that we play, and that vision is coming tour, and learn about what drives these journeymen guitar styl- to be honest.” ists to continue to push the boundar- ies of their musical careers. the Direct Buzz (tDb): You have talked about doing pre-production worked on a couple of demos togeth- just released a new album together during that time. I knew something er. He had great ideas and he knew entitled Take Your Pick. Tell us how great would happen if we could get exactly where he wanted me to play the collaboration came about. together in the studio. harmony, where he wanted me to play Larry Carlton (LC): My man- tDB: Tell us about your initial im- just the melodies, so he could play ager, Robert Williams, was having a pressions of each other when you fi rst harmony. I found Tak’s leadership meeting with Rick Gembar, one of met. to be of great value on this project. the CEO’s of Gibson Guitars here in LC: At my fi rst meeting with Tak, Tak composed six songs by himself Nashville. Robert was telling Rick we just got together for lunch. I no- and I wrote six songs. I would send that I had been thinking about put- ticed that he was very soft spoken, mp3s to Tak and he did the same. We ting something very special together very respectful, and there was a quiet ended up keeping everything that we for the Japanese market. Rick sug- assuredness to him that I will talk demoed for the album. gested that maybe Tak Motsumoto about later, because in the studio he’s TM: Larry was in Japan on tour and I should make music together. very sure of what he wants. My fi rst with Fourplay in 2007, and we spent And that’s how this idea came about, impression was that he was just a three days in the studio and worked as a suggestion from those two gen- really nice guy - very, very success- up four songs. As we were both fi red tlemen. Once I heard Tak’s music, I ful - and yet very, very humble. And up, we wanted to keep the momen- was very impressed. His songwriting I could see on his face that day that tum going. Both of our schedules is remarkable, and his touch on the he truly wanted to make some music were open later that September so we guitar is great. Gosh, when he plays with me and I was very fl attered by decided to get together in LA and re- a ballad it’s the real deal. It’s the stuff that. cord an album. that’s going to hit you in the heart and TM: To begin with, I really wanted tDB: Tell us about the recording make you glad that you’re listening to play guitar with Larry. From the process for the album. Where and to a great guitar player. moment I met him, I had been think- how was it done? Tak Matsumoto (TM): First of ing of what kind of music he and I LC: Tak owns a studio in Beverly all, Larry approached me in 2007. It could create. And when we played Hills and we tracked the basics with seems he was looking for someone to together in pre-production, I felt drums, bass and keyboards. The play- collaborate with, and asked Gibson if we could certainly make something ers played along with the Pro Tools they could recommend any interest- great. I was bringing what I wrote demos with the guitar parts that Tak ing guitarists and my name came up. and knew it would be totally different and I had already laid down. So, we So we planned to have lunch together once Larry worked on it and added actually didn’t play together with the when Larry came to Japan. At that his color to the song. I found it much band in the studio. It was a very re- time, I told him I would like to write easier and more productive once we laxed session and we had a chance some new material if we were going got together in the studio. to really sit back and focus on the to collaborate and make an album tDB: Give us a snapshot about how groove and what the guys were play- together. Larry liked the idea but my the two of you collaborated to make ing. I normally play live with the players when the tracking happens – this was the fi rst time that I have made an album this way. tDB: What do you think of the gui- tar performances by each other on this album? LC: Well, I was not surprised at the versatility that Tak has. He’s such a great musician. So it didn’t really matter what song I presented to Tak or what he presented to me - both of us felt very comfortable performing in that style - or our interpretation of that style for that particular song. I found that Tak played so appropri- ately for each particular song. He didn’t try to play hard rock sound on a beautiful ballad. I really admire his taste and his choice. His versatility is as high as any guitar player would want to have. TM: Well… Larry is the master, so what can you say about his guitar playing except that it is simply bril- liant in all aspects. Every time he plays, something different comes out, including his chord progressions. If I fi nd a phrase I like, I would use re- peatedly, but not in Larry. Aside from “This album is the proof of our chemistry; there are the melody, he will just play impro- visation as he feels. I was amazed at no egos involved, just pure music created by two how deep his musicality goes. So, guitarists, one from the East and one from the West.” recording and touring with him is a great learning experience for me. As this whole thing has unfolded, I’ve set the pattern for me to know how I big of a deal for me. For the songs just felt so grateful for the opportu- could organize my songs and be con- with twin leads, it’s a different story. nity to create music with him. sistent with his approach to an album Larry would not play the exact same tDB: On all the songs, you both of two guitar players. I think he just thing twice, so I recorded my parts bounce guitar solos and harmony has more experience at producing fi rst for most part. After, he kindly off of each other and that combina- certain kinds of records. So he was played along with what I recorded at tion works beautifully together. How the leader, defi nitely, in setting the his studio in Nashville. did you arrive at the fi nal sounds to- precedent on how two guitars could tDB: What kind of guitars did you gether? interact, and I followed his lead, and use on the album? LC: I actually think as a producer, then I was able to do my songs that LC: The ES 335 Larry Carlton Tak had more insight into how to do a same way. model is the only guitar that I used on two guitar record - meaning, a guitar TM: It felt very natural. For my this album. I think as you listen to the record with two guitars. I learned a songs, Larry plays more of the main album you’ll hear many, many differ- lot from him. He was so specifi c as melody part. I put both main melody ent tones I could get out of just that to when he wanted certain lines to be and harmony parts on the demos. one guitar, and as you know, that’s my played by me, and places where he When recording, harmony parts can favorite guitar. It’s the one I’m most wanted just harmony from him, and sometimes be a burden. But I do a lot comfortable with, and so I just kept that leadership that he provided really of this in B’z music, so it wasn’t that playing the same guitar, but fi nding different tones with each tune. Yes, have a message to your fans prior to I’m still “Mr. 335!” the shows? TM: I tried several guitars play- LC: To my fans, to Tak’s fans, ing along with the tracks and chose please, don’t miss these shows. The the best fi t. Basically, I narrowed it Japanese fans are among the best in down to the Gibson double cutaway, the world. I have been going there to but others were used for contrast and perform since 1974 and once they get different colors. The black double to know you they are fans for life. I am cutaway #4 and the gold top #2 with personally looking so forward to being P-90s seemed to be a nice match for on stage with Tak and sharing this mu- this kind of music. sic. So please come and see it because tDB: Larry, you have a long and it’s going to be very, very special. successful history of working with TM: I am really looking forward numerous great talents. What are to the tour. The venues are much dif- some of the more creatively satisfy- ferent than what I am used to with ing projects that you have been in- B’z and the show is all instrumental. volved with? I don’t know what to expect at this LC: In the 70’s, I was fortunate to point, but I know I will enjoy it from be a session player for many great the bottom of my heart. artists, I really enjoyed working with tDB: You are delivering this album Joni Mitchell on Court and Spark, and to radio via AirPlay Direct. How has Steely Dan on The Royal Scam and the digital delivery of your music Asia. Working with Quincy Jones was helped streamline your business? a great experience – he really knows LC: It gives radio easy access to how to “cast” musicians for particular your music. Radio can download it projects, much like he is casting for a and make it available immediately. fi lm. My time with the Crusaders was With AirPlay Direct it is very easy a standout for me. I have been so for- and economical – unlike the old tunate to have a long career and have school way that my music was ser- been able to do whatever “moves” viced in the past. me. I have not lost my passion. tDB: Talk about the chemistry be- tDB: Tak, you have found enor- tween the two of you on this collabo- mous success working with a group – ration. then as a solo artist, and now as a duo LC: Tak and I have a mutual respect with Larry. Which do you prefer? for each other, but we’re so unique in TM: All of them are so important our personalities and our approach to and vital for my life as a musician. The music that the chemistry came about collaboration with Larry was such an so naturally because I think we both amazing experience. I learned a lot have the same vision for any music from him. At the same time, B’z has that we play, and that vision is to be been a very successful band in Japan. honest. We also had great melodies. Together with singer Koshi Inaba, we Play honestly what you think should have had the luxury of touring and be played on that song and let the lis- making records since 1988 without tener respond. Tak and I both have any breaks. I feel so fortunate to be a that same approach – I’m sure of that, part of the band and grateful to have the music is not pretentious but it’s the opportunity to appeal to, and meet very honest. so many wonderful people. TM: This album is the proof of our tDB: You have a highly-anticipat- chemistry; there are no egos involved, ed concert tour of Japan that is sched- just pure music created by two guitar- uled to kick off on the 12th of June ists, one from the East and one from to promote the new album. Do you the West. GLOBAL RADIO CHARTS© FOR MAY 2010 TOP 20 RELEASES/ALBUMS TOP 20 RELEASES/ALBUMS FOR MAY 2010

VIEW MORE CHARTS AT: www.AirPlayDirect.com/charts

The AirPlay Direct Global Radio Charts display the top tracks downloaded for airplay by radio programmers internationally. The charts are ac- curate as of the date published. You can view “real-time” charts at AirPlayDirect.com/charts. We take pride in having built a transparent charting system that accurately reports the hot artists and tracks available within the AirPlay Direct community. GLOBAL RADIO CHARTS© FOR MAY 2010 TOP 20 TRACKS TOP 20 TRACKS FOR MAY 2010

VIEW MORE CHARTS AT: www.AirPlayDirect.com/charts

The AirPlay Direct Global Radio Charts display the top tracks downloaded for airplay by radio programmers internationally. The charts are ac- curate as of the date published. You can view “real-time” charts at AirPlayDirect.com/charts. We take pride in having built a transparent charting system that accurately reports the hot artists and tracks available within the AirPlay Direct community.