Focus Music Notes. "Out of the Blues". Popular music through the decades

Codeine Velvet Club is a new musical collaboration featuring Jon Lawler, lead singer and chief songwriter of The Fratellis and singer-songwriter Lou Hickey, that celebrates their shared love of ’60s girl-boy duets, dramatic orchestral pop, and dark post-war Hollywood and Las Vegas romanticism. “Soaring strings, biting brass, sweet as sugar guitar licks and a healthy dose of noir drama… Add the kind of retro glamour that conjures up late nights in Vegas or Hollywood , stir in the kind of songwriting that oozes class and sophistication then freight in a few world-beating pop hooks. That’s the recipe for the sensational new sound of Codeine Velvet Club” News Of The World, Scotland 13th Sept. ’09. Since their fantastically well reviewed debut headline shows in Glasgow at the Classic Grand and at London’s Bush Hall Codeine Velvet Club are heading out on a full UK tour throughout November and December to coincide with their releases.  Debut single “Vanity Kills” – November 16th Debu

London-born soul singer Dionne Bromfield releases her debut album on October 12 through Lioness Records/Island. “Introducing Dionne Bromfield” is the first album issued by Lioness, the new label created by Amy Winehouse. Amy is also godmother to 13 year-old Dionne and says of her protégée, “She’s so much better than I was at her age.” “Mama Said” , Dionne’s debut single, will be released on November 2nd. Introducing Dionne Bromfield features covers of 12 classic songs that reflect her love of vintage soul music and ‘60s girl groups. Tracks include “Mama Said”, Motown anthem “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, which Dionne has recorded as a duet with fellow Lioness artist Zalon, and “Foolish Little Girl”, originally a hit for The Shirelles in 1963. The full tracklisting is as follows : Tell Him Mama Said Foolish Little Girl My Boy Lollipop Beachwood 45789 Two Can Have A Party He’s So Fine With A Child’s Heart Until You Come Back To Me Ain’t No Mountain High Enough Am I T

Taio Cruz, whose single “ Break Your Heart ” crashed into the UK singles chart this week at no. 1, firmly establishing the 26 year-old Londoner as a genuine solo artist in his own right, has his hugely anticipated second album, ” ROKSTARR ”, released on October 12th through Universal Records. The album features the number 1 smash as well his Top 3 collaboration with Tinchy Stryder “ Take You Back ”. Special guests on the album will include superhot rising US star Ke$ha and Tinchy Stryder. Written, produced and arranged by the multi-talented Cruz the twelve track set also features “Dirty Picture”, “I’ll Never Love Again”, “Only You”, “Feel Again “and the UK Bonus track “The 11th Hour. Although “Break Your Heart” is his first solo release this year, Taio has already enjoyed an extremely productive and successful 2009. As well as completing work on “Rokstarr”, the follow up to the 150,000 selling debut “Departure”, Taio has been writing and producing for Cheryl Cole’s feverishly anticipa