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

Grammy award winning, 15 million album selling, singer-songwriter Macy Gray, one of the most unique and original artists to emerge in recent times, has her new album “Covered”, a collection of all new recordings of songs handpicked and reinterpreted by the US star in her own inimitable fashion, released on June 25th. To coincide with the release of the album Macy plays two sell-out nights at London’s Jazz Café on June 27th and June 28th. Produced by Hal Willner (Lou Reed, Metallica), “Covered” tackles material largely drawn from the indie scene from the last decade—interpretations Macy’s fans will be familiar with as she’s been performing them live over the years. Featured tracks include Arcade Fire’s “Wake Up” or My Chemical Romance’s “Teenagers” which Gray subversively overhauls into something wholly her own. Also included are tracks by Radiohead, Yeah Yeah Yeahs as well as short skits featuring J.B. Smoove, Nicole Scherzinger and a guest appearance by Idris Elba. In addition Ma

To mark the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence Island Records are releasing a huge box set entitled ‘Sound System – The Story Of Jamaican Music’ on June 25th . ‘ Sound System ’ will feature 8 CDs of glorious music and a deluxe hard backed book by acclaimed writer Chris Salewicz (author of biographies of Bob Marley, Joe Strummer and ‘Rude Boy – Once Upon A Time In Jamaica’) and featuring hundreds of photos by legendary photographer Adrian Boot. Compiled by Ramus (musical factotum at Chris Blackwell-era Island, Mango and Palm Pictures) and Paul ‘Groucho’ Smykle (dub producer who’s worked with PiL, Grace Jones, David Bowie, Jah Wobble, BAD and many more), ‘Sound System’ features 120 songs randomly programmed to ape the way a Sound System DJ might select his set on any given night. It features a wonderfully eclectic mix of R&B, mento, ska, blue beat, reggae, dub and funk and celebrates the incredible musical gift this small island has given to the world. When it comes to

Fresh from the release of the soulful Running, Jessie Ware is proud to announce the release of 110% through PMR Records. The new track is produced by Julio Bashmore. Currently cementing herself as one of the freshest talents to emerge from the UK underground, Jessie’s album is set to drop late Summer – herself and Dave Okumu (The Invisible) have been working on the eagerly anticipated debut at Red Bull Studios for the past seven months. After a hugely successful debut London show at The Nave recently, Jessie is also pleased to announce a homecoming gig at Brixton's Plan B venue on August 15th. Jessie will be playing festivals over the Summer throughout the UK & Europe finishing up with the Plan B show (full dates below). 06/07 - Pitch Festival, Amsterdam 07/07 - Nova Festival, Pulborough, West Sussex 13/07 - Melt Festival, Berlin 15/08 - Plan B, London 17/08 - Beacons Festival, Yorkshire 18/08 - Pukkelpop, Belgium 08/09 - Bestival, Isle of Wight   myspace.com/jess