New Album - I Need Your Help

[imin]

       First, I need to thank you guys for the kind words you've posted about the music.  You can't know how much that spurs us all on to keep doing what we do.  Since musicians mostly create mostly on computers now - we work in a bit of a vacuum.
       I've been frustrated by the lack of enthusiasm for the 'new' version of 'Simple Pleasure' that I worked so hard on (2 overnighters).  When The Weather Channel phoned to get permission to use the song on their CD I was initially honored to be included with such notables - but quickly went into a panic once I realized the state of that original recording.  It was very poorly recorded on 8-track, 1/4" analog and had tons of hiss as well as an embarrassing amount of distortion (because I recorded it hot - in an attempt to reduce the noise ceiling).
       So very literally the track was un-usable for a digital CD - it would've sounded like crap next to all these polished artists' works. So I set immiediately to work and even managed to have it over-nighted to an incredible mastering engineer in Chicago (Danny Leake) and got to their manufacturere in the nick of time.
       The Thing is.... been trying to get my second solo album out for a while.  Releasing it myself (including the song by song internet sales) is not an option for too many reasons.   
        Was hoping to rally some support for the effort through you guys if you'd feel up to the challenge.  I need to prove to the labels that there is indeed an enthusiastic market for my music.  Would appreciate any support in campaigning the labels to sign me as an artist.  I need your help!
        I'm hoping you, like me feel the music deserves the same kind of hype and exposure that Dave Koz, Najee, David Benoit, Jeff Lorber and Norman Brown get.  But, they still have trouble seeing women as Jazz Artists - which makes NO sense.     
       There are four labels that I've been trying to impress but, not getting past the gatekeeper.  This kind of assault on a record company by TWC fans, I don't think, has ever been tried....So, if you're willing...let's see what happens!

NuGroove Music, LLC.
228 N. Church St.- 2nd Flr Rear
Moorestown, N.J. 08057
http://profile.myspace.com/thenugroove
Phone: 856-234-1144
Fax: 856-234-1433

Heads Up International
23309 Commerce Park Road
Cleveland, OH 44122
Phone: 216.765.7381
Fax: 216.464.6037
Dave Love, President dave@headsup.com

Koch Records /Jazz
22 Harbor Park Drive,
Port Washington, NY, 11050
http://profile.myspace.com/kochrecords
Phone: 516-484-1000
Fax: 516-484-4746

Concord Music Group, Inc./ Jazz
23307 Commerce Park Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44122
http://profile.myspace.com/concordmusicgroup
Phone: (800) 551-5299
Fax: (216) 464-4108

Thank you so much for all the support,
-Jeanne Ricks

[lfmusiclover]

Jeanne, I think I speak for everybody here when I say that we will do whatever we can! We would be happy to help! 

[imin]

Wow, that'd be great.  I can't wait to see how the labels will respond to direct requests from TWC fans 
-JR

[lfmusiclover]

I think I'll post a notice about this on the front page of the site so that anyone who wants to can help the cause. 

[tpirfan28]

Didn't realize that was the issue with the "unavailable" Simple Pleasure.  I really do like the TWC version too...it's a more mellow "smoothier" version, while the old one was "rough and tough".

Have you tried sending to Midas Records, the people who put out the TWC CDs?  SP was on that first one, which hit #1 on the charts...they might take a look.

[Localonthe8s]

Wow, that'd be great.  I can't wait to see how the labels will respond to direct requests from TWC fans 
-JR

I can try to contact NuGroove Music since me and another member live in that area where they're headquartered from. Unfortunately, i'll need his email. My stupid virus protection program blocked MySpace.

[lfmusiclover]

I ahve another idea. Ms. Ricks, is it possible that you could give me some sample length clips of your music? It may help to post those on the site as well.

[imin]

Yep, Midas was first on my list but, believe it or not - beside this Weather Channel release - they're a Country label - go figure!
-JR

[beanboy89]

Wow, I hadn't realized that the original version of "Simple Pleasure" had been recorded on 8-track tape. That version sounded very clear when it originally played on TWC. If you don't mind me asking, how long ago did you record the song?

[imin]

Email for NuGroove Music easy through MySpace
http://profile.myspace.com/thenugroove

Also, here's the info from their site:
David Chackler, President
thechack@thenugroove.com

John Salstone
COO/ co-president
johnny@thenugroove.com

[Localonthe8s]

Wow, I hadn't realized that the original version of "Simple Pleasure" had been recorded on 8-track tape. That version sounded very clear when it originally played on TWC. If you don't mind me asking, how long ago did you record the song?

Same here. It sounded very good for a tape recording.

How about "Winter Heat"? Were you planning on releasing that song on your new album too?

[lfmusiclover]

I ahve another idea. Ms. Ricks, is it possible that you could give me some sample length clips of your music? It may help to post those on the site as well.

[twcclassics]

Not sure if this is the right place to post, but Ms Ricks, is (or will) there a way to purchase the original version of "Simple Pleasure?" I like that version much better than the TWC CD version. Thanks and welcome!

[imin]

'Simple Pleasure' was originally registered with BMI 01/24/2002. 
      It was actually a song with vocals called 'Trust' that I'd written for Chaka Khan when I submitted a bunch of tunes to her through her management.  They eventually recorded my song 'Don't Ask Me' from that collection but, it was never released and sits in WEA's vaults along with many other artists work - awaiting the light of day.
-JR

[imin]

The original version, with all due respect and metaphysical certainty is unavailable.
Sorry,
-JR