Tarock Music’s 2012 Review

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!  We hope 2013 will be the best year ever for all of us.  Everyone at Tarock Music was busy throughout 2012.  We had lots of activity with ventures completed and started to pave the way into 2013, and following are a few of the highlights.

We started off the year with Rick Shaffer’s video, Buy And Sell, from his Hidden Charms album, being nominated for a Rock Wired Radio Music Award.

Universal Music Group digitally re-released two Reds albums – The Reds and Green With Envy.  As well, as soundtracks that Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen wrote songs and score for, Manhunter, directed by Michael Mann, and Band Of The Hand, directed by Paul Michael Glaser.

Shaffer also released a new album, Idiot Flats, that immediately became Indie Music Critic’s Pick Of The Week, along with great reviews by Devon Jackson, James Moore, Chairman Ralph, Chris West, and lots more.  To read all the reviews visit our Tarock Music web site, and click on the Idiot Flats tab and sub-tabs at the top of the page.  A video of track 2, “One More Heartache,” was also released,  directed by David N. Donihue (Super Rad Motion Picture Group).  While British director, Peter McAdam, started work on a video of track 3, “Remember,” using his patented iCoda software, that will debut in 2013.

Director Steve Balderson (Dikenga Films) licensed Bruce Cohen’s instrumental, “Saturn Night,” for his film The Far Flung Star, that’s scheduled for release in 2013.  And, Pump Audio licensed  tracks from Cohen’s solo album, Two BC.

Director John Lawrence licensed Shaffer and Cohen’s tracks, “Big Town” and “Dark As Night,” for his feature film debut, Peloton.  The film was the official selection of the Heartland Film Festival, Napa Valley Film Festival, and Lucerne International Film Festival.

Tarock Music signed  with Los Angeles based Chris Brown and Jeff Johnson’s Natural Half Note Songs,  to license our catalog for TV and film.

Tarock Music joined the effort to save the United Kingdom’s 99-year-old Twickenham Film Studios.  The fight is still on and their petition currently has 4,866 signatures, with 5,000 needed ASAP.  Take a minute to support Twickenham by adding your name . . . Save Twickenham Studios Petition.   And, we continue to support Yoko and Sean Lennon’s Artist’s Against Fracking in New York.  You can still add your name to this ongoing cause that will eventually terribly affect all of us in every state if we don’t protest now.

We also steered you to noteworthy directors from the Once A Week Film Festival and we hope you enjoyed watching their unique indie films.

Now, we’re happily going forward into 2013 ready for new ventures and opportunities, and hope you’ll all be doing the same.

SAVE UK’s TWICKENHAM FILM STUDIOS ~ SIGN THE PETITION

Twickenham Film Studios has been at the forefront of the British film industry for 99 years – let’s help it make to 100, and beyond.

Spread the word on Twitter, and Facebook.  They need as many people as possible to help.

Films like The Iron Lady, War Horse, Ghandi, Italian Job, Shirley Valentine, Help, Hard Day’s Night, An American Werewolf in London, and many, many more have been made at Twickenham.  It’s a National Treasure!!

SIGN THE PETITION NOW! . . . SAVE TWICKENHAM FILM STUDIOS

Jimmy Rae Says “Yeahh Baby” To Hidden Charms

Following up his debut solo album from last year called, ‘Necessary Illusion,’ Rick Shaffer reveals to you ‘Hidden Charms’. This multidimensional artist not only played the role of singer, guitarist, bassist and percussionist, but also wrote and produced the entire record. Additional members backed up Shaffer wonderfully to help ‘Hidden Charms’ become discovered gems.

Rick has plenty of experience playing with his band The Reds, but now looks to make a mark as a solo act. The 10 tracks on this CD would indicate that Shaffer has stolen the spotlight. Listening to this disc felt like I was literally taking a trip back in time to when the hair was long and the mood was far out. Rick Shaffer exhibits a style and feeling that screams 60s rock ‘n’ roll all the way. Rick is rolling together some rock and blues that will leave you feeling completely satisfied. I couldn’t help but notice a strong Rolling Stones/Mick Jagger-type vibe coming forth that focused on those early bluesy rock days. The Stones feel was heavy and the Jagger-isms were highly evident which was very cool to hear but you have to be careful to not mimic too closely. I gotta hear a Rolling Stones cover now after experiencing Rick Shaffer’s musical display so go for it!

I really love the fact that Shaffer is not afraid to play outside the box and has no room for mindless 2011 and beyond pop tart songs. People in the world will always move forward but Rick Shaffer and his music will instantly take you back to a different era. It almost seems like Rick was searching for just the right mojo for this project and man did he find it– “YEAHH BABY!” (Austin Powers aka Mike Myers).

Vocally and musically, Shaffer exhibited a very raw approach that was stripped down to the bone. Early garage band appeal at its finest as Shaffer and company brought the goods! Plenty of hip tambourine playing and distorted guitar chords made for one groovin’ listening experience. ‘Hidden Charms’ is lost no more and I can’t wait to see what Rick Shaffer pulls out of his magical mystery bag next!

• Jimmy Rae • SKOPE • jrae@skopemag.com
• Rating: 4 (OUT OF 5)

“NECESSARY ILLUSION” REVIEW

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NECESSARY ILLUSION ● RICK SHAFFER

After a stint in the late 70s and early 80s, the bluesy duo The Reds faded into obscurity only to revive their garage rock/blues-laden career in 2007. A follow-up album came in 2009 and saw keyboardist Bruce Cohen release a solo album. Not to be outdone, Shaffer has released his own solo LP, Necessary Illusion—a 10-track DIY, distortion dynamo featuring Shaffer’s trade reverb blues guitar and throwback vocal delivery.

Title track “Necessary Illusion” gives you a snapshot of the album ethos… dirty, drone blues combined with tons of guitar fuzz and 60s garage elements. The “tin can-ish” percussion keeps the simple backing beat and allows the guitar wails and Shaffer’s hard luck vocal delivery to stand at the foreground. “Burnin’ Hell” opens to stomping percussion and Shaffer’s wailing tremolo and slide work. The fuzz is tuned down on this track but is laden with string bending (if not “string busting”) fills and intermittent bent backing howls and moans. “Shakin’ Hips” simply put is the dirtiest of dirty blues. The guitar sounds soaked in lament and turmoil. The lyrical content reeks of defeat and their delivery is downtrodden. The true mood-changer of the album, this track almost hurts.

Forget everything you know about Jon Spencer and his Blues Explosion. This Rick Shaffer and his “Blues Annihilation” and he’s the real deal. A true product of the era, Shaffer combines 60s garage with the lowest of lowdown blues to achieve a sound that no one is pursuing. His guitar work is uncanny and sounds more like he’s conjuring demons from it, rather than playing it. So that being said, congratulations Rick, you just garnered the first 4.5 rating that this writer has ever given (EVER). Buy it, listen on repeat and love the raw dirt of the sound is the only advice I can give. Because that’s what I intend to do.

● By Chris West ● SKOPE MAGAZINE

Rating: 4.5 (OUT OF 5)

“Dirty Step Upstage” WINS Mexico International Film Festival Award

Well, folks, there’s just no stopping Ms. Amber Moelter. The film, Dirty Step Upstage, which Moelter wrote, directed, and stars in, has won another coveted award. ALM Talkies has just announced that the Mexico International Film Festival awarded Dirty Step Upstage with the Silver Palm Award, along with a distinctive nod to Ms. Moelter by noting, “our judges felt that your film demonstrated excellent and outstanding filmmaking, and is deserving of special recognition. Your film was among the very best submitted from over several dozen countries around the world.”

Tarock Music is pleased to report that The Reds’, Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, contributed two songs, “We’re On” and “Last Exit,” to the film, and are included on the Dirty Step Upstage soundtrack CD.

Tarock Music and The Reds, once again, are happy to send our congratulations to Amber.

The Reds’ RICK SHAFFER Releases SOLO ALBUM

“NECESSARY ILLUSION” the first solo venture by The Reds guitarist/vocalist/songwriter/founding member, Rick Shaffer, has just been released by Tarock Music. The ten song album is a neo ’60’s fusion of garage blues/rock, with a sonic signature of raw, distorted guitars, atmospheric percussion, and stark droning hill country blues, in a swirl of “Excello Records” style reverb.

Visit DIGSTATION to listen to previews and download songs. In the upcoming weeks the album will also be available on Amazon, CD Baby, iTunes, Amie Street, and most other popular music sites. Or, buy the CD today, directly from TAROCK MUSIC.

“DIRTY STEP UPSTAGE” HEADED TO CANNES

ALM Talkies has announced that “Dirty Step Upstage” has been accepted into the Cannes Independent Film Festival , which takes place in May, right along with the infamous Cannes International Film Festival, founded in 1939. The events of the film were based on an experience of director and star, Amber Moelter, that occurred in Cannes, and principal photography was shot on the French Riviera. Look for a newly redesigned film poster to tie in with the prestigious festival on the ALM Talkies web site.

The Reds’, Rick Shafferand Bruce Cohen, contributed two songs, “We’re On” and “Last Exit,” to the film, and they are also included on the Dirty Step Upstage soundtrack CD.

Director David Smith Completes “SALLY”

Caryn May

Director, David Smith, has announced that his film short, “Sally,” is completed and ready to view on YouTube.

The film stars, Caryn May, in the title role, with supporting actors Sonya Joyner as the Mom, Susan Heiss as the mother, Jim Powers as the father, and Dylan as the son.

The Reds were happy to contribute the song, “Sidebuster,” from their album, “Early Nothing.” Additional music was contributed by composer/pianist, Felipe Sarro. Look for additional David Smith film shorts and videos at Sky Jam Videos.

“MANHUNTER” FANS – NEW CD RELEASE OF FILM SOUNDTRACK

INTRADA RECORDS has just released a long awaited soundtrack CD, from the Michael Mann film, “MANHUNTER.”

Based on the Thomas Harris novel, Red Dragon, “Manhunter” featured the first appearance of psychiatrist-turned-cannibal Hannibal Lecktor, played by Brian Cox, with William Peterson playing protagonist FBI agent Will Graham. With the nefarious assistance of Lecktor, Graham desperately tries to stop the lunar-driven slayings of Francis Dollarhyde, very scarily played by Tom Noonan. Nicknamed “The Tooth Fairy” for his awful post-mortem activities, Dollarhyde will strike at another family if Graham can’t track him before the next full moon.

The film soon had a cult following, and when the soundtrack was no longer available, bootlegs abounded. Because the film score was written and recorded by Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, a/k/a The Reds, Tarock Music was the recipient of a never ending barrage of letters and e-mail from fans asking Tarock to re-release the soundtrack, which we tried to get Universal to do for many years. Finally, we brought the much sought after soundtrack to the attention of Intrada Records, a label that specializes in producing quality film and TV soundtracks. Marketing Director, Roger Feigelson, not only secured the soundtrack’s re-release, he also heeded fan requests by adding a bonus track. Jogger’s Stakeout, by The Reds, is a particular fan favorite that was not available on the original soundtrack, but is now available on the Intrada release.

Still included on the CD are two more fan favorites by The Reds, Lector’s Cell, and Leed’s House.

To ensure obtaining your very own “Manhunter” CD buy it today, direct from INTRADA RECORDS.

AudioSparx Features The Reds’ Atmospheric Music Pack For Licensing

Due to their popularity with clients, AudioSparx has created a larger display of Music Packs that spotlight artists with high quality content. Currently in the spotlight is The Reds “Atmospheric Night Edge Rock” Music Pack, containing ten intense, groove oriented soundscrapes on the lower side of life. While pounding drums support heavy bass and rippling guitars, and quirky keyboards play in and out between the noise.

Two additional Music Packs by The Reds are also available on AudioSparx:

“Neo-Sixties Dark Dangerous Rockers” – Described as ten rockers lurking in the shadows. 21st Century Rockabilly meets The Doors. Detroit metal with relentless drumming backing up razor attack slashing guitars, and 60′s influenced organ interplaying with the vocals of deviance. True real rock as it should be played.

“Intense Film Soundscapes” – described as eleven pieces for the soundtrack of love, life, hope, death and monsters. Percussive grooves to somber spacial cinematic themes. Lush keyboards, along with lurching sinister guitar work. You can dance to this stuff, or die with it.

“Dirty Step Upstage” Nominated In 10 Categories By MAVERICK MOVIE AWARDS

“DIRTY STEP UPSTAGE” has been nominated by the MAVERICK MOVIE AWARDS in the following categories: Best Picture ─ Producers – Bill Casale, Edward Wheeler, Amber Moelter; Best Director ─ Amber Moelter;
Best Screenplay ─ Amber Moelter; Best Actor ─ Tom Wontner; Best Supporting Actor ─ Brad Madison; Best Actress ─ Nova Reid; Best Supporting Actress ─ Amber Moelter; Best Editing ─ Amber Moelter;
Best Soundtrack ─ Music Supervisor – Bill Casale; Best Sound Design/Editing ─ Rich Cutler, Yvette Wojciechowski.

The Maverick Movie Awards was founded by moviemakers who have been through the glorious highs and crushing lows of the international film festival circuit. From their shared experiences came the calling to create a real alternative to the nepotism, politics, and commercialism that defines far too many festivals. Their goal is to help talented moviemakers achieve the recognition they deserve by awarding independent/underground movies that have a sense of style, a foundation in craft, and the power to communicate.

As noted here before, Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen contributed the songs, “We’re On” and “Last Exit,” to the film, and The Reds are included on the “Dirty Step Upstage” soundtrack CD.

Tarock Music and The Reds enthusiastically congratulate all the nominees.

NOTE: The above photo is the first Girl In The Red Dress poster by artist, Fetish-Ginkgo, and it will be available at the ALM TALKIES STORE this month.

Bruce Cohen’s BIG FUN 3 Signs Record Deal

The Reds keyboard player, Bruce Cohen, has a brand new side project in a totally different genre. Bruce, along with Rik Myers (guitar), and Brandon Cruz (drums), have put together a heavy, psychedelic, Hammond organ jazz trio, called BIG FUN 3.

The blueprints for the band are The Tony Williams Lifetime, and late ’60s to early ’70s Miles Davis, with a little King Crimson thrown in. Big Fun 3′s mission is to explore and expand the possibilities of the organ/guitar/drum trio, then taking it as far out as possible.

The Miami based jazz trio recently signed with ROPEADOPE RECORDS, and their first album is scheduled for release in 2010.

License Songs By THE REDS Via KUSSU MUSIC

Tarock Music is pleased to announce we have signed an agreement with United Entertainment & Media Ltd., London, UK, to license our songs via Kussu Music Licensing Network, Oberhausen, Germany.

Kussu Music Licensing’s extensive catalog offers cutting edge and creative music for film/TV, advertising, video games, corporate video, and they are continually at the forefront of the newest and unique placement opportunities. Their expertise and close attention to a client’s artistic needs, budget and time schedule is outstanding, and they can provide immediate pre-cleared licensing material in every genre, to suit any project.

Songs written by Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, a/k/a The Reds, are now available from United Entertainment and; Medial Ltd., via Kussu Music Licensing’s catalog, and Tarock Music looks forward to a successful relationship with these two very innovative companies.

SPOT ON SONGS at SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

Tarock Music is happy to announce that we are now working with Stacey Richards, who will be instrumental in licensing songs by Tarock Music composers, most notably, Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, a/k/a THE REDS.

Ms. Richards’ background includes thirteen years as a music supervisor, in addition to extensive experience in music licensing and business affairs. She currently has her own unique company, SPOT ON SONGS, which licenses songs for film, TV, games, and other digital media projects.

Look for Stacey at the 2010 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL, January 21 – 31, in Park City, Utah, where she’ll be representing Tarock Music, and networking with film industry clients old and new.

And the winner of the iPOD Nano is . . . .

. . . . Courtney Rae Allen, from New York City. Ms. Allen is Associate Editor, at Dance Teacher Magazine, published by Macfadden Performing Arts Media.

When notified by ALM Talkies producer, Bill Casale, that she was the winner, Ms. Allen replied by e-mail saying, “Oh my goodness, you just absolutely made my day!!!!! I could not be more excited—Merry (early) Christmas to me!”

THE REDS, Rick Shaffer and Bruce Cohen, were happy to sponsor the Girl In The Red Dress Giveaway, and congratulate Ms. Allen on being the lucky winner.

ENTER THE ALM TALKIES 16GB iPOD NANO GIVEAWAY – SPONSERED BY THE REDS

Win the new 16GB exclusive RED iPOD (it shoots VIDEO!) by simply visiting the ALM Talkies Newsletter and SUBSCRIBING NO LATER THAN DEC. 2 . . . THAT’S IT! You could be the winner. Already subscribed to the ALM Talkies newsletter? Don’t worry, you’ll automatically be entered.

The first week of Girl In The Red Dress Giveaway starts Nov. 26, and is sponsored by THE REDS. The first winner’s iPOD Nano will be loaded with three songs by The Reds, SIDEBUSTER, DIGGIN’ IT and BIG TOWN, PLUS a brand new film short by British director, Peter McAdam, of The Reds song SO LONG, and the first winner gets two Reds pins.

Also loaded on the iPOD, for every winner, will be Girl In The Red Dress: EP, single “Who’s That Girl,” and artwork, Dirty Step Upstage: Trailer, featurettes, unseen stills, and exclusive music video preview, a personalized video to the winner using the iPod nano video recorder, and Dirty Up Stage promotional pins, and DSU movie poster!

Hey, before you click over to the ALM Talkies web site, SUBSCRIBE to THE REDS BLOG, to get The Reds news and promotion info first.

~ Posted by Tarock Music

Tarock Music Releases Film Short of “SO LONG” by THE REDS

“So Long,” a garage rock noir film short by British director, Peter McAdam (mcdada.com), was released today by Tarock Music.

“So Long” is track 9 on THE REDS album, Early Nothing (Tarock Music © 2009).

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY OF “SO LONG” FROM YouTUBE

The album EARLY NOTHING can be purchased from CD BABY, DIGSTATION, AMAZON, iTUNES, and other popular download sites.

Amber Moelter BEST ACTRESS at Chashama Film Festival

Amber Moelter was awarded the Best Actress prize at NYC’s 2009 Chashama Film Festival for her work in the ALM Talkies production “Dirty Step Upstage.”

Recipients of the festival’s Victor Awards were selected by a jury made up of five film industry professionals, and the winners were announced at an awards ceremony held in New York, NY, on October 25th 2009.
“It’s fantastic to have been recognized by the Chashama Film Festival,” said Moelter. “My journey here has involved many different people and some crazy events. Without those events, both good and bad, it would have been impossible for me to perform as Girl In The Red Dress in this film.”

The soundtrack to “Dirty Step Upstage” features two songs performed by Girl In The Red Dress, who also performed in person as part of the festival’s Opening Night event.

“Disguise,” an EP of three songs by Girl In The Red Dress, has just been released and is available through iTunes, Soundclick, and other suppliers.

Inspired by real events, “Dirty Step Upstage” is a reality thriller about the price an aspiring young singer is prepared to pay for fame. As well as appearing in the film, Moelter also wrote and directed it.

Festival director Rick Kariolic said he was proud to have shown “Dirty Step Upstage” at the festival. “Amber Moelter put on an exceptional display of all-around talent, as singer, song writer and film maker,” he said. “It drew me in.”

As mentioned here before, THE REDS contributed two songs to the film’s soundtrack and will also be included on the “Dirty Step Upstage” CD.

Tarock Music and The Reds congratulate Amber on her Best Actress award.

“Dirty Step Upstage” SNEAK PEEK REVIEW

The following review of DIRTY STEP UPSTAGE is by SHANECE’S COMPASS:

The best part of this job is I get a sneak peek at some of the exciting entries to this year’s festivals, and my personal favorite fave is DIRTY STEP UPSTAGE.

Director, Amber Moelter, keeps the viewer guessing . . . is it a real documentary, or a fictional thriller? It reminded me of Jacob Aaron Estes’ gritty and brooding, “Mean Creek” (2004). Both films share secretive and oblivious, driven by obsession, fame, and revenge.

With all the proper thriller elements in place, a slow documented pace adds an underlying tension to the film. The visuals are supplemented by a soundtrack that’s both memorable and infectious.

As mentioned in earlier posts, THE REDS contributed two songs to the film’s soundtrack, so Tarock Music is especially pleased that the Shanece’s Compass review noted that Dirty Step Upstage has a “memorable and infectious” soundtrack.

THE REDS on “DIRTY STEP UPSTAGE” Soundtrack CD

ALM Talkies producer/music coordinator, Bill Casale, has added “WE’RE ON,” one of the two songs by THE REDS licensed for DIRTY STEP UPSTAGE, to the film’s soundtrack CD.

A special screening of DIRTY STEP UPSTAGE is scheduled for opening night of the 2nd Annual CHASHAMA FILM FESTIVAL, 217 East 42nd Street, NYC, on Wednesday, October 21st, at 8:10 PM, in The Tank. Funded and curated by film director/producer, Rick Kariotic, the 2nd Annual Chashama Film Festival explores global expression through film making, while setting the stage for audiences and filmmakers to cultivate the unknown in various cultures.

Also, get to the screening early because Amber Moelter will be performing live as the “Girl In The Red Dress.”

DIRTY STEP UPSTAGE is the directorial debut of Amber Moelter, who also wrote and stars in the film. Moelter hails originally from South Dakota, and has performed as an actor, dancer, and singer on four continents. While living in London, she starred in several independent films including, “Cross-Eyed Waltz,” which launched her career as a producer. After returning to the USA she produced, co-wrote, and starred in the short fan film, “Catwoman: Resolution,” which inaugurated her production company, ALM Talkies.

Watch THE REDS BLOG for the release dates of the film and soundtrack album.