Concerts Series Index

Orlando, Florida -- 15 Classic Rock stars, collectively known as the "Voices of Classic Rock," join together in one comprehensive ensemble this week to record "Voices For America." The unique recording features two generations of Classic Rock lead vocalists, from three different nations, in their collective renditions of classic American patriotic anthems including "America the Beautiful" and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." The tracks feature each of the Artists in vocal tradeoffs and ensemble choir-style harmonies, performing each classic with all of its stanzas. The proceeds of all CD sales on the Platinum Records label will benefit the American Red Cross Victims Relief Fund and the USO.

The Artists who have contributed their time and talent to this landmark project include (in alphabetical order): John Cafferty of John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, Spencer Davis of the Spencer Davis Group, Nick Gilder, Ronnie Hammond of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Larry Hoppen of Orleans, Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, Jimi Jamison of Survivor, Dave Jenkins of Pablo Cruise, Bobby Kimball of Toto, Alex Ligertwood of Santana, Mike Reno of Loverboy, Pete Rivera of Rare Earth, Pat Travers of the Pat Travers Band, Joe Lynn Turner of Rainbow and Deep Purple, and Leslie West of Mountain.

"Any American at this time is wondering what he or she might be able to do to help with this horrific situation," noted multi-platinum recording Artist David Jenkins of Pablo Cruise. "If we as a group of well-known musicians and singers can do our part to assist in fundraising and morale building, we should. It the least we can do considering the gifts we've been given. This is our gift, a donation, to a nation in need. We could be in for a long and troubling time ahead, so let's do anything we can to unite people for the greater good."

The notion of such a recording is receiving positive feedback from across the industry. In Washington, DC, Phil LoCascio the Program Director of WARW-FM, pledged support. "As one of America's leading classic rock stations, in our Nation's Capital, we will get behind this project 100%. People in DC are literally begging to help. We hear it in our listener calls 'where can I send money, what can I do?' during this unprecedented disaster. With the Voices we can help to take the lead, to provide an outlet for those desires, through this project."

In fact, the benefit CD is being produced on the Platinum Records label and will initially be distributed in Washington, DC, in tandem with strong radio support and a benefit live concert by the Voices of Classic Rock. "How could we not mobilize our human and manufacturing expertise in support of a charitable endeavor such as this?" noted Platinum Records spokesman Barry Layne, "What makes this particularly unique is the depth of the Artists' involvement, their sheer number, and the choice of patriotic standards to inspire the nation and the nation's capital."

Musically the CD will represent a variety of musical styles designed to remember, inspire and motivate the nation in its unity. In addition to "America the Beautiful" and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Voices For America" will feature a new single, "Sea Of Fire," written and performed by Mountain's Leslie West. "Sea of Fire" is a haunting tribute to the hundreds of firefighters who gave their lives in last week's efforts to save so many others.

"When you have this caliber of talent, so committed to a project, the final product is going to be special," noted Voices Musical Director and Producer Larry Hoppen of Orleans. "I think you'll find these will be unique renditions. They'll showcase the passion and unique sounds of our respective Artists, in arrangements that pay appropriate respect to the tradition of the hymn, while adding a hint of gospel and the flavor of a rock power ballad. With a wall of Voices, and guitar accents by Pat Travers and Leslie West, we hope this will inspire people to help."

"We've chosen these tracks very carefully," noted Executive Producer Charlie Schmitt of Rockforever.com. "'America the Beautiful' and 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic,' are both patriotic anthems with multiple verses that are often shortened or lost in the recording process; and yet their messages are so powerful. We thought it important to record the complete works. 'America The Beautiful' is designed to bring us together as we mourn the tragedy of the innocent families whose worlds crumbled with the Towers of the Trade Center and the walls of the Pentagon. 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic' grows to a crescendo, similar to the support that of the American people for the President and our Armed Forces as the country unites to eradicate the terrorist threat. And Leslie's 'Sea of Fire' is an original and new song the message of which is haunting to anyone who has watched even a minute of television in the last week."

PRESS RELEASES

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• WARW-FM Release and Promo
• Compendia Media Group Press Release
• CityWalk Concerts Index