" January 19, 2012 -- Macca Report EXCLUSIVE!!!
from Miguel Carrera, Macca Reporter

Paul to play the Mayan ruins at CHICHÉN ITZA

The Yucatan Governer has confirmed in a press conference today that Paul McCartney will play a concert at the Mayan ruins at the end of March or in 9early April.

Only 6,000 tickets will be available to limit damage to the historic ruins.

Not yet confirmed is a concert rumored for Guadalajara in April.  "


www.maccareport.com


!!!!!

" January 20, 2012 -- Macca Report EXCLUSIVE!!!
by John Cherry, Macca Reporter

CD Review-James McCartney - "Available Light"


I had heard the music from James McCartney's first release, an EP titled "Available Light." This CD has all of the releases from that EP, as well as three additional tracks. In addition, there is a second CD, titled "Close at Hand," which also includes previously released songs and additional tracks. The combination of the two CD's is called "James McCartney-The Complete EP Collection."

The opener is "Angel," a mid-paced rocker with a nice lead-in guitar and wind instruments. James sings at a higher pitch than his normal voice (mainly in the chorus), and, occasionally, with great passion. He describes the song as "trying to write about when I will first meet my true love." The conclusion has a McCartney, Paul that is, like finish.

"Glisten" is about the hope for love. It opens with a guitar and wind instruments. A slower middle portion has underlying instruments and more vocal depth. Toward the end, a fading guitar is accompanied by a lady's voice singing, apparently Divya Kasturi, the only female voice listed in the credits.

"My Friend" starts simply with a lone guitar, and picks up the pace as the song progresses further. There is significant vocal repetition, again reminding me of his father, and several pace changes. A sharp guitar completes the song.

"Daniel" also starts slowly, building with bass, drums and, then, lead guitar. There are minimal lyrics, only nine lines, but the song builds to high vamped singing from James.

Perhaps my favorite from this CD, and the first song not written by James, is Neil Young's "Old Man." While not only sung in great style, I had to wonder why James chose this song, as the lyrics made me think he was singing to his father. He was, literally, in fact, as Paul and David Kahne co-produced the music. The "new" version of "Old Man" opens and ends with a psychedelic effect, and a fadeout echo of the last words of the song. James' vocal range is the most powerful of any song on the CD.

The last three songs are designated as bonus tracks. First is "NY Times," basically a running commentary on life in New York City, from the blue skies and flowing magic to the homeless, dirty traders and acid rain. Personally, this song reminded me of John Lennon, and how easily he could have written a similar tune, since he spent nearly the last decade of his life in New York City. The song ends with a Lennon flavor; the sound of a radio and voices, and then a concluding brass finish.

For Paul McCartney fans, "I Love You Dad" will only deepen your dedication to the world's most successful singer/songwriter (I recommend a book about him-see betterthanlennon.com). The somewhat simple song is led by a mandolin and again has repetitive lyrics. James opening vocals in the song sound a bit like Paul's former songwriting collaborator. Overall, it is a warm and loving tribute to James' Dad.

Switching gears dramatically, the finale "Moonstar" has the feel of a late 50's-early 60's song with an Elvis Presley influence. Fast-paced, especially at the finish, the lyrics focus on two people trying to change either other's minds about loving each other. There is also an effective midpoint guitar solo.

The band, which re-recorded some of the compilation songs, included two members of The Dead 60's-Charlie Turner on bass and Bryan Johnson on drums. Steve Bayley played guitar and keyboards, and there were also appearances from Shawn Pelton on drums, Gil Goldstein on accordion, and Steven Isserlis on cello. The multi-talented McCartney played piano, electric and acoustic guitar, bass and mandolin.

Is this Paul McCartney Jr.? No, and he does not need to be. James may not have his Dad's vocal skills, yet, but his songs are well written with significant variety. I look forward to hearing more from him. FYI-James will appear on The David Letterman show on January 30th. (SEE JAMES' TOUR INTINERARY)

Johh Cherry is the author of "Better Than Lennon-The Music and Talent of Paul McCartney" & "Paul McCartney's Solo Music Career 1970-2010."

www.maccareport.com

" January 22, 2012 -- SomethingElse.com

In new interview, Paul McCartney says: 'I didn't expect to be singing and playing at the level I am now'

Paul McCartney met with the world media this week to talk about his new album Kisses On The Bottom. Here are some highlights, including his thoughts on playing with Stevie Wonder again, on returning to the songs of his youth, and on becoming one of rock's elder statesmen.

Kisses is McCartney's 15th solo album and first record since 2007. The project is helmed by Grammy Award-winning producer Tommy LiPuma, and will feature Diana Krall and her band as well as a guest appearance from Eric Clapton.

HERE'S PAUL McCARTNEY:

ON THE INSPIRATION FOR 'KISSES ON THE BOTTOM': Tradition in Liverpool family was the singsongs. I always loved these songs. Dad was a piano player. I wanted to do them, but I never got around to it. We were writing Sgt. Pepper, The White Album and new stuff every time I came to this album someone else would do it. I kept saying, "well I can't do it now, it'll look like I'm jumping on the bandwagon." But then I realized, I'd just do it and not worry about the market.

ON HIS FAVORITE SONG FROM 'KISSES': I think probably "My Valentine" because it's kind of the newest for me. I really had a lot of fun with Eric doing the solo on it. Again, he just came up with the solo. (whistles tune) I like that. Of the old songs I also love "Bye Bye Blackbird" because normally you get (begins singing) but Tommy's idea was to slow it right down, which I was a bit dubious about at first, but I think it works. It was very similar to how The Beatles worked. Bring it in, kick it around, and record it. The fact I was working with great jazz musicians, it's really cool to just say to the guys, 'let's just go from the bass," and the guy's an unbelievable player, so he knows exactly what to play, which really worked.

ON RECORDING WITH STEVIE WONDER: We had this song, "Only Our Hearts" which is very '30s-'40s genre, that I'd written on purpose to be in that style. The producer said, "What about Stevie" and I was like "Wow." It was a bit in left field. He agreed to come along, I met him after recording all those years ago, I've seen him off and on, but to record with him, we hadn't done it in a while. But he's such a genius. That's one of the great things about this album. Everyone is such a great musician.

ON THE INFLUENCE OF FRED ASTAIRE: Yeah, I think Fred Astaire was just this fantastic character from that era. I remember in the '60s when we were making Sgt. Pepper, I used to ask if they could make my jackets like Fred Astaire, he had very slick sleeves, and I wanted one. Musically, his vocal style is very interesting. Everybody thought he was lazy except the songwriters. He had this voice I wanted to try to get near. It's like a little voice. I tried that. That became a big part of the signature of this album. Some of the stylistic things came from the people of that era. Have you seen the new film The Artist? Yes, great film, that's the era I love. An era for style, music. An era I love.

ON BECOMING ONE OF ROCK'S ELDER STATESMEN: That's the perspective of youth, you know? We thought 30 was really old. Now I think it's amazingly young. The guys who came out of college at 24, we felt sorry for them. But they're so young. I must admit, I didn't expect to be singing and playing at the level I am now. It keeps things interesting. We were in South America last year and the crowds were amazing, the best. You come out to that, and it's hard to say no to that even though I am over 30. I always say at the end of all my concerts, "See ya next time." And I mean it. I'll do it as long as they'll let me.  "




www.maccareport.com

' pretty much says it all   ........ right joey ?    '    :

Joey wrote on Jan 26^th, 2012 at 11:20am:

Do your best Jagger!

" January 28, 2012 -- Macca Report News
James, Ringo, Barbara, Joe at the Viper Room

James McCartney's performance at The Viper Room on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood January 27th, was attended by Ringo Starr and his wife Barbara Bach along with Barbara's sister Marjorie, who came with her husband Joe Walsh. James arrived in a car with his famous guests and was greeted by fans outside The Viper.

James and his band was one of three bands playing that night at The Viper. The place was packed with mostly fans of Macca and his son.

The highlight of the show was a couple of new songs and songs from his James' current EP Collection including his cover of Neil Young's "Old Man."

James will be performing on "The Late Show with David Letterman" Monday, (January 30th) CBS 11:35pm ET

ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL, NYC :: Full Band Performance
Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2, 196 Allen St, New York, NY
Wednesday, Feb 1 @ 9:00 PM FREE ADMISSION
More Info: HERE

THE WONDER BAR
1213 Ocean Ave.
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
James McCartney (plus SPECIAL GUESTS)
Friday, Feb 3 @ 8:00 PM
TICKETMASTER (ONSALE January 11 @10AM ET) $15 plus $4 service charge
$17 @ the door
http://www.wonderbarasburypark.com "


www.maccareport.com


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"  .... Joey, it's like a regular Mensa club meeting over there.  "


" January 28, 2012 -- Press Release
Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder

This year sees 30 years since Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder first worked together on the classic smash hit Ebony and Ivory (March 1982), which was number 1 in the UK and the US. The release of Paul's new album Kisses On The Bottom sees them reunited on the track, Only Our Hearts. Only Our Hearts is one of two original McCartney compositions included on the album, which is a collection of standards Paul grew up listening to in his childhood.


On working with Stevie Paul said, "Stevie came along to the studio in LA and he listened to the track for about ten minutes and he totally got it. He just went to the mic and within 20 minutes had nailed this dynamite solo. When you listen you just think, 'How do you come up with that?' But it's just because he is a genius, that's why'.

Stevie joined Paul at LA's legendary Capitol Studio's to record the track.

Kisses On The Bottom is a collection of standards Paul grew up listening to in his childhood as well as the two new McCartney compositions My Valentine and Only Our Hearts. With the help of Grammy Award-winning producer Tommy LiPuma and Diana Krall and her band, Paul's new album is a deeply personal journey through classic American compositions that, in some cases, a young Paul first heard his father perform on piano at home.

Kisses On The Bottom is out on Tuesday, February 7th.


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January 28, 2012 -- StraitsTimes.com
Paul McCartney composing music for video game

Former Beatle Paul McCartney is composing music for a video game which he hopes will introduce his work to a whole new generation, he has told a German newspaper published on Thursday.

The 69-year-old musician told Die Zeit weekly newspaper that he had found the prospect exciting and that a new video game was currently a better seller than a new CD.

In comments published in German, McCartney, who has two albums due out this year, said many youngsters would probably hear his music for the first time through playing the video game.  "


www.maccareport.com

" January 30, 2012 -- Contact Music

Sir Paul Mccartney: My Dad Inspired The Beatles

Sir Paul McCartney says his father was one of the main inspirations behind the sound of The Beatles.

The 69-year-old musician praises his dad James - a keen amateur piano player - for introducing him to music growing up in Liverpool when the family had to make their own entertainment.

He explained to Culture magazine: "My first musical memories come from my dad. He would play the piano at home - he and his friend Freddie Rimmer, both of whom worked at the cotton exchange in Liverpool as salesmen. This was the old days, you know. We made our own entertainment because we didn't have anything else. And those old memories for me are of my dad playing the piano. I would lie on the carpet listening to him and taking it all in."

Paul revealed his father's influence stayed with him as he and John Lennon began writing for the Beatles.

He said: "A lot of what informed the writing I did with John is that early period, and John and I shared that. When we started to talk about that music, John would say 'Oh I love such and such a song.' We didn't like rock'n'roll solely. And I think now if you look at the Beatles body of work it was sort of rock'n'roll informed by this back plot from this complete other era."


www.maccareport.com

"  Like Joshua, take the lead, you never know who could be watching "

" As you’ve probably already guessed, this isn’t your typical evening of music. Ticket packages for the sold-out tribute to McCartney included the Diamond Sponsor that included three “diamond” tables for a total of 36 seats priced at $100,000. However, if economy is your mantra, the Silver Sponsor package that included one “Silver Table” with 10 seats carried the easy-on-the-wallet price of only $15,000. Meanwhile, single ticket prices ranged from $1,500 to $8,500. Click here for more info.  "

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*********** " YES !!!!! "     ....... OMG !!!!!!!!!    ........   " YES !!!!! "  ***********


http://www.jpost.com/IranianThreat/News/Article.aspx?id=256262


" Panetta believes Israel will attack Iran this spring'   "


"  US secretary of defense is concerned Israel will launch an attack before Iran enters so-called "immunity zone" when military strike won't bust Iran's nuclear facilities, 'Washington Post' reports.  "


" United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta believes that Israel will attack Iran in April, May or June, the Washington Post reported Thursday.

According to the report, written by the paper’s senior opinion writer David Ignatius, Panetta is concerned that Israel will launch an attack before Iran enters the so-called “immunity zone” when its nuclear facilities will be heavily fortified and a military strike will no longer succeed.

Iran has uranium for 4 nuclear bombsIgnatius does not quote Panetta in the article but he is currently traveling with the secretary of defense in Brussels.

According to the article, Israel might decide to strike before Iran completes the fortification since afterward only America will be capable of stopping Iran militarily.

“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doesn’t want to leave the fate of Israel dependent on American action,” Ignatius wrote. According to the report, Israel’s strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities could last five days which would be followed by a United Nations-brokered ceasefire.

" February 3, 2012 -- FoldedWing Press Release

Rare Paul McCartney Jazz Interview with Jamie Cullum on BBC Radio 2 LISTEN

Paul McCartney met Jamie Cullum for a very special, in-depth interview about his brand new album 'Kisses on the Bottom', a collection of standards that Paul grew up listening to as a child that went on to inspire him as a songwriter and his love of jazz. This exclusive interview is to be aired on Jamie's weekly jazz show on BBC Radio 2 on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 7pm (2pm ET).

"Chatting to Sir Paul about jazz was a dream come true. Hearing all those amazing stories about The Beatles was incredible, I could have listened to Sir Paul all day. This is exactly why I love doing my BBC Radio 2 show so much!"
-- Jamie Cullum

Paul talks to Jamie about the role jazz has played in his life, from growing up listening to his father's jazz band to their mutual love of Fats Waller.

Paul reflects on his days with The Beatles, from his and John Lennon's shared love of composers such as Gershwin and Cole Porter to how jazz subtly informed the way The Beatles approached their compositions.

"I met John and we both realized we both loved this old stuff. Two of his favourite songs were "Close Your Eyes" and "Little White Lies" and I liked that about John, I thought - I can get along with this guy." -- Paul McCartney

He also talks in-depth with Jamie about his current album of jazz standards and original compositions 'Kisses On The Bottom', recorded at the world-famous Capitol Record studios in Los Angeles.

Paul tells Jamie how the album came together, from the initial inspiration to the great collaborations, what it was like working with Diana Krall and producer Tommy LiPuma, and how his vocal style on the album was influenced by Chet Baker.

"When I started making the record I'm in the studioI was kind of half expecting it to be a bit Vegas-y. But then I go in there and I'm thinking "we really musn't do that, it's not gonna sound honest enough. I thought I've gotta mean these songs." -- Paul McCartney

We also hear what happened when Paul first told his record company about the title for the album 'Kisses on the Bottom', and its connection to Fats Waller.

"I said, "Listen - the first time I ever remembered this phenomenon of people really sort of cringing with a name was when we told them we were called The Beatles". Everyone went "Ugh, creepy crawly insects" then we did Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and everyone went "you what?" I said, "I'm getting that feeling again"-- Paul McCartney

Previous Jamie Cullum interviews for BBC Radio 2 have included two-part specials with Clint Eastwood and Dave Brubeck, and special features with Nigel Kennedy, Kate Bush, Lars Ulrich, Wynton Marsalis and Pat Metheny.

"Jamie's jazz show has become a key part of the Radio 2 schedule over the past 18 months, and I'd like to congratulate him on his forthcoming special with Paul McCartney as it's a very special listen." -- Lewis Carnie, Head of Programming, BBC Radio 2

Jamie's show is made for BBC Radio 2 by award-winning independent production company Folded Wing.

Maida Vale sessions are recorded for the Jamie Cullum show twice a month and have included the likes of Robert Glasper, Brad Mehldau, Gregory Porter, Bobby McFerrin, The Kit Downes Trio, Dame Cleo Laine and The Bad Plus. Future sessions will include Gretchen Parlato, Empirical and Tigran Hamasyan.

The special Paul McCartney interview will air on Tuesday, 7th February (7 - 8pm GMT) 2pm ET






Sir Paul McCartney talks about Chet Baker's My Funny Valentine in an extract from an extended interview with Jamie Cullum. Hear the whole interview on BBC Radio 2 from 1900 (GMT) on Tuesday 7 February.

Jamie Cullum is broadcast on BBC Radio 2 every Tuesday night from 7-8pm and is produced by Karen Pearson for Folded Wing.

Folded Wing was named Indie of the Year at the 2011 Radio Production Awards, and produce a range of programmes and digital content for the BBC and commercial clients.

Paul McCartney releases his new album 'Kisses On The Bottom' on 6th February (UK).

ARCHIVED INTERVIEW AFTER SHOW AIRS -- www.jamiecullum.com

www.foldedwing.co.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/radio2


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February 3, 2012 -- Macca Report Exclusive!!!
by Susan Cohen, Macca Reporter

James McCartney at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC

I got to see James Wednesday night (February 1st) at Rockwood Music Hall. The venue was very small and was packed for James' set. I got there early but James was already inside.




He was really good, and I thought he sounded more like John Lennon.

During the 45-minute set James played several instruments, moving between acoustic and electric guitars, and electric piano.

After the show I was able to get James' autograph. From there he was driven to another location for dinner

www.maccareport.com