On Tour Diaries

Ziggy Marley, UB40, Toots, Sly & Robbie, Matisyahu, and More

Contribute Newly Recorded Tracks Set for release June 8 BURBANK, California — March 23, 2010 — The magic of Disney meets the magical isle of Jamaica, as Walt Disney Records readies an album of classic Disney songs newly recorded by a cross-section of top reggae musicians. The Disney Reggae Club features songs from immortal Disney animated films – from “The Little Mermaid” to “Jungle Book” – recorded by such esteemed artists as Grammy winning reggae legend Toots (of Toots & the Maytals fame), five time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley, reggae’s most prolific and long lasting production team Sly & Robbie, multiple Grammy winner Cedella Marley, Grammy winner Burning Spear, legendary British band UB40 and Hasidic rapper Matisyahu. The album is set to arrive in stores and at online retailers June 8. Artists and tracks included on the album are:

1. “Circle of Life” (from “The Lion King”) Performed by Matisyahu
2. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (from “The Lion King”) Performed by Cedella Marley
3. “The Bare Necessities” (from “The Jungle Book”) Performed by Steel Pulse
4. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (Desmond Dekker’s reggae classic also featured in “The Lion King”) Performed by Morgan Heritage
5. “What a Wonderful World” (Louis Armstrong classic) Performed by Ziggy Marley
6. “True to Your Heart” (from “Mulan”) Performed by The Wailing Souls
7. You’ve Got a Friend in Me (from “Toy Story) Performed by Sly & Robbie
8. “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” (from “Song of the South”) Performed by Toots
9. “I Wan’na Be Like You” (from “The Jungle Book”)  Performed by UB40
10. “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat” (from “The Aristocats”) Performed by Michael G & the Easy Star All-Stars
11. “Kiss The Girl” (from “The Little Mermaid”) Performed by Burning Spear
12. “Under The Sea” (from “The Little Mermaid”) Performed by Gregory Isaacs
13. “Find Yourself” (from “Cars”) Performed by Yellowman

“The genius of Disney songs is that they are timeless and adaptable to every musical genre,” said executive producer Brian Malouf. “Reggae is so joyous and spirited, we knew these songs would lend themselves perfectly. I’m happy to say the artists, many of them true legends of reggae, all jumped at the chance to participate. ”

*Check out our online shop to pre order your album today!*

On 8th February UB40 will release ‘Labour Of Love IV’, their first Labour of Love album since 1998′s ‘Labour of Love III’.

Someone once claimed UB40 are to reggae what the Beatles and Rolling Stones were to American rhythm and blues and as they release the latest installment of their best-selling Labour Of Love series, the truth of this statement is undeniable. Literally millions of people from across the globe have developed a love for Jamaican music after hearing UB40, and the band’s commitment to  their early influences is as strong as ever.

The Labour of Love series began in 1983, with a number one album and number one single (‘Red, Red Wine)’. This was followed in 1989 by LOL II, which spawned a no.4 single (‘Kingston Town’) and two US Billboard Top 10s. Another Top 10 album, LOL III, and single (‘Come Back, Darling’) was released in 1998.

‘Labour Of Love IV’ continues what has become a passion for the band; to share their love of reggae classics, some well-known, some not so, with the public-at-large. Recorded at the band’s Reflex Studios in Birmingham in the Spring 2009, the album comprises 14 tracks. Covers such as Delroy Wilson (‘Close To Me’), John Holt songs (‘I Don’t Want To See You Cry’ and ‘Man Next Door’) and Rocksteady vocal groups the Melodians (‘Get Along Without You Now’) and The Paragons (‘Holiday’) bestow this new album with such an infectious sense of joy, it’s hard to believe it’s the fourth in the series and not the first. UB40, just like other dedicated reggae fans, fervently want such artists – including Theo Beckford (‘Easy Snappin”), Errol Dunkley (‘You’re Gonna Need Me’), Ken Parker (‘True True True’) and Hopeton Lewis (‘Boom Shaka Lacka’), who also contribute songs to Labour Of Love IV – to receive more recognition, and there’s now every chance of that happening with these mesmerising new versions.

American soul stars Smokey Robinson (‘Tracks Of My Tears’), Sam Cooke (‘Bring It On Home To Me’) and Johnny Nash need no introduction here, except these songs were hugely popular within Caribbean communities, and had a lasting impact upon UB40 themselves. Johnny Nash was the first overseas’ act to cover a Bob Marley song and his ‘Cream Puff’ is a little-known gem from the very early seventies, when the Texan singer was being billed as “the King Of Reggae” in England. Robin Campbell saw him perform back then and says the band have wanted to cover Cream Puff for years.

Labour Of Love IV is the first to feature another talented Campbell brother, Duncan, on lead vocals. Duncan would have been one of UB40′s vocalists right from the start had he not turned them down to pursue adventures around the world. Usually, when a world-famous band changes their lead singer, the transition isn’t exactly seamless. Duncan was a natural choice however – not only because he’s family but also because he sings with such feeling, like a man who’s come to claim his rightful legacy. Robin, Astro, Norman and Earl also sing lead vocals on various tracks on the album, and such versatility – twinned with UB40′s remarkable consistency – make it another wonderful addition to the series.

On 25^th January UB40 will release the single ‘Get Along Without You Now’, from their  ‘Labour Of Love IV’ album.

‘Get Along Without You Now’ was originally recorded by the Rocksteady vocal group the Melodians.

Concert Live, who are working with UB40 to create an instant CD at selected dates on the bands current tour, have a fantastic offer on the live albums recorded in Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow and Newcastle. They are now offering 2 of these live albums for £30.00 via their website www.concertlive.co.uk. The UB40 Live CD is presented in deluxe packaging and will feature every song from their bands live show and is strictly limited edition, with only 1,000 of each performance being created.

The band are also recording all the remaining dates on the UB40 tour, and these live CDs are still available to order from Concert Live’s official website for at-concert collection or home delivery and will also be available to order at each UB40 concert for fans to collect the second the show finishes. This is the ultimate collector’s item for any UB40 fan, and amazingly will be available for fans to collect at concert seconds after the final note has been played. This live CD can be ordered from Concert Live on the link below:

http://www.concertlive.co.uk/tour.php?id=87

*Note: CDs bought at the concert will have a blank third disc (encore disc) the content is redeemable by going to the Concert Live website and following the instructions outlined on your CD.

Order now to avoid disappointment!

UB40 are working with instant live audio pioneers, Concert Live, to create an exclusive limited edition live CD at selected dates on their European tour. This live CD is now available to pre order from Concert Live’s official website for at-concert collection or home delivery and will also be available to order at each UB40 concert for fans to collect the second the show finishes.

The UB40 Live CD is presented in deluxe packaging and will feature every song from their bands live show and is strictly limited edition, with only 1,000 of each performance being created.  This is the ultimate collector’s item for any UB40 fan, and amazingly will be available for fans to collect at concert seconds after the final note has been played. This live CD can be ordered from Concert Live on the link below:

http://www.concertlive.co.uk/tour.php?id=87