Little Rachel: News

I am home again. The party is finally over. I had such a magnificent time! I played 5 shows in 12 days, which gave me plenty of time to enjoy some leisure time in Finland. All of the shows were very well attended. The audiences were very receptive, and in some cases, quite wild about Litte Rachel with the Hogs of Rhythm. The Hogs of Rhythm are the best modern R&B band I have heard. There isn't a weak link amongst them. They are all skilled, talented musicians, and even better- they enjoy what they are doing. They are pleasant company and perfect for my sound. Working with them was one of the best, most rewarding, musical experiences I have had. Since the shows were such a success, it looks as if I will have the opportunity to return to Finland and work with them some more. I feel as if they enjoy playing with me as much as I enjoy playing with them. When the band is enjoying themselves, the audiences enjoy themselves. It was a match made in heaven, and I am looking forward to working with the Hogs again as soon as possible. We have been discussing plans for future shows in Finland, Europe, the U.S. and possibly making a record together. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us.

I want to thank the people of Finland for making me feel so welcome- especially the band. I had one of the greatest times of my life!

That's right- It's finally here! The new Little Rachel CD from El Toro records, titled "There's A New Miss Rhythm In Town", is scheduled for release in the U.S. on January 30th. It will be available on the El Toro Records website ( http://www.eltororecords.com ) and at your finer vintage music retailers.

I know, you're still patiently waitng for the new CD. The best things come to those who wait. El Toro is putting this one out, so I really have no control on the release date. Sorry! I know that the artist is still finishing up the cover art, and "There's A New Miss Rhythm In Town" is tentatively scheduled for release in November.

Meanwhile, I will be paying a visit to some of our Midwestern friends. Aside from playing a few shows in my hometown, Kansas City, I rarely play any U.S. dates. That is why it is such a special treat for me to be hitting the road for a weekend with my good friends, the Two Timin' Three from Austin, TX. We will be sharing the stage in Chicago and Saint Louis. Check the calendar for details. This is going to be a blast!

Unfortunately, I won't have my CD available for the upcoming shows with the Two Timin' Three. However, I do plan to do some more extensive promotional touring this Summer. So far, I have already scheduled several dates in June with Dr. Snout and His Hogs of Rhythm in Finland. I am also working on a few dates in Spain, where I will will rejoin with the Lazy Jumpers for some shows and another recording session.

For those of you wondering about the Casey Sisters, there are no concrete plans, as of yet. There has been much talk of a possible recording. Depending on what Caroline has planned with her solo career, we may join in Europe for some recording. I'll keep you posted.

That's all for now!

The new CD on El Toro Records, titled "There's A New Miss Rhythm In Town", is finally mixed and mastered. Once I take the photos for the cover, and it goes to be pressed, it's realease will be underway. Look forward to hearing the same great 50's style R&B and Rock N' Roll, in addition to some more 40's style jazzy numbers and 60's Soul-tinged numbers. It's 14 all original songs backed by Spain's "Lazy Jumpers". Watch for it soon...

Several clips of Little Rachel's performance at Spain's 2005 "Screamin' Festival" are featured in a video montage promoting the event. Check out one of the funnest 50's music events events in the world!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5yKuVtuU07c

Okay, so I had to cancel 7 out of 13 shows in Europe, due to transportation/budget issues. I think things happen for a reason. The shows I did play went great, and the week I spent in Barcelona was the week of the Barcelona Hayride, so I got the chance to see some really great bands including my friends Eddie Clendening (Denver) and Ruby Ann (Portugal). A good time was had by all.

Even better, I had a week to rest and rehearse the new songs for the second Little Rachel CD. It will be released on El Toro Records sometime this Spring. I think the extra rehearsal paid off, because there is a more solid groove with the band on this CD than on the last, because I have rehearsed and played live with the Lazy Jumpers numerous times (Of course I have- they are fabulous!)This CD is going to be killer! I can't wait...

Thanks to all my backing bands on this trip- the Hogs of Rhythm (Finland), the Rhythm Riot Kings of Rhythm (U.K.), and the Lazy Jumpers (Spain). You made the shows a success. And also, thanks to all the promoters and the people who came to the shows for making my rock star dream a reality! See you next time.

I am disappointed to announce that 7 of the shows in the European tour had to be cancelled, due to transportation difficulties. For more information on which shows were cancelled, please check the calendar.

In addition to playing my own set at the Rhythm Riot! festival in Camber, UK- I was asked to sing backing vocals for the "Original Oop- Shoop Girl", Shirley Gunter. She is best known for her 1950's hits with her group the "Teen Queens". And if it was not exciting enough to have the honor of being a "Teen Queen", the other "Queen" will be Miss Mary Ann. If you are not familiar with Miss Mary Ann as a solo act, I am sure you are familiar with her from the "Ranch Girls", a female duo that was one of my influences in my own rockabilly duo the "Casey Sisters". It should be a blast!

The 3rd issue of the fabulous online fanzine "Jumpin' From 6 to 6" is out! Little Rachel is one of the featured artists interviewed for this month's issue. Check it out here: http://kikteo.free.fr/jumpin.html

This is the first feature of several to come in the next couple of months. Also look for Little Rachel in "Blue Suede News", "U.K. Rock!", "Blues News", and "Big Beat" in October and November.

Thanks to everyone that made Hollywood Showdown 6 a great success! It was so nice to see old friends and play in one of Hollywood's best venues. See you next time!