The latest news...
Summer 2008 --- Lo-Fidelity Records and The 77s are proud to present the highly anticipated release of their new studio recording, "Holy Ghost Building." Recorded over a 2-year stretch, the initial sessions were done quickly, much like Johnny Cash or Elvis recorded their early records at Sun Studios in Memphis. Mike Roe comments, "Those guys would choose a song, play through it to get the feel and arrangement, and while it was all fresh they would just roll the tape. Drawing from literally the same sources they did, we did the same thing.... choosing old gospel, blues and bluegrass tunes that said something to us as a band, and then recording them on the spot with no rehearsal....the only difference was we spent a couple years putting the finishing touches on the songs!"
While "Holy Ghost Building" could be called a "return to form" for the band, saying so would also sell short the new depth the band has found in playing these songs. The record has The 77s touchstones of rock and blues, but they have also included folk, slide guitar, Byrds-era jangle electric 12-strings, and vocal harmonies previously unheard on any 77s record. Mike says "When folks ask me what this record sounds like, I like to say 'Elvis, Scotty, Bill & D.J.' because we did it exactly the way those guys did the early Elvis recordings. It even sounds like them sonically here and there, but thankfully none of that was planned either, which of course makes me very happy. You can't plan those things without them often sounding planned, and I'm so glad we didn't. Even the one original tune we tacked on at the end of this project as a bonus treat for the fans was made up on the spot: music, lyrics, melody and all. Talk about risk! But that's how you end up with records like the ones I loved as a kid, and this one's got that sound and feeling." For a preview off the record, visit http://www.myspace.com/the77s to hear "Working on a Building," the first single. The band will feature three new songs off the record leading up to its release.
The first pressing of "Holy Ghost Building" will feature limited edition digipack packaging and is scheduled for release beginning Friday, June 20th to coincide with The 77s brief return to the road. The CD will be available online from http://www.77s.com and http://www.lo-fidelity.com beginning June 20th as well, although orders will not begin shipping until the following Monday, June 23rd. Please note all dates are subject to change.
Mike Roe, Mark Harmon, Bruce Spencer and David Leonhardt will make a brief return to the road leading up to Cornerstone. You do not want to miss this tour! Visit http://www.77s.com for up to date tour information!
Summer 2007 --- Last winter during the Roe vs. Pritzl tour there was a brief hiatus and the two Michaels headed off to Nashville to record a number of their favorite hits. Mixing is almost done and that CD will be released soon. Wait until you hear it!
We were contacted last spring by Chameleon Stripe Ministries. They have been busy making a film ("The House of Spiritual") to be distributed to youth and young adults along with a companion workbook. They wanted to include a few songs from the artists we all know and love, and one of the songs included in the soundtrack is "Ache Beautiful," one of Mike Roe's most beautiful heart wrenching love songs from the "Safe as Milk" album. The film is now complete and will be in distribution shortly. Please visit their website for more information. http://chameleonstripe.com
The House of Spiritual trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRDqb09Ddwk
There will be more to come shortly... such as... Roe solo?!?!.....
Stay tuned!!
Fall 2004 --- We are pleased to announce that Michael Roe is releasing a new record this Fall. Fondly titled Fun with Sound, the record features Mike Roe and Mark Harmon at the top of their pop game with their first fresh batch of tunes since 2002’s Say Your Prayers.
In support of the new record, Satellite Booking would like to partner with *YOU* to throw a CD Release Party in your town. We’re calling the shows “parties” because they will be a celebration of the new record. Mike and Mark will be traveling for most of November, playing tunes from the new record which will be available for sale at the shows.
Are you interested in hosting such an event?
For details, dates, and availability, email Derek Becker at dogs@satellitebooking.com. Be sure to include your location (city and state, please), preferred dates, and ideas for the party (type of venue, etc). For those of you who’ve worked with Satellite before, you know that your flexibility RE: the date is appreciated, and we’ll do our best to work with what works for you. As always, routing will determine availability in your region, and if Mike and Mark will not be near your vicinity, fly-out dates are always an option. First come, first serve! Our goal is to accommodate everybody that is interested in hosting a party!
The general cost of the show is $700 plus lodging (two private rooms) and meals. Promoters will receive a free copy of the new CD at their show. Contact Derek with any additional questions or concerns about pricing.
Mike’s love affair with you - the fans, supporters, promoters – is a relationship that has enable and inspired him to keep delivering his amazing gift back to us. Thank you for being such an integral part of his life in music.