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THE ARTIST Lou Black’s background is unusual to say the least. He is a Peruvian born singer/songwriter, UK educated statistician/researcher, a published author in several fields, and former soothsayer to Fortune 500 companies. His debut album has been described by the press as “sophisticated global pop” and “one of the best in the singer songwriter genre,” but Lou Black describes his music as “subversive songs of social commentary and personal struggle.” His self-produced album, “City of No Winters,” has garnered positive praise from music critics and airplay on university & public AAA radio stations (over 250 broadcast stations and 21 countries), along with numerous internet radio stations. His music combines Western pop music with African and South American rhythms while his lyrics communicate social & political issues, and tales of alienation, interpersonal conflict and despair. From an upbeat dance song about war torn Yugoslavia to a story of South African apartheid era poverty disguised as a love ballad to song about a man so losing his faith in god and men. "I strive to distinguish myself from mass produced commercial radio music," says Lou, "so I design my music to be subversive with memorable melodies on the surface and thoughtful messages behind the scenes." The press has referred to his album as "sophisticated global pop" and has called his work "the best in the singer/songwriter genre." Lou Black's Hometowns: "I have lived in Lima Peru, Montreal Canada, St. Louis MO (multiple towns), Boston MA, Ann Arbor MI, London UK, NYC, New Jersey, Pittsburgh PA, Chicago IL, Dallas TX, and Arlington VA...whew.
Adobe PDF version (ENGLISH)
Adobe PDF version (SPANISH) THE ALBUM Lou Black's debut album reflects the culmination of years of musical and lyrical development, experimentation with a multitude of musical arrangements, and collaborations with like-minded poets with a shared vision for the "new pop." This album was recorded with the help of Bill & Dana Bailey, JR Hartley, PJ Tracey, and Katy Thomasberg, all legendary musicians from Minneapolis' underground and avant-garde music scene. Each song on the album has a special story and most are derived from the personal experiences of the lyricist(s). At times even political and philosophical issues are hidden in the subtext of what appear to be pop lyrics. The title track, "City of No Winters," while cleverly disguised as a soft love ballad is a song about Enid Holden's native South Africa. The lyrics of City of No Winters refer to a re-visitation of South Africa during the first few years of democracy. Ironically, even though the city of Durban is exotic, with a balmy climate and exquisite greenery, it still had echoes of the apartheid era poverty, disease, people living in shacks, high unemployment. A parallel personal loss of love is also expressed which is evoked by this city to which one is compelled to return. ------------------------------------------ ALBUM CREDITS Lead & Backing Vocals: Lou Black
Drums and percussion: Bill Bailey
Guitar and bass: John 'JR' Hartley
Keyboards: Patrick John 'PJ' Tracey (tracks 1, 2, 4 , 7, 8, 10, 11, 12)
Keyboards: Dana Bailey (tracks 3, 5, 6, 9, 13)
Backing Vocals: Katy Thomasberg (track 2,11) Producer: Bill Bailey
Engineering and Mixing: Bill Bailey
Additional Engineering and Mastering: Ron Parker
Executive Producer and Arranger: Lou Schwarz (aka Lou Black) Recorded at Mirror Image Studios , Minneapolis MN Packaging: Creative Director, Maria Michalczyk-Lillich
Designers, Jessica Durboraw & Mackenzie Moore
Photography, David Plakke Special Thanks: Volkan Tekeli (on Whipper Snapper), Mary Strudwick (on Patience of Saints), Christina Ooten (on Every Night), Mary Ann Farley (on music biz connections), Ron Parker (on entrepreneurial music promotion), and Trip Aldredge (on all things legal).
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