Music Video for Erica Jacob's Single Release “Run” On Young Pals Music Is Launched On YouTube

Music video directed by Christopher Holmes/Holmeswood Features Entertainment lensed at Long Island City’s famed 5 Pointz

Following the successful August 2013 launch of Erica Jacob's debut album “Extraordinary Woman” on Young Pals Music, the New York-based singer/songwriter's music video for first single "Run" is now featured on YouTube.

The uptempo kiss-off song “Run,” produced by Ayhan Sahin (Olivia Newton-John, Sandra Bernhard, Chaka Khan) was shot on location in Long Island City’s famed 5 Pointz, the world’s premiere outdoor “graffiti Mecca.” The site has become an immense canvas for sanctioned street artists from around the world, who have painted vivid works across the walls of a marquis 200,000-square-foot factory building and dozens of surrounding warehouses.

Making Jacob’s colorful videoclip all the more timely, 5 Pointz owner David Wolkoff announced that the beloved destination will be demolished at year-end 2013.

The artist was raised in Houston, singing in church and cherishing the gospel & blues of Ella Fitzgerald, along with the diverse talents of Judy Garland, Fiona Apple and Jeff Buckley. Eight years ago, she relocated to New York City, performing at Town Hall’s “Broadway's Rising Stars”; in “Emma the Red” at the BMI-Lehman Engel Musical Theatre; and in numerous musicals, including “Scarlet Takes A Tumble,” “Confessions of a Reality TV Star,” “Angels” and “Dear Mr. Rosan.”

Since the release of "Extraordinary Woman," Jacob has performed at numerous club spaces throughout Manhattan, as part of an ongoing promotional campaign for the album.

"Extraordinary Woman" is digitally available on iTunes, physically available on Young Pals Music

For information contact:  Janet Castiel, Redwood Entertainment, Inc. -- (212) 543-9998 -- info@redwoodentertainment.com

"I Just Wanna Dance"

Johnny Di Sciascio was at the studio today, working on his song "I Just Wanna Dance" with Sahin.

“Extraordinary Woman” Erica Jacob Shows Another Side Of Her Prowess With Acoustic Set At Manhattan’s Hourglass Tavern

BY CHUCK TAYLOR
Erica Jacob ably demonstrated that every Extraordinary Woman has multiple layers, via her performance at Manhattan’s Hourglass Tavern on Sunday evening, September 15, 2013. On this second stop of her promotional tour—following the August release of debut full-length album “Extraordinary Woman” on Young Pals Music—the singer/songwriter delivered a powerful acoustic set that showcased a stripped-down version of the album’s full-on pop, R&B and dance production.

At Jacob’s album release party in August at the East Village’s Penny Farthing, she captivated a standing-room-only crowd of 150+ followers. On this night, the vibe was a creative change of pace at intimate Midtown performance space Hourglass Tavern—which has been a beloved showcase space for burgeoning talent and Broadway actors & singers for more than 30 years. And once again, she packed the comfy setting to capacity—with an approving roar that was as enthused as the previous venue.

The beauty of Jacob’s set at Hourglass was an opportunity for the singer to demonstrate her god-given vocal prowess unvarnished with the (appreciable) mainstream-driven production on her album. She sang alongside an organic four-piece ensemble— Tom Gallaher on piano, Jade Zabric on guitar, Daniel Jamieson on sax and flute and Nezih Antakli on percussion. How many of today’s commercially successful pop stars would dare to put themselves in such a position, right?

The acoustic set included a spirited new take on first single “Run,” and wondrously emotive re-rubs of ballads “Too Many Reasons” and “Falling”—proving Jacob’s stance as a diva with all the savvy of Jennifer Hudson—along with scintillating new arrangements of album cuts “Lost and Found,” “Kryptonite” and “Look What You’ve Done.” She also delivered a velvet-lined, sirenic version of Chaka Khan’s “Through The Fire” and a lush, easy-flowing reading of Eva Cassidy’s “I Can Only Be Me,” written by Steve Wonder. Two words: Damn, girl!

With each step forward, Erica Jacob proves that she is a talent as immeasurable as the fervor that pervades New York City—with a passionate and demonstrative voice that is as capable of reaching the high heavens as the Empire State Building.










"Extraordinary Woman" is available on iTunes. Physical album can be purchased through YoungPalsMusic.com

Johnny Di Sciascio at the Studio

Started working with a brilliant singer/songwriter, Johnny Di Sciascio. The first song we are recording is a composition called "I Just Wanna Dance." The title says it all, he will make every one wanna get up and dance, when the track is ready. 

Welcome to Young Pals Johnny!

Erica Jacob Performing on Sunday, September 15 at the Hourglass Tavern

Accompanied by Tom Gallaher on piano, Jade Zabric on guitar. Daniel Jamieson on sax and flute and Nezih Antakli on percussion, the acoustic set affirms Jacob’s god-given talent as a vocalist, sans the appreciable abundance of pop, R&B and dance production that pervades the recorded version of “Extraordinary Woman,” which music journalist Chuck Taylor deemed “a joyous pageant of sing-along anthems, offering musical mastery akin to the 100-watt persona of Jennifer Hudson, and the vocal chops of Alicia Keys.”

 The acoustic set will include her single "Run," the album title "Extraordinary Woman," the ballads

"Too Many Reasons" and "Falling" as well as album cuts "Lost and Found," "Kryptonite" and "Look What You've Done" with their newly acoustic arrangements. Jacob will also sing Chaka Khan's 1984hit "Through The Fire" and "I Can Only Be Me" written by Steve Wonder and recorded by Eva Cassidy.

The event will take place at Hourglass Tavern in midtown Manhattan (373 W 46th floor 2  New York, NY 10036 - (212) 265-2060) on Sunday, September 15 at 8:00pm.

Erica Jacob To Showcase Songs From Triumphant Debut Album “Extraordinary Woman” At New York’s Hourglass Tavern

Acoustic set scheduled for Sunday, September 15 @ 8 p.m.

 Following the mid-August release of album “Extraordinary Woman,” Erica Jacob will showcase songs from her debut collection in a live performance at New York City’s Hourglass Tavern, on Sunday September 15 at 8 p.m.

Accompanied by piano, guitar and percussion, the acoustic set affirms Jacob’s god-given talent as a vocalist, sans the appreciable abundance of pop, R&B and dance production that pervades the recorded version of “Extraordinary Woman,” which music journalist Chuck Taylor deemed “a joyous pageant of sing-along anthems, offering musical mastery akin to the 100-watt persona of Jennifer Hudson, and the vocal chops of Alicia Keys.”

Released on New York-based indie label Young Pals Music—and available on all download websites and as a physical CD—“Extraordinary Woman” was launched at a standing room only celebration August 13 at Manhattan’s Penny Farthing in the East Village, where Jacob performed five songs from the album to the roaring approval of a fervent crowd of 150+.

This second stop during Jacob’s promotional campaign is set in an intimate venue that draws a consistent crowd of Broadway actors, singers and musicians, vying for the opportunity to perform their own wares in a venue that is consummate New York City. Hourglass Tavern is located at 374 West 46th Street, right by Ninth Avenue.

Erica Jacob’s “Extraordinary Woman” was produced by Ayhan Sahin, who has worked with Olivia Newton-John, Sandra Bernhard, Chaka Khan, numerous “American Idol” alumni and countless burgeoning acts—while his Young Pals Music has released more than 18 full-length albums since its founding in 2008. Sahin wrote all songs on the album, with collaborators Jerri Bokeno, Tara Bahna James, Dennis DelGaudio, Bernadette O’Reilly, and with Jacob contributing lyrics for three tracks.

First single, the uptempo sing-along anthem “Run,” offers an accompanying music video directed by Christopher Holmes, shot on location in Long Island City’s famed 5 Pointz, the world’s premiere outdoor “graffiti Mecca.” Other highlights include album opener “Kryptonite,” which features Phil Collins’ familiar percussive hook from Frida’s 1983 hit “I Know There’s Something Going On,” nimble frolic “Look What You’ve Done To Me” and beautiful brooding ballad “Falling.” The set’s title track offers the ultimate acclamation of an “Extraordinary Woman” as a dancefloor paean to strength and inner beauty, with Jacob proclaiming, “There’s more to me than meets the eye/Don’t stop at the what, babe, go for the why.”

The singer/songwriter was raised in Houston, singing in church, and cherishing the gospel & blues of Ella Fitzgerald, along with the diverse talents of Judy Garland, Fiona Apple and Jeff Buckley. Eight years ago, she relocated to New York City, and was immediately cast in a number of Off-Broadway musicals. As a member of Actors’ Equity, she also serves as Executive Producer for theater company/artist collective Purple Threads Ensemble.

For more information:
Janet Castiel, Redwood Entertainment, Inc.
 212-543-9998/info@redwoodentertainment.com
ericajacob.com
youngpalsmusic.com

"RAISE YOUR GLASS" WITH ERICA JACOB ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd!!

Erica Jacob will perform "Raise Your Glass" as well as 6 other songs from her album "Extraordinary Woman" at the Underground Lounge (955 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10025) on Monday, September 2nd at 7:30pm.

The Piano Has Been Drinking (not me!)

The Underground Lounge

New York, NY

     After a sold out performance at Don't Tell Mama, Artistic Pride Productions announces and extension of its cabaret performance, The Piano Has Been Drinking (Not me), at The Underground Mondays in September. The Piano Has Been Drinking explores the association between artists and their vices.

Amy Winehouse, Jack Kerouac, Kurt Cobain, Billie Holiday, Tennessee Williams, Tom Waitts, Natalie Cole, Rufus Wainright... the list of artists and creative people who have had alcohol or substance abuse problems is a very long list. The Piano Has Been Drinking is a review that takes a look at artists who are inspired by their vices, celebrates the triumph of artists who have overcome them, pays tribute to those who were consumed by them and gives encouragement to those who may be struggling with vices.

It is Artistic Pride Productions' mission to promote and cultivate their work as an extension of the work of their peers.  APP creates an environment in which artists who are marginalized in the commercial art world such as minorities, women and non-traditional artists have a place to not only create but thrive.  Towards that end, APP's monthly Cabaret Series provides artists across all genres a safe space to create art and showcase their talents.

New York'ta İkinci Bir Arif Mardin Doğuyor

New York'ta İkinci Bir Arif Mardin Doğuyor

Erica Jacob Interviewed by Chuck Taylor

Erica Jacob talks about her success for her album "Extraordinary Woman" with the renowned journalist Chuck Taylor.

Erica Jacob: An ‘Extraordinary’ Talent WOWS With A Live Performance At Her Album Release Party In New York City

Erica Jacob performing "Kryptonite" at her album release party

By Lawrence Newton
It’s not as if the superlative isn’t already built in: The name of singer/songwriter Erica Jacob’s debut album is “Extraordinary Woman.” Based on her live performance at New York’s Penny Farthing Tuesday, August 13, 2013—where she celebrated the release of her new 10-track disc—there are a few more descriptors we could add. How about: fierce, gifted, a natural performer and commanding?

Erica Jacob with her producer Ayhan Sahin

New York-based Erica, who moved here eight years ago from Houston (with her visiting mom in the audience), filled the cool downstairs private room at the East Village locale with more than 150 followers and fans, as she ripped through five songs from the album, which is available on iTunes, amazon and CDBaby. It was produced by Ayhan Sahin and released on his independent label Young Pals Music.

Journalist Chuck Taylor introduced Erica to the crowd, and told us, “She’s young, she’s beautiful, she’s theatrical, she’s ambitious and best of all, this girl can sing. This album is a labor of love between Erica and Ayhan. They met eight years ago and devoted three years to finding the perfect 10 songs to suit this ‘extraordinary woman’s’ voice and message to the world.”

That said, her message is obviously one of liberation, being a free spirit and unity. With a background in theater, Erica was as comfortable before the crowd as if she were having Sunday brunch with her favorite sistas.

Jacob with journalist Chuck Taylor

She opened the show with a song that she wrote the lyric for, “Kryptonite,” which made clear from the first note that this talent can deliver the goods in a live setting. With a fun rapid-fire lyric that’s like a melodic rap—and a super-cool opening that samples the Phil Collins’ drum solo from Frida’s 1983 solo hit “I Know There’s Something Going On”—Erica nailed every word of the shuffling song, while the crowd roared in approval. “Lost and Found” is another buoyant up-tempo song that Erica delivered like a true diva, with whirling production that feels like a Coney Island roller coaster ride that highlights both the crisp, clear highs of her vocal range and the satisfying husky lows.

The ballad “Falling” was equally captivating, as Erica sang: “You’re so cold, cold as ice… It’s getting hard to be around you.” Delivering this beautiful sad, slow song showed yet another side to the young lady’s expertise, which again had every eye of the crowd intently focused on her.

"Falling" songwriters Jerri BoKeno and Sahin

The first single from “Extraordinary Woman” is “Run,” which is absolutely a highlight of the album. It has fun clapping throughout, with a jaunty beat and layers & layers of harmonies. This was probably the best song of the night—and a deserving hit that radio needs to search out.

Erica performed the title track acoustically with guitar player Jade Zebric. On the album, the song is a fast-driving patchwork of dance instruments, but in her performance, she really drove home the lyric, which offers a commitment to her ultimate message as an “Extraordinary Woman”: “There’s much more to me than meets the eye, don’t stop at the what, babe, go for the why.”


After this song, the enthusiastic crowd demanded more, so Erica sang a capella a version of the perfect finale: Stevie Wonder’s “I Can Only Be Me.” The song says, “Butterflies begin from having been another, As a child is born from being in a mother’s womb/But how many times have you

Jacob with "Extraordinary Woman" writers Tara Bahna-James and Sahin

wished you were someone than who you are/You can only be you, As I can only be me.”

The night was made complete with a drink special called “Kryptonite,” named after Erica’s song, as well as a “red carpet” entrance, where every guest was able to have their picture taken with the artist. We also all got a copy of the disc to take home. Erica Jacob is already living in the greatest city in the world—New York—but with the release of her album “Extraordinary Woman,” it’s obvious this amazing talent is going places!

Producer Tyrone Smith with Jacob and Sahin

Redwood Entertainment

Jacob performing "Lost and Found"

Jacob with friends

Penny Farthing during the launch

ERICA JACOB'S PROMO VIDEO FOR HER SINGLE "RUN"

Music video for launch single “Run” lensed at Long Island City’s famed
5 Pointz, which is now scheduled for demolition
Here is a snippet, stay tuned for the full video!

Uptempo launch single “Run” offers an accompanying music video -- directed by Christopher Holmes (Holmeswood Features Entertainment) -- shot on location in Long Island City’s famed 5 Pointz, the world’s premiere outdoor “graffiti Mecca.” The site has become an immense canvas for sanctioned street artists from around the world, who have painted vivid works across the walls of a marquis 200,000-square-foot factory building and dozens of surrounding warehouses. Making Jacob’s colorful videoclip all the more timely, 5 Pointz owner David Wolkoff announced that it will be demolished at year-end 2013.

New Recording With Emre Yilmaz

Emre Yilmaz, who has been the main studio guitarist as well as a Young Pals artist with his single "Only Yesterday" visited 2C Studios today to lay down a vocal track for "One Heart"--a duet that is planned to be in Promis' upcoming album next year. 

The song "One Heart" is from the musical "The Conqueror"  written by David Keeley and Ayhan Sahin, about Middle East conflict.

Emre and Ayhan also did some songwriting for future projects, after the recording.