'Legacy' THE Backstory

Legacy Album

Paul Litteral’s solo album Legacy - the backstory by Angela O’Neill

From Angela O’Neill, Outrageous8 Records, Producer of Legacy. www.plitteral.com

When spending time alone, which we all had a LOT of during a global pandemic, one has a lot of time to think and reflect. If you’ve been a trumpet player your whole life, like Paul Litteral has, all the gigs, rehearsals, recordings and hanging out with friends and fellow musicians…talking shop and cracking jokes..have been the best of times.

Paul has told me many times..… that he has sooo enjoyed playing every single project of his career.
Many of the artists he works with, have expressed these same thoughts…Their musical lives have been the most extraordinary moments…and that Paul, if he ever gets a break from gigging? Should write his memoirs… which upon reflection…really struck at chord (pun intended).

Now, with a ray of hope that things are looking increasingly optimistic, with people getting vaccinated and businesses gradually opening back up, it feels like we are at the end of a strange dream. And so the PAUL LITTERAL solo project begins.

It ‘s time for him to gather all his fortunate experiences and invite friends to help put together a record..a retrospective …that will help create a new memory in this new era, to add to the other great stories!

I was so thrilled when Paul approached me about producing this project..it has been a LONG time coming…so exciting. Here’s where fans and friends and cohorts of Paul Litteral come in! If you’ve ever
played with Paul…or heard Paul play…you KNOW what an extraordinary artist and player …he really is.

We have begun this GOFUNDME…with you in mind. No donation TOO small…we would really appreciate your support…to put this LEGACY record together…

Thanks to everyone , in advance, for the part they play in loving and supporting music.
Angela O’Neill, Producer “Legacy”

Paul Litteral's Legacy

We are excited to announce a new member of the Outrageous8 coming onboard with Outrageous8 Records. After many years in the music industry and playing with A list headliners, our trumpet player Paul Litteral could be considered a veteran LA musician. He’s had an extensive music career and we are very grateful to have him play with us in Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8.

Outrageous8 Records welcome Paul as our latest artist to represent. We are working with Paul now to produce his first solo album and have started a go fund me fundraiser to help raise funds to make help make this project a reality..

Paul was featured with the Outrageous8 Artist Profile series, which you can view HERE

Paul’s musician profile below provides an overview of his music career.

“Hollywood” Paul Litteral, (trumpet player) is a Kentucky native. He moved to New York City during a brief stint in the Navy’s music program out of high school. He went on to form the world-renowned Uptown Horns with Saxophonist Arno Hecht. Along with Crispan Cioe (sax), and Bob Funk (trombone), their four-piece horn section spent the best part of a decade performing and recording with greats from all walks of music. Artists such as: Ray Charles, Etta James, James Brow, Albert Collins Sammy Davis Jr., The B 52s, Cameo and many many more. Paul also toured and recorded with hall of fame artists J. Gelis, Robert Plant and the Honey Drippers, and the Rolling Stones. The experience gained from this has now led us to this project . After many years of flying out to LA. to record or perform he has now made it his home where he still performs and records with a new set of artists adding to a Legacy of music.

Please click on the button above if you’d like to make a donation to his go fund me campaign.

We thank you for your support. Donations can be made anonymously or your can select to have your name visible. This is up to each person individually.

As the project gets underway, we’ll be providing updates.

If you’d like to join our mailing list and you’re not already on it, please subscribe to receive exclusive news and chance to win campaigns for subscribers only,

Christmas 2020 Holiday message from Angela O'Neill

A special Holiday message…

From Angela O’Neill

Driving around my neighborhood, it seems like my neighbors…and our neighbors…have really embraced the Holiday Spirit…with GREAT enthusiasm…as this challenging year…starts to wind down to it’s conclusion.

There is much to be thankful for…and there is much to grieve.  So many lives lost…and yet we soldier on…don’t we.  Comforting each other and encouraging each other when times are tough. 

There are always exceptions…this has been a very tough and stressful year for so many…and we send blessings and love to the people who are still in harms way or still suffering and grieving.

This past year has been a bittersweet year for The Outrageous8 and our fans. 

We LOVE playing live…that’s pretty much what we DO as a band…

I personally, LOVE the improvisational part of having a live audience.  Looking around and seeing the pure JOY on peoples’ faces as the band and I play. And the people are GROOVIN with the music…knowing that we brought our audience a little respite and enjoyment…is truly satisfying.

  In the last few years…we have lucky enough to play a couple of times a month…had pretty darn regular gigs…all over town…  I don’t have to tell anyone…what happened in March.

A couple of venues that were regular gigs for us …are now closed.  We’ll never play those again.  It does seem strange to say that.

 As a group…we struggled to keep our heads up and see any HOPE of doing anything creative with the shut down

Then…myself and Al Timss and Harry Smallenburg…decided to stay creative and stay IN IT..produce  a Christmas Album together…and we STILL keep our Wednesday rehearsal nights…just by Zoom.

 We encouraged each other…and protected and each other and have inspired each other…through these difficult months.  

We managed to put on Safe Block Parties in Al’s Cul De Sac…Produce dozens of “stay at home” video/audio recordings, thanks to our Producers of those video/audio productions… Michael Rosen and Kathryn Hopkins.

 Its gonna be an unusual Holiday Season…that’s for sure. 

Kathryn and I have put together little gifty bundles…with CD’s and t shirts and hats…in case, like everyone else, you are shopping online the band does need  your support…as all musicians are at zero earnings.

But most importantly, even though we cannot be together to enjoy a music experience  Live right this second?   The Outrageous8 and I and Al and Kathryn and Jackie…and Bill A. Jones…I think we all agree…

Please be safe…and hold your loved ones tight….if there is one Christmas message I can send to everyone?  I send you love and joy and a celebration of the little things in life…a lovely clear day, a moment without traffic…the lovely sound of Christmas music you enjoy A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON TO ALL.

xxoo      Angela

Holiday Jazz Album 'Home for the Holidays' review by Scott Yanow

Home for the Holidays- Album Review

by Scott Yanow, Jazz Journalist / Historian

Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous 8

Home For The Holidays

Angela O’Neill and her Outrageous 8 perform 14 beloved Christmas songs on their latest outing. Ms. O’Neill grew up in a musical family and originally studied classical music, playing oboe, flute and saxophone. In high school she became very attracted to swinging jazz and developed a love for singing with big bands. In recent times she has sung with the Angel City Big Band and the Woody James Orchestra. In 2017 she formed the Outrageous 8 and they soon made their debut recording Live at the VW.

Many of the best Christmas albums have been recorded during the heat of summer and Home For The Holidays is no exception. In August in the midst of the Covid pandemic, somehow bandleader Angela O’Neill was able to gather together the members of the Outrageous 8 in the backyard of Al Timss (with social distancing of course) and record this entire album during two warm days, without any editing or overdubbing.

With the inventive arrangements of trombonist Harry Smallenburg (other than “The Christmas Song” which was arranged by Rocky Davis), the eight instrumentalists sound very much like a big band, clearly inspiring the leader and her two guest vocalists Al Timss and Jackie Gibson. “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” serves as a happy beginning, introducing Angela O’Neill’s strong and attractive voice (which has a wide range) and the complementary horns. “Feliz Navidad,” which is always a joyful song, is heard in a charming version that features the two guest singers. “Silent Night” is given a respectful and lightly swinging treatment while “Winter Weather,” a lesser-known but infectious song that was performed in the 1950s by Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee, receives a welcome revival.

Jackie Gibson is featured on “Jingle Bells,” Angela O’Neill is showcased on a heartfelt version of “The Christmas Song,” and “Baby It’s Cold Outside” is heard in an energetic and playful rendition by Angela and Al Timss. The Outrageous 8 gets to cut loose a bit during instrumental versions of “Funky Drummer Boy” and “We Three Kings” (renamed “We Be Kings”) with several of the horn players (most notably baritonist Richard Walker) taking concise solos. Al Timss’ warm voice is heard at its best on “Blue Christmas,” “Let It Snow” is given a brief and witty version, and “Silver Bells” has all three singers joining in; the waltz shifts to 4/4 time for its instrumental section. Angela and Al Timss create another memorable duet on “Winter Wonderland” before the set concludes with “Rudolph’s Mindfulness,” an inventive reworking of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Home For The Holidays is a delightful and creative set of Yuletide favorites that is sure to be a hit during every Christmas season.

Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian

Dec 5 Block Party Holiday Jazz Album Release

If you hadn’t already seen it, we are holding our next block party on December 5th. This is a date change from previously advertised Dec 6th.

The reason for the date change is due to work commitments, with Angela’s schedule as a prop master and being in the entertainment industry and movie business in Los Angeles, one has to be flexible because you plans can change, often without a lot of notice.

So, we are excited to be doing another live music event and do follow all the safety advice.

Some of our very loyal fans for the Outrageous8 come to our live music events in Los Angeles, although we don’t expect huge crowds and prefer a smaller gathering to do our part.

Bill A Jones who joined our last live music event will be returning once again. He’s going to MC the event and perform. We love having Bill A. Jones along. He brings so much with his rich history in performance. In case you didn’t know, Bill A. Jones has quite an extensive Hollywood career. In fact, we could probably name a few movies he’s appeared in that you might have seen. He’s also a great singer and entertainer.

The lovely Jackie Gibson will also be joining us. Jackie is an music veteran and has been performing in Los Angles for many years. We love having her to join us and she brings her own flair to the show, especially with her Spanish songs. So we can cater to the Hispanic community now, as a way to bring people together through music.

Al Timss, nicknamed the Duke of Smooth will be joining us. Al is an integral part of Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8. He does so much for the band other than his vocal performance and we’re so grateful for that. Al has a super interesting career and is well known and admired in the Los Angeles Jazz Community.

With the holidays upon us, we will have CD’s for sale live and we also have our new store setup. Stop by our store to see what’s available. Our latest album Quarantunes has recently been added along with our other albums and band merchandise. If you’re thinking about holiday gifts , consider buying some items from our online store.

Our thanks to KGEM-TV who filmed our last live music event in Los Angeles. We are fortunate enough to have them filming our Dec 5 live music event and will make the replay available after the event.

If you haven’t seen our latest video release, check it out right here ‘Hallelujah i love him so’. It’s part of our ‘Quarantunes’ album now available at our online store and recorded completely remotely during the shelter in place time in Los Angeles in 2020.

We hope you enjoy! Don’t forget to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter.

Thank you as always for your support!

The Outrageous8

Quarantunes Album Release

With the recent release of our album titled Quarantunes, we wanted to share some of the back story and give some insight as to the inspiration for the album. Read on to hear from the lady herself, Angela O’Neill.

How  the record……Quarantunes came about… OCTOBER 19TH        

 March 13th 2020, is the day that the world of music, as we know it…and the world at large, in California…stopped on a dime.

 I’m sure history will perhaps write a different  tale…but one second we were working full time…and the next…we shut our doors and are sheltered in place.

 The Outrageous8 Jazzy Big Band Octet and I…really could NOT figure out what to do.  The music union was closed (still is)…all possible rehearsal areas closed…and moving around from place to place…NOT recommended.    Once we all figure out Zoom?  The Whole Band…and Al Timss and Jackie Gibson and Kathryn Hopkins, our Marketing Manager….all put our heads together…Making sure that everyone was  keeping safe and had the food and supplies that they needed.  Through the Zooms we started talking about the mechanics…of what it would take to record a tune…NOT being able to be anywhere near each other??  It truly was a challenge like none we had ever faced.

 Rocky Davis…had just put together a beautifully heart wrenching arrangement of  a great song called FOR ALL WE KNOW…and we started to look at each other on the zooms and say …CAN WE DO IT?  Through the technical acumen of our super genius, Michael Rosen…and  a couple of  other bands releasing videos of songs they had recorded on social media…we thought…LET’S TRY IT!

 Our very first tune….the we all recorded separately, in our houses….was FOR ALL WE KNOW…then we continued on with  remixes  and a fresh new arrangement from HARRY SMALLENBURG…of Hallelujah , I love you so….The Outrageous8 and I recorded ENTIRELY sheltered in place….and then Al Timss and Da Boyz recorded one of my favorite songs that Al sings…called Autumn Leaves…

 As I’m writing this, I realize that how INCREDIBLY difficult …and TIME CONSUMING this process has really been…it’s really difficult to put into words. ( It took 5 weeks to mix the Audio of For all we know…and another 5 weeks to cut the video)….all of it …on the most basic of recording tools…a lot of times…recorded onto our Iphones! 

 We have managed, thanks to the generosity of Al Timss and his Cul De Sac…to have OUTDOOR Safetly Protocols and Social Distancing followed SUNSET BLOCK PARTIES….and again thanks to the generosity of founding  member Al Timss….we have a beautiful open air backyard to rehearse in…we even get a clap or two…when the neighbors like our tunesJ

 We also managed to record an entire Christmas Album…in the self same backyard…can’t wait to have that ready for our music buffs…by the Holidays.

Most of all…thank you to our friends and families and music fans.  You helped us with our fundraiser and you amaze us with your support…thank you so much for everything you do…xooxo  Angela, Sam, Harry, Paul, Rich, Ron, Michael, Phil and Rocky…Al Timss and Jackie and our Kathryn Hopkins…  Stay Well. xoxo

Hallelujah I Love You So video release and Quarantunes album reveal

Join us on our facebook band page Friday October 23 for a special video release and ‘Quarantunes’ album reveal.

How the record……Quarantunes came about… OCTOBER 19TH

March 13th 2020, is the day that the world of music, as we know it…and the world at large, in California…stopped on a dime.

I’m sure history will perhaps write a different  tale…but one second we were working full time…and the next…we shut our doors and are sheltered in place.

The Outrageous8 Jazzy Big Band Octet and I…really could NOT figure out what to do.  The music union was closed (still is)…all possible rehearsal areas closed…and moving around from place to place…NOT recommended.    Once we all figure out Zoom?  The Whole Band…and Al Timss and Jackie Gibson and Kathryn Hopkins, our Marketing Manager….all put our heads together…Making sure that everyone was  keeping safe and had the food and supplies that they needed.  Through the Zooms we started talking about the mechanics…of what it would take to record a tune…NOT being able to be anywhere near each other??  It truly was a challenge like none we had ever faced.

Rocky Davis…had just put together a beautifully heart wrenching arrangement of  a great song called FOR ALL WE KNOW…and we started to look at each other on the zooms and say …CAN WE DO IT?  Through the technical acumen of our super genius, Michael Rosen…and  a couple of  other bands releasing videos of songs they had recorded on social media…we thought…LET’S TRY IT!

Our very first tune….the we all recorded separately, in our houses….was FOR ALL WE KNOW…then we continued on with  remixes  and a fresh new arrangement from HARRY SMALLENBURG…of Hallelujah , I love you so….The Outrageous8 and I recorded ENTIRELY sheltered in place….and then Al Timss and Da Boyz recorded one of my favorite songs that Al sings…called Autumn Leaves…

As I’m writing this, I realize that how INCREDIBLY difficult …and TIME CONSUMING this process has really been…it’s really difficult to put into words. ( It took 5 weeks to mix the Audio of For all we know…and another 5 weeks to cut the video)….all of it …on the most basic of recording tools…a lot of times…recorded onto our Iphones! 

We have managed, thanks to the generosity of Al Timss and his Cul De Sac…to have OUTDOOR Safetly Protocols and Social Distancing followed SUNSET BLOCK PARTIES….and again thanks to the generosity of founding  member Al Timss….we have a beautiful open air backyard to rehearse in…we even get a clap or two…when the neighbors like our tunesJ

We also managed to record an entire Christmas Album…in the self same backyard…can’t wait to have that ready for our music buffs…by the Holidays.

Most of all…thank you to our friends and families and music fans.  You helped us with our fundraiser and you amaze us with your support…thank you so much for everything you do…xooxo  Angela, Sam, Harry, Paul, Rich, Ron, Michael, Phil and Rocky…Al Timss and Jackie and our Kathryn Hopkins…  Stay Well. xoxo

PRESS RELEASE: ANNOUNCING OUTRAGEOUS8 RECORDS

LOS ANGELES:-September 1, 2020

Welcome to the Newly Formed Outrageous8 Record Label 

Famously, necessity is the mother of invention, so we joyfully present the collaborative work of many, in the formation of:  Outrageous8 Records. 

Life, as we  all knew it, stopped nearly on a dime in March of 2020 ( a birthday present I’ll never forget for sure) as the then emerging Covid Pandemic brought the activities of the professional musicians that have comprised Angela O’Neill & the Outrageous8, to a virtual halt.  Just as we were experiencing an exhilarating surge of popularity & success, even being named one of the top ten Independent bands in LA in 2019! 

Like everyone, we spent the first few weeks of our new normal struggling to comprehend the limitations & conditions imposed by this crisis,  but,  like the creative & inspired artists that we are, that quickly evolved to exploring the new options available to us.

Thus began, our group exploration…of the talent we have RIGHT HERE…in the Outrageous8.  Ron, our alto player, started doing video projects with a friend of the band/family, Brent Butterworth.    Ron and Brent  began writing extraordinary all original material…Harry Smallenburg and I were talking about his extraordinarily sophisticated Nonet CD’s and future collaborations with some incredible talents…and thus, the inspiration for OUTRAGESOU8 RECORDS.

September 2020…we are beginning to feel some hope.

And with that hope comes the OUTRAGEOUS8 RECORDS wish…

Keep the ones you love close and safe…relish and support the talents of those who are right in front of you!

As we’ve been shut in…so our group creativity has bloomed and fostered a bond in this group of people.

Please welcome…the OUTRAGEOUS8 RECORDS label…as we explore the talents of some of the MOST amazing musicians that we know.

We invite you to check out our new OUTRAGEOUS8 RECORDS page here on the website. We’ll be adding artists that we represent along the way and letting you know about special promotional nights to showcase our artists. Please join our mailing list if you’re not already on it.

Stay safe,

Angela O’Neill
Outrageous8 Records