Weekly News from Angela O'Neill #101

Weekly news #101

From the desk of Angela O’Neill.
Photo credit to my friend Shawn for his artistic treatment of a beachside selfie.

Tuesday May 11th...4:3 0am Raleigh, North Carolina time...

It's an early morning in North Carolina...as I'm doing my music emails...emailing Harry about new Charts...and putting together some details about Paul Litteral's solo Album...about his song list...and I realize how much I really love music. No matter what time of day or early morning...I always seem to have the energy and interest to do the work. Music is so much it's own reward.

Bill Bodine, who is co producing two projects with me right now, and I were saying last night, how amazing the Outrageous8 are.

The Band survived a yearlong pandemic...now and again a little disagreement...a few misunderstandings here and there...and yet? We are still going strong...It's just a moment of reflection...to acknowledge how lucky I personally, really feel, to have gathered such an incredible group of musicians...and that we have managed to stick together...and have soo much fun and enjoy each other's company and music.

Had a zoom with Ron and Brent...the members of Take 2 on Sunday...The tunes have been sent in for Mastering...and all three of us are REALLY excited about that. The three of us are discussing what the future of that project might look like...which is always interesting when one is doing Jazz. We all agree it's a passion project ...that just started as them messing around...but honestly..who knows! We made a record...and now the Promo part of it...goes off to Kathryn...and we are on our way!

Harry and Paul and Bill Bodine and I are going forward on the recording of the next OUTRAGEOUS8 RECORD...I think the title may be 'THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL"...seems apropo...after the last year. I'm working with my Graphic designer, Nate, on images that evoke the feeling of that. A very tense and scary year...where we lost so many...the grieving of that...the hope of the future. Looks like we'll record the next record at the end of June...it's very exciting stuff.

Amazing new charts by Harry Smallenburg who we are working with on his own original music, and Rocky Davis...to be recorded on this next one.

The band and I are revving up!

I hope everyone is starting to feel this renewal and hope. I know there have been so many losses in this past year...so much pain. May we all start to heal together.

xoxoxo
Angela

Weekly news from Angela O'Neill #100

It's May 1st...May Day...! A great time celebrate the beginnings of new things...in a year when the world is just beginning to wake up from a solid year of being shut in...and shut down...there is ...LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL...Funny that phrase should come to mind :) because that is the title of the brand new project and soon to be new CD of ANGELA O'NEILL AND THE OUTRAGEOUS8...Produced by Outrageous8 Records... Angela O'Neill, Bill Bodine and Harry Smallenburg.

Write on your calendar, because Da Boyz and I and a bunch of fabulous guest singers are gonna be at FEINSTEIN’s VITELLOS...on July 10th, 2021. this is a return to our Big Band Brunch that was scheduled in 2020 and we are incredibly grateful and excited to have re-booked.

Doors open 12 noon and we downbeat at 1pm...and show ends at 2pm.

We'll be playing some cuts off the new record and some old favorites....and we are very excited to see old and new friends there to celebrate HOPE FLOATS. That is the theme of our BIG BAND BRUNCH...at Feinstin’s Vitellos in Studio City, Los Angeles. Box office is open Mon-Fri from 11am to 3pm...or just go to www.vitellosrestaurant.com or call 818/769-0905 extension 1 to make your reservations!

Outrageous8 records also has a LOT of fun projects that are beginning to move forward.

Take 2 with Ron Cyger (alto player in the Outrageous8) and Brent Butterworth...just turned in their out tunes to be Mastered...YAY! Things are chugging along. They have a new album due for release this year! Their first album.

We are fundraising for Paul Litteral on his solo project entitled LEGACY...Outrageous8 Records, Bill Bodine and Angela O'Neill are producing that project. We are currently picking tunes and creating arrangements. We are accepting donations for Paul’s album project, no donation to small (or big). If you’d like to donate, please visit the gofundme page.

Our super secret and fun project with Kathryn Hopkins is moving along...creating our first project.....as we speak :). Outrageous8 Records are producing this 'project’ ….and there is some foreign language and musicians involved….stay tune for more updates on that. We are delighted to have Kathryn on our humble label and working with us.

More videos for Inadequate Adult Supervision are in the works in May, June....for Harry Smallenburg's CD's...which will also be available For Sale at our Live Show at Vitellos.. You can check out Harry’s album in our store HERE.

Other than that...not much going on, but wanted to thank each and every one of you that is on this mailing list, for being part of Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8. You might not get to all or some of our shows, but you’re here on this mailer and we really appreciate that.

Stay tuned for the next weekly update!

Angela

'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