EASY STAR ALL-STARS' NEW DIGITAL EP DUE FEB 26

Easy Star Records is pleased to announce the release of a digital EP by the Easy Star All-Stars on February 26. UNTIL THAT DAY showcases five original songs from the band behind DUB SIDE OF THE MOON and RADIODREAD, two of the most successful reggae albums of the decade (the two records combined have sold 200,000 copies since release). It also includes a previously unreleased dub version of “Climbing Up The Walls” from the RADIODREAD sessions. It will be available exclusively through iTunes beginning February 26 and available everywhere else March 11. A limited number of physical copies will be printed, as well, to be sold at shows.

While many think the Easy Star All-Stars only pay tribute to classic rock albums, there has always been original music coming from the collective. Originally formed in 1997 for Easy Star Records’ first recordings (including the first ever Easy Star release, EASY STAR VOLUME ONE), the Easy Star All-Stars existed mostly as a studio entity until releasing DUB SIDE OF THE MOON in 2003. The success of that album — still sitting on Billboard’s Reggae Chart five years later — led to the formation of a touring version of the collective. In 2006, the ESAS released the follow-up to DUB SIDE, tackling Radiohead’s OK Computer (renamed RADIODREAD). This album has had similar success, solidifying the band’s reputation for experimentation, originality and incredible live shows.

As anyone who has seen any of the band’s 200+ shows in the past five years knows, besides playing cuts from both tribute albums, the Easy Star All-Stars also have a number of their own original songs that make it into their sets. Five of these fan favorites have found their way on to UNTIL THAT DAY, showcasing the diverse writing talents of many members of the band:

* The classic roots cut “Got To Get Away” features guitarist Junior Jazz on vocals and horns arranged by sax player Jennifer Hill.
* The music for “Bed Of Rose” was written by drummer Ive-09, while Menny More supplied the vocals for this dancehall track.
* “Like The Stars” was written by keyboardist Jeremy Mage, with lyrics by singer Tamar-kali.
* “Until That Day” was written by bassist Ras IRay (and was in the set at the first ever live show by the band in May 2003). It includes a chat by Menny More.
** “The Finest” was written by Jeremy Mage and Menny More, again with horn arrangements by Jennifer Hill.

The EP was produced by Easy Star All-Stars founder Michael Goldwasser along with the band. The tracks were recorded in between European tours last summer that brought the band to the UK, Ireland, Egypt, Poland, Italy and Turkey. The Easy Star All-Stars will continue their busy touring schedule in 2008, with shows announced for February 15-18 in three cities in Colorado (including two nights opening for Michael Franti and Spearhead) and two shows in Halifax and Moncton, Canada, March 21-22.