Touring Sensation BETTER THAN EZRA At
Long Last To Release Live Material Perennial Touring Band Finally Gives Into Fan Demand,
With Live DVD and CD Recorded During Homecoming Concert
In New Orleans, LA
Two Brand New Songs Included on CD, Previewing The Band's Forthcoming Album Live At House of Blues New Orleans DVD and CD Both In Stores September 28th Via Sanctuary Records
One of the most popular touring bands on the road today, Better Than Ezra will release what is surprisingly their first live album as well as a companion DVD, both titled Live At House of Blues New Orleans, on September 28th (Sanctuary Records). Recorded last year in the bandıs hometown, the live collection is a long-overdue reward for their intensely devoted fans who have followed the band throughout their 16 year career, and serves as a 'greatest hits' collection, the first compilation of all their radio hits and personal favorites.
For a band that has made their mark - and built a successful career - out of their steady stream of live performances, the live album and DVD are considerably overdue. After their platinum debut, 1995ıs Deluxe, spawned a #1 Modern Rock hit with ³Good,² Better Than Ezra hit the road. And never really left. Aside from taking time out to record three more albums and release a slew of Modern Rock radio hits such as 1996ıs Top 5 song 'King of New Orleans', 'Desperately Wanting' which climbed to #11 in 1997, and the Top 20 'At The Stars' in 1999, Better Than Ezra never abandoned their first love. Nor did their fans. For the past decade, BTE have toured relentlessly, with fans returning to their concerts religiously.
People magazine said that with their last release, 2001's Closer, 'Better Than Ezra weighs in with its best album yet. Better than ever' while the New York Post said it was 'easily the best collection that band has created, truly superb songs.' The album's first single, 'Extra Ordinary,' rose to #13 on the Adult Top 40 Chart just as their record company decided to close its doors. Undaunted, the band continued to tour, spending the past three years crossing the country and back again while writing and road testing new songs. Lead singer/songwriter Kevin Griffin also began working with other artists, and in this year alone, no less than 25 of his songs will be released by other acts. Among them, 'Perfect Time of Day' became a #1 AAA radio hit and VH1 favorite for newcomer Howie Day, and Blondie's version of his 'Good Boys' propelled their comeback album.
Live At House of Blues New Orleans captures Griffin's charismatic and downright likable personality on camera, and his laid back, seductively appealing vocals dominate the CD. Drummer Travis McNabb and bassist Tom Drummond are equally unpretentious, and undeniably talented. Mixing a little country, a little punk, a little rock and a lot of melody, Better Than Ezra have quietly mastered the art of sophisticated alt-rock.
Better Than Ezra are currently in the studio working on their new album, to be released next year. And, yes, they will continue to tour the country, including stops in the following cities:
September 9 Hammond, LA SE Louisiana University
September 18 Mississippi State, MS Mississippi State University
September 23 Baton Rouge, LA Varsity Theatre
September 24 Baton Rouge, LA Varsity Theatre
September 26 Alexandria, LA KQID Radio Bash
September 30 Macon, GA Mercer University
October 2 Greensboro, NC Zone Fest Œ04
October 16 Natchez, MS Great Mississippi River Balloon Race
October 21 Tuscaloosa, AL Jupiter Bar
October 22 Winston-Salem, NC Ziggyıs
October 23 Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues
October 24 Atlanta, GA Andrews Fall Music Festival
October 26 Tulsa, OK Cainıs
October 27 Austin, TX La Zona Rosa
October 28 Houston, TX Numbers
October 29 Dallas, TX Gypsy Tea Room
October 30 Shreveport, LA The Strand Theater
November 11 Columbia, MO Blue Note
November 12 Lincoln, NE Roccoo Theater
November 13 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line
November 14 Duluth, MN Northshore Auditorium
November 16 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue
November 18 Chicago, IL House of Blues
November 19 Chicago, IL House of Blues
November 20 Detroit, MI The Majestic
November 21 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
December 5 Boston, MA Avalon Theater
December 7 New York, NY Irving Plaza
December 8 Philadelphia, PA The Trocadero
December 10 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
December 11 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom