Jaco & His Electric Bass

It's documentary time boys & girls!

JACO, A full-length documentary film chronicling the life, music and ongoing influence of the mythic electric bass pioneer Jaco Pastorius, is being released on DVD/BluRay on Nov. 27, 2015. Produced by Robert Trujillo (bassist, Metallica) JACO incorporates interviews with musical visionaries including Sting, Joni Mitchell, Flea, Jerry Jemmott, Bootsy Collins, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana and many others with never-before-seen photos and films from the Pastorius family archive. This extraordinary film reveals the story behind Jaco's life and music, both as a solo artist and member of Weather Report, the tragic arc of his demise and early death and the enduring influence and inspiration of his artistry and genius.

The DVD / BluRay release is a two-disc set. Disc 1 is the film and Disc 2 Features bonus material: 30 never before seen interviews with Joni Mitchell, Carlos Santana, Bootsy Collins and many more. They talk about Jaco's incredible contributions to music, how he changed the instrument as well as musical boundaries, and also Jaco the person.

JACO had its world premiere earlier this year at Austin's SxSW Film Conference & Festival, and has appeared in many film festivals around the world winning awards at the inaugural Asbury Park Music Film Festival as well as the Athens Film Festival.

The film "(captures) the essence of what made Jaco Pastorius such an influential artist," declared the Montreal Gazette, praising "the glowing words of interviewees and the many recorded and live musical excerpts that he lets speak for themselves" and hailing JACO as "an enlightening introduction to a groundbreaking musician."

"A brilliant film about a brilliant musician. I love every minute of it." - Michael Kurtz, co-founder, Record Store Day.

The DVD / Blu-ray / etc will be distributed in the U.S. by MVD Entertainment Group. In Europe, contact Proper Records and Music Sales Ltd. In Canada, contact Conveyor / Universal

For more information and updates: www.JacoTheFilm.com

The red-carpet, world premier screening of JACO will take place at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Downtown LA on November 22nd followed by a concert featuring Robert Trujillo and Mass Mental, Felix Pastorius and Hipster Assassins, special guest performers including Billy Idol, Flea, and more surprise guests to come. Tickets are now available, VIP tickets include a meet and greet with the artists: http://j.mp/1FVqOtJ

Pre-Order from MVD: http://bit.ly/1NfEnkP

Amazon Preorder: http://amzn.to/1XSJZJh

Jealous Much? Kate Winslet

My Daughter Is So Jealous!
Kate Winslet & Liam Hemsworth

Apparently, in the world according to Kate Winslet. Her daughter Mia was quite envious that she got to film steamy sex scenes with Liam Hemsworth for her latest film The Dressmaker.

As Kate puts it: “Liam is a lovely, lovely guy, much is made of how he looks and he’s physically extremely beautiful but he’s a fabulous chap and was really up for mucking in with the rest of us,” she muses “But my daughter Mia was extremely jealous, along with all of her friends.”

She also reveals that she would not even know who Liam's character was in The Hunger Games if it wasn't for daughter Mia.

Some girls have all the luck, some guys do too!

Kate on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000701/?ref_=nv_sr_3

Liam on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2955013/?ref_=nv_sr_2

Margaret Cho Goes "Grasshopper"

Margaret Sheared
Photo: Dan Tuffs

"Sexual abuse, becomes self abuse if you don't murder the rapist inside you" - Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho stated on her recent appearance on The View that she wants you to "snatch the pebble from my hand" for those of you who don't know the TV classic Kung Fu, well Grasshopper you have much to learn...that's why Wikipedia was invented. 

Yes, Cho has sheared her hair for her video I Want To Kill My Rapist which debuts tomorrow, Friday the 13th on PerezHilton.com.

The song is about people expressing their views and ridding themselves of their anger against all types of sexual abuse. As Margaret puts it: "Cathartic rage has to have voice."

Watch the clip from Margaret's appearance on The View below.

Looking forward to seeing you again at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, CA Saturday the 14th Margaret, it's been too long. 

                                                                 The View 

Kill Your Rapist With Margaret at: 
https://twitter.com/margaretcho
margaretcho.com/
https://www.facebook.com/officialmargaretcho/    

American Horror Story: Hump Day

It's In His Kiss
Finn Wittrock & Lady Gaga

Happy American Horror Story: Hump Day Everyone! It's that time of the week when we all tune into FX and get our freak on with American Horror Story: Hotel.

Personally I am loving this season, the shows best since Murder House and Asylum. To all of you out there who thought Lady Gaga couldn't make the grade, suck it!

The story has been unfolding slowly, it is one you had to stick with until around episode three for the motivations, addictions and flaws of the characters truly started to be revealed. Wow! Is all I have to say, and this is the first season since the first two that I have actually found the material to have visceral and truly disturbing undertones. 

Here is an image from an upcoming episode of Lady Gaga and Finn Wittrock producing steam for their AHS: Bad Romance, hey is there ever such thing as a Good Romance in the "Horror Story" world? I think not!

Enjoy your check in to the Cortez tonight!

Get Your "Horror" on at: 

https://www.facebook.com/americanhorrorstory/

Matt Zarley Is A "hopefulRomantic"

Broadway veteran, Billboard dance sensation and People Magazine’s first-ever gay “Hottest Bachelor” Matt Zarley has received critical acclaim as an LGBT artist for over a decade since his debut on the music scene.  As one of the first openly gay male artists in music, a lot has changed in the world for the LGBT community. In his latest endeavor, hopefulROMANTIC, Zarley has created an original musical film about one man's emotional journey through love, heartbreak, and healing. It's a universal story about loving, letting go, and holding onto faith that there's somebody for everybody.  In addition, the film also features film and TV icon, Star Trek star and LGBT activist, George Takei. 

The project consists of not only the film but, the original soundtrack and pop album titled “hopefulROMANTIC – The Deluxe Edition,” featuring new, acoustic renditions of songs featured in the film, as well as a bonus video duet with Jeb Havens – all available now!!!

Say Hello, Matt.

Matt Zarley

MS: I was just watching the trailer for "hopefulRomantic" for the third time when you called, it's gained a lot of fans.

MZ:  Yeah, well, thank you. It's really cool.

MS: So, what was the inspiration for the project?

MZ: Originally I was writing a little CD of love songs. Very fond and very sweet, I was in love at the time, in a relationship, very happy. I wrote a song called "Somebody For Everybody" it's very up and fun, and I wanted to stay on that path. A couple of weeks before the writing process for the EP my relationship ended. I was sideswiped, I didn't see it coming, it ended very abruptly. It really broke my heart. Well, than when that happened I wanted the EP to be really different and I wrote the song called "Constantly" which is featured in the film. It's about when you break-up with somebody and you run into each other in the future, you don't want them to see you dying. Your heart is broke and you don't want then to see you like that. All of it is completely opposite of what I meant the EP to be. This message was what was relate able to me at the time and everybody, universal. So I started finishing the songs with that idea in mind. In that process I re-connected with Ben Pollack who directed my "Trust Me" music video. He called me and said: "What's going on?" I sent him the demo for "Constantly" and he said I'll direct this music video for free. So I told him I had an idea for three music videos for a project with one narrative. That's how it started. As I was finishing the song, as every writer I started to fall in love with my stuff. I started to think it would be great if this chorus would transition into this next song, so before I knew it all the songs were connected and it became an actual short film. 

MS: Very cool.

Oh My!
Matt Zarley & George Takei

MZ:  I wanted to have a figure in the film that represented a sort of mentor figure. The thought was to get George Takei, that would be a home run, that would be it! 

MS: Yeah, I was going to ask you about that, I thought, look! It's George!

MZ: Stafford Arima, who is the director of George's show on Broadway right now "Allegiance" is a really dear friend of mine. I was I New York, he was in New York and we were going to shoot a song and I asked him: "would you feel comfortable doing an E-Mail to George? I would love him to be involved in this project if he is interested."

MS: That's great!

MZ: Honestly, I didn't know if he was going to have the time. He was enjoying a revival in his career and all these incredible things are happening. Not to mention he has taken over social media.

MS: Yeah, he really has taken over social media. (both laugh)

MZ: The stars were aligned I guess. It just worked out. The whole shoot was an incredible experience. It's a very personal project, but I also learned in the creative process how much I am not married to my own stuff, which is very important for me to learn about myself. It also made me aware of a lot of skills I didn't realize I had. It's been a wonderful two years for me, it has opened my eyes a lot to where I want to go with my career.     

                                                       "hopefulRomantic" Trailer

MS: How do you think social media affects romantic relationships?

MZ: I think it depends on how much you buy into it and put yourself out there. My last relationship was a little more out there than I have ever been before. I keep a pretty private life I think, for the most part. But people knew who he was. We were just a little more visible I guess. I would not do that again. Because if it doesn't work out, you have to explain yourself and everyone gets in your business. You have all these snarky comments why people thought it ended. It's like: "None of you know." I'm not the type of person to air my laundry for everyone to know. It's not my scene, I don't need to do that for my own game.

MS: You're preaching to the choir on that one.

MZ: I can't stand people who post on Facebook, their single, their in a relationship, it's constant status changing. When they break-up with someone and air their whole fight on social media. It's just so tired. I don't get it and it leaves a really bad taste in my mouth.

MS: Mine too!

MZ: I don't even voice my critical opinion on pop culture. I never really voice my critical opinion on anything. Not only because you don't know who is going to read it and how it could back and bite you in the ass number one. But who cares what I think?! (both laugh)

MS: Ditto. 

MZ: When you're in love it's fine to share it. It's when you break up and shit comes down, and you get to the minute updates on stuff. That's when I'm like, ugh!

MS: I agree. Is it safe to assume Matt, that you are still a "hopefulRomantic?" 

MZ: Yes, I am. This project really helped heal me in a very personal way.  

hopefulROMANTIC (the short film and recording) is available on iTunes and other digital outlets. For more information visit MattZarley.com or hopefulROMANTICmovie.com.  

Follow Matt on Social Media at:
https://instagram.com/mattzarley/
https://twitter.com/mattzarley
https://www.facebook.com/mattzarley/

Kelly Mantle: "Your Keystrokes Won't Destroy Me"

Kelly Mantle Releases “Keyboard Courage”, The Debut Single From Her Upcoming “Duality” Album

Cyber-Bullying is a terrible thing, I myself as a public person have been on the receiving end of it. Like Kelly Mantle, I too am able to brush it off. However when you are young and have yet to develop coping skills, it can lead to devastating results - Here is the 411 on Kelly's single Keyboard Courage.  

First, Prince William and wife Kate Middleton announced plans to tackle cyber-bullying; now, a queen is joining the fight.  RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Kelly Mantle’s new pop track, “Keyboard Courage”, is intended to be an anthem for anyone who has been harassed or stalked online.  “I’ve been called every name in the book,” she reveals.  “One person tweeted ‘Kelly Mantle is so ugly.  She looks like a burn victim going through chemo.’  Luckily, Kelly’s strong sense of humor allows her to brush off many of the personal attacks, but she wrote the song after meeting young fans being victimized online by kids in their schools. “Not everyone can laugh it off. It’s a scary thought that someone’s heartless, mindless words could drive another person to take their life.”  Kelly Mantle’s  “Keyboard Courage” is available on iTunes now at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/keyboard-courage-single/id1052893996.

                                                              Keyboard Courage

“My hope is that Keyboard Courage can be that song kids listen to and be reminded to not get discouraged by online bullies,” continues Kelly Mantle from her Hollywood home. Produced by Steven Phillips, who also produced Mantle’s last album Satellite Baby,  “Keyboard Courage” is a high energy, 80’s inspired pop track.  It’s fun but with a powerful message.  The lyrics include actual negative comments that Kelly Mantle has received.

It isn’t the first time Kelly Mantle has reflected on real life in her music.  She followed her elimination from RuPaul’s Drag Race with a song called (what else?), “Eliminated”.  

“One of my favorite things to do is to sit down with my guitar or at my piano and create a song about something that just happened to me,” she explains. “I get off on turning life experience into lyrics.  Ya know, figuring out how the rhythm behind the words can convey what happened.  I’m all about turning life into art.”  

Kelly Mantle’s  “Keyboard Courage” is available on iTunes now at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/keyboard-courage-single/id1052893996.   For more information, visit  KellyMantle.com. 

Ph-Ph-Ph-Ph-Ph Photobomb!

The Mad Photobomber
Diane Kruger & Jared Leto

No gala would be complete without a Joker, photobombing someone. Even thought Suicide Squad has wrapped apparently Jared Leto is still staying in character as The Joker, since he did just that to actress Diane Kruger at LACMA's 2015 Art+Film Gala on Saturday.

When Diane saw what had happened she responded on Instagram saying: "Just you wait, I'll get you back f.....@jaredleto." 

I bet you can guess which "F Bomb" she was implying in response to her being Photobombed. "F Bomb" Photobomb - say that tongue twister three times fast I dare ya! 

This is not the first time Leto has done this. He also did it to Ireland Baldwin and Kevin Spacey when they were taking a selfie at last year's Oscars. He also ambushed Anne Hathaway at Vanity Fair's Oscar Party after.

Gotta love that Joker!

Jared on Istagram: https://instagram.com/jaredleto/?hl=en
Diane on Istagram: https://instagram.com/dianekrugerperso/?hl=en