Basia nominated for American Smooth Jazz Award!

(For international vocalist!)

Basia is nominated and votes will begin on April 15th- don't worry, I will remind you incessantly to go vote!

Peter White is also up for several awards.
Full list is here.

Basia between shows in Tokyo last year

Another really fun, upbeat interview but this time, backstage at the Blue Note.

"A Gift" is JazzTrax #5 Song of 2009; ITGA #10 album

The syndicated and internet contemporary jazz radio show JazzTrax has named their best of the year. "A Gift" gets Art Good's nod as his number 5 song of the year. Congratulations to Basia and Danny on this!

(I am surprised we didn't see a single rollout of "A Gift" as originally announced. It would have been a good one. Perhaps it's being saved for 2010?)

Also, he has named It's That Girl Again his #10 album in his Top Ten albums countdown for the year.

You can listen to this show on his site.

Come away with me to Empik

Anyone else dream of a world where you go to your local entertainment emporium and see Basia promoted with gusto? Well my friends, that world is Empik. Piotr snapped some shots of the Basia stuff throughout the Polish retailer, so come with me to the BasiaWeb Collectors group for some wish fulfillment. Krysia has also uploaded photos of the Empik exclusive It's That Girl Again special edition.

Basia in the first person

Thanks to Piotr. This is a gem of a piece from Dziennik in Basia's own words ("as told to.." type of thing) about her life and musical interests.

Polish and English via Google.

There's also a traditional interview from the same paper- in Polish and in English via Google.

(they also had a curious feature- who will be the "next Basia"? Several acts are put forth as contenders. Hey, I'll root for any other Pole to do it too, it's been far too long.)

Also, from a different, American Dziennik is an interview with Basia (narrative, not Q&A) published prior to It's That Girl Again release. English via Google.

Even more stuff from Polish concerts

Thanks to Marcus Some more photos from Zabrze
And some more.

Video bit (in Polish)

Unfortunately TVP has instituted some kind of lock on people watching their videos internationally (why do this?) but if you are in Poland you may be able to see this segment.

Polska Times bit, pre-Warsaw-concert.(In English via Google)
And a similar piece in Gazeta (way to find the worst picture you could, Gazeta)
(English)

Downloadable Basia interview

Via basiasongs.com. Basia always gives a good interview but she's really in her groove here. It was conducted by Mark Watkins for a radio station in the UK before the London shows and he asks her about the new album and the good ol background too. Enthusiastic memories of early Matt Bianco as well.

What's fantastic is that you can download this and listen anytime! Read here for details.

Can she fix it? Yes she can!

Thanks to Krysia for his neat interview for the Gazeta Wyborcza Katowice edition. I like it a whole lot. (Handy Google "translation") Basia talks about Jaworzno a lot, like a lot of places (looks around) there's not enough to do! Also, she talks about the constant home improvement projects and spending way too much time at the Polish equivalent of Home Depot. As do we all. (looks around again...) And of course, that pesky question of dividing your time between two countries.

Can I also say, whoa, Basia and her sis look way too much alike!

Deluxe It's That Girl Again re-release in Poland, EMPIK exclusive includes DVD

and apparently is gold. Wowza. So you get 1. another copy of ITGA 2. including "Clear Horizon '09" and "Oh mama" and 3. A DVD of videos from the previous three albums, including ones from The Sweetest Illusion that have never been released in DVD. (and really, the Yearning video in proper definition is worth the hassle to import this thing, trust) And a mini documentary to boot.

Still with me? Okay, guess what else:
IT'S OUT TUESDAY! EDIT: BUT you must be sure you can play Region 2 PAL DVDs. I do not know if this is in a different format yet, but proceed with caution and do your research if you are in the US)

I know. I reacted the same way. Here's a link in Polish, and heck, here's the one in English-sort-of too.
Here is EMPIK's store, this page can help you change it to English though the ITGA page will still be in Polish. They ship worldwide.

Track listing:
CD:
1. If Not Now Then When
2. Someone For Everyone
3. I Must
4. A Gift
5. Everybody's On The Move
6. There's A Tear
7. Blame It On The Summer
8. Two Islands
9. Love Lies Bleeding
10. Winners
11. They Know Nothing About Us
12. Amelki Śmiech
13. It's That Girl Again
14. Clear Horizon
15. Oh Mama

DVD:
1. Basia – Droga Do Sławy ("Way to Fame"- ha, stop it, you're going to make Basia blush!)
2. Third Time Lucky
3. Yearning
4. Drunk On Love
5. Cruising For Bruising
6. Baby You're Mine
7. Until You Come Back To Me
8. Time & Tide
9. New Day For You

Yeah. Are you agog? I am agog.

(thanks to marek)

"The life and work of the artist born in Jaworzno is almost wrapped in legend."

Not too sure if Google got that right in translation, but I like the sound of it anyway. :) Rather charming write-up on Jaworzno 24 about their native daughter.

Basia on "Zlote slodsze i najslodsze" tomorrow morning

Marek Niedzwiecki announced today that there will be a phone conversation with Basia tomorrow in his Saturday morning program "Zlote slodsze i najslodsze" at about 11:30 am CET. Whoo!

Smoothjazz.com review of It's That Girl Again

I just now saw this on itunes and Amazon, posted in July by Sandy Shore of smoothjazz.com:

"It is, indeed, that girl again, and we're delighted that she's recorded her first solo album since 1997. Smooth Jazz loves Basia, as evidenced by the fact that this CD's first single, "Blame It On the Summer," has been high on the charts for several weeks, with much more to come from this outstanding project. Basia's collaborated once again with Danny White to create a truly dazzling collection of originals that at once sound totally fresh, yet still familiar. Her trademark sound is as appealing now as those first days with Matt Bianco (WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ONE) [sic] in 1984 and her first solo project, TIME AND TIDE in `86. IT'S THAT GIRL AGAIN revisits Basia's global pop/jazz sound, combining irresistible melodies with inspired lyrics and stunning, vibrant instrumentation, including Danny's brother Peter's signature guitar work. It's a marvelous reunion... Basia and Smooth Jazz... it'll keep us wanting more! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN"

Some of this sounds familiar ;) but they do give it 5 out of 5 stars. Nice!

Wonders abound in the BasiaWeb Collectors Flickr group

You may have seen the little linky over in the right hand menu but have you been to BasiaWeb Collectors lately? Loads of goodies from past and present, such as this gorgeous ad that is running in Jazz Forum magazine. Our usual suspects have been uploading all kinds of stuff that you should check out.

Last weekend I started uploading my big vault O' clippings to the group and have started with Matt Bianco from 1984. For a couple years I was obsessed with buying old UK music mags on Ebay and now you all can see the fruits of my madness! Just the beginning here, I also have collections from the other albums of my own, but also another fan's impressive clipping booty.

BasiaWeb Collectors

HEADS UP: there is also a BasiaWeb FanFotos group for live and meet-and-greet type photos as well!

Basia in Claudia magaine in Poland, links to Empik interview and concert announcement

(thanks to Krysia and Marek!) Some info on Basia Poland tour on Empik's website and
an interview.

There's also a feature on Basia in the August issue of Claudia magazine.
EDIT: Link to interview on the Claudia site.
Scans are uploaded to the BasiaWeb Collectors Flickr group

This week's US charts

RADIO:
#13 Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs ("Blame It On the Summer")
#18 Mediabase Smooth A/C chart ("Blame It On the Summer")
#17 Smoothjazz.com (It's That Girl Again)

SALES:
#20 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums
Amazon US: #25 Vocal Jazz
(as of 1:16pm EST 7/10/09)

SmoothViews review of It's That Girl Again

"We are just so pleased she's back bringing us jazzed up pop music that doesn't sound like it was manufactured by bean counters to fit the specifications of a focus group's consensus. This is beautifully crafted, lyrically inventive music that sounds like nothing else out there. And that voice! More clear and pure than ever and able to glide effortlessly over the fastest grooves and shift from high to low without losing a beat."

I've enjoyed Shannon West's smart, nail-on-the-head commentary on pop-jazz for many years now. Unsurprisingly, she cues right into the essence of ITGA in her review on the sharp Smooth Views site.

US Charts

RADIO:
#13 Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs ("Blame It On the Summer")
#21 Billboard Indicator ("Blame It On the Summer")
#16 Mediabase Smooth A/C chart ("Blame It On the Summer")
#19 Smoothjazz.com (It's That Girl Again)

SALES:
#16 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums
Amazon US: #29 Vocal Jazz
iTunes US: #47 Vocal
(both site's status as of 6:00pm EST 7/1/09)

Polish charts

RADIO:
#1 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("A Gift")
#7 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("Blame it on the Summer")
#16 Radio 3 ("A Gift")
#31 Radio 3 ("Blame it on the Summer")

SALES:
#18 Merlin online sales
#10 Empik Top Ten Muzyka sales
#13 OLIS Oficjalna lista sprzedaży

multi-part TVN interview

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Parts Four and Five

Thanks so much Marek!!

US Charts

I'll start doing Polish charts separately. :)

Up!

US RADIO:
#13 Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs ("Blame It On the Summer")
#17 Mediabase Smooth A/C chart ("Blame It On the Summer")
#19 Smoothjazz.com (It's That Girl Again)

US SALES:
#18 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums
Amazon US: #23 Vocal Jazz, #23 Dance/Electronic, #36 Dance Pop
iTunes US: #21 Vocal
(both site's status as of 2:00pm EST 6/24/09)

Even more Polish interviews

Don't forget that you can use online translators to read the interviews in text. :)

Onenet.
Even in awkward Googlish, you can tell this is a really well-thought out piece.
Another on onenet.
TVN Style video interview
This is some fluff right here.

Order It's That Girl Again signed copies! Also, tour update

This is verbatim from the official Basia mailing list (join on Basia's official site, click on the graphic at right to get you there)

Just to let you know that ‘It’s That Girl Again’ has become available by mail order. It features 15 tracks, including two bonus tracks, ‘Oh Mama’ and a new version of ‘Clear Horizon’. It costs £9.99 +P&P and the first 50 CD’s ordered will be signed by Basia.
Follow the link to order.

Also, a lot of Basia's Polish friends were asking about our providing a Polish translation to the songs on 'It's That Girl Again', so we have created a new section on our website, showing a loose Polish translation alongside the English lyrics. Go to 'New CD Lyrics' and have a look!

And finally, we are still working towards a possible October/November tour. We will let you know as soon as things get confirmed.

With Love
Basia and Danny

Charts

US RADIO:
#16 Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs ("Blame It On the Summer")
#16 Mediabase Smooth A/C chart ("Blame It On the Summer")
#20 Smoothjazz.com (It's That Girl Again)

US SALES:
#19 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums
Amazon US: #25 Vocal Jazz, #14 Dance/Electronic, #23 Dance Pop
iTunes US: #27 Vocal
(both site's status as of 12:30pm EST 6/18/09)

POLISH RADIO: (UPDATED)
#1 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("A Gift")
#10 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("Blame it on the Summer")
#9 Radio 3, Poland ("A Gift")

POLISH SALES: (UPDATED)
#10 Merlin online sales
#7 Empik Top Ten Muzyka sales (major Polish chain store)
#11 OLIS Oficjalna lista sprzedaży (Retail sales chart)

YouTube Roundup!

First video for "Prime Time TV." Since the single came out two years before it did in America, Basia looks pretty different!



Video from one.net (in Polish).

Japanese cover of New Day for You.

TVN translated chat

Thanks to marek on the basia2 list for this translation and transcription! I've bolded things that are of note to you and me, the fans looking for the nitty-gritty. :)

B: Good morning, everybody, welcome to the chat.
AniqqqX: What is your day like?
B: And in how many words am I to answer that question? :)
Paatryk: Why did you double the `Trze' in your last name? To impress?
B: That's not my fault (I had nothing to do with it). :D
Radek: How come you decided to record a new version of Clear Horizon? Greetings, I'm impatiently awaiting for a concert in 3city (Gdansk/Sopot/ Gdynia)
B: Thanks. We were not quite happy with the first version, but not sure whether the new one is better.
Alusia1: What songs are included on the new album?
B: I suggest checking out our website, basiasongs.com.
Paulina: Which artists that you have met were you most impressed with ?
B: Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, Mike Hucknall.
Absolvent: Hello, I went to Jaworzno High School. I know it was part of your life, too. How do you recall those times?
B: Best time of my life.
Marek_en: Are you planning to do a clip for any of the singles from ITGA?
B: Yes, we are planning to do clips for `A Gift' and `I must'.
Kuba123: How did you start your career?
B: I was born singing and the career followed against my will (it just happened?). :)
AniqqqX: Good morning, do you have a pet?
B. I used to have a dog, I'd like to have another one, just not one that sheds hair, I am allergic. A poodle? :)
Paulina: If you didn't pursue singing career, what would you do?
B: I'd be a teacher.
AniqqqX: Do you like picking wild mushrooms? [seriously?? -- LO]
B: I never do it. I live in England, they don't do it there, sadly.
Rih1: What Polish groups did you sing with?
B: Alibabki, for a short while, Perfect, for an even shorter while, and before that in my High School group Astry :)
Ciekawa: What has been happening with you all this time?
B: What time do you mean?
AniqqqX: What do you think of Jarocin Festival?
B: I know nothing about it. Should I?
Marek_en: Where can one buy the bonus songs from the new album, `Oh Mama' and `Clear Horizon'?
B: iTunes or wait for the new version of the album.
AniqqqX: What do you enjoy besides music?
B: Football, F1, movies and theatre.
Ergp: When are you planning to tour Poland?
B: Probably in the fall.
Radek: Basiu, how did you started working together with Trey Lorenz? How come you decided to record `She deserves it' with him?
B: He was signed to the same label, I met him by chance at the recording studio. His voice suited the song and he was keen to do it.
Ergp: Is it true you studies physics?
B: Yes. :) But only for a year.
AniqqqX: Is this your first chat?
B: Yes. :) Lack of experience is obvious. :)
Marek_en: Basiu, I would love to hear you on the biggest radio stations (RMF and Zet), are you planning any special promotion (e.g. interviews) with them?
B: I would like to be heard there, but it's up to them.
Dragan: Do you miss Poland?
B: Not really, I am always here (spending a lot of time in Poland).
Paulina: What albums do like from start to end?
B: Early Stevie Wonder albums, `Nightfly' Dogan Fagen, Noa and Keane.
Paatryk: How did you live through the martial law period (81/82)?
B: I was in UK by then and I felt very sad.
Radek: Will Peter White, Dee Johnson and Clarisse sisters go on tour with you?
B: Clarisse sisters for sure, Peter possible, he's always on tour, Dee is on tour with Simply Red.
aniqqqX: What do you think should be the symbol for euro 2012?
B: Maybe a red and white football? :)
Thank you very much for your questions. :) It was nice to meet you. See you. :)

Thailand release of ITGA

It's That Girl Again will see a release in Thailand on June 23. (via basiasongs.com)

Charts with bonus WTF!

In the "ain't that a.... stinker" category, R&R is dunzo! They literally shut down out of nowhere, pulled the proverbial plug. Had the countdown continued, "Blame It On The Summer" would have been at #17 on monitored Smooth Jazz.

moving on!

US RADIO:
#16 Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs ("Blame It On the Summer")
#17 Mediabase Smooth A/C chart ("Blame It On the Summer")
#21 Smoothjazz.com (It's That Girl Again)

US SALES:
#13 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums
Amazon US: #19 Vocal Jazz, #19 Dance/Electronic, #22 Dance Pop
iTunes US: #19 Vocal
(both site's status as of 10:00pm EST 6/5/08)

POLISH RADIO:
#1 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("A Gift")
#6 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("Blame it on the Summer")
#2 Radio 3, Poland ("A Gift")

POLISH SALES:
#4 Merlin online sales
#4 Empik Top Ten Muzyka sales (major Polish chain store)
#4 OLIS Oficjalna lista sprzedaży (Retail sales chart)

This week's charts

US RADIO:
#16 R&R Monitored Smooth Jazz chart; Most Added ("Blame It On the Summer")
#20 R&R Smooth Jazz Indicator ("Blame It On the Summer")
#16 Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs ("Blame It On the Summer")
#16 Mediabase Smooth A/C chart ("Blame It On the Summer")
#20 Smoothjazz.com (It's That Girl Again)

US SALES:
#13 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums
Amazon US: #17 Vocal Jazz, #17 Dance/Electronic, #20 Dance Pop
iTunes US: #19 Vocal
(both site's status as of 2:00pm EST 5/29/08)

POLISH RADIO:
#1 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("A Gift")
#5 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("Blame it on the Summer")
#2 Radio 3, Poland ("A Gift")

POLISH SALES:
#6 Merlin online sales
#6 Empik Top Ten Muzyka sales (major Polish chain store)
#7 OLIS Oficjalna lista sprzedaży (Retail sales chart)

Tour coming. EP may be coming.

So much went by in a whir there that I think a couple very important parts may have been lost in the hoopla:

THERE'S GONNA BE A TOUR!!
THERE'S PROBABLY GOING TO BE A 3-SONG EP!! OF NEW SONGS!!

Ok, just wanted to put that out there. :p

Piotr says, "Regarding the tour Basia mentioned that she will be starting in September and going to the States and the Far Asian countries (inlc. Japan) and Poland. There is also a plan to go to South Africa. She will start the tour with a smaller band and bigger number of back up vocalists (2 of the musicians will sing as well). Some songs need to be rearranged and they will sound more acoustically. The concerts will probably be at smaller venues at first to continue in larger ones with larger band in 2010. If I understood it properly, the record label has plans release so called EP with 3 (new?) songs when Basia goes on tour in fall. I have to come back to the interview when she spoke of EP to get a better understanding... Then there might be the re-release of ITGA in Poland with bonus tracks (Oh mama, Clear Horizon). Basia's songs should also be available for sale through her website, anytime soon."

(also see Krysia's below!)

Hello! If I don't see some comments for this post I will be very disappointed in you all. ;)

Krysia's subjective chronicle of B&D’s promo tour in Poland

It has been about 10 years since I have last seen her on Polish TV and even more since I have heard her on Polish radio. So I was really expecting this tour and undertaking all the strange actions to be able to listen and watch them as much as possible (although I must say I felt slightly disappointed, cause they haven’t put that info on BasiaSongs – lack of time between tours to US and PL I guess?).

Having had to go to school yesterday, before noon I was becoming somewhat restless and I started to talk to my friends and the teacher at the workshop that maybe the secretaries could borrow us a radio. Than – what a miraculous coincidence – it appeared that the teacher had a small portable radio, so I searched quickly for Radio Zlote Przeboje and than listened to the interview, meanwhile I was cutting my fingers with glass ;-) [Krysia's a stained glass artist and she rocks!-- LO]

On Saturday evening I listened to Basia co-running the first hour of Radio 3 Chart and Today’s morning I watched Morning program – Dzien dobry TVN.

Honestly speaking, after the really extensive and interesting interview that was done by Michal Sierlecki for Wroclaw ’s Radio RAM, none of those appearances revealed too many new information. Usually the people ask her all the same questions – why she was away for so long, when will be the tour (well, this one is good to listen to, cause as time goes by the plans are evolving and you can find sth out). While Michal was asking her some questions about the things she is rarely (or never) asked and in some of the subjects I was very interested in (like Basia’s connection to Japan ) and also talking a lot about the musical side of the songs (after hearing that interview it is obvious that he has musical education).

I am absolutely sure that this tour around Poland was much more informative and promoting than the one to the States. Obviously US is such a huge country, so she would really have to appear in some of the famous shows (would love to see her on Letterman again), and looks like the most important interview they could have got - for ABC - was cancelled, while radio interviews are limited to the listeners of certain type of music as well as geographically, plus one -for the sad reasons of one musicians death - was also cancelled and another interview – due to the change of that station profile, as someone explained - was not what it could have been and not as promoted I guess.

While in Poland she appeared in some well known programs that gather bigger audience. I just feel kind of sorry for other countries' fans, that you couldn’t have enjoyed them in all those programs live.

My general feelings about this Poland tour – leaving aside the information and promotion – is, that I don’t know what it is about that Lady but somehow she constantly knows how to move some very deep strings inside of me, and she seems such an extraordinary human being – thought that is something I can not know cause I have never met her in person. But I guess that’s an impression she keeps leaving and I know she will always be the brightest star on my musical firmament. Listening about Basia's and Danny's musical influences was very interesting to me, cause getting to know about them it’s as if I was also getting to know myself better!

Some interesting points I remember from the programs:

“Zlote Slodsze i Najslodsze” – by Marek N.
I hope it will be uploaded on Marek’s blog soon – actually there was a lot of English speaking, due to Danny’s presence so if somebody from abroad managed to get up on time Saturday morning you could have enjoy it.

There were 3 ladies – Basia, Anna Maria and Kayah talking all over, so it rather had an atmosphere of girlfriends meeting :-)

As I understood Anna Maria Jopek invited herself to be able to meet Basia (I believe some fans over here – like Marcus and Peter are very keen to hear her duo with Basia). This question was actually asked, or even a trio of all the 3 singers. Basia seemed kind of reserved. Is she feeling unsafe? That’s how it sounded when Marek at the end revealed – saying his apologies to Basia, that it resulted that all 3 of them were there – Basia apparently didn’t know that, and she replied that it’s good she hasn’t known cause otherwise she would probably have run away.

Anna Maria Jopek said that she has been long time Basia fan and as she expressed – she thought it is easily hearable on her earlier records. But a very important thing for me that AM said – about finding your own identity – all the 3 ladies seemed to agree that at first when you sing you turn to imitate your idols – you think how this or that person would have sung something, but one day it must come to “how I would sing it”.

Both Anna Maria and Kayah offered to sing choirs when Basia will come for tour to Poland (I guess that strokes out my chances as a candidate ;-) – would be my dream to sing with Basia, not even in front of the audience but just together with her:-)).

As B & D explained the first tour that will happen in Autumn (starting September most probably) will be with smaller band – 6-8 people, so what they are working on right now is to adapt all the songs for such a kind of smaller, “acoustic” tour, that will be performed in smaller venues. And also they were advised by the record company to maybe release some additional 3 songs record. Maybe the trio Basia-AnnaMaria- Kayah’s song could be included on Polish release? ;-)

Per my understanding, they would start in the US, than go to Japan and Poland too.

Maybe next year – if there is the demand – they will go for tour with a bigger band.

Radio 3 Chart with Piotr Baron
I really liked the atmosphere and Basia seemed to be enjoying being introduced to some new music. Piotr asked if it is possible we will hear her in some more rock-alike song. Basia said, that nothings is impossible although – due to Danny’s classical-jazzy background their main repertoire is what we all know :-)

They were also some people coming (I am wondering – where they were listeners that just popped in, or have they agreed beforehand to come), one man brought some muffins baked by his mother, especially for Basia and Radio 3 Chart crew, than some other fans were on the air too.

Basia said that she is being so spoilt here in Poland . I think that’s what she definitely deserves!!! :-)

TVN morning program – Dzien dobry TVN
Basia was first supposed to talk with people on TVN’s chat.

There was a short talk to Danny and later "A Gift" was played – Basia just accompanied by Danny on the piano. I was very moved have to say.

Later there was an interview with Basia. I liked the small documentary that TVN prepared – about B’s school years and beginnings, some teachers and class-mates were speaking and also some members of Alibabki.

Basia also brought the Gold record for “ITGA” that she was awarded the previous evening. She said that her mother would have been very proud of it. It was their first Gold in Poland .

(actually I don’t think that it will take long for them to have the Platinum, if they earned Gold that quickly!).

Trivia

• Basia mentioned several times in some interviews her mathematical brain, as she revealed in Radio 3 program on Thursday (Prywatna Kolekcja) when she was writing the final high school exams (matura) of maths she has done her tasks so quickly that she started solving some for her colleagues that were sitting around (Not nice Basia! ;-) Especially that the entire high school must have been listening – there were greetings from all the students and teachers from Jaworzno high school that Basia was attending).
• I would say that Danny could survive in Poland (especially with “Jestem bardzo glodny” – I’m very hungry), but seriously speaking – I think he’s really got good pronunciation!
• In Marek’s program “Zlote Slodsze i Najslodsze” Basia said Danny doesn’t know any swear-words in Polish, cause she’s never swearing in Polish. Another lady – I think that was Kayah, offered to teach it to him ;-)

That’s it! I hope that they will get a good rest now and that Basia will get better soon – she was ill (although I must say it was not hearable in her voice).

Unreal meeting of Poland's biggest female vocalist stars

Marek Niedźwiecki scored an amazing in-the-studio with Basia, Anna-Maria Jopek and Kayah. Here is a set of photos from Marek's blog documenting the event.

Even more in this footage from TVP1"

Video: Basia presenting on Radio 3 (Poland)

Photos from Basia presenting the Radio 3 countdown (click on Basia Trzetrzelewska).

And a video. It makes great radio!

Dzień Dobry TVN clip: interview with Basia

Link to all the videos from this show.

(completely in Polish, obviously. You know, I've been wishing I knew more of it this week!)

Radio PiN interview, TOUR NEWS!

Thanks to Marek N., you can listen to this interview!



Additionally, according to this interview, Basia received a gold record award for It's That Girl Again in Poland yesterday, and a tour is scheduled to begin in September, not sure where it will begin. Wow!

"Zlote Slodsze i Najslodsze" tomorrow

(From Krysia)In tomorrow Marek's program "Zlote Slodsze i Najslodsze" Basia and Danny will be guests at noon CET (if anybody US Esat Coast willing to get up 6 am - you've got the chance :-)). There will be other guests - 11.30 am CET Kayah (Polish singer, I really like her) and Anna Maria Jopek - the time of her appereance was not mentioned but per my understanding it will be after B&D (or together, Marek said today that she will appear).

Basia's interview on 94.7 The Wave, LA

can be found here if you cannot see it below.

Charts now

Next verse, same as the first.

Special note: "Blame it on the Summer" will be played on the Smooth Jazz Countdown with Alan Kepler this weekend as a "chartbound" track.

US RADIO:
#16 R&R Monitored Smooth Jazz chart ("Blame It On the Summer")
#18 R&R Smooth Jazz Indicator ("Blame It On the Summer")
#16 Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs ("Blame It On the Summer")
#17 Mediabase Smooth A/C chart ("Blame It On the Summer")
#20 Smoothjazz.com (It's That Girl Again)

US SALES:
#7 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums
Amazon US: #17 Vocal Jazz, #16 Dance/Electronic, #22 Dance Pop
iTunes US: #24 Vocal
(both site's status as of 10:00pm EST 5/19/08)

POLISH RADIO:
#1 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("A Gift")
#10 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("Blame it on the Summer")
#1 Radio 3, Poland ("A Gift")

POLISH SALES:
#5 Merlin online sales
#5 Empik Top Ten Muzyka sales (major Polish chain store)
#6 OLIS Oficjalna lista sprzedaży (Retail sales chart)

Basia and Danny in "Prywatna Kolekcja"

(by Krysia via the lists)
Here is the link to the program where B&D were today 2-3 pm. There are 2 photos and there is also the list of the songs of their choice, I pasted it with my comments from the program (let's call it a short report ;-))

Grzegorz Turnau - "11:11" (selected by Basia, she and especially Danny were
impressed with the piano; Grzegorz Turnau is singer - the style he sings is
quite popular in Poland, so-called "sung poetry", poet/songwriter and he
plays the piano too)
Donald Fagen - "Walk Between The Raindrops" (selected by Danny, from album Nightfly; as Danny said this album had influence on early Matt Bianco songs, like "Get Out of Your Lazy Bed.")

Dusty Springfield - "Son of a Preacher Man" (selected by Basia, as she said it reminds her her childhood; she was laughing that knowing not too muchabout
the world than she believed that Dusty was some Black vocalist from the US; after the song Basia sung a line a capella :-))

David Bovie - "Life On Mars" (selected by Danny, reminds him his teenage years,as he said the songs that influenced you a lot later come back in some unexpected moments and you can hear bits of it in their songs too)

Beyonce - "If I Were a Boy" (selected by Basia)

At the end "I must" was played.

Also an invitation was mentioned so that Basia with the band performs in the
Agnieszka Osiecka Recording Studio in Polish Radio 3. She said that when they
gather the band, if they are still invited they would love to perform there.

The interview was almost 50/50 in PL/EN (so if you can listen to other
programs I guess you would not feel totally lost, only hearing Polish :-)) - I
will send a separate e-mail with programs and links to listen live).

Here's a short article with another photo.

UPDATED Basia all over Polish TV and radio this week

And some websites and print for good measure.

UPDATED! Here's what is on the docket, officially. I can't vouch for broadcast times as some things may be taped, but are live if indicated:

Thursday May 21st

• 10– 15 minute Interview for TELEEXPRESS (an afternoon news program) and TELEPLOTKI (a local program for TVP 3 about what
  happened in the last week in show business) -with Marek Sierocki
• 14.00 – 15.00 “Prywatna Kolekcja” - a live program in Polish Radio PR 3 with Piotr Stelmach. The artists talk about their favorite recordings.
• 17.00 – 18.00 Interview for Magiel Towarzyski – a culture/ lifestyle program on TVN Style with Karolina Korwin – Piotrowska
• Also, interview for plejada.pl

Friday May 22nd

• 9.30 – 9.50 (TV) Live broadcast – 6-8 minute interview with Jarek Kuzniar (TVN24 the biggest news television in Poland)
• recording 20– 30 minute Interview for Interia.pl and interia TV (one of the three biggest internet portals)
• Interview for onet.pl
• 13.00– 14.00 Radio 2 live entrances and a 20 minute interview in Chilli ZET
• 19.00– 20.00 (Radio) Live in Radio PiN – on a program with Maciek Ulewicz “Goraczka Codziennego Wieczoru”

Saturday May 23rd

• between 10.00 – 13.00 Radio Złote Przeboje „Złote Słodsze i Najsłodsze” with Marek Niedźwiecki
• interview for Tom Cultury- EMPIK's magazine
• 12.00 – 13.00 - „Złote Słodsze i najsłodsze” Radio Złote Przeboje
• 19.00 – 20.00 “Lista Przebojów” – a live program in Polish Radio PR 3. Basia together with Piotr Baron will run the program.

Sunday May 24th

• “Good Morning TVN” – half-hour of chat, also one main interview/conversation, a short conversation with Danny, live performance and contest (winners get the CD!)
• There will be an interview for Claudia magazine.

Monday, May 25

• Basia and Danny begin five-day sleep to recover from all this. (haha)

Basia on NBC in San Diego

The clip from Basia's brief appearance on San Diego news.

Basia and Danny in San Rafael

I love the idea of some unsuspecting shoppers running into this performance unawares!

Basia in Poland next week, says Marek Niedzwiecki

From Krysia on the lists: "I am listening to his Radio Zlote Przeboje chart right now and he said on the air that Basia will be next week in Poland to promote the new album and that probably she will appear for an interview on his Saturday morning program "Zlote Slodsze i Najslodsze" - Saturday May 23 2009 10 am - 1 pm (not sure what time she would be there, I'll send it if and whenever I get it :-))."

San Diego today, San Francisco/San Rafael tomorrow

TODAY-
SAN DIEGO
Interview for NBC News (to be shown on the 4.30 Newscast)
7.30pm instore appearance at Borders, 668 6th Avenue San Diego.

TOMORROW-
SAN FRANCISCO
Interview with KKSF
Instore appearance at Borders, 588 Francisco Blvd West, San Rafael 4pm.

DON'T FORGET: CA Borders in-stores, radio & TV promo!

NEW YORK (Tue/Wed May 12/13): Interviews for Reuters TV and XM/Sirius Radio.

LA (Thu May 14): Interview at The WAVE and at Broadcast Architecture/SmoothJazz.com

SAN DIEGO (Fri May 15):Interviews for KIFM and NBC News (to be shown on the 4.30 Newscast) and at 7.30pm an instore appearance at Borders, 668 6th Avenue San Diego.

SAN FRANCISCO (Sat May 16): Interview with KKSF and an instore appearance at Borders, 588 Francisco Blvd West, San Rafael 4pm.

This week's charts

Steady!

US RADIO:
#16 R&R Monitored Smooth Jazz chart; Most Added ("Blame It On the Summer")
#16 Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs ("Blame It On the Summer")
#17 Mediabase Smooth A/C chart ("Blame It On the Summer")
#19Smoothjazz.com (It's That Girl Again)
#23 R&R Smooth Jazz Indicator chart ("Blame It On the Summer")

US SALES:
#7 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums
Amazon US: #17 Vocal Jazz, #17 Dance/Electronic, #21 Dance Pop, #394 in all Music
iTunes US: #24 Vocal
(both site's status as of 2:39pm EST 5/13/08)

POLISH RADIO:
#1 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("A Gift")
#9 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("Blame it on the Summer")
#2 Radio 3, Poland ("A Gift")

POLISH SALES:
#3 Merlin online sales
#5 Empik Top Ten Muzyka sales (major Polish chain store)
#5 OLIS Oficjalna lista sprzedaży (Retail sales chart) ITGA is one of the most frequently purchased albums in Poland right now, as it should be!

More Polish interviews

From fan Piotr: "There are a few more press releases and interviews with Basia I spotted on the internet. All of them are in Polish but there is a lot of news and things I have not heard previously.

1. This is the best Basia interview I probably have ever heard - from Polish Radio Ram from Wroclaw. There are 12 audio files on the website. Basia was very surprised by the questions set. She said no one has ever asked her these questions and they were very interesting. She expected traditional interview and this one was a lot different to typical interviews. Michal Sierlecki who did the interview is around 30...but he is also a big Basia fan. Indeed he asks for Halina Tymusz paintings, Rachael (from She deserves it), Trey Lorenz, the tour plans, the concepts behind the new songs, the understanding behind lyrics etc... Michal was very well prepared to this conversation and very inquisitive. The interview reveals a lot of interesting facts which I have never heard. If I have a bit of time I might give it a go with translation but I am limited in terms of free time at the moment. I might try later...

2. Piotr Baron from Program 3 talking to Basia: the audio file is on the website: shorter but still interesting.

3. Another press interview from Dziennik (Polish daily newspaper). There are a few parts of this interview and here are the links:

http://www.dziennik.pl/kultura/muzyka/article367686/Do_spiewania_potrzebuje_sily.html
http://www.dziennik.pl/kultura/muzyka/article356811/Basia_To_znowu_ja_Wracam.html

4. Here is a press article by Jan Lotus from Polish Daily News called Dziennik (Polish daily newspaper published for Polish community living in New York area)"

Wow! Thanks so much Piotr!

Basia and Danny's American Adventure

Kind of, anyway. ;) They are coming over to NYC and the West Coast to do a little promo.

NEW YORK (Tue/Wed May 12/13): Interviews for ABC News Now (Live 1pm May 12), Reuters TV and XM/Sirius Radio.

LA (Thu May 14): Interview at The WAVE and at Broadcast Architecture/SmoothJazz.com

SAN DIEGO (Fri May 15):Interviews for KIFM and NBC News (to be shown on the 4.30 Newscast) and at 7.30pm an instore appearance at Borders, 668 6th Avenue San Diego.

SAN FRANCISCO (Sat May 16): Interview with KKSF and an instore appearance at Borders, 588 Francisco Blvd West, San Rafael 4pm.

Be sure to catch them if those in-stores are in your area! We'll update with any more details.

In even more official good news, ITGA has gone gold in Poland and a fall tour is looking more and more possible! YES!

(via basiasongs.com & official mailing list)

More Polish interviews; TVP Polonia and Gala

A segment filmed for TVP Polonia. Particularly neat is hearing "A Gift" played just on piano. Also, earrings! ;)

Interview in Gala.
Time for a quick run through the Google translator. I only feel it's fair to wait for a full translation to be sure I have the right impression before I repeat things, but on preview this is why we love Basia interviews so much: she. gets. real. Just the fact that she can talk about these things, perhaps having realized that many of us can relate... it's just awesome.

Thanks Piotr, and please fans keep sending notices about interviews and reviews wherever you are!

5/5 charts

Hot fudge, holy moly. The charts are expanding like rabbits so I'm going to break it down for you like this:

US RADIO:
#16 R&R Monitored Smooth Jazz chart ("Blame It On the Summer")
#16 Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs ("Blame It On the Summer")
#19 Mediabase Smooth A/C chart ("Blame It On the Summer")
#20 Smoothjazz.com (It's That Girl Again)
#20 Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown w/ Alan Kepler ("Blame It On the Summer")
#23 R&R Smooth Jazz Indicator chart ("Blame It On the Summer")

US SALES:
#5 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums
Amazon US: #7 Dance/Electronic (??), #13 Dance Pop, #14 Vocal Jazz, #205 in all Music
iTunes US: #20 Vocal, graphic still in rotation on main page!
(both site's status as of 12:52pm EST 5/6/08)

POLISH RADIO:
#1 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("A Gift")
#9 Radio 3, Poland ("A Gift")
#14 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("Blame it on the Summer")

POLISH SALES:
#1 Merlin online sales!!!
#5 Empik Top Ten Muzyka sales (major Polish chain store)
#7 OLIS Oficjalna lista sprzedaży (Retail sales chart) Huge jump from 22 last week!

WOW. But don't let this behemoth dissuade you from sending links to more in the comments, because that's the only way I find these things out.

This week's charts

#6 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums (It's That Girl Again)
#16 R&R Monitored Smooth Jazz chart; Most Added list ("Blame It On the Summer")
#16 Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs ("Blame It On the Summer")
#19 Smoothjazz.com (It's That Girl Again)
#22 Mediabase Smooth A/C chart ("Blame It On the Summer")

#22 OLIS Oficjalna lista sprzedaży (Retail sales chart)
#1 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("A Gift")
#14 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("Blame it on the Summer")

Interview in Poland

Another interview ith Basia in Poland for style24 website.

Release dates for Malaysia and Singapore

(via basiasongs.com)I KNOW there is a following in these countries as I was fortunate to have met some fans from there after a show last tour! It's That Girl Again was released in Malaysia yesterday, April 24, and it will also be out in Singapore on May 1. Woot!

Nissan commercial song on MySpace; bonus track lyrics on basiasongs

Basia uploaded a cover of "Smooth Operator", done for a Nissan commercial in Japan, to the MySpace page.
View the original commercial here!

There are now lyrics for bonus songs "Oh Mama" and "Clear Horizon" on basiasongs.com.

4/21 charts

Up and up and up!

#5 Billboard Contemporary Jazz albums (It's That Girl Again)
#16 R&R Monitored Smooth Jazz chart; #1 Most Increased Play ("Blame It On the Summer")
#17 Mediabase Smooth A/C chart("Blame It On the Summer")
#18 Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs ("Blame It On the Summer")
#25 Smoothjazz.com; Top 10 Spincrease! (It's That Girl Again)

#1 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje ("A Gift")


Anyone know what is happening in Japan?


EDIT: from Krysia-
Yesterday's (Friday - 24.04.2009)Radio Zlote Przeboje Chart results:
- A gift - 2nd
- Blame it on the Summer - 22nd

You can vote for the songs this way:
Go to the site,
(choose "Lista przebojów" from the menu on the left)

You need to register ("Rejestracja") before you vote ("Zagłosuj"). (Thanks to commenter mk for the directions!

Polish press

An interview with the Polish site rp.pl.

Also, Basia's page on the site of their Polish record company, Magic Records.

Album out in Poland today!!

Congrats to everyone there, enjoy the new album!

Radio Orla interview transcribed

and it can be read here! As soon as I can get my computing issues sorted out it will be archived on the Library here, too.

Thanks to Bev for transcribing this interview! (and thanks to Geffen for giving up Bev for a few hours! Also thanks to Krysia for checking the Polish.

It's That Girl Again #5 on Billboard Contemporary Jazz Album chart

And this is it's chart debut!!

4/14 Charts

This week's chart action:

#19 R&R Monitored Smooth Jazz chart
#19 Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs
#22 Mediabase Monitored Smooth A/C chart
#30 Smoothjazz.com
Unsure of what is going on at Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje this week.

Basia iTunes banner!

Woot! This was spotted in the Vocal section.

4/7 Charts

This week's chart action:

#19 R&R Monitored Smooth Jazz chart
#21 Mediabase Monitored Smooth A/C chart
#25 Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs
#37 Smoothjazz.com *chart debut!* Also on: Most Added List; SPINcreased Top Ten List (+40)

#2 #2 Lista Przebojów Radia Złote Przeboje (for "A Gift")



PEOPLE: please don't send links to that top40charts world jazz site-- it is full of adware and I'm not going to send people somewhere that will crash their browser at the least. Thanks. :)

Basia and Danny on Radio Orla this Wednesday

George Matlock, now with Radio Orla, will have Basia and Danny in-studio this Wednesday at 9pm LONDON TIME. He is again gathering questions: "If you would like to ask Basia a question and stand a chance of winning a signed copy of their new CD, email your question to dj @ orla.fm (remove spaces) by Tuesday, April 7. Include in the subject line "Basia Q". The first questions selected at random by Basia and Danny will win a CD! You can also phone during the show to ask a question live on +44 208 998 6630."

Does anyone know if this is simulcast online? If anyone has the ability to record this show and send to me, I'd love to transcribe it (though I'm still transcribing the last one, hahaha).

Basia interview on Jazz Trax is online!

It's up! Radio stations who carry the Jazz Trax program will be playing it this weekend as well.

At some point when I can capture the audio I'll transcribe it. :)

New album on Amazon UK

Looks like It's That Girl Again is now available on Amazon UK (thanks Mark).

3/31 charts

"Blame it on the Summer"
enters the Radio and Records Smooth Jazz chart at #29. It is also among Most Increased Plays.

is #2 on Marek Niedzwiecki Radio Zlote Przeboje chart (Poland)

is #29 on Mediabase Smooth AC chart.

ITGA as a whole is Most Added and Chartbound at smoothjazz.com.

Press!

Blogcritics
Smooth Jazz Network
FM5280 (same as above)
Ask Billboard gives play to the new album.

Polish:
"NOWA PŁYTA BASI!"
"Czy Basia nagrała swój najlepszy album?"

Try obtaining translations here or here for the time being. :)

Please keep us updated! Post any new press finds in the comments and we will add them on. MANY THANKS to the fans who contribute to this post and the rest of BasiaWeb, we would be a blank page on cyberspace without you!

WTF Borders?

Update on the Borders situation: fans who have not been able to get the Borders Exclusive version of It's That Girl Again in stores have ordered it online, BUT were given the 13-track, no-bonus-tracks version. Clearly this isn't acceptable and a real shame.

It's That Girl Again on iTunes Europe!

Now's your chance if you live in Europe! Use this link to find Basia no matter which country's iTunes you wish to use. (thanks Marek)

Basia on Jazz Trax for the weekend of April 5

Basia will "debut" ITGA on Jazz Trax during the weekend of April 5. She had an interview with Art Good last week and it should be good, knowing that Mr. Good is a long time supporter!

Incidentally Peter White's debut album (and my favorite, I don't care what anyone says!) Reveillez-vous will be the archive album two weeks after. They could play "Danny Bianco," who knows? ;)

Borders is go, in some areas anyway

The Special Edition of It's That Girl Again at Borders has been confirmed and it includes bonus tracks "Oh Mama" and "Clear Horizon" (2009).

Some parts of the country apparently haven't been stocked (including, grrr, mine). Borders appears to be reorganizing how they sell music, perhaps this may have something to do with it. In any case, some fans are ordering online and seeing if the bonus tracks come with. We will update.

Never ends, does it? :D

Thanks to the fans who hopped over so those further away could save gas or shipping!

All Music review

is now online. In the past they've had a couple squirrelly reviews of Basia's work, so I'm glad to see this lively review.

IT'S FINALLY TIME! THE ALBUM IS OUT!!

Today is that long-awaited day for US fans as It's That Girl Again is NOW AVAILABLE in stores and for download. Buy one now and get several for friends!!

It's That Girl Again US preorder watch; iTunes now with samples; Borders update

Friday March 20: this will be the last update to this post.

iTunes US is now listing ITGA as a preorder release, with audio samples.

Tower: $12.86 Low price winner!
Amazon: $12.99 (import $42.99-- yikes!)
CD Universe: $13.34
DeepDiscount.com: $13.79
Best Buy: $14.99
J&R: $14.99
SonyStyle: $14.99
FYE: $14.99 (less for members)
Borders (pretty bare listing): $18.99

Borders has indicated to Danny and Basia that they will be offering a version with "Oh Mama" as a bonus track, and Danny supplied them with the tracks and everything to do this, but fans have been trying to confirm this without much luck. According to their reps at E1 (Koch) Borders should have the error corrected in their system sometime today. However, some fans who live near Borders are going to confirm this physically to help our international fans and those fans who live far away from any Borders location. I'll post confirmation when we get it!


NOTE: these links are for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by BasiaWeb. In other words, it's up to you who you choose, and you are on your own!

It's That Girl Again electronic press kit

The new EPK has been uploaded to YouTube. It's a ten-minute mini-documentary and it's pretty great. What I wouldn't give for one in high-def!

Basia on upcoming Jazz Trax

Art Good has recently interviewed Basia for an upcoming episode of his contemporary jazz program Jazz Trax-- I don't know when it is set to air but will update once I find out!

Jazz Trax is available on some terrestrial radio stations and online as well, so there's a shot for all of us to hear it.

New single being spun across the US

The new album is #1 in new adds among those stations who report to smoothjazz.com

"Blame It on the Summer" is also #2 most added on what may be the final tracking of such facts on Radio & Records, which is eliminating smooth jazz coverage shortly.

There is also coverage (from our writeup) on Smooth Jazz Network, the overseeing network of many remaining smooth jazz stations. So that's good!

Lyrics up on Basia's site

All of the lyrics from It's That Girl Again have been posted on Basia and Danny's site-- you will find the heading at the top menu.

Congratulations Japan, and as for the rest of us-- not much longer!!

Our take on ITGA

is up now on Koch Distribution's site.

Europe download release scheduled

From the Basia official mailing list:
We are delighted to tell you we have just received a date of March 30th for the release of 'It's That Girl Again' on iTunes in Europe.
Other downloading sites will follow a week later.
A deal for the release of the CD in Poland is underway.
After much debate on the subject, we have decided not to put the lyrics for the new albumon the CD booklet, but they will be available on our website www.basiasongs.comfrom 11th March.

Borders including bonus tracks, Japan including special sleeve

Anyone still on the fence about who to order from and how many? In the US, Borders Books and Music will sell a version of It's That Girl Again with bonus tracks "Clear Horizon" and "Oh Mama." (it is not listed on their site yet) In Japan, the bonus track will be "Clear Horizon" and the CD will be sleeved within a special plastic sleeve including text and graphics, according to the HMV site and our team of crack translators on smoe.

Looks like I'm going to have to get both!

"Clear Horizon" is a reworking of the 1998 song from the Clear Horizon- Best of Basia compliation.

As for other countries, plans are in the works and will be announced when they are ready to roll.

"Blame It On The Summer" going for adds on SJ radio this week

The new first US single "Blame It On The Summer" is listed on Radio and Record's site as "Going for Adds." This means that we may hear it on Smooth Jazz radio very soon.

Sample "A Gift"

You can hear a sample of "A Gift" here. It appeared on Marek Niedzwiecki's radio show in Poland.

Japan release pushed to March 11

This according to basiasongs.com :)

It's official!

The official Basia site is updated including official word that the album will be out in the US on Koch on March 24 and in Japan on WHD "a week or two ahead of America." A final cover can be seen there as well as they have added ITGA to their discography. See also the link to their myspace which includes an unreleased live version of "An Olive Tree."

Japan release looking to be in March

While retailers are pushing a February 25th street date in Japan, according to Danny it will likely be a week earlier than the US release date, aka March. Will keep you posted.

CONFIRMED: Koch sales book outlining release details of It's That Girl Again, set for March 24.

Commenter "Mark" has left a link to Koch's spring sales PDF, including artwork, photo, and release date for It's That Girl Again. (However, this artwork is not the final version)

Highlights:

• March 24, 2009!!!
• "A Gift" goes to AC radio, while "Blame It On The Summer" goes to Smooth Jazz (gulp).
• Commercials will air on CBS Sunday Morning on March 22.
• Touring, apparently!
• This is intriguing: "Internet awareness campaign to mobilize the Basia fan base through social networking sites and core websites." Universal said the same thing during Matt's Mood, yet I never did hear from them-- the fans did all the work as per usual, though there was that entertaining intern that spammed every message board in town, gaining credibility nowhere and sort of undermining us. We shall see what Koch means by this.
• I just want it known that I did not write that piece. I did however, write this.

It's safe to freak out now. WHOOOOOO!

Preorders available on CD Japan

(Thanks to Chris for the heads-up!)
It's That Girl Again is available for preorder on CD Japan's website according to this notice received by fans:


To secure your first press copy of any of the items listed below,
preorder on or before January 15, 2009.
************ ********* ********* ********* ******
IECP-10168
BASIA/IT's That Girl Again(Title subject to change) [Limited Release]
[HQCD] CDA 2700 yen US$29/93.78 Release Date:2009/02/ 25
Description: Features high-quality CD (HQCD) format.
URL - http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=IECP-10168

------------ --------- --------- ---
"First Press Available" button in the product details indicates the
availability of the first press edition (sometimes including bonuses).
When that button is gone, only a later press of the same title may be
available.
Some items are released in limited quantity or for a limited period of
time. If you're after a limited edition, early ordering is essential to
ensure timely receipt of your order.

As no details of any release have been confirmed yet, buyer beware! You could be ordering a different cover or bonus tracks... or you could be ordering a really expensive version of the exact same thing. :)

(Hopefully they ARE different-- I'm itching for something new to collect!)

It's That Girl Again will get a Japanese release too

The new album It's That Girl Again will be released in Japan as well as the US, according to the official Basia site. While they plan on sending emails to their mailing list when the official date is confirmed, HMV Japan appears to have beaten them to it by declaring a February 25th street date. Ooh, intrigue!

The NEW track listing (now with additional newness)

The track listing for It's That Girl Again has been finalized! [EDIT: and then again!]

1.If Not Now Then When
2.Someone For Everyone
3.I Must
4.A Gift
5.Everybody's On The Move
6.There's a Tear
7.Blame It On The Summer
8.Two Islands
9.Love Lies Bleeding
10.Winners
11.They Know Nothing About Us
12.Amelki Smiech
13.It's That Girl Again

Bonus tracks for promos, "b-sides" etc.
1.Clear Horizon
2.Oh Mama

I heard the two most-recently-completed songs (A Gift, Oh Mama) and they are really great as well. :) EDIT: and it appears "A Gift" will be the first single. It's an excellent choice for that.

Basia: Koch deal done, album February '09, touring spring

via Basia's myspace page Basia has posted a message on her myspace as well as new tracks.

"Good news! Our deal with Koch Records has at last been finalized for the release of our CD in North America. We're still working on the rest of the world! The schedule at the moment is for a single release in late January and then the album will follow in late February. We would then, all going well, tour some time around April/May/June time. Where exactly, we just don't know yet, but watch this space or check out the website (basiasongs.com). To celebrate we have added two new tasters, 'There's a Tear' and 'Everybody's on the Move' (instrumental). Thanks to those who took the time to wish me a happy birthday. I celebrated it with my brother and sister, by going to see Stevie Wonder at the 02 Arena. He was fantastic, we had a wonderful night! With love Basia"

If you haven't already, do add Basia to your friends list: http://www.myspace.com/basiasongs

Also: it appears that you can now add their songs to your myspace playlist, THANK YOU!! because I was feeling like a heel for having everyone but Basia on mine, frankly. Gotta represent, and us fans are going to have to work harder to spread the word this time since they are indie now!

It's a pretty sweet interview and it's totally translated.

Krysia and Andrzej worked their brains off to get this fabulous interview to you and I and the English speakers of the fandom/world. We can't thank you guys enough!

FIRST press for the new album! You have to love it.

The Marek interview [CORRECTED]

So, I was getting a bit confused about the Marek N. interview with Basia after reading the commnents about different stations etc. Luckily Andrzej showed up to set me straight: "Bits of today's interview with Basia are going to be aired next Saturday at 11:00am via tuba.fm (Radio Zlote Przeboje) but the whole interview is going to be next Wednesday TUESDAY (9p.m. - 11p.m.) via tuba.fm (Radio Smooth Jazz Cafe) - all Central European Time." Thanks for that!

If this was in English I'd be totally liveblogging this now. Hey, next time we get a shot at this, I'll try to liveblog AND get some sort of chat going in the comments while it's on.

Signing imminent, official site!

Oh boy, things are kicking into gear now!

Basia and Danny are thisclose to drying the ink with Koch, among the biggest indie distributors in the US. I'm sure-- since we have until February or spring 2009 until the album's release-- that there will be some news regarding distribution in other countries between now and then.

There is now an OFFICIAL Basia website-- basiasongs.com I love it-- it's so fun and looks sharp. (and the eyes are watching you, lol!) Oh, but wait: if you go to the Audio section.... song samples! For new songs! There's video from the Matt Bianco days, a gallery, and a Bio close to my heart. :)

We're so close you guys! Let's partay in the comments.

Marek blogging Basia

Marek Niedźwiecki blogged a bit about his interview with Basia I think? At least that's what this attempt at translation by Google kind of leads me to believe. (Sorry Mr. N!)

EDIT: This was translated by Andrzej Kulak and you can read it here in English. Thanks Andrzej!

Upcoming interview with Marek Niedzwiecki

Basia will be interviewed on Marek Niedzwiecki's Smooth Jazz Cafe program in Poland, and the show will be rebroadcast at www.tuba.fm on July 22 between 9 and 11pm; and repeated on July 25th at 9am. (If anyone is able to translate and transcribe you would pretty much rock hardcore ;) )

Yay! New album publicity is creeping up!

It's That Girl Again

Information about the album! The title will be It's That Girl Again and the label/release stuff is getting locked up. Here's what we can say for the time being.

Track listing (subject to change, of course!):

1. If Not Now Then When
2. Someone for Everyone
3. Everybody's On The Move
4. Tear in My Eye
5. Love Lies Bleeding
6. Blame It On The Summer
7. It's That Girl Again
8. I Must
9. Two Islands
10. Winners
11. They Know Nothing About Us
12. Clear Horizon
13. Amelki Smiech ["Amelka's Laughter"]

To connect the dots with previous posts: "If Not Now Then When" was co-written with Kevin Robinson. "Someone for Everyone" has Mark Reilly on backing vocals, "Clear Horizon" is a new version of the song from the Best of comp ten years ago (in a much more natural Basia style) and "Winners" has a Carnaval feel. "Amelki" is in Polish (apologies to Polish speakers, the accent-S would not reproduce here) and Danny's description of it as "Come To Heaven" meets "Rachel's Wedding" makes sense, actually!

More information as it develops.

The album is done.

Yes.

Danny says:

"We finally finished mixing on friday-13 songs,the 13th
having a Polish lyric (musically its somewhere between
"Come to heaven' and 'Rachel's wedding' if you can
imagine that!)

"When Basia was in Poland recently she recorded her
friends & family singing along which we included in
the song giving it a Polish singalong party vibe. The
song is a celebration of the arrival of her nephew's
newborn baby daughter.

"It's a nice feeling for the record to be finished-the
next thing is to master it and then work on the sleeve.
Release/record companywise we're still working on but
as soon as there's some definite news I'll let you
know."

My heart's all pitter patter, I don't know about you reading this right now.


Also, for those lucky ducks across the pond:

"Peter was over recently and I'll be playing with him
at the end of April." Go see him please and better yet, cam the performance for those of us not so lucky!

Moving along

The album is back in the mix this week, and there are exciting things happening on the label and release front-- gotta be hush-hush for now while details are being worked out, but hopefully in a few weeks there will be some proper info to share.

Positivity

The thirteen new songs will be with Dave Bascombe (master mixer of The Sweetest Illusion, Depeche Mode, and maaaany others) this November for final mixing. While things can and do change, for now a spring 2008 release and a tour over summer and fall look more likely than ever. There's some strong contenders on the label front; keep tuned here toward the end of the year for solid specifics on where and when, but wheels are definitely in motion.

This is all good news and brings us ever closer to that elusive new work!

Upward!

Good stuff going on in London. Song eleven is wrapping up, it's got a Brazilian Carnaval feel with the working title of "Winners." Things are looking good, and the mood is very up. As Danny says, "Its starting to sound like a record now and there is
light at the end of the tunnel-so please hang on in there!"