Hewitt, who has been a mainstay in the production room for mega artists like Earth, Wind and Fire, Warrant, Donny Osmond, movies, television and more, will release his first single to radio, “Shaft." This arrangement of the Isaac Hayes classic marks a return back to Hewitt's musical roots.
“I wanted to create something that my fans could immediately connect with and feel good about. The band and I have been playing this one live and the reaction is always fantastic! I wanted to bring back the energy to Retroactive that I used to feel and hear when I would listen to The Jazz Crusaders, Return to Forever, Weather Report and Ramsey Lewis," said Hewitt.
David Chackler, President/CEO of nuGroove Records, is equally excited. “Alan has the golden touch. This single ["Shaft"] reminds me of the killer sound that defined the airwaves of the 70s. I think there is a real movement in music to return to the mother groove of R&B. This song definitely hits the mark," said Chackler.
Retroactive features appearances by Greg Adams (Tower of Power), Paul Jackson, Jr., Steve Madaio (Stevie Wonder) and Steve Oliver.
About Alan Hewitt:
Much like the piano men that have gone before him, Alan Hewitt has made his living painting musical tapestries about the lives of others. With his charismatic stage presence and rugged good looks, Hewitt began his career performing in the club scene but quickly graduated to the production room, where he had the honor of working as a producer alongside Maurice White of Earth Wind and Fire (EWF) for over half a decade with the Greatest Hits album going platinum in 2000. However, it was co-writing and piano/B-3 contributions on the platinum record Cherry Pie with Warrant in 2004 that would solidify Hewitt as a monster musical talent capable of crossing genres.
From artists like Donny Osmond to foundations like the JFK Center, Hewitt's list of record production credits as both a producer and recording artist spans across the various major labels and genres with over 12 million records sold. A first call producer for a long list of major film and television productions, Hewitt's credits include National Lampoon's VanWilder, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Survivor, MTV, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight and is a favored composer for the Oprah Winfrey Show (including Oprah's Big Give). The list of accolades from the industry includes “The Golden Planet Award" and the “ESPY Award for Excellence."
As a solo artist, the uniqueness of the Hewitt signature sound lies in his ability to draw from the diverse worlds of contemporary jazz, pop and rock, while simultaneously bridging the gap between instrumental music and the urban scene with intoxicating stage performances that are a fusion of energy, style and grace. It was his 2004 release, Noche de Pasion, that marked his emergence on the pop instrumental scene, which was followed by his critically acclaimed 2006 release Metropolis. The Baltimore Times hailed, “Metropolis is the album to put in your CD player (then turn up the volume)."
Hewitt's current release, Retroactive, features performances from Greg Adams (Tower of Power), Paul Jackson, Jr., Steve Madaio (Stevie Wonder) and Steve Oliver. The first single to be released is an intoxicating arrangement of the 70s Isaac Hayes classic, “Shaft." A national tour is planned to support this CD. Check your local listings for upcoming concerts or logon to alanhewitt.com.
For more interview, reviews and bookings, please contact Cheryl Hughey at 347-878-6610 or [email protected].
For more information contact Cheryl Hughey Promotions.
