Re-Issue Giant Empire Musicwerks Plans Eclectic Slate of Early 2005 Releases - Miami Based Label Offers Mix of Pop, R&B, Classical, Latin, Jazz, Dance, Plus A Follow-Up To 2004 TV Inspired Hit Queer For The Ear: Extreme Makeovers For Disco Dance Classics

Top Releases Include Classics By Aaron Neville, Charlie Park, Andres Segovia & John Williams and Woody Herman With Tito Puente

Miami based record label Empire Musicwerks kicks off 2005 with an ambitious, multi-genre schedule of re-issues and compilations. Empire, which was one of the first independent labels to sign on to the groundbreaking MSN Music Service last year, has rekindled the torch for over 85,000 master recordings since President and CEO Paul Klein formed the company in 2000.

Among the most anticipated releases is Queer For The Ear, Volume II (released January 11), a follow-up to the megapopular 2004 compilation Queer for the Ear: Extreme Makeovers For Disco Dance Classics which coincides with the Bravo debut of Queer Eye For The Straight Girl, a female version of the longtime hit Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Empire has taken the original vocals and given some bona fide Billboard chart singles that rocked the disco and pop world a complete makeover - including Miquel Brown’s “So Many Men So Little Time,” Pat Marano’s “Love Disco Style,” Carol Jiani’s “It’s Raining Men,” Hazell Dean’s “They Say It’s Gonna Rain” and some exclusive never before released tunes.

Empire celebrates the 40th anniversary of Aaron Neville’s legendary hit “Tell It Like It Is” with the March 29 re-issue of the original 1965 recording of the same name, restored to its original luster thanks to modern technology and expert remastering. One of the bestselling and enduring R&B vocalists of the past four decades, Neville has never sounded better than on this seminal recording, whose current packaging includes the original artwork, liner notes and for the very first time, complete info on the musicians who participated on this historic date.

The Art of Guitar, released January 25, is a gem from the vaults of Everest Records which captures the genius of Andres Segovia—the premier classical guitarist of the 20th century—and Australian born John Williams—one of the most versatile and respected guitarists in the world—as they interpret Bach from different perspectives, forty years apart. The Segovia sides are quite rare and are among his first recordings, dating back to the late 1920’s. Although the recordings are a bit primitive, their historical importance cannot be overlooked and the sheer intensity of his performances will overshadow any technical anomalies inherent in the recording.

2005 marks fifty years since Charlie Parker, aka “Bird,” the greatest improviser of modern jazz, died at the age of 34. Liveology, scheduled for a February 15 release, is a jazz collector’s dream—a rare collection of spontaneous party and jam session performances from the 1940s where the master could play free from the restraints of recording directors, time limitations or given set lists. Although the live recordings themselves were of questionable sound quality, the Everest record label began cataloging and releasing these performance in the late fifties on LP to the great enjoyment of Bird fanatics everywhere. Now, for the first time, Empire offers remastered versions of these incredible performances and a greatly improved sound quality. Package features include a striking cover painting by renowned Texas artist Debra Hurd and new, extensive liner notes by esteemed jazz historian Larry Hollis.

Released January 25th, Get Your Groove On is not your average “slow jams” compilation. From the silky smooth sounds of Philly soul (Barbara Mason, Eugene Wilde, Johnny Ingram), to the sexiest party jam of all time (Little Beaver’s “Party Down”) to the sensual stylings of Jamaica’s Third World and OLAS (Original Latin All Stars) this is one slow jams comp that doesn’t rehash the same old tunes. The collection includes rare previously unreleased tracks and a wide range of genres from R&B and reggae to smooth jazz and Latin music.

Due March 15, DJ Afrowax Presents eVolution is a compilation of rarities and exclusive and unreleased mixes from the underground independent Afrowax label,

which proved to be a breeding ground of inventive up and coming DJ producers from Japan, Canada, England, Germany and the U.S, many of whom went on to become household names.

The cleverly titled Herman’s Heat & Puente’s Beat, due February 8, is a legendary album from 1958 that brought together Woody Herman, one of the world’s most renowned big-band leaders, with Tito Puente, perhaps the greatest exponent of modern Latin rhythms. Included are bonus tracks from a special reunion session held that same year which brought Herman together with past alumni Al Cohn, Bob Brookmeyer, Ernie Royal and Don Lamond. The album will be presented in its original LP format complete with original liner notes from esteemed Jazz historian Nat Hentoff and remastered from the original stereo mix.

Gloria Lynne’s classic, groundbreaking 1965 recording I Wish You Love, due for re-issue March 29, elevated the singer to the top of the Jazz, R&B and Pop charts simultaneously, a feat never before achieved by a jazz artist. Propelled by a voice with undeniable universal appeal, a true “standard” was born – “I Wish You Love”. Like the other Everest reissues, the CD features original liner notes, restored artwork and expert remastering.

The reigning Queen of the folk blues - Odetta’s classic album “Sings Ballads and Blues”—retitled Ballads & Blues: The Classic Recordings and due February 1—was recorded in 1956 for Everest label offshoot Tradition records. It was a major component of the folk revival of the late 50’s and 60’s, and the next generation of folk and blues singers, including Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and Joan Baez, frequently cited Odetta as a major influence. This digitally remastered re-issue contains added bonus material, new, extensive liner notes and restored artwork. Fans who have owned the original 1958 LP will be pleased to see the original cover restored as earlier editions failed to do.

South Beach Flamenco Lounge, due March 1, is a delightful, infectious collection of modern Flamenco music which gathers some of France’s most popular, young Flamenco artists (who now call South Beach, Miami there home) together for the first time on disc. Bands like Paye, Manolito The Gypsies, Gypsies Five all draw large crowds wherever they play, playing a brand of Flamenco that is so intoxicating that people lose track of time and space.

Five CD volumes comprising The Ultimate Sound Effects Library will be released on March 1: Machines & Movement, Nature & Animals, People & Sounds, Sound Effects and Sounds of Passion. Long out of print, these original libraries of sound effects have finally been digitally remastered for today’s market. The discs contain 99 sound effects per volume and retail for less than five dollars apiece.