You might as well row that boat

Devils & Dust

“What if the things you do to survive, kills the things you love” – B. Springsteen

The next line of that song is “Fear is a powerful thing… it can turn your heart black.”  Lionel Rizzi is a man that lived seemingly without fear.  His effortless glide into stardom has been a beacon for emerging artists.  His smile has brightened the ears of countless listeners.  And his musical acumen has revitalized an industry struggling to find it’s soul.

It is with great sadness that I am announcing the death of Lionel Rizzi on the 23rd of January, 2015.  Full details of his untimely death are being kept secret for the sake of the family.  However, it is believed his death is the result of injuries sustained while on sabbatical in South America.

Long time friend and co-producer Fabian Fernandez issued the following statement in regards to the upcoming release of what is to be Lionel’s final album “my only love.”

“Although reconciling the finality with the suddenness has been extremely difficult, it’s warmed my heart to see the outpouring of love from people that have been influenced by Lionel.  He had a way of bringing out the best in people.  He inspired creativity, even in his death.  We will be releasing the final LP along with a memorial album with collaborations from some of his his oldest friends in the industry.  All proceeds from the album will be donated to fund clean water projects in rural Argentina.”
my only love” is a masterpiece in modern music.  A departure from the ethereal sultriness of “chillin me softly” and a return to the soulful beats that Lionel raptured us to begin with.  Tracks like “on the dub-ble” and “never mess with Sunday” are a case study in instrumental soul.  While, “After I’m Gone” is a haunting foreshadowing of his untimely death.
The tribute album, “Chasin the Train: A Lionel Rizzi Tribute,” is a compilation of collaborations with a cast of characters that will cauterize your wounds and help heal and warm the very cockles of your heart.

1.  Chimes – Hudson Mohawke 2.  Storm – Lenny Kravitz/Jay-Z 3.  On the dub-ble – DJ Krush 4.  Snatching it Back – Clarence Carter 5.  Cavalier – James Vincent McMorrow 6.  Never Mess With Sunday – Yppah 7.  Baby It’s You – Smith 8.  Mad About You – Hooverphonic 9.  She Puts Me In The Mood – Elvin Bishop 10. Chimes (remix) – Hudson Mohawke 11. Crush – Brass Menazeri 12. Walk Like A Woman – 9th Wonder & Murs 13. After I’m Gone – Living Legends 14. Mannish Boy – Muddy Waters

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1.  The New Day – Kno 2.  Have You Ever Seen the Rain – CCR 3.  Devils & Dust – Bruce Springsteen 4.  If You Could Read My Mind – Gordon Lightfoot 5.  The Times They Are A-Changin – Bob Dylan 6.  California Dreamin’ – Eddie Hazel 7.  Keep Me In Your Heart – Warren Zevon 8.  Hold On – Tom Waits 9.  Valley of Tears – Solomon Burke 10. Satisfied Mind – Johnny Cash 11. Coldest Winter – Kanye West 12. Come Back – Pearl Jam

SPOTIFY LINKS:
my only love 
Chasin the Train: A Lionel Rizzi Tribute

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