TWIN CITIES VOCAL ICON TINA SCHLIESKE SET TO RELEASE DEBUT JAZZ ALBUM "THE GOOD LIFE"

RELEASE DATE FEBRUARY 23, 2024 ON SHIFTING PARADIGM RECORDS

Tina Schlieske, a revered figure in the Minneapolis music scene, is gearing up for the release of her inaugural jazz recording, "The Good Life," scheduled to hit shelves on February 23, 2024, under the banner of Shifting Paradigm Records. Teaming up with a stellar ensemble featuring Cody McKinney (bass), Pete Hennig (drums), Bryan Nichols (piano), and special guests Jake Baldwin (trumpet), Brandon Wozniak (sax), and Kevin Gastonguay (organ), Schlieske embarks on a transformative jazz odyssey.

A luminary in the Minneapolis rock and Americana music circuit, Schlieske's illustrious career spans over four decades, garnering numerous accolades, including a prestigious star adorning First Avenue's legendary star wall. Renowned for her Impassioned vocal delivery and magnetic stage presence, Schlieske's pivot into the realm of jazz signifies a poignant milestone in her already illustrious career. Her transition into this new territory is a testament to her enduring artistic evolution and an exciting progression for her dedicated audience.

Schlieske's affinity for jazz, long-held but unexplored until recent years, stemmed from an unanticipated desire to delve into the allure of classic standards within the contemporary musical landscape. "There is a certain simplicity in these complicated songs," she reflected. "Singing jazz offers me the chance to push the boundaries of my vocal capabilities. It's a whole new world compared to rock. Here, the voice becomes another instrument. Maintaining the essence of the melody while infusing personal interpretation presents a thrilling challenge that I find truly exhilarating.”

ABOUT THE TRACKS

"The Good Life" symbolizes Schlieske's artistic evolution and her endeavor to embrace jazz while maintaining her distinctive vocal style. This debut jazz album promises to breathe new life into timeless standards, inviting audiences to experience Schlieske's heartfelt exploration of the genre.

THE GOOD LIFE
"This song just resonates with me. It encapsulates the essence of a love song – a blend of longing and melancholy. This rendition stems from Tony Bennett's classic interpretation."

WITCHCRAFT
"The idea to perform this track sparked when I stumbled upon a video featuring Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley performing it on Frank’s TV show. The synergy between these two iconic voices, coupled with the song's swing, got me instantly and just made me want to perform it."

DON'T EXPLAIN
"Our rendition of this song draws from Nina Simone's take on Billie Holiday’s classic. It's a portrayal of the profound sadness within a love song—a testament to the turmoil of discovering your partner's infidelity while grappling with the love for them being stronger than the will to leave."

MY BABY JUST CARES FOR ME
"This is a quintessential Nina Simone piece that holds a special place in my heart. It just has that timeless charm and allure."

DO NOTHING TILL YOU HEAR FROM ME
“When I first started listening to Billie Holiday, this track embodied the classic essence of her voice. Its bluesy undertones make it incredibly relatable and deeply moving for me."

THEM THERE EYES
"The original recording by Billie Holiday had a big band arrangement. Our rendition is inspired by her later live performances with her trio. I love performing this version, paying homage to Billie's evolving style."

YOU GO TO MY HEAD
"Another soul-stirring Billie Holiday creation, this song's lyrics resonate profoundly with me. Its depiction of being utterly captivated by someone strikes a chord with me. The lyrics just paint a perfect picture"

LILAC WINE
“This is just an achingly beautiful song. Our version drew inspiration from both Jeff Buckley and Nina Simone. I first encountered Jeff’s rendition, which led me to discover Nina’s version. The haunting beauty of this song left an indelible mark on me."

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BIO

Tina Schlieske is Midwestern rock mainstay, commanding a dedicated and passionate following, especially in her hometown of Minneapolis. She’s best known for fronting the band Tina and the B-Sides.

Schlieske grew up inspired by the diverse Minneapolis music scene, and you can hear and see the many influences in her writing and performances. She draws creative energy from a wide spectrum of rock, soul, Americana, and singer-songwriters with her own brand of electrifying live performances.

With the B-Sides, Tina released several albums on her own label, Movement Records. Then a chance meeting in an elevator with Sire Records president Seymour Stein led to a deal with the famed label and two more albums, 1996’s “Salvation” and 1998’s “It’s All Just the Same.” Their music has been featured in major motion pictures and Schlieske was even courted to portray Janis Joplin in a Paramount Studios biopic during that period.

After the B-Sides took a hiatus in 1999, she garnered rave reviews as the touring rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the late Stevie Ray Vaughn’s band, Double Trouble, and released several solo albums; "Slow Burn", "Evil Gal Blues" and "One Of The Boys-Pinned Up".

She has shared stages with Lenny Kravitz, The Wallflowers, the Indigo Girls, Etta James, and more recently, Jeff Bridges and Robert Ellis. She has also collaborated with such renowned musicians as Don Heffington (Dylan, Emmy Lou Harris), Benmont Tench (Tom Petty), Marc Ford (The Black Crows) and Rami Jaffe (The Wallflowers), Stewart Copeland (The Police), Me’Shell Ndegeocello and Elvis Presley's longtime guitarist, James Burton.

LISTEN

The Good Life

Tina Schlieske

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Tina Schlieske’s The Good Lifebreathes fresh air into classic jazz, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of timeless standards by luminaries like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. From the sultry melancholy of“Don’t Explain”to the playful allure of“Witchcraft,”each track paints a vivid sonic canvas, captivating listeners with its emotive

Tina Schlieske’s The Good Life breathes fresh air into classic jazz, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of timeless standards by luminaries like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. From the sultry melancholy of “Don’t Explain” to the playful allure of “Witchcraft,” each track paints a vivid sonic canvas, captivating listeners with its emotive resonance and poignant arrangements. The Good Life is a nod to the lasting allure of jazz, ushering in a new era yet paying homage to its timeless roots.

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The Good Life 4:02

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Don't Explain 4:59

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My Baby Just Cares for Me 2:58

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PRESS QUOTES

“Tina Schlieske’s The Good Life breathes fresh air into classic jazz, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of timeless standards by luminaries like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. From the sultry melancholy of 'Don’t Explain' to the playful allure of 'WItchcraft,' each track paints a vivid sonic canvas, captivating listeners with its emotive resonance and poignant arrangements. The Good Life is a nod to the lasting allure of jazz, ushering in a new era yet paying homage to its timeless roots.”

“The California-based front woman continues to prove that she’s one of the most potent singers to ever come out of the Twin Cities.”

— Jon Bream, Star Tribune

“Most unforgettable live music cover song (local): Tina Schlieske bringing down the house at the Lady Parts Justice bash at the Cedar Cultural Center with her ferocious re-reading of 'It’s A Man’s World' by James Brown.”

— Jim Walsh, Southwest Journal

“Smart, sensitive, earthy singer-songwriter with a superb voice and a musical reach that blurs the lines between country, rock, blues and gospel with giddy sureness.”

— Daily Vault