New Releases

Bell'Aria - Little Italy (CD)/ Live From Las Vegas (DVD)

From the label that brought you hugely successful adult franchise Celtic Woman, Manhattan Records brings you an exciting new ensemble that moves to the next largest European immigrant community in America right behind the Irish, The Italian-Americans. Bell'Aria is set to move beyond the cultural stereotypes when their debut studio album of Italian-American standards is released this November. Little Italy is a celebration of the music that helped to shape and define the Italian-American experience, not only for immigrants and their families but also the larger American audience that have come to love these classic songs.

Little Italy celebrates love, family, friends, group singing and life itself. It's what Italians do exceptionally well. And that's what Little Italy is all about, resonating at the heart of what is loved by many Americans, finding the Little Italy that is in all of us.

Bell'Aria is featured on a forthcoming PBS special entitled Bell'Aria – Live From Las Vegas. PBS will be using the show as part of their pledge drive starting in late November 2010 and in pledge periods beyond. The program was produced by long-time PBS producers with such hits as Yanni, Celtic Thunder, David Garrett, Andre Rieu and others under their belt.

Available Now.

Celtic Woman - Songs From The Heart (CD/DVD)

 The international Irish music phenomenon, Celtic Woman, is renowned for singing inspirational melodies and heartwarming songs that stir fans of all ages and cultures. Their brand-new PBS TV special concert, aptly titled Songs from the Heart, was filmed in HD in the lush Irish country setting of the majestic Powerscourt House & Gardens. Under a dramatic evening summer sky with the backdrop of the historic estate and musical support of a 27 member film orchestra, 20 member Discovery Gospel choir, 12 member Aontas Choir, 10 member Extreme Rhythm Drummers and an 11 piece Bag Pipe ensemble performing rooftop, the radiant Celtic Woman uplifted their adoring audience with Songs from the Heart. Musical Director David Downes has created a completely new program of repertoire for TV, DVD and CD that showcases the beauty and ethereal presence of vocalists, Chloë, Lisa, Lynn, and Alex along with the energetic inventiveness of Celtic violinist Máiréad within a setting of cinematic proportions that was transformed for the first-time-ever into a concert stage.

Celtic Woman categorically defi ned a distinct genre by putting a modern twist on the Celtic sound.  Their unforgettable signature style can be heard on the popular "Fields of Gold", "When You Believe", the sweet lullaby "Goodnight My Angel", the patriotic "O, America!," the Irish classics "Galway Bay", "My Lagan Love" and "Níl Sé’n Lá".

In just four short years, the group has played nine US tours, released 4 CDs and 4 DVDs totaling more than 4 million in sales, and performed for close to 1 million concert-goers. Named the #1 Top World Music Artist by Billboard Magazine, the group’s albums have held the #1 position on the magazine’s World Music chart for more than 90 consecutive weeks while their four PBS TV specials have dominated the broadcast circuit. Celtic Woman has also performed on several national television shows including Dancing with the Stars,  The Today Show and Good Morning America. Songs from the Heart is a true celebration of Ireland and the pure essence of Celtic Woman.

Available Now.

Rosanne Cash - The List

Album features Cash’s contemporary interpretations of songs from a list of essential country songs passed on to her by her legendary father. Special guests include Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Jeff Tweed, Rufus Wainwright.

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Available Now.

Sarah Brightman - Symphony - Live in Vienna (CD/DVD)

Over the past two and a half decades Sarah Brightman has established herself as the quintessential crossover artist and is the world's biggest-selling soprano of all time, with worldwide sales of more than 26 million albums and over 2 million DVDs. 2008 brought Sarah Brightman's already stellar career to new heights, from the chart-topping Symphony album (her most highly-anticipated studio album in five years) to her first-ever Christmas album (A Winter Symphony) to performing the Olympic theme song at the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics to the launch of her critically-acclaimed Symphony World Tour.

Kicking off that phenomenally successful year, in January 2008, Sarah Brightman recorded and filmed Symphony - Live in Vienna within the mystical walls of Stephansdome Cathedral in the heart of where classical music evolved - Vienna, Austria. Renowned for its awe-inspiring Gothic architecture, the cathedral was the perfect setting to enter the magical world of Symphony lead by the voice of the beautiful, gothic-angel. The concert includes repertoire from her album Symphony and some of her most popular songs ("Phantom of the Opera," "Time to Say Goodbye"). Symphony - Live in Vienna premiered on PBS TV stations in March 2008 and was an immediate hit with viewers.

Now fans have the chance to own the live material in three different formats: a CD version and two different combo package versions - a CD/DVD combo (jewel case) and a DVD/CD combo (in DVD case).

Available Now.

Van Morrison - Astral Weeks: Live at The Hollywood Bowl

Recorded in 1968 when the Belfast-bred, blues-rock music legend Van Morrison was just 22 years old, Astral Weeks immediately received critical acclaim and continues to be cited as one of the greatest albums of the rock era. Subsequently the album has been ranked on numerous Best Albums of All Time lists, including #19 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and the 40th Greatest Album Ever on VH-1's list in 2003. Both Astral Weeks and Moondance (Morrison's next album) were inducted in the Grammy® Hall of Fame.

Astral Weeks became a cult favorite and was seen almost as a religion to many artists. On November 7 and 8, 2008, four decades later, at the age 63, Van Morrison revisited Astral Weeks live in its entirety at the Hollywood Bowl and delivered a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring performance.

The first half of the show featured Morrison playing timeless classics that have made him a legend, while the second half was the breathtaking performance of the Astral Weeks album. Van Morrison did not simply re-create what he did 40 years ago in a NY studio, but instead took the songs to a dramatically higher contemporary level. The jazz-rooted compositions of Astral Weeks are poetic stories of young love and the quest to find one's place in life. They were, and remain, ideal source material for musical improvisation that gives way to the sense of wonder for which Morrison has always striven.

Available Now.

Sarah Brightman - A Winter Symphony

After the successful release of her highest chart debuting album, Symphony, Sarah Brightman will release her first-ever Christmas album this holiday season. A Winter Symphony brings her virtuosity and originality to many of the season's classics. Her angelic voice glides through an array of season favorites, including "Silent Night," "In the Bleak Midwinter," a resplendent performance of "Ave Maria," and others.

This has been a stellar year for soprano Sarah Brightman, who recently captivated the world with her stunning performance at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 World Olympics. Selected as the sole international performer, she was given the honor of singing the Olympic theme song, a highlight of the spectacular opening ceremony, which was broadcast to over five billion viewers. Brightman was also featured on The Today Show, Live from Beijing.

Following her triumphant Olympic ceremony performance, Sarah's upcoming world tour promises to enthrall audiences, as her soaring voice is illuminated in another breathtaking stage concert of material supporting both Symphony and A Winter Symphony albums. Her first tour since 2004, Brightman will do 18 shows in the US and 10 in Canada, kicking off the US leg on November 12.

Available Now.

Celtic Woman - The Greatest Journey

The Celtic Woman journey to international renown began in 2005. Now, with more than 3 million CDs/DVDs sold in the US — including Gold & Platinum album certifications, a #4 debut on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, and being #1 on the Billboard World Music Chart for over 90 consecutive weeks — three hit PBS TV specials, and concerts in front of over 800,000 fans in the US alone, Celtic Woman remains a major force in the contemporary music landscape.

Under the musical direction of David Downes, The Greatest Journey: Essential Collection captures the stunning voices of Lisa, Méav, Chloë, Órla, Lynn, and Alex, and the inspired fiddle playing of Máiréad performing their most beloved and memorable songs. This essential collection gives new fans the opportunity to catch up on Celtic Woman's phenomenal success and old fans a chance to reminisce. The companion DVD will include a very special intimate behind-the-scenes documentary.

Celtic Woman will once again be featured on PBS during the network's December 2008 pledge drive campaign. The new TV special will be a collection of memorable highlights taken from their past PBS specials: Celtic Woman: Live, A New Journey: Live at Slane Castle, and A Christmas Celebration.

With four new songs ("The Call," "Pie Jesu," "Ave Maria," "You Raise Me Up" backed with a gospel choir) and two previously unavailable songs on CD - "Somewhere" from the Live at Slane Castle DVD and "Shenandoah" from the deluxe CD of A New Journey — this CD is the perfect holiday gift for new and old fans.

Available Now.

Lila Downs - Shake Away

"Downs is a Mexican-American singer-songwriter who spellbinds with the ferocious sweep of her voice." - The Boston Globe

Exploring and expressing Mexico's rich culture has been a lifelong passion for vocalist Lila Downs. With a voice that is varied in color and range, Lila cuts a striking figure live as well - she embodies the spirit of her music with an emotion-drenched physicality. Lila's profile was raised significantly with her stunning performance in the hit film Frida, starring Salma Hayek in the title role. Lila also performed the Oscar-nominated song from the film at the Academy Awards ceremony, becoming the first Latina to perform at the telecast. Her new album Shake Away evokes her home country's rich folk-music legacy while pulsing with modern arrangements.

Available Now.

Click here for upcoming shows

Carrie Rodriguez - She Ain't Me

After her well-received solo debut Seven Angels on a Bicycle, Carrie Rodriguez spent much of 2007 on a whirlwind tour schedule that included opening for friend/fan Lucinda Williams. The Associated Press raved, ". . . her voice has a character few achieve. Rather than a support player taking a minor turn, she uses her first solo album to mark her ground as a singular talent."

Carrie's sophomore release, She Ain't Me, still showcases her intimate croon, but this classically trained singer/songwriter has just begun flexing her artistic muscles. She Ain't Me is an expectation-confounding statement from Carrie, who notes, "Because I took some chances, wrote with some new people and actually co-wrote most of the songs on the album, it's very different."

For She Ain't Me, the Austin-born, Berklee-trained violinist-turned-fiddler teamed with producer Malcolm Burn (Emmylou Harris, Patti Smith, Kaki King) and wrote with Gary Louris of the Jayhawks, as well as Mary Gauthier, Dan Wilson, and Jim Boquist. The album also features a guest vocal appearance by Lucinda Williams.

Available Now.

Alejandro Escovedo - Real Animal

"This is not only the finest album of Alejandro’s career, for me, it’s the album of the year. And I’ll stand on Bruce Springsteen’s coffee table in Steve Earle’s cowboy boots and say that." - Dave Marsh

Real Animal, Alejandro Escovedo’s ninth solo album and follow-up to 2006’s critically-acclaimed The Boxing Mirror, will be released on June 24, 2008. Produced by Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T.Rex, Thin Lizzy), Real Animal is a collective journey through Escovedo’s various musical incarnations from punk rock to string quintets, and is as introspective as it is retrospective. Recalling the people, places, and influences that helped shape his career, Real Animal represents the primitive aspect of Escovedo’s music — the instinct, the urgency, the survivor mentality that fueled his passion.

Available Now.

Click here for upcoming shows

Mutlu - Livin' It

Mutlu made his mark on the Philly music scene as a talented and charismatic artist who mixes soulful grooves, funky beats, and clever lyrics.

Mutlu's debut album, Livin' It, will be released on July 22 and features duets with Daryl Hall, Amos Lee, G. Love, and Raheem DeVaughn.

Available Now.

Various Artists - Mad Men: Music From The Series, Vol. 1

From Matthew Weiner, AMC and the Emmy® Award-winning executive producer and writer of The Sopranos, comes Mad Men, a provocative new primetime drama about how to sell the truth. Set in 1960 New York, the daring new series is about the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue advertising, an ego-driven world where key players make an art of the sell while their private world gets sold.

Featuring Vic Damone, The McGuire Sisters, Bobby Vinton, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney and more, the soundtrack mirrors not only the time and place, but sets an emotional tone for the critically-acclaimed series. According to Matthew Weiner, "Music on Mad Men is never an accident. The philosophy of the sound was pointed: do as much to enhance the feeling of the period while offering an artistic commentary to the themes of each show." Alexandra Patsavas, Grammy®-nominated music supervisor and founder and owner of Chop Shop Music Supervision, serves as music supervisor for the soundtrack, which takes its place among Patsavas’s impressive credits that include Grey’s Anatomy, The OC, Rescue Me, Gossip Girl, and Without a Trace, among others. There is no question that music helped define that decade and the music plays an important role in the series.

Available Now.

Richard Julian - Sunday Morning in Saturday's Shoes

Call Richard Julian a "singer songwriter" or a "folk artist" if you must, but there's much that sets this artist apart from the pack. Think more Mose Allison...but with an acoustic guitar. Tight compositions. An off-speed wit. Sophisticated, but not precious. And lyrics that fearlessly venture toward the confessional.

Sunday Morning In Saturday's Shoes is Julian's latest and was produced by the legendary Mitchell Froom. Eleven brand new songs recorded live-in-the-studio with as Julian describes "bare-knuckled" abandonment. Joining Julian on this adventure once again were Tim Luntzel (bass) and Dan Reiser (drums), along with Froom's familiar keyboard wizardry making cameo appearances throughout.

Available Now.

The High Kings - The High Kings

Finbarr Clancy, Martin Furey, Brian Dunphy and Darren Holden – renowned vocalists and musicians – have come together to form the hottest Irish folk and ballad group to emerge since The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem electrified the worldwide folk revival of the 1960s.

The musical producer is the highly acclaimed David Downes, who is the musical genius behind Celtic Woman and formerly the musical director of Riverdance. He brings intricate harmonies and driving rhythms to The High Kings songbook, giving them a freshness and sparkle that is infectious.

A rousing TV Special was filmed in Dublin and will premiere on PBS Television throughout March. The group will be the opening act for a run of Celtic Woman concerts in March and will then launch their own headline tour in April. Visit www.thehighkings.com for more details.

Available Now.

Sarah Brightman - Symphony

Symphony is the soprano's first new studio album since 2003. Produced by her long-time producer Frank Peterson, the diverse repertoire of Symphony will have a broad appeal to both her original fans from her days in Phantom of the Opera and the international smash hit "Time to Say Goodbye" to fans of her more contemporary experiments with classical-rock and electronic-dance styles.

The repertoire ranges from beautiful ballads ("Symphony," "Fleur Du Mal"), epic power rock scores ("I Will Be with You") to interpretations of the work "Jupiter" from Holst's The Planets on "Running" to Faith Hill's "There You'll Be" sung in Italian as "Sarai Qui," and many more, with a colorful variety of male duet partners include Andrea Bocelli on "Canto Della Terra," Fernando Lima (Mexican tenor) on "Pasiòn" (popular telenovella theme song), and Paul Stanley (from Kiss) on "I Will Be with You (Where the Lost Ones Go)." The album also showcases her linguistic vocal skills by singing in Spanish, Italian, French, and, for the first time, German.

Available Now.

Van Morrison - The Best of Van Morrison, Vol. 3

Manhattan Records is honored to release The Best of Van Morrison, Vol. 3 on June 19, preceded by the new single, "Cry For Home". A 2 CD collection featuring 31 tracks, The Best of Van Morrison is a comprehensive collection of Van’s later material and includes two previously unreleased tracks and duets with Tom Jones, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, and Ray Charles among others. It is a must for fans old and new.

Available Now.

Van Morrison - At The Movies: Soundtrack Hits

A collection of songs you'll always remember, featured in films you'll never forget. Van Morrison’s music plays a role in many of modern cinema’s most cherished films. Van Morrison At The Movies: Soundtrack Hits, collects 19 of Morrison’s best-known songs that have been featured in films.

Available Now.

Emerson Hart - Cigarettes and Gasoline

As the lead singer and primary composer for the alternative band Tonic, award-winning songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Emerson Hart has been a familiar voice to audiences around the world. After three albums, two Grammy® nominations and a string of radio hits with the band, the prolific songwriter with the enviable voice has officially begun his solo career. Delivering with such well-crafted songs as the anthemic first single "If You’re Gonna Leave". Hart celebrates the release of his debut solo effort, Cigarettes and Gasoline.

Available Now.

Raul Midón- A World Within A World

With jaw-dropping, hair-raising, show-stopping talent, Raul Midón is a one-man virtuoso performer of soulful vocals, slap-attack guitar rhythms, flamenco-style runs and a mean mouth-trumpet all while self-harmonizing over his distinctly original songs. Midón burst on to the scene in 2005 with his debut album, State of Mind, and has followed it up with A World Within A World, an explosive blend of soul, pop, and jazz with a touch of Latin flavor bursting out of a veritable human instrument.

To witness this phenomenon on stage brings the intensity and passion of the album to a new level that you will relive with every listen.

Available Now.

Celtic Woman - A New Journey

It’s time to take A NEW JOURNEY with Celtic Woman! The female Irish ensemble of angelic voices have a brand new studio album and live concert DVD offering the signature Celtic Woman sound that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. The repertoire is an unforgettable collection of contemporary hits ("Beyond the Sea," "The Prayer," "Scarborough Fair," "Over the Rainbow"), classical favorites ("Lascia Ch’io Pianga," "Vivaldi’s Rain"), and Irish standards ("Dúlaman," "At the Ceili," "Caledonia," "Mo Ghile Mear"). The CD is also available in a Deluxe version that includes 4 bonus tracks and a beautiful Claddagh charm (the Irish symbol for Love, Loyalty and Friendship).

Available Now.

Celtic Woman - A Christmas Celebration

Celtic Woman's inspiring blend of Irish music standards, classic melodies, and original songs has captivated American audiences, fueling a record-breaking 68-week slot at #1 on the Billboard World Music chart (surpassing Andrea Bocelli's Sogno), four hugely successful domestic tours over the past year, a platinum concert DVD, gold-selling CD, and hundreds of airings of their original PBS special.

This is the group's first Christmas record that puts their signature Celtic style on the most-loved holiday songs of our time.

Available Now.

Celtic Woman - A Christmas Celebration (DVD)

Recorded live during the quintet's July 18th holiday concert in Dublin, the set includes soaring renditions of well-known songs such as "Carol of the Bells," "White Christmas," "O Holy Night," "Let It Snow!" and "Panis Angelicus" and original songs "Green the Whole Year Round" and "Christmas Pipes." In addition to the DVD release, fans will also have the opportunity to see the full performance through a new PBS TV special, airing during PBS stations' December pledge drive.

Available Now.

Anne Murray- Duets: Friends & Legends

Anne Murray Duets: Friends & Legends showcases a wide variety of Anne's favorite female vocalists. Among the album's tracks and collaborating artists are "Snowbird" with Sarah Brightman, "You Needed Me" with Shania Twain, "Nobody Loves Me Like You Do" with Anne's daughter Dawn Langstroth, "Danny's Song" with Martina McBride, "Another Pot O' Tea" with Emmylou Harris, "A Little Good News" with Indigo Girls, "Cotton Jenny" with Olivia Newton-John, "Could I Have This Dance" with Amy Grant, "Daydream Believer" with Nelly Furtado, "A Love Song" with k.d. lang, "Time Don't Run Out On Me" with the song's writer, Carole King, and more.

Available Now.

John Hammond - Push Comes To Shove

Legendary bluesman, John Hammond, returns to the fight with Push Comes to Shove. Hammond’s uniquely classic and instantly recognizable blues approach on these original tracks and gritty covers gets an injection of old soul & young blood from producer G. Love.

Available now.

The Subdudes - Street Symphony

Over the course of 20 years and eight albums, The Subdudes have quietly become one of America's national music treasures.

The New Orleans-formed group is a living encapsulation of American music, a vibrant gumbo of sounds that stirs together Bayou grooves and jazzy dynamics, soulful R&B swagger, easy vocal harmonies, cheeky rock 'n' roll attitude and folky social consciousness.

Beneath the layers of peaceful commentary and infectious songwriting, you’ll find some of the sharpest musicianship and ensemble playing you'll ever hear from any five musicians. Those virtues have seldom been displayed better than on Street Symphony, The Subdudes’ richly crafted and fiercely executed new album. It's the document of a veteran band that's still learning, growing and getting better at what it does.

Available Now.

Anoushka Shankar / Karsh Kale - Breathing Under Water

Anoushka Shankar and Karsh Kale expand beyond cultural and traditional borders of music with their new collaboration Breathing Under Water. With the help of featured guests Ravi Shankar, Sting, Norah Jones, Midival Punditz, Salim Merchant, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, and others, the duo has succeeded in blending Indian classical, electronica, dance, and folk into a genre-hopping triumph.

Available Now.

Curtains - Original Broadway Cast Recording

Curtains is an entertaining play within a play, as well as a "whodunit" new musical comedy featuring one of the last scores by legendary, Tony Award-winning songwriters John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago, New York, New York). Starring David Hyde Pierce (Spamalot, "Frasier") and Debra Monk, the Curtains original Broadway cast album is produced by nine-time Grammy® Award-winner Jay David Saks.

Available Now.

Diana Ross - I Love You

Diana Ross has built her life on love and music; from a childhood growing up in a house filled with family love, through chart-topping wistful teenage love songs ("Baby Love," "Where Did Our Love Go"), to today, surrounded by the love of her children and enjoying the fruits borne of her love of life. It is not surprising then, that for her first studio album in more than seven years, Ross has chosen to dedicate the entire album to this most constant factor in her life. I Love You, includes 13 songs she personally selected for their timeless, classic expressions of love and romance plus the title track, written for her Fred White. Diana Ross has built her life on love and music; from a childhood growing up in a house filled with family love, through chart-topping wistful teenage love songs ("Baby Love," "Where Did Our Love Go"), to today, surrounded by the love of her children and enjoying the fruits borne of her love of life. It is not surprising then, that for her first studio album in more than seven years, Ross has chosen to dedicate the entire album to this most constant factor in her life. I Love You, includes 13 songs she personally selected for their timeless, classic expressions of love and romance plus the title track, written for her Fred White.

Available Now.

Over The Rhine - Discount Fireworks: A Collection

Discount Fireworks: A Collection, is a retrospective of the emotive and enchanting band Over the Rhine. The Cincinnati duo takes a look back at 14 of their best loved compositions and a look ahead with the sobering new track, "Last Night on Earth Again."

Available Now.

12 Girls Band - Shanghai, Live from Shanghai

Prepare to be captivated by the graceful beauty and infectious energy of 12 Girls Band! Two years after their best-selling, chart-topping US debut, Eastern Energy, the group returns with a brand-new album (Shanghai) and concert DVD (Live from Shanghai), showcasing an eclectic mix of traditional Chinese folk melodies and selections of jazz, classical, and pop music.

Formed in 2001, their 2003 debut album in Japan, Beautiful Energy, sold 2 million units, and ranks as the highest-selling Chinese band in Japan. These 12 talented young women playing traditional Chinese instruments — the erhu, pipa, yanguin, and gu zheng — create masterful music on a broad musical canvas in an unforgettable and distinctive style all their own.

Later this year, PBS will broadcast 12 Girls Band: Live from Shanghai, and American audiences will witness the worldwide phenomenon in concert when 12 Girls Band embarks on a major 30-city U.S. tour in the fall of 2007.

Available Now.

Seth Lakeman - Introducing...Seth Lakeman Vol.1 & Vol. 2

The BBC heralds Lakeman as "one of the leading lights of the new folk scene," and said that Lakeman "performs passionate, evocative songs that celebrate love, history and honour."

Rolling Stone called Lakeman's set at this year's SXSW "revelatory."

Following his homemade, Mercury Prize-nominated album Kitty Jay (recorded for less than $600 in his brother's kitchen) and the 2006 release of Freedom Fields, which earned him Singer of the Year and Best Album awards at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, acclaimed British folk singer-songwriter Seth Lakeman brings his innovative sound to this side of the pond!

Introducing... Seth Lakeman Vol. 1 & Vol. 2. Featuring tracks previously unreleased in the U.S.!

Available Now.