NEW YORK & LONDON, Feb 24, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Today, The Orchard /quotes/comstock/15*!orcd/quotes/nls/orcd (ORCD 1.66, 0.00, 0.00%) , a global leader in music and video distribution and comprehensive digital strategy, announced that it has signed legendary British rock bands Jethro Tull and Cornershop, as well as England's one-and-only Boy George. These acts were signed to major record labels prior to partnering with The Orchard for distribution and digital marketing.

Jethro Tull's lead singer and flutist Ian Anderson commented on the group's endeavor, "In this exciting age of digital music distribution, The Orchard's new thinking and ability to seek out and take advantage of new opportunities as they are presented, means the difference between stagnation of the music industry as we know it and the growth of a new musical prosperity. Digital distribution is fast becoming the main outlet for the interests of our children's generation; those children who will inherit the great historical depth of repertoire of Rock, Pop, and Classical music, as well as their own generational peer artists."

On February 8th, The Orchard released albums from Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull, including "Aqualung Live," which are now available at digital outlets worldwide.

On March 22nd, the androgynous Boy George will release the new single "Amazing Grace" from his upcoming Orchard album. The single will be released digitally worldwide, as a CD single, and as a limited edition vinyl picture disc in the UK. The release features club re-mixes by Sharp Boys, Filo & Peri, Mac & Taylor, and an acoustic version that features Jamiroquai's Rob Harris on guitar.

Cornershop, who the Telegraph describes as "one of the most vital inventive force at work in British pop," is set release "Judy Sucks a Lemon For Breakfast" via The Orchard, on February 22 in UK and Europe and in April in the US. A North American tour will accompany the release of the album.

Scott Cohen, Founder and Vice President of The Orchard, commented, "Unlike the traditional label model, acts who choose to keep the rights to their music by signing with The Orchard, including progressive rock bands like Jethro Tull and Cornershop, and artists like Boy George, can maintain creative control and artistic direction of their album campaigns."

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-orchard-signs-boy-george-cornershop-and-jethro-tull-2010-02-24?reflink=MW_news_stmp