Allstar Project “Studio D’Lux” by Doug Kistner Releases New Single “Not in a Million Years
Featuring Members from Chicago, Steely Dan, & Billy Joel, the Allstar Project Studio D’Lux, spearheaded by musician Doug Kistner, has unveiled its latest single, “Not in a Million Years.” The project, which began in 2021 with the release of “Ain’t Good Enough” featuring Bill Champlin of Chicago, continues to bring together legendary musicians from renowned bands. Champlin was also one of the co-writers of the iconic single by Earth Wind & Fire “After the Love is Gone” and appears on four of the series’ offerings.
A Star-Studded Collaboration
“Not in a Million Years” features an impressive lineup of revered and powerful musical talent. Trumpeter Lee Loughnane of Chicago contributes his iconic horn sound, while Jon Herington of Steely Dan provides a masterfully constructed guitar solo. The rhythm section is anchored by the celebrated rock drummer Liberty Devitto, known for his work with Billy Joel.
Kistner, the driving force behind Studio D’lux, brings his extensive experience to the project, having played keyboards with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, John Waite, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. He is currently associated with The Lords of 52nd Street and Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love.
Doug Kistner on the Project
“It’s a dream band, really,” says Doug. “Hearing all these super talented musicians add their parts to the song is the best part of this thing. We’ve just been going song by song, releasing singles with this special project. We’ve been using some different musicians depending on the song which is such a luxury, but I’m proud to say Liberty Devitto is the drummer on all of them.”
Kistner expresses his excitement about working with Loughnane, “I’m thrilled to finally work with Lee Loughnane, Chicago’s trumpet player since their inception. Along with his fantastic Chicago-style brass arrangement, he also plays a very lyrical solo. Jon Herington has been very much a part of this project. He is a brilliant player and knows exactly how to approach a solo and a guitar part for the given song.”
For me, the series takes me back to an amazing time in life when I wasn’t quite so jaded. Sonically comforting and nuanced, the attention to detail in the sound design is gargantuan…each release in the series is a picturesque journey and I dare you not to smile…if you’re from my generation. “Not in a Million Years”, is an amazing new single and I’d say the series itself is somewhere close to an essential period salute collection that crosses over generationally and culturally. For the audiophiles, this is one of those to play on the big speakers!
A Love Song and Future Plans
“Not in a Million Years” marks Studio D’Lux’s first venture into love songs. Doug explains, “I think that kind of lyric works perfectly with the melody. The next song we will do is a little dark, cinematic but powerful.”
Looking ahead, Kistner hopes to bring Studio D’Lux to live audiences, indicating, “I am hoping to start playing some shows live. It would be the Studio D’Lux songs with classic songs by Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, Toto, etc.”
As Studio D’Lux continues to release new music, fans can anticipate more collaborations with some of the most talented musicians in the industry. Catch the full series lineup below!
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Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
