Tokyo - Talhsoma, the US duo based in Canada, could have its first number one seller in Japan. The group's members, Al Thomas and Mat Shoal, are very excited about the possibility of being at the top of the charts.

"We've never expected to the top seller anywhere, especially in a foreign country we've never played live," said Thomas. The group has visited Japan twice but never put on a concert. "It was more of an expeditionary mission," added Shoal.

Sales of the duo's materials have been lagging in most markets, attributed to a lack of promotion and limited availability. A spokesperson for Talhsoma's management company, Electric Outhouse Productions, says those issues are being addressed.

"Given the problems we've been dealing with, we have no idea how we could be doing so well in Japan - really, we're shocked - but in a good way," said Thomas. The group now plans to add Japan to its European and Far East tour, tentatively being planned for the fall of 2005.

London - A surprise one-night show at the Voodoo by the US group Talhsoma drew an estimated 2,000 fans to Soho last evening. With limited seating capacity, there was a sizable crowd that stayed outside the club until well after midnight, hoping to gain entrance.

The club manager, who identified himself only as "Freddie," says the response to the special show was much greater than expected. “We only promoted the event for three days, through handbills and placards in the downtown area. The result was much greater than we bargained for.”

Certainly there was widespread knowledge of Talhsoma and their music but not by all. “I’d never heard of them, to be honest,” said Freddie. A promoter he deals with said the group had a good following and that the club wouldn’t be disappointed. “We weren’t,” he added.

Following the sold-out show, Talhsoma members Al Thomas and Mat Shoal flew to Canada, where they are working on their latest CD.

New York - With many performers today, product endorsements form an integral part of their business lives. It's not enough today to simply practice your art, you must also promote the tools of your trade.

Companies have seen the benefit of having potential customers watch their favorite artist use the company's products. Recording artists Mat Shoal and Al Thomas, of Talhsoma, are the latest in the long line of musicians willing to promote what they use. They are still working on that first endorsement contract.

"What we like is actually much more extensive than what we use," says Al Thomas. "Endorsements allow us to expand our horizons in terms of our equipment, as our accountants don't let us spend as much as we'd like."

"We're interested in Gibson, Paul Reed Smith and Taylor guitars, and Marshall and Mesa Boogie amps - so we'll see what offers are made," added Mat Shoal. "We hope to have a deal finalized in the next couple of months."

Endorsement contracts also help enhance the bottom line for musicians, something that artists used to struggling can really appreciate.

"Going from an old van and driving across the country to having a signature electric guitar and numerous replacements is a huge change," added Thomas. "But it's a change we're gladly willing to make."

In the end, it's all for the music.

New York – The musical duo Talhsoma, formed in New York City but now based in Canada, has come out publicly against The Late Show with David Letterman. The group has indicated that an outstanding issue has resulted in them no longer willing to appear on the long-running comedy/variety show based in the Ed Sullivan Theater.

“We don’t want to get into specifics but let’s just say we won’t be appearing on the show,” says Al Thomas, one half of the duo and its main songwriter. “If you want more information you should talk to the producers but don’t be surprised if they say they’ve never heard of us.”

This last statement, according to Thomas, sums up the relationship the group has had with the show. “There has been a complete lack of concern that is, frankly, no longer acceptable.”

Until the show changes its position, the group is vowing to boycott the entire CBS network. The show’s producers and CBS officials were unable to comment to the matter.

"I was dancing to the music and I glanced away for a second at two people making out and, when I looked back at the stage, something hit me in the eye," says McSween.

A pick found at the scene, embossed with "Talhsoma" was the alleged cause of the affliction. As is customary at concerts, picks had been tossed to the crowd during the 12-minute show.

McSween claims that she now suffers from headaches, blurred vision, night sweats, irregular bowel, chronic fatigue, hemorrhoids, corns, and is no longer able to work. "I'm a mess."

Friends agree, although one who asked not to be identified indicated that "she wasn't a prize before."

A spokesperson for Talhsoma stated the group is confident the suit will be dismissed. "The back of all the tickets clearly states, in fine print, that protective eye wear and undergarments are strongly recommended for all shows. We can't be held responsible if this advice is ignored."

Baton Rouge, LA - The local club scene was treated to a feisty 12-minute show by Talhsoma, a six-piece duo based in New York. Al Thomas and Mat Shoal showed the magic that can happen when you combine bluegrass, heavy metal, classical influences and big band klezmer. Showing a virtuosity that bordered on the contrived, their two-song set left the crowd definitely wanting more. Interviewed afterwards, and asked about the short set, Al and Mat explained that they like to leave the fans wanting more, more for wanting than actually wanting more to want. And of course they only have two songs finished, with more than 170 in various stages of completion. They then went on a 20 minute kick quoting classic Monty Python sketches and performing a weird free jazz word-association exercise, punctuated with fists in the air and cries of "Talhsoma," followed by raucous laughter.