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Guitar Virtuoso Todd Grubbs Releases Two New Albums – ‘Best Of The Guests’ and ‘Toddities volume 2’

Posted in classic rock, Guitar, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on March 24, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

todd grubbs best of the guests - promo cover

Tampa, FL – One of the most talented and innovative guitarists to emerge from Florida, Todd Grubbs has released two new albums digitally in March 2013 – ‘Best Of The Guests’ and ‘Toddities volume 2’. Todd Grubbs, who studied at Berklee College of Music, has been voted ‘Most Outstanding Guitarist’ at the Tampa Bay Music Awards, as well as winning the ‘Most Outstanding Video’ two consecutive years in a row. His guitar prowess has been touted by critics and fans worldwide, and can be witnessed on all his solo albums. Todd has surrounded himself with an array of legendary music artists and musicians which is the inspiration behind the album ‘Best of The Guests’.

‘Best of the Guests’ features Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Black Country Communion), Bryan Beller (Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, The Aristocrats), Mike Keneally (Zappa, Solo), Sean Malone (Cynic), Blues Saraceno (Poison, Transmission OK), Chris Poland (Megadeth, Ohm), Don Preston (Zappa), John Wesley (Porcupine Tree), Jerry Outlaw (Bogus Pomp), Pattrick Bettison (Acoustic Alchemy), Mark Prator (Iced Earth), and Ralph Santola (Obituary).

Says Todd, “I have had quite a few amazing players make guest appearances on my albums over the years, so I decided it would be cool to put them all together on one release. I have always been honored that these great musicians would agree to perform on my compositions and their contributions have been stellar across the board. The CD includes one new track I recorded featuring Byran Beller on bass.”

todd grubbs toddities vol 2 - promo cover

Along with Frank Zappa, Grubbs influences, which can be heard throughout both his new releases, range from Steve Vai, John Coltrane, The Beatles, Kate Bush, Jeff Beck, Michael Schenker, Ulli Jon Roth and Adrian Belew.

“Todd takes us to some places we have not been with his playing as well as giving us some of that Zappaesque influenced wild arrangement sensibility that has been a part of his playing for years.” – John Wesley (Porcupine Tree)

The second release is ‘Toddities volume 2’, a collection of esoteric recording by Todd Grubbs. Todd explains, “The CD includes some of my more ‘out there’ recordings that did not fit on other releases. It is really cool how these orphaned songs come together and form their own continuity as if it was a planned out project.”

Currently, Todd is working on a couple of albums worth of vocal tunes with a lot of great singers. Says Todd, “I plan to release at least one of these in 2014. Beyond this I am producing writing and recording with a number of young artists and bands covering a wide variety of styles.”

In closing Todd imparts to his fans and listeners, “I would like to thank everyone who has enjoyed my music over the years, I really love making music and to have people out there that support what I do is amazing esp… with the current music industry situation being in a state of flux so to speak. I have always created my music on my own terms and I am very proud of my work to this point.”

Listen to and watch: Todd Grubbs ‘Best Of The Guests’ medley below!

To purchase Todd Grubbs ‘Best of the Guests’ and ‘Toddities volume 2’:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/best-of-the-guests/id598534525

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/toddities-vol.2/id599096369

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/toddgrubbs6

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/toddgrubbs7

Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/user/tcgrubbs?feature=mhee

ReverbNation:

http://www.reverbnation.com/toddgrubbs

For more information:

www.toddgrubbs.com

http://www.myspace.com/toddgrubbs

http://www.facebook.com/todd.c.grubbs

https://twitter.com/ToddGrubbs

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

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LONG LIVE TODD GRUBBS.

Stone.

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JOE SATRIANI “Unstoppable Momentum” – Releases May 7th, Via Epic Records; Album Cover & Track Listing Revealed

Posted in classic rock, guitarists, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock albums, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on March 20, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Joe Satriani - Unstoppable Momentum - promo cover pic!

JOE SATRIANI – The 14th studio album, Unstoppable Momentum, from Legendary Rock/Heavy Rock guitarist Joe Satriani will be released on May 7th, via Epic Records. Check out the sensational cover art above! Metal be thy name!

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Unstoppable Momentum – Musicians Featured:

Vinnie Colauita (Sting, Jeff Beck) on drums

Chris Chaney (Janes Addiction) on bass

Mike Keneally (Dethklok) on keyboards

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Track listing for Unstoppable Momentum:

01. UNSTOPPABLE MOMENTUM

02. CAN’T GO BACK

03. LIES AND TRUTHS

04. THREE SHEETS TO THE WIND

05. I’LL PUT A STONE ON YOUR CAIRN

06. A DOOR INTO SUMMER

07. SHINE ON AMERICAN DREAMER

08. JUMPIN’ IN

09. JUMPIN’ OUT

10. THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD

11. A CELEBRATION

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JOE SATRIANI – UNSTOPPABLE MOMENTUM – Joe’s new studio album will hit the streets May 7th; yet you can get your presale bundle now! http://www.satriani.com/presale/

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* For more info on JOE SATRIANI, click on the links below!

http://www.satriani.com

facebook: Joe Satriani

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LONG LIVE JOE SATRIANI.

Stone.

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Firehouse Legend Bill Leverty Releases Classic Rock Covers CD ‘Drive’

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on March 20, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Bill Leverty - Drive - promo cover pic!

Richmond, VA – Much to the excitement of Hard Rock fans around the globe, Firehouse legend Bill Leverty has released a fantastic new CD of classic rock covers – guaranteed to thrill even the hardest of rockers! Covers include songs from bands and artists such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Little Feat, The Ohio Players, Three Dog Night, Eric Clapton, Edgar Winter, The Guess Who, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan and Rare Earth.

Says Bill, “These songs were all very personal. In choosing these songs to cover, each had to be a song that I loved before I started playing guitar, that I still love today, a song that hadn’t been covered to death in the genre and a song that I thought I could put my own spin on, while still staying true to the original recordings. That narrowed it down to these ten songs.”

Hailing from Richmond, VA, Bill Leverty and Firehouse first gained recognition in 1991 when they won the ‘Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock New Artist’ from the American Music Awards. Signed to Epic Records, Firehouse would go on to release several hit songs throughout the ’90s such as “Don’t Treat Me Bad”, “Love Of A Lifetime”, “All She Wrote” and “Reach The Sky”, to name a few. The band sold over 2 million copies of their debut album ‘Firehouse’, and sold close to a million copies of their second album ‘Hold Your Fire’ in the US alone.

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For their 3rd release the band secured the production chores of famed producer Ron Nevison (Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osbourne, Damn Yankees, UFO, etc). ‘Firehouse 3’ went on to be another big seller, especially in Asia. Their next release ‘Good Acoustics’, the first of several albums produced by Bill Leverty, won them a Gold record in several countries. Firehouse would go on to release 5 more well-received critically acclaimed albums as well as successful world tours throughout the 2000’s. The band to this day continues to tour playing their back catalog of hits to cheering fans everywhere and has sold over 6 million units worldwide!

In the mid-2000’s Bill Leverty released several musically diverse solo albums ‘Wanderlust’ (2004), ‘Southern Exposure’ (2007) and ‘Deep South’ (2009). Which leads us to ‘Drive’, Bill’s new covers CD.

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Tracks include:

“Fortunate Son” – CCR

“Spanish Moon” – Little Feat

“Free Ride” – Edgar Winter

“One” – Three Dog Night

“I Shot The Sheriff” – Eric Clapton

“Fire” – The Ohio Players

“No Time” – The Guess Who

“Jesus Children Of America” – Stevie Wonder

“Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” – Steely Dan

“I Just Want To Celebrate” – Rare Earth

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In a recent interview with Jeb Wright of Classic Rock Revisited, Bill explains the exciting rock guitar sound he has created on the album’s recordings, “It all starts with my C.R. Alsip guitar. C.R. Alsip guitars are made right outside of Wichita, KS. Mine is a neck-through-body guitar. It’s hard rock maple with mahogany sides. This wood combination, along with some other very unique design elements, makes the guitar very solid and it has a very favorable tone. I used the bridge pickups, which are Billy Gibbon’s Pearly Gates pickups by Seymour Duncan, on this one. I plugged the guitar straight into my Splawn Quick Rod 100 for a stereo pair of rhythm tracks and into my Fractal Audio Axe FX II for another stereo pair.”

In closing Bill has this to impart to his fans and listeners, “I really want to thank all the people who have supported my career and made it possible for me to be able to work full-time in the music business for over 25 years. It’s been a great ride so far. I’m going to do everything in my power to keep this train rolling for another 50 years. Hope to see you down the road!!”

Bill Leverty - Drive - promo cover pic!

Check out the recent interview Bill did with Guitar World magazine:

http://www.guitarworld.com/drive-firehouse-guitarist-bill-leverty-discusses-new-album-classic-cover-songs

To Purchase Bill Leverty’s ‘Drive’ dowload: http://www.amazon.com/Drive/dp/B00BFXLDYS/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1363630842&sr=1-1&keywords=Bill+Leverty%2C+Drive

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/drive/id602634728

To Purchase Bill Leverty’s ‘Drive’ CD: www.leverty.com

Bill Leverty has his own Apps and they are FREE! Check them out:

iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/levertymusic/id590939838?mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app_levertymusic.layout&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5hcHBfbGV2ZXJ0eW11c2ljLmxheW91dCJd

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

* For more info on BILL LEVERTY, click on the links below!

facebook: Bill Leverty

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LONG LIVE BILL LEVERTY.

LONG LIVE FIREHOUSE.

Stone.

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Rock Artist Bob Pressner Marries Raw Emotion With Catchy Hooks On New Album “King of Nothing”

Posted in Music, rock albums, rock bands, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , on December 14, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Bob Pressner - King Of Nothing - promo cover pic!

New York Native Serves up Fifth Full-Length Record

Los Angeles, CA – Rock artist Bob Pressner breathes raw emotion and honesty into every line on his new album King of Nothing, available now on iTunes. Drenched in glowing charisma, Bob shows off his versatility throughout the album as he touches on subjects like love, spirituality and retrospection. With his relatable lyrics and velvety tone, it is no surprise that Bob is becoming a magnetic force for music lovers; the official video for the title track “King of Nothing,” directed by Max Moraga and produced by Kurt J. Zendzain has already garnered more than 18 million views on YouTube!

Hailing from White Plains, NY, Bob has always been a musician at heart. Intrigued by the styles of Jimi Hendrix, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and Paul McCartney, he fell in love with the guitar at 15 years old and now has a vast collection. As he grew older, he continued to practice his art and refine his skills – he even studied with the famed 1950’s beat poet Allen Ginsberg. After experiencing a traumatic event and years of being part of the workforce, Bob took a leap of faith to pursue a music career. Later, Bob moved his family to Florida where he began writing and recording heavily. The singer-songwriter soon had his first album Hard Driving Rain, followed by Riding the Wave, Summer in Illusion Land, Me and the Kid from Santa Cruz, and Honor Among Thieves. In addition, Bob was a featured artist on the album A Musical Tribute to the Olympics, which was a commemorative compilation featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Bob Pressner - Publicity Pic - #1 - 2012

Delivering an exciting mix of head-bopping songs and tear-jerking ballads, Bob displays charm and grace on his latest effort, King of Nothing, produced by Grammy-nominated producer David Grow (Michael Bolton) and Jim McGorman (Avril Lavigne, The Corrs). With more than three million YouTube views for the music video, “The Blue Has Left Your Eyes” is a catchy mid-tempo track that reveals a more vulnerable Bob. The singer laments the loss of his queen with sweet melodies led by a soft guitar and carried away by wailing violins in the emotional “King of Nothing.” Hoping to meet his internet crush in “iGirl,” Bob’s infectious hook is lead by major rock guitars and supported by a solid vocal performance. Each song on this well-produced album is capable of transporting listeners to different dimensions.

Receiving “Top Honors” for his outstanding YouTube views, the New York native has been cranking out live performances left and right for his fans. Bob’s performances landed him a gig at the South By Southwest Music Festival and his very own Comcast-produced OnDemand concert entitled, “Bob Pressner at Infinity Music Hall.” The concert was promoted on cable channels like A&E, AMC, ESPN, CNN, Bravo, MTV, VH1, and TBS.

With four albums under his belt, Bob has let go of all inhibitions and nothing can hold him back. The world better get ready. Keep up with Bob Pressner by visiting www.BobPressner.com or Facebook.

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(Source: LaFamos PR & Branding)

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LONG LIVE BOB PRESSNER.

Stone.

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David Kilminster, Guitarist on Roger Waters’ The Wall Tour, Releases Debut Solo CD ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, guitarists, Hard Rock, Music, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on November 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

London, UK – Guitar virtuoso David Kilminster, best known for his work with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson, has released his debut solo CD titled Scarlet – The Director’s Cut. David’s radical techniques and mesmerizing sounds have captivated fans and fellow musicians alike worldwide. Named “Guitarist of the Year” by Guitar Magazine in 1991, the recognition propelled him on a super-charged career as a multifaceted guitarist, vocalist, writer, engineer, and producer. Credited by keyboard legend Keith Emerson for inspiring him to go on the road again, David is a familiar figure worldwide to fans of progressive rock. And now, much to the elation of his fans, David is releasing an innovative new CD that will amaze all who listen!

Says David about his new CD, “I guess the album ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’ is just a reflection of all the wonderful music that I grew up listening to on the radio, along with some deeply personal lyrics. It also represents the first time that I’ve ever been let loose in a studio, so I was definitely like a kid in a candy store!!! Hence trying a whole bunch of things I’ve never done before…like singing lead vocals, playing piano and even scoring for a string quartet!”

Fans and critics agree that David Kilminster is one of the most extraordinary talents to emerge from the UK. He is a sought after collaborator, band member and solo performer. After touring for a number of years with such luminaries as John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer, and ELP keyboard Keith Emerson, in 2006 David went on the road with Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters as lead guitarist and vocalist in the extraordinary global staging of ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’. More recently David was seen atop a thirty foot wall playing guitar on Roger Waters ‘The Wall – Live’ tour, which became the highest grossing tour of the year, playing to over 3 million people worldwide!!

David’s work is in a class by itself, encompassing technical mastery and enormous power. His vast musical influences are strongly felt on his new album. Says David, “I have a very eclectic list of influences. Musically, it’s anywhere from Debussy to Bjork, Chet Baker to Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley to Queen…it’s all in there, mixed up in my own unique way…” As far as the title goes, David explains, “I really love the provocative images that the word ‘Scarlet’ conjures up in my head… it’s a very passionate color, and brings to mind characters such as ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ in ‘Gone With The Wind’, ‘The Scarlet Woman’ (the goddess from the mystical system of Thelema), Scarlet Johansson (very cute!!)… and also the Sir Conan Doyle book ‘A Study In Scarlet’, which I believe is where Sherlock Holmes was first introduced. In a way the last reference seems particularly apt, as I feel like this album is my first real introduction into the world of music…”

In closing David has this to impart to his fans and listeners, “There’s so much of my heart, soul, passion and energy in this recording… you can almost see my DNA in the grooves of the CD!!! So I really hope you enjoy the listening experience…”

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To purchase David Kilminster ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’: http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=3897

Also available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/scarlet-the-directors-cut/id578776042

For more information: http://davidkilminster.com/

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE DAVE KILMINSTER.

Stone.

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JIMMY HERRING – Renowned Lead Guitarist Of WIDESPREAD PANIC – Debuts New Album & Offers FREE DOWNLOAD To Fans

Posted in blues rock, guitarists, jazz fusion, Music, rock albums, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on August 2, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE SET FOR AUGUST 21ST RELEASE ON ABSTRACT LOGIX

FALL TOUR SET – INCLUDING DATES WITH VICTOR WOOTEN

(Los Angeles) Worldwide fans of guitar-great JIMMY HERRING will have the opportunity to hear all 10 tracks of his soon to be released solo album, Subject to Change Without Notice, by visiting JIMMY’s facebook page or the new DIY music platform website. Fans are also encouraged to share these great tracks with their friends through their own social networking pages.

In addition, they can pre-order the album, download a free song (“Bilgewater Blues”), as well as get a very cool “behind the scenes look” at the album’s recording featuring in-depth interviews with Jimmy and his bandmates on the recording of Subject to Change Without Notice. The “behind the scenes” video also displays an array of guest appearances from such legendary players as Bela Fleck (Banjo), Bill Evans (Sax) and Nicky Sanders (Violin) from the Steep Canyon Rangers.

You can share the tour and sign up through Jimmy’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JimmyHerring?ref=ts

or by visiting here:

http://w.diymusicplatform.com/abstractlogix/jimmyherring/

Check out Jimmy Herring: Subject to Change Without Notice (Behind the Scenes):

To purchase Subject to Change Without Notice, visit:

http://www.jimmyherring.net/shop

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Jimmy Herring on Tour:

August 22  @ Aggie Theatre – Ft. Collins, CO

August 23 @ Performing Arts Center at Third St – Carbondale, CO

August 24 @ Quixotes – Denver, CO

August 25 @ NEDFEST 2012 – Nederland, CO

August 26 @ Ride Festival – Telluride, CO

August 29 @ Old Rock House – St. Louis, MO

August 31 @ Martyrs – Chicago, IL

September 14 @ Jomeokee Music & Arts Festival – Pinnacle, NC

September 15 @ Jomeokee Music & Arts Festival – Pinnacle, NC

September 21 @ Handlebar – Greenville, SC

September 22 @ Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA

September 28 @ Last Concert Café – Houston, TX

September 29 @ Utopia Festival – Utopia, TX

October 19 @ Workplay – Birmingham, AL

October 20 @ Magnolia Music Fest – Live Oak, FL

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with Victor Wooten Band

November 1 @ Charleston Music Hall – Charleston, SC

November 2 @ Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA

November 3 @ Neighborhood Theatre – Charlotte, NC

November 4 @ Carolina Theatre – Durham, NC

November 5 @ Orange Peel – Asheville, NC

November 7 @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater – Wilmington, NC

November 8 @ The National – Richmond, VA

November 9 @ The State Theatre – Falls Church, VA

November 10 @ Steel Jam – Bethlehem, PA

November 11 @ BB Kings Blues Club – New York, NY

November 16 @ Capitol Center for the Arts – Concord, NH

November 17 @ Buffalo State Performing Arts Center – Buffalo, NY

November 18 @ The Egg Hart Theatre – Albany, NY

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(Source: MAD Ink, PR)

LONG LIVE JIMMY HERRING.

Stone.

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JOE WALSH “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part Five)

Posted in classic rock, classic rock albums, guitarists, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on July 8, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Rock ‘N Roll Photography Of Analog Man

JOE WALSH – Okay, as I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Joe Walsh’s new studio album Analog Man, something very, very funny finally dawned on me! This album cover idea for Analog Man has been done before! Just because an album cover idea has been done before, it doesn’t necessarily mean it was done better. No way. Not in this case.

I give the Rockin’ nod to this Analog Man cover; both for its photographic excellence and for the way the photographer (Andrew Macpherson) captured the mood of Joe Walsh. It’s all about capturing that Rock mystique in Rock photography and Andrew did just that. Commendable!

Now… for that other album cover (from the past) with the same idea… uh, oh…

At one time, Torben Enevoldsen was photographed this same way for his album: Heavy Persuasion. Torben must have asked his neighbor to stop mowing the lawn to take this picture of him. Big difference between the Analog Man album cover and Heavy Persuasion. Whoa. Check it out for yourself below:

Thanks for visiting and reading Part Five of my fun & random thoughts on Analog Man. If you’ve missed out on Parts One thru Four, don’t panic! Just click on the four links below to read ’em! Metal be thy name.

JOE WALSH “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part One)

JOE WALSH “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part Two)

JOE WALSH “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part Three)

JOE WALSH – “Analog Man” – Some Fun & Random Thoughts From Stone (Part Four)

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* For more info on JOE WALSH, click on the link below!

http://joewalsh.com/

* For more info on photographer Andrew Macpherson, click on link below!

http://www.macfly.com

LONG LIVE JOE WALSH.

Stone.

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SATCHURATED: LIVE IN MONTREAL – By Guitar Legend JOE SATRIANI Lands At #3 On BILLBOARD’S DVD CHART

Posted in Guitar, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, rock concerts, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 2, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RELEASED ON 3D BLU-RAY, DVD & CD APRIL 24, 2012, THROUGH EPIC RECORDS

(Los Angeles, CA)  Joe Satriani, one of the most respected and innovative guitarist’s in the world, released his critically-acclaimed live concert Satchurated: Live in Montreal last week on 3D Blu-ray, DVD and Soundtrack CD, through Epic Records and today, the DVD enters at # 3 on The Billboard DVD chart.

Joe is about to hit the road on Friday with his ‘other’ band, Chickenfoot, this Friday but from rehearsals, had this to say:

“Satchurated 3D” DVD is #3!!! Big thanks to all of my fans worldwide for making this happen.  See you out there on the road!”

Satchurated was recorded and filmed in front of a live audience during Satriani’s “The Wormhole Tour”, supporting his studio album Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards, at the Metropolis in Montreal, Canada. The December 12, 2010 concert was filmed by GRAMMY and EMMY award-winning concert filmmakers Pierre and Francois Lamoureux. Satchurated: Live in Montreal was recently released for a limited engagement on March 1, 2012 to select theatres throughout the country. The high-definition recording makes Satriani’s performance as much a pleasure to see by DVD, as it is to hear by CD.

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(Source: MAD Ink, PR)

* For more info on JOE SATRIANI, click on the link below!

http://www.satriani.com

LONG LIVE JOE SATRIANI.

Stone.

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New York’s WAYNE KRANTZ Sets Release Date For New Album HOWIE 61 – Out April 17TH On ABSTRACT LOGIX

Posted in Guitar, guitarists, Hard Rock, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on March 20, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Celebrates With 5-Night Stint At The Iridium Nightclub in NYC

(Los Angeles – March 13, 2011) Ever-evolving and improvisational New York guitarist, Wayne Krantz, announces the release of his tenth album, Howie 61, on April 17 through Abstract Logix Records. Better known for his preference of the trio format, the musical main-stay now enlists a multitude of world-class musicians in a variety of lineups, including Vinnie Colaiuta (Jeff Beck, Frank Zappa, Sting), Tal Wilkenfeld (Jeff Beck, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock), Pino Palladino (Jeff Beck, The Who, Eric Clapton), and Anton Fig of The Letterman Show’s “World’s Most Dangerous Band”, among many others (Keith Carlock, James Genus, Nate Wood, Henry Hey, Owen Biddle, Charley Drayton, John Patitucci, John Beasley, Jeremy Stacey, Paul Stacey, Yasushi Miura, David Binney, Kenny Wollesen and Gabriela Anders).

The title, Howie 61, refers to Bob Dylan’s 1965 song, Highway 61 Revisited, an iconic blend of blues-based rock n’ roll riffs. Krantz sends a respectful nod to the musical great through the new format of his latest effort. The result is another step forward for Krantz – a striking album that melds his group improvisation and compositional approaches. Now, Krantz has re-invented himself, yet again, with a stunningly creative recording, and a bold new direction. Highlights include such rocking tracks as “The Bad Guys” and “Can’t Stand To Rock” – both high energy tracks propelled by Krantz’s searing guitar work. On the tongue-in-cheek “U Strip It,” David Binney, a frequent Krantz collaborator, delivers a smoldering sax solo over a playful, driving groove.

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Krantz continues to push his artistry even a step further by blending new vocal content into his music; a method more complete and tightly integrated says Krantz, then any of his earlier vocal efforts. “It’s another step in a direction I’ve been making since Long To Be Loose”, he explains. On whether this is the pinnacle of his long career, Krantz says, “This record is not the completion of that journey at all, but it is a step in the direction that’s been in my head now for a really long time.”

Just prior to the album release, Krantz will be joined by a group of friends for a 5-night stint at the famed NYC Iridium Nightclub.  The first night will see Krantz join the Les Paul Trio for a special start to the week.  Over the next two nights, he will be joined by Cliff Almond on drums, “Cliff has been playing with me in various bands for years and he played on my record, Your Basic Live ’06”; jazz star Chris Potter, on saxophone, who, Krantz toured and recorded with in the band “Underground”.  Finally, there is Anthony Tidd on bass who Krantz describes as “the new face for these nights. He’s played with sax legend Steve Coleman as well as producing here and in London.”

For the last two nights, Krantz will be joined by his longtime trio; Keith Carlock (Steely Dan, John Mayer), drums, and Tim Lefebvre (Chris Botti), bass, who held a weekly residency at the 55 Bar in NYC for the last six years. Together, they’ve toured around the world and recorded on Krantz’s last three records.

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WAYNE KRANTZ – 5 Night Stand At The Iridium:

April 9 – Les Paul Night with Wayne Krantz

April 12- Wayne Krantz with Chris Potter, Anthony Tidd and Cliff Almond

April 13- Wayne Krantz with Chris Potter, Anthony Tidd and Cliff Almond

April 14- Wayne Krantz with Keith Carlock and Tim Lefebvre

April 15   Wayne Krantz with Keith Carlock and Tim Lefebvre

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(Source: MAD Ink, PR)

LONG LIVE WAYNE KRANTZ.

Stone.

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GARY MOORE – ‘Live At Montreux 2010’ A Celebrative Listen Of A Late, Great Guitar Legend

Posted in classic rock, concerts, Hard Rock, hard rock albums, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, rock festivals, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , on February 16, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

GARY MOORE – Live At Montreaux 2010 was released back on September 20th, 2011, via Eagle Records. The legendary Gary Moore had performed at the 44th Montreux Jazz Festival back in 2010. The Festival dates were July 2nd through July 17th of that year. This world-famous festival also showcased the following diverse lineup of bands in 2010: Simply Red, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Norah Jones, Roxy Music, Mark Knopfler, Tori Amos, Herbie Hancock, Joe Bonamassa and Missy Elliott (to name a several few).

Seven months to the day, after this Montreux performance, Gary Moore passed away from a heart attack. February 6th, 2011 was a very sad day for music indeed. I remember my first time listening to a Gary Moore album in its entirety and it was 1984’s Victims Of The Future. When I first saw Gary Moore in the music video for Shapes Of Things, I was hooked. I thought to myself so long ago… this dude is not acting, this dude is real.

As the Gary Moore discography of Blues piled-up, I regretfully didn’t keep up. Over the years, my habitual leanings towards the “heavy stuff” and being broke time and again seemed to detour my buying habits. It’s okay though, at least I have a Gary Moore want list that I can enjoy filling and exploring still. Plus I’ve held onto Still Got The Blues on cassette after all these years!

Recently, I came across this live Gary Moore CD at Best Buy. I knew I wasn’t leaving the store without it. The whole reality of Gary Moore passing away hit me as well once again, as I held onto this CD. I wasn’t going to be a turd and pass over fine wine for a beer on this shopping trip for music. Not this time. Honestly, this CD surprised the daylights out of me for the track listing screamed of the Hard Rock side of Gary Moore’s late 80’s career. I felt like time froze as I approached the check-out at Best Buy. Really.

As I drove home with this newly purchased Gary Moore CD playing, it felt so right. It also felt so grand to hear Gary Moore playing his harder stuff live too. Odd as it sounds, yet, Gary Moore was alive once again through his music and I just became lost in the midst of these live songs. Gary Moore played three brand new songs at this Montreux Festival and they are included on this album. The new songs are: Days Of Heroes, Where Are You Now and Oh Wild One.

All three new songs that Gary Moore and his band performed are sensational to say the least. Days Of Heroes is vintage Hard Rockin’ Gary Moore. Where Are You Now can be considered a ballad due to its tempo, still, Gary Moore lays his guitar parts and solo down with an exquisite touch, giving this song a Rockin’ edge that is difficult to shake from my brain. The Wild Frontier and After The War days are summoned up by Gary Moore in dazzling fashion, with Oh Wild One. Man, is this a melodic Hard Rock song that became instantly imbedded in my head! Whoa.

The entire band that Gary Moore assembled for this 2010 tour and Montreux performance are seasoned pros (see band lineup below). Honestly, they played damn tight together during this performance and its damn right refreshing to hear such a level of quality from them. Gary Moore just downright shines vocally and (of course) on guitar throughout each song. This live production never comes across as being “tinkered with”, it’s as live as it gets to my senses.

There are guitar legends and then there are those guitar legends that play with such emotion, that their guitar tones come across as vocals to me. Gary Moore was/will forever remain one of those guitar legends for my senses. Just listen to Blood Of Emeralds and So Far Away/Empty Rooms and hopefully you’ll understand what I mean.  A mammoth of a song is Blood Of Emeralds, so fully enriched with Gary Moore’s guitar playing and it simply moves me.

Please pardon my lengthy review for this live gem, only this Gary Moore album I could write about for another 50,000 words or so. However, I will come to a close by saying this is a live Gary Moore album that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. I never had an opportunity to see Gary Moore live so this is as close as it gets. It’s amazing how music can change your mood for the better. Gary Moore Live At Montreux 2010 just elevates my spirits and reminds me once again, that what I was hearing way back in 1984 was real after all… and that was the guitar of Gary Moore.

The Band:

Gary Moore – vocals, guitar

Neil Carter – keyboards, vocals, guitar

Jon Noyce – bass

Darrin Mooney – drums

Gary Moore Live At Montreaux 2010 – Track Listing:

Over The Hills And Far Away

Military Man

Days Of Heroes

Where Are You Now

So Far Away/Empty Rooms

Oh Wild One

Blood Of Emeralds

Out In The Fields

Walking By Myself

Johnny Boy

Parisienne Walkways

Rest In Peace, Gary Moore. 

1952 -2011

Stone.

1 Comment »

SATCHURATED: LIVE IN MONTREAL – A Filmed Concert Performance By World Renowned Guitarist JOE SATRIANI – Set For March 1, 2012 Release In Theaters

Posted in classic rock, concert movies, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, movies, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on January 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Film will be shown in both 2D & 3D HD

Soundtrack to be released on April 10, 2012 through Epic Records

(Los Angeles, CA)  Joe Satriani, one of the most respected and innovative guitarist’s in the world today, announces the release of the live-concert film, Satchurated: Live in Montreal.   Satchurated was filmed live during Satriani’s “The Wormhole Tour”, supporting his studio album Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards at the Metropolis in Montreal, Canada.

The December 12, 2010 concert was filmed by GRAMMY and EMMY award-winning concert filmmakers Pierre and Francois Lamoureux.  Satchurated: Live in Montreal will be released to select theatres throughout the country on March 1, 2012 for a limited engagement.

With a total of ten cameras working to capture the sold-out concert, Satriani’s musical best was recorded in both 2D and 3D HD formats.  The high-definition filming makes Satriani’s play as much a pleasure to watch as it is to hear. Every chord change is captured and presented as if one were experiencing a living room concert of your very own!

Fans of “Satch” will be eagerly awaiting the film’s worldwide release in March 2012 with theatrical presentations in both 2D and 3D formats, followed by a shorter version for television broadcast.  The soundtrack from Satchurated was produced by Satriani and Mike Fraser and will be released on April 10, 2012 through Epic Records.

Over the last two decades, Satriani has traveled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as both a headliner and as founder of the all-star “G3” guitar extravaganza.  His studio and live recordings have sold more than 10 Million copies worldwide to date and of his many solo albums, two have gone platinum and four others went gold, with 15 Grammy nominations between them.  His side project, Chickenfoot, featuring former Van Halen front man Sammy Hagar, former bassist Michael Anthony, and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith saw their debut album certified gold and have just released their second studio album.

Satriani also appears in the Academy Award-nominated film Moneyball starring Brad Pitt, recreating a National Anthem performance he gave at the 2002 Opening Day of Major League Baseball’s Oakland A’s.  In late 2010, music sensation Nicki Minaj sampled the classic Satriani song, “Always With Me Always With You” in her song, “Right Through Me” from her multi-platinum debut album and in March 2012, Satriani will revive his “G3” Tour ‘down-under’ when he is joined by fellow legendary guitarists Steve Vai & Steve Lukather for a Spring tour of Australia & New Zealand.

ABOUT CINEMUSICA:

Cinemusica was formed by brothers, Pierre & Francois Lamoureux.  Their films have won a Grammy, an Emmy, two Juno, two Gemini, a multitude of industry and technical awards, sold millions of copies on BluRay and DVD and aired all around the world. Pierre & Francois Lamoureux have directed  and/or produced concert films and music documentaries for Rush, The Who, Harry Connick, Jr., Slipknot, Rihanna, The Pretenders, Zappa Plays Zappa, Branford Marsalis, Cowboy Junkies, Collective Soul, Ben Harper, Willie Nelson, Deep Purple, The Stray Cats and others. www.cinemusica.tv

ABOUT D&E ENTERTAINMENT:

Based in Hollywood, D&E Entertainment digitally distributes independent films, documentaries and alternative content such as filmed music events to movie theaters across the globe. Formed in 2005 by entertainment executives and digital cinema pioneers Doug Kluthe and Evan Saxon, D&E offers innovative theatrical programming via a worldwide marketing and distribution network. http://www.dandeentertainment.com/

Latest news and touring information for Joe Satriani can be found at www.satriani.com

To watch the trailer for Satchurated, go to:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFwSf8zXWYU

SATCHURATED: LIVE IN MONTREAL:

DISC 1:

1.         Ice 9

2.         Hordes Of Locusts

3.         Flying In A Blue Dream

4.         Light Years Away

5.         Memories

6.         War

7.         Premonition

8.         Satch Boogie

9.         Revelation

10.        Pyrrhic Victoria

11.        Crystal Planet

12.        The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing

13.        Dream Song

DISC 2:

1.         God Is Crying

2.         Andalusia

3.         Solitude

4.         Littleworth Lane

5.         Why

6.         Wind In The Trees

7.         Always With Me, Always With You

8.         Big Bad Moon

9.         Crowd Chant

10.        Summer Song

BONUS TRACKS:

11.        Two Sides To Every Story

12.        The Golden Room

Produced by Joe Satriani and Mike Fraser.

Soundtrack from Satchurated, a film by Pierre & François Lemoureaux.

Directed by Pierre & François Lamoureux.

Theatrical Version TRT: 88:59  (1 hour 28 minutes 59 seconds)

(Source: MAD, Ink PR)

LONG LIVE JOE SATRIANI.

Stone.

1 Comment »

High River Sauces Releases Chris Caffery’s Tears of The Sun Hot Sauce

Posted in food, guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , on September 7, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Lead guitarist Chris Caffery (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA & SAVATAGE) has collaborated with High River Sauces to release an amazing gourmet hot sauce called Tears of The Sun. This sauce is a deliciously dangerous blend of habanero peppers and tropical fruit. Your taste buds are greeted by the sweetness, then rising like the sun on a hot summer day, the heat settles in to make this truly a unique sauce. If your food is crying for help… it’s crying for some Tears of the Sun!

The Tears of The Sun Hot Sauce will be released on September 12th and can be pre ordered on the High River Sauces website at http://highriversauces.com/main/shop-hr/. Each bottled pre ordered will be personally signed by Chris Caffery.

High River Sauces will also have a booth at this years 16th Annual Chile Pepper Food Festival in Bowers, PA on September 9th and 10th. (http://pepperfestival.com/Chile_2011/Home.html) Caffery will be attending the festival on Saturday September 10th from 1 PM to 5 PM to do a signing and a  showcase tasting for Tears of The Sun.

“Ever since my first world tour in 1987 I have been on a global hunt for great hot sauces. About six years ago I began making my own. Trial and error led me to a sauce that had something very unique. My fellow band and crew members loved it so much I would actually make batches in catering on my recent tours. I am truly excited to finally be able to share Tears of The Sun with fellow chili heads” states Caffery about his inspiration behind his newest craft.

High River Sauces was created by music industry veteran, food junkie and Heavy Metal Cookbook author Steve “Buckshot” Seabury. His cookbook titled “Mosh Potatoes – Recipes, Anecdotes & Mayhem From The Heavyweights Of Heavy Metal” (Simon & Schuster) is a collection of recipes from the biggest names in Hard Rock & Heavy Metal.

High River Sauces also had 3 different hot sauces that were available exclusively on this summer’s Willie Nelson Throwdown Country Tour (Hillbilly Hellfire Hot Sauce), the Vans Warped Tour (King Scott Hot Sauce) and the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival (The Devils Blood Hot Sauce). Each hot sauce is an artisan sauce that promises to give fans who love fiery foods a unique culinary experience. Each recipe captures the finest ingredients, variety of spices and the hottest of peppers to bring you the exceptional blend of heat and balance of expressive flavor.

Crank Up Your Bottle

(Source: Steve Seabury)

For more information about High River Sauces: www.HighRiverSauces.com

For more information about Mosh Potatoes Cookbook: www.MoshPotaotoesCookbook.com

Long Live Chris Caffery

Long Live Steve “Buckshot” Seabury

Stone.

1 Comment »

BENEDICTUM – Guitarist Pete Wells Takes Over Metal Express Radio This Friday, July 1st, 2011!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, metal odyssey, Music, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 29, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

METAL EXPRESS RADIO is pleased to announce that this week’s Guest DJ is guitarist Pete Well’s from U.S. Heavy Metal powerhouse BENEDICTUM. Pete heard how much fun his vocalist, Veronica Freeman, had doing the show that he wanted to take command of the DJ chair for himself! He’ll also take a call or two on air! After Pete’s setlist, which is essentially a homage to some classic Metal guitarists, we’ll play some cuts off Benedictum’s latest album entitled Dominion, which is currently available through Frontiers Records.

Tune in to METAL EXPRESS RADIO on Friday, July 1st at 9:00 AM & 3:00 PM EST to listen! 

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

* For more info on BENEDICTUM, click on the links below:

BENEDICTUM – Official Website

BENEDICTUM – facebook

LONG LIVE BENEDICTUM.

Stone.

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Warren Haynes – Man In Motion: Five Reasons To Buy This Album

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, guitarists, Hard Rock, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news, southern rock with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 19, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Warren Haynes – The second studio album from legendary guitarist and vocalist Warren Haynes was released on May 10th, 2011, on Stax Records. Rock, Southern Rock and the Blues have and always will be in the Rockin’ arsenal of Warren’s skillful guitar playing. Best known for his membership with The Allman Brothers Band and Gov’t Mule, Warren has a Rock and Roll resume that goes much deeper than that. Playing guitar at a young age for Country legend David Allan Coe and even appearing live, onstage, with the Dave Matthews Band are a part of this highly respected guitarist’s musical history.

I want to share with you, five reasons why you should buy this new Warren Haynes album, here they are:

1. It’s all about the guitar. Any guitar aficionado will salivate at the pureness that Warren Haynes so eloquently expresses with his playing. Longtime fans of Warren Haynes surely know what I mean.

2. Diversity. Warren Haynes plays his patented Southern Rock tones, still he turns over some bluesy and funky licks that makes Man In Motion a case study in Rock appreciation.

3. Vocal coolness. When I listen to Warren Haynes sing, it’s listening to a dude that believes in his lyrics and the song. Storytelling and singing straight from the heart are two attributes of Warren that too many young vocalists nowadays don’t grasp… or even know exists.

4. Classic Rock never surrenders. The steady vibe of Classic Rock never subsides throughout Man In Motion. The organ, clavinet and tenor saxophone adds the old school mystique, making me drift back to those less stressful and technologically less invasive days of yesteryear. Songwriting never sounded so comfortably gilded.

5. “The three C’s”. Completeness, Competency and Creativity. When I can listen to an entire album that is richly guitar based and still be lured into the dynamics of the other instruments and vocals equally, that’s completeness. The competency is Warren Haynes and his musicians surrounding him on Man In Motion. The creativity is making an album of retrospective songs sound so suitable in 2011.

One big added bonus is the harmonious way all ten songs coexist together on Man In Motion. I’ve listened to this album many times now. I recommend Man In Motion to fans of discerning Rock taste and to those fans who keep their beer cold down in the creek; it makes no difference, this album comes across too damn refreshing. Warren Haynes has found, no, created a lucrative listen, into the world of a guitarist and vocalist who plays and sings with an immediacy that comes straight from his Rock and Roll soul.

* For more info on WARREN HAYNES, click on the link below:

Warren Haynes – Official Website

LONG LIVE WARREN HAYNES.

Stone.

4 Comments »

9 Chambers: In Studio and Recording “Goin’ The Other Way” – See The Video Here!

Posted in Guitar, Hard Rock, hard rock music, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 24, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

Left: Ed Mundell, Right: Greg Hampton

(All Photo Credits: Rockframe Media/Karen Murphy Mundell)

9 CHAMBERS – Led by multi-instrumentalist and producer Greg Hampton and ex-Monster Magnet guitarist Ed Mundell, the new Hard Rock supergroup of 9 Chambers is currently in the studio and recording for their forthcoming debut album.

The lineup for 9 Chambers with their storied backgrounds: Vocalist and guitarist Greg Hampton (Alice Cooper, The New Czars, Lita Ford, to name a few), guitarist Ed Mundell (ex-Monster Magnet), Jorgen Carlsson on bass (Gov’t Mule) and Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Heavn & Hell, DIO) on drums.

“Some guest drummers of recognition will be on board to finish off a few songs”, Greg Hampton has recently told me. Stay tuned for more updates, videos, song samples and news as it breaks from 9 Chambers… it will all be covered right here on Metal Odyssey! Check out Greg Hampton and Ed Mundell below, trading off and playing their guitar licks while recording “Goin’ The Other Way”:

Jorgen Carlsson – bass

Vinny Appice – drums

* Check out some very cool song samples from 9 Chambers by clicking this link: 9 Chambers – Audio Samples

* For more info on 9 Chambers, click on the links below:

9 Chambers – Official Website

9 CHAMBERS – Official facebook

9 Chambers – Reverbnation

* Related post (click below) on 9 Chambers, featured on Metal Odyssey:

9 Chambers – Hard Rock Supergroup Of: Greg Hampton, Ed Mundell, Jorgen Carlsson and Vinny Appice!

LONG LIVE 9 CHAMBERS.

Stone.

2 Comments »

Neal Schon – Metal Odyssey Salutes Rock Legend’s Birthday!

Posted in celebrity birthdays, classic rock, guitar legends, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, metal odyssey, Music, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on February 27, 2011 by Metal Odyssey

(That’s Neal Schon, in the top left/back row. This Next album from 1977 was Journey’s third studio album and pre-Steve Perry)

NEAL SCHON – Metal Odyssey gives a loud and Rockin’ Happy Birthday to Neal Schon! A founding member and non-stop lead guitarist for the ultra-legendary Journey, Neal Schon was born on February 27th, 1954. How can anyone measure the Rock ‘N’ Roll career and achievements of Neal Schon? I couldn’t. This is as key a figure in the history of Rock as you can ask for. Neal Schon is an influential guitarist, songwriter and figure of the Rock Music world spanning five decades. Thank you for the music Neal Schon!

My personal favorite Journey song of all-time is Any Way You Want It from 1980’s Departure. My second favorite Journey song ever is: The Party’s Over (Hopelessly In Love) which is the lone studio song on the 1981 live double album – Captured. I always have a soft spot for that little guitar solo that Neal Schon created in Don’t Stop Believin’ from 1981’s Escape.

As for my all-time favorite Journey album? Man, it’s tough. I’m going with two here: Infinity from 1978 and Evolution from 1979. The entire Journey catalog is just too rich with enormously memorable songs for me.

* Here is a list of some notable bands that Neal Schon has been a key part of during his amazing career. By no means is this list complete and in no particular order, that is not my intent here.

JOURNEY – (of course and ’nuff said)

HSAS – (with Sammy Hagar, Kenny Aaronson and Michael Shrieve). HSAS released only one studio album: Through The Fire back in 1984. Yes, take my Metal word for it, it’s a very cool Hard Rock album to own.

BAD ENGLISH – (with John Waite, Ricky Phillips, Jonathan Cain and Deen Castronovo). Bad English released two studio albums: Bad English in 1989 and Backlash in 1991. An excellent Hard Rock group was Bad English, both albums are very worthy listens.

SANTANA – Neal Schon played guitar on Santana III, which was released back in 1971. Neal Schon was only 17 years old then! Neal also played guitar on Caravanserai (1972). Rock history, pure and simple.

HARDLINE – Neal Schon played lead guitar on Hardline’s debut 1992 studio album: Double Eclipse. This is one fabulous Hard Rock album to get ahold of… if you haven’t already.

* For more info on Neal Schon, click here: NEAL SCHON – Official Website

* For more info on Journey, click here: JOURNEY

LONG LIVE NEAL SCHON.

Stone.

6 Comments »

BLACKMORE’S NIGHT “SECRET VOYAGE” – I’M ON BOARD FOR THIS MUSICAL JOURNEY!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock music, folk rock music, metal odyssey, Music, renaissance music, rock and roll, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 4, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

BLACKMORE’S NIGHT – Ritchie Blackmore has never abandoned his love affair for creating incredible classical sounds with his guitar. The lure and attraction for Renaissance music has made Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night become an impeccable duo of musical minds and talent since their 1997 Blackmore’s Night album debut – Shadow Of The Moon. With 1970’s era Rainbow, Ritchie Blackmore intertwined the Renaissance sound with bluesy Rock and Hard Rock like no other. It only makes sense to me, that Ritchie has taken his immeasurable musical talents to this extraordinary level of existence with Blackmore’s Night, so many years ago.

No one will find the supercharged Hard Rock sound of Straight Between The Eyes or Bent Out Of Shape with Blackmore’s Night. This is another world of music prowess for Ritchie Blackmore and I’m admittedly hooked on this Secret Voyage… it’s an impossible thought for me not to embrace this music. If it’s not the guitar virtuosity of Ritchie, then it’s the beautiful and mesmerizing voice of Candice Night that thrills my ears and mind into a state of… joy.

Rainbow Eyes is such a wonderful song to hear and Candice Night’s vocals just might have me growing wings and flying through the sky… in my Secret Voyage dreams that is. Taking a Rainbow classic, such as Rainbow Eyes from the 1978 album Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll and covering it this way is certainly a musically credible move by Ritchie Blackmore, in my Metal opinion.

The liner notes to Secret Voyage characterize the music created by Blackmore’s Night as Renaissance/Folk/Rock and I won’t disagree. What should be conveyed here to all, is this style of music should not be judged until it is heard. Anytime the words “Folk” or “Renaissance” come into view of a Rock/Hard Rock or Heavy Metal platform such as Metal Odyssey, it can become quite deceptive. Music genres unfortunately can fall victim to stereotyping, sad but true.

In listening to Blackmore’s Night, I have become all the more rich in my quest for hearing all the great works of Ritchie Blackmore. The elements and styles of music heard from Blackmore’s Night are not worlds apart compared to that of early Rainbow and many of the works of Yngwie J. Malmsteen. I can even go further by adding in The Electric Light Orchestra or The Moody Blues as well, when it comes to stylistic comparisons.

Can’t Help Falling In Love is easily guilty of being the “heaviest” song on Secret Voyage, with both it’s tempo and overall energy of sound. Trust me, this is not the molasses sweet and teary eyed original version of Can’t Help Falling In Love made famous and sung by the unreal legendary Elvis Presley in the 1961 film – Blue Hawaii. Forget the UB40 cover version of this song as well… for Candice Night and Ritchie Blackmore make Can’t Help Falling In Love an upbeat, Rockin’ and inspirational listen, like it has never been done before.

The Renaissance fair kicks into high gear with the song – Peasant’s Promise. Once again, the music shares center stage with Candice Night’s vocals. As I listen to this song, I surely wish I owned and could play a shawm, so I could bounce around my surroundings while I gleefully take part in this Renaissance Folk euphoria that I’m experiencing. I’m not kidding or being a wise-guy here. The more I listen to Secret Voyage, the more I wonder as to why this album did not win one of those coveted Grammy’s? Politics I reason.

Far Far Away has a tinge of Enya “style” background chorus/vocals, which only enhances the sensory backdrop of this earthy fortified song. Very mellow, very soft are the vocals of Candice Night on Empty Words… coupled with the acoustic magic that resonates from Ritchie’s guitar are enough to make my Metal heart melt, like a slab of butter on an open fire. Hey Celine Dion… I have two words for you… Candice Night. Metal be thy name.

Guitar enthusiasts, Rainbow and Ritchie Blackmore fans should already be in the know with Blackmore’s Night. Fans of Folk, Renaissance Folk/Rock may very well become enriched with the sounds of Secret Voyage. Any Old School Metalhead like myself, that has a spot in their Metal heart for the guitar greats of our generation, might just take a dive into Blackmore’s Night and fall victim to this living legend’s guitar once again. Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night come across to my ears as two musicians who were born to be together, not only as husband and wife, as Blackmore’s Night as well.

* Blackmore’s Night – Secret Voyage was released on July 15, 2008, on Steamhammer/SPV. Secret Voyage is the seventh studio album from Blackmore’s Night.

* For more info on Ritchie Blackmore, Candice Night and Blackmore’s Night, just click on the link below:

THE RITCHIE BLACKMORE & BLACKMORE’S NIGHT – Official Website

* A special thanks to Metal Mark at Heavy Metal Time Machine for pushing this album my way.

Track Listing For Secret Voyage:

God Save The Keg

Locked Within The Crystal Ball

Gilded Cage

Toast To Tomorrow

Prince Waldeck’s Galliard

Rainbow Eyes

The Circle

Sister Gypsy

Can’t Help Falling In Love

Peasant’s Promise

Far Far Away

Empty Words

LONG LIVE BLACKMORE’S NIGHT!

Stone.

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DISTURBED – COVERS JUDAS PRIEST “LIVING AFTER MIDNIGHT” ON “ANOTHER WAY TO DIE” CD SINGLE!

Posted in Hard Rock, hard rock albums, hard rock bands, hard rock music, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, heavy metal bands, heavy metal music, heavy metal news, metal odyssey, Music, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 9, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

DISTURBED – On June 8, 2010, Disturbed released the Another Way To Die CD single, (on Reprise Records), as a heavy duty prelude to their forthcoming studio album – Asylum. The title song Another Way To Die is also on the Asylum album, while the “B side” to this CD single is a Judas Priest classic… Living After Midnight. The inclusion of this cover song onto this CD single, makes it a must own for fans… for Living After Midnight is not included on the track listing of Asylum! The price for this CD single is dirt cheap everywhere I’ve seen it… from 99 cents to the $1.88 price I paid at my local Super Walmart. (in U.S. funds).

Judas Priest will forever be Metal elite, pioneering a NWOBHM sound with such iconic albums as Stained Class, Hell Bent For Leather, British Steel, Point Of Entry and Screaming For Vengeance. There have been Judas Priest albums before and after these albums I’ve just mentioned… only these are the Judas Priest albums that I truly sank my Metal ears into a long time ago. These were the Judas Priest albums, that recruited me into being a fan of this amazing band for life.

It’s never a surprise to me whenever any Hard Rock or Heavy Metal band covers a Judas Priest song/classic, how do you honestly measure the influence and importance of Judas Priest? I have to put Judas Priest into that “immeasurable worth and influence” class of bands. You know those bands… do I really need to list ’em?

Disturbed does a hell of job at covering Living After Midnight! Upon my first few listens to this cover song, It hit me immediately that Disturbed served Judas Priest and this iconic song Metal justice. Yes, it’s Disturbed at their Hardest Rockin’ finest… and still, this song can never shake away that Judas Priest aura, no matter how Hard or Heavy this band covers it. It’s Priest… and it’s Disturbed… and the combination of the two makes it a Metal winner for Stone’s ears.

David Draiman sounds like no other on lead vocals, in my opinion he gives Disturbed it’s unique identity. I’m in no way taking away any glory from the rest of this Disturbed band, it’s just that David’s vocal identity stands out so profoundly, within the overall landscape of their fabulous sound. David can make any cover song that Disturbed has done thus far sound so brazenly bad-ass… Land Of Confusion and Shout 2000 are past covers that just ignite the psyche-out meter in my Heavy Music soul.

The opening drum beat that Mike Wengren hammers down on Living After Midnight is new, then the vintage drum beat we all know so well kicks in. As for keeping the original structure of this song intact, Disturbed does just that, until the song begins to subside with a fade out that’s new. Disturbed keeps the original heaviness and Old School vibe alive, with their cover version. Dan Donegan may not be Glen Tipton or K.K. Downing… still he keeps the guitar blazing, adding his heavy signature throughout this song. Dan Donegan has formulated his style and tone over the years and he makes this Living After Midnight cover scorch.

Hey… ‘nuthin beats an original, only Disturbed jams the crap out of Living After Midnight. Classic Metal is to be celebrated and exposed for it’s greatness and that is exactly what Disturbed has done. ‘Nuff said.

Another Way To Die is an undisputed Hard & Heavy gem of a song from Disturbed. David Draiman and Co. tantalize with a toned down intro to this song, both vocally and musically. Then… brace yourself… for Disturbed let’s it all fire up and the grooves are aplenty. This song is where I really point the Metal finger at John Moyer… he adds the bass groovin’ thump that should make your car or house exterior rattle to submission when played very F’n LOUD.

* For more cool info on DISTURBED, just click on the link below:

DISTURBED1.COM

DISTURBED ARE:

David Draiman – vocalist

Dan Donegan – guitarist

John Moyer – bass guitarist

Mike Wengren – drummer, percussionist

* Living After Midnight is on the Judas Priest album – British Steel, released in 1980 on Columbia Records.

* Asylum will be released on August 31, 2010, on Reprise Records!

* Here is the DISTURBED – ASYLUM album cover artwork:

Here is the Track Listing for Asylum:

Remnants

Asylum

The Infection

Warrior

Another Way To Die

Never Again

The Animal

Crucified

Serpentine

My Child

Sacrifice

Innocence

LONG LIVE DISTURBED!

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“SIX – STRING HEROES” – BOOK DOCUMENTS HISTORY OF GUITARISTS THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS

Posted in 1950's rock guitarists, 1950's rock music, 1960's rock guitarists, 1960's rock music, 1970'S classic rock guitarists, 1970's rock guitarists, 1980's classic rock guitarists, 1980's rock guitarists, 1980's heavy metal guitarists, 1990's heavy metal guitarists, 1990's rock guitarists, classic rock music, collecting classic rock, current rock guitarists, hard rock guitarists, hard rock music, hard rock music books, heavy metal book reviews, heavy metal guitarists, heavy metal history, heavy metal music, history of rock guitarists, metal odyssey, Music, old school hard rock, old school heavy metal, rock & roll, rock and roll, rock and roll hall of fame members, rock guitarists, rock music, rock music books, rock music history with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 3, 2010 by Metal Odyssey

As I was out today, enjoying the last weekend of this holiday season with my family, I meandered into Waldenbooks at my local mall. Upon walking closer to this Waldenbooks store, several large posters hanging in this store’s windows grabbed my attention, they read: going out of business sale and up to 50% off. I was semi-shocked, this Waldenbooks store happened to be a favorite stop of mine, my wife and daughters included. Sign of the times? Perhaps. What is important to note, however, is that the Waldenbooks store chain is not going out of business… it is just this store location. (I never like to see any reputable book store go out of business, be it an independent or mass retailer). So, with a lump in my throat and a semi-bewildered look upon my face, I journeyed into this Waldenbooks store to see what deals may be lurking. Oh and what a deal I did find… a large, hardcover book that is chock full of the greatest guitarists of our time! The book I bought today, without a blink of hesitation, is:

Six – String Heroes – Photographs Of Great Guitarists

The cover price for this unreal great book is $35.00/U.S., however, with the 50% taken off at the register, it set me back $17.50… plus tax. Let me just say this, any fan or musician of Rock, Hard Rock and/or Heavy Metal will get a thrill out of the photographs that lie within Six – String Heroes. As a Metal bonus, there are literally dozens of anecdotes and personal comments, directly quoted from dozens of the most famous and influential guitarists of the modern era. These guitarists comment on themselves, their playing styles and influences. Comments and quotes, about what these same guitarists think of their peers are spread throughout this magnificent book as well. The majority of the photographs are in full color, while the vintage black & white photo’s only add to this book’s overall Rock elegance. Quite honestly, just looking at the photographs alone puts an awe struck feeling inside of me… the photography found here is that amazing. Anytime I can find a compilation book of photos, that is directly related to the history of Rock Music, I am going to dig deep into my pockets to purchase it.

In my Metal opinion, Six – String Heroes is a lifetime keeper, a book so rich with it’s historically documented, visual accounts of the most influential guitarists that ever lived. Here is a meaty sampling of the guitarists that are found inside the pages of Six – String Heroes:

Les Paul, Brian May (Queen), Peter Frampton, George Benson, Pat Metheny, Dimebag Darrell (Pantera), Brian Setzer, Waylon Jennings, Neal Schon (Journey), Eric Clapton, C. C. Deville (Poison), Tommy Shaw and James Young (Styx), Rick Derringer, Mick Mars (Motley Crue), Nancy Wilson (Heart), Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), Yngwie Malmsteen, Glenn Tipton & K. K. Downing (Judas Priest), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Steve Howe (Yes), Ritchie Blackmore (Rainbow & Deep Purple), Adrian Smith & Dave Murray (Iron Maiden), Michael Schenker (Scorpions & MSG), Angus Young & Malcolm Young (AC/DC), Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains), George Lynch (Dokken & Lynch Mob), Paul Gilbert, Vivian Campbell (DIO & Def Leppard), Slash, Bonnie Raitt, Chet Atkins, Jeff Beck, Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy), Frank Zappa, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Randy Rhoads (Ozzy), Mick Thomson & Jim Root (Slipknot), James Hetfield & Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Eddie Van Halen, Jeff Hanneman & Kerry King (Slayer), Scott Ian (Anthrax), Ace Frehley & Paul Stanley (KISS), Tommy Thayer (KISS), Keith Richards (Rolling Stones), B.B. King, Robin Trower, Pete Townshend (The Who), Bruce Springsteen (The Boss), Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Ted Nugent, Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath)

There are many, many more guitarists in this book that I could mention, yet I think you get the point. When a book can have George Benson and the two leading axe men from Slayer within it’s same pages, you are talking musical diversity here. From Jazz guitarists to Thrash Metal guitarists, this book covers them.  If I have one complaint about this book, it is the sinful lacking of at least one Jimi Hendrix photograph. Then again, there are always legalities involved when publishing a book of photographs too, I do not know what may have taken place, if the author did try to include a Jimi Hendrix photo. Maybe Neil Zlozower never photographed Jimi Hendrix either? There obviously is a valid reason out there for this omission.

There are 256 pages total. This is a coffee table sized book, regardless, I will be carrying it around for quite some time. Six – String Heroes was published in 2009. The legendary Rock photographer for this book is Neil Zlozower, he has spent 40 years of his life photographing the greatest guitarists that have ever lived. I applaud Neil Zlozower’s talent that is bestowed within these pages of Six – String Heroes. The text is written by Steven Rosen with a foreword by legendary guitarist, Steve Vai.

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