I recently got the news that a long time musician/friend has been diagnosed with cancer and is to start undergoing treatment. If that isn’t bad enough, he is without insurance during this ordeal and will have to personally take care of all of his medical expenses which can be quite costly. Please join me in helping this great musician who you know as Glenn Symmonds – long time drummer for Eddie Money and has an extensive catalog of his solo work. Here is the information from Glenn’s page:
Glenn was diagnosed with bladder cancer on April 23rd.
He had surgery to remove a tumor from his bladder on April 29th.
He is scheduled to begin a 12-week round of chemotherapy on June 3rd.
He will have another surgery after the chemo treatment.
Like many professional musicians, Glenn is uninsured.
Cancer is expensive…. please help in anyway you can.
Features performances by members of the biggest names in Fusion and Prog including Mahavishnu Orchestra, Yellowjackets, Brand X, Soft Machine, Spyrogyra, Yes, Dream Theater, King Crimson, Tool, Porcupine Tree, Hawkwind and more!
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October 10, 2012- Los Angeles, CA – One of the most amazing collection of jazz-fusion and progressive rock legends ever to assemble on one CD has happened with the new release by The Fusion Syndicate, available October 16, 2012 on Purple Pyramid Records. Brought together by multi-instumentalist, producer Billy Sherwood (Yes, CIRCA:), who gave us the fascinating release by the Prog Collective earlier this year. Now, Billy has produced, recorded and written tracks for a new jazz-rock-fusion supergroup of musical virtuosos – The Fusion Syndicate!
Featuring!Rick Wakeman, Jerry Goodman, Nik Turner, Jimmy Haslip, Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess, Mel Collins, Billy Cobham, Jay Beckenstein, Billy Sheehan, Gavin Harrison, David Sancious, Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian, Eric Marienthal, Chester Thompson, Steve Morse, Jim Beard, Randy Brecker, Percy Jones, John Etheridge, Tony Kaye, Chad Wackerman, Steve Hillage, Scott Kinsley, Theo Travis, Justin Chancellor and Asaf Sirkis – Produced by Billy Sherwood
“When I was asked to write/produce a fusion record I jumped at the chance. I’ve always had a deep love of Jazz and Fusion music having grown up listening to Weather Report, Return To Forever, the Mahavishnu Orchestra among many others in the genre. The record has become a musical dream team, including some of the world’s most reknowned players in the field. The music reflects a time when virtuosity was the standard and incredible musicianship was the order of the day. Each artist sharing their talent and skill, blending it all into a bigger musical picture, creating an amazing expression of unity and purpose. I’m honored to be a part of it all and I thank all the artists who joined me on this journey, they have all lifted the music to a higher level.” – BillySherwood, producer
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Tracks include:
Random Acts Of Science – Rick Wakeman (Yes), Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Nik Turner (Hawkwind), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets/Alan Holdsworth)
Stone Cold Infusion – Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater/Liquid Tension Experiment), Mel Collins (King Crimson), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
Molecular Breakdown – Jay Beckenstein (Spyrogyra), Billy Sheehan (Steve Vai), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), David Sancious (The E Street Band)
Particle Accelerations – Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Black Country Communion), Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea Elektric Band), Chester Thompson (Genesis/Frank Zappa)
At The Edge Of The Middle – Steve Morse (Dixie Dreggs/Deep Purple), Jim Beard (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Randy Brecker (Blood, Sweat & Tears/Brecker Brothers), Percy Jones (Soft Machine/Brand X)
Atom Smashing – John Etheridge (Soft Machine), Tony Kaye (Yes), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa),
In The Spirit Of – Steve Hillage (Gong), Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech), Theo Travis (Steven Wilson Band), Justin Chancellor (Tool), Asaf Sirkis (The Orient House Ensemble)
“Always a pleasure to work with Billy Sherwood and all the other musicians he chooses. Add some great music and the combination is complete.” – Rick Wakeman
“Fusion music gave me a way to relate to jazz. I liked the rock energy, and the unexpected twists, turns and rhythms that made it fun to play. So, it’s a big influence on the direction I took.” – Steve Morse
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The Fusion Syndicate is avaliable from Purple Pyramid Records and can be pre-ordered at:
(Photo Credit: Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas facebook)
It has been reported by numerous reliable sources throughout the media, that Mark Abrahamian (lead guitarist) of Starship featuring Mickey Thomas passed away from an apparent heart attack on Sunday, September 2nd, 2012, at the age of 46. It’s reported that Mark Abrahamian collapsed after a performance at the DeVent Center in Norfolk, Nebraska. Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas was an opening act that also featured Survivor and Boston at this concert.
“We are all shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of our guitar player Mark Abrahamian. Mark was a kind, thoughtful and innovative soul. He was also a friend and family member. Mark also happened to be one hell of a guitar player. We are devastated by the loss of our brother and just dealing with it the best we can.”
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Metal Odyssey expresses condolences to the family, friends, bandmates and fans of Mark Abrahamian. May he rest in peace.
June 19, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA – There is much excitement within the music press and fans alike around the world about the news of the return of Glam Rock icon Michael Des Barres and his forthcoming CD release ‘Carnaby Street’ On Gonzo MultiMedia, UK. Michael Des Barres has been in the Rock ‘n’ Roll scene for four decades now. A European nobleman, brought up in England, living in Los Angeles, but with an enduring love of delta blues and the rock and soul of the mid-60s beat boom, he was front man for such seminal 1970s bands as Silverhead and Detective (featuring Tony Kaye of Yes). Jimmy Page personally signed Detective to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song Records in 1975. From 1982 to 1985, Michael was a member of Chequered Past, which included Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols, Clem Burke and Nigel Harrison from Blondie, and Tony Sales of Todd Rundgren (‘Runt’) and Tin Machine fame.
Michael Des Barres was also the singer with the touring and LiveAid version of The Power Station, a Duran Duran spin-off band that became one of the most iconic live acts of the mid-1980s. In 1985, Michael penned the song “Obsession”, which became a number one hit in 27 countries for LA new wave group Animotion; the track has been featured in numerous movies throughout the years.
After over 40 years of recording and performing, Michael has returned to his mid-Sixties roots with ‘Carnaby Street’, his first new album in many years. Revisiting his youth in swinging London, ‘Carnaby Street’ is an aural window into Rock and Roll’s past through the eyes and mind of Michael Des Barres. “The music I am making now is inspired by my past in the mid ’60s / early ’70s,” Michael explains. “As a kid I would go watch all the skinny white blues rock ‘n’ roll musicians in the clubs and it hit me like a hammer! I was so influenced by both the courage of these young white guys combined with the soulful rawness of the African-American bluesmen, and the hybrid was so fascinating to me that it really stimulated my entire musical vocabulary. So, a couple of years ago, when I started writing songs again, I realised that I wanted these new songs to be as authentic as I had initially heard and was inspired by.”
This album may quote from the idioms laid down by Wilson Pickett, Zoot Money, and The Rolling Stones, but it is no exercise in retro-stylings. This is very much a piece of the second decade of the 21st Century. It may even be Michael Des Barres’ most important work to date. The opening line of the title track immediately sets the tone of the album; “I was 19 in 1967, on the streets of London. I was in Heaven. I was Oscar Wilde in velvet jeans. Everything you’ve heard is everything I’ve seen.” He is adamant that this is not an homage to mid-Sixties music, but a contemporary album by a contemporary band presenting songs about that particular time in his life: a time when as a teenager just entering manhood the world as a whole was celebrating ‘The Summer of Love’. “The name of the album ‘Carnaby Street’, for me, is a metaphor for the swinging London ’60s,” says Michael, “that whole youth cultural revolution that literally changed the world. So the name reflects my desire to go back to the roots, the joy and the love of the music when I first heard it.”
British born the Marquis Michael Philip Des Barres, along with his excursions into rock stardom, is also a gifted actor and is best known for his recurring role as Murdoc on the popular television show ‘MacGyver’. He has been featured in dozens of movies and television shows over the past 40 years (including Seinfeld, ALF, Frasier, Bones, Ellen, Nip/Tuck and Pink Cadillac with Clint Eastwood) and was also a featured actor in the ’60s classic movie ‘To SirWith Love’ featuring Sidney Poitier. Michael was formerly married to GTO’s member Pamela des Barres, best known for her top-selling book ‘I’m With The Band’.
Recently, Michael Des Barres reunited with Silverhead for the first time in 38 years and performed to sold out audiences in Japan in April 2012. The reaction from the Japanese audience was electric! Michael is still very active acting and was featured in the US FOX television show ‘The Finder’ on May 4, 2012. A recent guest appearance on the new season of USA Network’s ‘Suits’ will air sometime this summer. He is also featured in the movie ‘California Solo’, in which Michael plays the manager of Robert Carlyle’s ex-rocker character, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah on January 25th. In support of Michael Des Barre’s new album release, several live shows are currently being scheduled. “The majority of the people that have come to see us play, and we’ve only played perhaps a dozen shows, has been 80 percent a young audience, early and mid-twenties, who consider us an indie band, ironically,” says Michael. “The music we are playing is below the waist Rock ‘n’ Roll, and I think that the audiences are kind of starved for a carnal, sensual, sexy blues music. There’s nothing ironic about our music – there’s nothing angry or apologetic about our music. We are there to make people happy and joyous and fall in love.”
In closing Michael Des Barres has this to impart to his followers of the past four decades: “The message that I have to say to fans and friends, and I don’t think of them as fans, I think of them as friends – and they are friends. We should all be friends, and really my belief in connection and engagement and letting people into your life… and I say it in the briefest possible way – LOVE EVERYONE NOW!”
For more information visit Michael Des Barres official website: www.desbarres.com
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
Alright. The votes are in by “whoever” and have been counted at The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for this year’s induction class. Beastie Boys have been inducted within this 2012 class. Once again, The MoodyBlues have been ignored by “whoever” casts the votes over in that “not for profit” building in Cleveland, Ohio. Yes, I am laughing hysterically right about now. I should be. Beastie Boys have been inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame before KISS, Cheap Trick, Chicago, The Doobie Brothers and even Mott The Hoople. The list of eligible world-class musicians and bands that Beastie Boys moved ahead of for induction is very long.
The biggest embarrassment to the Rock music industry isn’t that Beastie Boys made it into the hall, (all the power to Beastie Boys), it’s that “whoever” in Cleveland feels Beastie Boys are more influential, musically polished and bigger Rock history icons than… The Moody Blues. Whoa.
Here is your forum folks. Let it vent, please. I ask of you right now, do Beastie Boys belong inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame before The Moody Blues? Let’s put the other bands and musicians aside that are factually light years above Beastie Boys musically and that have been snubbed by “whoever” in Cleveland. This is about Beastie Boys versus The Moody Blues based on their respective “all-time” Rock music influence, song writing and musicianship.
At this point in time in the music industry, talking record sales is a pile of bacteria infested horse crap. Why? Cause the Kidz Bop series sells millions of units… does that mean Kidz Bop gets inducted into the hall one day too? Let the Rock ‘N Roll debate begin…
The time has arrived. Yes it has. Time for what Stone? It’s time to reveal my very first “live” concert experience. Oh, it was a dandy. No, The Partridge Family wasn’t my first live concert experience. They are mentioned in this post though. I was a youth when I attended my first live concert. I believe I was about eight or nine years old. Hell, I didn’t have a favorite Rock band at that age. This was around 1974 – ’75. While I was growing up that age, wiffle ball, baseball cards and Hot Wheels were all I cared about. For crap sakes, I was into whatever the AM radio dial was playing in the family station wagon, back then.
Needless to say, I make no excuses by revealing my not having a clue about real Rock, Hard Rock or anything remotely close to Heavy Metal at this young age. KISS was “mentioned” to me at Burger King and Pizza Hut birthday parties and that is as close as it came folks. Hell, there were The Partridge Family songs that ignited my adrenaline at age 8 and 9 for shit sakes. Metal as my witness, I’m not ashamed to admit that anymore. My (late) sister had that exact greatest hits album by The Partridge Family (shown at top of post).
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Those were different times, man. It was all about accessibility and exposure during my childhood, with obvious limited technological access to music back then, compared to today. Okay, onward with myfirst live concert experience. Enter… Nelson’s Campground in East Hampton, Connecticut. Yes, this family friendly campground located in the wooded serenity of East Hampton, along the Connecticut shoreline, was where it would all happen for my first plunge into loud, live and rowdy music.
My Dad, Mom, Sister and I headed for this gargantuan field, in the middle of Nelson’s Campground, as it became dusk. There were easily a few hundred fellow campers all assembling in this field as well. I remember being psyched just to be outside, running around and chasing lightning bugs. I easily recall, like it was yesterday, my Dad being “pumped-up” to see this band and they called themselves: The Mozark Mountaineers. Once this band hit the stage, I was a child that was simply awestruck.
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The lead singer was a mammoth of a man to my young eyes. He was wearing a stain strewn white t-shirt, with holes cut out to reveal his… nipples. At that moment, I realized I was witnessing something I’ve never seen before. Before this band started to play any music, this same mammoth frontman held up a shotgun to the night sky and fired it off! If I knew the line then, as I know it now, I would have exclaimed: Metal be thy name!
Think about this for a moment, how many bands are you aware of today, that are legally allowed to fire off a shotgun on stage? Did this shotgun fire off “blanks”? From remembering what this band looked like and knowing what I know now… that had to be live ammo. As The Mozark Mountaineers began to play their music, I jumped around and acted silly as a child should. The loud sounds of the banjo and fiddle filled the evening’s air and swirled about this campground field. Laughter and good times I vividly remember, as it stirred up among the campers, all due to this hillbilly band of raucous musicians.
If there is that one song that reminds me of that night which I experienced so many years ago, it is Steamer LaneBreakdown by the legendary Doobie Brothers. Loving that song is just a matter-of-fact for me. Reliving this childhood moment by writing about it, reminds me of where I came from and I could never lose sight of that.
* The Partridge Family – At Home With Their Greatest Hits was released back in 1972 on Bell Records.
* Steamer Lane Breakdown can be heard on the 1978 (Warner Bros.) Doobie Brothers album Minute By Minute.
* Nelson’s Family Campground still exists! Click the link below:
Top Ten Rock Albums Of 2011 – This Top Ten Rock Album list comprises various genres, the likes of: Blues, Alternative, Rockabilly, Acoustic, New Wave, some shades of Hard Rock and of course, Rock itself. Isn’t Rock a grand blanket term for such incredible music diversity? I love Rock. Without Rock, there wouldn’t have been Heavy Metal.
If you are counting, there are actually thirteen Rock albums in this Top Ten list. Admittedly, compiling a “Top Ten” of anything is grueling for me, therefore the two “ties” below are as honest as I could ever possibly be, without pulling what hair I have left off of my head. Furthermore, I couldn’t resist adding Jeff Beck – Rock ‘n’ Roll Party/Honoring Les Paul as an “Honorable Mention”. It’s a good times, roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll listen, one that I’ve enjoyed time and again.
I chose the following Rock albums due to how memorable, fun and interesting they came across to my senses. The quality of Rock contained in these following albums, I simply revere. There are some elite musicians and bands on this list for certain. They all have proven to me just how diverse Rock ‘N Roll really is, with their respective albums. These are the Rock albums that I gravitated to and became inspired by most often during 2011. I highly recommend you check ’em out, if you haven’t already.
METAL ODYSSEY’S TOP TEN ROCK ALBUMS OF 2011
Honorable Mention
JEFF BECK – Rock ‘n’ Roll Party Honoring Les Paul
(ATCO)
#10
AFTERLIFE PARADE – REBIRTH
(WATERMAIN)
#9
DARYL HALL – LAUGHING DOWN CRYING
(Verve Forecast)
#8
TESLA – Twisted Wires & The Acoustic Sessions…
(Tesla Electric Company Recordings, Inc.)
#7
CHRIS CORNELL – SONGBOOK
(Universal Music)
#6
GREGG ALLMAN – LOW COUNTRY BLUES
(ROUNDER)
#5 (Tie)
SOCIAL DISTORTION – Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes
(Epitaph)
#5 (Tie)
FOO FIGHTERS – WASTING LIGHT
(RCA)
#4
LOS LONELY BOYS – ROCKPANGO
(Playing In Traffic Records / LonelyTone Records)
#3 (Tie)
THE CARS –MOVE LIKE THIS
(Hear Music / Concord Music Group)
#3 (Tie)
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – I’M WITH YOU
(Warner Bros.)
#2
JOE BONAMASSA – DUST BOWL
(J&R Adventures)
#1
THE TREWS – HOPE & RUIN
(Bumstead Productions Ltd.)
Hope & Ruin took me by surprise in 2011. THE TREWS captured a Rockin’ vibe that made my mood soar anytime I listened to this album. Melodic songs that glisten lyrically and musically, Hope & Ruin can easily become someone’s Rockin’ companion. THE TREWS are that Rock band you need to know about. This band defies the illogical American Rock mainstream press, proving that exquisite and blue-collar Rock music does exist in places other than Billboard or Rolling Stone magazine.
When I listen to Hope & Ruin, I’m not hearing a Rock band that is out to prove themselves. I’m instead hearing a Rock band that created a complete album of songs, which I imagine is straight from their Rock ‘N Roll hearts.
* To read my review on Hope & Ruin, (posted on August 5th, 2011), click on the large header link below:
Johnny Winter – Friday Music is re-releasing on 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl, Second Winter, the third studio album and 1969 Blues/Rock Classic from the iconic Johnny Winter. An American Blues/Rock guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer, Johnny Winter’s influence across the world of Rock cannot be measured. Simply put, Johnny Winter is one-of-a-kind.
* Second Winter will be re-released as a three-sided album as well, with the fourth side left blank, just as the original Columbia Records release from 1969.
* As a very limited run, this 180 Gram Vinyl re-release of Second Winter includes the original gatefold album cover designed by Tony Lane and the photography excellence of Richard Avedon.
Second Winter – Band Lineup:
Johnny Winter – vocals & guitars
Edgar Winter – keys & saxophone
Tommy Shannon – bass
Uncle John Turner – drums
Second Winter – Track List:
Side One:
Memory Pain
I’m Not Sure
The Good Love
Side Two:
Slippin’ And Slidin’
Miss Ann
Johnny B. Goode
Highway 61 Revisited
Side Three:
I Love Somebody
Hustled Down In Texas
I Hate Everybody
Fast Life Rider
* To purchase this Johnny Winter gem, on 180 Gram Vinyl, click the link below:
MASS – Louis St. August – It all started back in 1984, when MASS released their self-titled EP and garnered the widespread attention of radio stations, record companies and of course their new-found fans. In 1985, this Boston, Massachusetts originated band was signed to RCA Records and their first full-length album, New Birth, was released upon the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal world. New Birth catapulted MASS onto the Billboard charts and MTV came knocking on their door. The single released from New Birth was Do You Love Me and this song became a successful music video within the coveted MTV rotation.
Caught somewhere between the positive vibes of Stryper and their very own brand of melodic heaviness, coupled with credibility at every angle, MASS did exit the 80’s leaving behind 3 studio albums and their historic EP as a reminder of greater things to come. MASS was then, as they are now, a Heavy Metal band that glistens with accessibility without compromising their hard and heavy sound.
Louis St. August – 2011
MASS is still Rockin’ in 2011, their fifth full-length, Heavy Metal achievement and critically acclaimed Sea Of Black was released in 2010. With their best work existing in the present, reflecting on where it all began for MASS is something Louis St. August embraces and is understandably quite proud of. As the old saying goes, “times were different back then” and 1985 was no exception, as founding member and lead vocalist Louis St. August will reveal in this exclusive Metal Odyssey interview.
Stone:Do You Love Me is a memorable song from the New Birth album. What was the process of choosing this song for a music video?
Louis: It was solely RCA records idea of making and pushing the Do You love Me video first as we felt it was a poor representation of what the band was really about. We wanted to go with something a bit heavier like Toofar Gone or Crying Alone. But the label insisted and thought a power ballad would open doors up for us and that radio would pick up the song a lot quicker. They told us the second video would be the heavier one which never did come to be.
Looking back at it now It’s kind of funny because the very first script the video production team wrote for the Do you love me video was actually turned down by RCA records because they felt it was too sexy and would get banned from MTV and other video stations. The script only calling for a Catholic girls school bus breaking down in some dark alley, when the girls all got out of the bus dressed up in their little catholic school dress’s knocked on our rehearsal door only to come in and start dancing seductively and falling in love with the song and band. Very mild and tamed I must say compared to the videos we see today. (Laughs). But that’s the early eighties for you.
Stone: Where was this video filmed?
Louis: The video was filmed in an abandoned warehouse in Manhattan, New York. It took two days to film it. (Film not video), that’s why it has that grainy look to it. I couldn’t believe it took 48 straight hours to film, only to have it edited down to a 3 minute and 20 second song. (Laughs). The video cost RCA records $50,000 something that would cost $5,000 to $8,000 today.
MASS – That Was Yesterday!
Stone: How difficult or easy was it to get Do You Love Me on MTV? How psyched were you guys to get that exposure?
Louis: It was not difficult at all with such a big label like RCA behind us. MTV execs were actually at the shooting of the video and approached our management at the time to see if they would agree to let MTV make the Do You Love Me video an exclusive premier for MTV. But our management said NO because they wanted to share it with the U68’s,V66’s video stations of the world. A big mistake in my eyes for we would have gained much more exposure had they agreed to this and received “heavy rotation” play instead of the “1ight rotation” we received on MTV.
We were very excited the first time it aired on MTV. Just like the first time you hear your song on the radio you never forget that feeling. After that it seemed like every time you put the TV on or the radio on you would hear your song. The phone never stopped ringing after that. And still hasn’t. (Laughs).
Stone: Were there any aggravating and/or funny moments you want to share while filming “Do You Love Me”?
Louis: We just simply had a blast making it, hanging with all the hired extras and crew. We even put our road manager (Gino) at the beginning of the video along with our stage manager (Laurie). We also included our manager & lawyer towards the end (carrying the food trays). Although it was extremely exhausting we were just running on pure adrenaline and tons of laughs and good times.
MASS – In The Present!
Stone: As you look back on the New Birth album now, what fond memories does it stir up?
Louis: There are so many but here are just a few for me. We all moved in to the studio in beautiful Bearsville New York. The whole band actually lived in a huge barn. Our equipment was set up downstairs in the living room while all our beds were upstairs in the loft. We would work with our producer Tony Platt (Led Zep /Cheap Trick, etc) during the day on preproduction stuff in the barn for two weeks before moving into the studio to start recording. When I had free time, I would ride my mountain bike through the beautiful town and hills, while enjoying the fresh air and star studied night skies.
During the evenings, the band would get together and hang with Joe Lynn Turner and his band mates and go out for dinner at various places. Joe and his band mates were there recording an album as well with producer (Roy Thomas Baker/Queen). We had a lot of fun and many a food fight at some of the top-notch restaurants in the area, where we would sometimes be asked to leave. (Laughs).
Our girlfriends, wives, would come down a few weekends during our 8 week stay and enjoy the surroundings as well as the music we were making. My wife at the time was pregnant with my first child so it was special for me when we decided to call the album New Birth.
* All Photos Courtesy/By Permission Of Louis St. August
CHICAGO – Yes, on a very frequent basis I do rant, regarding the obvious omissions of legendary bands/musicians that the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame are embarrassingly guilty of not inducting for membership. Believe me, this is not the first time nor the last, that I am ranting about the ignorance and politics of The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
The 500 “Rock Scholars” and/or whatever else they’re called, over there in Cleveland, Ohio, should all put their heads down in shame about ignoring this legendary American Rock Band: Chicago. Read the musical achievements below about Chicago and maybe you too will agree… Chicago is a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Band!
* The following facts about Chicago are taken from this source: Classic Rock Presents AOR Magazine, Issue 3, July 2011
DAUGHTRY – Break The Spell, the third studio album from Daughtry, releases on November 21st, 2011, via RCA Records. Chris Daughtry has proven he is a premiere songwriter and Rock/Hard Rock vocalist with his band’s two previous studio albums Daughtry (2006) and Leave This Town (2009). The skilled musicians that round out Daughtry have solidified this band’s sound around Chris Daughtry’s unique and powerful vocals. Industry wide respected, embraced by countless fans, multi-platinum selling and chart topping, Daughtry looks to continue forward while never resting on their laurels with Break The Spell.
DAUGHTRY:
Chris Daughtry – vocals
Josh Steely – guitar
Brian Craddock – guitar
Josh Paul – bass
Robin Diaz – drums
Break The Spell – Track Listing:
Renegade
Crawling Back To You
Outta My Head
Start Of Something Good
Crazy
Break The Spell
We’re Not Gonna Fall
Gone Too Soon
Losing My Mind
Rescue Me
Louder Than Ever
Spaceship
Deluxe Edition – Additional Tracks:
Who’s They
Maybe We’re Already Gone
Everything But Me
Lullaby
* For more info on DAUGHTRY, click on the links below:
KIMBALL JAMISON – Alright, it’s time to get those psyche-out ostrich bumps to rise up on your arms and face from an amazing song that boasts two legendary Rock vocalists: Bobby Kimball and Jimi Jamison. Trust me, I am still trying to shake the psyche-out fever I’ve contracted from Can’t Wait For Love. The dual vocal harmonies from Bobby and Jimi, on this song, are instantly identifiable and surely ever memorable.
Can’tWait For Love Rocks in an elevated style, while showcasing the magical vocal fires that Kimball Jamison are combined. This is an AOR and Classic Rock gem of a melodic song, one that only Bobby Kimball and Jimi Jamison’s vocals could bring to such a heightened level of inspiration. Bobby Kimball is most famously known for his vocals and musical contributions with Toto. Jimi Jamison’s career is highlighted with his successful years he spent as a lead vocalist and songwriter with Survivor.
Check out Can’t Wait For Love below and crank it up! I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.
* Kimball Jamison releases October 14, 2011 in Europe and October 18th, 2011 in North America on Frontiers Records.
KIMBALL JAMISON – Track Listing:
Worth Fighting For
Can’t Wait For Love
Sail Away
Chasing Euphoria
Find Another Way
Get Back In The Game
I Did Everything Wrong
Shadows Of Love
Hearts Beat Again
We Gotta Believe
Kicking And Screaming
Your Photograph
* For more info on this Kimball Jamison album, click on the link below:
KING KOBRA – We unfortunately live in a world that could use a ton more peace, love and Rock ‘N Roll. You don’t need to be a Deadhead and follow psychedelic bands to understand that. Being a Metalhead, I can relate quite well to peace, love and Rock ‘N Roll and why wouldn’t I? There already is enough hate, envy and mean people around us all, so why shouldn’t I spread the Hard Rockin’ and positive vibes of the legendary KING KOBRA today, with their music video: Turn Up The Good Times.
The self-titled comeback album (and fifth studio album overall) from KING KOBRA, has reminded me once again that there still are Hard Rock bands that want to write and record a feel-good album. KING KOBRA is led by founding member and ultra legendary drummer: Carmine Appice. Rounding out KING KOBRA is: Paul Shortino (vocals), David Michael-Philips (guitar), Mick Sweda (guitar) and Johnny Rod (bass).
* KING KOBRA was released on April 15th, 2011 in Europe and May 5th, 2011 in North America on Frontiers Records.
TURN UP THE VOLUME ON KING KOBRA’S TURN UP THE GOOD TIMES BELOW!
* Directed by Mario Ruiz/Spain
* For more info on KING KOBRA, click on the links below:
AFTERLIFE PARADE REBIRTH – Quinn Erwin is a singer, musician and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. He has a band that intertwines Alternative and Progressive Rock sounds with both soothing and upbeat vibes on Rebirth. Released on August 8th, 2011, Rebirth is an album that I am proud to review. The fact that Quinn’s vocals come across with heartfelt sincerity (to me), coupled with a soothing Rock coolness and Rebirth becomes an album that cannot be listened to on the fly or half sampled. Instead, I approached listening to Rebirthnumerous times before considering what I would write about it, taking in each song and it’s message, both lyrically and musically.
Rebirth is the second in a two part concept album, with the companion project being titled: Death. Rebirth is an album that celebrates the loss of loved ones and Quinn Erwin set out to make a triumphant album of songs about death. Quinn “found himself surrounded by a series of losses in his own life and in the lives of those close to him” and felt “compelled by a desire to comfort the mourning”. I’ll have to make it quite clear here, the celebratory message about death that Quinn wanted to convey on Rebirth is astoundingly positive and moving.
On a personal level, I can’t resist relating to Rebirth, due to my losing my mother, sister and favorite aunt within the last several years and their leaving was just too close apart. Putting the theme of Rebirth aside, one mustn’t have to experience recent loss to enjoy the songs on this album. You can still play Rebirth loud while taking a long highway cruise or have this album playing during a party, it is that accessible. The open-air feeling that I take in from this album makes it all the more an enjoyable listen. Quinn obviously is astute in atmosphere of song.
Musically, the Rock of Afterlife Parade reminds me of U2, (only minus the annoying self-righteousness of the latter half of that iconic bands career). Quinn has seemed to capture the drive and hunger of a young Bono with his vocal approach, Black Woods, White Beach and the title track only accentuates my point here. My U2 comparisons may have you screaming that I’ve gone over the deep end here and I usually detest such comparisons myself. With that stated, Afterlife Parade is as original as German bratwurst, Quinn’s vocals are incredible, his songwriting is genius and his band plays exceptional.
This is an album that very well should catapult Quinn Erwin and Afterlife Parade to a level of impressive notoriety within the Rock music world. Rebirth has 8 songs that are as complete and artistically structured as any Grammy award-winning album in Rock Music today. Nothing on Rebirth comes across contrived or forced. Alternative Rock, Alt-Progressive Rock and old school “College Rock” fans are practically guaranteed to fall over for what Quinn Erwin has created here on Rebirth.
REBIRTH – Track List:
Phoenix
Rebirth
Black Woods, White Beach
Cincinnati
Chinese Hand Drum
Sequoia
Devil’s Dirt
Maypole
* All songs written by J. Quinn Erwin.
* REBIRTH – Produced, arranged and performed by Quinn Erwin and I Am the Actor.
* Album artwork and design by Jacob Blaze.
* Source for above article quotes: LAFAMOS PR & Branding
* You can stream the entire REBIRTH album and purchase it by clicking on the link below:
GEORGE LYNCH – Influential and legendary guitarist and songwriter – George Lynch, aka “Mr. Scary” turns 57 years young today. George Lynch was born on September 28th, 1954. Happy Birthday George!
George Lynch has had an amazing career in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, with his notable tenure as Dokken’s lead guitarist being an important chapter in Heavy Metal and Hard Rock history. George’s post Dokken career is yet another standout chapter in Heavy Music history. George has enjoyed much admirable success with his Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band Lynch Mob along with his highly respected solo career.
Back on July 19th, 2011, the brand newGeorge Lynch album Kill All Control was released. This blazingly Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Hittin’ album features the virtuosic guitar of George Lynch, while boasting the vocals of: Marc Torien, Will Marten and Keith St. John.
I once had the pleasure to interview George Lynch back in 2010 for Rob Rockitt’s industry-wide respected Hard RockHideout. To say George was a genuine and nice guy while we conversed is an underestimation. George loves to play and listen to all kinds of music and you can read all about it for yourself, by clicking on the large header link below:
NICKELBACK – On Monday, November 21st, 2011, the new NICKELBACK album Here And Now will be released on RoadRunner Records. This date known as “NICKELBLACK MONDAY” will usher in the seventh studio album from this legendary Hard Rock band! Two singles have already been released to Rock radio from Here And Now: Bottoms Up and When We Stand Together.
You can listen to both new NICKELBACK songs streaming by clicking on the link below:
FALL U.S. LOS ANGELES TOUR CELEBRATES 31ST ANNIVERSARY OF CLASSIC ALBUM LOSANGELES
Will Also Screen the Rock-umentary X: The Unheard Music At Select U.S. Shows
(Los Angeles, CA – September 13, 2011) – The perennial L.A. punk-rockers, X, announce plans for their annual holiday run of shows this December. Billed as the “Xmas Rock n Roll Revival” the original four X band members will be joined by the gospel duo, Sean Wheeler and Zander Schloss, and Rock N Roll rebels, The Black Tibetans, for the December 9 start of the tour in Phoenix AZ, winding up in San Francisco on New Year’s Eve.
As previously announced, X will join Pearl Jam as special guests on their South American tour this November, visiting various parts of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica and Mexico City for the first time. Just prior to the South American tour, X will take to the road in September for a series of dates across the U.S. on a special Los Angeles Tour. Starting off in Philadelphia at Riot Fest East on September 24th, the band will rock their way to New Orleans for VooDoo Fest on October 29th, before heading to South America.
This year X celebrates the 31st Anniversary of the legendary album, Los Angeles, one that not only defined their career, but an entire musical genre as well. The band will also be celebrating the 26th Anniversary of the rock-umentary, X: The Unheard Music. Throughout the September/October dates only, the film, recently included in the prestigious Sundance Film Institute Independent film archives, will run in its entirety on screen before the band hits the stage to perform, track by track, the Los Angeles album.
X band members continue to keep busy in the off-time. JohnDoe’s new album Keeper, his first solo album since the 2007 acclaimed A Year in the Wilderness, was released August 30 on Yep Roc Records. Meanwhile, Exene released her latest solo album, The Excitement of Maybe, this past spring and has guested on a number of albums. Exene has also performed many solo shows, made live guest appearances and has been featured in art exhibits. While DJ continues to play with the Syncopators and his other band, The Stripminers (featuring Brett Anderson of the Donna’s and Paul Stinson of The Radishes among others), Billy Zoom continues work at his custom amp shop and studio.
The L.A. punk scene in the late 70s saw its share of greatness, but few acts as talented as the now world-class, live, rock & roll band X. Their2008 “13-31” Tour across the U.S. was really something special, celebrating the band’s 31st anniversary. 2009 shaped up to be just as amazing for the veteran rockers, with appearances at SXSW and Coachella Festivals, along with their own “X – TRL” Tour, where fans were able to help select each night’s set list. 2010 saw Ray Manzarek of TheDoors fame and producer of the band’s first four records join them on stage in San Francisco for two very special performances of the Album Los Angeles.
The original line-up of X is: John Doe, Exene, Billy Zoom, and D.J. Bonebrake.
Aussie Classic Rockers ELECTRIC MARY are coming back with a brand new album on Oct 17th (in limited edition CD/ full live dvd !) on Listenable records and after having shared stages with kings of the music genre like WHITESNAKE, ALICE COOPER, DEEP PURPLE , ELECTRIC MARY will tour Europe as follows.
Support those Australian Rock mongers !
“ELECTRIC MARY – rock n’ roll the way it used to taste !!”.
Vendredi 30 Septembre – Live @ Ferrailleur – Nantes (Fr).
Lundi 3 Octobre – Live @ Ampli salle de la route du son- Billère (Fr)
Mercredi 5 Octobre – Live @ Le Korigan – Luynes (Fr)
Jeudi 6 Octobre – Live @ Le Brin de Zinc – Chambéry (Fr)
Vendredi 7 Octobre – Live @ West Rock – Cognac (Fr)
Samedi 8 Octobre – Live @ Chez Paulette – Pagney en Lorraine (Fr)
Mardi 11 octobre – Live@Le Glazzart – Paris (Fr)
Mercredi 12 Octobre – Live@ Gijón Monkey Club (Fr)
Jeudi 13 Octobre – Live @ Boite live – Madrid (Es)
Vendredi 14 Octobre – Live @ Serjos Zona Rock – Huesca (Es)
Samedi 15 Octobre – Live @ Rockzone – Barcelona (Es)
Mardi 18 Octobre – Live @Empreinte – Savigny le Temple (Fr)
Jeudi 20 Octobre – Live @ Le Magasin 4 – Bruxelles (Be)
Vendredi 21 Octobre – Live @ Le Labo Sonore – Cherizay (Fr)
Samedi 22 octobre – Live @ 3 Orfèvres – Tours (Fr)
Jeudi 27 Octobre – Live @ Silex – Auxerre (Fr)
Vendredi 28 Octobre – Live @ Spirit of 66 – Verviers (Be)
Samedi 29 Octobre – Live @ Le Pacific Rock – Cergy (Fr)
Dimanche 30 Octobre – Live @ Ajaccio (Fr)
Vendredi 4 novembre – Live @ Amalgame Club – Yverdon-Les-Bains (Suisse)
Samedi 5 novembre – Live @ La Bifurk – Grenoble (Fr)
(Source: ClawHammer PR)
* For more info on ELECTRIC MARY, click on the link below:
Set to take the Rock world by storm, Hollywood, CA Rock Stars ABUSED ROMANCE have unveiled that they will take a part in ALIEN ANT FARM’s Upcoming ANTicipation Tour 2 sponsored by Keep A Breast, which kicks off on Sept 6 in Lancaster, CA @ Bex. Hot off their heels with their latest Rock masterpiece Shine (which is FREE!), ABUSED ROMANCE looks to bring their brand of catchy Pop/Alternative Rock to the masses.
You can download ABUSED ROMANCE’s latest album, Shine, for FREE here:
The band has been receiving rave reviews so far – don’t miss your chance to check out one of the freshest bands out right now.
In addition, ABUSED ROMANCE also recently shot a music video for their hit single “Overcome” with Robby Starbuck (Asking Alexandria, Smashing Pumpkins, Silverstein). Robby hypes the band, “In the clip Abused Romance absolutely punishes their performance and it was such a good time to work with them on this.” You can view the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlsTSak0h40
Be on the lookout for more ABUSED ROMANCE dates to surface soon…
Upcoming ABUSED ROMANCE Shows As A Part Of ALIEN ANT FARM’s ANTicipation Tour:
9/6 – Lancaster, CA @ Bex
9/8 – Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
9/9 – Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater (Official Re-opening Date!)
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
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Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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