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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Independent Music Reviewer & Music Promotion
Freelance Writer
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and features by
Ross Muir
Independent Music Reviewer & Music Promotion
Freelance Writer
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
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Music sites such as FabricationsHQ tend to carry a lot of tour/ gig news but the present Covid-19 pandemic has laid low just about every current or was-to-be-imminent tour, live date or entertainment event through April & May, with many events later in the year also cancelled.
While some events may show as still taking place (a number of which may have 'slipped the net' here at FabricationsHQ and still feature on this News Page), any and every show should be assumed to be, or is already, cancelled.
Stay safe, stay careful and follow all advisories and Governmental regulations.
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Music sites such as FabricationsHQ tend to carry a lot of tour/ gig news but the present Covid-19 pandemic has laid low just about every current or was-to-be-imminent tour, live date or entertainment event through April & May, with many events later in the year also cancelled.
While some events may show as still taking place (a number of which may have 'slipped the net' here at FabricationsHQ and still feature on this News Page), any and every show should be assumed to be, or is already, cancelled.
Stay safe, stay careful and follow all advisories and Governmental regulations.
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FabricationsHQ may be a rock orientated music site but news items and reviews on artists plying their trade in world music and the more traditional forms helps ensure that some of the best of the latter doesn’t slip the wider musical net.
Capturing the attention in the more traditional vein, and an album that can also be seen and heard as highly accessible world music, is Nemo by Kadialy Kouyate, a singer songwriter inspired by the West African Griot repertoire and tradition (a griot is a west African storyteller/poet, praise singer and musician).
Kadialy Kouyate’s previous album, Taling Dimalu - Beautiful Tales was, in the musician’s own words, "a meditative journey" and "an antidote to negativity."
Such positivity is also prominent on Nemo, through its uplifting, rhythmic musically.
Capturing the attention in the more traditional vein, and an album that can also be seen and heard as highly accessible world music, is Nemo by Kadialy Kouyate, a singer songwriter inspired by the West African Griot repertoire and tradition (a griot is a west African storyteller/poet, praise singer and musician).
Kadialy Kouyate’s previous album, Taling Dimalu - Beautiful Tales was, in the musician’s own words, "a meditative journey" and "an antidote to negativity."
Such positivity is also prominent on Nemo, through its uplifting, rhythmic musically.
Nemo features Kadialy Kouyate on vocals and kora as well as a number of guest players.
The album was recorded, engineered and produced by Buckinghamshire based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jim Palmer, who also contributes drums, Ebow and percussion.
Born into the great line of Kouyate Griot in Southern Senegal, Kadialy︎’s mesmerising kora playing (a West African multi-stringed instrument) and singing style have been appreciated in many prestigious venues as both a soloist and in different ensembles.
"Nemo, meaning blessings, is the human values that bring prosperity to any country or place.
This album is a combination of songs that define, in my opinion, the blessings︎ and sustenance back home."
Kadialy Kouyate
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The album was recorded, engineered and produced by Buckinghamshire based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jim Palmer, who also contributes drums, Ebow and percussion.
Born into the great line of Kouyate Griot in Southern Senegal, Kadialy︎’s mesmerising kora playing (a West African multi-stringed instrument) and singing style have been appreciated in many prestigious venues as both a soloist and in different ensembles.
"Nemo, meaning blessings, is the human values that bring prosperity to any country or place.
This album is a combination of songs that define, in my opinion, the blessings︎ and sustenance back home."
Kadialy Kouyate
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Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, issues over any large events in the UK and in the interests of health and safety, Ian Anderson and the Jethro Tull band have rescheduled the The Prog Years Tour, initially set to play through this September, to next year.
As the name suggests this tour will draw heavily on material from Jethro Tull’s more progressive albums with much of the set focusing on the early, heavy hitters of the Tull catalogue and albums such as Stand Up, Benefit, Aqualung, Thick As a Brick and Passion Play; there will also be a touch of Thick As a Brick 2, the 40 years on sequel album by Ian Anderson.
Of the songs and tour Ian Anderson says "Dusting off many older, 'progressive' songs amongst my earliest attempts to experiment outside the blues repertoire we began with, has proved hugely enjoyable.
Along the way, over the last fifty years, there have been a good few pieces that still strongly resonate with me today on either a musical or lyrical level.
Some are really tricky to play; some might sound
that way but fall under the fingers quite naturally although the overall arrangements require feats of memory! Test my marbles; come to the party!"
Ian Anderson will be accompanied by Jethro Tull band musicians David Goodier (bass), John O'Hara (keyboards), Joe Parrish (guitars) and Scott Hammond (drums).
The shows will also be enhanced by full scale video projection.
Tickets are still available from the venues direct and: https://www.gigantic.com/jethro-tull-tickets
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As the name suggests this tour will draw heavily on material from Jethro Tull’s more progressive albums with much of the set focusing on the early, heavy hitters of the Tull catalogue and albums such as Stand Up, Benefit, Aqualung, Thick As a Brick and Passion Play; there will also be a touch of Thick As a Brick 2, the 40 years on sequel album by Ian Anderson.
Of the songs and tour Ian Anderson says "Dusting off many older, 'progressive' songs amongst my earliest attempts to experiment outside the blues repertoire we began with, has proved hugely enjoyable.
Along the way, over the last fifty years, there have been a good few pieces that still strongly resonate with me today on either a musical or lyrical level.
Some are really tricky to play; some might sound
that way but fall under the fingers quite naturally although the overall arrangements require feats of memory! Test my marbles; come to the party!"
Ian Anderson will be accompanied by Jethro Tull band musicians David Goodier (bass), John O'Hara (keyboards), Joe Parrish (guitars) and Scott Hammond (drums).
The shows will also be enhanced by full scale video projection.
Tickets are still available from the venues direct and: https://www.gigantic.com/jethro-tull-tickets
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Toby Jepson has just released a lyric video for lead single 'I Won't Be With You' ahead of the re-issue of his debut album Toby and the Whole Truth – Ignorance Is Bliss (25th anniversary remastered edition).
The song is a reflection of the singer-guitarist-producer’s mindset during a turbulent period after the split of his former band Little Angels, following 1993’s number one album Jam and a final sold-out show at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in 1994.
The song is a reflection of the singer-guitarist-producer’s mindset during a turbulent period after the split of his former band Little Angels, following 1993’s number one album Jam and a final sold-out show at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in 1994.
Since announcing the release of the special edition of Ignorance Is Bliss, Toby Jepson has launched a new podcast series.
Taking its title from the debut solo record, the Toby and The Whole Truth podcasts seek to uncover the reality of what it means to live and work successfully in the real entertainment business.
Launched as lockdown took place in March, Jepson has released introspective interviews with Ricky Warwick (Black Star Riders/Thin Lizzy/The Almighty) and Saxon frontman, Biff Byford.
Reflections on successes, failures, mental health battles, dreams verses reality, relationship struggles, excess, boredom and the mediocrity of a world hidden from view are all tackled in this compelling series.
The most recent episode featured Toby Jepson’s fellow Planet Rock DJ, Wyatt Wendels; you can listen to the episode by clicking here.
Toby and the Whole Truth - Ignorance Is Bliss (25th Anniversary remastered edition) will be released on 17th July 2020.
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Taking its title from the debut solo record, the Toby and The Whole Truth podcasts seek to uncover the reality of what it means to live and work successfully in the real entertainment business.
Launched as lockdown took place in March, Jepson has released introspective interviews with Ricky Warwick (Black Star Riders/Thin Lizzy/The Almighty) and Saxon frontman, Biff Byford.
Reflections on successes, failures, mental health battles, dreams verses reality, relationship struggles, excess, boredom and the mediocrity of a world hidden from view are all tackled in this compelling series.
The most recent episode featured Toby Jepson’s fellow Planet Rock DJ, Wyatt Wendels; you can listen to the episode by clicking here.
Toby and the Whole Truth - Ignorance Is Bliss (25th Anniversary remastered edition) will be released on 17th July 2020.
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In tribute to the late Bernie Tormé, who sadly passed on the 17th March 2019 to virulent double pneumonia, the WinterStorm festival team are making available a stream of the Irish guitarist’s outstanding set from the noted Ayrshire Rock Weekender’s 2018 event.
Titled The Beach Bootleg WinterStorm 2018, the edited stream of Bernie Tormé’s WinterStorm set will be available from Friday the 22nd of May and viewable for 28 days from date of purchase.
The video stream of the full WinterStorm set is available to purchase here https://bit.ly/torme18
The set was a defining moment not just for the WinterStorm 2018 rock weekender but for Bernie Tormé, such was the power of the set and reaction received (as he came off stage the likes of Doug Aldrich, John Corabi and Deen Castronovo were waiting to shake his hand and get a picture, such was his impact on everyone that day).
The performance was captured on multi HD cams and audio recorded from the balcony; for fans it captures the essence of a great set that took the audience from general interest to complete captivation.
The £5 for each Beach Bootleg purchase will, firstly, directly benefit Bernie's Tormé dependents (with 50% of revenues) but 30% will also go to support the technical sound, light and video
team who are currently not earning.
"If there ever had been a higher reason for an event taking place it was on Saturday 24th of November. It was the moment that Bernie Tormé turned backstage from a standing ovation and a whole hall chanting his name.
It was a moment that took him by surprise; it was a reaction from an audience that he hadn't expected, perhaps he'd never expected to receive ever again.
The genuine affection from the WinterStorm audience had an unseen impact on Bernie Tormé and that reaction summed the man up. He had just blown away a loving crowd with a virtuoso and powerful set, a set that by common consent was one of the lasting memories of the weekend.
We can count ourselves blessed that we saw Bernie Tormé at his very best that day, that one last time we witnessed a guitarist at the peak of his playing."
- Tom Russell, Scotland’s Godfather of Rock, DJ and WinterStorm compere.
Titled The Beach Bootleg WinterStorm 2018, the edited stream of Bernie Tormé’s WinterStorm set will be available from Friday the 22nd of May and viewable for 28 days from date of purchase.
The video stream of the full WinterStorm set is available to purchase here https://bit.ly/torme18
The set was a defining moment not just for the WinterStorm 2018 rock weekender but for Bernie Tormé, such was the power of the set and reaction received (as he came off stage the likes of Doug Aldrich, John Corabi and Deen Castronovo were waiting to shake his hand and get a picture, such was his impact on everyone that day).
The performance was captured on multi HD cams and audio recorded from the balcony; for fans it captures the essence of a great set that took the audience from general interest to complete captivation.
The £5 for each Beach Bootleg purchase will, firstly, directly benefit Bernie's Tormé dependents (with 50% of revenues) but 30% will also go to support the technical sound, light and video
team who are currently not earning.
"If there ever had been a higher reason for an event taking place it was on Saturday 24th of November. It was the moment that Bernie Tormé turned backstage from a standing ovation and a whole hall chanting his name.
It was a moment that took him by surprise; it was a reaction from an audience that he hadn't expected, perhaps he'd never expected to receive ever again.
The genuine affection from the WinterStorm audience had an unseen impact on Bernie Tormé and that reaction summed the man up. He had just blown away a loving crowd with a virtuoso and powerful set, a set that by common consent was one of the lasting memories of the weekend.
We can count ourselves blessed that we saw Bernie Tormé at his very best that day, that one last time we witnessed a guitarist at the peak of his playing."
- Tom Russell, Scotland’s Godfather of Rock, DJ and WinterStorm compere.
Photo Credit SIG Photography
"Bernie Tormé was unquestionably the surprise package of the weekend.
Not that the noted guitarist was ever going to be anything other than impressive – he’s always been on a winner with his mix of punky rock and roll and those distinct guitar squeals and gritty riffs that were such a huge part of the Gillan sound during his tenure with that band – but his playing and performance in favoured power trio format damn near brought the WinterStorm house down.
Delivering Gillan classics, 80s Electric Gypsies highlights and a smattering of later solo material, Bernie Tormé and band could do no wrong.
His six-string showcase was during slow and heavy rock blues number, 'Stoneship.' When Bernie Tormé wrung every conceivable note and howl out of his guitar, the audience responded at a similar decibel level.
As he left the stage, the humongous ovation and chants of "Bern-ee! Bern-ee!" made for a fond farewell and a genuine tear in the eye of Mr Tormé."
- Ross Muir, FabricationsHQ
Bernie Tormé - The Beach Bootleg - WinterStorm 2018
Bernie Tormé - guitar/vocals; Mik Gaffney - drums; Sy Morton - bass/vocals.
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Not that the noted guitarist was ever going to be anything other than impressive – he’s always been on a winner with his mix of punky rock and roll and those distinct guitar squeals and gritty riffs that were such a huge part of the Gillan sound during his tenure with that band – but his playing and performance in favoured power trio format damn near brought the WinterStorm house down.
Delivering Gillan classics, 80s Electric Gypsies highlights and a smattering of later solo material, Bernie Tormé and band could do no wrong.
His six-string showcase was during slow and heavy rock blues number, 'Stoneship.' When Bernie Tormé wrung every conceivable note and howl out of his guitar, the audience responded at a similar decibel level.
As he left the stage, the humongous ovation and chants of "Bern-ee! Bern-ee!" made for a fond farewell and a genuine tear in the eye of Mr Tormé."
- Ross Muir, FabricationsHQ
Bernie Tormé - The Beach Bootleg - WinterStorm 2018
Bernie Tormé - guitar/vocals; Mik Gaffney - drums; Sy Morton - bass/vocals.
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Quint Starkie, the Swedish based British singer-songwriter-guitarist (and member of Francis Dunnery’s It Bites), is gearing up to release a new solo album.
The as yet unnamed album will be the follow-up to the beautifully crafted Ghost in My Heart, which was first released in 2016 (followed by an all-digital formats re-release in 2017).
The new album is pre-empted by lead-off single 'Gotta Give it Up,' an atmospheric groove-pop number that features Dorie Jackson on harmony & backing vocals.
Ghost in My Heart was FabricationsHQ’s singer-songwriter album of the Year in 2017 and had the likes of the aforementioned Francis Dunnery waxing lyrical about it.
While Ghost in My Heart was a poignant yet upbeat semi-autobiographical reminisce that musically took a country styled approach, the new album, as confirmed by Quint Starkie, "reflects more of my West Coast leanings as a guitarist and is more pop than country this time around. The first single features Dorie Jackson as well as Per Hansson on bass."
You can listen to an excerpt of the single, which will be released on the 20th of May, below.
The as yet unnamed album will be the follow-up to the beautifully crafted Ghost in My Heart, which was first released in 2016 (followed by an all-digital formats re-release in 2017).
The new album is pre-empted by lead-off single 'Gotta Give it Up,' an atmospheric groove-pop number that features Dorie Jackson on harmony & backing vocals.
Ghost in My Heart was FabricationsHQ’s singer-songwriter album of the Year in 2017 and had the likes of the aforementioned Francis Dunnery waxing lyrical about it.
While Ghost in My Heart was a poignant yet upbeat semi-autobiographical reminisce that musically took a country styled approach, the new album, as confirmed by Quint Starkie, "reflects more of my West Coast leanings as a guitarist and is more pop than country this time around. The first single features Dorie Jackson as well as Per Hansson on bass."
You can listen to an excerpt of the single, which will be released on the 20th of May, below.
Quint Starkie is a solo artist and a member of Francis Dunnery’s It Bites.
He has written songs for Alcazar, Lambretta, Sophie Zelmani, Shakaya, Hartmut Englar, Anna Sahlene, Amei Chang, Martin Stenmarck as well a song on the movie soundtrack My Best Friend’s Wedding starring Julia Roberts.
An accomplished guitarist, he has performed or recorded with The Supremes, Meja, Jill Johnsson, Tommy Nilsson, Bosson, Ebbot, Björn Skifs, Harpo and many more established artists.
His debut album Ghost in My Heart was given a release in Japan on P-VINE Records in October 2019.
A second single from the forthcoming album is anticipated in June.
Quint Starkie website: http://www.quintstarkie.net/
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He has written songs for Alcazar, Lambretta, Sophie Zelmani, Shakaya, Hartmut Englar, Anna Sahlene, Amei Chang, Martin Stenmarck as well a song on the movie soundtrack My Best Friend’s Wedding starring Julia Roberts.
An accomplished guitarist, he has performed or recorded with The Supremes, Meja, Jill Johnsson, Tommy Nilsson, Bosson, Ebbot, Björn Skifs, Harpo and many more established artists.
His debut album Ghost in My Heart was given a release in Japan on P-VINE Records in October 2019.
A second single from the forthcoming album is anticipated in June.
Quint Starkie website: http://www.quintstarkie.net/
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British melodic rockers VEGA will release their new album Grit Your Teeth on Friday 12th June via Frontier Records.
The album can be pre-ordered from: https://orcd.co/grityourteeth and www.vegaofficial.co.uk
You can read FabricationsHQ's review of the album by clicking here.
The band have just released a third single from the album, the hooky and rockin' Don't Fool Yourself Again.'
Of the song, and self-efacing/ humourous video, lead vocalist and front man, Nick Workman, says "the concept for the video came partly from the lyric and partly from a VEGA / music business perspective. The lyric was inspired by my daughter, who is facing a world we never did.
These days you are expected to be whatever is deemed 'cool' or 'in fashion' and that can change from week to week. I have had many conversations with her about staying true to herself and making her own 'cool.'
From the VEGA perspective, we thought it would be funny to make fun of the fact that we are always being tagged in various genres of rock and the fact so many bands change what they are about to try and fit in to what is the current 'cool.' We had a lot of fun making the video and it is there to entertain!”
Of the album, the band purposely agreed on making a more modern sounding and edgy record.
"I think we definitely achieved that" reflects VEGA’s drummer, Martin Hutchison with guitarist Mikey Kew adding "I think it’s our best album yet; if last album, Only Human, was a commentary of what was going on our lives the new album is very much a reflection of those times and the outcomes. It was very therapeutic for the band to write and record the album."
The album can be pre-ordered from: https://orcd.co/grityourteeth and www.vegaofficial.co.uk
You can read FabricationsHQ's review of the album by clicking here.
The band have just released a third single from the album, the hooky and rockin' Don't Fool Yourself Again.'
Of the song, and self-efacing/ humourous video, lead vocalist and front man, Nick Workman, says "the concept for the video came partly from the lyric and partly from a VEGA / music business perspective. The lyric was inspired by my daughter, who is facing a world we never did.
These days you are expected to be whatever is deemed 'cool' or 'in fashion' and that can change from week to week. I have had many conversations with her about staying true to herself and making her own 'cool.'
From the VEGA perspective, we thought it would be funny to make fun of the fact that we are always being tagged in various genres of rock and the fact so many bands change what they are about to try and fit in to what is the current 'cool.' We had a lot of fun making the video and it is there to entertain!”
Of the album, the band purposely agreed on making a more modern sounding and edgy record.
"I think we definitely achieved that" reflects VEGA’s drummer, Martin Hutchison with guitarist Mikey Kew adding "I think it’s our best album yet; if last album, Only Human, was a commentary of what was going on our lives the new album is very much a reflection of those times and the outcomes. It was very therapeutic for the band to write and record the album."
VEGA’s love for rock music from the 80s and early 90s shines through on their music; but while their inspiration comes from those eras (they even have a Miami Vice drum roll) the album draws inspiration from other musical places, for the 21st century.
The album was recorded in an industrial unit in York with the Graves Brothers who have previously produced Asking Alexandria. That more 'metal' side of the album was a perfect fit for VEGA as they moved to blend melody and hooks with power.
"Joe and Sam Graves did a great job producing the album. They knew exactly what the band were trying to achieve" says Nick Workman, while bass player Tom Martin emphatically declares "this is stadium rock for 2020!"
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The album was recorded in an industrial unit in York with the Graves Brothers who have previously produced Asking Alexandria. That more 'metal' side of the album was a perfect fit for VEGA as they moved to blend melody and hooks with power.
"Joe and Sam Graves did a great job producing the album. They knew exactly what the band were trying to achieve" says Nick Workman, while bass player Tom Martin emphatically declares "this is stadium rock for 2020!"
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KANSAS, on the back of lead-off single 'Throwing Mountains' from forthcoming album The Absence of Presence, have released a second song, 'Memories Down the Line.'
The song will also feature on what will be the band’s sixteenth studio album.
" 'Memories Down the Line' starts out as a piano-based rock ballad; It builds dynamically to a more powerful sound that still has a sense of longing to it," comments KANSAS keyboardist Tom Brislin.
"We are living during a time when people are doing a lot of reflecting - reflecting on past memories, or the memories they are making right now," adds KANSAS Lead vocalist Ronnie Platt.
" 'Memories Down the Line' really makes one consider the importance of sharing our experiences with those who come after us. I love the sincerity of the song."
The Absence of Presence will be released on Inside Out Music on June 26th
The song will also feature on what will be the band’s sixteenth studio album.
" 'Memories Down the Line' starts out as a piano-based rock ballad; It builds dynamically to a more powerful sound that still has a sense of longing to it," comments KANSAS keyboardist Tom Brislin.
"We are living during a time when people are doing a lot of reflecting - reflecting on past memories, or the memories they are making right now," adds KANSAS Lead vocalist Ronnie Platt.
" 'Memories Down the Line' really makes one consider the importance of sharing our experiences with those who come after us. I love the sincerity of the song."
The Absence of Presence will be released on Inside Out Music on June 26th
The Absence of Presence follows the band’s 2016 album The Prelude Implicit, which debuted at #14 on the Billboard Album Chart.
The Absence of Presence features nine new tracks written by the band; it was produced by Zak Rizvi and
co-produced by the band's two ever-presents throughout the band’s long and illustrious history, guitarist Richard Williams and drummer Phil Ehart.
The Kansas line-up is completed by Ronnie Platt (lead vocals), David Ragsdale (violin), Billy Greer (bass) and the aforementioned Tom Brislin (keyboards).
The album will be available on CD, Double LP 180 Gram Vinyl, Limited Edition Deluxe CD + 5.1 Blu-Ray Artbook and digitally on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and all other streaming services.
To pre-order The Absence of Presence, visit: https://kansas.lnk.to/TheAbsenceofPresence
Kansas - The Absence of Presence - Track Listing:
The Absence of Presence; Throwing Mountains; Jets Overhead
Propulsion 1; Memories Down the Line; Circus of Illusion
Animals on the Roof; Never; The Song the River Sang
Kansas will also be debuting a song off The Absence of Presence this summer during Foreigner’s Juke Box Heroes 2020 Tour.
More songs off the album will be performed later in the year during the band’s Point of Know Return Anniversary European Tour.
(all dates subject to the situation with the Covid-19 pandemic).
Kansas - Point of Know Return Anniversary European Tour Dates:
October 18 - London, England - Palladium
October 20 - Frankfurt, Germany - Jahrhunderthalle
October 21 - Hamburg, Germany - Docks
October 23 - Tampere, Finland - Tamperetalo
October 24 - Helsinki, Finland - Culture House
October 26 - Stockholm, Sweden - Cirkus
October 27 - Oslo, Norway - Sentrum Scene
October 29 - Berlin, Germany - Tempodrom
October 31 - Brussels, Belgium - Cirque Royal
November 3 - Munich, Germany - Circus Krone
November 5 - Heilbronn, Germany - Harmonie
November 9 - Bochum, Germany - RuhrCongress
November 10 - Amsterdam, Holland - Carre Theatre
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The Absence of Presence features nine new tracks written by the band; it was produced by Zak Rizvi and
co-produced by the band's two ever-presents throughout the band’s long and illustrious history, guitarist Richard Williams and drummer Phil Ehart.
The Kansas line-up is completed by Ronnie Platt (lead vocals), David Ragsdale (violin), Billy Greer (bass) and the aforementioned Tom Brislin (keyboards).
The album will be available on CD, Double LP 180 Gram Vinyl, Limited Edition Deluxe CD + 5.1 Blu-Ray Artbook and digitally on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and all other streaming services.
To pre-order The Absence of Presence, visit: https://kansas.lnk.to/TheAbsenceofPresence
Kansas - The Absence of Presence - Track Listing:
The Absence of Presence; Throwing Mountains; Jets Overhead
Propulsion 1; Memories Down the Line; Circus of Illusion
Animals on the Roof; Never; The Song the River Sang
Kansas will also be debuting a song off The Absence of Presence this summer during Foreigner’s Juke Box Heroes 2020 Tour.
More songs off the album will be performed later in the year during the band’s Point of Know Return Anniversary European Tour.
(all dates subject to the situation with the Covid-19 pandemic).
Kansas - Point of Know Return Anniversary European Tour Dates:
October 18 - London, England - Palladium
October 20 - Frankfurt, Germany - Jahrhunderthalle
October 21 - Hamburg, Germany - Docks
October 23 - Tampere, Finland - Tamperetalo
October 24 - Helsinki, Finland - Culture House
October 26 - Stockholm, Sweden - Cirkus
October 27 - Oslo, Norway - Sentrum Scene
October 29 - Berlin, Germany - Tempodrom
October 31 - Brussels, Belgium - Cirque Royal
November 3 - Munich, Germany - Circus Krone
November 5 - Heilbronn, Germany - Harmonie
November 9 - Bochum, Germany - RuhrCongress
November 10 - Amsterdam, Holland - Carre Theatre
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Blue grass country-hoedown rockers The Outlaw Orchestra recently released the foot stomping 'Chicken Fried Snake,' complete with Zappa-esque Claymation video.
The song, a firm favourite of their live set, is lifted from the band’s forthcoming debut album Pantomime Villains, scheduled for release on the 29th of May.
The song, a firm favourite of their live set, is lifted from the band’s forthcoming debut album Pantomime Villains, scheduled for release on the 29th of May.
Photo by Will Carter of Two Finger Media
The Outlaw Orchestra is a southern country rock-influenced quartet featuring David Roux (lead vocal, guitars); Ryan Smith (drums, percussion, vocals); Pete Briley (banjo, lap steel, vocals) and Alex Barter (double bass, vocals).
Sounding like they’ve been steeped in moonshine since birth, the band do indeed hail from the Deep South – of the United Kingdom, that is, specifically, Southampton.
The band’s enthusiastic, fired-up audience at Ramblin’ Man last year, where they drew the biggest crowd on the Rising Stage, showed the appetite that exists for The Outlaw Orchestra’s talent, music, and showmanship.
A similar reaction was heard from the WinterStorm festival audience in Troon, last November.
As regards the video, Dave Roux reveals what led to the stop motion concept:
"My inspiration sprung from watching The Old Grey Whistle Test as a kid. The song 'City Of Tiny Lights' by Frank Zappa was aired with this incredible Claymation video which became rock video history. I watched it with all the other music kids from the area.
We went onto make our own Morph-style videos with my Dad’s Super 8 camera. Back then we had to send off the film in the post, get it back weeks later, then edit it with Sellotape and scissors!
The ‘Chicken Fried Snake’ video is a Zappa-inspired offering, filtered through the Outlaw Orchestra mindset."
As for the very notion of the dish and song, Dave Roux explains that "'Chicken Fried Snake' is a Deep South dish of Southern rock that spawned from my mis-hearing a reply to ‘What’s on the special board tonight?’ in Louisiana diner!
Pantomime Villains can be pre-ordered here:
https://www.theoutlaworchestra.com/product-page/pantomime-villains-10-track-cd
"Imagine this, Billy Gibbons jamming with Motorhead when Johnny Cash walks through the door to grab a mic, throw Earl Scruggs into the room with his trusty banjo and dim the lights ‘n grab a beer or three and that’s exactly what we have here." - Rock Fiend Publications
"WinterStorm 4 was on a crowd cheering high from the Friday afternoon off and hoedown boogie boys The Outlaw Orchestra; but the with songs such as 'Chicken Fried Snake' you’re on to a guaranteed chicken dinner winner of an opening set." - FabricationsHQ
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Sounding like they’ve been steeped in moonshine since birth, the band do indeed hail from the Deep South – of the United Kingdom, that is, specifically, Southampton.
The band’s enthusiastic, fired-up audience at Ramblin’ Man last year, where they drew the biggest crowd on the Rising Stage, showed the appetite that exists for The Outlaw Orchestra’s talent, music, and showmanship.
A similar reaction was heard from the WinterStorm festival audience in Troon, last November.
As regards the video, Dave Roux reveals what led to the stop motion concept:
"My inspiration sprung from watching The Old Grey Whistle Test as a kid. The song 'City Of Tiny Lights' by Frank Zappa was aired with this incredible Claymation video which became rock video history. I watched it with all the other music kids from the area.
We went onto make our own Morph-style videos with my Dad’s Super 8 camera. Back then we had to send off the film in the post, get it back weeks later, then edit it with Sellotape and scissors!
The ‘Chicken Fried Snake’ video is a Zappa-inspired offering, filtered through the Outlaw Orchestra mindset."
As for the very notion of the dish and song, Dave Roux explains that "'Chicken Fried Snake' is a Deep South dish of Southern rock that spawned from my mis-hearing a reply to ‘What’s on the special board tonight?’ in Louisiana diner!
Pantomime Villains can be pre-ordered here:
https://www.theoutlaworchestra.com/product-page/pantomime-villains-10-track-cd
"Imagine this, Billy Gibbons jamming with Motorhead when Johnny Cash walks through the door to grab a mic, throw Earl Scruggs into the room with his trusty banjo and dim the lights ‘n grab a beer or three and that’s exactly what we have here." - Rock Fiend Publications
"WinterStorm 4 was on a crowd cheering high from the Friday afternoon off and hoedown boogie boys The Outlaw Orchestra; but the with songs such as 'Chicken Fried Snake' you’re on to a guaranteed chicken dinner winner of an opening set." - FabricationsHQ
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Smokey voiced songstress Elles Bailey has re-released her song 'Help Somebody' as a specially chosen Single to support the HEROES Charity.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic stirred up powerful memories for award-winning, Bristol based singer-songwriter; memories of recalling spending her third birthday in an intensive care hospital ward, being kept alive on a ventilator, supported by the NHS and their team of incredible nurses and doctors.
Elles Bailey’s story of survival and recovery is a remarkable one.
At just two years of age she contracted a mystery viral infection that affected the young and caused their throats to close, preventing them from breathing (Elles also contracted viral and bacterial pneumonia).
Luckily, her parents got her to hospital with just minutes to spare. To save her, she had a tube put down her throat, connected to a ventilator – the last unit available in the hospital when she arrived.
During the time she was ventilated (including 17 days in a coma), there were not enough meters to monitor her blood oxygen level but fortunately, there was to be no lasting damage.
However, due to the trauma of the tube, Elles Bailey’s voice was changed permanently – her trademark husky voice was the product of this event in her life.
The similarities to Covid-19 sufferers in intensive therapy units who are being kept alive by ventilators is not lost on Elles Bailey, nor the heartache for the families and loved ones of those people who have lost the battle; patients and frontline health workers, in particular.
'Help Somebody' then becomes a powerful rallying cry of support...
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic stirred up powerful memories for award-winning, Bristol based singer-songwriter; memories of recalling spending her third birthday in an intensive care hospital ward, being kept alive on a ventilator, supported by the NHS and their team of incredible nurses and doctors.
Elles Bailey’s story of survival and recovery is a remarkable one.
At just two years of age she contracted a mystery viral infection that affected the young and caused their throats to close, preventing them from breathing (Elles also contracted viral and bacterial pneumonia).
Luckily, her parents got her to hospital with just minutes to spare. To save her, she had a tube put down her throat, connected to a ventilator – the last unit available in the hospital when she arrived.
During the time she was ventilated (including 17 days in a coma), there were not enough meters to monitor her blood oxygen level but fortunately, there was to be no lasting damage.
However, due to the trauma of the tube, Elles Bailey’s voice was changed permanently – her trademark husky voice was the product of this event in her life.
The similarities to Covid-19 sufferers in intensive therapy units who are being kept alive by ventilators is not lost on Elles Bailey, nor the heartache for the families and loved ones of those people who have lost the battle; patients and frontline health workers, in particular.
'Help Somebody' then becomes a powerful rallying cry of support...
'Help Somebody' was written by Elles Bailey and Memphis and Nashville Legend Bobby Wood back in 2017 when Hurricane Irma had just devastated Florida, fires were raging across the Western US states and the refugee crisis in Syria was at a peak.
Bailey and Wood (who had his own miraculous recovery when he was younger; he had been pronounced dead at hospital following a horrendous car crash but then fortuitously found to have a faint pulse) discussed how random acts of kindness and spreading love, not hate, helps the world to heal and the song Help Somebody was born.
"Although it was Inspired by a different crisis," Elles Bailey explains, "this song feels almost even more relevant today. During this pandemic I have seen such an outpouring of love, of kindness, and of community spirit. Helping your neighbour helps make the world a better place and I truly hope this song inspires people during this terrible time.
For this single release I’m partnering with the charity HEROES. Their Help Them Help Us campaign is supporting frontline NHS workers in a variety of ways; also, providing a variety of gifts to help thank and reward them and keep up morale."
Please check out the charity’s work at https://www.helpthemhelpus.co.uk/ and make a donation.
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Bailey and Wood (who had his own miraculous recovery when he was younger; he had been pronounced dead at hospital following a horrendous car crash but then fortuitously found to have a faint pulse) discussed how random acts of kindness and spreading love, not hate, helps the world to heal and the song Help Somebody was born.
"Although it was Inspired by a different crisis," Elles Bailey explains, "this song feels almost even more relevant today. During this pandemic I have seen such an outpouring of love, of kindness, and of community spirit. Helping your neighbour helps make the world a better place and I truly hope this song inspires people during this terrible time.
For this single release I’m partnering with the charity HEROES. Their Help Them Help Us campaign is supporting frontline NHS workers in a variety of ways; also, providing a variety of gifts to help thank and reward them and keep up morale."
Please check out the charity’s work at https://www.helpthemhelpus.co.uk/ and make a donation.
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Enuff Z’nuff are the living, breathing example of what a power pop ‘n’ roll group should be.
Now centred around bass player and lead vocalist Chip Z’nuff and featuring Alex Kane (rhythm guitar, keyboards, back. vocals), Tory Stoffregen (guitars, back. vocals) and Daniel B. Hill (drums, percussion), the band are still delivering their patented power pop melded with hard rock stylings, heard to great effect on new album Brainwashed Generation.
The new album, the follow-up to 2018’s well received Diamond Boy, will be released on the 10th of July; it showcases a diverse collection of songs that demonstrate the progression of musical styles in the Enuff Z’nuff catalogue.
The album also features over half a dozen guest appearances including original frontman and guitarist Donnie Vie (‘Strangers In My Head’), Mike Portnoy (on Ringo/ Beatles replica kit by TAMA for 'It’s All in Vain') and Daxx Nielsen of Cheap Trick on four tracks, including 'Fatal Distraction'…
Now centred around bass player and lead vocalist Chip Z’nuff and featuring Alex Kane (rhythm guitar, keyboards, back. vocals), Tory Stoffregen (guitars, back. vocals) and Daniel B. Hill (drums, percussion), the band are still delivering their patented power pop melded with hard rock stylings, heard to great effect on new album Brainwashed Generation.
The new album, the follow-up to 2018’s well received Diamond Boy, will be released on the 10th of July; it showcases a diverse collection of songs that demonstrate the progression of musical styles in the Enuff Z’nuff catalogue.
The album also features over half a dozen guest appearances including original frontman and guitarist Donnie Vie (‘Strangers In My Head’), Mike Portnoy (on Ringo/ Beatles replica kit by TAMA for 'It’s All in Vain') and Daxx Nielsen of Cheap Trick on four tracks, including 'Fatal Distraction'…
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Photo by Tina Korhonen
July will see the publication of A Genesis In My Bed, the long overdue autobiography from Steve Hackett.
The luminary guitarist has written a highly detailed, entertaining and embracing tome that charts his life in full, but with a firm emphasis on his years with Genesis, a band that went on to become one of the most successful British acts of all time.
In the autobiography Steve Hackett talks candidly about his early life, his time with Genesis, and in particular his personal relationships with the other four band members, with great insight into the daily goings on of this major rock band.
A Genesis In My Bed also regales stories of Steve Hackett's career since leaving Genesis and the many different journeys that it has taken him on.
With his flair for the creative, and a great deal of levity, A Genesis In My Bed is also a riveting read.
Says the author, "It’s often revealing. There’s lace, loves and butterflies, and I explore personal feelings.
I’ve answered many questions fans asked over the years too, such as why I left Genesis. It’s taken fifteen years to bring this book to fruition, writing between tours, recording and legal challenges, but that’s given me time to really develop it."
The launch of A Genesis In My Bed comes as Steve Hackett is locked down at home, as we all are, having had to abandon his US tour at short notice.
"I’d never had to stop a tour halfway before... at least the gigs were postponed, so we will return, and with our Seconds Out tour plans, we still have something to look forward to beyond these dark times. We have every intention of playing as soon as venues are open again."
A Genesis In My Bed is available to Pre order directly from the publisher & the artist:
https://store.hackettsongs.com
https://www.wymeruk.co.uk/webshop/books/rock/genesis/a-genesis-in-my-bed/
RRP: £19.99 ISBN: 978-1-912782-38-3 Hardback: 234 X 156 mm, 192pp, plus 16-page photo section
As mentioned above, and subject to the situation with Covid-19, Steve Hackett will tour the UK in November and early December showcasing the 1977 Genesis live album Seconds Out in full, plus other material.
Seconds Out was the hugely successful double album recorded on Genesis’ 1977 concert tour together with 'The Cinema Show,' from their 1976 tour; it featured Steve Hackett on guitar alongside Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks and Phil Collins who had taken on the role of vocalist following the departure of Peter Gabriel.
The tour included music from each of the six studio albums from Steve Hackett's time in Genesis and marked his final recordings with the band as he left to pursue his solo career upon its completion.
The Seconds Out + More! Tour will visit some of the venues Genesis played on that 1977 tour; there will also be additional material including Steve’s solo concert favourite 'The Steppes,' to celebrate the 40th birthday of his fourth solo album Defector.
"I’m thrilled to bring Seconds Out back to life, featuring Genesis material at its most exciting and virtuosic, this time with all numbers played in full plus additional surprises!" - Steve Hackett.
Tickets for the Seconds Out + More! Tour are available via venue box offices and at:
https://myticket.co.uk/artists/steve-hackett-genesis-revisited-seconds-out-and-more
The luminary guitarist has written a highly detailed, entertaining and embracing tome that charts his life in full, but with a firm emphasis on his years with Genesis, a band that went on to become one of the most successful British acts of all time.
In the autobiography Steve Hackett talks candidly about his early life, his time with Genesis, and in particular his personal relationships with the other four band members, with great insight into the daily goings on of this major rock band.
A Genesis In My Bed also regales stories of Steve Hackett's career since leaving Genesis and the many different journeys that it has taken him on.
With his flair for the creative, and a great deal of levity, A Genesis In My Bed is also a riveting read.
Says the author, "It’s often revealing. There’s lace, loves and butterflies, and I explore personal feelings.
I’ve answered many questions fans asked over the years too, such as why I left Genesis. It’s taken fifteen years to bring this book to fruition, writing between tours, recording and legal challenges, but that’s given me time to really develop it."
The launch of A Genesis In My Bed comes as Steve Hackett is locked down at home, as we all are, having had to abandon his US tour at short notice.
"I’d never had to stop a tour halfway before... at least the gigs were postponed, so we will return, and with our Seconds Out tour plans, we still have something to look forward to beyond these dark times. We have every intention of playing as soon as venues are open again."
A Genesis In My Bed is available to Pre order directly from the publisher & the artist:
https://store.hackettsongs.com
https://www.wymeruk.co.uk/webshop/books/rock/genesis/a-genesis-in-my-bed/
RRP: £19.99 ISBN: 978-1-912782-38-3 Hardback: 234 X 156 mm, 192pp, plus 16-page photo section
As mentioned above, and subject to the situation with Covid-19, Steve Hackett will tour the UK in November and early December showcasing the 1977 Genesis live album Seconds Out in full, plus other material.
Seconds Out was the hugely successful double album recorded on Genesis’ 1977 concert tour together with 'The Cinema Show,' from their 1976 tour; it featured Steve Hackett on guitar alongside Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks and Phil Collins who had taken on the role of vocalist following the departure of Peter Gabriel.
The tour included music from each of the six studio albums from Steve Hackett's time in Genesis and marked his final recordings with the band as he left to pursue his solo career upon its completion.
The Seconds Out + More! Tour will visit some of the venues Genesis played on that 1977 tour; there will also be additional material including Steve’s solo concert favourite 'The Steppes,' to celebrate the 40th birthday of his fourth solo album Defector.
"I’m thrilled to bring Seconds Out back to life, featuring Genesis material at its most exciting and virtuosic, this time with all numbers played in full plus additional surprises!" - Steve Hackett.
Tickets for the Seconds Out + More! Tour are available via venue box offices and at:
https://myticket.co.uk/artists/steve-hackett-genesis-revisited-seconds-out-and-more
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"My dear pal Hungarian-born German producer, songwriter and bandleader Leslie Mandoki sent an email to me with the request to play a few lines of flute and sing along here and there on a new non-profit song he had just written.
This is in the context of his own complete isolation in Germany where his doctor wife, Eva, is a first contact physician in their region of Bavaria.
My first reaction was - hopefully not another sanctimonious, self-serving and smug pop star utterance we can really do without. But - when I actually heard the master tracks and loaded them up in my audio recording software I was very touched by the simple and direct sentiments of the lyrics. So the usually-cynical and grumpy Mr A decided to give it a go.
Of course, we all thank the brave, hardworking front-line medics and care workers around the world, but he managed to put into the lyrics references to the police, grocery clerks, supermarket workers too.
Even the dark reference to the speculators making a killing from the current crisis. They know who they are.
I would like to add to the list those essential worker folks who it was impossible to squeeze into a three minute song: the farmers and all those in food production, distribution and retail; the fishermen out there on the high seas; the refuse collectors; our military who continue to keep us safe; the delivery men and women who try to ensure our supplies with essentials; journalists and news-gatherers who keep us informed with often depressing but sometimes uplifting stories from around the world; the medical and economic advisors to governments who have to carry the can, if and when they get it wrong, as unfortunately they sometimes will in this ever-evolving and complex world situation.
And, of course, all the other workers who continue to toil in the background to keep this world turning, if a little more slowly, for the months to come.
To all, we say, thank you."
Ian Anderson & Leslie Mandoki
This is in the context of his own complete isolation in Germany where his doctor wife, Eva, is a first contact physician in their region of Bavaria.
My first reaction was - hopefully not another sanctimonious, self-serving and smug pop star utterance we can really do without. But - when I actually heard the master tracks and loaded them up in my audio recording software I was very touched by the simple and direct sentiments of the lyrics. So the usually-cynical and grumpy Mr A decided to give it a go.
Of course, we all thank the brave, hardworking front-line medics and care workers around the world, but he managed to put into the lyrics references to the police, grocery clerks, supermarket workers too.
Even the dark reference to the speculators making a killing from the current crisis. They know who they are.
I would like to add to the list those essential worker folks who it was impossible to squeeze into a three minute song: the farmers and all those in food production, distribution and retail; the fishermen out there on the high seas; the refuse collectors; our military who continue to keep us safe; the delivery men and women who try to ensure our supplies with essentials; journalists and news-gatherers who keep us informed with often depressing but sometimes uplifting stories from around the world; the medical and economic advisors to governments who have to carry the can, if and when they get it wrong, as unfortunately they sometimes will in this ever-evolving and complex world situation.
And, of course, all the other workers who continue to toil in the background to keep this world turning, if a little more slowly, for the months to come.
To all, we say, thank you."
Ian Anderson & Leslie Mandoki
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YES guitarist Steve Howe will release a new solo album, Love Is, on the 31st July through BMG Records.
Love Is will be Howe’s first solo album since the all-instrumental Time in 2011; the new album will feature five instrumental tracks and five vocal tracks.
Love Is will be available as Gatefold digi-sleeve CD with 12-page booklet and Vinyl (180gm with gatefold sleeve, liner notes and lyrics).
On Love Is Steve Howe sings lead and plays electric, acoustic and steel guitars, keyboards and percussion. He also plays bass guitar on the instrumental tracks while Yes vocalist Jon Davison provides vocal harmonies and bass guitar on the vocal tracks.
The album also features Dylan Howe on drums.
Love Is may well be considered the stand out album of Steve Howe’s solo career.
The instrumentals keep a highly progressive rock guitar style to the fore while the songs explore stories of lives lived and lives only just begun.
'Love Is a River,' the central, longer song with several textural shifts, features a theme played on 12 string and steel guitars.
"I called the album Love Is because it hints at the central idea that that love is important but also love of the universe and the ecology of the world is very important. Alexander Humboldt went around the world and recognised we are destroying the planet but that was 200 years ago!
We are still destroying the planet and, I suppose, my songs show the yearning I have for the love of nature and how beauty, art and music all stem from nature. There is a theme about those things, love, beauty, ecology, nature and wonderful people." -Steve Howe
Steve Howe – Love Is - Track listing:
1 Fulcrum (instrumental); 2 See Me Through; 3 Beyond The Call (instrumental); 4 Love Is a River
5 Sound Picture (instrumental); 6 It Ain’t Easy; 7 Pause For Thought (instrumental); 8 Imagination
9 The Headlands (instrumental); 10 On The Balcony
Steve Howe Official store pre-orders: https://SteveHowe.lnk.to/D2CPR
Amazon pre-orders: https://SteveHowe.lnk.to/LoveIsPR
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Love Is will be Howe’s first solo album since the all-instrumental Time in 2011; the new album will feature five instrumental tracks and five vocal tracks.
Love Is will be available as Gatefold digi-sleeve CD with 12-page booklet and Vinyl (180gm with gatefold sleeve, liner notes and lyrics).
On Love Is Steve Howe sings lead and plays electric, acoustic and steel guitars, keyboards and percussion. He also plays bass guitar on the instrumental tracks while Yes vocalist Jon Davison provides vocal harmonies and bass guitar on the vocal tracks.
The album also features Dylan Howe on drums.
Love Is may well be considered the stand out album of Steve Howe’s solo career.
The instrumentals keep a highly progressive rock guitar style to the fore while the songs explore stories of lives lived and lives only just begun.
'Love Is a River,' the central, longer song with several textural shifts, features a theme played on 12 string and steel guitars.
"I called the album Love Is because it hints at the central idea that that love is important but also love of the universe and the ecology of the world is very important. Alexander Humboldt went around the world and recognised we are destroying the planet but that was 200 years ago!
We are still destroying the planet and, I suppose, my songs show the yearning I have for the love of nature and how beauty, art and music all stem from nature. There is a theme about those things, love, beauty, ecology, nature and wonderful people." -Steve Howe
Steve Howe – Love Is - Track listing:
1 Fulcrum (instrumental); 2 See Me Through; 3 Beyond The Call (instrumental); 4 Love Is a River
5 Sound Picture (instrumental); 6 It Ain’t Easy; 7 Pause For Thought (instrumental); 8 Imagination
9 The Headlands (instrumental); 10 On The Balcony
Steve Howe Official store pre-orders: https://SteveHowe.lnk.to/D2CPR
Amazon pre-orders: https://SteveHowe.lnk.to/LoveIsPR
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European & British Blues awards nominees the Starlite Campbell Band, featuring husband and wife duo Suzy Starlite (bass) and Simon Campbell (vocals, guitar) have released a new single, 'Stone Cold Crazy.'
The single will feature on forthcoming album The Language of Curiosity, for which the pair, along with their semi-mobile recording studio, relocated to Lower Saxony in Germany to write and record.
The album, the follow-up to debut album Blueberry Pie (nominated for best album in the European Blues Awards) is set for release on 2nd October, 2020.
The Language of Curiosity also features long-time collaborators Jonny Henderson and Christian Madden (keyboards) and drummer Steve Gibson.
Of the single, Suzy Starlite says "Stone Cold Crazy jumped out and just had to be the first single we released from the album. It echoes the sound and vibe of the early 70s where British blues was morphing into more song-based rock ’n’ roll."
The single will feature on forthcoming album The Language of Curiosity, for which the pair, along with their semi-mobile recording studio, relocated to Lower Saxony in Germany to write and record.
The album, the follow-up to debut album Blueberry Pie (nominated for best album in the European Blues Awards) is set for release on 2nd October, 2020.
The Language of Curiosity also features long-time collaborators Jonny Henderson and Christian Madden (keyboards) and drummer Steve Gibson.
Of the single, Suzy Starlite says "Stone Cold Crazy jumped out and just had to be the first single we released from the album. It echoes the sound and vibe of the early 70s where British blues was morphing into more song-based rock ’n’ roll."
To thank the fans for supporting their work as full-time musicians, the band have a special offer for all pre-orders of The Language of Curiosity, a digital copy of the new single.
The offer applies to all singles released from the album prior to its official launch on the 2nd of October.
The Language of Curiosity was produced by Suzy Starlite and Simon Campbell and mastered by Jon Astley (who has worked with such luminaries as Led Zeppelin and The Who).
The album will be available direct from the Starlite Campbell Band website as a digital download, CD and limited edition 180g vinyl (the vinyl lacquers were cut by Miles Showell at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London); distribution in Europe and the UK is by Cadiz Music and Digital Limited.
Website: http://starlite-campbell.com
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The offer applies to all singles released from the album prior to its official launch on the 2nd of October.
The Language of Curiosity was produced by Suzy Starlite and Simon Campbell and mastered by Jon Astley (who has worked with such luminaries as Led Zeppelin and The Who).
The album will be available direct from the Starlite Campbell Band website as a digital download, CD and limited edition 180g vinyl (the vinyl lacquers were cut by Miles Showell at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London); distribution in Europe and the UK is by Cadiz Music and Digital Limited.
Website: http://starlite-campbell.com
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Marillion guitarist Steve Rothery has released a video excerpt of 'La Silla,' the first track to be taken from his forthcoming album Revontulet, which will be released later in the year.
Of the atmospheric – make that astronomy-pheric – instrumental piece and its release, Steve Rothery says "The Crowdfunding campaign won't launch until September, but I thought it would be nice to release something in the current situation...."
Of the atmospheric – make that astronomy-pheric – instrumental piece and its release, Steve Rothery says "The Crowdfunding campaign won't launch until September, but I thought it would be nice to release something in the current situation...."
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Right now, ordinary life is anything but.
That said it might be more accurate to say it’s a case of ordinary lives trying to operate in extraordinary and unprecedented times, something New York blues/ rock singer Sari Schorr captured to quite beautiful and poignant effect in her native city recently.
The results, when combined with piano ballad 'Ordinary Life' (from the singer’s highly acclaimed debut album Force of Nature; FabricationHQ’s Debut Album of 2016) have visually and musically morphed into what will unquestionably be the most powerful, and likely the most important, video that Sari Schorr ever does.
"I was inspired to hopefully portray how extraordinary times reveal the precious gifts of an ordinary life," Sari Schorr explains, continuing "I shot all the footage with an iPhone 7 Plus in New York City; then the ‘Ordinary Life’ video was edited on a MacBook Pro in Final Cut X."
That said it might be more accurate to say it’s a case of ordinary lives trying to operate in extraordinary and unprecedented times, something New York blues/ rock singer Sari Schorr captured to quite beautiful and poignant effect in her native city recently.
The results, when combined with piano ballad 'Ordinary Life' (from the singer’s highly acclaimed debut album Force of Nature; FabricationHQ’s Debut Album of 2016) have visually and musically morphed into what will unquestionably be the most powerful, and likely the most important, video that Sari Schorr ever does.
"I was inspired to hopefully portray how extraordinary times reveal the precious gifts of an ordinary life," Sari Schorr explains, continuing "I shot all the footage with an iPhone 7 Plus in New York City; then the ‘Ordinary Life’ video was edited on a MacBook Pro in Final Cut X."
As much about the (visual) tone set and the scenes that play out as it is the music that accompanies the video, Sari Schorr’s song of gratitude has just gained a new lease of Ordinary life.
Here’s to the time we can all celebrate those ordinary lives together, and not through the surreal but necessary disconnect that’s part of the present day Covid-19 climate; something that’s not lost on Sari Schorr…
"These impaired days have taken us far from normality. I am detached from everyone, yet I feel more connected to the strangers hidden behind cotton and latex. Our differences are masked as we stand apart, but united in our struggle to find beauty in our ordinary lives."
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Here’s to the time we can all celebrate those ordinary lives together, and not through the surreal but necessary disconnect that’s part of the present day Covid-19 climate; something that’s not lost on Sari Schorr…
"These impaired days have taken us far from normality. I am detached from everyone, yet I feel more connected to the strangers hidden behind cotton and latex. Our differences are masked as we stand apart, but united in our struggle to find beauty in our ordinary lives."
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Alternative prog/ rock band Trope have just released a darker edged but wholly captivating version of the Tears For Fears classic, 'Shout'.
Say the band of the song:
" 'Shout', to us, is a reaffirmation of value and strength of our ability to move past toxic situations and people towards the things that help elevate us emotionally and spiritually. I think it also lifts the curtain on how even when times are hard, we should never negate the value of human life. It gives a voice to people who deserve and want to be seen and heard."
Adds vocalist Diana Studenberg: "Due to the song’s pop sensibility and 4/4 beat, it didn’t fit into the Trope realm at the time. But as things progressed and electronic instrumentation was replaced with organic instruments including bass, guitars and ebow, the tune took a darker turn and actually really worked for Trope."
Say the band of the song:
" 'Shout', to us, is a reaffirmation of value and strength of our ability to move past toxic situations and people towards the things that help elevate us emotionally and spiritually. I think it also lifts the curtain on how even when times are hard, we should never negate the value of human life. It gives a voice to people who deserve and want to be seen and heard."
Adds vocalist Diana Studenberg: "Due to the song’s pop sensibility and 4/4 beat, it didn’t fit into the Trope realm at the time. But as things progressed and electronic instrumentation was replaced with organic instruments including bass, guitars and ebow, the tune took a darker turn and actually really worked for Trope."
Formed in 2016 and located in Hollywood, LA, Trope perfected their distinctive sound and songwriting styles before recording debut album Eleutheromania.
Combining hypnotic rhythms with dark, progressive elements, Diana Studenberg provides delicate-to-angst vocals which cascade dramatically atop the band’s dynamic melodies (Studenberg's most recent credit includes co-writing a song sung by Alessia Cara on the new Netflix feature 'The Willoughbys').
Eleutheromania (meaning “a manic zeal for freedom”) is music which craves to break free from patterns.
The album, which will be released later in 2020 on Golden Robot Records, was engineered by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica), mixed by David Bottrill (Tool, Peter Gabriel) and mastered by Ted Jensen (Eagles, Dave Mathews Band, Pantera).
With influences ranging from 90s alternative rock including Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and Smashing Pumpkins, combined with elements of their love for the likes of Pearl Jam and Jeff Buckley, Trope have concocted an intoxicating and distinct sound.
Trope have performed shows internationally in Europe, Canada, the US and around Los Angeles in such venues including LA’s Whisky A Go-Go and The Viper Room, as well as the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, where they played the main stages in the past two consecutive years.
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Combining hypnotic rhythms with dark, progressive elements, Diana Studenberg provides delicate-to-angst vocals which cascade dramatically atop the band’s dynamic melodies (Studenberg's most recent credit includes co-writing a song sung by Alessia Cara on the new Netflix feature 'The Willoughbys').
Eleutheromania (meaning “a manic zeal for freedom”) is music which craves to break free from patterns.
The album, which will be released later in 2020 on Golden Robot Records, was engineered by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica), mixed by David Bottrill (Tool, Peter Gabriel) and mastered by Ted Jensen (Eagles, Dave Mathews Band, Pantera).
With influences ranging from 90s alternative rock including Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and Smashing Pumpkins, combined with elements of their love for the likes of Pearl Jam and Jeff Buckley, Trope have concocted an intoxicating and distinct sound.
Trope have performed shows internationally in Europe, Canada, the US and around Los Angeles in such venues including LA’s Whisky A Go-Go and The Viper Room, as well as the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, where they played the main stages in the past two consecutive years.
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Jeff Scott Soto has just released a surprise live album on all digital platforms.
Recorded a year ago at the sixth edition of the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, Loud & Live in Milan 2019 will see physical release later in 2020 as well as a bonus disc on the noted singer’s forthcoming solo album, Wide Awake (In My Dreamland).
Live & Loud in Milan captures the one-off, hour long live set that saw Jeff Scott Soto present an overview of his solo career, plus a treat towards the end where he called fellow singer and labelmate Dino Jelusick (Animal Drive, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) up from the audience to join him on stage for a spontaneous duet of 'Stand Up' from the cult movie Rock Star.
Jeff Scott Soto’s career spans over 35 years and shows no sign of slowing down.
Having burst onto the scene as the vocalist for the first two solo albums by six-string shredmeister Yngwie Malmsteen, he subsequently fronted the acclaimed hard rock act Talisman and spent some time with Journey.
Currently, in tandem with maintaining his solo career, Jeff Scott Soto sings with the popular Trans-Siberian Orchestra rock ensemble, melodic hard rockers W.E.T., his own metal project SOTO and progressive-metal supergroup Sons Of Apollo.
Recorded a year ago at the sixth edition of the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, Loud & Live in Milan 2019 will see physical release later in 2020 as well as a bonus disc on the noted singer’s forthcoming solo album, Wide Awake (In My Dreamland).
Live & Loud in Milan captures the one-off, hour long live set that saw Jeff Scott Soto present an overview of his solo career, plus a treat towards the end where he called fellow singer and labelmate Dino Jelusick (Animal Drive, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) up from the audience to join him on stage for a spontaneous duet of 'Stand Up' from the cult movie Rock Star.
Jeff Scott Soto’s career spans over 35 years and shows no sign of slowing down.
Having burst onto the scene as the vocalist for the first two solo albums by six-string shredmeister Yngwie Malmsteen, he subsequently fronted the acclaimed hard rock act Talisman and spent some time with Journey.
Currently, in tandem with maintaining his solo career, Jeff Scott Soto sings with the popular Trans-Siberian Orchestra rock ensemble, melodic hard rockers W.E.T., his own metal project SOTO and progressive-metal supergroup Sons Of Apollo.
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Award winning Scottish singer songwriter Jason Sweeney, whose love of roots and modern country is equalled only by his enthusiasm for infectious, guitar-driven melodic rock as heard with his band The King Lot, has just released country-waltz ballad 'The Glasses on the Table.'
A lyrically thoughtful and radio friendly number, 'The Glasses on the Table' is the first of a planned run of singles prior to the release of a full-length album towards the end of the year.
'The Glasses on The Table' is a storytelling country song that, while reflecting upon a relationship and time in life that has passed, can have many interpretations, from the glass is half full or half empty evaluation (which part inspired the song) to how we perceive life through our own lenses...
A lyrically thoughtful and radio friendly number, 'The Glasses on the Table' is the first of a planned run of singles prior to the release of a full-length album towards the end of the year.
'The Glasses on The Table' is a storytelling country song that, while reflecting upon a relationship and time in life that has passed, can have many interpretations, from the glass is half full or half empty evaluation (which part inspired the song) to how we perceive life through our own lenses...
Recorded and mixed by Scott Hannah at The Music Box in Edinburgh and mastered by Geoff Pesche at Abbey Road Studios in London, 'The Glasses on the Table' was digitally released on the 6th of April.
The Glasses on the Table:
Jason Sweeney – vocals and guitar; Scott Hannah – guitar; Chris Smith – drums; Brian Stewart – bass.
Jason Sweeney is an award-winning musician and private music tutor with over thirty years of performing experience as well as various commercial releases under his belt.
His solo music and melodic rock power trio The King Lot (who have released two acclaimed albums thus far) has taken him all around the UK in a touring and performing capacity.
As well as holding a 1st class honours degree in music Jason has also been recognised by Abertay University (contributions towards music in the community) and presented with the Tartan Clef Award by Nordoff Robins (as part of the Hard Rock Cafe awards).
Jason is currently completing his masters in songwriting at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).
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The Glasses on the Table:
Jason Sweeney – vocals and guitar; Scott Hannah – guitar; Chris Smith – drums; Brian Stewart – bass.
Jason Sweeney is an award-winning musician and private music tutor with over thirty years of performing experience as well as various commercial releases under his belt.
His solo music and melodic rock power trio The King Lot (who have released two acclaimed albums thus far) has taken him all around the UK in a touring and performing capacity.
As well as holding a 1st class honours degree in music Jason has also been recognised by Abertay University (contributions towards music in the community) and presented with the Tartan Clef Award by Nordoff Robins (as part of the Hard Rock Cafe awards).
Jason is currently completing his masters in songwriting at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).
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Joe Bonamassa recently popped out a surprise single from his studio recordings at the legendary Abbey Road Studio in London.
'A Conversation With Alice' has been released alongside a special music video showing Bonamassa and his band in the studio recording the track.
'Alice' is the alias of a therapist that Joe Bonamassa spoke with about some reoccurring problems he’d been facing in life but found that these problems ultimately led to his success.
"The song is derived by an experience I had a couple years ago when some friends of mine intervened and said ‘You know what Joe? You should go ahead and talk to someone about these problems you have that come up time and time again’ explains the acclaimed guitarist.
"So, I agreed. I went to see this lovely woman in Los Angeles and began talking about my problems.
After the second session I came to the conclusion that I was unrepairable and that the crazy in me makes me good at my job. I like being good at my job. I think I’m good at my job, unless you ask the internet. Which then there’s some debate, which bolsters the crazy. See how it’s all interrelated? So, I wrote a song about it!”
'A Conversation With Alice' has been released alongside a special music video showing Bonamassa and his band in the studio recording the track.
'Alice' is the alias of a therapist that Joe Bonamassa spoke with about some reoccurring problems he’d been facing in life but found that these problems ultimately led to his success.
"The song is derived by an experience I had a couple years ago when some friends of mine intervened and said ‘You know what Joe? You should go ahead and talk to someone about these problems you have that come up time and time again’ explains the acclaimed guitarist.
"So, I agreed. I went to see this lovely woman in Los Angeles and began talking about my problems.
After the second session I came to the conclusion that I was unrepairable and that the crazy in me makes me good at my job. I like being good at my job. I think I’m good at my job, unless you ask the internet. Which then there’s some debate, which bolsters the crazy. See how it’s all interrelated? So, I wrote a song about it!”
The song is part of a brand-new album coming sometime later this year, though details of the title and release date are still under wraps.
'A Conversation With Alice' also follows Joe Bonamassa’s recent instrumental side project called The Sleep Eazys, who released their critically-acclaimed debut album, Easy To Buy, Hard To Sell, just last week.
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'A Conversation With Alice' also follows Joe Bonamassa’s recent instrumental side project called The Sleep Eazys, who released their critically-acclaimed debut album, Easy To Buy, Hard To Sell, just last week.
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Norwich based blues rockers Bad Touch will release their fourth studio album, Kiss the Sky, on 19th June.
The album was pre-empted by first single 'Strut' and now follow-up single release 'I Feel High,' a feel-good/ in love slice of mid-tempo southern tinged blues, as Bad Touch front man Stevie Westwood expands upon..
"I Get High is about that feeling we’ve all had at some point, being completely smitten by a lover and wanting to spend the rest of your life with that special person."
The album was pre-empted by first single 'Strut' and now follow-up single release 'I Feel High,' a feel-good/ in love slice of mid-tempo southern tinged blues, as Bad Touch front man Stevie Westwood expands upon..
"I Get High is about that feeling we’ve all had at some point, being completely smitten by a lover and wanting to spend the rest of your life with that special person."
The southern styled blues rockers have also since announced their revised tour dates, rescheduled because of the current Covid-19 pandemic, of the UK.
See poster below for dates and venues.
Any tickets purchases for the now cancelled spring dates will remain valid; tickets are available from www.badtouchrocks.co.uk/gigs-tours
The thirteen date tour includes shows in London, Cardiff, Glasgow and their hometown of Norwich; special guests across all dates are heavy rock n rollers Piston.
See poster below for dates and venues.
Any tickets purchases for the now cancelled spring dates will remain valid; tickets are available from www.badtouchrocks.co.uk/gigs-tours
The thirteen date tour includes shows in London, Cardiff, Glasgow and their hometown of Norwich; special guests across all dates are heavy rock n rollers Piston.
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If good things come in threes King King have a musical triple whammy that should please every British rock and blues rock fans…
The acclaimed Glasgow based band will be back on the road in October with rescheduled dates (from the April cancellations through the necessary Covid-19 lockdown); tickets are available via www.kingking.co.uk/tour and www.thegigcartel.com
Additionally, the dates will allow the band to showcase their newest member, King King main man Alan Nimmo’s brother Stevie Nimmo.
Says Alan Nimmo: "As it already felt like it was so long since we had the chance to play in front of our UK fans, the tour in April had us so excited with anticipation. So, you can imagine our disappointment when it had to be postponed.
However, it brings us great joy to know that we’ll be playing some dates in October and on that tour you will see an addition to our already outstanding line-up of Jonny Dyke, Zander Greenshields and Andrew Scott... welcome Stevie to King King as our newest member!
I am extremely happy to bring Stevie in to the band as I feel that musically we raise to another level and it will be so exciting for not only us but fir our fans too who I know already have a lot of love and respect for him."
The third part of the new look King King jigsaw is the upcoming release of their new album, which has been pre-empted by lead-off single 'I Will Not Fall,' a classy King King number about not letting others bring you down and being true to yourself.
The acclaimed Glasgow based band will be back on the road in October with rescheduled dates (from the April cancellations through the necessary Covid-19 lockdown); tickets are available via www.kingking.co.uk/tour and www.thegigcartel.com
Additionally, the dates will allow the band to showcase their newest member, King King main man Alan Nimmo’s brother Stevie Nimmo.
Says Alan Nimmo: "As it already felt like it was so long since we had the chance to play in front of our UK fans, the tour in April had us so excited with anticipation. So, you can imagine our disappointment when it had to be postponed.
However, it brings us great joy to know that we’ll be playing some dates in October and on that tour you will see an addition to our already outstanding line-up of Jonny Dyke, Zander Greenshields and Andrew Scott... welcome Stevie to King King as our newest member!
I am extremely happy to bring Stevie in to the band as I feel that musically we raise to another level and it will be so exciting for not only us but fir our fans too who I know already have a lot of love and respect for him."
The third part of the new look King King jigsaw is the upcoming release of their new album, which has been pre-empted by lead-off single 'I Will Not Fall,' a classy King King number about not letting others bring you down and being true to yourself.
"The response to our first single I Will Not Fall, which was A-listed on Planet Rock, has been amazing" continues Alan Nimmo.
"As I have done on several occasions in the past when it comes to writing I enlisted the talents of my brother Stevie Nimmo to add some of his flavour to the songs. Alongside the other lads, when you hear the new album you’ll be able to spot Stevie’s voice in the background on several songs.
That’s what started me thinking it was time to take the next step in the natural evolution of King King and bring in Stevie!"
"As I have done on several occasions in the past when it comes to writing I enlisted the talents of my brother Stevie Nimmo to add some of his flavour to the songs. Alongside the other lads, when you hear the new album you’ll be able to spot Stevie’s voice in the background on several songs.
That’s what started me thinking it was time to take the next step in the natural evolution of King King and bring in Stevie!"
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Continuing on from their recent archive live releases Hard Rock Live Cleveland 2014 and 40th Anniversary Agents of Fortune, Blue Öyster Cult have announced another special archival live album on CD/ DVD and
Blu-Ray.
The band’s special performance at iHeart Radio Theater in New York took place on December 17th 2012 in an intimate setting for an audience of just 200 fans.
This special show was arranged in celebration of the band’s 40th Anniversary and the release of a box set The Columbia Albums Collection.
Recorded for webcast, the show is now being commercially released on CD+DVD, Blu-ray and LP formats and contains such BOC classics as R U 'Ready 2 Rock,' 'Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll,' 'Godzilla,' 'Don't Fear the Reaper' and 'Burnin' For You'...
Blu-Ray.
The band’s special performance at iHeart Radio Theater in New York took place on December 17th 2012 in an intimate setting for an audience of just 200 fans.
This special show was arranged in celebration of the band’s 40th Anniversary and the release of a box set The Columbia Albums Collection.
Recorded for webcast, the show is now being commercially released on CD+DVD, Blu-ray and LP formats and contains such BOC classics as R U 'Ready 2 Rock,' 'Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll,' 'Godzilla,' 'Don't Fear the Reaper' and 'Burnin' For You'...
The band are also re-releasing their 14th studio album Curse of the Hidden Mirror; both will be released via Frontiers Music.
iHeart Radio Theater NYC 2012, CD track listing:
R U Ready 2 Rock; Golden Age Of Leather; Burnin’ For You; This Ain’t The Summer Of Love; Shooting Shark; Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll; Career Of Evil; The Vigil; Black Blade; Godzilla; (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
Line-Up
Eric Bloom - guitar, keyboards, vocals; Donald ‘Buck Dharma’ Roeser - guitar, vocals;
Richie Castellano - guitar, keyboards, vocals; Kasim Sulton - bass, vocals; Jules Radino - drums, percussion
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iHeart Radio Theater NYC 2012, CD track listing:
R U Ready 2 Rock; Golden Age Of Leather; Burnin’ For You; This Ain’t The Summer Of Love; Shooting Shark; Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll; Career Of Evil; The Vigil; Black Blade; Godzilla; (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
Line-Up
Eric Bloom - guitar, keyboards, vocals; Donald ‘Buck Dharma’ Roeser - guitar, vocals;
Richie Castellano - guitar, keyboards, vocals; Kasim Sulton - bass, vocals; Jules Radino - drums, percussion
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Prog legends Gentle Giant released their first four albums on vinyl earlier in April.
After the positive response to the box set Unburied Treasure many fans asked whether the vinyl albums would ever be available; the band has responded and decided to make these albums officially available for the first time in decades.
The band’s first album Gentle Giant was first released in October 1970.
Produced by Tony Visconti it now marks the 50th Anniversary of the recording and live appearances of the band. Visconti also produced the follow up Acquiring The Taste in 1971.
The band oversaw the production of third album Three Friends in 1972 and was the first officially released Gentle Giant album in North America (strangely the N.A. version featured the artwork from the UK Gentle Giant album).
Three Friends was followed up with their milestone album Octopus, also in 1972.
Once again the North American artwork was different to the Roger Dean UK version and featured a dye cut Octopus in a jar.
Released on the Alucard label the albums will be manufactured in 180 gram vinyl with the original gatefold artwork from the UK.
The band hopes that their friends, followers and fans will enjoy these albums in their original vinyl form some 50 years later...
After the positive response to the box set Unburied Treasure many fans asked whether the vinyl albums would ever be available; the band has responded and decided to make these albums officially available for the first time in decades.
The band’s first album Gentle Giant was first released in October 1970.
Produced by Tony Visconti it now marks the 50th Anniversary of the recording and live appearances of the band. Visconti also produced the follow up Acquiring The Taste in 1971.
The band oversaw the production of third album Three Friends in 1972 and was the first officially released Gentle Giant album in North America (strangely the N.A. version featured the artwork from the UK Gentle Giant album).
Three Friends was followed up with their milestone album Octopus, also in 1972.
Once again the North American artwork was different to the Roger Dean UK version and featured a dye cut Octopus in a jar.
Released on the Alucard label the albums will be manufactured in 180 gram vinyl with the original gatefold artwork from the UK.
The band hopes that their friends, followers and fans will enjoy these albums in their original vinyl form some 50 years later...
Track listings:
Gentle Giant:
Giant, Funny Ways, Alucard, Isn't It Quiet & Cold, Nothing At All, Why Not, The Queen
Acquiring The Taste:
Pantagruel's Nativity, Edge Of Twighlight, The House The Street The Room, Acquiring The Taste, Wreck, The Moon Is Down, Black Cat, Plain Truth
Three Friends:
Prologue, School Days, Working All Day, Peel The Paint, Mr Class & Quality, Three Friends
Octopus:
The Advent Of Panurge, Raconteur Troubadour, A Cry For Everyone, Knots, The Boys In The Band, Dog's Life, Think Of Me With Kindness, River
Pre-order as a collection or individually here:
https://burningshed.com/store/gentlegiant
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Gentle Giant:
Giant, Funny Ways, Alucard, Isn't It Quiet & Cold, Nothing At All, Why Not, The Queen
Acquiring The Taste:
Pantagruel's Nativity, Edge Of Twighlight, The House The Street The Room, Acquiring The Taste, Wreck, The Moon Is Down, Black Cat, Plain Truth
Three Friends:
Prologue, School Days, Working All Day, Peel The Paint, Mr Class & Quality, Three Friends
Octopus:
The Advent Of Panurge, Raconteur Troubadour, A Cry For Everyone, Knots, The Boys In The Band, Dog's Life, Think Of Me With Kindness, River
Pre-order as a collection or individually here:
https://burningshed.com/store/gentlegiant
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French guitarist Félix Rabin has released a new six track EP entitled Pogboy.
You can also read FabricationsHQ's recent Q&A with Felix Rabin by clicking here.
Recorded in Los Angeles during 2019, Félix Rabin enlisted the services of recording engineer, Ross Hogarth, whose credits include Van Halen, Ziggy Marley, REM.
The name of the EP was derived from a guitar effects pedal. "While I was recording those songs, there was one guitar pedal effect that I ended up using a lot called the Pog," recalls Félix. "Ross asked me why I was using so much of this effect on almost every song. I told him that I just really liked it. That’s when Ross came up with the nickname Pogboy!"
The Brittany raised, Switzerland based 24-year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist was inspired by musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Gary Clark Jr. and Pink Floyd. His style embodies those influences but with hos own inventive riffs, moody melodies and outstanding solos.
In short, contemporary blues-rock at its best.
In 2018, Félix was special guest on the Wishbone Ash UK Tour and played to around 10,000 music fans at 28 venues across the country with his band.
His adventure with Wishbone Ash exceeded his expectations and after receiving an amazing response from audiences, it wasn’t long to have Félix back on UK shores.
His first stand-alone UK tour in April 2019 was so successful he returned to the UK for another tour in November that same year.
2020 has started very well for Félix Rabin.
He won Best Act at the Giants of Rock Festival in the UK in January and has been invited back to play the main stage in 2021. In late February and into March Félix Rabin and his band supported American blues rock guitarist Samantha Fish on her UK and European tour dates until cancellation through the Covid-19 pandemic
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You can also read FabricationsHQ's recent Q&A with Felix Rabin by clicking here.
Recorded in Los Angeles during 2019, Félix Rabin enlisted the services of recording engineer, Ross Hogarth, whose credits include Van Halen, Ziggy Marley, REM.
The name of the EP was derived from a guitar effects pedal. "While I was recording those songs, there was one guitar pedal effect that I ended up using a lot called the Pog," recalls Félix. "Ross asked me why I was using so much of this effect on almost every song. I told him that I just really liked it. That’s when Ross came up with the nickname Pogboy!"
The Brittany raised, Switzerland based 24-year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist was inspired by musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Gary Clark Jr. and Pink Floyd. His style embodies those influences but with hos own inventive riffs, moody melodies and outstanding solos.
In short, contemporary blues-rock at its best.
In 2018, Félix was special guest on the Wishbone Ash UK Tour and played to around 10,000 music fans at 28 venues across the country with his band.
His adventure with Wishbone Ash exceeded his expectations and after receiving an amazing response from audiences, it wasn’t long to have Félix back on UK shores.
His first stand-alone UK tour in April 2019 was so successful he returned to the UK for another tour in November that same year.
2020 has started very well for Félix Rabin.
He won Best Act at the Giants of Rock Festival in the UK in January and has been invited back to play the main stage in 2021. In late February and into March Félix Rabin and his band supported American blues rock guitarist Samantha Fish on her UK and European tour dates until cancellation through the Covid-19 pandemic
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Molly Karloff may well be dubbed as alt-rock but the Oxfordshire based three piece are more accurately one big, grungy slice of contemporary rock with alt rockin’ tendencies.
All of which can be heard on latest single 'She Said,' taken from their EP Supernaturalation, which was released back in March through Roulette Media and distributed by Cargo.
All of which can be heard on latest single 'She Said,' taken from their EP Supernaturalation, which was released back in March through Roulette Media and distributed by Cargo.
Since the release of their debut EP Dancing for Money in 2018 Molly Karloff have toured their fist and grunge pumping sound around various parts of the country, including packed venues across Oxfordshire and London’s Camden Town.
As the band continued to build momentum, they started to catch the attention of the press; that press attention then escalated on an international scale with Brazilian site, Rock Vibrations, and the US’s Rock-n-Review continuing the praise.
Back home singer-guitarist-songwriter Simon Guilliard was interviewed by Moshville Times while Manchester Rocks placed the band’s debut EP in their top 10 EPs of 2018.
Since making their presence on the UK rock scene known, Molly Karloff – Simon Guilliard, Dan Podbery (bass) and Jowie Adkins (drums) – have been busy in the studio recording the tracks that will form their second studio EP release, Supernaturalation.
The EP is also a precursor to the release of their debut album later in the year.
A 5-track EP, Supernaturalation captures the Molly Karloff hard rock sound with an added edge that gives a middle finger to numerous social issues with a sideways dig at hypocrisy in society.
In short, with attention-grabbing guitar riffs and catchy chorus lines, Supernaturalation is a belter of an EP.
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As the band continued to build momentum, they started to catch the attention of the press; that press attention then escalated on an international scale with Brazilian site, Rock Vibrations, and the US’s Rock-n-Review continuing the praise.
Back home singer-guitarist-songwriter Simon Guilliard was interviewed by Moshville Times while Manchester Rocks placed the band’s debut EP in their top 10 EPs of 2018.
Since making their presence on the UK rock scene known, Molly Karloff – Simon Guilliard, Dan Podbery (bass) and Jowie Adkins (drums) – have been busy in the studio recording the tracks that will form their second studio EP release, Supernaturalation.
The EP is also a precursor to the release of their debut album later in the year.
A 5-track EP, Supernaturalation captures the Molly Karloff hard rock sound with an added edge that gives a middle finger to numerous social issues with a sideways dig at hypocrisy in society.
In short, with attention-grabbing guitar riffs and catchy chorus lines, Supernaturalation is a belter of an EP.
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Mason Hill, Glasgow’s contemporary rock-metal quintet, have announced details of their forthcoming debut album, Against the Wall.
The album, which will be self-released, was fan funded through a Kickstarter campaign; the campaign comfortably reached its goal but supplemental funds guarantee more pre-release promotion, including the possibility of official video releases.
Mason Hill’s front man Scott Taylor commented that "we constantly have fans asking us when the album is coming. We thank them for their patience and are so pleased to be able to say that it is now on the way!
We are putting everything into this and we hope the fans will support the band. We have a series of rewards that offer great value for money and everyone who backs the campaign will receive an instant free download of an early recording of the title track, Against The Wall."
Against the Wall was recorded through November (much of 2019 was spent writing, rehearsing and refining material for the album) at Riverside Studios near Glasgow; its release is scheduled for later in 2020.
The album, which will be self-released, was fan funded through a Kickstarter campaign; the campaign comfortably reached its goal but supplemental funds guarantee more pre-release promotion, including the possibility of official video releases.
Mason Hill’s front man Scott Taylor commented that "we constantly have fans asking us when the album is coming. We thank them for their patience and are so pleased to be able to say that it is now on the way!
We are putting everything into this and we hope the fans will support the band. We have a series of rewards that offer great value for money and everyone who backs the campaign will receive an instant free download of an early recording of the title track, Against The Wall."
Against the Wall was recorded through November (much of 2019 was spent writing, rehearsing and refining material for the album) at Riverside Studios near Glasgow; its release is scheduled for later in 2020.
Mason Hill: Marc Montgomery (guitars), James Bird (guitars), Scott Taylor (lead vocals), Matthew Ward (bass), Craig McFetridge (drums).
With an average age of 26, Mason Hill are a young band on an upward progression with forthcoming debut album Against the Wall.
The band have sold out headline shows all over the UK in iconic venues such as Glasgow’s King Tuts and The Garage as well as festival appearances at WinterStorm, Download, TRNSMT, Planet Rockstock and Steelhouse. They also recently played a UK tour as support to The Dan Reed Network.
Website: www.masonhillofficial.com
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With an average age of 26, Mason Hill are a young band on an upward progression with forthcoming debut album Against the Wall.
The band have sold out headline shows all over the UK in iconic venues such as Glasgow’s King Tuts and The Garage as well as festival appearances at WinterStorm, Download, TRNSMT, Planet Rockstock and Steelhouse. They also recently played a UK tour as support to The Dan Reed Network.
Website: www.masonhillofficial.com
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"A language works best when we have something interesting to say. Many music teachers never find out what their students have to say; we only tell them what they are supposed to say."
Victor Wooten
Victor Wooten