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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & PR
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Welcome to FabricationsHQ
Home to the musical articles, reviews and promotional features by
Ross Muir
Freelance Music Writer, Music Promotion & PR
"Putting the Words to the Music"
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Contributing writer & reviewer: Nelson McFarlane
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Muirsical Thoughts, Muirsical News
Following the release of his latest and best-to-date album Dear Illusion, multiple Maple and Juno award winning Canadian blues-rock musician Steve Hill has released a new single from the album entitled 'Don’t Let the Truth Get in The Way (Of a Good Story),' with accompanying music video.
The single is available to stream and download from https://ffm.to/goodstory
"It took me a long time to finish this song" recollects Steve Hill. "I started working on it six years ago after the Trump election. It’s about alternate truth, but it’s also about social media and our addiction to it.
It’s also about pretending that everything is alright when it’s not. It’s about choosing to pretend because it’s easier than facing the truth when the truth doesn’t matter anymore."
The single is available to stream and download from https://ffm.to/goodstory
"It took me a long time to finish this song" recollects Steve Hill. "I started working on it six years ago after the Trump election. It’s about alternate truth, but it’s also about social media and our addiction to it.
It’s also about pretending that everything is alright when it’s not. It’s about choosing to pretend because it’s easier than facing the truth when the truth doesn’t matter anymore."
As well as the single, Steve Hill has also now released a limited edition Dear Illusion comic book.
Physical copies of the comic are available here and digital edition here.
Click here to read FabricationsHQ’s Feature Review of the album, which includes an overview of the comic book.
"I’ve been dreaming doing a comic book for a long time," reflects Steve Hill. "Before I got into music, drawing was my passion. I wanted to write comics.
Comics are a great artform; it’s like song writing, in that tell a story in a short period of time. If you’ve read Alan Moore, Stan Lee, Jack Kirby or Ed Brubaker, you know what I’m talking about!
I got in touch with comic book artist Rob Cannon; he drew the cover of my previous album, Desert Trip. When the time came for Dear Illusion, it was obvious he was the go-to guy. From there, the next logical step was the comic.
He took the themes from the album, the visual landscape from Desert Trip and made it a metaphoric science fiction story that I could never have thought of, while retaining the essence and the meaning of the songs. That’s art."
Known over the last ten years as a one-man-band, on Dear Illusion multi-instrumentalist Steve Hill shares the spotlight with a horn section as well as British Blues Award Hall of Fame drummer Wayne Proctor, who also mixed and mastered the album.
Three years in the making and celebrating his 25th year as a recording artist, Dear Illusion is available now on No Label Records. Purchase/ Play/ Download the album from https://ffm.to/dearillusion
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Physical copies of the comic are available here and digital edition here.
Click here to read FabricationsHQ’s Feature Review of the album, which includes an overview of the comic book.
"I’ve been dreaming doing a comic book for a long time," reflects Steve Hill. "Before I got into music, drawing was my passion. I wanted to write comics.
Comics are a great artform; it’s like song writing, in that tell a story in a short period of time. If you’ve read Alan Moore, Stan Lee, Jack Kirby or Ed Brubaker, you know what I’m talking about!
I got in touch with comic book artist Rob Cannon; he drew the cover of my previous album, Desert Trip. When the time came for Dear Illusion, it was obvious he was the go-to guy. From there, the next logical step was the comic.
He took the themes from the album, the visual landscape from Desert Trip and made it a metaphoric science fiction story that I could never have thought of, while retaining the essence and the meaning of the songs. That’s art."
Known over the last ten years as a one-man-band, on Dear Illusion multi-instrumentalist Steve Hill shares the spotlight with a horn section as well as British Blues Award Hall of Fame drummer Wayne Proctor, who also mixed and mastered the album.
Three years in the making and celebrating his 25th year as a recording artist, Dear Illusion is available now on No Label Records. Purchase/ Play/ Download the album from https://ffm.to/dearillusion
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Alt rock quartet Skinny Knowledge have released a new single entitled 'Class A Dummy.'
The fast paced, punk infused rock song is available now on all digital platforms: https://lnk.to/ClassADummy
"Class A Dummy does exactly what it says on the tin! It’s a tongue n’ cheek song about partying, getting wasted, and having a good time, featuring a catchy singalong, big riffs, guitar solo and a whole heap of energy… everything you’d expect from a Skinny Knowledge song!" says front man/ guitarist Andy L Smooth with a grin.
Accompanying the track is a fun and engaging video directed by Joe Hoey (Blackwater Country).
"What you see is what you get with us. This is 100% what to expect at our shows, you’re going to have a good time and possibly a hangover the next day!" continues Andy L Smooth.
The fast paced, punk infused rock song is available now on all digital platforms: https://lnk.to/ClassADummy
"Class A Dummy does exactly what it says on the tin! It’s a tongue n’ cheek song about partying, getting wasted, and having a good time, featuring a catchy singalong, big riffs, guitar solo and a whole heap of energy… everything you’d expect from a Skinny Knowledge song!" says front man/ guitarist Andy L Smooth with a grin.
Accompanying the track is a fun and engaging video directed by Joe Hoey (Blackwater Country).
"What you see is what you get with us. This is 100% what to expect at our shows, you’re going to have a good time and possibly a hangover the next day!" continues Andy L Smooth.
'Class A Dummy' was written by the band and co-produced/ mixed by Andy L Smooth and Tom Auton (Chanel Yates); additional engineering was by Joe Burgess at The Ranch Production House in Southampton and mastering by Grant Berry of Fader Mastering.
Hailing from the south coast of England and formed in 2020 by Andy L Smooth, the Skinny Knowledge sound captures the vibrancy of the raw and raucous, early 90's grunge and pop-punk scenes.
The band has had praise and airplay from a number of high-profile music platforms, including Kerrang!, Classic Rock Magazine (the single 'I Wonder' was voted Classic Rock Magazine's 'Track of the Week'), Planet Rock, BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio, Emerging Rock Bands and many more.
Since the release of their well-received debut album Don't Turn Out the Lights in 2021 the band have gone on to release a number of singles, undertaken tours and played at various festivals.
They are currently in the process of writing and recording a second album for release in 2023 -- a Kickstarter campaign featuring exclusive, and some very creative, perks to help fund the album has just been launched:
http://kck.st/3EgWxX8
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Hailing from the south coast of England and formed in 2020 by Andy L Smooth, the Skinny Knowledge sound captures the vibrancy of the raw and raucous, early 90's grunge and pop-punk scenes.
The band has had praise and airplay from a number of high-profile music platforms, including Kerrang!, Classic Rock Magazine (the single 'I Wonder' was voted Classic Rock Magazine's 'Track of the Week'), Planet Rock, BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio, Emerging Rock Bands and many more.
Since the release of their well-received debut album Don't Turn Out the Lights in 2021 the band have gone on to release a number of singles, undertaken tours and played at various festivals.
They are currently in the process of writing and recording a second album for release in 2023 -- a Kickstarter campaign featuring exclusive, and some very creative, perks to help fund the album has just been launched:
http://kck.st/3EgWxX8
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Hot off from winning Hard Rock Hell’s Blues Artist of the Year award and following recent singles 'Come On,' 'Gasoline' and 'Sweet Carolina,' guitar-slingin' blues-rocker Troy Redfern has now released a fourth single 'Mercy,' from his critically acclaimed album The Wings of Salvation.
The new single can be streamed, and the new album can be ordered digitally, on CD or limited edition splatter vinyl, from https://linktr.ee/TroyRedfern
The album, on CD or limited edition yellow and red splatter vinyl, plus various merch bundles, can also be ordered from the official Troy Redfern shop: https://troyredfern.com/shop
The new single can be streamed, and the new album can be ordered digitally, on CD or limited edition splatter vinyl, from https://linktr.ee/TroyRedfern
The album, on CD or limited edition yellow and red splatter vinyl, plus various merch bundles, can also be ordered from the official Troy Redfern shop: https://troyredfern.com/shop
Produced by Dave Marks (Hans Zimmer) at Dulcitone Studios, The Wings of Salvation is an exciting new chapter in Troy Redfern’s trajectory, not only as a slide guitarist, but as a creative force in the recording studio.
"My goal was to make a record that was a true representation of where I am right now as an artist," says Troy Redfern. "I also wanted to create something in the spirit of the classic rock albums I grew up listening to.
I wrote the new album from scratch in just under five weeks, in the same way the bands I grew up listening to use to do. It makes everything fresh and immediate. It’s an accurate snapshot of where you are as an artist at that moment.
Dave Marks and I also decided early on we wanted an old school aesthetic for this album, in that we wanted no studio fixes, no autotune, no drum editing or samples. It had to be real, with only complete takes, no chopping up parts in post-production to make them sound perfect. I feel satisfied in knowing that we achieved what we set out to accomplish, and I couldn’t be prouder of this album."
"This is another impressive solo album from Troy Redfern, bolstered by predominant use of his beloved 1935 Dobro resonator and Magnatone Twilighter amp (a pairing that makes for a highly individualist sound and tone)." - FabricationsHQ
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"My goal was to make a record that was a true representation of where I am right now as an artist," says Troy Redfern. "I also wanted to create something in the spirit of the classic rock albums I grew up listening to.
I wrote the new album from scratch in just under five weeks, in the same way the bands I grew up listening to use to do. It makes everything fresh and immediate. It’s an accurate snapshot of where you are as an artist at that moment.
Dave Marks and I also decided early on we wanted an old school aesthetic for this album, in that we wanted no studio fixes, no autotune, no drum editing or samples. It had to be real, with only complete takes, no chopping up parts in post-production to make them sound perfect. I feel satisfied in knowing that we achieved what we set out to accomplish, and I couldn’t be prouder of this album."
"This is another impressive solo album from Troy Redfern, bolstered by predominant use of his beloved 1935 Dobro resonator and Magnatone Twilighter amp (a pairing that makes for a highly individualist sound and tone)." - FabricationsHQ
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Following on from previous single 'Love to Hate You,' Los Angeles based indie-rockers Bittersweethearts have followed up with the swirling and psychedelic-tinged 'Polly Plastic.'
The song’s Tarantino-esque rock vibe conjures images of Blondie mixing a cocktail with Mazzy Star (plus a garnish of Shirley Manson); lyrically front-gal lady Zoe Infante says of the track:
"Polly is about your typical fake friend in LA. It’s about how hard it is to make real genuine connections when it feels like everyone is so materialistic and they only care for themselves."
With the band being fans of pop-culture imagery the accompanying video, shot by Vicente Cordero of Industrial Films (Richie Kotzen, Mr Big, Black Veil Brides), sees the group taking a trip through LA while encountering the types of nefarious and counterfeit characters the lyrics of the song speak of.
The song’s Tarantino-esque rock vibe conjures images of Blondie mixing a cocktail with Mazzy Star (plus a garnish of Shirley Manson); lyrically front-gal lady Zoe Infante says of the track:
"Polly is about your typical fake friend in LA. It’s about how hard it is to make real genuine connections when it feels like everyone is so materialistic and they only care for themselves."
With the band being fans of pop-culture imagery the accompanying video, shot by Vicente Cordero of Industrial Films (Richie Kotzen, Mr Big, Black Veil Brides), sees the group taking a trip through LA while encountering the types of nefarious and counterfeit characters the lyrics of the song speak of.
Of the new single's recording, band guitarist/ producer and song co-writer Declan O’Raidy adds:
"This song was recorded much like any of the others that will appear on our upcoming album. The room at Strawhorse Studios did most of the heavy lifting sound-wise and it ended up being a really easy song to get through; I believe it was recorded in 3 or 4 takes at most. We love playing it live, pulling the audience into our world."
Stream/ download links: https://li.sten.to/pollyplastic
Bittersweetheart are swiftly gaining new fans through playing legendary venues such as Whisky A Go Go, The Viper Room and The Mint on the California coast.
Their captivating live show will come across the pond when the band embark on a winter European tour in 2023.
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"This song was recorded much like any of the others that will appear on our upcoming album. The room at Strawhorse Studios did most of the heavy lifting sound-wise and it ended up being a really easy song to get through; I believe it was recorded in 3 or 4 takes at most. We love playing it live, pulling the audience into our world."
Stream/ download links: https://li.sten.to/pollyplastic
Bittersweetheart are swiftly gaining new fans through playing legendary venues such as Whisky A Go Go, The Viper Room and The Mint on the California coast.
Their captivating live show will come across the pond when the band embark on a winter European tour in 2023.
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Nashville-based, genre-dodging guitarist, singer & songwriter JD Simo will release a live album featuring his Trio band entitled Songs From The House Of Grease on January 13th 2023.
The album, which features JD Simo's long-time collaborator Adam Abrashoff (drums) and Todd Bolden (bass), can be pre-ordered/pre-saved at https://orcd.co/greasepre
A new single from the album, entitled ‘Afro Blue’, has now been released.
Ostensibly an interpretation of John Coltrane’s arrangement of the minor key jazz standard by Mongo Santamaria, the sultry and slinky instrumental contrasts with its first-single predecessor, an incendiary cover of the classic ‘Mortgage On My Soul' by hill country blues pioneer Mississippi Fred McDowell.
"Afro Blue is a cornerstone tune in the language of music," says JD Simo. "We just played it off hand during the sessions and ended up capturing a lovely moment. It's hard to approach such hallowed material but I'm proud of it and really enjoy playing it."
The album, which features JD Simo's long-time collaborator Adam Abrashoff (drums) and Todd Bolden (bass), can be pre-ordered/pre-saved at https://orcd.co/greasepre
A new single from the album, entitled ‘Afro Blue’, has now been released.
Ostensibly an interpretation of John Coltrane’s arrangement of the minor key jazz standard by Mongo Santamaria, the sultry and slinky instrumental contrasts with its first-single predecessor, an incendiary cover of the classic ‘Mortgage On My Soul' by hill country blues pioneer Mississippi Fred McDowell.
"Afro Blue is a cornerstone tune in the language of music," says JD Simo. "We just played it off hand during the sessions and ended up capturing a lovely moment. It's hard to approach such hallowed material but I'm proud of it and really enjoy playing it."
Containing five songs with a total running time of 40 minutes, Songs From The House Of Grease features 'Mortgage On My Soul,' 'Afro Blue' and Blind Alfred Reed's 'How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live.' There’s also a free jazz take on Simo’s own 'Higher Plane' (from his self-titled 2020 solo record) and a brand new, Meters inspired cut, entitled 'Missy’s Strut.'
"This album is a live snapshot of me and the fellas playing some favourite tracks that hadn't been captured yet on record. I hadn't planned on releasing something so fast but couldn't be prouder of this snapshot in time. It's honestly my best playing ever captured!" – JD Simo
JD Simo’s love and respect for the roots of blues and rock ’n roll led him to be chosen by music supervisor David Cobb to record all the guitar parts for the recent blockbuster biopic Elvis.
In an interview with Guitar World magazine about his role in creating its soundtrack, JD said, "I’m such a fan of Elvis’ music, but also the music of that period and the other stuff we recorded for the film. Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup, Muddy Waters, B.B. King – all of that is a big part of my musical DNA."
“JD knows how to blend genres within a guitar trio format. Blues-rock with a late 60s/ early 70s edge… highly recommended."
- GUITAR TECHNIQUES
"Mixes things up while keeping the humility and honesty of the blues genre at the forefront of his music." - BLUES MATTERS
"All over the place, which is OK when the places he’s going to are great." - POWERPLAY
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"This album is a live snapshot of me and the fellas playing some favourite tracks that hadn't been captured yet on record. I hadn't planned on releasing something so fast but couldn't be prouder of this snapshot in time. It's honestly my best playing ever captured!" – JD Simo
JD Simo’s love and respect for the roots of blues and rock ’n roll led him to be chosen by music supervisor David Cobb to record all the guitar parts for the recent blockbuster biopic Elvis.
In an interview with Guitar World magazine about his role in creating its soundtrack, JD said, "I’m such a fan of Elvis’ music, but also the music of that period and the other stuff we recorded for the film. Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup, Muddy Waters, B.B. King – all of that is a big part of my musical DNA."
“JD knows how to blend genres within a guitar trio format. Blues-rock with a late 60s/ early 70s edge… highly recommended."
- GUITAR TECHNIQUES
"Mixes things up while keeping the humility and honesty of the blues genre at the forefront of his music." - BLUES MATTERS
"All over the place, which is OK when the places he’s going to are great." - POWERPLAY
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Blues raucous singer-songwriter-guitarist and Gibson brand ambassador Jared James Nichols has announced the forthcoming release of his self-titled new album, released January 13th via Black Hill Records.
His third full-length offering, the new album features recent single 'Down The Drain' (you can check out the recently released live version of the number below) and previous single 'Hard Wired.'
Pre-order the album at https://jjn.ffm.to/jaredjamesnichols
Of the forthcoming album, Jared James Nichols says: "I made a record to serve as the menu for the live show. There’s an element of excitement and danger. It’s my version of rock ‘n’ roll with a little more humanity.
The album is a day in the life with the ups and downs, but it musically rings true to who I am as an artist.
I’m not trying to be anybody but myself and play the music I love for today. I’m giving you loud ass guitars and no fucks given rock ‘n’ roll, and I’m loving it!"
His third full-length offering, the new album features recent single 'Down The Drain' (you can check out the recently released live version of the number below) and previous single 'Hard Wired.'
Pre-order the album at https://jjn.ffm.to/jaredjamesnichols
Of the forthcoming album, Jared James Nichols says: "I made a record to serve as the menu for the live show. There’s an element of excitement and danger. It’s my version of rock ‘n’ roll with a little more humanity.
The album is a day in the life with the ups and downs, but it musically rings true to who I am as an artist.
I’m not trying to be anybody but myself and play the music I love for today. I’m giving you loud ass guitars and no fucks given rock ‘n’ roll, and I’m loving it!"
Photo by David McClister
Jared James Nichols churns out the kind of rock that rips, roars, and rolls without filter or apology.
Since emerging in 2015 with his debut album Old Glory & The Wild Revival, Nichols has racked up millions of streams and acclaim from the likes of American Songwriter, Guitar World, Relix, and many more; he has performed alongside icons such as Slash, Billy Gibbons, Zakk Wylde, Joe Bonamassa, and the late Leslie West, to name but five.
If you’ve never witnessed Jared James Nichols onstage, you’re missing out, big time.
He practically strangles his instrument into submission (sans pick, of course), unleashing torrents of incendiary riffs and licks and ripping out howling, hotwire solos jam-packed with blazing note bursts, screaming, vocal-like bends and tasty, blues-drenched phrases"
- Guitar World
"Jared James Nichols is a larger-than-life guitar player.
When he picks up the electric guitar, there is little chance he's going to tickle the thing. Nichols prefers to keep things primal, with a fingerstyle technique that throttles the instrument."
– MusicRadar
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Since emerging in 2015 with his debut album Old Glory & The Wild Revival, Nichols has racked up millions of streams and acclaim from the likes of American Songwriter, Guitar World, Relix, and many more; he has performed alongside icons such as Slash, Billy Gibbons, Zakk Wylde, Joe Bonamassa, and the late Leslie West, to name but five.
If you’ve never witnessed Jared James Nichols onstage, you’re missing out, big time.
He practically strangles his instrument into submission (sans pick, of course), unleashing torrents of incendiary riffs and licks and ripping out howling, hotwire solos jam-packed with blazing note bursts, screaming, vocal-like bends and tasty, blues-drenched phrases"
- Guitar World
"Jared James Nichols is a larger-than-life guitar player.
When he picks up the electric guitar, there is little chance he's going to tickle the thing. Nichols prefers to keep things primal, with a fingerstyle technique that throttles the instrument."
– MusicRadar
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Delta-blues inspired Scottish guitarist The Gator has just released his debut single, 'Dunoon Boat Song.'
Fittingly Celtic blues in arrangement and resonance, the instrumental tells, though delicate and expressive guitar-lyricism, of a ferry trip to Dunoon to rekindle a loving relationship with mother and son.
The evocative tune however, goes beyond the personal; it also create scenes, emotions or memories for the listener from his or her own life, something an instrument, in the right hands, can do as well – if not better –than words.
Fittingly Celtic blues in arrangement and resonance, the instrumental tells, though delicate and expressive guitar-lyricism, of a ferry trip to Dunoon to rekindle a loving relationship with mother and son.
The evocative tune however, goes beyond the personal; it also create scenes, emotions or memories for the listener from his or her own life, something an instrument, in the right hands, can do as well – if not better –than words.
Purchase/ download 'Dunoon Boat Song' at https://iamthegator.bandcamp.com/releases
The Gator is currently working on his Transatlantic blues album.
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The Gator is currently working on his Transatlantic blues album.
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Californian southern/roots rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck have released a new single entitled 'Pain No More.'
The song, recorded at RCA Studios in Nashville, was produced by eight time Grammy Award winner Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlisle, Blackberry Smoke, Rival Sons); it has been released on Joe Bonamassa’s new independent record label, Journeyman Records.
Streaming and download platforms link: https://ktbarecords.com/streaming/robertjon/painnomore/
The song, co-written by the band with Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, is one of the band’s best numbers to date, part of which came from working with Dave Cobb, as front man Robert Jon Burrison recalls:
"Working with Dave was incredible. RCA studios was such a legendary place and Dave Worked so fast that we almost didn’t even know what was happening! Before we knew it, we had one of the best songs we’ve ever recorded with the least stress we’ve ever had in a studio."
As regards the song, Burrison continues: "The single is about not being a stranger to pain and heartbreak when it comes to a relationship with another; it’s the kind of pain that comes when the other person doesn’t treat you well, but deep down inside, you know you’re worth more."
The song, recorded at RCA Studios in Nashville, was produced by eight time Grammy Award winner Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlisle, Blackberry Smoke, Rival Sons); it has been released on Joe Bonamassa’s new independent record label, Journeyman Records.
Streaming and download platforms link: https://ktbarecords.com/streaming/robertjon/painnomore/
The song, co-written by the band with Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, is one of the band’s best numbers to date, part of which came from working with Dave Cobb, as front man Robert Jon Burrison recalls:
"Working with Dave was incredible. RCA studios was such a legendary place and Dave Worked so fast that we almost didn’t even know what was happening! Before we knew it, we had one of the best songs we’ve ever recorded with the least stress we’ve ever had in a studio."
As regards the song, Burrison continues: "The single is about not being a stranger to pain and heartbreak when it comes to a relationship with another; it’s the kind of pain that comes when the other person doesn’t treat you well, but deep down inside, you know you’re worth more."
'Pain No More' is a sneak peek of the band’s upcoming 2023 EP One Of A Kind.
To be released on Journeyman Records*, the EP will also include new, original tracks by legendary producer Don Was (John Mayer, The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt).
* Journeyman Records is the newest endeavour between Blues Rock Icon Joe Bonamassa and his long-time manager Roy Weisman.
The Journeyman brand is a part of a new integrated music management and marketing company, Journeyman Inc, focussing on tour promotion, album releases, digital marketing and social media, to build the artists’ awareness worldwide.
The release of 'Pain No More' follows the news of Robert Jon & The Wreck’s February 2023 UK Tour with special guests Meghan Parnell and Dave Barnes of Bywater Call.
Tickets for the UK tour are available from https://robertjonandthewreck.com/pages/tour
To be released on Journeyman Records*, the EP will also include new, original tracks by legendary producer Don Was (John Mayer, The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt).
* Journeyman Records is the newest endeavour between Blues Rock Icon Joe Bonamassa and his long-time manager Roy Weisman.
The Journeyman brand is a part of a new integrated music management and marketing company, Journeyman Inc, focussing on tour promotion, album releases, digital marketing and social media, to build the artists’ awareness worldwide.
The release of 'Pain No More' follows the news of Robert Jon & The Wreck’s February 2023 UK Tour with special guests Meghan Parnell and Dave Barnes of Bywater Call.
Tickets for the UK tour are available from https://robertjonandthewreck.com/pages/tour
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British blues-rock/ Americana artist Mike Ross is looking to release a new solo album in the spring of 2023.
As per his last two 'earlier material' albums (his early power-trio band Taller Than and their previously unreleased album Lay It Bare, and Origin Story, which featured re-recordings of some of his earliest work) there is a crowdfunder campaign to help fans invest in, and support, the album's recording and production, as well as pick from a number of excellent Pledge Awards.
Fans pledging and supporting the project will also receive an exclusive-to-pledgers-only download copy of the song 'Rocket 88,' Mike Ross's take on the 1951 Jackie Brenston / Ike Turner classic (frequently cited as the song that gave birth to Rock 'n' Roll.
The Mike Ross version, featuring Connor Selby on guitar, has been remodelled to resemble the classic late 60’s sound of Cream or early Free.
As per his last two 'earlier material' albums (his early power-trio band Taller Than and their previously unreleased album Lay It Bare, and Origin Story, which featured re-recordings of some of his earliest work) there is a crowdfunder campaign to help fans invest in, and support, the album's recording and production, as well as pick from a number of excellent Pledge Awards.
Fans pledging and supporting the project will also receive an exclusive-to-pledgers-only download copy of the song 'Rocket 88,' Mike Ross's take on the 1951 Jackie Brenston / Ike Turner classic (frequently cited as the song that gave birth to Rock 'n' Roll.
The Mike Ross version, featuring Connor Selby on guitar, has been remodelled to resemble the classic late 60’s sound of Cream or early Free.
"I've spent the summer of 2022 laying down a scorching set of tracks for my next solo release and now I need your help to get this album finished off and out into the world!
The funds raised will go towards the mixing of the record, plus the manufacture of vinyl and CD's and production of promo materials such as song videos etc.
The last couple of years have been tough ones for most people but self-employed creatives such as myself have had a particularly rough ride. I've been proud to be able to give people the gift of music to help provide a distraction from the difficulties so many of us have faced and I'm grateful for the support I've received from friends and fans on my two previous Crowdfunder projects.
I'm offering some great pledge rewards again, everything from CD and vinyl copies of the new record to bespoke songwriting pledges, guitar lessons, memorabilia, even one of my own prized acoustic guitars is up for grabs!
'Third Eye Open' will be my first record of new original songs since 2020’s 'The Clovis Limit Pt.2.' It’s set for an April 2023 release. Thanks in advance for all your help!”
- Mike Ross
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The funds raised will go towards the mixing of the record, plus the manufacture of vinyl and CD's and production of promo materials such as song videos etc.
The last couple of years have been tough ones for most people but self-employed creatives such as myself have had a particularly rough ride. I've been proud to be able to give people the gift of music to help provide a distraction from the difficulties so many of us have faced and I'm grateful for the support I've received from friends and fans on my two previous Crowdfunder projects.
I'm offering some great pledge rewards again, everything from CD and vinyl copies of the new record to bespoke songwriting pledges, guitar lessons, memorabilia, even one of my own prized acoustic guitars is up for grabs!
'Third Eye Open' will be my first record of new original songs since 2020’s 'The Clovis Limit Pt.2.' It’s set for an April 2023 release. Thanks in advance for all your help!”
- Mike Ross
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Renowned rock vocalist Ronnie Romero has announced the upcoming release of his second cover versions album, Raised On Heavy Radio.
To be released on 27th January 2023, the album is as the name suggests, a heavier companion piece to the singer’s Raised On Radio collection, which was issued in April of this year.
Raised On Heavy Radio can be pre-saved/ ordered here: https://orcd.co/heavyradio
This covers-time around Ronnie Romero, in the company of Jose Rubio (guitars), Javi Garcia (bass), Andy C (drums) and Alessandro Del Vecchio (keys) pays tribute to legendary heavy metal artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept and Metallica.
There are also a number of notable guest musician appearances including guitarists Gus G. (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne), Roland Grapow (Masterplan, Helloween) and Chris Caffery (Savatage, Spirits Of Fire).
The latter is featured on the new single, a cover of Black Sabbath’s 'The Shining.'
To be released on 27th January 2023, the album is as the name suggests, a heavier companion piece to the singer’s Raised On Radio collection, which was issued in April of this year.
Raised On Heavy Radio can be pre-saved/ ordered here: https://orcd.co/heavyradio
This covers-time around Ronnie Romero, in the company of Jose Rubio (guitars), Javi Garcia (bass), Andy C (drums) and Alessandro Del Vecchio (keys) pays tribute to legendary heavy metal artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept and Metallica.
There are also a number of notable guest musician appearances including guitarists Gus G. (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne), Roland Grapow (Masterplan, Helloween) and Chris Caffery (Savatage, Spirits Of Fire).
The latter is featured on the new single, a cover of Black Sabbath’s 'The Shining.'
Ronnie Romero's voice and prolific musical activity with Lords of Black, The Ferrymen, Sunstorm, Rainbow and the Michael Schenker Group have brought him to the forefront of the hard rock/metal scene.
Via his work fronting the above acts, it's easy to see - or rather hear - how the artists covered on both Raised On Heavy Radio and previous release Raised On Radio (featuring covers of classic rock and AOR songs by the likes of Survivor, Bad Company, Foreigner, Queen and Led Zeppelin) have influenced Romero and how his voice is well suited to pay suitable tribute.
Ronnie Romero is currently working on what will be his debut solo album of all-original songs.
Raised On Heavy Radio, released on Frontiers Records January 27th 2023
Track listing:
1. The Battle Rages On (Deep Purple)
2. Metal Daze (Manowar)
3. Turbo Lover (feat. Nozomu Wakai) (Judas Priest)
4. Hallowed Be Thy Name (Iron Maiden)
5. Fast as a Shark (Accept)
6. No More Tears (feat. Gus G.) (Ozzy Osbourne)
7. The Shining (feat. Chris Caffery) (Black Sabbath)
8. A Light in The Black (Rainbow)
9. Kind Hearted Light (feat. Roland Grapow) (Masterplan)
10. You Don’t Remember, I’ll Never Forget (Yngwie Malmsteen)
11. The Four Horsemen (Metallica)
Digital Bonus Track: Turbo Lover ('Alternate Solo’ version)
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Via his work fronting the above acts, it's easy to see - or rather hear - how the artists covered on both Raised On Heavy Radio and previous release Raised On Radio (featuring covers of classic rock and AOR songs by the likes of Survivor, Bad Company, Foreigner, Queen and Led Zeppelin) have influenced Romero and how his voice is well suited to pay suitable tribute.
Ronnie Romero is currently working on what will be his debut solo album of all-original songs.
Raised On Heavy Radio, released on Frontiers Records January 27th 2023
Track listing:
1. The Battle Rages On (Deep Purple)
2. Metal Daze (Manowar)
3. Turbo Lover (feat. Nozomu Wakai) (Judas Priest)
4. Hallowed Be Thy Name (Iron Maiden)
5. Fast as a Shark (Accept)
6. No More Tears (feat. Gus G.) (Ozzy Osbourne)
7. The Shining (feat. Chris Caffery) (Black Sabbath)
8. A Light in The Black (Rainbow)
9. Kind Hearted Light (feat. Roland Grapow) (Masterplan)
10. You Don’t Remember, I’ll Never Forget (Yngwie Malmsteen)
11. The Four Horsemen (Metallica)
Digital Bonus Track: Turbo Lover ('Alternate Solo’ version)
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FabricationsHQ is delighted to be able to confirm and reveal that SOLID ENTERTAINMENTS have announced the date for the second Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival.
The next GBR&R event will return to the Oran Mor in the west end of Glasgow on Sunday 28th May 2023, and will run from 2pm -10pm.
Says promoter and Solid Entertainments founder Stephen Stanley, of what is now destined to be a recurring event after the success of the inaugural festival earlier this month:
"Following the fantastic audience response and the sheer number of ‘when's the next one’ requests we could NOT have this as an annual event – in fact the plan is to have not one but TWO Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock festivals each year!
Confirmed acts will be announced shortly and EARLY BIRD tickets, at just £25 each, will be going on sale at 9am this Friday, 18th November.”
The next GBR&R event will return to the Oran Mor in the west end of Glasgow on Sunday 28th May 2023, and will run from 2pm -10pm.
Says promoter and Solid Entertainments founder Stephen Stanley, of what is now destined to be a recurring event after the success of the inaugural festival earlier this month:
"Following the fantastic audience response and the sheer number of ‘when's the next one’ requests we could NOT have this as an annual event – in fact the plan is to have not one but TWO Glasgow Blues Rhythm & Rock festivals each year!
Confirmed acts will be announced shortly and EARLY BIRD tickets, at just £25 each, will be going on sale at 9am this Friday, 18th November.”
For all Solid Entertainments events and tickets head to:
www.solidentertainments.com
There is also a Card Hotline (with NO booking fee) open Mon - Fri 9am to 4pm.
Real tickets posted out free of charge when full line up in place.
Tel: 01472 349222
Email: solidentertainments@live.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/solidentertainments
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www.solidentertainments.com
There is also a Card Hotline (with NO booking fee) open Mon - Fri 9am to 4pm.
Real tickets posted out free of charge when full line up in place.
Tel: 01472 349222
Email: solidentertainments@live.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/solidentertainments
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London based rock-pop band Star Circus, featuring Dave Winkler, have announced the release of their debut album Separate Sides.
The album will be released via the band's label, Diamond Formation Music, on 2nd December.
The album has been preceded by four singles including latest release, 'Bridges.'
The album will be released via the band's label, Diamond Formation Music, on 2nd December.
The album has been preceded by four singles including latest release, 'Bridges.'
In late 2019, following stints as a hired gun for acts such as Bow Wow Wow, Johnny Lima and Ryan Hamilton, Dave Winkler (Bordello Rose, Renegade Playboys, Trophies of Man) decided to focus an album around his own material.
Winkler’s songs soon started to catch the attention of the music industry, including Total Rock and Radio One Rock Show legendary producer, Tony Wilson.
"Dave played me the demos and I was blown away by them" says Wilson. "Song after song crammed with catchy riffs and commercial hooks. I knew straight away that I’d love to work on this album and bring these fabulous songs to life."
From the infectious dark hooks of 'Save Your Life' and uplifting pop-rock of 'Just Like In A Movie' to the melodic heavy-pop of 'Love Is The Enemy' and melancholic-rock vibe of latest single 'Bridges,' Dave Winkler's musical vision and inimitable style make themselves known across the 11 songs that make up Separate Sides, which gloriously celebrates the best of 70s/80s rock, punkish glam & pop-rock.
Separate Sides also features special guest appearances from Dan Stevens (Inglorious), Tom Draper (Carcass, Angel Witch) and backing vocals from Ben Christo (Sisters of Mercy, Diamond Black, Ricky Warwick Band).
Star Circus:
Dave Winkler - lead vocals/ guitar; Sophie Aurélia Young - bass/ backing vocals; Jon Crampton - guitar/ backing vocals; Alex Makarov - drums/ backing vocals
Official website: https://dwstarcircus.weebly.com
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Winkler’s songs soon started to catch the attention of the music industry, including Total Rock and Radio One Rock Show legendary producer, Tony Wilson.
"Dave played me the demos and I was blown away by them" says Wilson. "Song after song crammed with catchy riffs and commercial hooks. I knew straight away that I’d love to work on this album and bring these fabulous songs to life."
From the infectious dark hooks of 'Save Your Life' and uplifting pop-rock of 'Just Like In A Movie' to the melodic heavy-pop of 'Love Is The Enemy' and melancholic-rock vibe of latest single 'Bridges,' Dave Winkler's musical vision and inimitable style make themselves known across the 11 songs that make up Separate Sides, which gloriously celebrates the best of 70s/80s rock, punkish glam & pop-rock.
Separate Sides also features special guest appearances from Dan Stevens (Inglorious), Tom Draper (Carcass, Angel Witch) and backing vocals from Ben Christo (Sisters of Mercy, Diamond Black, Ricky Warwick Band).
Star Circus:
Dave Winkler - lead vocals/ guitar; Sophie Aurélia Young - bass/ backing vocals; Jon Crampton - guitar/ backing vocals; Alex Makarov - drums/ backing vocals
Official website: https://dwstarcircus.weebly.com
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French singer-guitarist Félix Rabin, a player who goes well beyond standard blues-rock labelling (inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Gary Clark Jr. and David Gilmour/ Pink Floyd but with a very inventive and individualistic sound) returns to the UK later this month for thirteen dates that include both headline shows and festival appearances (dates and ticket links below).
Félix Rabin’s self-taught guitar virtuosity has impressed audiences and critics alike.
He earned his chops and first fans in the Swiss ‘Three Lakes’ region; steady success then led him to take residency at the ‘King’ bar in Neuchâtel, along with standout performances at key Swiss festivals.
He has also toured France, played several times at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival and played in the USA.
This will be his fourth tour of the UK, having started in small clubs before, step by step, progressing to bigger stages including support to classic rock luminaries Wishbone Ash.
In 2020 Felix Rabin released the 6 track mini-album Pogboy (a nickname that comes from his favoured effects pedal, a significant part of his highly individualistic sound).
Pogboy showcases and presents the multi-styled songwriting growth of an already talented musician still only in his twenties.
Félix Rabin’s self-taught guitar virtuosity has impressed audiences and critics alike.
He earned his chops and first fans in the Swiss ‘Three Lakes’ region; steady success then led him to take residency at the ‘King’ bar in Neuchâtel, along with standout performances at key Swiss festivals.
He has also toured France, played several times at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival and played in the USA.
This will be his fourth tour of the UK, having started in small clubs before, step by step, progressing to bigger stages including support to classic rock luminaries Wishbone Ash.
In 2020 Felix Rabin released the 6 track mini-album Pogboy (a nickname that comes from his favoured effects pedal, a significant part of his highly individualistic sound).
Pogboy showcases and presents the multi-styled songwriting growth of an already talented musician still only in his twenties.
Felix Rabin – 2022 UK Tour Dates
Tickets/ info: https://www.felixrabin.com/live http://www.solidentertainments.com/presents.htm#FELIX-TOUR
20th Nov: Whitby Blues Festival, Whitby
22nd Nov: Adelphi, Hull
23rd Nov: Yardbirds, Grimsby
24th Nov: Music and Art Centre. Barnoldswick
25th Nov: Studio 5, Keighley
26th Nov: The Leopard, Doncaster
27th Nov: Backstage, Kinross
28th Nov: Bannermans, Edinburgh
29th Nov: The Musician, Leicester
30th Nov: Temperance, Lemington Spa
1st Dec: Nell’s Bar, London
2nd Dec: Looe Blues Festival. Looe
4th Dec: Beaverwood, Chislehurst
“If you want someone who is ploughing his own progressively tinged blues, rock, pop and soul furrow, Félix Rabin may well be your man. Vive la France; vive le Pogboy.”
- FabricationsHQ
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Tickets/ info: https://www.felixrabin.com/live http://www.solidentertainments.com/presents.htm#FELIX-TOUR
20th Nov: Whitby Blues Festival, Whitby
22nd Nov: Adelphi, Hull
23rd Nov: Yardbirds, Grimsby
24th Nov: Music and Art Centre. Barnoldswick
25th Nov: Studio 5, Keighley
26th Nov: The Leopard, Doncaster
27th Nov: Backstage, Kinross
28th Nov: Bannermans, Edinburgh
29th Nov: The Musician, Leicester
30th Nov: Temperance, Lemington Spa
1st Dec: Nell’s Bar, London
2nd Dec: Looe Blues Festival. Looe
4th Dec: Beaverwood, Chislehurst
“If you want someone who is ploughing his own progressively tinged blues, rock, pop and soul furrow, Félix Rabin may well be your man. Vive la France; vive le Pogboy.”
- FabricationsHQ
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Award winning husky voiced & rootsy songstress Elles Bailey, who has just been nominated for three awards at the UK Americana Awards 2023 (to be held early next year in January), will take her hit album Shining in the Half Light out on the road on a headline 18 date 2023 UK tour next March & April.
Elles Bailey’s natural habitat is live performance and touring; small wonder then that she called her sophomore album Road I Call Home, which followed on from her acclaimed debut release Wildfire.
Since that debut, Bailey has consistently built her reputation within the blues, rock and Americana genres, becoming one of the leading UK artists in her field.
Elles Bailey was regarded as one of the country’s hardest-working blues/Americana singers until her touring, like every other artist, came to a halt because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the lockdown & shutdown setbacks, the ever-resilient and independent Bailey continued her upward trajectory through online performances, winning Blues Artist of the Year 2020 at the UK Blues Awards, releasing singles for charity and issuing a live album of one of her online performances.
Towards the latter part of 2021, Elles Bailey completed work on her third studio album Shining in the Half Light; the album not only reached the top of the genre charts it also appeared on the radar of the UK’s main album chart.
More lately Bailey has joined Planet Rock to present a regular show on the high-profile British radio station, supported both Walter Trout and Don McLean, opened for Van Morrison, sailed & played on Joe Bonamassa's Keep the Blues Alive at Sea cruise and headlined multiple festivals.
Along with the three UK Americana nominations mentioned at the top of this article (Live Act of the Year, Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Shining In The Half Light) her long-standing guitarist Joe Wilkins is in the running for Instrumentalist of the Year.
The 2023 UK Americana Music Week will take place in venues in Hackney, London between January 23rd and 26th. It's the UK's biggest celebration of American roots music, featuring showcase performances, expert panels and special events, rounded off by the prestigious awards show, held at the Hackney Empire on 26th January.
Elles Bailey’s natural habitat is live performance and touring; small wonder then that she called her sophomore album Road I Call Home, which followed on from her acclaimed debut release Wildfire.
Since that debut, Bailey has consistently built her reputation within the blues, rock and Americana genres, becoming one of the leading UK artists in her field.
Elles Bailey was regarded as one of the country’s hardest-working blues/Americana singers until her touring, like every other artist, came to a halt because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the lockdown & shutdown setbacks, the ever-resilient and independent Bailey continued her upward trajectory through online performances, winning Blues Artist of the Year 2020 at the UK Blues Awards, releasing singles for charity and issuing a live album of one of her online performances.
Towards the latter part of 2021, Elles Bailey completed work on her third studio album Shining in the Half Light; the album not only reached the top of the genre charts it also appeared on the radar of the UK’s main album chart.
More lately Bailey has joined Planet Rock to present a regular show on the high-profile British radio station, supported both Walter Trout and Don McLean, opened for Van Morrison, sailed & played on Joe Bonamassa's Keep the Blues Alive at Sea cruise and headlined multiple festivals.
Along with the three UK Americana nominations mentioned at the top of this article (Live Act of the Year, Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Shining In The Half Light) her long-standing guitarist Joe Wilkins is in the running for Instrumentalist of the Year.
The 2023 UK Americana Music Week will take place in venues in Hackney, London between January 23rd and 26th. It's the UK's biggest celebration of American roots music, featuring showcase performances, expert panels and special events, rounded off by the prestigious awards show, held at the Hackney Empire on 26th January.
Photo by Catalin Margarit
Elles Bailey – Upcoming 2021 Appearances
19th Nov - Whitby Rock & Blues Fest
24th Nov - Planer Rock Presents - The Zeppelin Symphonic at The Palladium
27th Nov - The Harlington, Fleet
2nd Dec - Looe Rock & Blues Fest
4th Dec - Planet Rockstock
Headline 2023 Tour & Appearances
February
3rd - Winters End, Trecco Bay
4th - Academy 2, Manchester
(co-headline with Chantel McGregor)
5th - The Stables, Milton Keynes
(co-headline with Chantel McGregor)
March
3rd - The Globe, Cardiff
4th - The Phoenix, Exeter
9th – O2 Academy 2, Liverpool
10th - The Social, Hull
11th – The Firestation, Sunderland
14th - KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
15th - The Crescent Arts Centre, York
16th - The Caves, Edinburgh
17th - The Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
(co-headline with Chantel McGregor)
21st - Komedia, Brighton
22nd - Junction 2, Cambridge
23rd - 1865, Southampton
April
1st - Lafayette, London
14th - Arlington Arts, Newbury
15th - Trinity Centre, Bristol
Tickets via https://www.planetrocktickets.co.uk and https://www.ellesbailey.com/
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19th Nov - Whitby Rock & Blues Fest
24th Nov - Planer Rock Presents - The Zeppelin Symphonic at The Palladium
27th Nov - The Harlington, Fleet
2nd Dec - Looe Rock & Blues Fest
4th Dec - Planet Rockstock
Headline 2023 Tour & Appearances
February
3rd - Winters End, Trecco Bay
4th - Academy 2, Manchester
(co-headline with Chantel McGregor)
5th - The Stables, Milton Keynes
(co-headline with Chantel McGregor)
March
3rd - The Globe, Cardiff
4th - The Phoenix, Exeter
9th – O2 Academy 2, Liverpool
10th - The Social, Hull
11th – The Firestation, Sunderland
14th - KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
15th - The Crescent Arts Centre, York
16th - The Caves, Edinburgh
17th - The Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
(co-headline with Chantel McGregor)
21st - Komedia, Brighton
22nd - Junction 2, Cambridge
23rd - 1865, Southampton
April
1st - Lafayette, London
14th - Arlington Arts, Newbury
15th - Trinity Centre, Bristol
Tickets via https://www.planetrocktickets.co.uk and https://www.ellesbailey.com/
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Outstanding multi-styled vocalist Hayley Griffiths will deliver a musically and vocally captivating two-for-one on January 20th 2023 when she releases not one but two brand new albums….
The progressive meets symphonic & contemporary rock of The Hayley Griffiths Band will release their new album MELANIE alongside Hayley Griffiths' latest solo album Far From Here, which follows in the evocative Celtic footsteps of Silver Screen and Celtic Rose.
Pre-ordering the digital album of MELANIE carries the option to download the title track (single) as an instant gratification track only on iTunes or streaming from Apple Music.
https://music.apple.com/us/album/melanie/1648179257
You can check out a sampler of ‘MELANIE’ here….
The progressive meets symphonic & contemporary rock of The Hayley Griffiths Band will release their new album MELANIE alongside Hayley Griffiths' latest solo album Far From Here, which follows in the evocative Celtic footsteps of Silver Screen and Celtic Rose.
Pre-ordering the digital album of MELANIE carries the option to download the title track (single) as an instant gratification track only on iTunes or streaming from Apple Music.
https://music.apple.com/us/album/melanie/1648179257
You can check out a sampler of ‘MELANIE’ here….
Far From Here, which can also be pre-ordered, is the follow up to Hayley Griffiths' 2011 solo album Celtic Rose.
Produced by Mike Stobbie (founding member of Pallas) the title track, since released as a single, is a mythical Celtic/ romance song written by Stobbie about a Princess who had to ex-communicate herself from her own country because of the infidelity of her lover, who she hopes to regain.
The remaining ten tracks are stunning new arrangements of much loved Celtic classics, thus becoming a celebration of Hayley Griffith’s Celtic roots and touring career to date.
Produced by Mike Stobbie (founding member of Pallas) the title track, since released as a single, is a mythical Celtic/ romance song written by Stobbie about a Princess who had to ex-communicate herself from her own country because of the infidelity of her lover, who she hopes to regain.
The remaining ten tracks are stunning new arrangements of much loved Celtic classics, thus becoming a celebration of Hayley Griffith’s Celtic roots and touring career to date.
Hayley Griffiths is a classically trained vocalist who spent nearly a decade as the lead singer in the international phenomenon Riverdance and Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance.
With such a wealth of touring experience under her belt and an award winning debut album (Silver Screen won Classical Crossover Album of The Year 2010) the versatile singer was headhunted to join progressive rock Band Karnataka in 2011.
After leaving Karnataka in 2017 with another Album of The Year Award in her pocket (Karnataka’s Secrets of Angels, at The Classic Rock Society Awards) Hayley Griffiths started her own solo project, The Hayley Griffiths Band, releasing a live Double DVD and CD.
The band’s upcoming album MELANIE will be their first official studio album; it features seven brand new tracks (plus three bonus songs for the physical release only.)
The band features Hayley Griffiths and her former Karnataka band mates Cagri Tozluoglu (keys) and Jimmy Pallagrosi (drums) alongside virtuoso guitarist Mathieu Spaeter (Franck Carducci / Drifting Sun) and Jordan Brown (bass).
Big Big Train drummer/vocalist Nick D’Virgilio features as a guest vocalist on the track 'Dust To Gold.'
Hayley Griffiths will be further sharing this diversity with her unique touring show in 2023.
Act 1 will present Far From Here with Act 2 featuring MELANIE -- from beautiful Celtic ballads to heavy symphonic rock anthems, combined with virtuoso musicianship.
With such a wealth of touring experience under her belt and an award winning debut album (Silver Screen won Classical Crossover Album of The Year 2010) the versatile singer was headhunted to join progressive rock Band Karnataka in 2011.
After leaving Karnataka in 2017 with another Album of The Year Award in her pocket (Karnataka’s Secrets of Angels, at The Classic Rock Society Awards) Hayley Griffiths started her own solo project, The Hayley Griffiths Band, releasing a live Double DVD and CD.
The band’s upcoming album MELANIE will be their first official studio album; it features seven brand new tracks (plus three bonus songs for the physical release only.)
The band features Hayley Griffiths and her former Karnataka band mates Cagri Tozluoglu (keys) and Jimmy Pallagrosi (drums) alongside virtuoso guitarist Mathieu Spaeter (Franck Carducci / Drifting Sun) and Jordan Brown (bass).
Big Big Train drummer/vocalist Nick D’Virgilio features as a guest vocalist on the track 'Dust To Gold.'
Hayley Griffiths will be further sharing this diversity with her unique touring show in 2023.
Act 1 will present Far From Here with Act 2 featuring MELANIE -- from beautiful Celtic ballads to heavy symphonic rock anthems, combined with virtuoso musicianship.
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Old-school guitar rock outfit Burnt Out Wreck, fronted by Gary Moat, have confirmed a new release date of December 2nd for their forthcoming album Stand And Fight.
The album, released on Burnt Out Wreckords with distribution via Cadiz Music, is the follow up to their critically acclaimed sophomore release This Is Hell.
Pre-order the album via the Cadiz Merch Store here
Pre-order the album on Amazon UK here
Stand And Fight was as produced by Steve Rispin, best known for his work with Yes and Asia, and mastered by Pete Maher (Snow Patrol, U2, Nick Cave, The Rolling Stones).
The album features the hard rocking and fiercely defiant title track, which sets the musical & lyrical tone for the album, and the brooding and rock-bluesy 'Ain't Done Nothing Wrong,' which is the new single...
The album, released on Burnt Out Wreckords with distribution via Cadiz Music, is the follow up to their critically acclaimed sophomore release This Is Hell.
Pre-order the album via the Cadiz Merch Store here
Pre-order the album on Amazon UK here
Stand And Fight was as produced by Steve Rispin, best known for his work with Yes and Asia, and mastered by Pete Maher (Snow Patrol, U2, Nick Cave, The Rolling Stones).
The album features the hard rocking and fiercely defiant title track, which sets the musical & lyrical tone for the album, and the brooding and rock-bluesy 'Ain't Done Nothing Wrong,' which is the new single...
Of the new album Gary Moat says: "These are eleven of the best songs I've written. This really was the 'difficult third album', inspired by the worst one and a half years in my life, but the end result was worth the struggle. This is something I'm really proud of and I invite you all to Stand And Fight!"
Burnt Out Wreck are as musically unpretentious and outstanding a band as they are an old-school, classic guitar-rock outfit.
Front man and songwriter Gary Moat, now more than three decades removed from the original Heavy Pettin, is still proving Rock Ain’t Dead, but on his own terms – uncompromising riff-led rock that takes the essence of AC/DC and adds sonic swagger and raucous roll in equal measure.
The Burnt Out Wreck sound was first heard to fine effect on debut album Swallow; second album This is Hell was a slightly darker affair that carried both lyrical wit and weighty, guitar-led grit.
The last five years have also seen well-received festival appearances (including a WinterStorm set that elicited an audience response of "one more song!" at set’s end), supporting the likes of Anvil, a clutch of headline shows and a return invite to BonFest, all of which have started to pay dividends for Gary Moat, Alex Carmichael (bass), Paul Gray (drums) and new guitarist Richard Upson.
(Guitarist Andy McLaughlin will also be part of the band for live work).
Front man and songwriter Gary Moat, now more than three decades removed from the original Heavy Pettin, is still proving Rock Ain’t Dead, but on his own terms – uncompromising riff-led rock that takes the essence of AC/DC and adds sonic swagger and raucous roll in equal measure.
The Burnt Out Wreck sound was first heard to fine effect on debut album Swallow; second album This is Hell was a slightly darker affair that carried both lyrical wit and weighty, guitar-led grit.
The last five years have also seen well-received festival appearances (including a WinterStorm set that elicited an audience response of "one more song!" at set’s end), supporting the likes of Anvil, a clutch of headline shows and a return invite to BonFest, all of which have started to pay dividends for Gary Moat, Alex Carmichael (bass), Paul Gray (drums) and new guitarist Richard Upson.
(Guitarist Andy McLaughlin will also be part of the band for live work).
Photo by Richard Gatecliffe
Confirmed Burnt Out Wreck shows:
5th Nov, Highway To Hellfest, Blackpool
3rd Dec, Planet Rockstock, Wales
2023 Dates:
17th March, Bannermans, Edinburgh
18th March Dreadnought Rock, Bathgate, West Lothian
26th May, Room 2, Glasgow
27th May, Feel the Steel, Corporation, Sheffield
12th August, Chard Rock, Chard, Somerset
4th November, Hard Rock Hell, Great Yarmouth
https://www.facebook.com/BurntOutWreck/ https://twitter.com/BurntWreck https://www.burntoutwreck.com/
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5th Nov, Highway To Hellfest, Blackpool
3rd Dec, Planet Rockstock, Wales
2023 Dates:
17th March, Bannermans, Edinburgh
18th March Dreadnought Rock, Bathgate, West Lothian
26th May, Room 2, Glasgow
27th May, Feel the Steel, Corporation, Sheffield
12th August, Chard Rock, Chard, Somerset
4th November, Hard Rock Hell, Great Yarmouth
https://www.facebook.com/BurntOutWreck/ https://twitter.com/BurntWreck https://www.burntoutwreck.com/
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Dan Donnelly
Fletchers Farm in Great Ayton, Middlesbrough has announced their second Down in the Barn show on Friday November 25th.
Following on from the inaugural event headlined by Alistair Griffin, the second show again takes place in the barn below the café; this intimate barn setting gives live music fans the chance to see musicians up close in a unique and cosy setting on at the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors.
The monthly shows feature some of the best live musicians from around the UK; the upcoming November 25th show will feature a headline set from Dan Donnelly of The Levellers, with support from Middlesbrough songwriter Joe Durdan and Welsh songstress Ruby Kelly.
Tickets are £10 and available via Eventbrite.
Doors are 7pm with a bar serving until 11pm.
Click here for ticket link.
Dan Donnelly grew up in Belfast and rose to local fame with acoustic live favourites Watercress. He then moved to New York at the turn of the millennium where he learned his solo craft on the folk circuit of Greenwich Village.
Since returning to the UK in 2009 Dan has played in over 20 countries worldwide and supported acts such as John Martyn, Duran Duran, Ian Dury and Bob Geldof.
A regular face on the UK festival circuit, he is currently touring Europe as part of The Levellers new look line up (he also performs as an acoustic duo Levellers with Jon Sevink).
Ruby Kelly is a 19 year old singer-songwriter from South Wales. From originals to covers, Ruby creates an acoustic folk sound that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Her current EP King Of The World, featuring 4 original songs, is available to listen to on Spotify and Apple Music.
Singer-guitarist Joe Durdan, from New Marske village in Redcar, is a talented and self-taught 12-string acoustic player; a claim to musical fame for the young artist includes having sung for famous boxers Chris Eubanks and Nigel Benn.
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Following on from the inaugural event headlined by Alistair Griffin, the second show again takes place in the barn below the café; this intimate barn setting gives live music fans the chance to see musicians up close in a unique and cosy setting on at the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors.
The monthly shows feature some of the best live musicians from around the UK; the upcoming November 25th show will feature a headline set from Dan Donnelly of The Levellers, with support from Middlesbrough songwriter Joe Durdan and Welsh songstress Ruby Kelly.
Tickets are £10 and available via Eventbrite.
Doors are 7pm with a bar serving until 11pm.
Click here for ticket link.
Dan Donnelly grew up in Belfast and rose to local fame with acoustic live favourites Watercress. He then moved to New York at the turn of the millennium where he learned his solo craft on the folk circuit of Greenwich Village.
Since returning to the UK in 2009 Dan has played in over 20 countries worldwide and supported acts such as John Martyn, Duran Duran, Ian Dury and Bob Geldof.
A regular face on the UK festival circuit, he is currently touring Europe as part of The Levellers new look line up (he also performs as an acoustic duo Levellers with Jon Sevink).
Ruby Kelly is a 19 year old singer-songwriter from South Wales. From originals to covers, Ruby creates an acoustic folk sound that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Her current EP King Of The World, featuring 4 original songs, is available to listen to on Spotify and Apple Music.
Singer-guitarist Joe Durdan, from New Marske village in Redcar, is a talented and self-taught 12-string acoustic player; a claim to musical fame for the young artist includes having sung for famous boxers Chris Eubanks and Nigel Benn.
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Australian teenage rocker Cassidy Paris has had a busy 2022, and she isn’t finished yet…
Following a sold out EP Launch for her latest EP, Flirt, and multiple live shows across Australia, the 19 year old has announced Special Guest dates supporting Wicked Smile, plus a couple of notable festival appearances, through the UK in November (see dates/ venues below).
To dovetail with her first ever UK shows, Cassidy Paris has released her rockiest single yet.
Entitled 'Danger,' the song is an 80s infused rock track with a modern twist; the single follows on from previous releases 'Wannabe' & 'Like I Never Loved You,' which garnered rave reviews worldwide.
Following a sold out EP Launch for her latest EP, Flirt, and multiple live shows across Australia, the 19 year old has announced Special Guest dates supporting Wicked Smile, plus a couple of notable festival appearances, through the UK in November (see dates/ venues below).
To dovetail with her first ever UK shows, Cassidy Paris has released her rockiest single yet.
Entitled 'Danger,' the song is an 80s infused rock track with a modern twist; the single follows on from previous releases 'Wannabe' & 'Like I Never Loved You,' which garnered rave reviews worldwide.
Raised on classic hard rock and inspired by female rockers such as Lzzy Hale, Joan Jett, Pink, Pat Benatar & Avril Lavigne, the fiercely determined teenager is on a mission to inspire a new generation of younger fans to not only listen to rock ‘n’ roll, but pick up a guitar instead of a phone.
At the age of 11, Cassidy Paris met singer-songwriter Paul Laine (ex Danger Danger, The Defiants); Laine took Paris under his wing to help develop her as an artist and songwriter, and produce her music.
From early on, Cassidy Paris wanted to deliver a strong message through her music.
In 2018 she released 'Stand,' a heartfelt song about “standing up for yourself” as a young woman.
She continues to deliver that message by promoting anti-bullying through performances at many schools around Melbourne; she is also an active campaigner for the worldwide Metalheads Against Bullying organisation.
Nor are her talents going unnoticed elsewhere - Cassidy Paris has a growing, worldwide fan base that has seen her perform in America and Japan; she was also invited twice onto the line-up of the New Wave of Classic Rock WebFest.
Guitar giants Fender have also lent their support by bringing her on as an endorsee of Fender Squier Guitars, and she has since joined the roster of Silverback Touring Agency.
Cassidy Paris has also been acknowledged as a semi-finalist for her song writing efforts in the International Songwritng Competition (ISC) for Best Rock Song and Best Unsigned Artist.
Website: www.cassidyparis.com
At the age of 11, Cassidy Paris met singer-songwriter Paul Laine (ex Danger Danger, The Defiants); Laine took Paris under his wing to help develop her as an artist and songwriter, and produce her music.
From early on, Cassidy Paris wanted to deliver a strong message through her music.
In 2018 she released 'Stand,' a heartfelt song about “standing up for yourself” as a young woman.
She continues to deliver that message by promoting anti-bullying through performances at many schools around Melbourne; she is also an active campaigner for the worldwide Metalheads Against Bullying organisation.
Nor are her talents going unnoticed elsewhere - Cassidy Paris has a growing, worldwide fan base that has seen her perform in America and Japan; she was also invited twice onto the line-up of the New Wave of Classic Rock WebFest.
Guitar giants Fender have also lent their support by bringing her on as an endorsee of Fender Squier Guitars, and she has since joined the roster of Silverback Touring Agency.
Cassidy Paris has also been acknowledged as a semi-finalist for her song writing efforts in the International Songwritng Competition (ISC) for Best Rock Song and Best Unsigned Artist.
Website: www.cassidyparis.com
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After a seven-year hiatus, Northern Irish rockers The Answer are set to make a spectacular and long-awaited return with a brand-new studio album scheduled for release on St. Patricks day, March 17th, 2023.
Titled Sundowners, and released on Golden Robot Records and 7Hz, the album has been produced and mixed by rising British rock producer Dan Weller (Enter Shikari, Bury Tomorrow); it will be supported by a run of limited capacity 17 date UK and European album launch shows (see venues and dates further below).
As a taster the song 'Blood Brother,' a short, sharp and ear-catching stomp rockin’ blues with impacting groove, has been released as a single; it precedes The Answer’s highly anticipated comeback performance as special guests at the Planet Rockstock festival on December 3rd, where the band will play songs from their celebrated back catalogue as well music from the forthcoming album.
Titled Sundowners, and released on Golden Robot Records and 7Hz, the album has been produced and mixed by rising British rock producer Dan Weller (Enter Shikari, Bury Tomorrow); it will be supported by a run of limited capacity 17 date UK and European album launch shows (see venues and dates further below).
As a taster the song 'Blood Brother,' a short, sharp and ear-catching stomp rockin’ blues with impacting groove, has been released as a single; it precedes The Answer’s highly anticipated comeback performance as special guests at the Planet Rockstock festival on December 3rd, where the band will play songs from their celebrated back catalogue as well music from the forthcoming album.
Sundowners was recorded in April 2022 at Middlefarm studios, Devon and was the first time the band had been together in a studio since 2015.
Of the album and recording, front man Cormac Neeson says "We’ve been hrough a lot as a band, toured the world, made six great records we’re all proud of, and always done our best to make honest and timeless music that connects with rock and music fans in general.
After six albums and a lot of road miles we felt we needed to step back from it all and reset. Whilst that wasn’t an easy decision, with retrospect it’s possibly the best decision we’ve ever made because after seven years away we all came back fired up and the end result is an album we’ve been waiting to make our whole lives…full of good time rock n roll and positive energy created by four brothers who quite frankly just really missed each other. We’re back and we’re ready to bring our best album ever to you!"
Sundowners will be released in several formats including CD Gatefold Digi sleeve, Gatefold 12" 180g black vinyl, 2 x 12" colour vinyl exclusives (Red and Amber), a 12" fan collectible Picture Disk and Digital.
There will also be various limited 'retail exclusive' versions with HMV, Rough Trade, Crash and Assai Records.
Pre-order: https://ada.lnk.to/Sundowners
THE ANSWER 'Album Show' UK Tour Dates
March 2023
Mar 16th - Blackpool, Waterloo Bar
Mar 17th - Birmingham, O2 Institute
Mar 19th - Bristol, Thekla
Mar 20th - London, 100 Club
Mar 21st - Leeds, Key Club
Mar 23rd - Belfast, Limelight 2
Tickets:
https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-answer
Belfast show:
https://www.ticketmaster.ie/the-answer-belfast
European Dates, March & April 2023
Mar 25th - Haarlem, Patronaat - Holland
Mar 26th - Den Bosch, Willem Twee - Holland
Mar 28th - Essen, Turock - Germany
Mar 29th - Hamburg, Logo - Germany
Mar 30th - Berlin, Franz Club – Germany
Mar 31st - Munich, Strom - Germany
Apr 1st - Dornbirn, Conrad-Sohm, Austria
Apr 2nd - Zurich, Plaza - Switzerland Apr 4th - Strasbourg, La Laiterie – France
Apr 5th - Savigny, L’Empreinte - France Apr 6th - Vorselaar, De Dreef - Belgium
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Of the album and recording, front man Cormac Neeson says "We’ve been hrough a lot as a band, toured the world, made six great records we’re all proud of, and always done our best to make honest and timeless music that connects with rock and music fans in general.
After six albums and a lot of road miles we felt we needed to step back from it all and reset. Whilst that wasn’t an easy decision, with retrospect it’s possibly the best decision we’ve ever made because after seven years away we all came back fired up and the end result is an album we’ve been waiting to make our whole lives…full of good time rock n roll and positive energy created by four brothers who quite frankly just really missed each other. We’re back and we’re ready to bring our best album ever to you!"
Sundowners will be released in several formats including CD Gatefold Digi sleeve, Gatefold 12" 180g black vinyl, 2 x 12" colour vinyl exclusives (Red and Amber), a 12" fan collectible Picture Disk and Digital.
There will also be various limited 'retail exclusive' versions with HMV, Rough Trade, Crash and Assai Records.
Pre-order: https://ada.lnk.to/Sundowners
THE ANSWER 'Album Show' UK Tour Dates
March 2023
Mar 16th - Blackpool, Waterloo Bar
Mar 17th - Birmingham, O2 Institute
Mar 19th - Bristol, Thekla
Mar 20th - London, 100 Club
Mar 21st - Leeds, Key Club
Mar 23rd - Belfast, Limelight 2
Tickets:
https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-answer
Belfast show:
https://www.ticketmaster.ie/the-answer-belfast
European Dates, March & April 2023
Mar 25th - Haarlem, Patronaat - Holland
Mar 26th - Den Bosch, Willem Twee - Holland
Mar 28th - Essen, Turock - Germany
Mar 29th - Hamburg, Logo - Germany
Mar 30th - Berlin, Franz Club – Germany
Mar 31st - Munich, Strom - Germany
Apr 1st - Dornbirn, Conrad-Sohm, Austria
Apr 2nd - Zurich, Plaza - Switzerland Apr 4th - Strasbourg, La Laiterie – France
Apr 5th - Savigny, L’Empreinte - France Apr 6th - Vorselaar, De Dreef - Belgium
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Scottish heavy blues rockers Gerry Jablonski & The Electric Band will release their fifth studio album 105 on November 25th.
As the new single, 'Hard Road,' from the forthcoming album poignantly bears out, 105 provides musical shades well beyond the heavy blues rock foundation the quartet - Gerry Jablonski (guitar/vocals), Peter Narojczyk (harmonica), Lewis Fraser (drums/vocals/backing vocals), Grigor Leslie (bass/backing vocals) - are built upon.
Gerry Jablonski takes up the story of 'Hard Road' and the sound of the new album:
"We walked into the studio on the morning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The terrifying events of the unfolding war started shaping the mood and the sounds we were creating. It seemed like the lyrics never meant so much before, the sound never felt so dark.
This unknown and new reality deeply affected our music and performance during this session.
The sound of the album is a sum of the experiences and the feelings that inspired us during the recording process."
Peter Narojczyk continues: "We went into the studio with a plan but as Mike Tyson used to say 'Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.' In our case that punch came from the unfolding war the very morning we started the session.
Lyrically the album comments on current events, from the war ('Hard Road'), environmental disasters ('Heavy Water'), mental health issues ('Tiny Thoughts') and the high cost of living ('Breaking The Stones'); but it was never meant to be delivered with such an intensity.
Music and art should reflect the world we live in and right now the world feels dark and heavy!"
As the new single, 'Hard Road,' from the forthcoming album poignantly bears out, 105 provides musical shades well beyond the heavy blues rock foundation the quartet - Gerry Jablonski (guitar/vocals), Peter Narojczyk (harmonica), Lewis Fraser (drums/vocals/backing vocals), Grigor Leslie (bass/backing vocals) - are built upon.
Gerry Jablonski takes up the story of 'Hard Road' and the sound of the new album:
"We walked into the studio on the morning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The terrifying events of the unfolding war started shaping the mood and the sounds we were creating. It seemed like the lyrics never meant so much before, the sound never felt so dark.
This unknown and new reality deeply affected our music and performance during this session.
The sound of the album is a sum of the experiences and the feelings that inspired us during the recording process."
Peter Narojczyk continues: "We went into the studio with a plan but as Mike Tyson used to say 'Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.' In our case that punch came from the unfolding war the very morning we started the session.
Lyrically the album comments on current events, from the war ('Hard Road'), environmental disasters ('Heavy Water'), mental health issues ('Tiny Thoughts') and the high cost of living ('Breaking The Stones'); but it was never meant to be delivered with such an intensity.
Music and art should reflect the world we live in and right now the world feels dark and heavy!"
Although 105 is set for release on 25th November 2022, the album will be exclusively available prior at all November shows/ until the first run is sold out.
Gerry Jablonski & The Electric Band - Remaining Tour dates 2022:
18th November, Whitby Rocks Festival, Whitby
19th November, Tenby Blues Festival, Tenby
9th December, Backstage at The Green, Kinross
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Gerry Jablonski & The Electric Band - Remaining Tour dates 2022:
18th November, Whitby Rocks Festival, Whitby
19th November, Tenby Blues Festival, Tenby
9th December, Backstage at The Green, Kinross
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While 2020 saw the 50th anniversary of the formation of Dutch art-rock/ prog outfit Focus, any half-century celebrations had to be put on hold due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.
(Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, Focus released their first studio album for six years, Focus 11, which came complete with brand new Roger Dean artwork. That year was then spent touring from South America to Japan (and everywhere in between) in support of the album).
2021 however brought the 50th anniversary of their highly successful and fan favourite album Moving Waves, as well as the deluxe boxset Focus50.
Finally, this year saw a return to touring in a real way, and Focus performing their delayed 50th Anniversary tour.
The band consists of co-founder Thijs van Leer (Hammond organ, flute, vocals) and veteran Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, both of whom are delighted to still be performing 50 years on; they are joined by Menno Gootjes (guitar) and Udo Pannekeet (bass), who are among the cream of Dutch musicians and grew up with the genius and influence of Focus.
(Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, Focus released their first studio album for six years, Focus 11, which came complete with brand new Roger Dean artwork. That year was then spent touring from South America to Japan (and everywhere in between) in support of the album).
2021 however brought the 50th anniversary of their highly successful and fan favourite album Moving Waves, as well as the deluxe boxset Focus50.
Finally, this year saw a return to touring in a real way, and Focus performing their delayed 50th Anniversary tour.
The band consists of co-founder Thijs van Leer (Hammond organ, flute, vocals) and veteran Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, both of whom are delighted to still be performing 50 years on; they are joined by Menno Gootjes (guitar) and Udo Pannekeet (bass), who are among the cream of Dutch musicians and grew up with the genius and influence of Focus.
Focus at 50 (and now 52) - Menno Gootjes, Pierre van der Linden, Thijs van Leer, Udo Pannekeet
The band, who have toured extensively in the UK and Europe, including a number of festivals, have now confirmed the following UK dates for November:
Tuesday 22 November – Chiselhurst, The Beaverwood
Wednesday 23 November - Southampton, The 1865
Thursday 24 November - Wolverhampton, Robin 2
Friday 25 November - Falmouth, Princes Pavilion
Saturday 26 November - Lewes, Conservative Club
Sunday 27 November - Grimsby, Yardbirds
Tuesday 29 November - Kinross, Green Hotel
Wednesday 30 November - Kinross, Green Hotel
Buy tickets here: https://bnds.us/oz2hux
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Tuesday 22 November – Chiselhurst, The Beaverwood
Wednesday 23 November - Southampton, The 1865
Thursday 24 November - Wolverhampton, Robin 2
Friday 25 November - Falmouth, Princes Pavilion
Saturday 26 November - Lewes, Conservative Club
Sunday 27 November - Grimsby, Yardbirds
Tuesday 29 November - Kinross, Green Hotel
Wednesday 30 November - Kinross, Green Hotel
Buy tickets here: https://bnds.us/oz2hux
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British rock blues stalwarts King King have just announced one of their biggest UK tours to date.
The 18 date tour runs through March 2023 with Squeeze frontman Glenn Tilbrook as Very Special Guest.
Ticket Pre-sale is open now at https://bit.ly/KK_GT_Presale
KING KING
(with Very Special Guest Glenn Tilbrook)
UK Tour March 2023
02 Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow
04 O2 Academy, Leeds
05 Boiler Shop, Newcastle
09 Electric Ballroom, London
10 The Waterfront, Norwich
11 Manchester, Academy
12 ROCK CITY, Nottingham
14 Floral Pavilion, New Brighton
16 Y Plas Nightclub, Cardiff
17 KK'S Steel Mill- Live Music Wolverhampton
18 O2 Academy, Oxford
19 The De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill
22 Assembly, Leamington
24 Exeter, Phoenix
25 Cheese and Grain, Frome
26 The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth
29 Junction, Cambridge
30 King Georges Hall, Blackburn
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The 18 date tour runs through March 2023 with Squeeze frontman Glenn Tilbrook as Very Special Guest.
Ticket Pre-sale is open now at https://bit.ly/KK_GT_Presale
KING KING
(with Very Special Guest Glenn Tilbrook)
UK Tour March 2023
02 Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow
04 O2 Academy, Leeds
05 Boiler Shop, Newcastle
09 Electric Ballroom, London
10 The Waterfront, Norwich
11 Manchester, Academy
12 ROCK CITY, Nottingham
14 Floral Pavilion, New Brighton
16 Y Plas Nightclub, Cardiff
17 KK'S Steel Mill- Live Music Wolverhampton
18 O2 Academy, Oxford
19 The De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill
22 Assembly, Leamington
24 Exeter, Phoenix
25 Cheese and Grain, Frome
26 The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth
29 Junction, Cambridge
30 King Georges Hall, Blackburn
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Is there such a thing as a double positive?
Why YES, YES there is, or there certainly will be next year as confirmed by the following two News Item announcements…
Progressive rock luminaries YES have announced the rescheduled UK dates for their Relayer Album Series tour for June 2023. The tour was originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to first, the pandemic, then last year’s 50th anniversary tour of the Close To The Edge album.
The eight UK shows will feature the 1974 Relayer album in its entirety together with a selection of other classic YES favourites.
Tickets for the tour (dates below) are on sale from 10am on Friday 14th October.
The coming tour features the current iteration of the band, which sees classic era & long standing member Steve Howe (guitars), Geoff Downes (keys; 1980-81; 2011- ), Jon Davison (lead vocals, acoustic guitar; 2012- ) and Billy Sherwood (bass; 1994, 1997-2000, 2015- ) joined by Jay Schellen (drums, percussion).
Schellen officially took over the drum stool with the sad passing of 50 year YES veteran Alan White in May of this year.
Relayer, the band’s seventh studio album releases in November 1974, marked a slight change in direction; it brought with it an edgier feel as well as passages of prog rock-jazz fusion.
The album reached #4 in the UK Albums chart and #5 in the US Billboard chart.
The current line-up of YES, along with Alan White, released their twenty-second studio album, The Quest, in 2021, which reached #20 in the Official UK Album Chart.
YES – Relayer Album Series UK Tour 2023:
Saturday 10 June – Birmingham, Symphony Hall
Sunday 11 June – Southend, Cliffs Pavilion
Monday 12 June – York, Barbican
Wednesday 14 June – Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall
Thursday 15 June – Gateshead, The Sage
Friday 16 June - Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall
Saturday 18 June - Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
Tuesday 20 June - London, Eventim Apollo
Tickets are available from Yesworld.com, Bookingsdirect.com and all usual outlets.
Why YES, YES there is, or there certainly will be next year as confirmed by the following two News Item announcements…
Progressive rock luminaries YES have announced the rescheduled UK dates for their Relayer Album Series tour for June 2023. The tour was originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to first, the pandemic, then last year’s 50th anniversary tour of the Close To The Edge album.
The eight UK shows will feature the 1974 Relayer album in its entirety together with a selection of other classic YES favourites.
Tickets for the tour (dates below) are on sale from 10am on Friday 14th October.
The coming tour features the current iteration of the band, which sees classic era & long standing member Steve Howe (guitars), Geoff Downes (keys; 1980-81; 2011- ), Jon Davison (lead vocals, acoustic guitar; 2012- ) and Billy Sherwood (bass; 1994, 1997-2000, 2015- ) joined by Jay Schellen (drums, percussion).
Schellen officially took over the drum stool with the sad passing of 50 year YES veteran Alan White in May of this year.
Relayer, the band’s seventh studio album releases in November 1974, marked a slight change in direction; it brought with it an edgier feel as well as passages of prog rock-jazz fusion.
The album reached #4 in the UK Albums chart and #5 in the US Billboard chart.
The current line-up of YES, along with Alan White, released their twenty-second studio album, The Quest, in 2021, which reached #20 in the Official UK Album Chart.
YES – Relayer Album Series UK Tour 2023:
Saturday 10 June – Birmingham, Symphony Hall
Sunday 11 June – Southend, Cliffs Pavilion
Monday 12 June – York, Barbican
Wednesday 14 June – Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall
Thursday 15 June – Gateshead, The Sage
Friday 16 June - Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall
Saturday 18 June - Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
Tuesday 20 June - London, Eventim Apollo
Tickets are available from Yesworld.com, Bookingsdirect.com and all usual outlets.
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For those who still miss the alto-tenor tones of YES co-founder Jon Anderson singing the band’s classics, it’s a case of YES please! when Anderson tours with the highly successful YouTube/ Podcast tribute ensemble the Band Geeks in the Spring of 2023.
Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks will be performing a number of classic YES tracks including 'And You
And I,' 'Starship Trooper' and 'Heart of the Sunrise' along with truly epic prog works such as 'Close To The Edge,' 'The Gates of Delirium' and 'Awaken.'
Says Jon Anderson, now 14 years removed from YES:
"It’s true, I never left YES in my heart and soul…ever! Too many amazingly powerful memories and, of course, the music never left me.
So here I am, 77 years old, still wanting to sing the songs again, and bring my true feelings to the lyrics.
Melody and lyrics has always been my passion; I sing them now with an older and I hope wiser state of mind… I’ve been wanting to have that feeling again…of performing the songs I lived for, and the music I helped to create and design, with the sound of the band of old around me once more.
The first time I heard the Band Geeks I truly freaked out – they sound just like the classic YES of the seventies, the YES that I know and love – that’s what I’m wanting to bring to you on this tour…
YES Music is forever!!" – Jon Anderson
Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks will be performing a number of classic YES tracks including 'And You
And I,' 'Starship Trooper' and 'Heart of the Sunrise' along with truly epic prog works such as 'Close To The Edge,' 'The Gates of Delirium' and 'Awaken.'
Says Jon Anderson, now 14 years removed from YES:
"It’s true, I never left YES in my heart and soul…ever! Too many amazingly powerful memories and, of course, the music never left me.
So here I am, 77 years old, still wanting to sing the songs again, and bring my true feelings to the lyrics.
Melody and lyrics has always been my passion; I sing them now with an older and I hope wiser state of mind… I’ve been wanting to have that feeling again…of performing the songs I lived for, and the music I helped to create and design, with the sound of the band of old around me once more.
The first time I heard the Band Geeks I truly freaked out – they sound just like the classic YES of the seventies, the YES that I know and love – that’s what I’m wanting to bring to you on this tour…
YES Music is forever!!" – Jon Anderson
Jon Anderson, one of the most recognizable voices in music, was, other than the band’s Drama period of 1980-1981, the lead vocalist of YES from their 1968 inception to 2008.
Anderson was the author and a major creative influence behind the ground-breaking album Fragile as well as many of the band’s most complex and revered pieces such as 'Awaken,' 'Gates of Delirium' and 'Close to the Edge.'
Anderson also co-authored many of the group’s biggest hits, including 'I’ve Seen All Good People,' 'Roundabout' and 'Owner of a Lonely Heart.'
Across 50 years of success, Anderson has worked with many variations of YES, as well as collaborations with Vangelis, Kitaro, Roine Stolt and Jean-Luc Ponty. He has released several critically acclaimed solo albums including Olias of Sunhillow, Song of Seven, Animation, Toltec, Survival And Other Stories and, most recently, 1000 Hands.
The Band Geeks began as the house band for the Band Geek podcast, an internet show created by Richie Castellano of Blue Öyster Cult. The band gained popularity on YouTube with their incredibly detailed recreations of music by artists such as Genesis, Boston and YES, earning the ensemble cast over 30 million views.
The current Band Geeks line-up includes: Richie Castellano (Blue Öyster Cult) - bass, guitar; Chris Clark (Brand X, John Entwistle) - keys; Andy Ascolese (Kasim Sulton’s Utopia, Celebrating Meat Loaf) - drums; Robert Kipp (Kashmir) - keys, guitar; Andy Graziano - guitar, bass.
Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks
US Tour Dates Spring 2023
(more shows TBA):
Friday, April 14, 2023 Westbury, NY
Sunday, April 16, 2023 Newark, NJ
Friday, April 21, 2023 NYC
Sunday, April 23, 2023 Reading, PA
Friday, April 28, 2023 Collingswood, NJ
Saturday, April 29, 2023 Collingswood, NJ
Wednesday, May 03, 2023 Tysons Corner, VA
Saturday, May 06, 2023 Baltimore, MD
Tuesday, May 09, 2023 St. Charles, MO
Friday, May 12, 2023 St. Charles, IL
Saturday, May 13, 2023 Des Plaines, IL
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 North Tonawanda, NY
For more information:
The Band Geeks official website: https://richiecastellano.com/bandgeek/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonandersonyesepicsandclassics/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIvSkw_3SAs1Yy2Ro68GzLw
Anderson was the author and a major creative influence behind the ground-breaking album Fragile as well as many of the band’s most complex and revered pieces such as 'Awaken,' 'Gates of Delirium' and 'Close to the Edge.'
Anderson also co-authored many of the group’s biggest hits, including 'I’ve Seen All Good People,' 'Roundabout' and 'Owner of a Lonely Heart.'
Across 50 years of success, Anderson has worked with many variations of YES, as well as collaborations with Vangelis, Kitaro, Roine Stolt and Jean-Luc Ponty. He has released several critically acclaimed solo albums including Olias of Sunhillow, Song of Seven, Animation, Toltec, Survival And Other Stories and, most recently, 1000 Hands.
The Band Geeks began as the house band for the Band Geek podcast, an internet show created by Richie Castellano of Blue Öyster Cult. The band gained popularity on YouTube with their incredibly detailed recreations of music by artists such as Genesis, Boston and YES, earning the ensemble cast over 30 million views.
The current Band Geeks line-up includes: Richie Castellano (Blue Öyster Cult) - bass, guitar; Chris Clark (Brand X, John Entwistle) - keys; Andy Ascolese (Kasim Sulton’s Utopia, Celebrating Meat Loaf) - drums; Robert Kipp (Kashmir) - keys, guitar; Andy Graziano - guitar, bass.
Jon Anderson and The Band Geeks
US Tour Dates Spring 2023
(more shows TBA):
Friday, April 14, 2023 Westbury, NY
Sunday, April 16, 2023 Newark, NJ
Friday, April 21, 2023 NYC
Sunday, April 23, 2023 Reading, PA
Friday, April 28, 2023 Collingswood, NJ
Saturday, April 29, 2023 Collingswood, NJ
Wednesday, May 03, 2023 Tysons Corner, VA
Saturday, May 06, 2023 Baltimore, MD
Tuesday, May 09, 2023 St. Charles, MO
Friday, May 12, 2023 St. Charles, IL
Saturday, May 13, 2023 Des Plaines, IL
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 North Tonawanda, NY
For more information:
The Band Geeks official website: https://richiecastellano.com/bandgeek/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonandersonyesepicsandclassics/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIvSkw_3SAs1Yy2Ro68GzLw
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Juno award winning Canadian singer-songwriter and "one-man blues-rock band" Steve Hill celebrates his 25th year as a recording artist with the release of Dear Illusion.
Three years in the making, the new album is a step up for the artist, in terms of musical maturity, execution and production.
Dear Illusion is set for worldwide release via No Label Records on November 11th; the album is available to pre-save via https://ffm.to/dearillusion
The first single taken from the album, 'Everything You Got,' features one of the most fun and infectious, smile on your face videos of the year, dovetailing perfectly with the up-tempo and uplifting mood and groove of the song, as Steve Hill elaborates:
"It’s just a positive song. You get what you give. Simple message but always true and you can never hear it too often. I like that it has a lot of riffs even before the vocals kick in. Killer groove by Wayne Proctor on this one. There are two different guitars exchanging lines in the solo, a 55 Les Paul Jr and my old 66 Tele!"
Stream/ download the single via https://ffm.to/sheyg
Three years in the making, the new album is a step up for the artist, in terms of musical maturity, execution and production.
Dear Illusion is set for worldwide release via No Label Records on November 11th; the album is available to pre-save via https://ffm.to/dearillusion
The first single taken from the album, 'Everything You Got,' features one of the most fun and infectious, smile on your face videos of the year, dovetailing perfectly with the up-tempo and uplifting mood and groove of the song, as Steve Hill elaborates:
"It’s just a positive song. You get what you give. Simple message but always true and you can never hear it too often. I like that it has a lot of riffs even before the vocals kick in. Killer groove by Wayne Proctor on this one. There are two different guitars exchanging lines in the solo, a 55 Les Paul Jr and my old 66 Tele!"
Stream/ download the single via https://ffm.to/sheyg
Known over the last ten years as a one-man blues rock band, on Dear Illusion multi-instrumentalist Steve Hill shares the spotlight with a horn section, The Devil Horns, and 7-time UK Blues Awards winner drummer and audio guru Wayne Proctor (A.A. Williams, Oli Brown, King King, Ben Poole).
Proctor also mixed and mastered the upcoming record.
As regards the album, Steve Hill expands: "I had a version finished right before the pandemic started. It was slated for release in April 2020 but there was no point in releasing it then, so I decided to wait.
The sad context of the pandemic resulted in additional time for me to offer my fans the album I’m sure will meet their expectations for my 25th anniversary as a recording artist."
Proctor also mixed and mastered the upcoming record.
As regards the album, Steve Hill expands: "I had a version finished right before the pandemic started. It was slated for release in April 2020 but there was no point in releasing it then, so I decided to wait.
The sad context of the pandemic resulted in additional time for me to offer my fans the album I’m sure will meet their expectations for my 25th anniversary as a recording artist."
Photo by Jean-Sébastien Désilets
"Ultimately, the results that we collectively achieved with the album, ended up reflecting both maturity and introspection. I feel like the album is saying no matter what happens, you should give it everything you got and move on, be the best person you can be, and no matter what, the sun will rise again.
Even treat misfortune as a friend, slap it on the back and say, thanks for teaching me." - Steve Hill
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Even treat misfortune as a friend, slap it on the back and say, thanks for teaching me." - Steve Hill
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A posthumous Bernie Tormé final recordings live album, Final Fling, will be released in November.
The album is preceded by a raucous live version of the Tormé classic 'Wild West.'
Get the digital single here: https://bernietorme.bandcamp.com/track/wild-west-live
Additionally, a pre-sale only bundle will be available for a limited time, which will include an exclusive t-shirt, patch & badge merch bundle along with a CD copy of the album, unlimited streaming link and high-quality digital download (this pre-sale bundle will be on a first come, first served basis).
Each bundle pre-order will also receive a free download of the 'Wild West' single.
Pre-Order the Final Fling album bundle here:
https://bernietorme.bandcamp.com/merch/limited-edition-pre-order-bundle
Those familiar with the much-missed Irishman’s catalogue will know 'Wild West' is constantly near the top of fans 'Best Of' lists. A constant opener to his live shows, the song set the tone for what was to follow – a loud, brash, energetic and unmistakeably Bernie Tormé performance.
The album is preceded by a raucous live version of the Tormé classic 'Wild West.'
Get the digital single here: https://bernietorme.bandcamp.com/track/wild-west-live
Additionally, a pre-sale only bundle will be available for a limited time, which will include an exclusive t-shirt, patch & badge merch bundle along with a CD copy of the album, unlimited streaming link and high-quality digital download (this pre-sale bundle will be on a first come, first served basis).
Each bundle pre-order will also receive a free download of the 'Wild West' single.
Pre-Order the Final Fling album bundle here:
https://bernietorme.bandcamp.com/merch/limited-edition-pre-order-bundle
Those familiar with the much-missed Irishman’s catalogue will know 'Wild West' is constantly near the top of fans 'Best Of' lists. A constant opener to his live shows, the song set the tone for what was to follow – a loud, brash, energetic and unmistakeably Bernie Tormé performance.
'Wild West' was recorded live by Bernie Tormé and his final trio line-up featuring Sy Morton (bass) and Mik Gaffney (drums) at the guitarist’s Barnroom Studios, following the culmination of the sadly prophetic Final Fling tour in 2018.
The run was such a huge success, with the band in dazzling form night after night, the trio regretted the decision not to record any of the shows. Therefore, with the set fresh in their minds, the band loaded the gear into the live room and set up one more time to run through a set that spanned Bernie Tormé’s storied career.
Painstakingly mixed and mastered by Bernie’s son Eric Tormey, 'Wild West' is the lead-off taster of the upcoming Final Fling album, of which more info will be released soon.
A blues rock psychedelic shredmeister and glam-punk, sleaze-rock frontman, Bernie Tormé enjoyed a long and remarkable career.
Hit records, world tours and international acclaim came as lead guitarist in Gillan, following which he stepped in for Ozzy Osbourne in the aftermath of guitar legend Randy Rhoads' tragic death; he then went on to front Electric Gypsies and Tormé.
Teaming up with Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider and former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr, Bernie Tormé then put together Desperado before later reuniting with ex-Gillan colleague John McCoy and drummer Robin Guy for GMT.
In 2013 Bernie Tormé began working in his favoured trio format once again, releasing three critically acclaimed solo albums: Flowers & Dirt (2014), Blackheart (2015) and the 3CD Dublin Cowboy (2017) package. He followed this up with a celebrated appearance at the legendary Sweden Rock festival before releasing what was to be his last studio album, Shadowland in 2018.
A true maverick to the end, Bernie Tormé sadly passed away in March 2019, the day before what would have been his 67th birthday.
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The run was such a huge success, with the band in dazzling form night after night, the trio regretted the decision not to record any of the shows. Therefore, with the set fresh in their minds, the band loaded the gear into the live room and set up one more time to run through a set that spanned Bernie Tormé’s storied career.
Painstakingly mixed and mastered by Bernie’s son Eric Tormey, 'Wild West' is the lead-off taster of the upcoming Final Fling album, of which more info will be released soon.
A blues rock psychedelic shredmeister and glam-punk, sleaze-rock frontman, Bernie Tormé enjoyed a long and remarkable career.
Hit records, world tours and international acclaim came as lead guitarist in Gillan, following which he stepped in for Ozzy Osbourne in the aftermath of guitar legend Randy Rhoads' tragic death; he then went on to front Electric Gypsies and Tormé.
Teaming up with Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider and former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr, Bernie Tormé then put together Desperado before later reuniting with ex-Gillan colleague John McCoy and drummer Robin Guy for GMT.
In 2013 Bernie Tormé began working in his favoured trio format once again, releasing three critically acclaimed solo albums: Flowers & Dirt (2014), Blackheart (2015) and the 3CD Dublin Cowboy (2017) package. He followed this up with a celebrated appearance at the legendary Sweden Rock festival before releasing what was to be his last studio album, Shadowland in 2018.
A true maverick to the end, Bernie Tormé sadly passed away in March 2019, the day before what would have been his 67th birthday.
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British blues & southern styled rockers Sons of Liberty will undertake a co-headline tour with American band Preacher Stone in March 2023.
A transatlantic line-up of two of the hardest Southern Rockers on the current music scene, the tour consists of nine dates, including a return hometown show for The ‘Sons at The Thekla in Bristol.
Tickets: https://www.sonsoflibertyband.com/shows
A transatlantic line-up of two of the hardest Southern Rockers on the current music scene, the tour consists of nine dates, including a return hometown show for The ‘Sons at The Thekla in Bristol.
Tickets: https://www.sonsoflibertyband.com/shows
Sons of Liberty are well-travelled, having played venues all over the UK and festivals including Planet Rock Winter’s End, Winterstorm, HRH, Loverocks and most recently Raismes Fest (France), all of which were extremely well received.
They released their second album Aces & Eights in 2021 to huge acclaim from critics and fans alike, with rave reviews across the board. The band were playlisted on Planet Rock, featured in Classic Rock Magazine's Tracks of The Week and recently toured as Special Guest support to both FM and Grand Slam.
Preacher Stone are a turbo-charged, high-octane, 200 proof, rock ‘n’ roll band out of North Carolina.
The band’s guitar-driven songs about the common man and the swagger of their live performances have earned them a legion of faithful fans known as “The Congregation”. Their song 'Not Today' was featured on two seasons of the hit Fox TV series Sons of Anarchy.
The band has toured the US and parts of Europe including Scandinavia; they have shared the stage with acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and Deep Purple.
This will be the first time Preacher Stone have reached UK shores; fans of heavy southern rock should not miss the opportunity.
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They released their second album Aces & Eights in 2021 to huge acclaim from critics and fans alike, with rave reviews across the board. The band were playlisted on Planet Rock, featured in Classic Rock Magazine's Tracks of The Week and recently toured as Special Guest support to both FM and Grand Slam.
Preacher Stone are a turbo-charged, high-octane, 200 proof, rock ‘n’ roll band out of North Carolina.
The band’s guitar-driven songs about the common man and the swagger of their live performances have earned them a legion of faithful fans known as “The Congregation”. Their song 'Not Today' was featured on two seasons of the hit Fox TV series Sons of Anarchy.
The band has toured the US and parts of Europe including Scandinavia; they have shared the stage with acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and Deep Purple.
This will be the first time Preacher Stone have reached UK shores; fans of heavy southern rock should not miss the opportunity.
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Photo by Laurence Harvey
After their successful post-lockdown UK tour at the end of 2021, Sweet will embark on an end-of-year return to UK stages when they undertake their 15 date Unlock the Rock tour through November and December.
Tickets are available via www.thegigcartel.com and www.planetrocktickets.co.uk
Special Guest support on the tour will come from three different acts.
Tony Wright (Terrorvision) will perform at the Newcastle, Edinburgh, Bury St Edmunds, Frome and Wolverhampton dates.
Sari Schorr will support Sweet at Lytham and Holmfirth.
Kira Mac is support for Bexhill, Islington, Oxford, Northampton, Manchester, Norwich, Exeter and Nottingham.
(See all dates/ itinerary on tour poster below).
Sweet, featuring guitarist Andy Scott, will "Blitz The Hitz" on stage, including such classics as 'Fox on the Run,' 'Blockbuster,' 'Hellraiser,' 'Little Willy,' 'Love Is Like Oxygen' and, of course, 'Ballroom Blitz' (and many more).
Sweet are a British rock and roll institution, having sold 55 million albums worldwide and had 34 number #1 hit singles across many countries.
Hailed by many as a national treasure with a loyal fanbase, their dazzling arsenal of hard rock, glam rock and pop-rock music stands the test of time.
The songs and the "Sweet Sound" are as fresh and relevant today as they were more than fifty years ago when Sweet first hit the UK Charts in 1971.
Tickets are available via www.thegigcartel.com and www.planetrocktickets.co.uk
Special Guest support on the tour will come from three different acts.
Tony Wright (Terrorvision) will perform at the Newcastle, Edinburgh, Bury St Edmunds, Frome and Wolverhampton dates.
Sari Schorr will support Sweet at Lytham and Holmfirth.
Kira Mac is support for Bexhill, Islington, Oxford, Northampton, Manchester, Norwich, Exeter and Nottingham.
(See all dates/ itinerary on tour poster below).
Sweet, featuring guitarist Andy Scott, will "Blitz The Hitz" on stage, including such classics as 'Fox on the Run,' 'Blockbuster,' 'Hellraiser,' 'Little Willy,' 'Love Is Like Oxygen' and, of course, 'Ballroom Blitz' (and many more).
Sweet are a British rock and roll institution, having sold 55 million albums worldwide and had 34 number #1 hit singles across many countries.
Hailed by many as a national treasure with a loyal fanbase, their dazzling arsenal of hard rock, glam rock and pop-rock music stands the test of time.
The songs and the "Sweet Sound" are as fresh and relevant today as they were more than fifty years ago when Sweet first hit the UK Charts in 1971.
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Tommy DeCarlo, singer with Boston (and front man of his own band DeCarlo) will release his debut solo album Dancing In The Moonlight on Frontiers Records on 9th December.
Pre-order link: https://orcd.co/decarlo
As a taster, the title track (featuring guitar solo from August Zadra) has been released as a single complete with accompanying Music Video.
Pre-order link: https://orcd.co/decarlo
As a taster, the title track (featuring guitar solo from August Zadra) has been released as a single complete with accompanying Music Video.
Best known for having performed with Boston since 2007, Tommy DeCarlo is a smooth rock tenor with vocal chops perfectly suited for classic 70s/80s styled AOR and rock.
DeCarlo also fronts his own band, in which his son Tommy Jr. plays guitar.
Frontiers Records signed DeCarlo (the band) for the release of their 2020 debut album, Lightning Strikes Twice.
The label also envisioned Tommy DeCarlo making a solo AOR record in that AOR/ Boston style - the resulting Dancing In The Moonlight showcases the singer’s affinity with the magic of that classic 70s & 80s melodic rock/ AOR sound.
Dancing In The Moonlight – Track listing:
1: Dancing In The Moonlight; 2: Change Our Fate
3: Beyond Forever; 4: Life Is Just A Game
5: No Surrender 6: The Game Is On; 7: The Road Will Lead To You; 8: In The Hands Of Fate; 9: Find The Love; 10: Home To You; 11: Spread Your Wings And Fly; 12: You And Me
Tommy DeCarlo – lead vocals
David Julian - guitars (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12)
Martin Jepsen Andersen - guitars (tracks 3, 7, 8, 10)
Alessandro Del Vecchio - bass, keyboards, backing vocals
Nicholas Papapicco – drums.
August Zadra - guitar solo on track 1.
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DeCarlo also fronts his own band, in which his son Tommy Jr. plays guitar.
Frontiers Records signed DeCarlo (the band) for the release of their 2020 debut album, Lightning Strikes Twice.
The label also envisioned Tommy DeCarlo making a solo AOR record in that AOR/ Boston style - the resulting Dancing In The Moonlight showcases the singer’s affinity with the magic of that classic 70s & 80s melodic rock/ AOR sound.
Dancing In The Moonlight – Track listing:
1: Dancing In The Moonlight; 2: Change Our Fate
3: Beyond Forever; 4: Life Is Just A Game
5: No Surrender 6: The Game Is On; 7: The Road Will Lead To You; 8: In The Hands Of Fate; 9: Find The Love; 10: Home To You; 11: Spread Your Wings And Fly; 12: You And Me
Tommy DeCarlo – lead vocals
David Julian - guitars (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12)
Martin Jepsen Andersen - guitars (tracks 3, 7, 8, 10)
Alessandro Del Vecchio - bass, keyboards, backing vocals
Nicholas Papapicco – drums.
August Zadra - guitar solo on track 1.
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"Making so many good friends through (then beyond the) music" might have no bigger, better or emotive example than the following; it's also why the truly brilliant Rick Beato is the best of those of us who live by, and prove, that adage.
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Derby based contemporary heavy rockers Doomsday Outlaw have announced their latest album, Damaged Goods, which will see release on 3rd February 2023 via Republic of Music.
Pre-order the album at: https://lnk.to/DamagedGoods
As Doomsday Outlaw began work on the new album, they knew they wanted to step up to the next level and deliver on the promise of previous albums Suffer More and Hard Times.
For Damaged Goods the band have retained the musical heaviness of those albums and, along with front man Phil Poole's big, soulful vocals, turbo-charged their sound with some retro rock feel-good vibes.
Evolving from a sound that mixed the likes of Black Stone Cherry with heavy blues stomp and southern rock, the band have expanded their sound to channel the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith and The Faces.
Latest single 'Runaway' has already become the band’s calling card on stage.
A hard-driving modern rock song with an infectious and melodically charged hook chorus, lyrically the song expounds upon facing up to your problems and building up the courage it takes to be honest.
Pre-order the album at: https://lnk.to/DamagedGoods
As Doomsday Outlaw began work on the new album, they knew they wanted to step up to the next level and deliver on the promise of previous albums Suffer More and Hard Times.
For Damaged Goods the band have retained the musical heaviness of those albums and, along with front man Phil Poole's big, soulful vocals, turbo-charged their sound with some retro rock feel-good vibes.
Evolving from a sound that mixed the likes of Black Stone Cherry with heavy blues stomp and southern rock, the band have expanded their sound to channel the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith and The Faces.
Latest single 'Runaway' has already become the band’s calling card on stage.
A hard-driving modern rock song with an infectious and melodically charged hook chorus, lyrically the song expounds upon facing up to your problems and building up the courage it takes to be honest.
Lyrically, Damaged Goods is a personal insight into vocalist Phil Poole’s life and motivations.
"This album is a continuation of the stories of my life, played out for all to see, filled with heartbreak and redemption," confirms Poole. "It’s my own version of therapy, Damaged Goods is the latest chapter in my life."
The band’s bassist, Indy, continues: "It’s been a hard slog these last couple of years with Covid cutting short our European adventures, and generally waiting for live music to see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, but these new tunes have kept us going. The excellent response we’ve had to playing the songs live has been great to see; we can’t wait to get everything out there for people to hear."
The album also includes 'One More Sip,' which was released back in July.
Doomsday Outlaw have featured on Planet Rock, with a number of singles enjoying six straight playlisted weeks; the band has reached over 68 stations worldwide and received critical praise from BBC Radio 2, BBC Introducing, Powerplay, Fireworks and Gigantic.
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"This album is a continuation of the stories of my life, played out for all to see, filled with heartbreak and redemption," confirms Poole. "It’s my own version of therapy, Damaged Goods is the latest chapter in my life."
The band’s bassist, Indy, continues: "It’s been a hard slog these last couple of years with Covid cutting short our European adventures, and generally waiting for live music to see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, but these new tunes have kept us going. The excellent response we’ve had to playing the songs live has been great to see; we can’t wait to get everything out there for people to hear."
The album also includes 'One More Sip,' which was released back in July.
Doomsday Outlaw have featured on Planet Rock, with a number of singles enjoying six straight playlisted weeks; the band has reached over 68 stations worldwide and received critical praise from BBC Radio 2, BBC Introducing, Powerplay, Fireworks and Gigantic.
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Photo by Mary Savage
Tyketto front man and singer-songwriter-solo artist Danny Vaughn has announced his solo acoustic winter tour of the UK.
The 11 date Vaughnsday On The Road tour (a name conjured by his fans) starts in Edinburgh on 24th November and runs until 9th December with a show in Bradford.
The tour effectively replaces the Snake Oil & Harmony Hurricane Riders tour that would have been undertaken with fellow singer-songwriter Dan Reed of the Dan Reed Network (the originally scheduled Hurricane Riders tour was postponed, then, cancelled, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns).
As is the nature of Danny Vaughn solo gigs, each show will see the singer play requests; each performance will therefore be an intimate yet completely different and a unique experience, threaded throughout by Vaughn’s musical tales, person al stories and anecdotes excellence.
The set lists will feature songs from various facets of Danny Vaughn’s career, including Tyketto, Snake Oil & Harmony’s Hurricane Riders album and his acclaimed 2019 storytelling styled solo album Myths, Legends & Lies.
The latter is one of Danny Vaughn’s finest releases to date, earning both fan praise and critical acclaim.
The Vaughnsday On The Road UK Tour Nov-Dec 2022
Dates and Ticket Links at:
https://www.dannyvaughn.com/tour
Edinburgh, Bannermans - Thurs, Nov. 24
Glasgow, The Attic - Fri, Nov. 25
Ballymena, N.I., The Diamond Rock Club - Sat, Nov. 26
Blackpool, The Waterloo Music Bar - Sun, Nov 27
Stoke On Trent, Eleven Music Venue - Thurs, Dec 1
Crumlin, he Patriot - Fri, Dec 2
Newcastle, he Cluny - Sat, Dec 3
London, The Grace - Sun, Dec 4
Bilston, The Robin 2 - Tues, Dec 6
Sheffield, Local Authority@ The Corporation - Thurs, Dec 8
Bradford, Nightrain - Fri, Dec 9
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The 11 date Vaughnsday On The Road tour (a name conjured by his fans) starts in Edinburgh on 24th November and runs until 9th December with a show in Bradford.
The tour effectively replaces the Snake Oil & Harmony Hurricane Riders tour that would have been undertaken with fellow singer-songwriter Dan Reed of the Dan Reed Network (the originally scheduled Hurricane Riders tour was postponed, then, cancelled, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns).
As is the nature of Danny Vaughn solo gigs, each show will see the singer play requests; each performance will therefore be an intimate yet completely different and a unique experience, threaded throughout by Vaughn’s musical tales, person al stories and anecdotes excellence.
The set lists will feature songs from various facets of Danny Vaughn’s career, including Tyketto, Snake Oil & Harmony’s Hurricane Riders album and his acclaimed 2019 storytelling styled solo album Myths, Legends & Lies.
The latter is one of Danny Vaughn’s finest releases to date, earning both fan praise and critical acclaim.
The Vaughnsday On The Road UK Tour Nov-Dec 2022
Dates and Ticket Links at:
https://www.dannyvaughn.com/tour
Edinburgh, Bannermans - Thurs, Nov. 24
Glasgow, The Attic - Fri, Nov. 25
Ballymena, N.I., The Diamond Rock Club - Sat, Nov. 26
Blackpool, The Waterloo Music Bar - Sun, Nov 27
Stoke On Trent, Eleven Music Venue - Thurs, Dec 1
Crumlin, he Patriot - Fri, Dec 2
Newcastle, he Cluny - Sat, Dec 3
London, The Grace - Sun, Dec 4
Bilston, The Robin 2 - Tues, Dec 6
Sheffield, Local Authority@ The Corporation - Thurs, Dec 8
Bradford, Nightrain - Fri, Dec 9
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The old blues lyric and adage of "if it wasn’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all" certainly seems to have befallen the Big Wolf Band since making an ear-catching impact with second album Be Free (featuring vocalist Zoe Green) back in 2019.
New single 'Get Out,' a swinging, funky-grooved blues, is the first new song by the Big Wolf Band since that album due a run of unfortunate and, indeed, dreadful circumstances.
First, Big Wolf front man Jonathan Earp required surgery on his right shoulder, which developed complications and nerve issues, just as the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
Then, sadly, Paul Brambani (a long-standing member who played keys on both previous Big Wolf Band albums) suffered a severe stroke at the start of 2022; he has since lost the ability to play.
However with Jonathan Earp’s recovery and a couple of additions – Justin Johnson (rhythm guitar, backing vocals and Robin Fox (keyboards/Hammond) – the Big Wolf Band are back in blues rock business and, on the new single, doubling up on the time-to-go relationship lyricism to tell their bad luck to also take a hike...
New single 'Get Out,' a swinging, funky-grooved blues, is the first new song by the Big Wolf Band since that album due a run of unfortunate and, indeed, dreadful circumstances.
First, Big Wolf front man Jonathan Earp required surgery on his right shoulder, which developed complications and nerve issues, just as the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
Then, sadly, Paul Brambani (a long-standing member who played keys on both previous Big Wolf Band albums) suffered a severe stroke at the start of 2022; he has since lost the ability to play.
However with Jonathan Earp’s recovery and a couple of additions – Justin Johnson (rhythm guitar, backing vocals and Robin Fox (keyboards/Hammond) – the Big Wolf Band are back in blues rock business and, on the new single, doubling up on the time-to-go relationship lyricism to tell their bad luck to also take a hike...
'Get Out' is out now on all Digital platforms.
Line up:
Jonathan Earp (lead guitar, vocals); Mick Jeynes (bass, backing vocals); Tim Jones (drums); Justin Johnson (rhythm guitar, backing vocals); Robin Fox (keys, Hammond)
Mixed and mastering by Alan Bell.
The Big Wolf Band plan to release an EP later this year as well as a live album.
The band then plan to record their third studio album, A Rebel’s Journey, in 2023.
The forthcoming album will be part-sequel to acclaimed debut album A Rebel’s Story, with a third instalment entitled A Rebel’s End also planned (although it certainly won’t be the end of the Big Wolf Band’s story).
Website: www.bigwolfband.com
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Line up:
Jonathan Earp (lead guitar, vocals); Mick Jeynes (bass, backing vocals); Tim Jones (drums); Justin Johnson (rhythm guitar, backing vocals); Robin Fox (keys, Hammond)
Mixed and mastering by Alan Bell.
The Big Wolf Band plan to release an EP later this year as well as a live album.
The band then plan to record their third studio album, A Rebel’s Journey, in 2023.
The forthcoming album will be part-sequel to acclaimed debut album A Rebel’s Story, with a third instalment entitled A Rebel’s End also planned (although it certainly won’t be the end of the Big Wolf Band’s story).
Website: www.bigwolfband.com
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Jack Mylchreest, a consummate and engaging singer-songwriter-guitarist from the north east of England, has just released his debut EP In My Stride.
The 6-track EP features 'Safe With You' (a warm, radio friendly slice of Americana-country meeting soft rock) and new single Tryin', a lyrically yearning and melodically-sheened number that showcases Jack Mylchreest's strengths as a singer-songwriter.
The 6-track EP features 'Safe With You' (a warm, radio friendly slice of Americana-country meeting soft rock) and new single Tryin', a lyrically yearning and melodically-sheened number that showcases Jack Mylchreest's strengths as a singer-songwriter.
Earlier this year Jack Mylchreest deservedly garnered some wider attention when it was announced Dan Reed was unable to make it to Whitby for a solo show - the crowd asked if Mylchreest would do the gig (having seen him sing a song with Danny Vaughn at Vaughan's own show the night before), which he duly did.
He also vlogged the sequence of events and put a ten-minute synopsis, including live clips, on his YouTube channel (click here to view ). Website: https://www.jackmylchreest.live/
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He also vlogged the sequence of events and put a ten-minute synopsis, including live clips, on his YouTube channel (click here to view ). Website: https://www.jackmylchreest.live/
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Good news for Lachy Doley fans, and blues fans in general, is that the Australian Hammond and Whammy Clav wizard has recorded a brand new studio version of his song 'Only Cure For The Blues Is The Blues.'
A highlight of the Lachy Doley Group’s 2017 studio album Lovelight and the band’s live set, the new 'Oceanic Version' of the number is based around it's live arrangement.
You can stream the song on all usual platforms here or check it out on YouTube
A highlight of the Lachy Doley Group’s 2017 studio album Lovelight and the band’s live set, the new 'Oceanic Version' of the number is based around it's live arrangement.
You can stream the song on all usual platforms here or check it out on YouTube
The new recording of 'The Only Cure For The Blues Is The Blues' has also been selected by Spotify to feature on one of their official playlists, Blues Bar, which Spotify fans/ users can check out here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX7PgP9l7Yfa3
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https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX7PgP9l7Yfa3
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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