Rock News for Thursday 7th October, 2010

Gotthard lead vocalist Steve Lee killed in freak accident

(Steve Lee photo from www.gotthard.com/) 

It's certainly very tragic indeed when anyone in the rock world passes away, but when someone is killed in circumstances that can only, honestly be described as 'freak,' it's just downright wrong!

Steve Alois Lee, RIP, who was frontman of Swiss rock band Gotthard, was just 47 years old and had travelled to the US to fufil a life long dream of riding a Harley Davidson across the USA. Sadly, it was not to be.

The following statement comes from the band's website:

Dear Fans and Friends, the inconceivable is tragic reality – Steve Lee was killed in an accident yesterday

Steve was killed accidentally during a motorcycle trip in the USA on Interstate 15 between Mesquite and Las Vegas and died at the scene.

The GOTTHARD singer had flown to the U.S. with some biker friends just this weekend to fulfil a long-cherished dream for which he’d never had the time, due to his heavy touring schedule for many years. It was to be two weeks through the states on a Harley Davidson. The 21 Swiss bikers started their journey on Sunday on a total of 12 motorcycles. On Tuesday 5 October, about 50 miles from Las Vegas, the group had stopped at the roadside to put on their rain gear as it had started to rain. On the slippery road, the trailer of a passing truck began to skid. The driver attempted evasive action but his trailer clipped five of the motorcycles parked at the roadside; one of them hit Steve Lee. Rescue services attempted resuscitation but efforts were stopped after 20 minutes. At 16:13 local time, Steve Lee was pronounced dead.

Among the passengers were bassist Marc Lynn and Steve’s partner Brigitte Voss Balzarini.

All other fellow riders were unharmed. Steve Lee was 47 years old.

With Steve Lee, we not only lose one of the world's best rock voices but also a good friend who due to his sensitivity and down-to-earth personality always met the people around him with respect.

It will take some time till we fully understand what has happened.

Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family.

Letters of condolence to:  

Gotthard Music GmbH

Grossmatte Ost 2

CH-6014 Littau

Official website: www.gotthard.com/

Absolutely tragic. My heartfelt sympathies go out to Steve's family, his partner Brigitte and all his close friends. RIP Steve.

IN OTHER NEWS ...

MELODIC ROCK FANZINE AVAILABLE

Frontiers Records is proud to present the new issue of MELODIC ROCK FANZINE. The 40th release of our successful magazine is available for free all over the world through record shops, mailorders and every fine dealer carrying the Frontiers Records releases.

Here are the previews of the two MELODIC ROCK FANZINE covers:

This new issue includes reviews and interviews of Kiske Somerville, Unruly Child, Issa, Circle Ii Circle, Asia, Athorn, White Widdow, Two Fires, Bangalore Choir... and more!

Electronic readble version of the magazine is available on the Frontiers official site or here: http://issuu.com/frontiers_records/docs/mrf40

CHIPSTER PR LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE AND BILLBOARD MAGAZINE FEATURE

Chipster PR & Consulting, Inc. President and Senior Publicist, Chip Ruggieri, has been chosen to comment on the 'Billboard Maximum Exposure 2010 Hard Rock Top 5'. Billboard says of the feature

"There are more tools than ever to promote a new single or album. But which ones work best? To find out, Billboard presents its third annual Maximum Exposure list, which tabulates the 100 best ways to generate sales and buzz. We asked label and publishing executives, publicists, managers and branding experts to rank the most effective means to promote music. Then we compiled our list—as well as rankings for Latin music, the United Kingdom, Japan and genres like rock and hip-hop—with the input of Billboard’s editorial staff. The results identify the most powerful promotional vehicles in music today."

A rundown of the top 25 entries can be seen at http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/genre/e3i4397ede245b231242e381303289658d7

Chipster PR & Consulting, Inc. has also announced the launch of their new website http://www.chipsterpr.com/ designed by http://921associates.com/ The site features a news section, highlight video and a link to donate to longtime client and friend Ronnie James Dio's 'Stand up and Shout Cancer Fund'.

The 'Current Clients' pages includes a 'share' button which will allow artists and media to add a direct link to the page on their social networks. You also 'LIKE' Chipster on Facebook and follow Chipster on Twitter!

Chipster's offspring, Coverslut Cosmetics, Inc. has a page link featured, which offers artists make up and grooming services provided by Jen Farhood, who's celebrity roster includes iconic acts such as The Police, Olivia Newton-John, Halford and Jon Bon Jovi.

For more information, visit:

Web: http://www.chipsterpr.com/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/chipsterpr

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Chipster-PR-Consulting/147989855240582?ref=sgm

Eric Clapton, six nights at Royal Albert Hall already now two more with Stevie Winwood

Yes old slowhand himself, Eric Clapton had already announced six shows at the Royal Albert Hall and now he's called upon his old band mate from Blind Faith days,  Stevie Winwood to play an additional two nights with him and I firmly believe it's unlikely they'll come back together Stateside again, so catch them while you can!

Clapton and Winwood toured together in 2009 and jammed together this year at Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in Illinois. Winwood toured with Santana during summer 2010.

This piece is covered at Pollstar.com.

www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2010/10/04/742497.aspx

Rock News for Wednesday 6th October, 2010

CLASSIC ROCK SOCIETY OF AMERICA TO DEBUT

PHILADELPHIA-Rocktober 5, 2010- Rock producer and historian Denny Somach today announced the establishment of the Classic Rock Society of America. The organization will be devoted to the preservation, promotion and celebration of classic rock music by the artists, musicians, producers and fans of the most popular musical category of the past fifty years.

Somach is a recognized expert on Classic Rock and considered one of the architect’s of the Classic Rock radio format, which has become dominant in broadcasting and attracts millions of listeners. He has produced over 7500 hours of classic rock programming and maintains one of the largest archives of audio, video and data related to the topic. Somach has also authored numerous articles and books on the subject and appeared as an authority on shows including Today, Larry King , CBS Early Show, Dateline NBC, CNN, CNBC, MTV and others.

“The appeal of classic rock artists like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, the Who, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Doors, Moody Blues, Yes, Grateful Dead, Jethro Tull, Aerosmith, Styx, Deep Purple, Queen, the Allman Brothers and many, many others has never been more popular,” said Somach. “Classic rock has become cross-generational and is the most popular rock music format not just in the US and Canada, but around the world.”

The Classic Rock Society of America (CRSA) is an organization where people from all over the world can experience and commemorate their favorite music. Many colleges and universities have classes about this music and it is being taught everywhere. The CRSA will act as a resource center for students and teachers, enabling them to further enhance their study of classic rock.

CRSA was inspired by the UK’s Classic Rock Society, with a membership of thousands, and Classic Rock magazine, a publisher, recording label and music promoter. Both organizations are dedicated to the growth of all classic rock music. The UK’s Classic Rock Magazine presents a number of live shows, including the recent High Voltage Festival, which featured ZZ Top, Foreigner, Asia, Bachman-Turner, Uriah Heep, Argent and a reformed Emerson, Lake and Palmer to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Rick Wakeman is the honorary Chairman of the U.K. Classic Rock Society. “When I contacted him about the Classic Rock Society of America we were launching, he immediately lent his support and thought it was about time something like this was established in America.” Subsequently the other founding board members including John Wetton of Asia and Dave Cousins of the Strawbs have publically announced their support.

" have also spoken to over fifty musicians, producers and managers who are more than happy to not only lend their name but become actively involved in the Classic Rock Society of America,” stated Somach.

The Classic Rock Society of America will debut as an interactive web site and its own radio channel. It will also include marketing and promotion entities. The virtual society will eventually have a physical location where musicians and fans can visit and enjoy the many facets of the musical genre. Somach said, “We have already been contacted by a couple of municipal development organizations about locating a facility in their communities.”

More details will be announced in the New Year and further information can be obtained by contacting info@classicrocksocietyamerica.com

Denny Somach is the founder of Denny Somach Productions, which maintains one of the largest archives of Classic Rock content. DSP also has a long history of creating some of the most memorable programs in rock for NBC, ABC, CBS, Westwood One, MJI, USA Network, Turner Broadcasting, and MTV and produced the award winning Beatles radio program, Scott Muni’s Ticket to Ride. Currently DSP produces the syndicated Get the Led Out for United Stations.

Contact: Classic Rock Society of North America

Denny Somach

610-446-7100

info@classicrocksocietyamerica.com

Van Halen May Tour in 2011

According to Rolling Stone magazine and posted at www.vhnd.com/ Van Halen will return to the road in 2011 — or so says Live Nation Ticketmaster chairman Irving Azoff, in a meeting with analysts meant to show that the outlook for next year’s concert circuit will brighten. Van Halen, with David Lee Roth, last toured together in June 2008. Talking to USA Today, Azoff, who is also Van Halen’s manager, named Van Halen, Christina Aguilera, Fleetwood Mac and the cast of Glee as some of the artists that are expected to pack stadium and arenas when they embark on tours next year. Van Halen’s 2008 tour grossed $93 million for Live Nation.

The Rolling Stone story piece is here: www.rollingstone.com/music/news/51942/215655

Status Quo “Live in the Netherlands – Official Bootleg”

Status Quo are recording their massive sold-out show at the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam on Tuesday, October 19th for a new live Limited Edition Double CD. The show will be mixed live and fans will be able to purchase the Double CDs in the HMH foyer within MINUTES of the end of the gig.

The Limited Edition Double CD is also available from our partners at Live and Pure via mail order or as a digital download. All pre-orders will be shipped within 7 days of the show.

Order the Double CD from: http://www.liveandpure.com/

Order the Digital Download from: www.townsend-records.co.uk/

Official site: www.statusquo.co.uk/

Black Country Communion debuts well in the charts!

The band Black Country Communion featuring Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian, have just had their debut album released and it appears to have kicked off pretty well in both the UK and US album charts.

It entered the UK Rock chart at number 1 and the official UK Top 40 album chart at number 13.

In the US Billboard charts it entered the Billboard 200 at 53 and the Rock Album chart at number 18.

More info here: http://bccommunion.com/news/bcc-18-rock-album-charts/

Not too shabby then eh?!

Official band website: http://bccommunion.com/ 

Very Brief Update for Tuesday 5th October, 2010

Well folks, as I mentioned previously there's very few new Press Releases coming through right now to share with you and without scouring the web for a lifetime, there not a whole bunch of new news to share, so you've probably noticed that it's allowed me to catch up on reviews.

Four new ones for you over these past four days, happy?

Seriously the John Norum album is a great solid rockin' blues inspired release, Ozzy ..., well, it really didn't do enough for me, the Rush DVD is great and Scottish band Logan have just released a very good album, so there you have it!

More reviews on the way and who knows, maybe I'll finally get that interview typed up!!! That's a tough one.

Some brief news references here though ...

Sad to hear that late last week Tesla's studio run by band bassist Brian Wheat burned down, hopefully they didn't lose any new material. Some more details here: www.kcra.com/news/25222158/detail.html and at the bands site www.teslatheband.com/

Rumours are doing the rounds that Supertramp may reunite with Roger Hodgson are reported at Classic Rock magazine: www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/supertramp-exclusive-hodgson-return-never/

Keep track of official Supertramp news at: http://supertramp.com/

Other than that, pretty quiet all round.

Have a good day folks!

  

Logan - The Great Unknown album review

Logan – The Great Unknown album review

Released on: Mesa / Bluemoon records. Release date: October 5th, 2010

Logan are clearly a talented young Scottish band, I didn’t think they’d even released an album yet, but it turns out they’ve actually already released 5 albums!

They’re certainly getting noticed now though, as they’ve already opened for Bon Jovi, played the UK’s Download festival last year too, so here they come again with a brand new and strong album number six!

I have to be honest, I had never heard of these guys before until I received a press release on the band and started to get interested and checked them out.

I do have to say though, that their cited influences are very clear in their sound, seriously, but it’s very solid and very good!

On their website they cite their biggest influences so it’s already been given away but the mix they have on this album is great and captures a sound that lovers of say Pearl Jam, 3 Doors Down, STP, Creed, Nickelback, Daughtry and even Alice in Chains should enjoy and add to that the album is produced by Kevin Elson should speak volumes!

This is an album that I’ve been enjoying in the car quite a bit, opening title track ‘The Great Unknown’ is certainly very good and builds from quiet through the verses to rocking in the choruses, nice structure overall, great mix and grabbed to listen further.

I will say I thought at times the track was getting ready to grow more, really take off and totally rock out, but it’s what keeps you curious as to where they’ll go from here. Clever!

It’s funny you know, I know the band is Scottish so I guess if I mention Big Country, perhaps I could be forgiven in my reference here, but I often hear a hint of that in 3 Doors Down sound sometimes – I know they’re not Scottish, but I sometimes hear hints in their sound that they may have been influenced by Big Country, just slightly.

‘The Rock and Roll Way,’ is next and reminds me of say STP meets AIC. Crunching stop, start power chords as it chugs away.

OK, the Pearl Jam / Creed ‘ism’s really show through on ‘When I Get Down’ next and it’s certainly solid enough as it builds and rocks away.

‘Save Me’ next is in a very similar vein to the opening title track, doesn’t really take off, keeping a slower steady tempo and is more like semi power ballad territory.

‘Jump in Again’ starts laid back and then the power chords kick in but it still retains a slower pace, just picking up slightly more for the chorus, with a very obvious string orchestral sound backing the track up. Nice guitar solo here too.

‘Hallowed Ground’ sounds a little darker after some almost G ‘n’ R / Slash style opening guitar play, then it’s get dark and dirty with its chord structure and moody vocals, so very apt for the song title I guess. The guitar solo here plays out a little strange to me, but interesting stuff. Guitar licks are very Slash like in sound here and there.

Starting slowly again and building up again, with multi layers of sound – As seems to be the trademark here – ‘Brother’ comes next with some really nice guitar work here, the orchestral backing again shines through too. A nod towards Creed again here, although a little darker towards the end and a flash solo too, not bad.

In ‘Lost and Found’ I’d say it’s their most commercial track here, a lot more mainstream melodic rock track, perhaps alongside the opening title track. If you could imagine Bon Jovi playing a track in this style, perhaps with all the harmonies Logan have applied here, it may sound like this.

Sounding - obviously intentionally - slightly off key at the start is ‘Spin the Wheel’ in its sound, it’s kind of in a Nickelback vein to a degree, so staying on track with keeping it all familiar sounding, so it certainly works in staying true to their sound.

Don’t worry, ‘Born to Run’ next is not a cover of the Bruce Springsteen track, but it is one the more laid back tracks on here.

Then a darker sound returns for ‘Hurricane’ next, that chugs along in an almost Metallica vein through the verse, based on some of the riffs and song structure, right down to the solo. Keeping things interesting!

‘Hold My Hand’ is a slower number from the start, but then sure enough picks up a couple of minutes in, then a nice lead break plays in before some orchestrated string sounds and then the song builds up again to rock out towards the end. Nice track.

The next two tracks here are identified as bonus tracks, so I guess you may or may not have them on your copy of the album.

First up is ‘Gone’ which sounds a slightly different song directionally, with some nice harmony guitar, short licks that make things rather cool for me. It’s a slow to mid-paced track that’s certainly a little different.

Final number is ‘Light It Up’ which has a little punky riff that shows up here and there throughout before moving into a chug along number. There’s no denying they have catchy choruses throughout the album.

There’s no doubt in my mind, with the continued level of exposure they have had to date, that Logan should be able to catch the wave that many of the aforementioned acts have already ridden.

Certainly a solid release worthy of some attention and I wish them well with this.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

Band website: www.logan-net.com/

Rush - Classic Albums - 2112 and Moving Pictures DVD review

Rush – ‘Classic Albums’ 2112 and Moving Pictures DVD review

Released through: Eagle Vision. Release date: Available now

Rush has always been one of those amazing acts that through no matter what happens, an album not doing so good – In the early days – or a personal matter within the band, the three guys Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart just move along, stick together and work out whatever is needed.

In this footage you’ll find Neal Peart explaining that it’s probably a shared romanticism of music, reading and their similar sense of humour that has really been the chemistry behind their longevity.

They are all such extremely talented musicians, which I know really goes without saying, but should be said anyway as they are always a band very worthy of praise, through their incredible technical musical abilities.

So what does this latest ‘Classic Albums’ release do for us that we don’t already know?

Well, one thing that is interesting right now at the time of this DVD's release, is that there is also the release of ‘Rush – Beyond the Lighted Stage’ DVD / Blue Ray available, which was not so long along out at the movie theatres and was also shown on VH1 Classic which I saw. Some of the material used in that comes from this ‘rockumentary’ or vice versa as I recognized a lot of the material, just the same it’s still a great watch as there are areas here where the other movie didn’t take you through.

The other thing to keep in mind is that this DVD couldn’t just jump into the ‘2112’ period of the band, without covering the earlier ‘tougher’ years, where the band almost folded and that ‘2112’ was going to be the make it or break it album. So they go through discussing each prior release, ‘Rush,’ ‘Fly By Night’ and ‘Caress of Steel.’

The band and others here even discuss original Rush drummer, John Rutsey (RIP), who it seems they all felt wasn’t quite up to how both Lee and Lifeson were progressing musically, as he was more of a straight ahead rocker.

It’s even mentioned that he didn’t seem perhaps prepared to commit to things as the other two were.

After ‘2112’ the band and other guests here, go through moving toward ‘Moving Pictures,’ touching on the releases between, ‘A Farewell to Kings,’ ‘Hemispheres’ and ‘Permanent Waves,’ each taking it’s own path as each band member discusses what was driving them on and influencing them.

There’s talk of the early tours playing alongside classic / prog rock acts such as Uriah Heep and Jethro Tull.

It’s great that - as on other ‘Classic Albums’ DVD’s in this series – they bring in so many of the important people that were around at the time of recordings, such as band manager Ray Danniels, Cliff Burnstein who signed the band for Mercury records and producer of both albums Terry Brown (He’s also done more than the odd one or two more!), as well as other musicians and rock journalists who as admirers reflect on their own take of the band. This includes Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, Bare Naked Ladies’ Ed Robertson, Radio DJ Jim Ladd, Rolling Stone magazine’s David Fricke, along with a few other folks, a chat show host and even a Professor!

It’s really something to see just how talkative and humourous these three guys can be, when perhaps many people see the band as over intellectual squares, which maybe sadly some people still do.

Alex talks about how they started back in 1968 and how bands like Cream and Led Zeppelin were huge influences on them. Interesting too that Neil Peart seems completely as ease in the interviews, yet he openly admits that he leaves the band meet and greets to the other two guys.

The song ‘Limelight’ was written about dealing with being successful and popular and Neil explains, “I used to go and see The Who in Toronto, but I would never have dreamed of hanging around backstage, chasing them to their hotels, never mind going to their homes and I was shocked to see that kind of behavior. People chasing us around and people coming to my house!”

There’s some incredible footage on the disc, early live footage and studio video and live performances from throughout the 70’s and 80’s. What’s also very cool is how each band member performs specific parts of the old songs now in a studio set up, nice extra touch, but that is typical across this whole ‘Classic Album’ series.

If you’ve seen this on VH1 already, what you saw was edited of course as this DVD has a bonus of over 54 additional minutes of footage and interviews. Really, really, great stuff.

I could seriously tell you so much more about this great DVD, but you really check it out yourselves. Well worth checking out, I must also get a copy of ‘Beyond the Lighted Stage,’ for a keepsake.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Band website: www.rush.com/

Ozzy Osbourne - Scream album review

Ozzy Osbourne – Scream album review

Released through: Epic records. Release date: Available now.

Ok, so I’m not the world’s greatest fan of Ozzy Osbourne but that doesn’t mean I don’t like his material.

I actually enjoy his later years in Black Sabbath material, like Technical Ecstasy and Never Say Die, which most Sabbath fans thought were the worst! So what do I know, eh?

Of course there's classic Sabbath too that he always still covers live these days and that's some great stuff. 

I loved his early solo work too, ‘Blizzard of Oz’ release too, which of course featured the late Randy Rhoads, ‘Bark at the Moon’ with Jake E. Lee and ‘The Ultimate Sin’ grabbed me too, but I guess over the past decade or so, I really didn’t give his music too much listening to …

When ‘Scream’ was released I don’t know what it was but I wanted to check out just what I thought of Ozzy today and so when this arrived in my mailbox, I popped the disc in my car player and listened …

‘Let it Die’ starts with an eerie’ish intro before double bass drums, thrashing guitars and pummeling bass bond together .., briefly ... and then it becomes doom laden almost ala early Sabbath. The verse Ozzy sings through a voice box and the chorus picks up a little, but generally it’s a chug along doom metal sounding. Some nice little guitar touches here and there from new band guitarist Gus G, who perhaps is the shining star throughout.

With the single ‘Let Me Hear You Scream’ it’s certainly a more viable rock radio friendly style track, but Ozzy is belting it out for sure. Up tempo mainstream rocker that you’ve most likely already heard.

‘Soul Sucker’ next really does very little for me at all to start with, grungy doom laden chug along stuff again, until it hits a bridge that picks things up somewhat and then Gus G rips out a great flashy solo, before the tracks gets back into the grunge sound again.

Ozzy takes a complete left turn next and completely throws me with ‘Life Won’t Wait’ which has an almost sub-U2 type sound to it, through the verses certainly then punchy power chords pick things up in the choruses. Then towards the latter part of the song, it gets a little meatier shall we say, before right at the end Ozzy eases back again. I do like this somewhat!

‘Diggin’ Me Down’ starts misleadingly with some nice acoustic guitar, which is then played de-tuned and the metal starts and Ozzy decides to write an anti-Christ song … Quite why he had to go so extreme with some of the lyrics beats me ...? I guess it's his song ...

In ‘Crucify’ it’s starts with a little rumbling bass and the song slowly builds and builds as Ozzy starts singing about killing someone … Certainly Mr. Darkness appears to be back here. Musically, it’s an interesting piece, but again lyrically leaves something to be desired, but I guess he sometime likes being referred to as the prince of darkness. Sounds like he’s on that track here …

‘Fearless’ starts with some grungy, crunching riffs and then the song gets into it’s groove and sounds like a song about soldiers at war, being sent away to die … Keeping it dark Ozzy. The chorus is made up of stop start riffing. Heavy.

Next up ‘Time’ starts and finishes with some nice harmony, choral like vocals and it’s a fairly steady slower rock track that starts more laid back then picks up a little in the chorus then eases back in the following verses. Nice solo work again from Gus G.

Driving drums and bass throughout is provided by Tommy Clufetos and Blasko respectively and mostly atmospheric keyboards are from Adam Wakeman, who’s Rick Wakemans (Yes) son

‘I Want It More’ like many tracks here starts eerily before crunching power chords kick in and then fast chugging metal chords riff in the verses, but more of a melodic chorus tames things a little before those chugging riffs kick in again. Not bad.

I guess Ozzy keeps the morbid vibe going with ‘Latimer’s Mercy’ written about murderer and former farmer Robert Latimer and the song is sure fire sub-thrash metal. Very dark material to match the subject matter I guess?!

He closes the album with the very gentle, yet short and sweet – A little over a minute long. - ‘I Love You All,’ that is made simply of these lines. ‘We all must stand together now, or one by one we fall. For all these years you’ve stood by me, God Bless, I love you all.’

Interesting words, especially considering the lyrical content elsewhere on the album.

So, as I said at the start I’m not his biggest fan, but I can see the appeal to the metal masses that follow him through the years, as well as those that like his darker material. For me, there’s moments I don’t mind, but it’s really not a patch to me on some of his more mainstream rock.

There’s no doubting the musical ability of the players either, it’s just for me that the songs aren’t strong enough or in a vein that could be more appealing. That said, the album has already sold bucket loads, so clearly I’m one of the few that’s not really impressed.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Official website: www.ozzy.com/us/home

John Norum - Play Yard Blues album review

John Norum – Play Yard Blues album review

Released on: Mascot records. Release Date: Available everywhere now!

(Album cover photo by Paul Bergen)

John Norum is a guitarist who I have a great deal of time for, he’s seriously a class act, but more than that he has previously admitted he was heavily influenced by two of my favourite all time bands in both Thin Lizzy and UFO.

His band Europe not so long ago also paid tribute top both acts in their release ‘Almost Unplugged’ and Norum himself has covered Lizzy tracks on previous solo releases and has done so again on this new one.

What I really like about the guys style is that I hear a similar sound to Michael Schenker's playing in many of his solos and licks here and there, very similar to say Brian Robertson and even Gary Moore and to be honest his voice at times is similar to both Gary Moore and Jack Bruce (Cream).

To be completely open with you I’m not a big fan of blues, so I really wondered where this album would go, as my taste in blues is along the lines of more rocky blues ala Joe Bonamassa, Jeff Healey, a little Cream some Gary Moore blues, Kenny Wayne Shepherd you get the picture.

This album was pleasantly surprising in that although Norum is showing blues elements here and there, it a rocking release!

What’s really a nice touch here also is that the album is dedicated to his late musician wife Michelle Meldrum Norum (RIP) who sadly passed away back in 2008 and the album cover features their son Jake Thomas Norum posing alongside John.

So now you have some background, on to the album!

(Jake Thomas and John Norum photo by Paul Bergen)

Opening with a very Hendrix / Cream like ‘Let it Shine’ Norum has a winner, it’s a song with a great vibe and strong chorus, great sound, with a little psychedelic bridge mid way through with the solo and then back to that catchy riff that runs through the verses.

I love it and even Europe bandmate Mic Michaeli makes his presence felt on the Hammond organ here.

In a similar vibe comes ‘Red Light Green High’ save for the solo where he switches direction a little, eases back for some smooth guitar work then back into the rockin’ blues vibe. Nice.

Very impressed by his cover of Lizzy’s ‘It’s Only Money’ next and he’s got the vocal somewhere between a Phil Lynott / Gary Moore sound, classy stuff John. This should excellent live!

Please play some US dates John …!

Guest vocalist Leif Sundin joins John on next track ‘Got My Eyes on You’ which is well written between the two of them, with more than a nod towards Lizzy again, even a little Wild Horses (UK version) like, with a great solo section that almost encompasses a sound not unlike both UFO and Lizzy. Great rocker for sure. This album is cruising for me!

‘When Darkness Falls’ is again very Lizzy like with some Robertson style licks here and there, yet his solo is all his own and rips! Yet another really strong song indeed to keep the momentum up here.

For ‘Over and Done’ next, the presence of Michaeli’s keyboards are felt again alongside a grooving blues riff, very Cream like in places.

Norum’s backing band includes Tomas Torberg on bass who keeps things steady, yet grooving throughout alongside some great rhythm from drummer Thomas Broman and Peter Stappe add percussive touches elsewhere.

Another cover next in the shape of Canadian Frank Marino’s ‘Ditch Queen’ which true to Marino’s style has a very Hendrix vibe about it, but Marino’s material never really grabbed me, so Norum makes this workable for me, probably wouldn’t have worked if I just heard it from Marino.

The sound on next track ‘Travel In The Dark’ I’ve got to say, sounds more like Joe Lynn Turner era Rainbow than anything else here, ironically it’s a Mountain track!

Norum adds more than a touch of (Ritchie) Blackmore type style here, adding the Hammond just makes it all the more so and I seriously had to pick up the album to check it wasn’t Joe Lynn Turner! Love it!

“Born Again’ brings Leif Sundin back in on vocals and is an out and out rocker, dare I say ala M.S.G. like and it’s solid ripping it up track, very tight rhythm section indeed and Norum comes into his own element, big time with some great solo work.

OK, to the title track ‘Play Yard Blues’ to close the album and sure enough, Mr. Norum indeed gives us some great blues licks!

If you’re already a fan of the man, then chances are you’ve already got the album! If you’re a fan of Europe, you may or may not have, but seriously, this is a great album and I am thankful to have a copy, so I do indeed recommend it to you all!

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Official website: www.johnnorum.se/

Brief Rock News Update Friday 1st October, 2010

Wow! Look at this year go folks, here we are in October already, unreal!

Well, it's pretty quiet on most things to be honest, ran out of time on the review coverage, as I was hoping to upload one or two reviews for you tonight, but alas no ... :(

Should have two new album reviews for you very soon though at least, if not possibly three!

One is a new release (In North America), from an excellent European guitarist, ahem, another from a young'ish Scottish band with a lot of promise and the other ..., if time allows is from an older rocker that was released about a month back ... Yeah I know, I'm not keeping up so well but if you're regular readers here, it's probably because you prefer the in depth reviews I share .... I hope! So you should enjoy these which should be up this weekend.

Still working on completing that interview from a while back now ... Phew! It's a long one ...

Anyway, back to the news items for you, sorry it's brief but really couldn't find a lot and no new Press Releases hitting me yesterday so this is it! Cheers, Al

Peter Frampton World Tour Dates

In support of the guitar and voicebox legend Peter Frampton's latest release "Thank You Mr Churchill," the man is 'seriously' doing a world tour!

I kid you not! After wrapping up his US Summer Tour, he's now heading Down Under for dates in October through into November, before then heading to Honolulu and Maui also in November and it looks like a breather after that. Then in March he has lined up UK dates, before heading to Holland, Germany, Austria and Italy.

Now come on, that's not too bad and who's to say he won't throw in some more dates here and there, eh?!

Here's your full list of dates, from his site, but you should probably check back there for updates, plus of course any news the guy cares to share!

You go Peter!

Those dates are as follows:

October 2010

10.27.2010 Harbour Theatre, Sydney, AUS

10.29.2010 WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, AUS

10.30.2010 Riverstage, Brisbane, AUS

November 2010

11.01.2010 Etiham Stadium in Melbourne, Australia

w/ Brian Wilson, Chicago & America

11.03.2010 Palais Theatre, Melbourne, AUS

11.05.2010 Luna Park, Sydney, Australia

11.06.2010 Wyndham Estate Winery, Hunter Valley, AUS

11.07.2010 AIS Arena, Canberra, AUS

11.09.2010 Theatre Mode, Adelaide, AUS

11.12.2010 Pioneer Women’s Memorial Kings Park & Botanic Garden,

Perth, AUS

11.15.2010 Blaisdell Concert Hall, Honolulu, HI

11.17.2010 Maui Arts & Cultural Center - Castle Theater, Maui, HI

European Tour 2011

March
03.01.2011 Assembly Rooms, Leamington, UK

03.02.2011 ABC/Academy, Glasgow, UK

03.03.2011 Academy 2, Manchester, UK

03.05.2011 Shepherds Bush Empire, London, UK

03.06.2011 Academy, Bristol, UK 

03.08.2011 Boerderij in Zoetermeer, Holland

03.10.2011 Hugenottenhalle in Frankfurt, Germany

03.11.2011 Stadhalle in Bad Rappenau, Germany

03.12.2011 Haus Auensee in Leipzig, Germany

03.14.2011 Muffathalle in Munich, Germany

03.15.2011 Lowensaal in Nurnberg, Germany

03.16.2011 Stadhalle in Braunschweig, Germany

03.18.2011 Turbinenhalle in Oberhausen, Germany

03.19.2011 Stadthalle in Heidenheim, Germany

03.20.2011 Arena in Vienna, Austria

03.22.2011 Salumeria della Musica in Milan, Italy

03.23.2011 Auditorium Sala Sinopoli in Rome, Italy  

Website: http://frampton.com/home/

4th Annual School of Rock! Featuring Jim Peterik and World Stage

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW for the hottest event of the year!

www.sanmiguelrocks.org/

4th Annual School of Rock! - October 28, 2010

Please join us for an evening of cocktails, cuisine and rock n’ roll at the historic House of Blues.

Featuring:

Jim Peterik and World Stage

Also expected to Appear:

Don Barnes – .38 Special

Mike Reno – Loverboy

Jack Blades – Night Ranger

Rik Emmett – Triumph

Dave Bickler – Singing the Songs of Survivor

Bun E. Carlos – Cheap Trick

Other surprise guests to be announced!

With DJ ROCK CITY – Voted #1 DJ in Chicago by Chicago Scene Magazine – and DJ E-SIX AND MATT ROAN

ALL proceeds to benefit San Miguel Schools Chicago!

San Miguel Schools Chicago is proud to announce our fourth annual School of Rock fundraising event, “Big Hair, Bigger Hits!” Thursday, October 28, 2010 at the historic House of Blues.

We are going back to the 80’s with a special one night only performance by Jim Peterik & World Stage featuring guest artists from bands like Toto, Loverboy, Night Ranger, .38 Special, Survivor, Triumph, Winger and Ides of March!

We expect over 800 guests to attend this year’s School of Rock and invite you to join our celebrity Co-Chairs for an evening of cocktails, cuisine and great rock n’ roll:

Jerry Azumah, former Chicago Bear, Philanthropist and Industrialist

Celia Chavez, President of Telemundo Chicago

Marv Nyren, Regional Vice President of WLUP, The Loop

Larry Wert, President of NBC Chicago

J.Y. Young of STYX

School of Rock is the signature fundraiser for San Miguel Schools Chicago, an inner-city middle school serving students and families on the south and west sides of Chicago. Now in its 4th year, School of Rock has evolved into one of the most talked about fundraisers in Chicago.

This event is unlike any other in Chicago, throwing out the conventional “rubber chicken dinner” fundraiser to create an exciting evening of cocktails, live auction and rock n’ roll in an historic venue. So keep that tux and gown tucked in your closet and join us for one of the most notorious benefit events in the city.

San Miguel hosted the first School of Rock in 2007 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, in conjunction with the MCA’s 40th anniversary exhibit, “Rock and Roll Since 1967.” This event was a complete sell-out and the talk of the town! According to Crain’s Chicago Business “No painting, sculpture, artist or exhibition has rocked the Museum of Contemporary Art the way the fundraiser for San Miguel Schools did!”

On October 9, 2008, San Miguel moved its second School of Rock fundraising event to the House of Blues and featured performances by The Lovin’ Spoonful and Jim Peterik’s World Stage show featuring guest artists from bands such as REO Speedwagon, Jefferson Starship, .38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Ides of March and The Motels.

In 2009, San Miguel hosted the largest School of Rock yet, with national acts STYX and DJ Biz Markie helping to draw over 800 people and raise nearly $200,000 for San Miguel’s Scholarship Fund.

School of Rock 2010 will be held on Thursday, October 28 again at the historic House of Blues.

Explore http://www.sanmiguelrocks.org/ for more information on how you can be a School of Rock sponsor, buy tickets, and learn more about this year’s performers!

Source: www.rikemmett.com/news/

Ace Frehley to Appear at Redemption Song at Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall in New York, NY on October 5

On October 5, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in Zankel Hall, the Carnegie Hall Notables program—a membership and ticket program for music enthusiasts in their 20s and 30s—presents REDEMPTION SONG, an evening of conversation and performance exploring the relationship between artistry, dependency, recovery, and longevity. This event features a one-night-only conversation between influential entertainers in music discussing struggles with drugs or alcohol. The evening will benefit music education in the New York metropolitan area by supporting the many music education programs made possible by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute.

Musician, actor, and activist against substance abuse Henry Rollins will host an open discussion interspersed with readings and performance, inviting the audience to listen to musicians as they reflect upon their personal journeys and the impact that obstacles have had on their music. Blues, folk, jazz musician, and singer-songwriter, Rickie Lee Jones will perform selections from her acclaimed body of work, musician and drummer Steven Adler (Guns N’ Roses, Adler’s Appetite) will read from his book My Appetite for Destruction: Sex, and Drugs, and Guns N’ Roses, and musician Darryl “DMC” McDaniels (Run-DMC) will also give a reading from his book King of Rock: Respect, Responsibility, and My Life with Run-DMC; and guitarist, songwriter, and author Ace Frehley (KISS) joins the panel.

Immediately following the discussion and performance, attendees are invited to attend an exclusive afterparty sponsored by FUZE Beverage at Providence, formerly a world-famous recording studio where The Rolling Stones, The Ramones, and Jimi Hendrix created iconic records. Steven Adler will sign copies of My Appetite for Destruction: Sex, and Drugs, and Guns N’ Roses at the afterparty where guests will receive a complimentary copy.

Redemption Song and all annual Notables season-launch events are generously underwritten by Pia and Jimmy Zankel. Mr. Zankel also serves as the Co-Chair of the Notables program.

The October 5 panel discussion and afterparty are free for Carnegie Hall Notables members at the Supporter level and higher. Admission is $40 for Notables members at the Prelude level and $60 for the general public. For more information, please call 212-903-9734, or visit www.carnegiehall.org/redemptionsong

Ace Frehley site: www.acefrehley.com/