Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Brief News Update for Wednesday 28th June, 2011

Todd Rundgren confirms intimate UK concerts in October

Todd Rundgren, rock and roll icon, guitar genius, interactive progenitor, consummate singer-songwriter and record producer, will get up close and personal with four rare UK concerts in October 2011.

Todd will be performing “An Evening with Todd Rundgren”, universally described by the US press as “The greatest hits tour his fans have been waiting to see for years.”

Dates include HMV Ritz, Manchester on Saturday October 1st, and the London Jazz Café on Monday October 3rd, Tuesday October 4th and Wednesday October 5th. Tickets go on sale from 10:00 GMT on Tuesday June 28th. Ticket Hotline: 08700 603 777, http://www.seetickets.com/.

The October 2011 dates mark Rundgren’s first UK shows since 2010’s sold-out London Hammersmith Apollo concert where he performed the entirety of his 1973 milestone album A Wizard, A True Star. An acclaimed record producer, composer, songwriter and recording artist, Rundgren is widely regarded as the acknowledged godfather of the marriage of music and multimedia. Having founded and fronted The Nazz, the quintessential `60's power-pop psychedelic band, in 1969 he left them to pursue a solo career, recording his debut offering, the classic Runt.
It was 1972's seminal Something/Anything?, on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts, and acted as his own producer, that catapulted Todd into the superstar limelight. Among Rundgren's impressive 50+ production projects are albums by Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs, XTC, Grand Funk Railroad, Hall & Oates, and Meat Loaf’s multi-platinum debut Bat Out Of Hell.
Read the official online press release and download hi-res photos - http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/meanfiddler/ToddRundgren.htm


Dream Theater new track available and new album details

Progressive rock favourites Dream Theater share some new music with fans, this update from the bands website:

Be The First To Listen To Dream Theater's New Track!

Roadrunner Records and Dream Theater are proud to announce the premiere of Dream Theater's new track "On The Backs Of Angels" taken from their highly anticipated upcoming album "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" due out this September.
Tune into Roadrunner Records' YouTube channel this Wednesday, June 29th from 11 AM EST to stream the new track!
http://www.youtube.com/roadrunnerrecords

Here's the press release for the forthcoming new Dream Theater album:

Progressive titans Dream Theater have announced the title/release date of their new album.

(New York, NY): The recent announcement that Mike Mangini would be joining DREAM THEATER, replacing departed drummer Mike Portnoy, caused such fanfare that Mangini was a trending topic on Twitter, second only to Will and Kate's recent nuptuals!
Now, the band have finally revealed more about their imending new opus - 'A Dramatic Turn of Events.'
The much-anticipated platter, which marks Mangini's recorded debut, will be released via Roadrunner Records on September 12th and will be supported by a massive world tour.


"I'm incredibly psyched with the way this album came out and can't wait to share it with everybody," guitarist John Petrucci, who also serves as the album's producer, said. "We are currently in the mix stage with the great Andy Wallace and it's all sounding amazing!"


"We have poured our hearts and minds into the creation of this album," keyboardist Jordan Rudess continues. "All the life changing events that surrounded us before, as well as during the whole process, fueled our desire to dig deep within ourselves and create the best music we possibly could."
Vocalist James LaBrie adds, "In the grand scheme of Dream Theater's career, the last several months have been such an incredibly positive, fulfilling and rewarding experience. The new songs and sound has never been so spirited or rejuvenating. I cannot wait for every one of our fans to sink their audio senses into this batch of tunes."

The track listing for 'A Dramatic Turn of Events' is as follows:

1. On the Backs of Angels
2. Build Me Up, Break Me Down
3. Lost Not Forgotten
4. This is the Life
5. The Shaman's Trance
6. Outcry
7. Far From Heaven
8. Breaking All Illusions
9. Beneath The Surface

Official band website:
 http://www.dreamtheater.net/


STRYPER - NEW US FALL TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED!
After having already toured the US in certain market areas in support of their latest release, 'The Covering,' Stryper are to hit the North American road again in the Fall.
This slight update from the band's site.

As promised, Stryper is booking more tour dates!
Check out the TOUR DATES section for the latest dates. More dates will be added as they are confirmed!
http://www.stryper.com/Tour/Dates/dates.htm


 

XorigiN “State of the Art” – an AOR newcomer not to be missed!
Hailing from Scandinavia, XorigiN is the newest addition to the Frontiers Records ever expanding roster of artists and will release their debut album entitled “State of the Art” on August 23rd in North America and August 26th in Europe.



The band was originally named Orange Crush and was formed in Los Angeles in 1999, while the members where studying music at the Musicians Institute. The founding members Johannes Stole (vocals) and Daniel Palmqvist (guitar) later returned to their home countries of Norway and Sweden and continued collaborating on various projects in between their other engagements. Johannes is currently a sought after session singer/artist in Oslo, Norway and has released 2 critically acclaimed albums with progressive rock band Slaves To Fashion.
Daniel has released a well received instrumental solo album, appeared as a session guitarist on a number of albums and is the former guitarist for the band The Murder Of My Sweet



Melodic hard rock with a modern edge would be a fitting description of XorigiN's music.
Musically they draw on influences such as Toto, Giant, Journey and Yes (“90125”/”Big Generator” era) to name a few, but still keeping their own personal sound and musical identity intact. Strong melodies, well crafted songs and catchy vocal arrangements are their trademark. “It is our version of what AOR should sound like, catchy melodic tunes with rocking guitars and big hooks!”, says Johannes, “Our musical influences definitely shine through, but there’s also something uniquely ours mixed in there as well” adds Daniel.
“State of the Art” was produced by Daniel Flores (Mind’s Eye, The Murder of My Sweet) and promises to put the band on the radar of all the classic Melodic Rock fans! You will certainly hear more from these guys “We're in this for the long run and are already writing for the next album” says Stole while Palmqvist adds Hopefully the album will be well received and we certainly have a wish to take these songs to the stage”.
State of the Art includes the following songs
Can´t Keep Running; Crying For You; In The Blink Of An Eye; Too Late; Gina; This Is It; The One For Me; Said And Done; Matters To The Heart; What Love Is All About; Mend My Heart. Includes bonus videoclip Can’t Keep Running.

You can enjoy the album trailer following this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdGgf7DfEDw

“Can’t Keep Running” can be streamed and listened to in full on the Frontiers Records web radio: http://www.frontiers.it/webradio

Weblinks: www.myspace.com/xorigin /
http://www.frontiers.it/



Johnny Winter releases "Live Rockpalast 1979" DVD and
Live Rockpalast 1979 features Johnny Winter and his three piece band live on Germany's famous Rockpalast TV show in 1979... Straight up blues like only Johnny can deliver, lean and mean. Johnny and the band also blaze through some killer covers like the Rolling Stones' "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Suzie Q."
Of this program, guitar journalist Sean McDevitt writes:
Cover Art

Johnny Winter had nothing to prove by the time April of 1979 arrived. Thirty-five years old, he was an established international star and already a decade removed from his seminal 1969 debut-a groundbreaking record followed by an unforgettable appearance at Woodstock, scores of sold-out arenas, a well documented stint in drug rehabilitation, and a steady stream of celebrated albums.
But as this performance makes clear, Winter's musical soul wasn't entirely at peace the night he stepped before a massive audience in Essen, Germany, to record a performance for the popular German television program Rockpalast ("Rock Palace"). The Texan, armed with his Gibson Firebird was on a mission to reaffirm for his audience-including millions watching the broadcast across Europe-his devotion to the blues, the music that consumed him as a young man during the 1950s and '60s but was later cast aside as rock stardom beckoned.
The proof can be found in the night's setlist: "Hideaway," the guitar workout made famous by Freddie King, kicks things off. It's followed by "Messin' with the Kid," a staple of Chicago harp master Junior Wells. "Walkin' by Myself," co-penned by another Chicago great, Jimmy Rogers, follows.
But it's not just what Winter plays that tells the tale; it's what he says. "I hope there's some people out there that get off on blues," he offers. "I know we've got a lot of rock and rollers. But you've gotta remember that if it wasn't for the blues, there wouldn't be no rock and roll."
And with that, the master goes deep into the Delta, unleashing a breathtaking, 17-minute reading of Willie Brown's "Mississippi Blues," an undeniable highlight of this unforgettable night. Winter follows up with Sleepy John Estes' "Divin' Duck" before attacking Dale Hawkins' "Susie Q."
Ever gracious, on "I'm Ready," Johnny picks up a bass as his bassist fires away on guitar. The arrangement continues for "Rockabilly Boogie," a joyous performance replete with some crowd-pleasing showmanship. But then it's back to the blues.
"Well I know I'm fighting a losing battle, but I'm gonna to try to do some more blues," Winter says. "I hope there's somebody out there that might understand what that is and might want to hear a little bit of it." And with that, Johnny delivers a master class medley that leads off with Robert Johnson's "Stones in My Passway."
The artist finally throws a bone to the rock enthusiasts with a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash." But it's best to think of this offering as a reward, not a concession. Johnny Winter's statement on this night had long since been made.

Check out a You Tube clip for the DVD right here:
To get a hold of a copy of of this:



AXEL RUDI PELL TO RELEASE "THE BALLADS IV" SEPTEMBER 27TH IN NORTH AMERICA ON SPV/STEAMHAMMER
 
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Another seven years has passed since the release of the "The Ballads III"  from Axel Rudi Pell. Seven years of writing, recording and collecting even more emotional and melancholic songs. To keep with the tradition, the band decided to record 3 brand new tracks for this ballad compilation.
Here is a short introduction by AXEL himself to every new song in the specific running order:

WHERE THE WILD WATERS FLOW -"My own composition in the true ARP ballad style.
This song is not about love, it has a more mysterious content and it captures the long and hopeless journey of human beings trying to get away from some dark nights. One can apply this to many different thoughts and situations nowadays. I definitely think that this song is one of the strongest ballads I´ve ever written with a hookline that will stick to everyone´s ears !"

HOLY DIVER - "As everybody knows, my soul mate and friend Ronnie James Dio sadly passed away last year. It was very clear to me I needed to use one of his songs to pay him tribute. It had to be a song, which was very easily recognizable as one of his tunes and therefore I picked "Holy Diver". Of course the original track isn´t a ballad, so I decided to re-arrange the song completely and we made a Piano version out of it, featuring some Orchestra strings, a Cello and a clean and melodic guitar solo. Johnny gave his very best vocal performance and after the track was finished, there were lots of tears in some eyes..."

HALLELUJAH - "At least one of the best ballads around. Originally written and released by Leonard Cohen in 1984, it wasn´t his version giving me the idea to cover this tune. Actually it was all the good and bad performances of some TV casting show participants, who gave me the real kick to create one of the, hopefully, ultimate versions of this song. We recorded a children´s choir for this, which fits perfectly to Johnny´s emotional and soulful voice. There are 2 different versions of this track: the CD album version which features a slightly wilder guitar solo and the "Single" (and downloadable) version which features a calmer guitar solo. "

"The Ballads IV" will be released as standard version and digital download in North America through SPV/Steamhammer.

"The Ballads IV" - Tracklisting:
1) WHERE THE WILD WATERS FLOW (new song)
2) HOLY DIVER (new song)
3) HALLELUJAH (new song)
4) NORTHERN LIGHTS
5) NOBLESSE OBLIGE (Opus #5 Adagio Contabile)
6) LOVE GUN
7) GLORY NIGHT
8) IN THE AIR TONIGHT
9) TOUCHING MY SOUL
10) LIKE A CHILD AGAIN
11) NO CHANCE TO LIVE
12) HAUNTED CASTLE SERENADE (Opus #4 Grazioso E Agresso)
13) THE CURSE OF THE DAMNED
"Where The Wild Waters Flow", "Holy Diver" and "Hallelujah" were recorded, mixed and co-produced by Charlie Bauerfeind at Twilight Hall Studios in Grefrath, Germany, in May 2011. The CD was mastered by Ulf Horbelt at DMS Mastering Studios in Marl, Germany. The cover illustration was created by Martin McKenna.



 "The Ballads IV" - Release Dates:
Germany: September 23rd, 2011
Europe: September 26th, 2011
USA/Canada: September 27th, 2011
Line-Up:
Johnny Gioeli - Lead und Backing Vocals
Axel Rudi Pell - Lead, Rhythm und Acoustic Guitars
Ferdy Doernberg - Keyboards
Volker Krawczak - Bass
Mike Terrana - Drums
For More Info Visit:


CHICAGO to perform only UK concert in London, on July 6th
CHICAGO, one of the most successful rock’n’roll bands of all time, will perform a special one-off “Greatest Hits” UK concert at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo on Wednesday 6th July. Tickets are available from 0844 888 9991 and 0844 847 1642. Book online: http://www.ticketline.co.uk/, http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/. The London show will be their only UK date this year.
The multi-million selling band’s greatest hits set will include classic songs such as Colour My World, Hard to Say I’m Sorry, Saturday In The Park, and If You Leave Me Now, which reached topped the singles charts, both in the UK and America.



Chicago’s numerous lifetime achievements include multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Their record sales are in excess of 100 million; including 21 Top 10 singles, 5 consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles and 5 Gold singles. Twenty five of their 32 albums have been certified platinum.

Read the official online announcement here - www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/kennedy_street/chicago.htm

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