Friday, July 22, 2011

News Updates for Friday 22nd July, 2011

UK Hard Rockers URIAH HEEP to release a new stunning official Live CD and DVD package recorded in Armenia


Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of URIAH HEEP's "Live in Armenia" 2CD+DVD package on September 23rd in Europe and September 27th in North America.

In October 2009, Uriah Heep released their 40th Anniversary 'Celebration' album, containing new studio recordings of 12 of their most successful, classic tracks, plus two brand new songs. This recording heralded an exciting new phase for the band, taking their classic sound right into the future.

The band hit the road to celebrate 40 years at the top and opened new frontiers in Eastern Europe, Australia, South Africa, Japan and America. The band has played 53 different countries in total. The band's motto has always been "if the people cannot come to see and hear Heep music, we will take it to them" and based on that when the band was invited to play for the first time in Armenia, they did not think twice and went for it. So when the band agreed they were approached by TV and film crews to document this concert which shows an epic performance and an incredibly strong and powerful audience reaction.

"It was unique because it was a first for us, and the fact that our music meant so much to so many people, was just wonderful" says Mick Box. "It cannot get any better than that. There were some technical problems to overcome, as we played on hired equipment, but the emotion of the night won through, and if asked, we would indeed go back and play again".

Uriah Heep, who indisputably invented Hard Rock in conjunction with Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, have sold in excess of 30 million albums since their inception in 1969. From their early incarnation as The Gods and Spice, through record breaking tours, gold and platinum selling albums, timeless chart scaling anthems and a fiercely dedicated fan base of worldwide proportions, Uriah Heep can rightly claim to be one of the greatest U.K. Progressive Heavy Rock bands of both the 20th and 21st centuries.

"Live in Armenia" will be exclusively released in a glossy digipak 2CD+DVD package and on a limited 2LP gatefold sleeve version (including only the audio portion). Full tracklisting is below:

CD1: Wake the Sleeper; Overload; Tears of the World; Stealin'; Book of Lies; Gypsy; Look at Yourself; What Kind of God; Angels Walk With You; Shadow.

CD2: July Morning; Easy Livin'; Sunrise; Sympathy; Lady In Black.

DVD: Wake the Sleeper; Overload; Tears of the World; Stealin'; Book of Lies; Gypsy; Look at Yourself; What Kind of God; Angels Walk With You; Shadow; July Morning; Easy Livin'; Sunrise; Sympathy; Lady In Black.
DVD Stereo mix 2.0 - Screen 16:9; format: NTSC Region Free / Length 100 mins.

Enjoy a DVD trailer following this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ynz8GlxDiOg

URIAH HEEP
* Trevor Bolder - bass guitar, vocals
* Mick Box - guitar, vocals
* Russell Gilbrook - drums, vocals
* Phil Lanzon - keyboards, vocals
* Bernie Shaw - lead vocals

Produced by Mike Paxman
Official band website:



House of Lords return with new album 'Big Money.'


Euro Release date: 23.09.2011
USA Release date: 27.09.2011

House of Lords debuted in 1989 with the release of the self-titled album, a record which is still regarded as one of the best Arena Rock releases of the 80’s. The colossal sound, the soaring vocals of James Christian and instrumental capabilities of the band (which featured ex Angel and Giuffria, Gregg Giuffria, along with such luminaries as Lanny Cordola, Chuck Wright and Ken Mary), reminiscent of such frontrunners as Whitesnake, Deep Purple and Van Halen, immediately brought the band to the attention of the media and fans.

With their sophomore release entitled “Sahara”, House of Lords gained considerable chart success with their cover version of Blind Faith’s “Can't Find My Way Home”. After a tour with Nelson in 1991, the group disbanded, eventually coming back together with a new lineup (only featuring original members Giuffria and Christian) in 1992 with "Demon's Down". This was a more melodic record which saw the big contribution at the songwriting helm - between others - of Mark Baker, a guy who penned a couple of years before the majority of the Signal “Loud and Clear” album, one of the most sought after gems of the Melodic Rock genre.

With the change of the musical climate, House of Lords went into hibernation until the original lineup came back together in 2000, releasing of the controversial “Power and the Myth” an album which featured a sound leaning more towards Progressive Hard Rock with 70’s rock influences.

After a short European tour, singer James Christian decided to go back to the trademark Arena Rock sound of House Of Lords, putting together a new line-up with the blessing of founding member Gregg Giuffria, who opted out right before the release of “Power and the Myth”. New members Jimi Bell on guitars, B.J. Zampa on drums supplied a true powerhouse sound to the fifth studio album “World Upside Down”, a record which caused a real stir in the Hard Rock and Melodic Rock scene and was followed up by the equally impressive “Come to My Kingdom” in 2008.

House of Lords toured relentlessly Europe and the States in support to the releases and have now become a true staple between the Hard Rock crowd among the two continents. Needing a more fresh impact in the songwriting, James decided to team again with Mark Baker for the new album entitled “Cartesian Dreams”. The record is just what you can expect and even more: superb hooks, majestic atmospheres that bring back the memories of the debut album, monumental guitar riffs and a production to die for. Everything in “Cartesian Dreams” shines from the first second to the last!

Fast forward to September 2011 which will mark the release of the newest addition to a stellar catalogue of songs. "BIG MONEY" is well, ‘BIG!’
The album starts with the trademark vocals of James Christian and crashes into a Power Rock Classic that you will not forget after the first listen, followed by in a song that Christian describes “as the band’s best work to date”: “One Man Down”. Each song has its own distinct quality as you would expect from The Lords and once again the album is full of soaring choruses, awesome guitar work and songs that grab you from the first listen and don’t let go. James teamed up again on the songwriting with long-time friend and partner Mark Baker along with the other band memmbers Jimi Bell and BJ Zampa.

Look out for House of Lords on Tour in September of 2011.

House of Lords is:
James Christian – vocals
Jimi Bell – guitars
BJ Zampa – drums
Chris McCarvill - bass

Official weblinks:


Leslie West, Uli Jon Roth and Michael Schenker Unite for 3 Guitar Heroes Tour



Leslie West, Uli Jon Roth and Michael Schenker will be joining forces for what's being called the '3 Guitar Heroes Tour' this fall. The tour will included individual sets by each guitarist, plus a jam with all three afterwards. The three will also be joined by special guests on most dates of the tour.
On the touring plans, Leslie West said: "I am honored to be a part of the '3 Guitar Heroes' tour with Uli Roth and Michael Schenker. My manager Bob and I have been discussing a run like this for ages, and when the opportunity came up I hopped on board. That's right - the guy who just had his leg amputated. These guys are monster players and this should be a lot of fun."

Michael Schenker added: "It is very exciting to be part of a tour that has very deeply rooted connections with two guitarists that have been at their best since the start of their careers. When I was around 14 years-old, I saw a guy on stage playing amazing guitar. It was Uli, and he was around my age. Three years later while with the Scorpions, I chose to join UFO and found the best possible replacement in Uli. I knew my brother Rudolf (Schenker) and Klaus (Meine) were in good hands.


When I was 16 years old, Leslie West was one of my favorite guitarists. He had just recorded 'Theme For An Imaginary Western' with MOUNTAIN, a song featuring one of my all-time favorite lead-breaks on it. Looking back, Leslie is the last guitarist I ever copied seeing that from when I was 17 on, I went completely my own way.
So, here we are after all these years on stage together, celebrating the phenomenon - rock guitar."


3 Guitar Heroes Tour Dates:
October 2011


6 - Norfolk, CT Infinity Music Hall & Bistro
8 - Ridgefield, CT The Ridgefield Playhouse
9 - Plymouth, NH The Flying Monkey
12 - Foxborough, MA Showcase Live
13 - Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony
14 - New York, NY Irving Plaza
15 - Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
16 - Westbury, NY NYCB Theatre At Westbury
19 - Baltimore, MD Sound Stage
20 - Cleveland, OH House of Blues
21 - Cincinnati, OH Bogart's
22 - Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room
26 - Milwaukee, WI The Pabst Theater
27 - Chicago, IL House of Blues
November 2011

4 - Dallas, TX House of Blues
5 - Houston, TX House of Blues
11 - Las Vegas, NV Boulder Station Hotel & Casino

More dates will be announced shortly.
Story source:
http://www.guitarworld.com/leslie-west-uli-jon-roth-and-michael-schenker-unite-3-guitar-heroes-tour
You can also see more at:
http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/leslie-west-0721-2011/




DEREK SHERINIAN

‘OCEANA’
THE NEW ALBUM




Monday September 5th sees the UK release of Derek Sherinian’s new solo album ‘Oceana’ – released on the Music Theories Recordings label via the Mascot Label Group.

If this were the 1970's, the heyday of such keyboard titans as Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and Jon Lord, he would be among that elite circle of players whom were superstars - back in a time when such talent was not only appreciated, but celebrated in popular music. This is, however, 2011, and in this age, Derek Sherinian is the premiere rock keyboardist of his generation, a member of the supergroup Black Country Communion, a core member of Dream Theater, and a prolific solo artist.
Derek has played with a diverse range of artists including Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, Yngwie Malmsteen and KISS. In addition to being a part of Dream Theater, Derek was also a member of the prog rock band Platypus, and the founder of the progressive fusion/metal band Planet X.
Oceana is mixed by the legendary drummer Simon Phillips (whose drumming credentials include Toto, The Who, Jeff Beck, 10CC, Roxy Music, Mick Jagger, Mike Oldfield).

The new album features contributions from Joe Bonamassa (Black Country Communion), Tony MacAlpine (Planet X), Simon Phillips (Toto), Steve Lukather (Toto), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), Jimmy Johnson and Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder).


ALBUM TRACKLISTING:
1. Five Elements (4:37)
2. Mercury 7 (4:29)
3. Mulholland (5:56)
4. Euphoria (5:34)
5. Ghost Runner (4:54)
6. El Camino Diablo (5:06)
7. I Heard That (4:53)
8. Seven Sins (5:56)
9. Oceana (5:38)


Sherinian has carved out a niche for himself within the progressive metal scene. His solo albums have featured the best technically proficient and creative musicians, including luminaries as diverse as Al DiMeola, Steve Lukather, Yngwie Malmsteen, Slash, John Petrucci, John Sykes and Zakk Wylde.

With Oceana, the album is yet again an assemblage featuring some of the most talented players to ever strap on a guitar, all of whom have joined Sherinian in the studio.

Steve Lukather once again collaborated with the keyboardist on the tracks Mulholland, Euphoria and Seven Sins, and former Planet X guitarist and fusion legend Tony MacAlpine performed on Five Elements and Mercury 7. Acclaimed session musician Steve Stevens is featured on Ghost Runner and the title track Oceana, while Black Country Communion band-mate Joe Bonamassa makes an appearance on I Heard That. Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake) performs on El Camino Diablo, and Jimmy Johnson plays the bass on all tracks with the exception of Ghost Runner and Oceana, which both feature Tony Franklin. Toto’s Simon Phillips performs drums across the whole album.

Favouring a guitar heavy rock based approach to fusion ala Jeff Beck, Sherinian’s music creates a certain energy that comes through the recordings, setting him apart from other jazz fusion artists.
His music also appeals to fans of technical heavy metal.
Thanks to his relentless touring schedule with a wide range of well-known artists, Sherinian easily adapts to ever changing musical genres, while always maintaining his signature style.

Earlier this year record producer Kevin Shirley opened the door for the keyboardist to join Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham and Joe Bonamassa in the rock supergroup Black Country Communion.
BCC’s two acclaimed album releases have set the stage for ‘Oceana’ to reach a more mainstream audience, a move which will surely continue to cement Derek’s legacy as one of the premiere rock keyboardists of the 21st century.

To promote the release of ‘Oceana’, Derek will embark on a solo tour in early 2012.
Official sites:
http://www.dereksherinian.com/
http://www.noblepr.co.uk/


ZZ Top hits the North American highway but no sign of any new album on the way ...

It appears that there is still no update on any forthcoming Z.Z. Top new album, at the bands website, but the band are not sitting around ...

So no word on that at the moment, but the band is seriously hitting the North American highway to play a number of live dates this summer, including a one off live date in Michigan with Ted Nugent and the ending this current run of live shows with a 5 date cruise, playing live on the cruise ship alongside George Thorogood and The Destroyers, a trend in recent years and fun marketing ploy which has become very popular lately among rock acts.

The bands live dates are as follows:
Date, City, Venue

July 2011 

Sun 07/31/11 Big Flats, NY Tags Outdoor Amphitheater


August 2011

Wed 08/03/11 Rama, ON Casino Rama Entertainment Centre
Fri 08/05/11 Mount Pleasant, MI Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
(with Ted Nugent)

Sat 08/06/11 Greenville, WI Greenville Lions Park
Sun 08/07/11 Hammond, IN The Venue At Horseshoe Casino
Mon 08/08/11 Kettering, OH Fraze Pavilion For The Perf. Arts
Tue 08/09/11 West Allis, WI Wisconsin State Fair Grandstand

Thu 08/11/11 Prior Lake, MN Mystic Lake Casino
Fri 08/12/11 Hankinson, ND Dakota Magic Casino
Sat 08/13/11 Tower, MN Fortune Bay Resort Casino
Fri 08/19/11 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
Sat 08/20/11 Bushkill, PA Mt Laurel - Pocono Mountain Performing Arts Center
Tue 08/23/11 Lancaster, PA American Music Theatre
Fri 08/26/11 Mashantucket, CT Foxwoods Resort Casino & MGM Grand At Foxwoods
Sat 08/27/11 Gilford, NH Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion
Sun 08/28/11 Westbury, NY NYCB Theatre At Westbury
Tue 08/30/11 Newark, NJ Prudential Hall
Wed 08/31/11 Red Bank, NJ Count Basie Theatre

September 2011
Fri 09/02/11 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa / Music Box
Sat 09/03/11 Virginia Beach, VA 5th Street Stage, "American Music Festival"  

Sun 09/04/11 Cherokee, NC Harrah's Cherokee Casino
Sat 09/24/11 Thackerville, OK Winstar World Casino

October 2011
Sat 10/01/11 Henderson, NV Sunset Station Hotel & Casino
Tue 10/04/11 Saratoga, CA The Mountain Winery
Wed 10/05/11 Fresno, CA Paul Paul Theatre, "The Big Fresno Fair"

Fri 10/07/11 West Wendover, NV Peppermill Concert Hall
Sat 10/08/11 West Wendover, NV Peppermill Concert Hall

December 2011
"Rock Legends Cruise" with George Thorogood & The Destroyers

Thu 12/01/11 Miami, FL Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - "Liberty Of The Seas"
Fri 12/02/11 Miami, FL Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - "Liberty Of The Seas"
Sat 12/03/11 Miami, FL Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - "Liberty Of The Seas"
Sun 12/04/11 Miami, FL Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - "Liberty Of The Seas"
Mon 12/05/11 Miami, FL Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - "Liberty Of The Seas"

For more details on any of these dates, go to:

http://www.zztop.com/

 

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