Gary John Barden - Rock 'n' Roll My Soul album review

Gary John Barden – Rock ‘n’ Roll My Soul album review

Released on: Inakustik via MVD Entertainment.  Release date: Available now.

Gary Barden has been the frontman for some of the Michael Schenker Group best known and loved releases and after he left MSG, back in the 80’s, he started Statetrooper, wanting to do his own thing. Sadly that really never came to very much and then he formed the band, Silver who got some great reviews along the way and put out five albums, before he then hooked up once more with Michael Schenker.

After a couple of Schenker / Barden collaborations, the MSG singer decided to get with Michael Voss who was also heavily involved with the Schenker / Barden acoustic release ‘Gipsy Lady,’ to play on, record and produce this album with Gary Barden.

In fact, as on ‘Gipsy Lady’ Michael Voss plays a huge part here, providing most of the drums, Keys, Guitars and backing vocals and does a truly excellent job all round.

I for one would love to hear what Michael Voss will put out next as a solo album, as I’m sure it will impress!

The thing is though, Gary Barden's voice is sometime not everyone's cup of tea and my wife has never gravitated towards it, but that could be because it's become a little raspier these days, who knows?

Opening with the old Fleetwood Mac blues number, ‘Oh Well,’ Gary Barden and band have taken this to a completely different level.

It rocks! Great guitars, certainly giving Peter Green’s work a new look and sound!

The Moody Blues, ‘I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock ‘n’ Roll Band)’ is covered next and likewise, I’m stunned as it again it is rocked up and presented very well. Strings are there too and I just love the job that Michael Voss has done on here with the mix. Great stuff mate!

I was well pleased to see the inclusion here of Deep Purple’s ‘Never Before’ as it’s one of my personal Purple fav’s too, a much ignored track. Go on, give this a listen, it’s a great interpretation. Yes, it’s different, but I love it! Nice job!

Really love the big orchestra jam towards the end and Gary is also joined by MSG band mate Wayne Findlay on Hammond and piano and does a grand job here too. Songstress Pearl is also present here on backing vocals.

By the way, she pops up on two other tracks here as well. She is a serious talent that people should investigate further when you get the chance.

Who’d have thought Mr. Barden would then have another Purple track straight after! It’s actually my all-time favourite Deep Purple track, 'When A Blindman Cries' and that may surprise some of my friends as it’s a ballad, but it just moved me so much all those years ago when I first heard it.

Not so sure about Gary’s opening vocal here but it works better for me after the guitar solo, which by the way is absolutely stunning, perfect!

The Canned Heat classic ‘Let’s Work Together,’ is next and it gets that good old rock ‘n’ roll touch, with some fine honky-tonk piano too, another good fun one.

A little funky rock with lesser known British rockers Stretch’s ‘Why Did You Do It’ probably a track that inspired ‘Play That Funky Music,’ although since both tracks were originally from 1975, I wonder who got the vibe first?!

A good steady rocker, nicely done by Gary and the guys here, with some nice guitar work from Tommy Denander!

‘I’m A Man’ originally by Spencer Davis Group, later also a popular hit for Chicago, is next and it’s just so full of so much going on, almost in like a Santana style here. Seriously a great groove and fellow vocalist Pearl helps out on backing vocals here too.

I loved ‘Stay With Me’ originally by The Faces, this starts a little different and then we get some great, prominent early vocals from yes, it’s that girl again, Pearl who backs up Gary throughout the track. This keeps the same kind of pace as the original, but there’s so much more going on here. It almost gets too busy, but it’s still good to hear again.

Always loved how the song picks up toward the end and this is no different, a little fun with the ‘Black Night’ riff on the bass on the outro, great jam at the end.

A little Creedence Clearwater Revival next with the old standard ‘Travellin’ Band’ and it rocks along like a good ‘un! Gary Barden is straining a little here though, without doubt. It almost sounds like ‘Good Golly Miss Molly’ though! Too funny!

The Beatles classic ballad ‘The Long and Winding Road,’ is next with Don Airey supporting with classy piano and orchestra arrangement and Gary gives it a pretty good shot, although it doesn’t really suit his voice, but I understand that he just wanted to record his all-time favourite songs, so I get it.

I really have nothing to say about next track, ‘Zeit macht nur vor dem Teufel halt,’ except knock yourself out Gary!

Final track here is the self-penned title track ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll My Soul,’ where Gary briefly tells us about listening to Tommy Vance’ (RIP) Friday Rock Show and his growing up and getting into rock ‘n’ roll and then the song fades out … Ah well. That’s rock ‘n’ roll as they say!

A good mix of covers, some fun was clearly had along the way and some great songs redone well, in a new style.

I enjoyed this album and you often wonder who certain singers’ influences were and I guess we now know some of Gary John Barden!

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

Album Tracklisting:

•Oh Well

•I'm Just a Singer

•Never Before

•When A Blind Man Cries

•Let's Work Together

•Why Did You Do It

•I'm a Man

•Stay With Me

•Travellin' Band

•The Long and Winding Road

•Zeit macht nur vor dem Teufel halt

•Rock 'n' Roll My Soul

Editor’s note – Would’ve loved to have added a weblink for Gary Barden, but sadly it seems the guy keeps himself to himself.

I’ve found no active website for the guy, his MySpace is unofficial too and his Facebook reference, is simply from Wikipedia?!

Anyone else know of anything official?

Nelson – Lightning Strikes Twice album review

Nelson – Lightning Strikes Twice album review

Released on: Frontiers Records.

Release date: November 2010 (Europe), February 2011 (USA)

Nelson got everyone’s attention back in the early 90’s, with their two very good releases in ‘After the Rain’ (1990) and ‘Because They Can’ (1995) and the huge hit from ‘After The Rain’ in, ‘(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection.’

The title track 'After the Rain' was also a hit and the band did go on to release five other albums before this latest one, but those five didn't spark any fires in the same manner as their first two releases.

I will say this though, 'Lightning Strikes Twice' is very deserving of anyones and everyones attention!

The current band is made up of the twin sons of the late Ricky Nelson, in Gunnar and Matthew Nelson and current other album members, David Morgan (Piano, B/Vocals), Gary Corbett (Keyboards) and Brian Burwell on drums.

Album opener “Call Me” is a great steady paced catchy pop rocker for the Nelson brothers to come back with. It has such a great balance of harmonies, melody and hooks throughout this opening track, welcome back guys! Good start

They keep it coming too with an almost Cheap Trick meets Boston kind of vibe with ‘Day By Day’ and they certainly hit some high notes with the chorus, there’s no doubt, these boys have certainly still got it all. Great guitar driven songs with a slight mix of keys and killer, huge harmony vocals and we’re only at the second track.

Guys, had you been listening to a strict diet of Boston or something before writing and recording this?

‘Ready, Willing and Able’ is another great song, it has an up tempo, almost party like feel and pace and is so contagious and even some tongue in cheek stuff here too. A real fun rock and roller!

You won’t believe it when I say this, but seriously, am I the only person that feels that ‘How Can I Miss You’ starts with a guitar intro that is very much like UFO’s ‘Doctor, Doctor?’

OK, not exactly perhaps, but as an intro, its right up the same alley! Tell me if you disagree?!

The song itself though is in fact a lot more like Santana’s ‘Smooth,’ that said again it’s very good indeed.

‘You’re All I Need Tonight’ is a great easy going pop rocker, with everything just right. They can certainly write a good tune or two, of that there’s no doubt. Tasty stand out guitar solo too, well worth the mention.

You ready for a big old power ballad, well, ‘To Get Back To You’ gives you just that, some easy piano, some strings, heart wrenching vocals through the first couple of verses, then wham! Big chorus time, with a really beautiful guitar solo, courtesy of album guest Steve Lukather.

It’s certainly something that Bon Jovi would wish they’d written I’m sure.

Given airplay, it could grant them a big US hit again.

I have to say, there’s more than a hint of that Boston sound again with the intro of ‘When You’re Gone,’ but otherwise the guys make the song their own and it’s got one of those chugging, catchy riffs throughout. Plenty of those hooks all over it and big harmony vocals. Love it!

‘Take Me There’ opens with big strings sounds and lush harmonies, in a power ballad style of say Bon Jovi’s best work and it contains one of those excellent big AOR guitar solos. Classy guys!

It’s another good, easy going pop tune and I have to say that throughout this album, it’s very easily accepted.

Next track had me thinking Tommy Shaw was pulled in as a guest vocalist, but the first couple of lines immediately had me singing ‘Paperback Writer!’ I kid you not! Sorry guys it really is similar, just for a moment. Otherwise the song is ‘grooving’ along, as a mid-paced, stop start pop rocker.

‘In It for the Money’ has one of those old time rock ‘n’ roll type vibes to the chorus, while the verse is just a steady rock tune.

Well, if there had to be a weak link here, for me it’s ‘Change a Thing.’ After everything else before it, it just doesn’t grab me and tends to sound a little too much like a filler track. Shame. The vocals are good still, but perhaps the phrasing, performance is lacking something. It's just a little lack lustre.

Last track of the album, ‘Kicking My Heart Around’ sees Nelson trying a darker, edgier song than anything else on here and it’s pretty good, but the dirty guitar riffs and darkness of the song just seems a little out of place among everything else on here.

Still the chorus is catchy, there are still strong harmonies, but it’s just a different kind of groove.

Overall a very good, strong album, they should get out on the road and tour with it though.

Get themselves out there maybe on a co-headline tour or something.

They are currently touring the US, but it’s not as a full blown Nelson band tour, but doing a tribute tour, dedicated to their late father and fellow musical success, Ricky Nelson.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Album tracklisting:

1. Call Me Listen

2. Day By Day

3. Ready, Willing and Able

4. How Can I Miss You?

5. You're All I Need Tonight

6. To Get Back To You (Guitar solo - Steve Lukather) 

7. When You're Gone

8. Take Me There

9. Come

10. In It For The Money

11. Change a Thing

12. Kickin' My Heart Around

Album track samples can be heard here:

www.frontiers.it/album/4773/

Official band site: http://www.thenelsonbrothers.com/

 

Brief Rock News Update for Sunday 6th March, 2011

Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band Tour 2011 is on!

Yes indeed, to keep all his long time fans happy, Bob Seger and his Silver Bullet Band had already announced a few live dates, but that was just about five shows ... It looks like the guy has got it all together for a significant bunch of live dates.

These dates will kick off at the end of this month in Toledo, Ohio at the Huntington Center on March 26th for a show that is already sold out by the way, as are 4 other dates already confirmed.

The other sold out shows are at the Dow Event Center, Saginaw, MI on the 29th, the 31st show at the Huntington Center, Toledo (Yes, another, again!), Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI on April 2nd and the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY on April 9th!

So, there's the heads up folks, everyone wants to see the man from Motor City, on his first tour since 2007, as there's no telling when he'll call time on live performances.

He also has a new recording up at his website, a cover of the old Rod Stewart hit, 'Downtown Train,' which seriously sounds Seger'ized!

Click here to listen:  

www.bobseger.com/stream/article/display/id/4760

The full list of live dates currently confirmed are as follows:

March 2011

Sat 03/26/11 Toledo, OH The Huntington Center - Sold Out

Tue 03/29/11 Saginaw, MI Arena at Dow Event Center - Sold Out

Thu 03/31/11 Toledo, OH The Huntington Center - Sold Out

April 2011

Sat 04/02/11 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena - Sold Out

Tue 04/05/11 Cincinnati, OH U.S. Bank Arena

Thu 04/07/11 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena

Sat 04/09/11 Buffalo, NY HSBC Arena - Sold Out

Tue 04/12/11 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre

Fri 04/15/11 Boston, MA TD Garden

Sat 04/16/11 Atlantic City, NJ Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall

Tue 04/19/11 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena

Thu 04/21/11 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena

Sat 04/23/11 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum

Tue 04/26/11 North Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena

Thu 04/28/11 Tulsa, OK BOK Center

Sat 04/30/11 Houston, TX Toyota Center

May 2011

Thu 05/05/11 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center

Tue 05/10/11 Omaha, NE Qwest Center Omaha

Thu 05/12/11 Minneapolis, MN TBA

Sat 05/14/11 Rosemont, IL Allstate Arena

Thu 05/19/11 Auburn Hills, MI The Palace Of Auburn Hills

Bob Seger official website: http://www.bobseger.com/

For live date updates also, check on:

www.pollstar.com/resultsArtist.aspx?ID=113398&SortBy=Date&mv=1

Poison announce 'Glam-A-Geddon' Tour 2011

As well as hitting the road with Motley Crue and the New York Dolls, in the Summer, 80's Glam rockers Poison will play a few of their own shows, under the tour title of 'Glam-A-Geddon.'
The 'Glam-A-Geddon' tour announcement comes through Artist management company 'ARM Entertainment' whose website link is here:
www.armentertainment.com/tourpage.htm

At the time of writing, this tour announcement is actually kind of a joke, as the majority of their tour dates are actually WITH Motley Crue, which Crue have already clearly indicated at their site are dates NOT associated with Crue's tour dates.
So realistically Poison currently only have two shows that are NOT with Motley Crue ...!
Motley Crue's summer tour announcement can be read here:
www.motley.com/news/9cbda6-mtley-cre-to-headline-summer-tour/  

Not too much more information regarding any new album at this time, but the tour dates for Poison confirmed so far are as follows:

POISON GLAM-A-GEDON TOUR 

(Editors note: Please check with venue first for full show details. Since Poison are touring with Motley Crue and some of these dates, from Poison's site are shown on Motley Crue's site.)

May 2011

May 29 - Rocklahoma, Pryor, OK*

June 2011

Jun 07 - Gexa Energy Pavillion, Dallas, TX*

Jun 09 - AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX*

Jun 10 - Toyota Center, Houston, TX*

Jun 12 - Hard Rock Pavilion, Albuquerque, NM*
Jun 14 - Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA*

Jun 15 - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco,CA*

Jun 17 - Desert Sky Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ*

Jun 18 - Venue TBD, Las Vegas, NV*

Jun 19 - USANA Amphitheater, Salt Lake City, UT*

Jun 21 - Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO*

Jun 22 - Verizon Wireless Amp, Maryland Heights, MD*

Jun 24 - Target Center, Minneapolis, MN*

Jun 25 - Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI*

Jun 26 - Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH*

Jun 28 - Molson Amphitheater, Toronto, ON*

Jun 29 - DTE Energy Music Theater, Clarkston, MI*

July 2011

Jul 01 - FMB Amphitheater, Tinley Park, IL*

Jul 02 - Verizon Wireless Music Ctr, Noblesville, IN*

Jul 03 - Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN*

Jul 05 - Seminole Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, FL*

Jul 06 - St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL*

Jul 08 - Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, MS*

Jul 09 - Jefferson County Fair, Jefferson WI - Glam-A-Geddon show 

Jul 10 - Aaron's Amphitheater @ Lakewood, Atlanta, GA*

Jul 12 - Verizon Wireless Amp, Charlotte, NC*

Jul 13 - Star Pavilion at Hersheypark, Hershey, PA*

Jul 15 - Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT*

Jul 16 - Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ*

Jul 19 - Comcast Center, Mansfield, MA*

Jul 20 - Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, NY*

Jul 22 - Darien Lake PAC, Darien Center, NY*

Jul 23 - Saratoga PAC, Saratoga Springs, NY*

Jul 24 - Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA*

Jul 29 - Covelli Centre, Youngstown, OH*

Jul 30 - Outlaw Jam 2011, Frederick, MD -  Glam-A-Geddon show Jul 31 - Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain, Scranton, PA*

August 2011
Aug 05 - Fort McCoy, Tomah, WI*

* indicates with Motley Crue

Official band website: http://www.poisonweb.com/

Before Poison hit the road ...

 

Bret Michael's on solo tour 2011

 

Prior to the Poison tour hitting the road, the bands frontman Bret Michaels will play the following live solo dates:

 

March 2011

Mar 23 - Sammy T's Music Hall, Huntsville, AL

Mar 25 - MGM Grand at Foxwoods, Ledyard, CT

Mar 27 - State Fair of Texas, Dallas, TX

Mar 31 - Hartman Theater, Park City, KS

April 2011

Apr 02 -Medina Entertainment Center, Medina, MN

Apr 05 - The Crystal Palace, Pontiac, IL

Apr 06 - Diamond Jo Casino, Dubuque, IA

Apr 07 - Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA
Apr 08 - Island Resort & Casino, Harris, MI

Apr 09 - Island Resort & Casino, Harris, MI

Apr 10 - Club Fever, South Bend, IN
Apr 12 - State Theatre Center for the Arts, Easton, PA

Apr 13 - Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY

Apr 14 - Collins Center for the Arts, University of  Maine, Orono, ME
Apr 15 - Patchogue Theatre, Patchogue, NY

Apr 16 - St. George Theatre, Staten Island, NY

Apr 29 - Amarillo Civic Center, Amarillo, TX

May 2011

May 06 - Eastside Cannery Casino, Las Vegas, NV
May 28 - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Biloxi, MS

Official website: http://www.bretmichaels.com/

Jazz rockers UK, reform for five special shows

A UK reunion featuring Eddie Jobson (Roxy Music, Frank Zappa) and John Wetton (Asia, King Crimson, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep) is on the cards, to play five special live shows.
They will play three shows in the US and two in Japan.

Progressive rock with jazz rock overtones, was what UK were all about when they started in 1977, a brief spell as a supergroup back in the day. It only last until 1980!
The line up at the time was quite impressive to prog rock fans, Eddie Jobson and John Wetton were joined at the time by Bill Bruford (King Crimson, Yes, Earthworks, Genesis) on drums and Allan Holdsworth (Gong, Soft Machine).
In 1979 the band then let Holdsworth go and Bruford also left.
Holdsworth was not replaced, but Bruford was with Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons).

The band in total produced just two studio albums 1978's self titled debut, 'UK,' then in 1979 'Danger Money'.
There was a live album, 'Night after Night' released in 1979 also.

Thirty two years after their last U.S. performance together, the two progressive-rock legends and founding members of UK, Eddie Jobson and John Wetton, reunite to perform some of their classic material from UK and King Crimson.
They will be joined by Austrian guitar virtuoso Alex Machacek and German drumming phenom Marco Minnemann.

April 2011
Apr 8 - Regent Theater, Boston (Arlington)
Apr 11 - Highline Ballroom, New York
Apr 15 - Club Citta, Tokyo
Apr 16 - Club Citta, Tokyo
Apr 23 - Regency Ballroom, San Francisco

Sources:
www.johnwetton.co.uk/
and
www.eddiejobson.com/

Rock News Update for Saturday 5th March, 2011

Francis Rossi to host show on Planet Rock

Francis Rossi (Status Quo) is joining award winning radio station Planet Rock for a series of exclusive radio shows. The series will run on Sunday evenings at 6pm - 7pm beginning on 6th March.

Each week Francis will be playing the music that has inspired him over the years, with stories from four decades as one of rock's true originals,

"Planet Rock has always brought rock's greatest artists to the airwaves, giving a rock star's perspective to life on the road, in the studio and to hear stories never heard on radio before. Francis has something to say about everyone and everything, the trouble is stopping him…. and his choice of music makes the show a must listen" said Trevor White, Planet Rock Programme Director.

Planet Rock broadcasts on digital radio, Sky 0110, Virgin Media 924, Freesat 730, and http://www.planetrock.com/

Night Ranger announce first UK date since the 80's

I know a lot of folks in the UK, have been hankering after Night Ranger paying a visit to UK shores, as the last time they did so was in the late 80's when they played a few shows, opening for Foreigner on their Inside Information tour.

Although the band have never had any big hits in the UK - Probably due to lack of live dates in support of the releases guys! - there has always been an underground fanbase their, who have followed the band and each year that they hear of how great shows were in the US, they keep saying to themselves, 'when will we get to see them?!'

Finally, a return to the UK is on the cards and sadly it's not a full blown tour, not even dates, it is just one date!

Here's the thing UK fans, if you want to impress upon the band, just how much you want more live dates, go and support them at this date.

It takes place at Islington O2 Academy, London on Thursday, June 23rd.

Full details including Meet and Greet opportunities here, from this posted at http://www.nightranger.com/:

You asked, we delivered.

Night Ranger is coming to o2 Academy Islington in London this June! VIP presale tickets for Night Ranger's tour will be offered via the ticketing link below beginning TODAY, Friday, March 4th, 2011!

Night Ranger Fan Club Meet & Greet Bundles include:

- A General Admission Ticket

- Access to a Meet and Greet with Night Ranger and Photo with band (with your own camera)

- 1 Year Online Membership in the Night Ranger Fan Club

- An Autographed Night Ranger Poster

- A Commemorative VIP Tour Laminate

The only way to access bundled presale tickets for this show is by registering via the ticketing link below. The presale link is:

http://www.artistarena.uk.com/nightranger/

6/23/2011 o2 Academy Islington (London)

Presale tickets are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.

Official band website: http://www.nightranger.com/

Newman - update on UK rockers

UK melodic rockers Newman, led by guitarist / singer / songwriter / producer Steve Newman, have just issued this update through the bands website:

THE NEXT NEWMAN ALBUM

Steve has begun writing and demoing songs for the next full Newman studio album. The plan is to have this album ready for a summer release. The live Firefest CD/DVD will be released later in the year.

We will be starting a studio blog with regular updates on the progress of this new album which will be the follow up to last years much acclaimed "The Art Of Balance" which is still receiving rave reviews from around the globe.

More updates soon no doubt ...

Official band website: http://www.newmansound.com/

In other Steve Newman related news, don't forget this ...

BIG LIFE ALBUM DUE FOR RELEASE ON 29TH APRIL

The Big Life album album featuring Mark Thompson-Smith and Steve Newman will be released via AOR Heaven on 29th April, both the guys are very excited about this new album and have already been receiving some great comments on the songs. Official press release below:

AOR HEAVEN – THE APRIL RELEASES:

Big Life - Big Life / Release date: 29.04.2011 - Big Life is a new project featuring the immense talents of the UK's melodic rock genius, Steve Newman (Newman) and ex-Praying Mantis frontman, Mark Thompson-Smith.

 Steve Newman's reputation in the Melodic Rock circuit is impressive - with eight immense Newman albums released in the last decade, the latest being the highly acclaimed The Art Of Balance. Add to this his work on other albums with artists such as Atlantic, Steve Overland, Eden, AOR Project, Frozen Rain, Far Cry, Grand Illusion and Phenomena.

Mark Thompson-Smith re-emerges from the shadows after a lengthy period out of the limelight to more than demonstrate that time has not dulled his impressive vocal powers. Best known as the singer with Praying Mantis in the early 90's and as guest vocalist in The Sweet in 2005, he has also featured as frontman for various 80's UK bands such as Idol Rich, Touche and Flight 19.

The early 90's also saw Mark working in America with Mike Walsh (Departure) and legendary keyboardist Dave Rosenthal (Rainbow/Red Dawn/Billy Joel/Infinity), spending two exciting years performing and recording the later released and now much sought after solo album, A Far Cry From New Jersey.

Returning to the UK in 1993, as the grunge band tsunami swept away the US melodic rock scene, Mark joined Praying Mantis recording the impressive “Only The Children Cry” EP and completed a successful tour of Japan before leaving the band in 1994. During the years, he appeared a couple of times as backing vocalist on various Newman albums. The Sweet experience being short lived as the band required a bass playing vocalist, it fired up Mark's renewed passion for singing further and so he sought out Steve Newman to embark on a brand new musical adventure....and certainly found it in Big Life!

The guys are joined by Rob McEwen, the outstanding drumming talent on the last three Newman albums, and all recordings have once again taken place at “The Blue Room” studios in England.

You can hear three sample tracks at the band site in: Better Man, Close To You and Dying Day.

Big Life Official site here: www.big-life.co.uk/

The Poodles talk about new album and more

Swedish hard rockers The Poodles are due to release their next studio album 'Performocracy' through Frontiers Records on April 15th (Europe) and May 3rd (USA).

They have recently record a video for You Tube, to share with fans that you can check out here:

If you have difficulty viewing the video here on 'Chambers of Rock,' then you may want to go directly to You Tube by following this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBYuhrWXMjk

Official band website is here:  www.poodles.se/

Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp 2011 first names announced

Following on the success of previous years Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp that takes place annually in  Hollywood, California, as well as last years well publicised event broadcast on VH1, 2011 is already shaping up well! Some new big names and some familiar names from last year too!

The Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp showed last year on VH1 that people with musical passion, yet from regular walks of life, can get to jam with and learn from some of the most admired musicians in the business.

It shows how much hard work and stress can exist in trying to put together a band, not to mention trying to put together an original song from scratch, when under time constraints. By the same token, it shows how much of a kick and buzz an individual and / or band, can get from getting this done.

It all happens May 10th through 15th and there are many different packages available to people, depending on how much you really want your rock and roll dream to come true!

Full details on pricing and more at the site: www.rockcamp.com/rrfc_hollywood_2011.php

This years star guest players are set to include Sammy Hagar (Montrose, Van Halen, Chickenfoot), Phil Collen (Def Leppard, Man Raze), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad) and Eddie Kramer (Engineer / Producer - Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Kiss, Peter Frampton), with more names to be added.

Counselors already confirmed for this year will include the return of Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Dio), Kip Winger (Winger, Alice Cooper) and Mark Hudson (Producer - Ringo Starr, Aerosmith), who both became TV stars, thanks to VH1 in the last series. This year they will be joined by George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), Ronnie Montrose (Montrose, Gamma, Van Morrison), Bruce Kulick (Kiss, Meatloaf, Billy Squier, Grand Funk Railroad), Fred Coury (Cinderella) and Ritchie Kotzen (Poison, Mr Big).

It certainly looks like being another fun time for anyone with the cash to spare, to live out their own rock and roll fantasy!

Site link again: www.rockcamp.com/rrfc_hollywood_2011.php

Magnum - The Visitation album review

Magnum – The Visitation album review

Released on: SPV / Steamhammer. Release date: Available Now.

Isn’t it funny how sometimes, some people are surprised by individuals personal tastes and I think my love of Brummie – That’s English slang for someone who comes from Birmingham! – band Magnum, has that effect on some people.

You see some people would pigeon hole Magnum as kind of prog rock, other’s perhaps like me would include them in the melodic rock field.

That said, a good old mate of mine in the UK – Thanks Ian! – said to me, ‘Well Al, they’re not really, a real prog band are they? They kind of sit on the line somewhere between the two genres, don’t they?’ I suppose you’re right Ian. :)

These guys have been around for quite some time and I first saw them back in 1979, but they’ve changed a bit here and there, even with the two main guys singer Bob Catley and guitarist, writer, producer, musical genius, etc, Tony Clarkin breaking off to form Hard Rain in the 90’s, to record two albums before reforming Magnum once again in 2002.

Really they are a pretty unique band and yes, it captures elements of prog rock, classic rock and melodic rock and dare I say it, these days they even throw a little something else in there, that kind of borderline ‘avant-garde’ type effect. Yes, really.

To the album then when this first starts, I love the crunching riffs of ‘Black Skies,’ as it chugs along, but Bob Catley's vocals kind of go somewhere a little out there … It was hard to get used to at first, but it’s grown.
It's a little dark sounding track for sure.

‘Doors to Nowhere’ starts with some resonating Hammond organ and you wonder where it may take you and then it almost has a kind of feel of Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger (Rocky) soundtrack era, punchy, hooky riffs, before easing into the laid back verse. Then the chorus kicks in with that catchy riff again to pick things up. Back into the verse again and it’s almost melancholy. It’s good texture within the song and this one again I’ve got to love it!

I do love the subject matter that Catley shares with us on the opening line, “Up every day, took my clothes off the chair. Poured out a drink, from the old Frigidaire. Some magazines, by the fire never touched. Shiny red step, always cleaned, always brushed ...‘ Great stuff! It really is a great song that yes, grows on you, but if you’re a Magnum fan, then by now you’re probably used to that.

Title track ‚‘The Visitation‘ is next and if you’re a fan of old classic Magnum I think you’re be quite pleased with this one. At times I’m reminded of 'All Englands Eyes,' here. Then the song take a very different turn and get’s all ... Proggie? Avant garde? You call it folks! It then get’s back into the punchy riffs and rocks toward the end.
It’s really not going to be an instant album, of that it’s clear, but there’s really a lot of familiar Magnum touches here.

By the way, no short, sharp cuts here, the days of quick fire three to four minute hook ridden tracks such as 'Just Like an Arrow,' seem to be long gone it seems.
The shortest track on here clocks in at four minutes forty eight seconds.

I will say that next track 'Wild Angels,' does have a pretty catchy chorus and riff throughout though, it clocks in at five minutes forty one seconds. Really like it though.

'Spin Like A Wheel' is also has a lot going for it in the hooks, an uptempo almost poppy rocker. By the way, Tony Clarkin is really sounding like he’s playing out of his skin here and there. This is a nice AOR style track, no question. Not a power ballad, but it does take thing up and down a lot and there’s some great interchanges here and there too. By the way, this one clocks in at over seven and a half minutes!

OK, I guess 'The Last Frontier' is possibly as close as we’re going to get to a power ballad from these guys here and towards the end there is huge orchestration going on here. Nice track guys.

'Freedom Day,' is one of those build up tracks, that starts all laid back and atmospheric and then builds up a little here and there, but it’s a multi layered affair, that you almost think may take off, but it really doesn’t quite make it there. Again lots of orchestration, brass too here, not to mention it’s percussive ups and downs here and there ... It doesn’t really grab me, I have to say, it's just a little different.

After Freedom Day, 'Mother Nature’s Final Dance' hits you like a breath of fresh air. It builds up at times and grows, then it really picks up and becomes an epic like track. Really love this one.

The intro to 'Midnight Kings' is simply great. It rocks straight away, then eases back and then grows again. Some nice, clever changes in the song and it’s funny how it’s even Yes like in places, yet again though Tony Clarkin is really rocking out, nice band song, where everyone here really seems to shine from Harry James drums, through nice base lines from Al Barrow, Mark Stanway’s piano and keyboards great and to be honest, Stanway really shines throughout the album too.

It’s funny how for the most part I’ve found that the album is true to what Magnum does, but it kind of hit a lull - For me - with 'Freedom Day,' but otherwise it's what Magnum do and closer 'Tonight’s the Night' finishes the album nicely, capturing the essence of Magnum at so many levels. Musical ability, great textures, something different - They even have a little acapella going on here! - and as I say, good quality rock music. 

Good job guys.

The tracks that I wasn’t enamored with at first, have grown on me, like any good Magnum album, maybe 'Freedom Day' will too in time!

Again, Magnum are a very talent band, with Bob Catley’s familiar, classy voice, strong guitar work from Tony Clarkin, abundant piano and keyboards throughout the album from Mark Stanway and a good, strong backbone of bassist Al Barrow and drummer Harry James, it’s good stuff from the band. It’s very sad that American audiences have never accepted Magnum. I wish they would, then maybe I’ll get to see them play live again! I live in hope ... and in this case, probably dreams!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Official band website: www.magnumonline.co.uk/

                                          

Rock News Update for Friday 4th March, 2011

THIN LIZZY SET TO ROCK THE USA WITH TOUR DATES AND ROCKLINE APPEARANCE

Due to a multitude of classic tunes ("The Boys Are Back in Town," "Jailbreak," "Waiting for an Alibi," etc.) and albums ('Jailbreak,' 'Live and Dangerous,' 'Black Rose,' etc.), Thin Lizzy is undoubtedly one of rock's all-time great bands. And with arguably the band's strongest line-up since the days that the late/great Phil Lynott served as their front man, Thin Lizzy are set to take the USA by storm with upcoming tour dates in late March and early April.

The trek will include stops in Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Toronto, Detroit, and Chicago, and will also include a live appearance on the popular radio show, Rockline, on March 23rd, which will run from 11:30 pm to 1:00 am EST. Thin Lizzy's current line-up includes such 'Lynott era' Lizzy veterans as Scott Gorham (guitar), Brian Downey (drums), and Darren Wharton (keyboards), as well as singer/guitarist Ricky Warwick, bassist Marco Mendoza, and Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell.

Thin Lizzy became one of rock's top bands during the 1970's, on the strength of Lynott's poetic yet tough lyrics, and the highly influential dual guitar attack of Gorham and which ever second guitarist he was paired up with at the time (Brian Robertson, the late Gary Moore, Snowy White or John Sykes).
Lizzy split up in 1983, before Lynott passed away in 1986. But with Lizzy being either consistently name checked as an influence or having their songs covered by other bands, the group's stature has remained at the forefront of rock over the years. And now, US fans will be able to experience the Lizzy legend once more on the concert stage.

CONFIRMED TOUR DATES:

MARCH 2011

03/24/2011 Jim Thorpe, PA. Penn's Peak

03/25/2011 New York, NY. Best Buy Theatre

03/26/2011 Uncasville, CT. Mohegan Sun Casino Wolf's Den

03/27/2011 Sayreville, NJ. Starland Ballroom

03/29/2011 Glenside, PA. Keswick Theatre

03/30/2011 Toronto, ON. Canada Sound Academy

03/31/2011 Detroit, MI. Sound Board at Motor City Casino Hotel

APRIL 2011
04/01/2011 Chicago, IL. Vic Theatre

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

http://www.thinlizzyband.com/

http://www.rocklineradio.com/

WHITESNAKE'S FORTHCOMING ALBUM "FOREVERMORE"

DUE OUT IN MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS MARCH 29TH;

U.S. TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

FIRST SINGLE "LOVE WILL SET YOU FREE" HEATS UP AT RADIO;

TRACK/VIDEO AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NOW

(New York, NY) - Whitesnake's brand new album FOREVERMORE, due out via Frontiers Records on March 29th in North America, is set for release in four different configurations. FOREVERMORE will be available as:

- a single CD

- a CD+DVD combo: the DVD features the "Love Will Set You Free" video, the making of "Love Will Set You Free" video, as well as a behind-the-scenes documentary on the recording of FOREVERMORE; the CD includes three bonus tracks: "Love Will Set You Free" (alt mix), "My Evil Ways" (alt mix with drum solo) and "Forevermore" (acoustic version)

- a double-LP vinyl edition

- a special edition box set which includes the CD, DVD, LPs, as well as a cover litho, a poster and a logo sticker.

The digital album is available for pre-order now via http://www.whitesnake.com/ and includes an instant track download of "Love Will Set You Free." Pre-order of the album is also available at all digital stores now, with Amazon digital stores offering "My Evil Ways" (alt Mix with Drum Solo) as a bonus track; while the iTunes LP edition features the "Love Will Set You Free" (alt mix) and "Forevermore" (acoustic version) as bonus tracks.

The first single from FOREVERMORE, "Love Will Set You Free," has been heating up at radio with serious spins at stations such as WDHA/New Jersey, KGGO/Des Moines, KDKB/Phoenix, WWHG/Madison, WONE/Akron, WLUP/Chicago, KSHE/St. Louis, WAXQ/New York and more. Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale will be the featured guest on the nationally syndicated radio show Rockline with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday March 9th at 8:30PM, PT/11:30PM, ET as part of the ongoing series "Notes on Music" and then again on Wednesday, March 30th at 8:30PM, PT/11:30PM, ET for the new album, FOREVERMORE. For a station near you and for information regarding how to log onto the Internet for the broadcast go to http://www.rocklineradio.com/ 
Each show will be streamed on the Rockline website for two weeks beginning the afternoon after their broadcast.

The corresponding video for "Love Will Set You Free", which can be seen here on VEVO - (Link) - has received upwards of 230,000 views in its first two weeks. Directed by Devin DeHaven/Fortress Entertainment (Papa Roach, Method Man, Talib Kweli), the video was shot in Lake Tahoe, NV. "Love Will Set You Free" is now available for purchase at all digital service providers - click here to purchase the single and click here to purchase the video on iTunes.

In other Whitesnake news, select US tour dates have been announced including headlining the M3 Festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD on Saturday, May 14th and an appearance at the Rocklahoma Festival in Pryor, OK on Friday, May 27th. Please see below for the itinerary with more tour dates to be announced shortly.

FOREVERMORE finds founder/singer/songwriter David Coverdale and company returning to their no-holds-barred, bluesiest, sexiest rock n' roll roots. This will be Whitesnake's 11th album and the first release via Frontiers Records. FOREVERMORE was recorded, produced and mixed by Los Bros Brutalos (Coverdale, Doug Aldrich and Michael McIntyre).
Whitesnake is David Coverdale (vocals), Doug Aldrich (guitars), Reb Beach (guitars), Michael Devin (bass) and Briian Tichy (drums).

Formed in 1977, and steered by the legendary David Coverdale, Whitesnake carry a rightful reputation as one of the world's leading rock n' roll bands. Coverdale's blues roots, combined with a feral sense of rockin' and rollin', have consistently shaped the 'Snake's sound along with Coverdale's love and appreciation of impeccable musicianship. Whitesnake's ascent to the very top of the rock n' roll heap was confirmed with 1987's self-titled mega-platinum album, which saw two massive Top 10 hits, two #1 singles with "Here I Go Again" and "Is This Love" and a virtual 24-hour domination of MTV around the world.

Whitesnake on tour:

MAY 2011

12 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre

14 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion (M3 Festival headline)

20 Biloxi, MS Hard Rock Biloxi Hotel & Casino

22 Richardson, TX Wildflower Arts & Music Festival

27 Pryor, OK Pryor Creek Music Festival (Rocklahoma)

For more information please visit:

http://www.whitesnake.com/

http://www.frontiers.it/

Def Leppard update on 'Mirrorball' and more US dates confirmed

PRESS RELEASE - Def Leppard, Great Britain's premier arena rock band, have announced the release of their first-ever live album "MIRRORBALL", out this summer. The live album was recorded across the world over the course of many of the band's sold-out dates. Mirrorball will feature all of the classic songs that have made Def Leppard one of the most respected and beloved power rock bands in the world. The release captures the group's legendary concert experience at its thunderous best, bringing together live versions of classic Leppard hits such as "POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME", "ROCK OF AGES", "FOOLIN'", "HYSTERIA", "PHOTOGRAPH" and an incredible rendition of "BRINGIN' ON THE HEARTBREAK".
With their creative juices at full flow, the band has also added three new studio tracks: "UNDEFEATED", "IT'S ALL ABOUT BELIEVIN'" and "KINGS OF THE WORLD", that are undeniably Def Leppard. "MIRRORBALL" follows the band's 2008 studio release, "SONGS FROM THE SPARKLE LOUNGE", which debuted at #5 on the Billboard Top 200, marking the group's highest chart position since 1992's "ADRENALIZE".
In addition to the album, Chronicle Books will be releasing "DEF LEPPARD: THE DEFINITIVE VISUAL HISTORY", featuring photos of the band by legendary rock photographer Ross Halfin. His fully authorized visual history of the band follows them from the new wave of British heavy metal to their massive "PYROMANIA" and "HYSTERIA" albums to the sustained power of their records and tours today. The book will be available this June.
Last month, Def Leppard announced their triumphant return to US stages with a summer tour kicking off on June 15 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Twenty additional shows have been confirmed for the Live Nation produced tour and are set to go on sale beginning March 11th at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ and http://www.livenation.com/ (for a list of dates please see below). Joining Def Leppard for this highly anticipated tour are Seattle rock legends Heart.

The extensive tour dates spread over four months, are as follows:

June 2011
Jun 15 - West Palm Beach, FL (Cruzan Amphitheatre)
Jun 17 - Tampa, FL (1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre)
Jun 18 - Atlanta, GA (Aarons Amphitheatre at Lakewood)
Jun 19 - Orange Beach, AL (Amphitheater @ the Wharf)
Jun 22 - Charlotte, NC (Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre)
Jun 24 - Raleigh, NC (Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion)
Jun 25 - Virginia Beach, VA (Farm Bureau Live)
Jun 26 - Philadelphia, PA (Susquehanna Bank Center)
Jun 29 - Scranton, PA (Toyota Pavilion)
Jun 30 - Boston, MA (Comcast Center)

July 2011
Jul 2 - Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun Arena)
Jul 3 - Hershey, PA (Hersheypark Stadium)
Jul 5 - Milwaukee, WI (Summerfest)
Jul 7 - Cincinnati, OH (Riverbend Music Center)
Jul 9 - Washington, DC (Jiffy Lube Live)
Jul 10 - Saratoga Springs, NY (Saratoga Performing Arts Center)
Jul 12 - Wantagh, NY (Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre)
Jul 13 - Holmdel, NJ (PNC Bank Arts Center)
Jul 15 - Chicago, IL (First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre)
Jul 17 - Cadott, WI (Rock Fest)
Jul 19 - Tulsa, OK (BOK Center)
Jul 20 - Dallas, TX (Gexa Energy Pavilion)
Jul 22 - Houston, TX (Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion)
Jul 23 - New Orleans, LA (New Orleans Arena)
Jul 24 - San Antonio, TX (AT&T Center)

August 2011
Aug 8 - Sturgis, SD (Buffalo Chip)
Aug 10 - St. Louis, MO (Verizon Wireless Amphitheater)
Aug 12 - Indianapolis, IN (Verizon Wireless Music Center)
Aug 13 - Des Moines, IA (Iowa State Fair)
Aug 17 - Detroit, MI (DTE Energy Music Theatre)
Aug 20 - Pittsburgh, PA (First Niagara Pavilion)
Aug 21 - Buffalo, NY (Darien Lake Performing Arts Center)
Aug 24 - Cleveland, OH (Blossom Music Center)
Aug 26 - St. Paul, MN (Minnesota State Fair)
Aug 27 - Kansas City, MO (Sprint Center)
Aug 29 - Denver, CO (Comfort Dental Amphitheatre)
Aug 31 - Salt Lake City, UT (USANA Amphitheatre)

September 2011
Sep 2 - Albuquerque, NM (The Pavilion)
Sep 10 - San Francisco, CA (Shoreline Amphitheatre)
Sep 11 - Sacramento, CA (Sleep Train Amphitheatre)
Sep 14 - Portland, OR (Sleep Country Amphitheater)
Sep 15 - Seattle, WA (White River Amphitheatre)

For complete ticket and tour information visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/ and http://www.livenation.com/
Official band website: http://www.defleppard.com/


Legendary rockers Motley Crue will tour South America in May 2011 with support act Buckcherry

Dallas, TX, March, 2011 - (PR.com) - Motley Crue has confirmed that it will tour South America in May 2011 with supporting act Buckcherry as part of its 30th Anniversary world tour.
The trek includes stops in Sao Paulo, Brazil, a 2 night stand in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Motley Crue's first ever performance in Santiago de Chile. The tour's promoter Gabe Reed commented, "we are very excited to bring Motley Crue to South America this year. They are a legendary band that all South American rock fans are excited to experience for the 1st time ever."

The dates are as follows:

May 2011
May 14, 2011 Santiago, Chile - Movistar Arena
May 17, 2011 Sao Paulo - Venue TBA
May 19, 2011 Buenos Aires, Argentina - Estadio Cubierto Malvinas Argentinas
May 20, 2011 Buenos Aires, Argentina - Estadio Cubierto Malvinas Argentinas
For more info go to: http://www.motley.com/


Super 'Sunflower Jam' to take place at Royal Albert Hall

On July 8th, 2011, a truly unique evening of Rock’n’Roll takes place at the Royal Albert Hall.
Music legends Rick Wakeman, Jon Lord, Joe Bonamassa, Newton Faulkner and Deep Purple will perform on stage to raise money for The Sunflower Jam.

Set up in 2006 by Jacky Paice, The SFJ is a charity which works with forward-thinking doctors and practitioners to offer comprehensive integrated medical treatment to patients most in need.

With guest performances by the likes of Status Quo, Paul Weller, Robert Plant, Ray Cooper, Bruce Dickinson, Suggs, the late great Gary Moore and Jeremy Irons as MC in previous years, Super Jam 2011 will be the biggest event to date and will help to increase the already raised funds from past events.

Jon Lord formerly of Deep Purple, one of many active supporters of the charity said:
“The Sunflower Jam has become an established event for two reasons: because its such a great cause and because it’s such huge fun!”

Official website of event: http://thesunflowerjam.com/ - Just created ...
Tickets for the event can be purchased here:
(Event Link for tickets)


VH1's 'That Metal Show' new series starting soon

The new series of the very entertaining rock and metal show, appropriately titled, 'That Metal Show,' broadcast through VH1 Classic, will kick off on Saturday March 19th.
The show is fronted by main man Eddie Trunk, a huge human encyclopedia of rock 'n' roll knowledge, ably assisted by his humourous 'sidekicks,' Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson, both metal heads in the true sense of the expression, to the extreme!

Here's the forthcoming series schedule:
Premiering Saturday 3/19/11

All Shows Air at 11pm ET/PT
Only on VH1 Classic!

Saturday 3/19/11 Chris Jericho
Yngwie Malmsteen


Saturday 3/26/11 Ace Frehley
Billy Sheehan


Saturday 4/2/11 Duff McKagan
Glenn Hughes


Saturday 4/9/11 Carmine Appice
Dave Meniketti


Saturday 4/16/11 David Coverdale
Lita Ford

Saturday 4/23/11 Kirk Hammett
Uli Jon Roth


Saturday 4/30/11 Matt Sorum/Cherie Currie
Jim Norton


Saturday 5/7/11 Sebastian Bach
Anvil

Saturday 5/14/11
"Scrap Metal" - Season 7 Outakes/Unseen Extras


For further details on the show and Eddie Trunk, go to:
http://www.eddietrunk.com/
or
www.vh1.com/music/vh1classic/main.jhtml