Brief News Update for Tuesday June 7th, 2011

Black Country Communion launch new video: "Man In The Middle"

Today, Black Country Communion have launched the official promo video for "Man In The Middle". The song is taken from their forthcoming album "2", released in the UK on Monday June 13th.

This video for "Man In The Middle" has just been posted on YouTube, although as you regulars are now aware, Blogspot sadly doesn't embrace You Tube's viewing screen size, so here's the link to the You Tube location:

http://youtu.be/hy6WLBvBXaI

The new album "2" will feature the following tracks:

1. The Outsider

2. Man In The Middle

3. The Battle For Hadrian’s Wall

4. Save Me

5. Smokestack Woman

6. Faithless

7. An Ordinary Son

8. I Can See Your Spirit

9. Little Secret

10. Crossfire

11. Cold

First single from the album, 'The Outsider' has gained much praise across the board and I have to admit, I love it myself!

Black Country Communion is the Anglo/American rock band featuring Glenn Hughes (vocals, bass), Joe Bonamassa (guitar, vocals), Jason Bonham (drums) and Derek Sherinian (keyboards).

The forthcoming album is currently #2 on both the Amazon UK and Play.com album pre-order charts.

BCC's eponymous debut album, originally released September 2010, reached #13 in the official UK Album Chart, #1 on the UK Rock Album Chart, and #2 on the UK Independent Album Chart.

Black Country Communion will tour the UK in July 2011. Dates include Llandudno Cymru Arena (July 23), High Voltage Festival, London (July 24), Leeds o2 Academy (July 26), Newcastle o2 Academy (July 27), Glasgow o2 Academy (July 29), Manchester Academy (July 30). Ticket hotline: 0871 230 1101, http://www.seetickets.com/ and http://www.bccommunion.com/.

Black Country Communion played their first live gigs last December – a pair of sold-out shows in London and Wolverhampton. Both shows earned rave reviews with The Birmingham Mail calling the band’s performance “rip-roaring” and “breath-taking.” Due to high demand from US fans for a set of live stateside performances, the band booked a number of summer dates beginning June 9 in San Diego, CA; followed by dates in Anaheim, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; St. Louis, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Hampton Beach, NH; Sayreville, NJ; and Washington, D.C. The band then heads across the Atlantic for multiple dates in Europe and the UK. Check out footage of the band playing live here: http://bit.ly/bccommunion

US Summer Tour Dates:
June 2011

06/09/11 San Diego, California at San Diego Civic Theatre

06/10/11 Anaheim, California at City National Grove of Anaheim
06/11/11 Salt Lake City, Utah at The Depot
06/13/11 St. Louis, Missouri at The Pageant
06/15/11 Indianapolis, Indiana at Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
06/17/11 Hampton, New Hampshire at Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
06/18/11 Sayreville, New Jersey at Starland Ballroom
06/19/11 Washington D.C. at 9:30 Club

Essential Links:

www.bccommunion.com

www.facebook.com/bccommunion
http://twitter.com/bccommunion
www.myspace.com/bccommunion
www.youtube.com/bccommunion

KARMAKANIC TO RELEASE "IN A PERFECT WORLD" JULY 26TH IN NORTH AMERICA ON INSIDEOUT MUSIC

 

AVAILABLE AS:

SPECIAL EDITION INCLUDING BONUS TRACK WITH 25MIN OF VIDEO BONUS FOOTAGE; DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

 

KARMAKANIC mastermind / bassist Jonas Reingold isn't out to re-invent the progressive rock wheel with the band's new album, "In A Perfect World". On the contrary, in a genre that is overpopulated with artists obsessed with often inhuman instrumental fireworks, he has delivered a package that stands out for being organic, warm, and decidedly human. And while lines can be drawn to prog rock greats like Dream Theater, Ayreon and Fates Warning, it's the hints of everything from Styx to Deep Purple to The Beatles to Yes and make KARMAKANIC'S latest outing a seven course feast that will leave the listener hungry for more.

A member of prog rock cult favorites The Flower Kings since 1999, Reingold has released four albums under the KARMAKANIC banner since 2002. The band is his labor of love, where he controls all aspects of the music rather than being a hired hand; a musical release that he couldn't live without.

"KARMAKANIC is always a result of everything that I enjoy in music. I enjoy a bit of pop music, some fusion, I enjoy a bit of classic progressive rock like Genesis and those guys. I don't think much in terms of style; I just try to have fun while I compose the music. It's fun to actually do something on your own sometimes. I love being a part of The Flower Kings or any other projects I get involved with, but to actually be responsible for the whole thing - write the songs, record the album, produce and mix it - is a kick for me to do it once in a while. But, you can also get fed up with yourself if you work too much like that. Having this mix between everything is great."

"In A Perfect World" is an unexpectedly smooth flow of musical styles from beginning to end. Steeped in an instantly recognizable '70s vibe, each of the seven tracks featured on the album have their own unique personalities without sounding mismatched. Whether it's the opening romp of '1969' or the smokey blues 10 minute outro of 'When Fear Came To Town', "In A Perfect World" never derails itself under the weight of its own creative genius.

"Normally I try to work with a couple themes," Reingold explains. "The opening theme on '1969', for example, it reappears in the song a number of times in different shapes, different keys and tonalities, a different vibe, but I try not to change the ideas I'm working with too much. I try to keep a core running through the whole song. If you skip five minutes into the song it shouldn't be a different song. That's my main goal; therefore I try to keep things simple in terms of ideas. If I have three melodic themes going on I stick to them. I try not to put in too much information."

With regards to his varied stylistic influences and the lines drawn between KARMAKANIC and artists outside of the prog rock genre - a box Reingold is quite comfortable in - he feels it's a natural occurrence as a product of one's environment.

"When you're an artist / musician I think you're an antenna to the world, and that will always show. If there's a killer song on the radio that you hear ten times a day and you love it, it will show in your music. Not on purpose, of course, but that music gets stored in your head somewhere. Sometimes you're not even aware of what you're reflecting. I grew up with KISS in the '70s - they were my first main band that I was into - and even today I can hear them in my music sometimes. It's like, 'Oh damn, that sounds like 'She' ... (laughs)'. Music is a reflection of everything around you."

This time out, however, Reingold's big focus was on the lyrics for "In A Perfect World's" seven tracks. As inspired as he was to write the music, without an equal amount of time spent on the lyrics he believes the album would be lacking a backbone. Because of his lyrical focus, fans will find "In A Perfect World" much stronger than any of the band's previous releases.

"I try to write about things that concern me. We had a suicide bomber here in Sweden last Christmas, and that hit me hard because you see it on television in other parts of the world, and suddenly it was in my backyard. That kind of scared me, so I wrote a song about that. I try to find a subject that is meaningful and write about it. As long as you write something that is meaningful for you, other people will respond to it."

KARMAKANIC - In A Perfect World:

1. 1969 - 14:40

2. Turn it up - 06:53

3. The world is caving in - 08:58

4. Can't take it with you - 05:42

5. There's nothing wrong with the world - 07:22

6. Bite the grit - 04:57

7. When fear came to town - 09:54

Discography:

Entering The Spectra (2002)

Wheel Of Life (2004)

Who's The Boss In The Factory? (2008)

In A Perfect World (2011)

Line up:

Jonas Reingold: Fretted and fretless bass/Backing vocals

Marcus Liliequist: Drums

Göran Edman: Vocals

Lalle Larsson: Keyboards/Backing vocals

Nils Erikson: Vocals/Keyboards

Krister Jonsson: Guitars

KARMAKANIC Online:

http://www.reingoldmusic.com/

http://www.insideoutmusic.com/

 

Judas Priest – Single Cuts
The Complete UK Singles Collection

At the start of their final world tour, Judas Priest and Sony Music are proud to announce the release, for the first time ever, of their complete UK / CBS singles.


'Single Cuts' is testament to Priest’s enduring influence and through the singles, tells the story of one of the biggest metal bands of all time.

Presented in a deluxe, numbered box, 'Single Cuts' boasts a massive 52 tracks across 20 CDs, featuring original singles artwork and labels plus booklet including sleevenotes and photos.

Tracklisting:

1977
Diamonds and Rust
Dissident Aggressor

1978
Better By You, Better By Me
Invader

1978
Evening Star
Starbreaker

1978
Before The Dawn
Rock Forever

1979
Take On The World
Starbreaker (Live)
White Heat Red Hot (Live)

1979
Evening Star
Beyond The Realms Of Death
The Green Manalishi

1980
Living After Midnight
Delivering The Goods (Live)
Evil Fantasies (Live)

1980
Breaking The Law
Metal Gods

1980
United
Grinder

1981
Don’t Go
Solar Angels

1981
Hot Rockin' 3:03
Breaking The Law (Live)
Steeler
You Don't Have To Be Old To Be Wise

1982
You've Got Another Thing Comin'
Exciter (Live)


1982
(Take These) Chains
Judas Priest Audio File

1984
Freewheel Burning
Breaking The Law (Live)
You've Got Another Thing Comin'

1984
Some Heads Are Gonna Roll
The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown)
Jawbreaker

1986
Turbo Lover
Hot For Love

1986
Locked In
Reckless
Desert Plains (Live)
Freewheel Burning (Live)

1990
Painkiller
United
Better By You, Better Than Me

1991
A Touch Of Evil
Between The Hammer And The Anvil
You've Got Another Thing Comin' (Live)

1992
Night Crawler
Breaking The Law
Living After Midnight


Judas Priest – Single Cuts
The Complete UK Singles Collection

AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW!
The product can be ordered direct from the Official Judas Priest website here:
http://www.myplaydirect.com/judas-priest/
The price including delivery will be:
£59.99
Euro 69.99
US $99

Catalogue Number: 88697939612
Barcode: 886979396128
To be shipped for delivery around 25th August 2011
Source:
www.judaspriest.com/

News Update for Saturday June 4th, 2011

Simon Wright shares a message on Dio's Disciples

Over at the Ronnie James Dio's site, now controlled or should that read, guided by the direction of Ronnie's widow Wendy Dio, there's an update posted on the band put together mainly by ex-Dio players, that go by the name, Dio's Disciples.

The line up is:

Tim "Ripper" Owens (Judas Priest, Yngwie Malmsteen) and Toby Jepson (Little Angels, Fastway, Gun) on Vocals, Simon Wright (Dio, AC/DC, UFO, M.S.G.) on drums, Craig Goldy (Dio, Giuffria, Rough Cutt) on Guitars, James LoMenzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society, Megadeth, David Lee Roth) on Bass and Scott Warren (Dio, Heaven and Hell, Warrant).

A message from Simon Wright

'A big hello from myself and the DIO DISCIPLES to all you mighty DIO fans.
We are in rehearsal at the moment getting ready to embark on our first European tour, It's been very weird and a little emotional getting through the songs without Ronnie, I keep hearing him saying, in my head, "Lets try that part again" and "OK, lets run the set...", it helps to remind me that we have to keep playing and get the job done.
As Wendy said, "there will never be another Ronnie James Dio," absolutely 100% right. As we know though first and foremost Ron was a musician, and loved having a band and the music came first, with that in mind we all sat down talked and discussed the possibility of doing the DIO DISCIPLES project. The most important point was to be able to bring Ronnie's brilliant songs to the fans and celebrate them in the best way we know how in a live show with all of you.
Just as important is that while you read this we are doing this from the heart and for all the right reasons, Ron was like a father to me and over the years we became best friends, I'm not trying to one up anybody here, there are lots of people who loved Ron, especially and of course Wendy, but this band is something I feel very strongly about and positive about ,I wish we didn't have to do this project, I miss Ron everyday, but something tells me he would want us to carry on ,work hard and continue bringing you the fans, his music. Thanks for reading this. Simon Wright. DIO {DRUMS}1998 to 2010.'
Source: http://www.ronniejamesdio.com/


How about a completely new 'version' of 'Frampton Comes Alive?'

It seems Peter Frampton is joining the many ranks of bands that are selling live recordings of the show you have just seen, after the gig.
Yes indeed and as many folks will already be aware, Mr Frampton is currently celebrating the 35th Anniversary of his historic album, 'Frampton Comes Alive!'
He's promising to play a 3 hour show, every night, I mean come on, who else does that these days?!
Here's the details that he's just posted at his site:

Take home a LIVE CD from the FCA! 35 Tour!For the first time ever, Frampton is collaborating with Abbey Road Live to offer fans high quality, live CD recordings of each show in its entirety throughout the tour. These recordings are fully mixed, mastered, individually numbered and are available to buy from the Abbey Road Live booth after the show. Additionally, a bonus audio CD “rockumentary” is included, with Frampton being interviewed by longtime rock radio personality Redbeard. For those who cannot attend the shows the sets will be available to pre-order online from Monday, May 23 at:
http://www.abbeyroadliveus.com/
to be shipped directly to fans anywhere in the world.

Editor's note: Folks, this will be a 4 disc set and will sell for $35 - Online. -
I have absolutely no idea how much they will charge at the venue, so who knows, they may charge $40 - As prices at venues are often a rip off! - or who knows, maybe you'll be lucky and they'll only charge $30 - Since you already paid for your show ticket!
Whatever the case, it certainly sounds like a pretty special keepsake and deal, I certainly wouldn't mind one myself!

Keep up with all Peter Frampton news and tour dates at:
 http://frampton.com


Neil Peart on Letterman

CBS has announced that Neil Peart will be the grand finale to a “drum solo week” on Letterman the week of June 6th (yes, you read that right).

The rhythm section gets its due when the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN presents “Drum Solo Week,” featuring some of the finest drummers in music, Monday, June 6-Thursday, June 9 (11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
The air drumming from home begins on Monday June 6th with a drum solo performance by the LATE SHOW’s very own Anton Fig, longtime drummer for Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra.On Tuesday, June 7, renowned drummer and percussionist Sheila E. performs on the broadcast.
On Wednesday, June 8, legendary drummer Roy Haynes, who has performed with such jazz greats as Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Sarah Vaughn, will take the Ed Sullivan Theater stage.
And the finale drum solo performance of the week on Thursday, June 9 goes to Neil Peart, drummer for the legendary rock band Rush and regarded as one of the greatest drum soloists in rock music.

Official CBS website: http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show/


Judie Tzuke - 'One Tree Less' new album available for Pre Order


Having been a bit of a Judie Tzuke fan over the years, I was also aware that many others rockers - Well, in the UK for sure ... - also enjoy the lady's music, so when the latest newsletter came in with some updates and of course news of Judie's latest studio album, I felt it just wasn't right, not to share!

Hello Everyone,

First of all thanks again for all the lovely feedback regarding 'The October Road,' it really makes us feel good.
Our excellent friend Vin Goodwin, the mastermind for the wonderful 'Welcome to the Tzuke'event, has posted a video of Judie performing 'Submarine Boy' at the Union Chapel, such a lovely venue, such a fabulous night.
Here is a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOO163HrbWg
(The October Road is also now available as a download via iTunes and other reputable download sites).
I have been getting lots of requests for tour information, at this point we are looking at putting some dates in for early 2012. I will keep you informed if this plan becomes more solid.

As you know Judie's next album, 'One Tree Less' is in the process of being recorded and everyone who's heard the progress so far, has been blown away. It does feel like this is going to be a very special album, and of course we want to do these great songs justice, unfortunately that involves spending more money, with this in mind we have decided to do an album pre-order with a difference.
Firstly I'd like to say that if you want to wait for the album launch, the album will be on sale at the normal price via the usual outlets.
But, the great thing about the pre-order is that you will receive the album before the official release and you will have the chance to own an authentic, original and unique 'Welcome to the Cruise' Gold Record which was originally given to Paul Muggleton to celebrate 100,000
albums sold. This is not offered up lightly but he feels that 'One Tree Less' is worth the sacrifice.

So one lucky pre-orderer will receive the Gold Record and five others will receive framed pictures of the iconic 'Welcome to the Cruise' cover. A video of the draw will be placed on YouTube.
The cost to pre-order 'One Tree Less' will be £15 + P&P - Go to http://www.tzuke.com/shopcart/studio_cds.php to see a picture of the Gold Disk, and to place your order. At this point we are looking for the album to be released in the Autumn.
We hope that you understand that Judie's albums are recorded completely independently with your support and we sometimes need to find different ways to fund our recordings but we hope you appreciate the results.

For those of you who like to hear Judie's new projects often in a demo form, she has created a Soundcloud page -www.soundcloud.com/judie-tzuke.
Tracks placed on this page will generally be unannounced and the tracks also won't stay up for very long, so be sure to check regularly.

Speaking of new things, the house and studio where Judie, Bailey and their many musical friends write and record much of their music appears to have become sentient and created a Twitter account. Check out @thepinkhouse to see what is happening and who is visiting on a day to day basis. www.twitter.com/the_pink_house


Good News for all of the Bailey Tzuke fans out there, as well as having the 'Alive' and 'Laid Bare' EPs we have also found 20 copies of Bailey's first single/EP 'Strong' featuring studio versions of 'Strong' and 'My Waltz' and two dance re-mixes of 'Strong'. It will probably be a while before this EP is available again so don't miss you chance to own it!
www.tzuke.com/shopcart/baileytzuke.php

All the best,
Jamie

So there you go folks, go check it all out!
For more information on Judie Tzuke, go to: http://www.tzuke.com/

King Kobra - King Kobra album review

King Kobra – King Kobra album review

Released on: Frontiers Records. Release Date: Available now.

You know, yes, I'm going to give you a similar line, to what you've heard before, but thanks to so many of these bands from the 80's reuniting and recording new material. You know what else? It makes me conscious that I never did get into the band when they were at their peak, way back, but King Kobra are back now, with new material and a self titled new album

Opening with ‘Rock This House,’ wow, is it the 80’s all over again?!

I must say this is classic big hair rock / metal stuff, kind of Van Halen like, as so many acts were influenced by, but then King Kobra had their own sound and with Carmine Appice on drums, you knew it was powerful.

Paul Shortino (Ex-Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot) is now in the lead vocalist slot, for original Kobra vocalist Mark Free who is now Marcie Free, who fronts Unruly Child these days.

There is a down side here though, for me the production and mix really doesn’t sound that great, disappointing.

Don’t know if it’s just my copy of the recordings, but throughout the album there are a lot of places where it has that fading in and out phasing type effect.

On ‘Turn Up The Good Times’ Paul almost sings the song in a Spin Doctors like fashion and whether it's how Carmine always likes to play slightly off time here and there, I don’t know. This track seems to drift a little for me and again, sound quality overall is again a letdown.

There’s something about the vibe in ‘Live Forever’ that I really like, whichcould be the tracks’ borderline power ballad type feel or not, I don’t know. Again, it’s really riding that 80’s sound that is once again so popular, so I guess they're going with the flow here.

On ‘Tear Down The Walls,’ Shortino almost reminds me of Eddie Money initially and again the song’s really not too bad at all, although the chorus is the big chant style approach, if perhaps a little off. Steady style rocker.

‘This is How We Roll,’ is a hard rocking sleazy number ala Motley Crue and the and I don’t know if the band ‘added’ a live audience ‘drop in’ at start and finish or whether they did record it live?

I have to say, there’s a very clichéd presentation here overall and I guess you can’t blame the band, as so many 80’s / 90’s band of this ilk are reforming now and many of them are releasing material that’s very similar to where they left off, not having got into King Kobra back in their heyday, I cannot compare, so I’m really just telling it how it sounds here.

‘Midnight Woman’ is very much just like that, ‘Sheeeee’s Myyyyy Midnight Woman ...,’ is right there on that path.

‘We’ve Got a Fever’ is aain another strong chorus driven song and indeed many here are, but I feel it’s lacking a certain something.

Next up we have ‘Top of the World,’ which is a steady rocker, big chorus of course, but verse wise, it doesn’t seem to grab me.

Carmine Appice said, “This album captures all the great points we had in the 80's, but better. The music is more traditional King Kobra music. Great lyrics, kick ass songs with cool hooks and really good playing. A really great hard rock/metal record with lots of energy”

Well, he’s certainly spot on with the choruses, can’t argue that and Paul Shortino, often sounds like he’s very close to hitting stuff in a similar fashion to many vocalists. I hear hints of Steve Perry, Dave Meniketti, and Eric Martin too, the aforementioned Eddie Money and even Stephen Pearcy as well too here and there.

‘You Make it Easy,’ and he’s really trying a Steve Perry approach and it’s commendable, but Perry he’s not! It’s a slow to mid paced pop rocker, big choruses there too and I haven’t mentioned it before, but there’s really nice brief acoustic guitar here and also throughout the album, both David Michael-Philips and Mick Sweda on Guitars, both are good players for sure.

The album hits power ballad territory with ‘Cryin’ Turns To Rain.’ Next and it’s OK and Journey like at times but it doesn’t really grab me.

Carmice leads into the very Van Halen’esque ‘Screamin’ For More’ perhaps a runner up to ‘Hot For Teacher.’

Hear it and you’ll know what I mean!

How apt that the final track is titled ‘Fade Away.’ It drifts up and down in its tempo, but you can hear it wants to be a power ballad, but it’s almost like the players couldn’t make up there mind where they wanted to take this, as at times the guitars are aching to rock out!

So overall, a little disappointing and that’s not down to Paul Shortino, where I’ve drawn the various comparisons, as that’s one of the better points at times. The production / mix for me needs to be redone or could certainly use some help and during the verses, it’s like it was missing something, I can’t quite nail, but an OK album.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Official weblinks:
www.myspace.com/officialkingkobra

http://www.frontiers.it/

Brief News Update for Thursday June 2nd, 2011

DEEP PURPLE

SET THEIR SIGHTS ON AMERICA AND CANADA IN JUNE AFTER THEY WRAP IN-PROGRESS TOUR OF EUROPE, RUSSIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

PIONEERING BAND TO TOUR NORTH AMERICA FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH A SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN EACH CITY

JUNE 3-25 - "DEEP PURPLE: THE SONGS THAT BUILT ROCK” TOUR WILL FEATURE THE BAND’S ICONIC HITS AND MORE

DEEP PURPLE are wrapping up a triumphant tour of Europe, Russia and the Middle East and are now setting their sights on a major North American tour, where they will perform for the first time here with a symphony orchestra in each city (except San Francisco).

The pioneering rock band--featuring classic members Ian Gillan (lead vocals), Roger Glover (bass) and Ian Paice (drums, percussion), rounded out by Steve Morse (guitar) and Don Airey (keyboards)--will launch “DEEP PURPLE: The Songs That Built Rock” June 3 and conclude the tour June 25, with stops in New York (two nights at the Beacon Theatre), Los Angeles (Greek Theater) and Montreal (Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts).

On the North American tour, fans can expect to hear the band’s trail-blazing iconic hits--including “Smoke On The Water,” “Highway Star,” “Hush” and “Space Truckin’” -- plus other favorites achieve a new dimension of sound with the added heft of a symphony orchestra. In other parts of the world, DEEP PURPLE has achieved acclaim for its live epic presentation of symphonic rock.

The group is planning on releasing a new studio album in 2012.

Their last studio album was 'Rapture of the Deep' in 2005.

Their in-progress international tour--which wraps in San Francisco June 25--has brought them to Ukraine, Greece, Israel, Belarus, Cyprus and multiple cities in Russia, where they dined at the home of President Dmitry Medvedev

Throughout its career, DEEP PURPLE has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and has incorporated classical music, blues-rock, pop and progressive rock. (Although the band’s devoted fans treasure their live album 'Concerto for Group and Orchestra,' the upcoming tour of North America will not draw from this work.)

http://www.deeppurple.com/

DEEP PURPLE - TOUR DATES

DATE - CITY - VENUE

Fri, 6/3 - Orillia, ON - Casino Rama

Sat, 6/4 - Quebec City, QC - Agora

Mon, 6/6 - Montreal, QC - Salle Wilfred-Pelletier, Place des Arts

Tue, 6/7 - Boston, MA - Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre

Wed, 6/8 - Hartford, CT - Mortensen Hall at the Bushnell

Fri, 6/10 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center

Sat, 6/11 - Atlantic City, NJ - Tropicana

Sun, 6/12 - Bethel Woods, NY - Bethel Performing Arts Center

Tue, 6/14 - New York, NY - Beacon Theater

Wed, 6/15 - New York, NY - Beacon Theater

Fri, 6/17 - Detroit, MI - Fox Theater

Sat, 6/18 - Highland Park, IL - Ravinia

Sun, 6/19 - Minneapolis, MN - Orpheum

Thurs, 6/23 - Las Vegas, NV - The Pearl at the Palms Casino

Fri, 6/24 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theater

**Sat, 6/2 - Concord, CA - Sleep Train Amphitheatre

**Indicates a non-orchestra date.

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

Thunder get on their bikes and ride (For charity)

Latest news from the Thunder camp, as the band close in on their first big UK live date since 2009, at the 'High Voltage Festival,' in London, sees the band traveling across North America, on Harley's!

This news from the official Thunder website, that is still alive and kickin'! 

Ben, Danny, Luke and Peter - Charity Motorcycle Ride - USA July 2011 - More News!

Posted June 1st, 2011

Dear All

As reported a few weeks ago, Ben, Danny, Luke and Peter will be joining a bunch of like minded lunatics in July, on a charity motorcycle ride in Canada and the USA.

The intrepid four's efforts to date have raised just under £6000 (That's over £7,000 with Gift Aid), with all donations going to Childline in the UK, so huge thanks to all of you who have given so generously so far. If you haven't made a donation yet (we know who you are), there's still time (and even £1.00 will make a difference).

As promised, here is a bit more information, though if you listened to Ben and Danny on Planet Rock this morning you may already know it..

The ride goes from Cranbrook British Columbia on July 11th and ends up in Ketchum Idaho on July 15th, and will pass through some wonderfully named towns such as Waterton (Alberta), Whitefish (Montana), Missoula, Lolo, McCall (Idaho) and Stanley. The intrepid four will be part of group of 25 or so lunatics, including former SAS officer turned best selling author Andy McNab (Bravo Two Zero) and others.

The plan is to play music somewhere each night of the ride, and audio recordings will be sent back for broadcast on Planet Rock each morning on the Breakfast show. The audio recordings will be given away to the lovely people who donate £10 or more, and the audio plus various video clips will go to those stellar beings who donate £25 or more. I say somewhere, as it's all a bit ad hoc at the moment, and none of the musical evenings are planned, but rest assured, make music they most definitely will...

ALSO...

I'm very pleased to report that the rest of the members of Thunder and The Union have agreed to fly out to join Ben, Danny, Luke and Peter, and both bands will play at the Sun Valley Pavilion in Ketchum on July 16th. It will be Thunder's first show since Sonisphere on August 1st 2009, and the band will treat the show as a warm up for their High Voltage appearance on July 24th. There may be another.. Watch this space..

FINALLY

I've been asked to say that anyone interested in joining the ride should visit http://childlinerocks.co.uk/news_item.php?id=400

where full details can be found. You must have a full motorcycle licence and possibly a screw loose, but definitely a few bob, this is for charity after all.

That's it from me for now..

Thanks

The Thin & Non Riding One

Source: http://www.thunderonline.com/

PROGRESSIVE ROCK ICONS YES RETURN WITH FIRST STUDIO ALBUM IN TEN YEARS


THE TREVOR HORN PRODUCED FLY FROM HERE SET FOR RELEASE IN EUROPE ON JULY 1ST AND NORTH AMERICA ON JULY 12TH VIA FRONTIERS RECORDS

Debut single “We Can Fly” to be released digitally on June 13th

The most influential and ground-breaking progressive rock ‘n’ roll band in history, legendary rockers and Grammy Award winners YES, will release their first studio album in a decade, Fly From Here, on July 1st in Europe and July 12th in North America through Frontiers Records. Their long awaited 20th studio album is the follow up to 2001’s Magnification and marks the band’s return with producer, Trevor Horn, who produced the band’s chart topping album, 90125, in 1983 and also sang for YES on the Drama album in 1980. YES is Benoit David on vocals (his first studio recording with YES), Steve Howe on guitars/vocals, founder Chris Squire on bass/vocals, Geoff Downes on keyboards and Alan White on drums.
Roger Dean, creator of a number of YES’ most memorable album covers, also returns with his signature style for Fly From Here.

“At last we have some shape and dynamics within these tracks that are truer to the original idea of what a YES recording is about,” proclaims Howe.

“The new album represents the best of YES from the 70s and the 80's with a current twist,” Squire adds.
All of the songs on Fly From Here embody that classic and now iconic YES sound and style. The first single, “We Can Fly,” (to be released digitally on June 13th) is borne from a piece of music that was written prior to the Fly ... writing sessions - an idea that has now grown into an overture and 5 subsequent movements that feature the unparalleled musicianship and virtuoso talents that are synonymous with YES. From the first chord of “Fly From Here – Overture” to the last note of the album’s closer “Into The Storm,” there is no question that the unmistakable technical proficiency of YES carries on.
"It's awesome working with Trevor Horn again, he pays a lot of attention to detail. It was a great pleasure in the studio to play some incredible music with some great players,” says White.

First formed in 1968, YES’ remarkable career spans over 40 years and the band has time and again redefined the boundaries of rock music. YES has sold nearly 50 million albums worldwide and continues to stretch the boundaries of progressive art-rock with their symphonic use of sound and innovative musical styles. This summer, YES will return to the road to bring Fly From Here as well as some of their classic hits to their loyal following. European tour dates are scheduled for the fall.

Fly From Here track listing:

1. Fly From Here - Overture
2. Fly From Here - pt I - We Can Fly
3. Fly From Here - pt II - Sad Night At The Airfield
4. Fly From Here - pt III - Madman At The Screens
5. Fly From Here - pt IV - Bumpy Ride
6. Fly From Here - pt V - We Can Fly
7. The Man You Always Wanted Me To Be
8. Life On A Film Set
9. Hour Of Need
10. Solitaire
11. Into The Storm

Fly From Here will be released in 4 different configurations: cd, cd plus a bonus DVD including a documentary “Making of the Album” in digipak edition, a gatefold vinyl and a Special Box set limited edition including the cd, DVD, vinyl, t-shirt, poster, sticker and a lithograph of the cover art.
For more official YES news and information, go to http://www.yesworld.com/
The YES EPK discussing Fly From Here can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR-DKEcDtt8


YES and Styx North American Tour 2011
Date City Venue

July 4th Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
July 5th Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
July 7th Canandaigua, NY CMAC Performing Arts Center
July 8th Mashantucket, CT Foxwoods Resort Casino
July 9th Gilford, NH Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion
July 11th Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
July 12th Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
July 14th Alpharetta, GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
July 15th Orange Beach, AL Amphitheater at the Wharf
July 16th Nashville, TN Woods Amphitheater at Fontanel
July 18th Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre
July 19th Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center
July 20th Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theater
July 22nd Thackerville, OK WinStar Casino
July 23rd Oklahoma City, OK Zoo Amphitheater
July 24th Maryland Heights, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
July 26th Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
July 28th Eagle, ID Eagle River Pavilion
July 29th Redmond, WA Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
July 30th Goldendale, WA Maryhill Winery
August 2nd Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
August 3rd Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre

Official weblinks:
http://www.yesworld.com/
http://www.frontiers.it/

News Update for Wednesday 1st June, 2011

Acoustic Saints - A very new project

  

As first mentioned here on Monday, here's a little more on the new side project 'Acoustic Saints' put together by guitarist / singer / songwriter Stan Bush, bassist Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot, House of Lords, Giuffria) and Rick Sailon (Laura Brannigan, Richard Page (Mr. Mister), Jim Messina (Kenny Loggins & Jim Messina)).

Now while both Stan and Chuck come from rocking backgrounds, don't expect big guns a blazin'!

This is after all, an acoustic project and just how far they may take this is anyone's guess?!

As of right now, it's my understanding from Stan, that's it's a fun side project, which has just one small gig lined up. Here's what Stan had to say:

"Yeah, we just got together a couple of weeks ago, so June 7th will be our
first gig.
This is a very cool thing. We're doing only great classic songs, with a few originals thrown in. 

It's myself, Chuck Wright (Bassist from Quiet Riot, House of Lords) and Rick Sailon (Violin, acoustic guitar, mandolin)."

That gig will be at:

Casa De Carlos,
22901 Ventura Blvd
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
8:00 to 11:00
No Cover - Mexican Cuisine

http://www.casadecarlos.com/

There is a website, but as of right now it's coming together slowly, but the guys do hope to have some music samples posted there soon. After all, they are talking 'original material' ahead of the show.

Let's hope there's something more for the rest of us soon!

Chuck is obviously committed first and foremost to the rejuvenated Quiet Riot, who have tour dates coming up fast, starting this Friday 3rd June in Santa Clara, CA. Check here for more details on those dates: http://www.officialquietriot.com

Chuck's own site is here: http://www.chuckwright.com/
Stan is most likely working on a new album too, but meantime Stan will be appearing all this weekend long at the annual gathering of Transformers fans –   BotCon 2011! Taking place June 2nd – 5th at the Pasadena Convention Center in beautiful Pasadena, CA.

Stan will be promoting his latest album Dream the Dream, which features the powerful “Sam’s Theme (The Touch)” and the YouTube sensation “Your Time!”

Editor's note: 'Dream the Dream' review here:

 http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2010/10/stan-bush-dream-dream-album-review.html

Official Stan Bush site is here: http://stanbush.com/

Meantime, the 'Acoustic Saint's' site as it is, can be found here:

http://www.wix.com/acousticsaints/as

Steve Lukather at 2011 Workshop and festival

Steve Lukather (Toto) is the newest addition to the 2011 Workshop and Festival of the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation, along with Joe Bonamassa, Lee Ritenour, Scott Tenant and Greg Howe to name a few.

The Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation brings together the finest guitar playing and one of the most exquisite natural landscapes in the world. These two passions, music and nature, take center stage during our week-long guitar workshop and festival at the Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork, Montana, from August 28th till September 4th 2011.

It's a unique opportunity to participate in 6 days of workshops in one of six styles of guitar and attend nightly performances by some of the finest players of each style. Participants can choose to study Classic Rock, Blues, Jazz, Classical Guitar or a Singer-Songwriter curriculum which takes the place of last year's Acoustic workshop. Also offered is a Beginners course for people who want to learn to play guitar while in the company of some of the world's greatest players.

Check out all the (register) information at cocguitarfoundation.org!

Source: http://www.stevelukather.net

CMT CROSSROADS: THE DOOBIE BROTHERS AND LUKE BRYAN

“CMT CROSSROADS: THE DOOBIE BROTHERS AND LUKE BRYAN”
PREMIERES FRIDAY, JUNE 24 ON CMT

NASHVILLE – May 25, 2011 – Classic rockers The Doobie Brothers and country star Luke Bryan will be heading to CMT for the next installment of CMT CROSSROADS when CMT CROSSROADS: THE DOOBIE BROTHERS and LUKE BRYAN premieres Friday, June 24 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT.

Taped before an invitation-only audience in Nashville, The Doobie Brothers and Luke Bryan will perform their hits including The Doobie Brothers’ “Black Water,” Long Train Runnin,” and “China Grove,” and Bryan’s “Rain is a Good Thing,” “Do I” “and “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).”

“We are so pleased, and fortunate to be able to share the stage with Luke Bryan on Crossroads,” says Pat Simmons of The Doobie Brothers. “We love the challenge of performing such wonderfully crafted songs with an artist like Luke, and his band. He’s one of the most exciting artists on the country music scene these days. The energy, innovation, and soulfulness of the music he writes and performs, is right up our alley. We’re dustin’ off our country chops, and we look forward to having him join in on our songs. This is going to be a great experience for all of us, and fans of both country music, and rock ‘n roll. It could only happen on Crossroads!”

“I am really excited to perform on stage with the Doobie Brothers,” says Luke Bryan. “Their music was such an iconic part of my growing up. I bet most Americans can hear a particular Doobie Brothers song and have it take them back to a certain time and place in their life…and the best thing is, they are still creating great music today!”

As durable as American steel, Northern California’s Doobie Brothers celebrate their 40th anniversary this year. Beginning with their multi-million-selling sophomore collection Toulouse Street (1972), the Doobies have recorded three multi-platinum albums, four platinum sets, and four gold records.
Their Best of the Doobies (1976) has sold 10 million copies – a rare “diamond record.”Their No. 1 singles “Black Water” (1974) and “What a Fool Believes” (1979), both gold, lead a catalog of indelible songs that include “Listen to the Music,” “Long Train Runnin’,” “Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me),” “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “Minute By Minute,” “Real Love,” and “The Doctor.”
In 2010, original members Pat Simmons and Tom Johnston, and 30 year member and country producer/songwriter/player John McFee (Southern Pacific) marked a new chapter with the delivery of a potent album – World Gone Crazy (HOR Records), featuring a guest appearance by Country Music Hall of Famer Willie Nelson. It’s their first new album in a decade, with tracks like “Far From Home” and their country single “World Gone Crazy” marking a renaissance of the propulsive roots-based, harmony laden, guitar driven style that sold an estimated 30 million records over the course of four decades.

Luke Bryan will release his third studio album for Capitol Records Nashville on August 9, Tailgates & Tanlines. This project is the follow up to his GOLD-certified album Doin’ My Thing, which produced three back-to-back #1 singles- “Do I,” “Rain Is A Good Thing” and “Someone Else Calling You Baby.” The lead single off the forth-coming project is “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” and is his fastest rising single to date. The song debuted at #1 in U.S. digital singles sales with 105,498 downloads its first week. Luke, who will perform and present on the CMT Music Awards on June 8, is currently nominated for two 2011 CMT Music Awards - Best Web Video of the Year for his video “It’s A Shore Thing” and as Best New Live Act, the Nationwide Insurance Award.
Fans can catch Luke on the road this summer on Tim McGraw’s “Emotional Traffic” tour.
CMT CROSSROADS is produced by Tom Forrest and Kathryn Russ. John Hamlin, Margaret Comeaux and Bill Flanagan serve as executive producers for CMT.
www.cmtpress.com
Source: http://www.doobiebros.com/