The Dead Daisies – Self Titled Debut Album review

 

 

 

 

 The Dead Daisies – Self Titled Debut Album review

Released on: Universal. Release date: Available now.

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, this is another album that I’m more than a little behind on getting it wrapped up with the release date ... Sorry, but that said, it seems it's release date seems to have been staggered all around the world and so maybe it's not all that old to everyone!

The Dead Daisies – That name, still not sold on … - is a band that was formed around ‘former’ Noiseworks / INXS lead vocalist Jon Stevens, who’s voice may not be everyone’s favorite, but I liked Noiseworks since back in the 90’s so it’s fine by me.

 

Stevens joined forces with ex-Mink (?) player David Lowy to start writing material for a new project, cue The Dead Daisies in a lineup currently also including guitarist Richard Fortus (Ex-Guns and Roses, Thin Lizzy), Dizzy Reed (Ex-Guns and Roses) on keys, Darryl Jones (Rolling Stones – He’d replaced Bill Wyman) on bass and drummer Charley Drayton (The X-pensive Winos/The Cult/Cold Chisel), is with the current touring band.

 

Clearly there’s some talent involved in this project, that has switched out the rhythm section already, as they have already had ex-Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Ted Nugent bassist Marco Mendoza onboard for a while and also drummer Alex Carapetis (Nine Inch Nails, Julian Casablancas).

The guys also roped in Slash (Guns ‘n’ Roses, Velvet Revolver) to co-write and play on the first single released from the album, entitled ‘Lock ‘N’ Load’ and Slash distinct sound is clearly present throughout.
 

It’s a strange kind of mixture of tunes, not bad and certainly enjoyable perhaps with Jon Stevens influence it’s not that far removed from Noiseworks at times, no bad thing in my book.

 

 

‘It’s Gonna Take Time’ kicks things off here with some urgency and is rocky and almost a little punky too in its punchiness, that eases back for the chorus a little and there’s even a part that reminds me of Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ for a moment in the bridge section.
Clever track, with a few turns this way and that.

 

 

The Slash featured track, ‘Lock ‘N’ Load’ is next and it has a great commercial groove to it, almost bordering a hint of blues with Slash’s style. Nice!
Solid enough tune.

 

 

The single ‘Washington’ is next and to me perhaps gives a little nod towards the old classic track ‘American Woman,’ it’s certainly got a funky kind of groove about it. I like it!
I love the keys work from Dizzy Reed, very Faces like, nice touch!

 

 

‘Yeah, Yeah, Yeah’ really kind of reminds me of that Americana sound that John Mellencamp or Tom Petty sometimes tends to lean towards, but it’s got a certain tongue in cheek feel to it and an almost (Rolling) Stones like laid back groove too.
Rock ‘n’ roll baby!

 

 

I love the melancholy feel about ‘Yesterday,’ it’s a really nice track. Kind of has a laid back Stonesy feel to it too and it seems to grow from a laid back number into something much more!

 

 

‘Writing On The Wall’ next is quite a laid back atmospheric number, still of course with a cool groove which it seems is something that comes quite naturally to Jon Stevens in his writing … Er, no pun intended here!
Just after the midway point, there’s a little bridge that picks it up a little before easing back into the original groove.

 

 

Back to the more pop / rock punch with ‘Miles in Front of Me’ next, it’s not unlike opener ‘It’s Gonna Take Time’ at all, very similar indeed at first and then the chorus is a wonderfully smooth melodic groove. Nice, very catchy indeed!
Some nice guitar flourishes too.

 

 

‘Bible Row’ is a little pop / rock / new wave number in style, quite up tempo and Dizzy Reed’s keys shine through a little more, and it’s got a nice groove to it too. Kind of a grower tune that may not get you right away, but as the album grows on you from a few more plays this one should too.

 

 

Next track ‘Man Overboard’ was actually I think the first song I heard from these guys, as a free download offered some time back.
It’s a little off the wall perhaps, a little atmospheric with some punchy elements, but it’s like it never really gets into any pick up groove, but I still like it. Possibly this is down to how many times I’ve heard it!

With ‘Tomorrow’ next I hear quite a bit of a Noiseworks feel about it. Jon Stevens vocal has an edginess in it throughout the verses, laid back musically it tries to remain a little restrained, then in the chorus there’s even more smoothness to it.
He almost sounds a little like Seal in the choruses actually, nothing wrong with that.

 

Sub-power ballad time next with ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’ and no, it’s not the REO Speedwagon tune of the same name!
It’s a nicely, almost Beatles’esque piano driven number.
I like the little whistle part that tags along with the guitar solo, it’s different and overall the song has a certain magic to it, that makes you think ‘hit single’ about it with enough plays, but what do I know ..?!

 

 

Final track here is ‘Talk To Me’ and it’s quite an edgy number without getting too heavy.
An interesting bridge that takes it down a little before getting back into its groove once again and then it wraps up the album.

 

 

It’s an album that I can quite happily play again and again and not get tired of at all.
There’s points where it’s really catchy, others where it seems a little eclectic then it’s edgy too and also has it’s lulls, so it bounces around quite a bit.

 

 

I haven’t played any of my Noiseworks stuff in quite a while, so to hear Jon Stevens once again was a great reminder of the kick I got when I first heard them, time to dig some out again!

Does this sound like Noiseworks though? Well, with Jon’s vocal it’s hard not to draw some comparison, but Noiseworks switched things around quite a bit too so ... If you liked Noiseworks, you make up your own mind. 
It is an album that certainly takes a few different twists and turns here and there, that are maybe a little different from Noiseworks, so to me it’s fresh and I kind of like it!
Is it out and out stunning, well …, that’s down to the individual of course and it’s not quite stunning for me, but it does have a refreshing kind of vibe.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

 

Website:

http://thedeaddaisies.com/

 



Leslie West – 'Still Climbing' album review

 

 

 

 

Leslie West – 'Still Climbing' album review

Released on: Provogue / Mascot Records. Release date: Available now

 

 

 

 

 

So here’s the thing, when I first heard Mountain, many moons ago – ‘70’s - the song / tune was ‘Nantucket Sleigh ride’ and that was the one and only track I ever recall liking from Mountain, even though I once owned the ‘Twin Peaks’ album.

They just never clicked with me, I really wish I could say different as they have a significant history / back catalogue and of course this was where one Leslie West came from.
Understand this though, I always knew and respected Leslie West’s abilities, great player but Mountain to me, just weren’t my bag.
 

Then coming on a number of years, I recall my favourite guitar player Michael Schenker announced he was recording with Leslie West and methinks …, hmmm, what will this be like then …
Well I heard the material and for me, it was alright but it was lacking something that really, really grabbed me and after playing this here album, might I say to death, I might just have to go back and revisit that material!

‘Still Climbing’ is one of those albums you get to hear and then kick yourself for not previously ‘paying attention before,’ what was I thinking?!


I also MUST get myself a copy of Leslie’s last album ‘Unusual Suspects,’ as if it’s a patch on this – Which it most certainly must be just based on Leslie’s special guests on that one alone. – it’s surely a winner!
I mean that last album featured many of my personal favourite guitar players including Steve Lukather and Joe Bonamassa to name just two, it also featured major names like Slash, Billy Gibbons and Zakk Wylde, so right there is good reason to go and check it out.

‘Still Climbing’ features special guests once again with the likes of Jonny Lang, Johnny Winter, as well as perhaps two stranger choices in Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider and Creed / Alter Bridge man Mark Tremonti, impressive huh?!

Something else to keep in mind too, is that Leslie West loves to woo audiences with his brand of rocking as well as sometime very soulful blues, so when the poor guy through his battle with diabetes lost his right leg (2011), you’d think it would really make him think twice about continuing on with this demanding career. Not a chance!

 

The guy has come back, guns a blazing if you will with two storming albums – As I said, I’ve read the reviews elsewhere on ‘Unusual Suspects,’ which got much praise and this one can rock you hard as well as move you soulfully. I’m telling you straight, it’s a great album.


 

Opening with the hard rocking groove of ‘Dyin’ Since The Day I was Born’ which just had me sold from the very first time it open up! Such a great hook and he’s ably supported here by his backing band. Hard hitting drums, pumping bass, a smidgen of keys somewhere in the mix and of course the man himself on lead vocals.

Get this though, I have to say from the press release I don’t know who plays bass here or drums and my promo copy of the album did not give it either. Huge kudos to his band throughout though.

 

This album is also capturing his life story to a degree as well, look at the opener’s song title and it’s lyrics also tell quite the tale, so when I see that the next song is titled ‘Busted, Disgusted or Dead,’ there you have it right?!
I mean this guy has really been through quite the grinder even beating off bladder cancer at one point.
So on ‘Busted, Disgusted or Dead’ Leslie trades slide guitar licks with yet another legendary player in Johnny Winter.

Have to tell you, this has such an awesome classic deep, yet dirty blues groove that it made me wonder if it wasn’t Joe Bonamassa on here. It’s just great, Leslie and Johnny lay it right on the line!

‘Fade into You’ opens with a soulful vocal line and some nice acoustic playing and then it kicks in and this just gives me goose bumps when the solo kicks in too. Not unlike Schenker’s style too. Love it!
It’s funny you know as at times I’m even reminded by his vocal of Graham Bonnet, quite harsh, yet appropriate.

 

Creeping up on you is the approach of ‘Not Over You At All,’ and then it gathers a kind of sexy vibe if you will with some sax, I mean that’s really how it hits me.
Love where the guitar follows the vocal line too, another little treat and the underlying Hammond organ is sweet. Good stuff indeed! 


‘Tales of Woe’ is beautifully presented and is another soulful touch, led in with acoustic guidance and some beautifully – Again very reminiscent of Schenker – lead work. Nice!

 

Next up is a cover of Anthony Newley’s ‘Feeling Good,’ again perhaps is a reference to his life experiences of late, especially the line, ‘It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me,’ where it reflects on his life changes to try and perhaps improve his life in these latter years and why not, perhaps a little late Leslie but heck, with what you’ve battled man and how you’ve come out the other side with class playing like this, you go man!
This track also features Dee Snider trading vocal lines with West and if I didn’t read it, I wouldn’t know it, Nicely done!

 

So I guess ‘Hatfield or McCoy’ meant nothing to me story wise but I guess there’s a story out there – I did actually notice a DVD with this title recently, but still know nothing more as I didn’t have time to stop and read the cover notes. – and this one follows a down and dirty groove and once more some slick guitar solo work.

 

Then perhaps a surprise when Leslie pulls out the Percy Sledge classic, ‘When A Man Loves A Woman’ and is joined by the soulful Jonny Lang to share vocals duties. Some wicked and soulful guitar touches here and once more the dueling comes into play a little. Great interpretation indeed!

 

An old Mountain number in ‘Long Red’ gets the redo treatment next and for this Leslie brought in his brother Larry West on bass and it brings it right up to date and I can say nothing wrong about this at all! Nice tune.

Leslie maybe you could start redoing the whole Mountain back catalogue as I like how you do this very much!

 

OK, I know I’ve referenced Michael Schenker at least twice already but next track ‘Don’t Ever Let Me Go’ really reminds me in its style of something that was on the MSG comeback album ‘In The Midst Of Beauty.’Really love the plucking like, almost with a kind of Middle Eastern, exotic like little picking style solo licks, quite similar to Schenker and there’s nothing wrong with that!
It’s a great rocking number indeed.

 

Then to close the album a little bass interpretation of ‘(Somewhere) Over The Rainbow’ entitled ‘Rev Jones Time’ so I’m guessing it’s ex-Schenker bassist Rev Jones on bass here. - Doesn't say in the notes ...
Fun little closing number.

 

This really is as I said before a really great and enjoyable album that I could play again and again every day and never get tired of it at all.
Nice one Leslie, so what’s next?

 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

 

Website:

http://www.mountainrockband.com/




RIP Fergie Frederiksen - 1951 to 2014

 

 

 

RIP Fergie Frederiksen

 

15th May 1951 to 18th January 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last weekend, on Saturday 18th January, the world lost a true advocate of melodic rock / AOR music in Fergie Frederiksen.

 

Dennis 'Fergie' Frederiksen was one truly great singer, a wonderful talent who sadly lost his battle with cancer that he had been fighting since 2010.

 

 

My huge personal regret is that I never got to see Fergie performing live with one of my all time favourite bands Toto or another favourite band of mine, Mecca.

I never met or spoke to the guy, but have always admired the talent that he exuded.

I personally never discovered the guy's obvious talent until I first heard Toto's excellent 'Isolation' album released in 1984.

 

 

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1951, his first success was with the Chicago born band Trillion, whose first album was released in 1978 and from the attention the band drew at the time, it landed them opening tour slots with both Styx and Heart.

 

 

He briefly worked with AOR legends Angel in 1981 before moving onto other things, as Angel fell apart soon after, although it was with Angel where he made a connection with Ricky Phillips, which turned out to be useful further into Fergie's career.

 

In 1982 he worked with Survivor singing background vocals on a number of tracks on their mega hit album 'Eye of the Tiger.'

 

 

In 1983 he joined La Roux and went on to appear on just one studio album with the band which was the release, 'So Fired Up' that produced the Frederiksen penned minor hit 'Carrie's Gone,' but once again it seemed Frederiksen's time with a band was short lived.

 

 

It was touching base once more with Ricky Phillips, that led to Fergie being introduced to Journey's Jonathan Cain, who along with Phillips and Cain's singing wife at the time Tané Cain put together the side project Abandon Shame.

Sadly, even with all the talent involved and famed producer Kevin Olsen, it once more did not last so long, no album completed - to my knowledge - just a handful of songs, some of which did make it onto the soundtrack of 'The Terminator' movie.

 

 

It was soon after this, that the Toto connection took place, since Fergie's old friend Ricky Phillips gave late Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro (RIP) a demo of Fergie's work, after Phillips learned of Toto letting lead singer Bobby Kimball go.

Sure enough Toto and Fergie clicked and they went on to complete the excellent 'Isolation' album in 1984. One of my all time favourites, ever! Which again was why I was deeply saddened when I learned a few years back of Fergie's illness.

He was also involved in the soundtrack album Toto did for the 'Dune' movie.

 

 

After parting ways with Toto, during early sessions of the 'Fahrenheit' album recording, Fergie decided to go out on the road solo touring playing Toto sets, which sadly created some issues between the two parties and the band took action to prevent Fergie from doing this any longer, due to Fergie performing songs that he had no part in writing.

 

 

For a few years, Fergie dropped out of the music scene before Fergie and Ricky Phillips reunited to create and release the Frederiksen / Phillips self titled album in 1995.

A dream record for many AOR fans, as it featured many name artists such as Neal Schon, Deen Castronova, Tim Pierce, Steve Farris, Bruce Gowdy, Bobby Blotzer and backing vocals from the likes of Robin McAuley and David Glen Eisley to name just a handful.

 

   

A solo album in the shape of 'Equilibrium' was release by Fergie in 1999 and it also featured a serious all star lineup and was equally well received by the genre.

 

 

Various side projects where he offered his services followed before Fergie next hooked up with Jim Peterik (Survivor) once again, who was putting together a new project with vocalist Joe Vana, fellow ex-Toto player in bassist David Hungate, Mike Aquino on guitars, Jimmy Nichols (Keys) and Shannon Forrest on drums.

The project name Mecca, the album the same name, 'Mecca!'

Released in 2002, it was quite Toto like with a twist, an album I enjoyed very much too.

 

 

Fergie then got back to involvement in various side projects before the nicely put together album under the project name Frederiksen / Denander as Fergie joined up with session guitarist Tommy Denander for 'Baptism of Fire' in 2007.

 

 

Other all star project work continued before the sad announcement in 2010 that Fergie had cancer.

 

Fergie was not going down without a fight though and released two very good albums indeed with 2011's 'Happiness is the Road' - a brave title for a man battling cancer - and last year's 'Any Given Moment,' Fergie was doing things in style until the bitter end.

 

He was scheduled to hopefully, perhaps optimistically, appear at last years Melodic Rock Fest 3 but alas it was not to be, as he was not well enough.

 

 

Sadly, as the statement 'all good things must come to an end' goes, last Saturday we lost a very, very good vocalist and musical talent indeed as Dennis 'Fergie' Frederiksen finally lost his four year battle with cancer.

 

He will be greatly missed by so many people in the melodic rock genre.

 

RIP Fergie, no more pain ... Thank you for so much wonderful music. 

 

 Thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Fergie's family at this time.

So sorry for your loss and such a great loss.

 

A great vocal to remember Fergie by, his re-recorded version of the Toto classic track, 'Angel Don't Cry.'

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOQo0lQtDlw

 

 

 Website:

 

http://www.fergiefrederiksen.com/

 

 

 

Richie Onori's Blues Messenger - 'In The Name Of Freedom' album review

 

 

 

Richie Onori's Blues Messenger

'In The Name Of Freedom' album review

Released on: Onori Entertainment. Release Date: Available now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richie Onori is not your typical frontman by any means, as the guy typically occupies the back seat, as the rhythm section foundation as drummer in both Steve Priest's version of The Sweet and the Stuart Smith led band, Heaven + Earth who in fact Onori has been a part of since their first album.

Having seen Onori with The Sweet on three occasions and with Heaven + Earth - Sadly only - once, he is a more than solid drummer!

 

Here's the thing though and perhaps to many people's surprise, the guy has actually put out two previous solo releases, the all-star 'Three Wishes' album in 2009 and then 'Days of Innocence' in 2012, prior to this his latest release here 'In The Name Of Freedom.'
This new album actually features two songs from the ‘Three Wishes’ album redone, in ‘American Fighters’ and ‘Come Together We’re the U.S.A.’ which was originally titled simply ‘We’re the U.S.A.’

 

 

This latest album was also produced by Dave Jenkins who also twiddled the knobs on the latest Heaven + Earth release ‘Dig’ that Onori was of course a part of. Jenkins also adds backing vocals throughout too.

All the songs presented here were written by Richie Onori and he also sings, plays guitar, drums and harmonica on here.
Not bad huh?

 

His guests on here include the slick guitarist Phil Woodward, various bass players such as Marvin Sperling, David Chamberlain, Mark Meadows and Will McGregor, Dave Jenkins also adds some Hammond B3 work and keyboards, also helping out on Hammond is Dickie Sims and John ‘J.T.’ Thomas, as well as Jon Greathouse on keys too.
On Sax Chris Mostert, Trumpet work by Bill Lamb, Mark Josephson on violin and the list goes on with many more including a whole host of background singers - Sorry I didn't include everyone's name, on credits alone I could've gone on quite a bit! - so you get the picture, a lot went into this folks! Phew!

 

 

To open the album Richie has a recording of some crowd demonstration, protest or similar to tie in with the songs title and it’s apparent message, ‘Power To the People’ also includes a version of what Jimi Hendrix did with ‘Star Spangled Banner’ and what sounds like a bunch of 'young un’s' chanting a little sarcastic dig perhaps, with instead of ‘God Bless America’ or similar it's ‘God Bless G.E., God Bless Citigroup ...,’ you get the picture I’m sure.
Richie’s vocal here is considerably edgier than on his last album, ‘Days of Innocence’ which was what he had told me was his intention with this album last year, when I chatted with him before a local Sweet gig in the Detroit area.

It’s certainly a much rockier affair from the get go this time around and I like it!
‘Power To The People’ is like a rallying of the troops call, for people to stand up for what they believe in and not be pushed around and it really has a lovely hook guitar riff that pops up again and again, edgy and a sweet lick!

It’s an album that has quite a retro type feel and sound to it indeed, but in a refreshing kind of way.
It’s quite possible that people may not be too sure of Richie’s vocal, but it’s kind of unique and cool to me.

‘Hey You (You’d Better Think Again)’ is next and again there’s a message to the song.
It’s kind of a funky rocking groove on the opening two numbers, that may not grab you right away, but really got my attention to want to listen to it again and then again. It’s got something, that’s rocky yet perhaps a little eclectic.

 

 

Sorry Richie, you may not like this but ‘Long Live Rock’ next has a real retro Alice Cooper type vibe about it right down to the opening line, ‘I turn it inside out, You’ve got me under my wheels …’ Ha! I love it Richie!
That said the chorus line doesn’t follow the same path and it’s a pretty basic, straight forward catchy chorus.
I love the intermittent guitar wailing throughout though, tasty playing.
Something also that Richie has in abundance throughout the choruses is big harmony vocals.

 

‘American Fighters’ next has an almost Little Steven meets John Mellencamp feel to it, some Americana I guess, a little like the old Cat Stevens track ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ to a certain extent too
Clearly another rallying song as well..
It’s one of those songs too that when you hear it, I’d go so far as to say if this suddenly got a little radio play, it could really get people’s attention and a chance that maybe, just maybe it could be a hit. When you hear it, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

 

 

A song for the traditional American Indian next in ‘Buffalo Nation’ that again has perhaps more of that retro Alice Cooper – ‘Go To Hell’ – groove to it and a wonderfully soaring female vocal at one point too.
It has a solid chug along groove throughout, even with maybe a nod to Pink Floyd with the songs layers throughout.

 

 

The project title song next in ‘Blues Messenger’ introduced with some underlying B3 and some melancholy acoustic guitar and then it kicks into a rocking groove briefly, before easing back a little through the second verse.
The chorus is driven with some funk rocking B3 and once more big choral vocal, borderline gospel.
This was what I meant about the eclectic feel to the album too.

It certainly has it’s rocking moments, but some soulful ones and Americana throughout.
It is a retro vibe without any doubt, but what Richie has captured here has a kind of uniqueness about it that makes it interesting to want to listen to it again and – for me – again.

 

 

‘In The Name Of Freedom’ brings to mind Bob Marley, with its sub-reggae groove not really my bag, but it’s message and vibe just really kind of ties in with I think Richie was looking to achieve with the overall feel / vibe of the album.

 

 

Alright, ‘Come Together We’re The USA’ is a monster groove and I totally love the buildup intro and then it gets into its stride and it’s a track that has a lot going on throughout musically and vocally.
It’s kind of like the album’s epic track with it’s up, down changes throughout.
I kind of get the sense that maybe this is Richie’s (Bruce) Springsteen album, with its vibe throughout and the various messages that go with that.

 

 

‘The Answer’ is the final track here and it’s certainly an up-tempo number and once again a big vocal harmony chorus, but it’s got a nice groove throughout, some wonderful B3 jamming once more and is rocking closer.

 

As I’ve already mentioned before, throughout the album there is no question that Richie and his friends want to share a message or two with us all, so yes there is that to it which may perhaps put off more of the rockers that follow Richie when he plays with The Sweet or Heaven + Earth, but if your taste is a little more open minded then maybe try this.

 

My references to similarities to other songs / artists throughout, is the same with this album as it is with any other review I do, as often friends ask me ‘So what’s that new album from so and so like?’ If I simply say it’s really good or it rocks or even, it’s not for me, then they come back with yeah, but does it sound like anything or anyone else?
So I never mean to insult any artist when I cross reference anyone else, I’m simply giving them a little pointer in my view.

 

 

I think Richie is a great guy, solid drummer and based on this album, not too shabby on the guitar either!
Some people may not get his voice at once, but give it a chance with the sound he has here, you just maybe glad you did!

I love the albums he has played on, but as with many musicians there comes a time when they just want to do their thing and I thing Richie has more than earned that right to do just that.

With this album, he certainly gets my vote!

 

 

Rating: 4 out of 5
    

Website:

http://richieonori.com/

 

 



Chambers of Rock - Site Status - January 7th, 2014

 

 

 

Chambers of Rock - Site Status - January 7th, 2014

 

 

 

 

Hello All,

 

Happy New Year to everyone!

 

Sadly, with the New Year I have reached a point where the it is with very much regret that I must inform you all, that as much as I have tried to continue to keep Chambers of Rock running over the past year and a half, that I cannot any longer do so.
With my current work / day job and family life too, it has been put simply, become unrealistic to continue to even try to just cover any reviews whatsoever, leave alone news updates, interviews, etc.

 

 

So I have now come to the decision where I have no choice but to close the Chambers of Rock site down.
Unfortunately too, this is not like my statement at the beginning of last year either, with the temporary closure, this I'm quite certain is permanent.

Since starting Chambers of Rock in December 2009, it was great to finally 'be in control' of as much coverage as I wanted to do, with no restrictions.
It really felt good!
I had some great years from 2010 - 2012, but 2013 was a real struggle though and my day job has just made it impossible to do much at all.
I even changed my job to go and work for someone else, with the hope of having more realistic opportunity to keep things going. That didn't work and in fact it has become worse!

 

 

I greatly appreciate all that you have done in following Chambers of Rock and I'm even more pleased that you have enjoyed the interviews, reviews and that you have been introduced to artists you had not listened to before and sent me you pleasure in my introducing you to them. You're welcome! :)
I am forever in your debt folks for the support.
Over 200,000 views over the sites different pages has been extremely pleasing.


I have been very fortunate in that I started writing for Dave White at the Classic Rock section of About.com for just under 5 years, briefly covered some live reviews for Jeb at Classic Rock Revisited and then briefly for Rock 'n' Roll Universe and then finally Chambers of Rock for just over four years.
I had hoped this could've gone further as when work was more realistic, I got a real kick out of being able to share some fantastic press releases / news updates, exclusive interviews and sharing my thoughts on some really killer albums and DVDs! 

 
My utmost thanks too go out to all the musicians who have been so kind to give me their very limited time on interviews, some chatting away kindly for well over an hour, sometimes an hour and half, fantastic times, thank you all!

To the best PR people in the world and you know who you are, professional to a fault!
Thank you, with the material and your backing / support, I wouldn't have been able to bring Chambers of Rock to the world!


There will be a handful more reviews that will be posted, that I have promised I would post, although they were releases from November / December 2013, that really shows how little time I have had to do anything with the site.
I hope to post those in the next couple of weeks ..., but ..., well, we'll see.

 

Once again, I thank you all so much for all you did and have done with me on this journey!

 

So I come to the point where I wish you all, nothing but the very best and I wish you all every success with everything you do in life!

Have a fantastic year and many more to come and don't forget, keep on rockin'!


Alun Williams
Owner / Editor
Chambers of Rock
 

 

 



Merry Christmas ! - Christmas Eve - December 24th, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Eve - December 24th, 2013

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
 

I would just like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful and Merry Christmas!
I hope your New Year also brings you absolutely everything you wish for, including happiness, health and my very best wishes for a successful year, in however you choose to measure your successes!
 

I thank everyone out for all of your continued support even though Chambers of Rock has faded somewhat from where it has and had been in the first few years of running it.
It's been very tough to maintain the level of coverage I would've loved to have provided.

So on that note, thank you all, you've been great, you've taken the site to just over 208K page views in four year and that means more than I could've ever imagined.
I also offer my huge thanks to all the fantastic musicians who have not been egotistical and have been more than humble.
Thanks guys!

 

To all my PR contacts, thank you for all you have done to allow me to cover what I have!

Take care one and one, Merry Christmas and have a rockin' New Year!

 

Alun Williams
Owner / Editor
Chambers of Rock





Deep Purple – ‘Perfect Strangers Live’ DVD review

 

 

 

 

Deep Purple – ‘Perfect Strangers Live’ DVD review

Released on: Eagle Rock. Release date: Available now

 

 

 

 

For so many rock fans, when Deep Purple announced in 1984 that Ian Gillan and Ritchie Blackmore had set aside their differences and had agreed to make the reformation of the classic Mark 2 Deep Purple line up a reality, there was a great buzz in the world of rock again!

The lineup of Ian Gillan (Vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (Guitar), Jon Lord (RIP - Keys), Roger Glover (Bass) and Ian Paice on drums who produced such classics as ‘Highway Star,’ ‘Speed King,’ ‘Lazy,’ ‘Black Night,’ ‘Smoke On The Water,’ ‘Fireball,’ ‘Woman From Tokyo’ and ‘Space Truckin’,’ to name just a handful between the years of 1970 to 1973, were finally back together!

During that time, they produced four great studio albums and wonderful live release that every good rock fan home should own, ‘Made in Japan.’

Sadly ego’s took over and Ian Gillan was out and Purple brought in David Coverdale, for the next album 'Burn,' They also let Roger Glover go too and in came Glenn Hughes and Mark 3 Purple was born …, but that’s a story for another day!

 

 

In 1984 the press release flew around like wild fire and the ensuing press conferences were endless it seemed and then they hit the road, first in Australia where this live DVD was recorded.

Thirteen classic Purple tracks are included here with five of the thirteen coming from the reunion release, ‘Perfect Strangers.’

There’s also a brief interlude from Blackmore’s Rainbow, with the instrumental ‘Difficult to Cure’ and I guess it’s a nice touch and tribute to the late, great Jon Lord that one of the actual fifteen tracks is titled ‘Keyboard Solo.’
Of course Ritchie Blackmore solos and adlibs throughout and Ian Paice even gets a little solo spot, but I’m not saying where, although you can probably guess! ;-)

 

It’s sad in the end that they only recorded one more studio album with Blackmore in the lineup, ‘House of Blue Light’ and that having been a Purple fan for so many years, that I never did get to see this lineup playing live.

 

For ‘Perfect Strangers’ at the time in the UK they played just one show, Knebworth in 1985 and although I had attended a number of outdoor festivals by then, the thought of Knebworth and who knew how many tickets would be sold, I was prepared to wait until they toured the UK proper.
It really didn’t happen and the ‘House of Blue Light’ tour in 1987 was very limited, just five dates in the UK two in London, two in Scotland and one in Birmingham … I didn’t go … Much to my later regret!

That was the last tour Blackmore did with them so the reunion had lasted about as long as the original Mark 2 lineup.

 

 

So, to the DVD then from Eagle Rock which finally makes available official, professionally shot footage from that tour, when so little footage has actually been available.

 

There is bonus feature, which is a documentary that to be honest, kind of has its moments where the band are interviewed in different settings and through it all, how many times does Blackmore speak to reporters? Not once! Sad …

The concert is pretty good though, back to basics stage set, kicking off with the excellent ‘Highway Star.’

‘Nobody’s Home’ next from the ‘Perfect Strangers’ album rocks out well and of course Ritchie Blackmore looks his typical moody self and Jon Lord jams a little and then Mr. Blackmore gets to rock out a little too, with some nice touches.

 

 

A little chat from Ian Gillan before ‘Strange Kind of Woman’ takes a hold with Blackmore milking the solo spot before the Gillan vocal play off with Blackmore’s guitar, which includes a little snatch of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ part of Gillan’s history, some ‘Waltzing Matilda’ from Blackmore before wrapping the song up, after eight and a half minutes!

‘A Gypsy’s Kiss’ from the ‘ … Strangers’ album, is led into with a little blues before the driving riff develops and powers on through.

The band is solid with Roger Glover and Ian Paice keeping it driving, Jon Lord's wonderful touches, Gillan not sounding bad at all and Blackmore, well, he does his own thing right?!

 

 

The title track from the then latest album ‘Perfect Strangers’ comes next and it’s for me such a wonderful piece, if perhaps a little drifting here and there, mainly Blackmore of course, but I still love it it’s one Rhonda and I love to jam in the basement! Fun stuff!

 

 

‘Under The Gun’ next another newer song at the time and perhaps it’s early in the tour after the album’s release and the fans aren’t quite up to speed just yet with the new material based on the reaction during the song, until Blackmore start to abuse his guitar a bit and at the end, huge cheers!

 

The absolute killer ‘Knocking at Your Back Door’ is next and I say that because I recall it being the first ‘new’ song I heard from Purple at the time and just loved it then and still do now!

Blackmore is out to just play every guitar solo different from each of the originals. Shame really …, even if still entertaining.
Must’ve frustrated the hell out of the rest of the band at the time, I’m sure.

 

 

The classic ‘Lazy’ is next and yet again Blackmore performs in disjointed fashion, but that was always his way I guess, but Jon Lord gets jamming briefly and then it’s the man behind the drums to have some solo fun!
Take it away Ian Paice! Brilliant!
  

Jon Lord leads the band into ‘Child In Time’ next, perhaps one of my best and first favourite Purple song I always remember so well, as ‘In Rock’ was the second ever Purple album I ever bought. ‘Made in Japan’ was my first Deep Purple album back around 1976, not when it first came out I know, but I was fourteen at the time and I was blown away when I heard it at a friend’s house.
I’ve always loved the song, but once again Blackmore takes it into space so to speak.

 

 

Blackmore’s ‘Difficult To Cure’ is led into by some fooling around for about three minutes, then the band joins him and where the track counter indicates that this track # 10 is only 0:01 minutes long it’s far from it, try closer to around five minutes, before the late great Jon Lord is left to jam his own piece, ‘Keyboard Solo,’ for just under five minutes and it rocks!!!

 

 

Time to go ‘Space Truckin’’ next after a little lead in between Jon Lord and Ian Paice and this seems to do just fine, with Ian Gillan screaming his lungs out!!!

 

 

The band leaves the stage before returning for the encores, ‘Black Night’ first … Oh yes, a true gem, with Blackmore’s extended jam version, although Jon Lord does get a slight look in!

It’s time for Ian Gillan to introduce all of the band next, good stuff, before they launch into ‘Speed King!’

A bunch of improvisation occurs here and there, including both Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore playing a few little familiar fun jingles before they wrap up ‘Speed King’ and they leave the stage again …

They return then to play next the only track they could possibly close with, ‘Smoke on the Water.’

 

 

It’s a pretty enjoyable DVD, but I just wish that Ritchie Blackmore could’ve stayed a little truer to the original solos he played originally on each of the songs, but still a precious piece of video history for Purple fans everywhere.

Not all I had hoped for but worth owning as a fan of the band.

 

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

 

 

Weblinks:

https://www.deeppurple.com/
http://www.eagle-rock.com/