Brief Update for Tuesday 3rd May, 2011

Slash announces new live UK dates

Former Guns 'N' Roses and Velvet Revolver - OK, may not be 'former' VR man ...but ... - guitarist, has added more dates to his previously announced live UK shows.

His UK live dates now are as follows:

July 2011

Wed 07/20/11 Birmingham, United Kingdom O2 Academy Birmingham

Thu 07/21/11 Manchester, United Kingdom O2 Apollo Manchester

Sat 07/23/11 London, United Kingdom Victoria Park -

Appearing at "High Voltage Festival" with Judas Priest

Sun 07/24/11 Stoke-On-Trent, United Kingdom Victoria Hall

Mon 07/25/11 Leeds, United Kingdom O2 Academy Leeds

For further details, go to:

http://slash.ultimate-guitar.com/news/

**STEVE VAI - SIGNED IBANEZ and CUSTOM STAGE CLOTHES**

**PAUL GILBERT, GEORGE LYNCH & RICHIE KOTZEN signed FENDER Strat**

**MARKY RAMONE Signed DRUM HEADS**

ON-GOING EBAY AUCTION FOR

Humanity Thru Music - In Benefit of Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary

EBAY AUCTION NOW!!

HOLLYWOOD, CA – (May 2, 2011) – Besides the love of music, rockstars have a soft spot for our four legged furry friends. With the help from so many artists and actors with their charitable donations of instruments and signed memorabilia, FUR & FEATHER ANIMAL SANCTUARY comes closer to breaking ground in the next year for the first fully solar and wind powered, no-kill animal sanctuary. The sanctuary will also provide the community with a low-cost animal clinic, education and cultural center.

Every day we will add items from artists such as STEVE VAI, PAUL GILBERT, MARKY RAMONE, COM-CON Icon PAUL DINI, RICHIE KOTZEN, DEF LEPPARD, PHIL COLLEN, WENDY DIO, GEORGE LYNCH -that is just a few of the celebrities that donated items – Other items include JOHN LENON litho posters, DISNEY figures, jewelry, clothing, tons of CD’s and more – GO BID NOW!!!!!

Shop eBay NOW! http://shop.ebay.com/furfeather/m.html

More items coming!! Keep an eye out for additions of cool signed memorabilia from your favorite rockstars!! All items come with signed letters of authentication for your collection!

Did you know?

-Between four million and six million pets are euthanized every year because they are homeless.

- An animal in a shelter is killed every 1.5 seconds.

- Only one animal in 10 born in the U.S. gets a good home that lasts a lifetime.

- There is a direct correlation between animal abuse and neglect and child abuse and neglect.

FUR & FEATHER ANIMAL SANCTUARY is a 501(c)(3) that was organized exclusively for charitable, and educational purposes, more specifically for helping homeless and un-wanted animals with medical care, adoption in a no-kill safe environment.

For more information go to http://www.furfeather.org/ (almost finished!) or visit them on Facebook now!

Just search for Fur & Feather Animals Sanctuary and look for the happy Pit-bull~ To donate to the cause use Paypal and email to donations@furfeather.org or email to get address to send checks.

AOL MUSIC HOSTING FULL ALBUM LISTENING PARTY OF STEVE HACKETT'S "LIVE RAILS"

ALBUM IN STORES TUESDAY MAY 3rd ON INSIDEOUT MUSIC

STEVE HACKETT's new album "Live Rails" will be released Tuesday May 3rd on InsideOut Music in North America. This 2 disc live set features selections from HACKETT's storied career in Genesis as well as his vast solo catalog. AOL music is hosting a full album listening party where they featuring the album in its entirety at http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds

STEVE HACKETT is renowned as an immensely talented and innovative rock musician. He was lead guitarist with Genesis as part of their classic line up with Gabriel, Collins, Banks and Rutherford, that produced acclaimed albums such as Selling England by the Pound (a favorite of John Lennon's). With STEVE's extraordinary versatility in both his electric guitar playing and his composing, he involves influences from many genres, including Jazz, World Music and Blues. He is equally adept in his classical albums that include renditions of pieces by composers from Bach to Satie, his own acoustic guitar compositions that have gained the admiration of many, including Yehudi Menuhin, and ambitious guitar/ orchestra albums such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, recorded with the Royal Philharmonic.

Recent albums have possessed a high level of sophistication, along with an everpresent powerful dynamic, from the dramatic and atmospheric darkness of Darktown and Wild Orchids to the colourful voyage through time and space of To Watch the Storms. 2009's Out Of The Tunnel's Mouth, written and recorded in the midst of domestic and professional upheaval, was released to an overwhelmingly positive response from fans and reviewers alike, many of them proclaiming it his best ever.

STEVE's live electric gigs take his fans on an extraordinary journey drawn from a rich musical heritage. Perennial Genesis favorites such as the mighty Firth Of Fifth sit alongside solo classics, while more recent material, with much of Out Of The Tunnel's Mouth now included, demonstrate that STEVE is an artist still at the very top of his game. Supported by some of the best musicians on the planet, STEVE's unique guitar work remains the fulcrum on which this challenging and exhilarating show is balanced.

Genesis' induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in March 2010 stands as a testament to the enduring qualities of their music. Never one to rest on his laurels, though, STEVE continues to blaze a trail with new material and to be an exhilarating and groundbreaking artist.

The new Double Live CD "Live Rails" is a worthy documentation of his last world tour for "Out Of The Tunnel's Mouth" including new material and classics from the STEVE HACKETT and Genesis catalog!

For more info please visit:

http://www.hackettsongs.com/

http://www.insideout.de/

http://www.youtube.com/InsideOutMusicTV

http://www.facebook.com/InsideOutMusic

http://twitter.com/insideouteu

http://www.myspace.com/insideoutlabel

Editor's note: Please forgive so much 'BOLDING' text ... This is how we receive Press releases 9/10 these days and with the time is takes to edit / format the updates, I'm sorry, but it all takes loads of additional time.

 

Members of Motörhead, The Stray Cats, and Lonesome Spurs team up for new HeadCat release!

The band signs with Niji Entertainment Group!

LEMMY KILMISTER (Motörhead), SLIM JIM PHANTOM (The Stray Cats) and DANNY B. HARVEY (Rockats, 13 Cats, Lonesome Spurs), have teamed up in a high-energy, "take no prisoners" combo to remind the world how real rock 'n roll is supposed to f*ckin sound. HeadCat serves up a delicious melting pot with flavors of rockabilly, punk, blues and undeniable rock 'n roll!

HeadCat was formed in 2000 after recording an Elvis Presley tribute special to which all band members contributed. Slim Jim Phantom (drums, percussion), was born in Brooklyn and listened to his parents’ jazz records. At the age of ten he took up the drums although he always says that the drums chose him. He is an exceptional drummer who cemented his place among rock royalty long time ago and inspires and excites audiences worldwide.

Danny B. Harvey (guitar, piano) is Texas born and also discovered his love for music very early. He started playing the guitar at the age of six and even got a full scholarship to study classical guitar. He developed a finger picking guitar style that’s very unique and based on his idols Merle Travis and Chet Atkins but also a result of his classical-technique education.

Lemmy Kilmister (vocals, bass, harmonica) was born and raised in England and started to play the guitar at the age of sixteen. With a laughing eye he always said that he only took the guitar to impress the girls. He is an autodidact and changed early to bass as he stated he wasn’t a good guitar player. After founding Motörhead in 1975 he knows the ups and downs in the business and has reached the status of an Icon all over the world.

The new HeadCat album ‘Walk The Walk...Talk The Talk’ is due to be released July 5th, 2011 through Niji Entertainment Group, the record label Wendy Dio and her and late husband Ronnie James Dio formed before his untimely passing.

Twelve fantastic songs for ‘Walk The Walk, Talk The Talk’ were chosen easily. HeadCat prepare to take over the airwaves with their first single 'American Beat'. ‘American Beat’ is a song written in the studio - Lemmy had the words and the rest came together very quickly. 'I Ain't Never' is one of the songs Lemmy really likes and Danny knew it - a real country, rockabilly number, full of love and ready to take you drifting away. 'Let It Rock' is one of their favorite Chuck Berry tunes - The Stones did it a lot in their live show in the 70's – HeadCat plays a different version. ‘Something Else’ is a classic Eddie Cochran - Lemmy came on stage with the Stray Cats and jammed on it at a show in the 90's at Hammersmith Odeon so it came quite natural to take this on the record as well.

'Walk The Walk...Talk The Talk' track listing confirmed as follows:

American Beat

Say Mama

I Ain’t Never

Bad Boy

Shaking All Over

Let It Rock

Something Else

The Eagle Flies On Friday

Trying To Get To You

You Can’t Do That

It’ll Be Me

Crossroads

For more information, visit:

www.facebook.com/nijientertainmentgroup

http://www.theheadcat.com/

http://www.slimjimphantom.com/

http://www.dannybharvey.com/

http://www.imotorhead.com/

Rock News Update for Sunday 1st May, 2011

Dream Theater announce the name of their new drummer

Finally it seems the search is over for Dream Theater to find a replacement drummer for Mike Portnoy.

Mike Mangini is the new drummer in Dream Theater after the band went through numerous auditions, that the band screened through their website.

Those auditions can still be watched here: http://www.youtube.com/roadrunnerrecords#p/u/0/2QHMQjH17aw

Mangini has previously recorded with thrash metallers Annihilator, guitar wizard Steve Vai and funk rockers Extreme.

(Mike Mangini Photo courtesy of www.Drummerworld.com)

The man's website is currently under construction: http://www.mikemangini.com/

Dream Theater's Jon Petrucci has issued this statement:

"Welcome Mike Mangini!

Well, it's been a very exciting day for all of us in Dream Theater and we are happy to finally share the news that Mike Mangini is our new drummer! He is not only a beast of a player but an incredible person as well who truly and fully understands and values everything that we strive to be as a band. Thank you for being so patient and incredibly supportive to us throughout the years and especially over the last several months. Thank you for your faith in us and your immediate and practically across-the-board acceptance of Mike Mangini as our new drummer. Thank you for the positive words about the documentary and all of your passion and dedication. The movie is our gift and our invitation into something that would traditionally be very private and I appreciate everyone's sensitivity towards that. There's a lot of work to be done, so back to the studio. JM finished tracking bass today and Jordan is recording as I type. Things are real busy around here. Can't wait for everyone to hear the new music and to begin playing live with Mike!

God Bless,

John"

Official Dream Theater site: http://www.dreamtheater.net/

PETER FRAMPTON TO LAUNCH FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE! 35TH ANNIVERSARY EUROPEAN TOUR THIS NOVEMBER!

TOUR WILL FEATURE COMPLETE PERFORMANCES OF FRAMPTON’S ICONIC MULTI-PLATINUM-SELLING ALBUM

Sorry this was actually announced at his site a little earlier this month, but for UK / European fans that didn't know about this, you may still appreciate it, hopefully ....

Following his critically acclaimed new album 'Thank You Mr Churchill', Grammy® - winning guitarist and songwriter Peter Frampton will tour Europe this November celebrating his multi-platinum-selling live album Frampton Comes Alive! The tour features Frampton performing the legendary album in its entirety across the continent, including stops in London, Paris, Berlin and Madrid. Please see below for complete schedule.

The three-hour show will feature a complete performance of Frampton Comes Alive! along with highlights from Frampton’s catalog, including his Grammy® Award-winning instrumental album, 2006’s Fingerprints. To commemorate the anniversary of the landmark album, Universal Music Enterprises will be making a limited edition offer exclusively through http://www.peterframpton.com/. The offer will feature a unique autographed scrapbook containing rare photos and personal reflections from Peter. The scrapbook will be accompanied by Frampton Comes Alive Deluxe Edition, Frampton Comes Alive II Special Edition and other memorabilia.

Frampton remains one of the most celebrated artists and guitarists in rock history. At 16, he was lead singer and guitarist for British teen band the Herd. At 18, he co-founded one of the first super groups, seminal rock act Humble Pie. His fifth solo album, the electrifying Frampton Comes Alive!, is one of the top-selling live records of all time.

Peter Frampton European Tour dates:

November 2011

November 5 Lisbon, Portugal Atlantico Pavillion

November 6 Madrid, Spain La Riviera

November 8 Barcelona, Spain Allianca de Poble Nou

November 11 Manchester, U.K. Bridgewater Hall

November 12 Cambridge, U.K. Corn Exchange

November 13 London, U.K. Hammersmith Apollo

November 15 Birmingham, U.K. Symphony Hall

November 16 Glasgow, U.K. Royal Concert Hall

November 18 Antwerp, Belgium Queen Elisabeth Hall

November 19 Amsterdam, Holland Heineken Music Hall

November 21 Berlin, Germany Tempodrom

November 22 Mainz, Germany Phonixhalle

November 23 Paris, France Bataclan

Official Peter Frampton website:

http://frampton.com/news/

Tony Iommi, Ian Gillan, Jon Lord and other artists working together on Charity Aid music

 

Black Sabbath's official website has for a few months been sharing information on a project that was in the works, a charity music project to help aid Armenia, the country that has still not recovered from the devastating earthquake there, back in 1988.

The project is going under the name of Who Cares and the first music from this, that is now available, is a single that features two songs in, 'Out Of My Mind / Holy Water.'

The line up that has recorded this is as follows:

•Tony Iommi - Guitars (Black Sabbath)

•Ian Gillan - Vocals (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath)

•Jason Newsted - Bass (Metallica, Voivoid, Flotsam & Jetsam)

•Niko McBrain - Drums (Iron Maiden)

•Jon Lord - Keyboards (Deep Purple)

•Linde Linstrom - Guitars (HIM, a Finnish band)

Black Sabbath's webmaster Joe Siegler has said this:

 

"This was all recorded back in September of 2010, and finally we're getting some details on it. :)  The new charity release will consist of two songs. The names of the songs are called "Out of My Mind" & "Holy Water". This will all be out worldwide on May 6th. The primary distribution format will be digital. Meaning your iTunes of the world, that kind of thing. There will be a physical media presence with the release, too. There will be a very limited press run of 7" vinyl for the album (a total of 1,000 copies), and a CD version. The CD will have a video, and a 30 minute documentary on the making of the songs."

There's a video for the project too, over on You Tube, that is best viewed here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alwYQMGtvzE&feature=player_embedded

For more information on this and more go to:

http://www.black-sabbath.com/news/index.html

Slight Update for Friday April 29th, 2011

Bon Jovi to continue live shows, minus Richie Sambora, as he heads back to rehab

Well, well, well ... Things are not well in the Bon Jovi camp and I for one, am stunned that the band intend to carry on with their present tour dates, without Richie Sambora.

He's had publicized problems in the past with having to go into rehab and it seems he's back there again now.

The poor guy has also been through some rough personal times too, that again were heavily publicized.

He's also had a big bust up with Jon Bon Jovi in the past before over his solo career and who's writing which songs, etc, where he said to some factions that he was indeed, leaving the band.

That seemed to have been put to rest and they both publicly appeared together for press conferences saying all was great ... It seems not so right now.

One of the things that stuns me, is that we never hear of Jon Bon Jovi going through anything like this and to be honest, I think the guy is so protected, that we never would, even if / when he does or has!

Various sites are picking up on the story and many are referencing the http://www.radaronline.com/ 'exclusive' story on Sambora, which can be read here:

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/04/richie-sambora-bon-jovi-rehab-alcoholism-tour

Bon Jovi's website made this statement, which is a little empty if you ask me:

BON JOVI TO CONTINUE TOUR - April 28, 2011

In response to questions about Richie Sambora and Bon Jovi's upcoming performance schedule, the band released the following statement today:

"Our support for Richie is absolute. He is, and will remain, a member of Bon Jovi. Although he will be absent from upcoming shows for the time being, we very much look forward to his healthy return. In the meantime, we will keep our commitment to our fans and continue our tour."

Source: http://www.bonjovi.com/story/news-band/bon_jovi_to_continue_tour

I for one, wish Richie well, his own solo albums to me have been excellent and he is clearly a unique part on Bon Jovi 'the band,' always has been and well, should continue to be, unless Bon Jovi simply becomes the 'Jon Bon Jovi band ....'

As a music fan though, I guess I wonder who on earth they will acquire to replace the talented guitarist / singer / songwriter?

Sad times indeed ....

Steven Tyler new solo single and book on the way

Steven Tyler's New Single, 'It Feels So Good'

On May 3rd, Steven Tyler will release his autobiography "Does the Noise In My Head Bother You?" and it will be accompanied by the first solo single of his entire career "It Feels So Good."

Catch the premiere of "It Feels So Good" on Ryan Seacrest's Show May 9 and pick it up on iTunes the following day (May 10).

"I can hear it coming out of people's cars this summer"

- Steven Tyler  

I wonder if they'll be a full album? I guess we'll have to wait and see on that one!

Source:  http://www.aeroforceone.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/NAA/cdid/1406084/pid/302766

 Really folks, that's all I have for you right now, I told you before that generally it's quiet.

Enjoy your weekend and here's wishing William and Kate all the best on their special day!

Cheers,

Al

Brief News Update for Thursday 28th April, 2011

Whitesnake - Live At Donington 1990 (Official Trailer)

Whitesnake, who have only just recently released their latest hit album 'Forevermore' through Frontiers records, have another album and DVD in the works, for a June release.

It's a live album and DVD, in the shape of 'Live At Donington,' recorded back in 1990.

Here's a trailer for the release, from those nice folks at Frontiers.

Same story with the screen size on blogspot I'm afraid, but follow the direct link further down, to go straight to You Tube to watch it. 

Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAgt2rF4UkI&feature=youtu.be

Whitesnake's LIVE AT DONINGTON 1990 DVD, live double CD and Combo set will be available on June 3rd in Europe and June 7th in North America.

Official Whitesnake site: http://www.whitesnake.com/

Scott Gorham radio interview from April 26th, 2011

Current and mainstay Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham, earlier this week did a live phone interview with a radio station in Windsor, Ontario, the station being 'CJAM - 99.1.'

Speaking to 'Big JD,' Scott discussed many things including the possibility of a new Thin Lizzy book, being written by former Melody Maker (UK pulication) journalist, Harry Doherty.

Here's the link to the interview:

CJAM - 99.1 Scott Gorham interview

In other Thin Lizzy related news

UK Classic Rock magazine, has revealed that Huey Lewis and the News mainman Huey Lewis, who worked with Phil Lynott back in his days in his pre-News band days, in the band Clover and beyond, have announced that they have uncovered an unreleased Phil Lynott track, that Lewis co-wrote alongside the former and original late Thin Lizzy frontman.

Full details here:

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/unreleased-lynott-recording-made-available/

FREE REIGN (Dallas Cowboys football players band) video for ONE STEP AWAY makes debut today on AMERICA ONLINE NOISE CREEP.

If there's one band in the Noisecreep universe that you shouldn't screw around with, it's Free Reign!

The hard rock act counts two members of the Dallas Cowboys [singer Marc Colombo and bassist Leonard Davis] and one Miami Dolphin [drummer Cory Procter], as members.

Free Reign have already won an award at the Golden God Awards [Most Metal Athletes] and count metal luminaries like Rob Halford, Vinnie Paul, and Zakk Wylde as fans.

Free Reign have just released the aptly titled 'Heavier Than Metal,' their debut album.

Noisecreep has the world premiere of 'One Step Away,' the band's brand new video.

Noisecreep also spoke with Marc Colombo about the song and the idea behind the clip.

Click here for more and to view the video: http://www.noisecreep.com/2011/04/27/free-reign-one-step-away-video/

The band's MySpace page can be found here: http://www.myspace.com/freereign

Uriah Heep – Into the Wild album review

Uriah Heep – Into the Wild album review

Released on: Frontiers Records. Release date: May 3rd, 2011 (USA)

So what can be said about Uriah Heep that’s not been mentioned before, except perhaps that the band seems to be maturing better and better with age and with a forty year history, that’s quite something!

Last full studio album ‘Wake The Sleeper’ in 2008 was for me, an absolute gem and then in 2009 the re-recorded ‘Celebration – 40 Years of Rock’ with old tracks redone and two new ones, was great too.

So here we are, 2011 and a new deal struck with Frontiers Records and a new album in ‘Into the Wild’ is already released in Europe and will soon be released here in the US and already there are a lot of people, very impressed.

For me, ‘Wake The Sleeper’ was a tough act to follow, but follow it they do admirably, although at first it took a couple of spins, to get used to one or tracks, but really not that much.

There’s certainly elements of classic Heep here, also some of that middle ground area in say a similar fashion to ‘Equator’s’ material, but thankfully with a far better production, Mike Paxman again handling that task as he did so well on ‘Wake the Sleeper’ and ‘Celebration.’

The album opens with the track that’s been picking up a lot of promo, in ‘Nail On The Head’ which although without doubt is catchy, is a pretty straightforward stomping rocker, in a similar style to ‘Stay On Top’ from the ‘Head First’ album.

‘I Can See You’ next is more akin to the great style of ‘… Sleeper’ and it rocks along at a fair old pace and the band sound well on form with Mick Box’ guitar playing and Phil Lanzon’s keys playing well off each other, I love it!

The title track ‘Into the Wild’ is another up tempo number in the same style as the last and it’s huge, nice Hammond interplay again with the guitar and Bernie Shaw’s singing is top notch! Keep it coming guys!

OK, in my old review of ‘Wake the Sleeper,’ I had drawn comparisons to Deep Purple and ‘Money Talks’ really rocks in a style not unlike Purple’s ‘Perfect Strangers’ era and that is no bad thing at all. Nice work indeed.

Russell Gilbrook (Drums) has really slotted in well to keep things on track alongside bassist Trevor Bolder. Solid stuff!

‘I’m Ready,’ next is another of those big hook songs, great melodies, which is true here across the album. The harmony vocals are so strong and the sheer strength of songs on show here is seriously class.

Next up, the track ‘Trail of Diamonds’ is perhaps a little misleading as it starts in ballad fashion before getting into a bigger, epic type mode, there’s a few layers to this one, shifting up and down in its tempo’s. Some big choral choir like harmony vocals in places too.

‘Southern Star’ next has a rocking start before easing into a more melody driven mid paced number, nice textures and again good harmonizing vocally and some nice guitar work by Mick Box, who’s also well on his game! Nice one Mick!

A traditional Heep sound of old starts ‘Believe’ with big Hammond organ surging in, with the drums coming in right behind kicking things off well, before developing into a big old melodic rocker, hints of prog in places, but plenty of harmonies that gives the song such a big hook.

Another stomping start on ‘Lost’ has that Purple like sound again musically, but Bernie Shaw’s vocals are far from anything like Purple and give the song it’s own strength and identity. Steady, mid-paced groove to this one.

‘T-Bird Angel,’ strange title but what a great track! Now don’t take offence, anyone when I say that this – to me - started almost like a heavy Journey sound of think ... Gregg Rolie on keys, with a modern day rock approach. It’s such a killer track and it rocks with plenty of melody and the perfect mix of everything.

Final track here is ‘Kiss of Freedom’ which really starts easy and grows and grows into a massive epic and I love that Phil Lanzon really gets his moment of glory here, great solo spot for the man that’s performed so well in his accompaniments, throughout the album.

The whole band has really got such a great connection here and as sad as it’s been for many Heep fans to see Lee Kerslake leave, who’d been a part of the band since the seventies, the man had some health problems and needed to get them sorted out or things really could’ve taken a turn for the worse. All that said the rest of the band has been onboard since 1986!

Since 2007, Russell Gilbrook has really slotted in perfectly and has perhaps given the band an extra kick, as it really seems to be such a well-oiled machine. Good one lad’s now come on, how about a Detroit date on this US tour then?! Ha ha!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Full track listing:

1. Nail On The Head

2. I Can See You
3. Into The Wild
4. Money Talk
5. I'm Ready
6. Trail Of Diamonds
7. Southern Star

8. Believe

9. Lost

10. T-Bird Angel

11. Kiss Of Freedom

Band:

Mick Box – Guitar, Vocals

Trevor Bolder – Bass, Vocals

Bernie Shaw – Lead Vocals

Phil Lanzon – Keyboards, Vocals

Russell Gilbrook – Drums, Vocals

Official band website: http://www.uriah-heep.com/

Brief News Update for Wednesday 27th April, 2011

There's really not too much new stuff to tell you again folks, but I can see you're still checking in here - Big thanks! - so here's a couple of snippets. Cheers, Alun

Journey - The official 'Eclipse' EPK

Frontiers records have just shared this latest EPK (Electronic Press Kit - In case you were wondering!) from Journey with some brief interview snippets and samples off the forthcoming album, 'Eclipse' due out in Europe on May 27th, 2011 on Frontiers and through Walmart in North America on May 24th.

As you know by now, Blogspot isn't so friendly with the size of viewer for video clips, so a direct link to the Frontiers You Tube clip, is below this trailer. 

Dirct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PWiEhzJkPU

Journey will be touring the UK with Foreigner and Styx, as well as other European dates where they will have Kansas and / or Night Ranger playing on select dates.

In the US, the tour line up is Journey, Foreigner and Night Ranger throughout.

Official Journey weblink: http://www.journeymusic.com/

Also from Frontiers ...

The Poodles - 'I Want It All' video

The new album from Swedish rock sensations, The Poodles “PERFORMOCRACY” is now released in all European countries (May 3rd in the US) and as if that wasn’t enough, here’s another treat for you, the brand new video for the opening track – 'I Want It All.'

Direct link to You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8jRNS31rEY&feature=player_embedded

The band is also currently lining up live dates in support of the new album - Which is excellent by the way! - for further details on the band and future live dates, The Poodles website can be found here:  http://www.poodles.se/

Marco Mendoza hits the road on brief 'Hartke' clinic tour in May

 

 

 

Yes, as seriously busy as the guy is ... - He's just returned home briefly, so he told me, from a few months on the road with Thin Lizzy. - Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Ted Nugent, Blue Murder, Soul SirkUS), is about to go out and do some promo / clinic work with Hartke amplification, with a few select dates. Go and check his playing out and say 'Hi!'

Marco is a real gentlemen, in the true sense of the word and a fantastic bassist.

Go on, show the man your support!  

His official website is: http://www.marcomendoza.com/

 

Marco Mendoza – Casa Mendoza album review

Marco Mendoza – Casa Mendoza album review

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

 

 

Marco Mendoza has in recent years, been a guy very much in demand. As well as having his own home grown jazz rock trio that regularly appears – When he’s not touring with other acts! – in Hollywood, CA at the Baked Potato club, he’s been a big part of many big name rock acts touring plans. Whitesnake, Ted Nugent and Thin Lizzy to name just three, have called on the man on more than one occasion in each case. Also in case you didn’t know, he was a part of the Blue Murder project that also featured John Sykes (Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Tygers of Pan Tang) and Carmine Appice (You name it! He’s played with everyone that’s anyone!) as well as Soul SirkUS that featured Neal Schon, Jeff Scott Soto and Virgil Donati.

So, there’s a little background and by the way, if you do ever show up at the Baked Potato to see the guy play, you may find yourself sitting or standing next to people like David Coverdale or Steve Lukather, just to name two admirers of the guys' talent.

In 2007 Marco released ‘Live for Tomorrow’ that was an album that was just a little safer than this adventure, as he called in the likes of Ted Nugent, Steve Lukather, Ritchie Kotzen, Doug Aldrich, Tommy Aldridge, Steve Weingart and Briian Tichy as well, to help out and the songs on there, were perhaps a little more ‘associated’ with the big rock acts he’s played with.

So what does ‘Case Mendoza’ bring then, more rock …? In two words, not really …

I will say this though, that without a doubt this album totally showcases Marco’s phenomenal talent on the bass, it will also open your eyes to another player in guitarist Rafael ‘Hoffa(Rafa)' Moreira, who is simply a player that makes you say, ‘Wow!’

Think something like Steve Lukather meets John Sykes and you’ll perhaps be on the right track.

Yes really!

It’s an album that captures jazz, funk, soul, fusion and yeah, there’s rock in there, it’s just not immediately obvious.

Marco told me in an interview that we did not so long ago, that Mascot Records really wanted him to feel the freedom to just be Marco!

He said, “Yeah, well you know, the label wanted to come up with an idea that depicted that I’m going back to my roots right, I mean where I came from being Latino and having all these influences musically and the label gave me some freedom to move around.

So I took that as direction to kind of go for it … You don’t often get that kind of freedom from labels you know?”

Note: That full interview can be read here:

http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2011/03/interview-with-marco-mendoza-thin-lizzy.html

Opening with Marco’s take on Stevie Wonder’s ‘Living For The City’ he certainly gives it an interesting twist, that words can’t really describe, except perhaps, ‘funky man!’ You really have to hear it.

‘Trouble’ opens sounding like a big rock intro and then gets into a jazz fusion funk vibe, with some stunning guitar work, as I mentioned at the start from ‘Hoffa’ and then Marco’s bass is just everywhere and the man has a truly unique voice, if on this track a little like James Brown!

Steve Weingart and Hoffa really interplay off each other well here.

I could seriously rave about Hoffa’s playing on every track as he really impresses me.

That said, you really can't fault the playing of anyone here, in Steve Weingart (Keys), Joey Heredia (Drums) and of course the main man Marco on Bass / Vocals.

With ‘Suzy Q’ Marco once more takes the Dale Hawkins tune – Also covered by C.C.R. and the Rolling Stones to name a couple. – in a completely different direction. Some serious jazz rock / fusion here, with some soul thrown in for good measure!

Hoffa’s playing style, really reminds me of Lukather, it really does and I guess with the man jamming alongside Luke’s right hand man Weingart, it probably just helps to work it some more.

This album is so very far removed from the rock you’ll see Marco playing with the big name rock acts I mentioned at the start!

A soulful ballad in ‘You’ next, changes things a little. It’s a really nice track, really …

‘Circle of Life’ starts like a cross mix of hard rockin’ riffs and that offbeat jazz fusion sound too. It also brings back memories of some of Gary Moore’s (RIP) jazz rock dabbling.

A gentle start to ‘Kingdom of Paradise’ is misleading as little after a minute, it leaps at you going for the jugular, before then easing back down a little and then repeating this course throughout the track. Interesting piece …

‘Are You There’ sounds almost tribal as it starts and then takes a similar path to something that Glenn Hughes may do.

Soulful, funky and yet edgy too at times, check it out!

Funk rock is the name of the game with ‘Betty Joe’ next, before ‘Faith (Happy Birthday song)’ acts as an interlude into ‘Crying Out,’ which is a beautiful soulful ballad.

‘Get Ready’ starts soulfully for its first half and then around the middle seems to rock out, before then easing back down.

Another interesting twist on a cover comes with Carol King’s ‘You Got A Friend,’ interesting more soulful take.

Bonus track ‘Tu’ closes the album as Marco sings in his own language an emotive tune, starting softly before picking up a big old Latin groove, which has been underlying in truth throughout.

So, a very different album for me to review, really not in keeping with what is generally covered at this site for sure, but an album that showcases Marco’s other side that you’ll not hear on the road with Thin Lizzy or Ted Nugent for sure.

There’s a hell of a lot of talent here and although it’s not ‘rock ‘n’ roll, it deserves praise.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

Official website of Marco Mendoza:
http://www.marcomendoza.com/

 

Slight News Update for Monday April 25th, 2011

Hi all, nice to have had some serious downtime this past weekend, I feel a lot better, how about you folks?!

Anyway, I know it's been fairly quiet on here lately and I hope to get some more reviews up at the site for you soon, honest! So, without further delay, here's today's bit's a pieces. Cheers, Al

Thin Lizzy's Scott Gorham to be on Windsor, Ontario radio show TODAY (April 25th, 2011)

Brief one here folks, really to any of my local friends or just locals - To me - that follow my site here.

Thin Lizzy's official Facebook page is claiming that Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham will be interviewed live on Windsor, Ontario's radio station "CJAM - 99.1FM," on this afternoon's show at 4.30pm.

This is the post on their Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/update_security_info.php?wizard=1#!/ThinLizzyOfficial

If you are in the Windsor-Detroit area you can listen to a live interview with Scott Gorham this afternoon at 4:30pm EST. Tune in to Big JD’s show “uTalkin2me” at CJAM 99.1 FM or listen live online with the attached link:

http://cjamlog3.cjam.ca/

Editor's note: Hope it's accurate as I don't see any mention at the site of Scott Gorham ...?

ROCK BAND KANSAS CONTINUES WITH ‘2011 COLLEGIATE SYMPHONY TOUR’ TO RAISE FUNDS FOR COLLEGE MUSIC PROGRAMS/TOUR PRESENTED BY D’ADDARIO & COMPANY

After the groundbreaking and universally successful 2010 KANSAS Collegiate Symphony Tour, legendary rock band KANSAS is not only continuing, but expanding the tour for the fall of 2011. The 2011 KANSAS Collegiate Symphony Tour will again help raise funds and awareness for college and university music programs.

Original member and drummer, Phil Ehart had this to say about last year’s concerts. “KANSAS and all the school symphonies just hit it off big time! The only people having more fun than us were all the students playing on stage with us! And considering all the money that was raised to help the music departments, everyone considered it a real success! We know this year will be bigger and better!”

The 2010 tour, which was inspired by their DVD “There’s Know Place Like Home,” saw KANSAS joined by conductor Larry Baird, and performing concerts with symphonies from the University of Alabama; University of Texas, San Antonio; Wichita State University; Oklahoma State University; Hardin-Simmons University; and Truman State University. Eugene Dowdy, Music Director and Conductor at University of Texas, San Antonio raved, “This was the biggest show my students have ever played – there were people everywhere! This is a visionary collaboration that resonates on every level…it is fantastic!”

Presenting sponsor D’Addario & Company will once again be joining KANSAS in their effort to raise funds and awareness for college and university music programs. D’Addario, the world’s largest musical products accessory manufacturer, brings products to market under the brand names D’Addario; Planet Waves; Rico Reeds; and Evans/PureSound/HQ percussion products. Jay Bulen, Chair of the Truman State University Music Department explains, “The support from D’Addario is tremendous. In the fall of 2011, we will have two new scholarships for incoming string players because of this. It will help us build our music program.”

“D’Addario & Company is excited, once again, to be the presenting sponsor for the 2011 KANSAS Collegiate Symphony Tour,” commented D’Addario Vice President of Sales and Marketing, David Via. “Last year’s concerts were exciting, once-in-a-lifetime, events for the participating institutions and their students. Our scholarship and product donation is but a small way we can assist, along with KANSAS, in providing some much needed funding assistance to schools who are faced with departmental cut-backs,” Via stated.

With their self-titled first album released in 1974, KANSAS went on to become one of the decade’s most popular rock acts – issuing classic rock albums such as 1976’s ‘Leftoverture’ and 1977’s ‘Point of Know Return,’ along with the hit singles “Carry on Wayward Son” and “Dust In the Wind,” and “Point of Know Return.” The band – which in addition to Ehart, is comprised of singer/keyboardist Steve Walsh, guitarist Rich Williams, bassist Billy Greer, and violinist David Ragsdale – continue to tour in front of large and enthusiastic audiences and to this day remain a fixture on classic rock radio.

Confirmed ‘KANSAS Collegiate Symphony Tour’ dates and venues, with more to be added:

September 25, 2011 (Tickets On Sale April 19, 2011)

Rochester Institute of Technology (Main Street Armory– Rochester, NY)

October 1, 2011 (Tickets On Sale April 22, 2011)

Columbus State University (The RiverCenter for the Performing Arts – Columbus, GA)

October 15, 2011 (Tickets On Sale TBD)

Northern Illinois University (NIU Convocation Center – DeKalb, IL)

October 16, 2011 (Tickets On Sale May 6, 2011)

Toledo Youth Orchestra (Stranahan Theater – Toledo, OH)

October 20, 2011 (Tickets On Sale TBD)

Appalachian State University (Farthing Auditorium – Boone, NC)

November 5, 2011 (Tickets On Sale April 22, 2011)

University of Central Florida (The Venue at UCF Arena– Orlando, FL)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

http://www.kansasband.com/

www.facebook.com/kansasband

http://www.daddarioinc.com/

Michael Schenker / Schenker - Barden Update

As well as my previous mention of Michael Schenker joining Black Country Communion on their UK tour, later this year, I guess the man is also sharing through his website, two different line-up's he'll be playing with.

The first - Alongside Barden. - two new shows in Holland in June will feature the following line up:

Michael Schenker - Guitars

Gary Barden - Vocals

Chris Glen - Bass

Chris Slade - Drums

Wayne Findlay - Keyboards / Guitars / Vocals

These shows are:

JUN 17 2011 Rocktemple Kerkrade HOLLAND

JUN 18 2011 A12 Classic Rock festival Zevenaar HOLLAND

Then Michael Schenker will be playing with some "friends" - On those BCC dates - and a few other dates too.

That line up will be:

Michael Schenker: MSG, ex Scorpions/UFO - Lead Guitar

Herman Rarebell: ex Scorpions - Drums

Pete Way: ex UFO - Bass

Michael Voss: Vocals

Elliott (Owner of Dean Guitar) Rubinson: Bass

Wayne Findlay: MSG - Keyboards/Guitars

Apparently an album will be recorded with the latter line up.

For further details on more activities, go to:

http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com/

Pop rockers Train hit the road with Maroon 5 for Summer North American tour

 

Successful pop rockers Train, who've recently had more chart action with their latest release, 'Save Me San Francisco' will hit the road this summer, for a lengthy jaunt with Maroon 5.

 

Train issued this statement through their site, along with all the tour dates:

 

You've been asking, we've had to keep quiet... but not anymore. We're excited to announce that we'll be going out on tour this Summer with the one and only Maroon 5!! We'll be doing about 40 dates across North America so check out the dates below to see when we'll be coming through your neck of the woods. Gavin Degraw will be joining us for the first half, and Matt Nathanson will be joining us for the 2nd half.

Tickets will start going on sale this Friday, April 29th. We're going to have some great VIP packages set up for you guys, which all come with a 10% discount on Train Wine Club Subscriptions among other amazing things. We'll let you know more about that when the time comes.

For now, check out the dates! Hope to see all your beautiful faces this Summer.

- Pat, Jimmy and Scott

Confirmed Train Summer tour dates:

July 2011

07/22 - Chula Vista, CA @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
07/23 - Paso Robles, CA @ California Mid-State Fair

07/25 - Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Bowl

07/27 - Albuquerque, NM @ Sandia Casino

07/28 - Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre

07/31 - Mount Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino Resort

August 2011

08/02 - Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

08/03 - Virginia Beach, VA @ Farm Bureau Live @ Virginia Beach

08/05 - Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center

08/07 - Mashantucket, CT @ MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods

08/09 - Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center

08/12 - Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

08/13 - Mansfield, MA @ Comcast Center

08/15 - Hershey, PA @ Hershey Park Pavilion/Stadium

08/17 - Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena

08/18 - Indianapolis, IN @ Indiana State Fair

08/19 - Des Moines, IA @ Iowa State Fair Grandstands

08/21 - Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre

08/22 - Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheater

08/25 - Syracuse, NY @ New York State Fair

08/26 - Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center

08/28 - Louisville, KY @ Freedom Hall/ Kentucky State Fair

08/30 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheater

08/31 - Tampa, FL @ 1-800-Ask Gary Amphitheater

September 2011

09/01 - Alpharetta, GA @ Verizon Wireess Amphitheatre

09/04 - Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theater

09/05 - Minneapolis, MN @ Minnesota State Fair

09/07 - Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre

09/09 - Saskatoon, SK @ Credit Union Centre

09/10 - Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place

09/12 - Abbotsford, BC @ Abbotsford Ent & Sports Centre

09/13 - Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre

09/15 - Concord, CA @ Sleep Train Pavilion at Concord

09/16 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Pearl at The Palms

09/17 - Phoenix, AZ @ Ashley Furniture Home Store Pavilion

09/19 - Tucson, AZ @ Anselmo Valencia Amphitheatre

09/22 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Zoo Amphitheater

09/23 - Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion

09/24 - The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Official Train website: http://www.trainline.com/