Late News Update for Friday August 19th, 2011

Hi folks, thanks for all your patience with everything. Just last week I started a new day job, Rhonda's been doing extra hours too and the kids started their football / soccer training too, etc, etc ... So we have been really busy, phew!

We did catch Def Leppard with Heart on Wednesday night and that review went up earlier today, sadly no photo's as there was no photo pass given to cover the review. I even put a plea out on Leppard's FB page too, but no one was interested ... Ah well ...

I did want to add, I've been listening to the new Newman album, 'Under Southern Skies' and seriously, I just don't know how the man does it?! He just goes from strength to strength with each new album! If this one doesn't work wonders for him, then I don't know what it will take?!

Anyway, on we go! Cheers, enjoy your weekend! Al

Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock ... A few more details ...

New album due out October 11th, 2011 through Inakustik records.

With the new, forthcoming Michael Schenker album due to be released here in the US in October, it should be something very ... Interesting and hopefully special, as it will be loaded with special guests!

Michael Schenker has returned to add another flagstone to the mosaic of his creative work, this time taking a look back to his classic albums of the 80s. Punchy and compelling new tracks - ranging from unadorned, melodious hard rock to the occasional bluesy sound, 'Temple of Rock' is distinguished by an immense enthusiasm for guitar, its rich variety and the participation of international superstars. Guests include Leslie West (Mountain), Michael Amott, Carmine Appice, Chris Slade, William Shatner and more!

Tracklisting as follows:
Intro
How Long
Fallen Angel
Hanging On
The End of An Era
Miss Claustrophobia
Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
Storming In
Scene of Crime
Lover's Sinfony
Now Long
How Long (3 Generations Guitar Battle Version)

Release source information:
http://mvdb2b.com/s/MichaelSchenkerTempleOfRock/INAK9103CD

Official artist website:
http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com


 

Eagle Rock Reissues

DAVID COVERDALE 'White Snake' and 'North Winds' Re-issued On August 23, 2011

 

'White Snake' and 'North Winds' Re-issued On August 23, 2011

New York, NY—On August 23, Eagle Rock Entertainment will reissue David Coverdale’s solo albums. The history of British hard rock cannot be complete without the inclusion of these two primal and key studio releases.

When the vocalist left Deep Purple in 1976, he put his all into his first two solo albums, 1977’s White Snake and 1978’s North Winds. Exiled in Germany and unable to form a band, Coverdale recorded White Snake with the help of guitarist Micky Moody. Low-key and bluesy, the Roger Glover-produced album marked the first steps in the next phase of Coverdale’s highly successful career.

He wound up taking the name of his solo debut for his new band, which was already on tour by the time North Winds came out. The rest is history.

North Winds is widely considered one of Coverdale’s best. Also produced by Roger Glover, it reflects his growing confidence as he progressed his personal vision further into the realm of blues-based rock.

These albums show an artist in transition, brimming with creativity and vocal power. Intriguing, soulful, and delightfully rockin’, White Snake and North Winds have stood the test of time and sound as fresh and vibrant now as ever.

Track Listing:

White Snake:
1.) Lady
2.) Blindman
3.) Goldies Place
4.) Whitesnake
5.) Time On My Side
6.) Peace Lovin’ Man
7.) Sunny Days
8.) Hole In The Sky
9.) Celebration

Bonus Tracks:
10.) Peace Lovin’ Man (take 1)
11.) Sunny Days (take 1)

North Winds:
1.) Keep On Giving Me Love
2.) Northwinds
3.) Give Me Kindness
4.) Time & Again
5.) Queen Of Hearts
6.) Only My Soul
7.) Say You Love Me
8.) Breakdown
Bonus Tracks:
9.) Shame On The Devil
10.) Sweet Mistreater

JON LORD'S 'Sarabande' Re-issued On August 23

EAGLE TO RE-RELEASE DEEP PURPLE KEYBOARDIST JON LORD’S 1976 SOLO ALBUM SARABANDE

New York, NY (August 17, 2011)—On August 23, Eagle Rock Entertainment will re-release longtime Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord’s 1976 orchestral Sarabande album. A delectable slice of exotica, Sarabande is the culmination of Lord’s fascination with symphonic rock over the previous eight years. As his third solo album, Lord, with the help of the Hungarian Philharmonic as directed by Eberhard Schoener, crafts an intricate and complex all-instrumental web of musical adventure.

The eight tracks — “Fantasia,” “Sarabande,” “Aria,” “Gigue,” “Bouree,” “Pavane,” “Caprice” and “Finale” — clock in at 50 minutes with “Gigue” and “Bouree” each over 11 minutes long. “Bouree,” a Lord original, is not to be confused with Bach’s similarly titled piece. "I wrote that while living in America,” Lord told a Romanian journalist in Bucharest 2009. “It was inspired by Hungarian composer Bela Bartok’s `Romanian Dances.’” (The original bouree was a dance popular in Spain in the 17th Century.) (Mike found this online) “Gigue” is the most “rock” of the cuts, featuring a sizzling electric guitar solo over a rampaging rhythm track. “Pavane” contains a beautiful Spanish-styled acoustic guitar intro before Lord comes in with a bluesy yet softly meditative piano. “Finale” ends things in slam-band style, the orchestra firing on all cylinders.

Musicians used on Sarabande include bassist Paul Karass, percussionist Mark Nauseef, guitarist Andy Summers (prior to forming The Police) and drummer Pete York. Lord, who co-produced the album with Martin Birch, plays the Hammond B-3 organ, piano, clavinet and synthesizer.

The album was recorded between September 3 and 6 at the Stadthalle Oer-Erkenschwick in a small town near Dusseldorf in Germany using a mobile recording studio. Considering the whirlwind schedule of Deep Purple in 1976, it’s a wonder the adventurous musician had any time at all for this grandiose project!

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

An update from LA rockers Black Robot

Yes, after an impressive debut album from Black Robot, there's a new one right around the corner!
Well, OK, in the New Year anyway!

This from the band's MySpace newsletter:

Hey everyone!
 As you may know, we have been working on our new record for the past few weeks. We have recorded 19 new songs that we are totally excited about. There will be a new BLACK ROBOT record in the new year and no one is more anxious than us!
  If you haven't already, check out these short previews from the studio:

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1015071
0008125464

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1015071
2728105464

 Come "like" us on our official Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/blackrobotofficial
for all the latest news and updates.

 You can also follow us on Twitter @BlackRobotMusic
  Your pals,
 BLACK ROBOT

PAUL RODGERS & FRIENDS COMING TO CD AND DVD

 Eagle Rock have set a September 13 release date for Paul Rodgers & Friends' Live At Montreux from 1994 on CD and DVD.

Paul Rodgers is one of the all-time rock'n'roll frontmen – Free, Bad Company and Queen.

His soulful bluesy style dominates his hits "All Right Now," "Feel Like Making Love," "Can't Get Enough," "Wishing Well," "Mr. Big," "Fire and Water," plus blues songs "Louisiana Blues," "Crossroads" and more.

Here, at the highly acclaimed Montreux Festival, he fronts an all-star lineup including Queen's Brian May, drummer Jason Bonham and Journey's Neal Schon other friends such as Toto's Steve Lukather plus bluesmen Eddie Kirkland and Luther Allison jam on some good ol' gutbucket blues. Rodgers was touring in support of his Muddy Water Blues album at the time which was Grammy Nominated that same year. There are seventeen tracks..with a rousing finale of Muddy's "Hoochie Coochie Man."

http://www.paulrodgers.com

Def Leppard with Heart – Live review at DTE Energy Music Theatre

Def Leppard with Heart – Live review.

Live at DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston (Detroit), MI.

Wednesday August 17th, 2011

 

Well, due to one thing and another we did not quite catch the start of Heart’s set, but did catch it all from ‘Magic Man’ onwards, which I think was about the second or third song in.

Def Leppard were being very good, very kind, with allowing Heart plenty of stage space tonight, well I guess on the whole tour.

The big video screens were at Heart’s disposal too, so basically it was like a co-headline tour to be honest, the good sound reflected that as well.

Rhonda and I had not seen Heart play live here, since the 'Jupiter’s Darling’ tour back in 2004, which was a good one, so how are they today you ask?

‘Magic Man’ is such a classic Heart song too and while it’s not the original line up and hasn’t been for some time, both Ann and Nancy Wilson have an excellent ‘team’ performing with them for a full sound. The rest of the band is made up of Craig Bartock (Guitars), Kristian Attard on Bass, Ben Smith (Drums) and Debbie Shair on keyboards too.

It was ‘Heartless’ up next and Ann Wilson I have to say, is in excellent voice these days and Bartock on guitar is a very good player too, I must add.

‘Straight On’ was next, with Nancy and Ann harmonizing very well indeed, this was closely followed by ‘What About Love,’ with the intro almost throwing me, being down tuned to help out. It’s presented a little different too, slightly slower tempo.

After band introductions, ‘These Dreams’ follows, introduced as ‘a love song from the 80’s!’

From there, it was an semi-acoustic version of ‘Alone,’ with Ann in absolutely killer form and Nancy harmonies great too.

‘WTF’ is next from last album ‘Red Velvet Car,’ which comes across as a dirty, grungy kind of rocker.

Then its a couple more back to back classics with ‘Crazy on You’ and then ‘Barracuda,’ to wrap things up, absolutely great!

Then Ann and Nancy come back out with an acoustic (Ann) and mandolin (Nancy) and they said they wanted to pay tribute to those who inspired them in the first place and first there’s an obscure Led Zep tune – That I’m at a loss for on the title and I have to say, The Who tune they play after, I couldn’t place either? I know shame on me, a Brit who was never really the greatest fan of Zep. Give me Deep Purple anyday!- All good stuff though.

Def Leppard hit the stage close to 9.30p, which sadly meant it would be limited to an hour and half at best, which is a little disappointing as they’ve played some great two hour plus sets before, but ah well …

Starting with new song ‘Undefeated’ from ‘Mirror Ball’ the new live album, with three new studio tracks on, Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen are down at the front of the stage, Rick Allen bang centre from left to right and front to back and then up on the risers behind Rick, stand Joe Elliott and Rick 'Sav' Savage. Perfect poses for the opening of their set.

With ‘Let’s Get Rocked’ kicking in next, I take a glance around the venue and realize how everyone has finally arrived as compared to when Heart were on to a crowd of just under say a half full venue, the place was now packed to the rafters.

It’s clear who everyone was here to see!

‘Animal’ was up next and they have the big screens behind them basically projecting all the bands videos that had accompanied each of the bands massive ‘hit machine’ back catalogue and they really are playing like the polished act you’d expect nothing less from. It’s a great night indeed, Heart was very good and Def Leppard are just so on their game. Joe Elliott seems to be the ultimate professional and does so well after just recently losing his father.

‘Foolin’’ from ‘Pyromania’ is up next and then things come down a bit for ‘Love Bites,’ which although is extended, with Vivian Campbell’s soloing, it is still as slick as ever

Then Sav plays a few bass touches, as a lead in to ‘Rock On’ and I wonder how many other folks wish they’d drop this in favour of more original Leppard material?

Then it’s ‘Rocket’ to keep the crowd pumped and after that Joe does a little PR work with the audience, which then leads into Viv and Phil joining him on the runway to sit down with acoustics and we get ‘Two Steps Behind.’

This is just so well presented, sounds so good every time, it really does, then it’s ‘Bringin’ on the Heartbreak.’

This is well done too, as Phil and Viv leave Joe at the appropriate moment to walk back and grab their electric guitars to kick in the song full on, with the rest of the band. Great stuff guys!

‘Switch 625’ is just such an incredible part of that too and reminds me of when I first bought ‘High ‘n’ Dry’ and recall how fantastic it sounded back then, blasting out in my old Ford Capri, LOL!

You know it’s getting close to the end, as we get the back to back biggest hits of the band, ‘Hysteria’ has the crowd eating out of Leppard’s hands and the harmony guitar part with Phil and Viv, both standing proud up on Rick’s drum riser, is just great!

‘Armegeddon it’ then ‘Photograph’ and ‘Pour Some Sugar …’ wrap up the set and as the band leaves the stage and it goes dark, images of Union Jack flags drop down in the screens and the band returns!

The grand finale is ‘Rock of Ages’ and the crowd goes home pretty happy I’d say, just the bummer of fighting with the mass of traffic to contend with becomes the only downer.

Sorry about the lack of photo's folks, no photo pass for me, so it didn't happen.

I did try hitting up fans on the band's Facebook page, to see if someone would share pic's from the evening, but it seems there were no takers. I didn't think it was right to use pic's from the last gig of Leppards that we saw, so there you have it ...

Just turn on the car stereo slip one of your Def Leppard classics on in the player and relive those great decades again!

Detroit, we all just got rocked!

 

Rating: 5 out of 5 - Best double header gig in a long time!

 
 

Official websites:

http://www.defleppard.com/

http://www.heart-music.com/

 

 

Rock News Update for Wednesday 17th August, 2011

DIO DISCIPLES ANNOUNCE FIRST-EVER US TOUR!

Some fans figured that with the passing of Ronnie James Dio in 2010, one of metal's greatest voices of all-time had been silenced forever.
But Dio's music will live on forever, and many of his friends and/or former band mates are making sure of it, as they have reunited as Dio Disciples – a concert celebration to the former singer of Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and Elf (and successful/respected solo artist). And while Dio Disciples has already performed overseas, US fans have waited patiently for their chance to catch the group. Soon, their wish will be granted.

The band (which is comprised of singers Tim "Ripper" Owens and Toby Jepson, guitarist Craig Goldy, bassist Rudy Sarzo, keyboardist Scott Warren, and drummer Simon Wright) has announced a string of dates (with more to be announced), which as of now, kicks off on September 22nd at the Chance in Poughkeepsie, NY, and wraps up on October 9th at Trees in Dallas, TX.
Keep your eyes peeled to Dio Disciples' Facebook page for announcements regarding additional US tour dates.

Touching upon almost every era of Dio's stellar career, you can expect to hear faithful and heavy renditions of such classics as "The Last in Line," "Rainbow in the Dark," "Holy Diver," "Heaven and Hell," "Neon Knights," and "Man on the Silver Mountain," among countless others.

And Dio Disciples have been receiving rave show reviews, including the Planet Mosh website, which gave a recent London performance a 10/10 rating, and proclaimed, "The performance was a fitting tribute to the memory of the great man himself. I’m not sure there is a better way of keeping the legacy alive, than by witnessing this group of men with such outstanding ability pour every ounce of their being into delivering Dio’s music so perfectly."
Get ready US fans, as it will soon be time to "Stand Up and Shout" to an evening of Dio music once again.

CONFIRMED US TOUR DATES [more to be added]:

9/22/2011 Poughkeepsie, NY The Chance
9/23/2011 Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony
9/24/2011 Springfield, VA Jaxx
9/26/2011 Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom
9/27/2011 Pittsburgh, PA Altar Bar
9/28/2011 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
9/29/2011 Chicago, IL House of Blues
9/30/2011 Medina, MN Medina Entertainment Center
10/6/2011 Baton Rouge, LA Varsity Theatre
10/7/2011 Houston, TX Scout Bar
10/8/2011 San Antonio, TX Sunken Gardens
10/9/2011 Dallas, TX Trees

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
www.facebook.com/pages/Dio-Disciples/197868730252916
www.facebook/OfficialDioFacebook
www.ronniejamesdio.com

 EAGLE SET TO REISSUE RAINBOW’S CLASSIC LIVE IN GERMANY 1976 ON DOUBLE-CD
~AUGUST 23 ~

New York, NY (August, 2011)—Get ready for a double dose of Rainbow when Eagle Rock Entertainment reissues Live In Germany 1976 in a special two-CD package.

The eight-song concert is the definitive early onstage statement of a great band whose personnel shape-shifted through the years. This particular lineup is looked upon as the primo Rainbow assemblage. Lead guitarist Ritchie Blackmore had left Deep Purple in 1975 to concentrate on a more personalized version of his vision, and did just that with legendary vocalist Ronnie James Dio (1942-2010), drummer Cozy Powell, bassist Jimmy Bain and keyboardist Tony Carey. (This lineup only recorded one album together: Rising, a landmark in British Rock.)

Performing flawlessly on elongated jam-happy versions of “Kill The King,” “Mistreated,” “Sixteenth Century Greensleeves,” “Catch The Rainbow” (disc #1), “Man On The Silver Mountain,” “Stargazer,” “Still I’m Sad” and “Do You Close Your Eyes” (disc #2), Blackmore fulfilled his every expectation. Filled with startling guitar solos and massive Dio lung power, Live In Germany 1976 is a band in full control of their capabilities.

Live In Germany 1976 has all the elements, showcasing a band truly immeasurable in their talent and musical abilities. One can only wonder what kind of magic could have been produced had this lineup stayed together.

Official weblinks:
http://www.eagle-rock.com/product/ER202392/Live+in+Germany+1976
http://www.eagle-rock.com/



Black Sabbath reveal exclusively to the Birmingham Mail they will reform ... Or will they ...???!

It appears that now Ronnie James Dio is no longer around to maintain the direction of Heaven and Hell, that Tony Iommi has agreed to work with Ozzy again, in the original Black Sabbath line up.
At least so says an announcement in the UK's Birmingham Mail ...

While Ronnie was still around, all points indicated that Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler were very happy with Heaven and Hell, now, as revealed in a fresh interview exclusive with the Birmingham Mail, Iommi said ‘‘We’re really looking forward to it and I think the stuff we’ve been writing is really good, it’s more back to the old original stuff.’’

Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward have begun rehearsing for a tour and new studio album.
In June this year vocalist Ozzy and guitarist Iommi wrote new material for a record that will be released next year.

Since the story belongs to 'the Mail ...' that's all I should really say here, so to get the full scoop, go to:
http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2011/08/16/black-sabbath-to-reform-with-original-line-up-and-new-studio-album-97319-29245431/

The ironic thing is that Tony Iommi has actually issued a rebuff to this, at his own site:

Black Sabbath Reunion
I'm saddened that a Birmingham journalist whom I trusted has chosen this point in time to take a conversation we had back in June and make it sound like we spoke yesterday about a Black Sabbath reunion.

At the time I was supporting the Home of Metal exhibition and was merely speculating, shooting the breeze, on something all of us get asked constantly, "Are you getting back together?"
Thanks to the internet it's gone round the world as some sort of "official" statement on my part, absolute nonsense. I hope he's enjoyed his moment of glory, he won't have another at my expense.
to my old pals, Ozzy, Geezer and Bill, sorry about this, I should have known better.
All the best, Tony
Source: http://www.iommi.com/

This was also backed by a statement at:
http://www.black-sabbath.com/news/index.html

So just what is going on ...? Who knows ...?!
Rock 'n Roll, just like they say about football back in good ol' England ... 'It's a funny old game, innit?!'


Kiss now DROPPED from Michael Jackson tribute show

Oh boy! It seems Gene Simmons has squarely, well and truly put his big old size 12 foot in his mouth and had Kiss removed from the bill due to play and pay tribute to the Prince of Pop, Michael Jackson!

The team behind the Michael Jackson tribute show in Cardiff, got wind of Gene Simmons' comments to Classic Rock Magazine regarding Michael Jackson where Simmons said, when asked his thought's on Jackson being accused of child molesting, “Well, you know, where there’s smoke there’s fire,” Simmons said in 2010. “There’s no question in my mind he molested those kids. Not a doubt.”

Read more at Pollstar.com where Jay Smith there posted this statement / story:
http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2011/08/16/778430.aspx

Kindred Saint debut album review

Kindred Saint debut album review

Released through: Buck 15 Publishing (BMI) Release date: Available now

Kindred Saint basically is a family affair, featuring the father and two son team of the Pawlak's and boy do these guys have some talent!

Don't misunderstand that though, as this is no Hanson, no Partridge family, no way!

These guys are a serious rockin’ family unit!

The mastermind behind this release is father Dennis Pawlak, who’s behind most of the lyrics and music and takes on shared lead guitar duties, bass, as well as lead and backing vocals.

Jason Pawlak – Known to some as Jace – also shares lead vocal duties, as well as keyboards, drums and more backing vocals.

Trevor Pawlak rounds things off musically on lead and rhythm guitars, as well as backing vocals.

Additional backing vocals here are shared by Jan Pawlak and Marta Wit.

While this is clearly a self financed project, it’s really very good stuff. Worth checking out, but read on and see what you make of this.

Starting with the out and out rocker ‘Let the Music Roll’ Kindred Saint have really put together some big wall of sound here for sure. A nice big up tempo number.

Once ‘Sinister Lady’ really gets into its groove it’s possibly the heaviest, dirtiest track here, but then by the time the chorus kicks in, with the big multi vocal backing, it still retains melody and harmony.

OK, possibly one of the most clichéd tracks on here is ‘Am I The One,’ but it’s excellent and has a huge sound and I really love it!

Big melodic multi-layered intro ala say Skid Row’s '18 and Life,’ but it’s so much more than that without doubt and with two lead vocalists in the family and additional backing vocalists, make for a nice sound here.

‘Ain’t it a Sin’ next seems to be more of a fun romp that almost brings Molly Hatchet to mind, yes really.

Some really catchy if dirty riffs drive the song along and then when it hits the bridge it takes a different direction that almost brings so many other influences to mind and then it gets back into that great southern boogie type style. Good stuff!

 

With next track, ‘Shotgun’ I was listening to the album first before reading the tracklisting and thought the title at one point was ‘Sucker!’ Shame on me as the title becomes easily clear, once it gets into the chorus proper.

The way the main lead vocal is presented here, it very much reminds me of someone else, which kind of threw me as elsewhere the Pawlak vocal is quite uniquely ‘theirs’ and I cannot draw comparisons typically.

It’s a fairly straightforward mid paced hard rocker.

Once the intro passes, I really love the keyboard driven opening verse to ‘Take Me Higher’ and again, as perhaps as clichéd – Yes, I said it again! – as it sounds, it’s great!

It immediately brings back memories – to me - of a couple of songs from my previous musical listening but the song has a lot more to it, there’s a lot going on with it punchy, hook laden verse and chorus and Jason even gets a synth solo in as well. Very good indeed!

‘Gypsy Road’ next is not the Cinderella track you might be thinking of. It is nothing like it at all and in fact Kindred Saint kind of brings to mind British rockers Diamond Head to mind here, just a tad and it’s rifforama for sure!

Big old choruses here on a very up tempo track.

Some seriously tasty guitar work here, nice harmony guitar!

‘Could it be You’ starts in epic fashion and is a big mid paced number, reminded me a little of April Wine for a moment, with a vocal that has a kind of haunting vibe at times. A slower paced kind of semi-ballad number in general.

Next it’s up tempo rocker ‘Be There Tonight’ which could be ZZ Top meets Metallica! Yeah, pretty quick stuff, with double kick drums going here and some really guitar interplay too.

Closing track is the slow to mid paced bluesy driven ‘I’ll be Back, Someday (Maybe).' Perhaps strange to close with a more laid back number, based on the format of other material here. I would've loved to have heard them rock out at the end. Some clever timing changes, some strange key changes too though.

A pretty good album then, even though the last track didn’t do quite as much for me as the rest of the album did, even so it’s still an enjoyable listen. If you try to track down a copy, probably best through the projects website.

Rating: 3.25 out of 5

http://www.kindredsaint.com/

Rock News Update for Tuesday 16th August, 2011

Chasing Magic Debut album released today, August 16th

 

I am very pleased to present to you, this press release by an incredibly talented good friend.
This project I can tell you is well worth checking out, from hearing Jason 'Jace' Pawlak original solo album, 'Stolen Season,' a couple of years ago now, I was very impressed by the songwriting and the all round talent of the guy.
Now he has the backing of Kivel Records, for his new project 'Chasing Magic,' hopefully this will get the man and his music, the attention it so rightly deserves. Check it out, I'll think you'll be impressed!

Chasing Magic hails from the Midwest of the good ol' USA, where they deliver their own special blend of Melodic Rock. The band's self titled debut CD is due August 16th, 2011 via Kivel Records. What the band offers is a set of tunes that will showcase soaring anthemic choruses, melodic guitar work, and hooks upon hooks. This is a band that is unapologetic for the style they play and wear their influences on their sleeve. With a sound reminiscent of such bands as Night Ranger, Winger, and Giant.

Although a new band to the scene, Chasing Magic's front man is not completely an unknown.
Since 2007 Jason Pawlak has helped pen and contribute tunes for some of his fellow contemporaries: musical acts such as Goodbye Thrill, Tango Down and Farcry. Now it is time for Jace to show he can command a band and album of his own and not just be a behind the scenes guy. This album was a labor of love for Jace, and has been a long time coming. On it you will hear a unique blend of vocal melodies and guitar work that will leave you wanting more by the end of the album.

Rob Evans - Powerplay Magazine: "Jason Pawlak is one of the most underrated singer/songwriters in the world of AOR at this current moment."

Anyone that has been in a band will express how being in a band is sometimes like a family, well Chasing Magic is just that! Jace is joined by Dennis Pawlak (guitars, bass, vocals) and Trevor Pawlak (guitars, vocals), making this power trio. Not just a band playing music, but a family that is CHASING MAGIC!!! So pop in the album, close your eyes, turn up the volume and Enjoy!!

Official weblinks:
http://www.chasingmagicband.com
http://www.kivelrecords.com

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW SET TO RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA


The Australian Pink Floyd Show is unquestionably one of the world's top classic rock tribute acts, and the proof comes from praise from two very notable sources.
(Pink) Floyd drummer Nick Mason has praised TAPFS as “Very good, probably better than we are,” while the group was even engaged by Floyd guitarist David Gilmour to perform at his 50th birthday celebration!
And soon, United States and Canada-based Floyd fans will be able to catch TAPFS in their full live glory, as they have announced a tour running from October 7th through November 12th.

Comprised of band members Steve Mac (vocals/guitar), Colin Wilson (bass and vocals), Jason Sawford (keyboards), David Domminney Fowler (guitar/vocals), Alex McNamara (vocals), Mike Kidson (saxophone), Paul Bonney (drums), Bianca Glynn (vocals), Emily Lynn (vocals), and Lara Smiles (vocals),TAPFS originally formed in 1988. Over the years, the group has played to wildly enthusiastic audiences worldwide (selling 3 million tickets in the process), and paying tribute to the group that issued such all-time classic albums as 'Dark Side of the Moon, 'Wish You Were Here,' and 'The Wall,' as well as the rock radio standards "Money," "Wish You Were Here," "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" and "Comfortably Numb."

And the upcoming U.S. and Canada tour will prove to be something truly special, as TAPFS has created what promises to be their most ambitious and spectacular show ever, as it will see the debut of a new quadraphonic sound system, and represents (for the first time ever) that a live music production has used 3D stereographic technology. On top of this will be an awe-inspiring Floydian style laser and light show as well as a whole host of inflatables – including a gigantic pink kangaroo!

The Australian Pink Floyd Show continues to rack up accolades, including being described as “Setting the gold standard” and being praised as “The best tribute band in the world” (by the Sunday Times) and
“The living embodiement of a Floyd show. If you love the Floyd, you’ll love this.” (by the Liverpool Echo). Soon, fans will be able to experience the ultimate Pink Floyd experience in North America.

FOR TOUR UPDATES AND MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
http://www.aussiefloyd.com


Fergie Fredriksen new album Happiness Is The Road
to be released on Frontiers Records

Even though Dennis “Fergie” Frederiksen is mostly known for being the former vocalist of TOTO (in the “Isolation” era), he has been involved in a lot of other outstanding musical projects too. Trillion, LeRoux, Frederiksen/Philips, Mecca, Frederiksen/Denander and David London (solo album, under pseudonym) are simply a few worthy of mention. In 1999 he debuted as a solo artist with “Equilibrium”, an album which garnered great reviews in Europe and Japan.

Following a few busy years, where he played live and released albums with the Mecca Project and with Swedish musician/producer Tommy Denander, Fergie is now back with a very special new album entitled “Happiness is the Road”.

There is a story to be told surrounding this album:

In June 2010, Frederiksen announced he had been diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer. The following months were obviously very difficult for the singer who used music and the recording sessions of this album as a therapy to regain confidence in himself and his strengths. He also found the time and energy to collaborate with Jim Peterik (ex Survivor) on the songwriting of the album’s title track, a real motivational manifesto for a positive approach to life.

About one year later, in the summer 2011, Fergie had two great things to share with the World: the first being the completion of the recording of the new album and the second is the positive results to the cures he was under, with the cancer now being defeated.

“Happiness is the Road” is a story of love and passion to tell and of course of so many great songs expertly produced by Dennis Ward (House of Lords, Pink Cream 69, Place Vendome and Angra).

Fergie Frederiksen is involved in raising awareness of Hepatitis C, a disease he has been struggling with himself. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the United States. Fergie has arranged benefit shows for the American Liver Foundation, with the cause of fighting Hep C. He went through a successful treatment in 2005, which he is fighting for other patients to receive too.

Well, the future is once again bright and shiny for Fergie, so keep going on in your life as “Happiness is the Road”.
FERGIE FREDERIKSEN Fergie Frederiksen - Vocals
Dennis Ward - Bass Guitar, Guitars, Keyboards and Background Vocals
Dirk Bruinenberg - Drums
Nathan Eshman - Guitars
Eric Ragno - Keyboards
Produced by Dennis Ward

Album tracklisting:
Angel (Mirror To Your Soul)
Elaine
First To Cry
Follow Your Heart
Happiness Is The Road
I Still Believe In Love
Lyin’ Eyes
Love Waits For No One
Writing On The Wall
The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be
The One
The Saviour.
Official weblinks:
http://fergiefrederiksen.com/
http://frontiers.it


Frontiers Records presents
Issa - The Storm

Issa, the Norwegian Rock Diva, is back with a blistering new album aptly titled “The Storm”.
Since her debut “Sign of Angels”, she has often been compared to such music stars as Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne and Amy Lee (Evanescene). That being said, Issa has created her own style and approach to Melodic Rock by mixing her peculiar and unique melodic sensibility with a rocking attitude which is unseen in today’s Pop singers.

Not metal and certainly not easy listening Pop, Issa’s music has everything and more to appeal to the vast masses: real rock with a commercial sheen.

Unlike the debut self-titled album, the new album shows has her taking a shot at songwriting and together with the Martin brothers (Vega, House of Lords, Khymera, Sunstorm), she offers up tracks on the new album like “Invincible”, “We’re on Fire” and “The Storm”, the album’s title track. Contributions also come from Robert Sall (Work of Art), Randy Goodrum (Steve Lukather, Toto, Steve Perry), Daniel Palmqvist, Johannes Stole (Xorigin), Daniel Flores, Sören Kronqvist (Crash the System, Sunstorm), Chris Laney, Magnus Karlsson (Place Vendome) and more !

Produced by Daniel Flores, “The Storm” shows that Issa is a solid Rock Music star and a true uprising Rock diva, who is set to alight hearts and minds of Melodic Rock fans for the years to come !
Tracklisting:
Looking For Love
Please Hold On
Take A Stand
Invincible
Two Hearts
Black Clouds
You're Making Me
Gonna Stand By You
We’re On Fire
Too Late For Love
What Does It Take
The Storm.
Includes bonus videoclip: Looking For Love.

 ISSA is: Issa (Isabell Oversveen) Lead vocals
Guitars - David Sivelind
Bass - Johnny Trobro, Daniel Flores, David Sivelind
Drums and keyboards - Daniel Flores
Guitar solos: David Sivelind (The Storm), Robert Säll (Looking For Love), Christian Wolff (Too Late For Love / We’re On Fire), Mats Lindfors (Take a Stand), Christopher Vetter (Black Clouds / You’re Are Making Me), Gabriel Forsman (Gonna Stand By You), Daniel Palmquist (Two Hearts).
Produced by Daniel Flores

Weblinks:
http://www.myspace.com/isabelloversveen
http://www.facebook.com/people/Issa-Oversveen/100001356553822


CNN REPORTS
KISS TO JOIN MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE

CNN is reporting that Kiss will be part of a tribute show to honour Michael Jackson, this was posted at CNN via Kissonline.com:

The legendary rock band KISS signed up to pay tribute to Michael Jackson in an October concert that will also headline Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis, Smokey Robinson, Cee Lo Green and JLS, the promoters told CNN Monday.

Other major artists may be announced soon to round out the roster of acts for "Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert" in Cardiff, Wales, according to promoter Global Live Events.


Katherine Jackson, matriarch of the musical family, appeared on CNN Monday to discuss the show, which will also includes performances by her children and grandchildren.

It appeared unlikely the October 8 concert would be the scene for a Jackson 5 reunion, since two of the brothers, Jermaine and Randy, have publicly objected to the show being held at the same time Michael Jackson's doctor is on trial for his death.

"We want to make clear that this does not reflect the position of the entire family," the two brothers said in a joint statement after their mother and four siblings endorsed the show. 

Weblink: http://www.kissonline.com/

News Update for Monday August 15th, 2011

Hi folks, hope you all had a great weekend, as I know some had an absolutely terrible and terrifying time at the Indiana State Fair this weekend.

Sadly five people lost their lives when the stage collapsed suddenly in severe weather storms that came out of nowhere.

This CNN piece shows the awful footage:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/08/14/indiana.stage.collapse/index.html?iref=NS1

Forty others were apparently injured.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those families who lost loved ones, who had just gone to enjoy an evening out, when everything went horribly wrong.

I wish those injured a speedy recovery too.

Take care of yourselves out their folks, we only have one life, here on this earth.

Cheers, Al

Message from Judas Priest

Trouble in the Judas Priest camp ....?

This was just posted at the band's official website earlier this weekend.

There has recently been some nonsense and propaganda posted on the internet including on Rob's (Halford) website - http://www.robhalford.com - regarding the band and management. 

Rob currently is not controlling his website and absolutely does not agree with the comments.

We refuse to get drawn into any public arguments - it is below us and will be dealt with legally.

The band have always jointly made any major decisions and have been with the same management team for over 25 years. Everyone knows and respects them in the music business and we have ultimate faith and trust in the way they have always guided us.

 We are totally focused now on the Epitaph tour and the reactions every night have been incredible. The shows have been amazing and we’re having the time of our lives! Our intention now is to travel the world one last time and perform Judas Priest style Heavy Metal for all the fans out there. The mood in the band has never been better!

 We have just completed the European/UK first leg of our world tour and now after a short break are going to South America and then the States - come along - join in and keep the Faith !!

 ROB, GLENN, IAN, SCOTT & RICHIE

Official band website: http://judaspriest.com/

GOD BLESS OZZY OSBOURNE
BRINGS THE STORY & MUSIC OF “THE PRINCE OF
DARKNESS” TO THE BIG SCREEN * * * * *
NCM Fathom, Omniverse Vision & Eagle Rock Entertainment Present One-Night Event Featuring Candid Portrait by Jack Osbourne at More than 400 Movie Theaters Nationwide
Centennial, Colo. – August 9, 2011 – This August, audiences across the country will get an unrivalled look into the mind of legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne in God Bless Ozzy Osbourne, an exclusive in-theater Fathom event that will be broadcast to more than 400 movie theaters nationwide on Wednesday, August 24 and Monday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m. (local time). Shot over the course of three years, audiences will experience the life story of Ozzy, as seen through the eyes of his youngest child, producer/filmmaker, Jack Osbourne, who worked alongside directors Mike Fleiss and Mike Piscitelli.

During the documentary, Ozzy will recount his troubled youth, his early career with Black Sabbath and the impact of fame and addictions on his first marriage. Viewers will also witness the second chapter of his life as a family man with Sharon, during which his addictions grew to a frightening level, as well as hear Ozzy and his children explain his attempts at staying clean, ultimately resulting in more than five years of sobriety. Music fans will also see live performances from around the world, including rare behind the scenes clips of Ozzy on and off stage, in his dressing rooms pre-show, to his nights in a series of hotel rooms. Throughout God Bless Ozzy Osbourne, audiences are given an inside look into the life of a rock star, from the good times to the bad.

Tickets for God Bless Ozzy Osbourne are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com  For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Presented by NCM Fathom, Omniverse Vision and Eagle Rock Entertainment, God Bless Ozzy Osbourne will be broadcast to nearly 400 select movie theaters across the country through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.

“This is the most honest portrait of my father. I set out to tell the truth - regardless of how raw it might be - and I think we accomplished just that,” said Jack Osbourne.

Ozzy Osbourne is a multi-platinum Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy®-winning musician. Osbourne's career has spanned four decades (as both a solo artist and as the lead singer of Black Sabbath) and his music is as relevant today as ever. Beyond his music career, Osbourne is an author (I AM OZZY, 2010), advice columnist (Sunday Times, London and Rolling Stone, America) and the first to have a celebrity-reality television program ("The Osbournes," which won a 2002 Primetime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Reality Program"). God Bless Ozzy Osbourne will relive the highs of his triumphs as well as his voyage to sobriety, which Ozzy regards as his greatest accomplishment.

“During this exclusive Fathom event, Ozzy’s son, Jack, will take the legion of Ozzy fans on an unbelievable journey experiencing a side of the music legend most have never seen,” said Dan Diamond, vice president of Fathom.  

EAGLE DIGS DEEP INTO DEEP PURPLE WITH FOUR LIVE DOUBLE-DISCS ON AUGUST 16: Scandinavian Nights, In Concert 1970-1972, Live in London and MK III: The Final Concerts

New York, NY (August, 2011)—Eagle Rock Entertainment is proud to announce the August 16 release of four double-discs of the deepest of Deep Purple’s onstage action: Scandinavian Nights, In Concert 1970-1972, Live In London and MK III: The Final Concerts.

Scandinavian Nights, from 1970, features the most classic of Purple lineups, lead guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, keyboardist Jon Lord, vocalist Ian Gillan, drummer Ian Paice and bassist Roger Glover. Recorded for Swedish radio while on tour in support of their groundbreaking In Rock album, the band, a well-oiled machine of epic proportions, rips through elongated versions of “Speed King,” “Into The Fire,” “Child In Time,” “Wring That Neck,” a cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” (as a Paice drum solo), “Mandrake Root” and “Black Night.”
The same lineup In Concert 1970-1972 recorded two shows for the BBC. The 1970 gig is four songs stretched out to almost 50 minutes in true DP style like no other band ever -- “Speed King,” “Child In Time,” “Wring That Neck” and “Mandrake Root.” In the ’72 concert, they performed every song off their classic Machinehead album (except “Pictures Of Home” ) including a 21-minute version of “Space Truckin’.

This is the first time Live In London has been released in the United States on CD. Complete with new frontman David Coverdale and new bassist Glenn Hughes (essentially giving the band two lead singers), the band were back home in London in 1974 performing in support of the Burn album.

The band, indeed, burned through the title track, “Might Just Take Your Life,” “Lay Down Stay Down,” “Mistreated,” “Smoke On The Water” and, on Disc #2, “You Fool No One” and “Space Truckin’.”
A year later, with no idea its lead guitarist and co-founding member Ritchie Blackmore had already decided to leave the band, Deep Purple, with Coverdale and Hughes now solidly entrenched and performing magnificently, embarked on a European tour in support of Stormbringer. MK III The Final Concerts excitingly documents Blackmore’s swan song with the band on “Burn,” “Stormbringer,” “Gypsy,” “Lady Double Dealer,” “Mistreated,” “Smoke On The Water,” “You Fool No One,” “Space Truckin’,” “Going Down/Highway Star,” and alternate versions of “Mistreated” and “You Fool No One.”

Gary Moore - "Live at Montreux 2010"

  2010 saw Gary Moore make a return to rock music after a long period of time exploring the blues. He was writing and working on a new rock album when all was brought to a halt by his untimely death on 6th February 2011.

This concert from Montreux in July 2010 was his last performance to be filmed. The setlist draws heavily on his hugely successful rock albums of the eighties, stirs in a couple of his classic blues tracks with some memorable hit singles and includes three brand new songs that would have featured on the album left sadly uncompleted on his death. Gary Moore was one of the finest and most respected guitarists the British Isles have ever produced. This concert shows just what a talent we will miss.

Eagle Records will release "Live at Montreux 2010" in three formats: CD, DVD & Blu-Ray, while in Japan it will be available in limited DVD+2CD and Blu-Ray+2CD versions as well.

Play list :

1. Over The Hills And Far Away
2. Thunder Rising
3. Military Man
4. Days Of Heroes
5. Where Are You Now?
6. So Far Away / Empty Rooms
7. Oh Wild One
8. Blood Of Emeralds
9. Out In The Fields
10. Still Got The Blues
11. Walking By Myself
12. Johnny Boy
13. Parisienne Walkways

Bonus material - Live at Montreux 1997 1. One Good Reason
2. Oh Pretty Woman
3. Still Got The Blues
4. Walking By Myself

Release dates:
UK/Europe - 19th September 2011
 US - 20th September, 2011

For more information on these and many other Eagle Rock entertainment releases go to:

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

Paul Rodgers announces solo Canadian dates in September

While taking some time off from his Bad Company commitments, Paul Rodgers will hit Canadian stages to play some brief dates, as follows, two of which will be with Bachman and Turner:

September 2011 

Thu 09/08/11		Belleville, ON	Empire Square - Solo
Sat 09/10/11		Toronto, ON	Molson Canadian Amphitheatre (w/Bachman / Turner)
Sat 09/24/11		Winnipeg, MB	MTS Centre (w/Bachman / Turner)
Mon 09/26/11		Edmonton, AB	Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium - Solo
Tue 09/27/11		Calgary, AB	Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium - Solo

For official news and more:

http://www.paulrodgers.com/