Saturday, January 14, 2012

"Kimball Jamison" album review

"Kimball Jamison" album review
Released on: Frontiers Records. Release Date: Available now.



Two absolutely top vocalists join forces to create this special album. The music is great, the vocals - first class, the songs – very good!


  Both Toto and Survivor are acts with some sheer class background history, but in each vocalist’s case, they have both been part of other impressive projects too ... I could seriously go on for ages on these two singers merits, but let’s get to what’s here to appreciate.

  
The other players involved here though, really deserve name checks, as the music throughout is great!

Besides the obvious two main men, there’s bassist and producer Mat Sinner. On Keyboards and co-production there’s Jimmy Kresic, then all of the guitars on here are presented by Alex Beyrodt who I’ve never heard of before, but he deserves to be remembered AND checked out. Great player indeed!
Last and certainly by no means least is drummer Martin Schmidt, who provides a very strong backbone here!

  
This album is actually already about four months old, yet I’ve only recently got to start listening to it recently, that tells you how much material is being thrown my way, as I love both these vocalists’ voices.
 In writing this up, I played it back putting it on not realising how high my volume was set too on the PC, holy …! Did someone just say something?! Wow! It was loud!


‘Worth Fighting For’ is the opener here and musically it’s like these two legends fronting Journey, it kicks in and maintains a great up tempo pace, loads of melody with so much music! Great start guys!

 With ‘Can’t Wait For Love’ there’s more than a touch in how this is written, just as it’s about to hit the chorus where I want to sing along the Toto classic, ‘Only The Children.’ This is such a strong song. Brilliant! Why did I not listen to this album sooner?!


Power ballad time in ‘Sail Away’ next and of course it’s very slick, very smooth.

On first listen to the edgy ‘Chasing Euphoria’ I kind of thought perhaps the chorus was a little cheesy, but it’s really not.
It rocks along with urgency with both guys giving it some serious vocal phrasing.


Oh boy ‘Find Another Way’ is another ballad ... I would’ve thought that these days, since this genre doesn’t get the radio airplay it used to, that the need for multiple ballads on an album should not be needed. That said, they do it well, almost into almost Chicago territory.


I’m glad to say that with ‘Get Back In The Game’ the guys pull off another great rocker, following the same idea and flow that ‘Worth Fighting For’ kicked off with. It’s a real Journey style rocker actually. Ironically this is one of those tracks that really sounds like something you know, that you know from somewhere else, but can’t remember what the song was! It’s great though, nice guitar solo here too, well done Alex Beyrodt.




‘I Did Everything Wrong’ is a slower chug along pop rocker, nice groove and very Neal Schon like guitar work.


In ‘Shadows of Love’ it’s got a haunting feel to it as it starts in laid back fashion and then picks up for the pre-chorus and chorus, before each verse takes it down again a bit. Good steady pop rocker type groove.


The pace is picked up again, after a gentle start for ‘Hearts Beat Again’ which is very much a Toto style rocker. Nice!

Then ‘We Gotta Believe’ is a nice steady slow to mid pace slick piece of AOR, kind of sub-ballad turf.


I don’t know but there’s a certain Bon Jovi feel to ‘Kickin’ and Screaming’ in the chorus and it’s build up. Although some of the keyboard stabs remind me of some of the symphonic metal type stuff I’ve heard. It’s a very strong hooky song indeed!



‘Your Photograph’ closes the album and it’s almost soulful at the start before it hits power ballad vibe in the chorus.

 This is a really good album, that I course recommend to fans of these two great artists, who simply split the vocals right down the middle with this release and they’ve done a great job. Good one!


Rating: 4 out of 5


Weblinks:
http://www.jimijamison.com/
http://www.facebook.com/JimiJamisonOfficialPage
http://www.bobbykimball.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bobby-Kimball-Official-Facebook/105289609516198?ref=ts

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News update for Saturday 14th January, 2012


Tony Iommi shares message with fans


Black Sabbath / Heaven and Hell guitarist Tony Iommi, who recently shared he had been diagnosed with lymphoma, has issued the following message through his website to his many fans and friends that have sent well wishes.

Message From Tony

13th January 2012

Message From Tony

My fans, friends & colleagues -
I just want to say how overwhelmed I am with all your messages of support, thank you so much.
Well it's not what I wanted for Christmas, that's for sure, but now I can't wait for the test results to come in and get going with the treatment.
It's really good that the guys are coming over so that we can continue working on the album as things are going great in the studio.
Well, not much else to say at this time, so thanks again.
Bless you all,
Tony
I'd just like to add my continued support to Tony and his family.
Here's to you Tony, get well soon my friend from the Chambers of Rock family.
 
 
Update from Stuart Smith on Heaven & Earth new album
Heaven & Earth in the studio November 2011

L to R. Chuck Wright, Stuart Smith, Joe Retta, Richie Onori, Arlan Schierbaum.


Stuart Smith, who alongside drummer Richie Onori are the main driving force behind the Heaven & Earth project albums, has just provided me an update on how the new one is coming along.
The project this time is mainly focused around, Joe Retta (Vocals), Stuart Smith (Guitars), Richie Onori (Drums), Chuck Wright (Bass) and Arlan Schierbaum on keyboards, who all started working on the recording around November of last year.
Speaking with Stuart yesterday he told me, 'Hi Alun, The album is coming along great and I can tell you that the songs that are definitely going to be on the Heaven & Earth so far are:

1. Back in Anger
2. Waiting for the End of the World
3. No Money, No Love
4. House of Blues
5. I Don't Know What Love Is Anymore
It's really coming along well. We're really very happy with things.' 
He also told me that the song 'I Don't Know What Love Is Anymore' already sounds huge and while he played some 6 string acoustic guitar on there, guest guitarist Howard Leese (Heart, Paul Rodgers, Bad Company) added some 12 string acoustic too.
Also that Toto's David Paich is working on adding some strings to the track as well.
I have to say that based on the self titled debut 'Heaven & Earth' and second album 'Windows to the World' that this should be no less impressive!
Weblinks:

Meantime in related David Paich news


An Update from Toto's David Paich


The mastermind behind so much of Toto's great music, vocalist / keyboards man David Paich, has some news to share and this note was recently posted over at Toto's site:

David Paich wrote in to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and update everyone on his latest projects.
He is currently assisting Grammy award-winning producer Tommy Lipuma in planning the music for the event which will bestow Paul McCartney with the Music Cares Man of the Year award.  Lipuma, who produced McCartney's new album, 'Kisses On The Bottom' and David are expecting a who's-who of premiere Grammy talent to appear!
Stay tuned!

David also attended the playback party for Mike Porcaro's recent release "Brotherly Love."
Also in attendance were Lenny Castro, David Garfield, Greg Bissonnette, Larry Klimas, Joe and Eileen Porcaro, and others.
Weblink:
 
 
 
RIOT Guitarist Hospitalized Due To Complications Of Crohn's Disease

Riot founder and guitarist Mark Reale has been admitted to a San Antonio hospital in critical condition due to complications of Crohn's disease. Subsequently, there is a possibility that he may not appear in the band's upcoming performances in the Northeast and aboard the 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise to Grand Cayman.

Mark has been battling Crohn's for most of his life, working and performing while enduring almost constant pain and the side effects of treatment for his illness. He was in Texas bravely attempting to practice for the shows, but was felled by a severe onset of Crohn's symptoms leaving him in the Intensive Care Unit at an undisclosed facility.

The band has agreed that the performances will take place as scheduled with the possibility that Mark may not be well enough in time to appear. Riot would also like to acknowledge that Mark has been struggling with these symptoms throughout the production of their new album, Immortal Soul, and that guitarist Mike Flyntz recorded a major portion of the guitars on the album with Mark's creative direction while he was unable to perform.

For this reason, fans can be assured that the show will be as exciting as anything Riot has ever staged, even if Mike needs to hold down double guitar duty. Mark will be sorely missed in this event, but the shows will go on.

We ask fans and friends of the band to pray for Mark's speedy recovery, and to support the band in our efforts to bring you the Riot reunion shows that have been so long in the making. While Mark's family insists on privacy during this difficult time, your prayers and good wishes will make it to his bedside until he is able to return to the stage.

Many thanks and Shine On!
Mike, Tony, Bobby and Don

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

Editors note:

My prayers and well wishes go out to Mark and his family at this time.
Sadly this seems to be something we're hearing all too much of these days, so many of our favourite and classic rock musicians although not getting any younger, are getting hit just the same as so many people we all hear about suffering with one thing and another and while people will say, 'It's a fact of life, we all get older ...' I disagree in current times as I think it's happening a little too much more than in previous years.
Now that is a very sad fact of current life.
You'd think for as much money that goes into cancer research that we would be closer to a cure, but who's to say? Sad days ....






Something good from Eddie Van Valen this way comes ...


Over at www.VHND.com this message was just posted and I have to say, it's certainly a good gesture from Eddie Van Halen, just prior to Van Halen launching their first new studio album in what seems a lifetime and first tour since 2007.
I guess some may say, well based on ticket prices for the upcoming tour - With so many dates. - that he'll get all the money back to buy new ones!
Hmmm ... No comment!

Eddie Van Halen just donated 75 of his own personal guitars to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, a national organization that promotes music education for children.
In a statement, the guitarist simply explained, “Music kept me off the streets and out of trouble and gave me something that was mine that no one could take away from me.”

Van Halen also acknowledged that his immense success motivated him to give more children a chance at self-fulfillment through music.  "If I can help a kid discover a liking, or even a passion for music in their life, then that’s a wonderful thing. Music has provided a good life for me and hopefully it can help make life better for others with this donation.”

The generous gift, which will be dispersed among 7 Los Angeles schools at Van Halen’s request, is already making an impact. Michael Flores, a student at Garfield High, tried out one of the guitars and told CBS2, “I think its great … Compared to what I played in the beginning, this sounds amazing.”
Watch CBS2′s video report of Van Halen’s impact on Garfield High School and check out CBS2 for the full story.

The Associated Press reports that Van Halen instructed staffers at Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation that the guitars were to be used in schools, not sold — and the lucky schools who received them weren’t told who donated them until the day they arrived.
Hopefully the guitars will be kept secure under lock and key when students aren’t using them, as the Foundation recommended.


In this photo, Eddie Van Halen poses with his 75 donated guitars and Felice Mancini, executive director of The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. (Getty Images/Frazer Harrison)


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Friday, January 13, 2012

Brief News Update for Friday January 13th, 2012




LITA FORD SIGNS TO SPV/STEAMHAMMER;
NEW ALBUM TITLE REVEALED


 Legendary female metal icon LITA FORD has signed a worldwide deal with SPV/Steamhammer. Her new album entitled “Living Like A Runaway” is tentatively set for a May 2012 release.

Best known for her work with The Runaways and her solo career, featuring hit singles “Kiss Me Deadly” and the Billboard charting duet “Close My Eyes Forever” with Ozzy Osbourne, Lita is ready to make a return to the throne as the queen of metal: “SPV gets who I am, my work, and what it takes to bring this project to life. I’m very excited to have them on my team,” says Lita.

Lita spoke about her work with guitarist Gary Hoey on the album and the meaning of the album’s title:

“Gary Hoey and I wanted to approach this record by getting back to basics. We want to strip away all the electronics and plug-ins and keep it to vocals, guitar, bass, and drums. Going back to basics is going back to what punk, metal and The Runaways was for me. “Living Like A Runaway" means freedom and empowerment. To do what I want and to pursue my dreams while answering to no one.”
SPV A&R Representative/Product Manager Olly Hahn commented on the signing of LITA FORD:

"When I bought "Dancin`On The Edge" back in 1984 I never thought that I would ever sign Lita Ford to a label. But a dream of mine came true and it`s a huge honor for us at SPV/Steamhammer to have one of the leading women in Rock n`Roll on our label."

Official weblinks:




Aerosmith 2012 Tour rumours + Tyler on Jay Leno


So, the Aerosmith fan run 'Aero-Force' fan club, has let it slip that the band will be touring in 2012.
No dates listed as yet through the site, but already they are making 'Aero-Force' members aware of 2012 VIP ticket packages. No smoke without fire!

The message that came through the site's email circular saying, "2012 Tour rumors are already flying and your AF1 membership gives you access to killer VIP packages!"

... That's all that is shared on that ....?!

There is this added info though regarding the band's lead vocalist:

Steven Tyler will join fellow "Americal Idol" judge Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" on Friday, January 20, 2012 at 11:30 pm ET.

"American Idol" returns for its 11th season with a two-night premiere on Wednesday, January 18 and Thursday, January 19 at 8:00 pm ET on Fox.

Editor's note: Sorry folks, it's not my bag, BUT in promoting the A / Idol new series, I have half a notion that Steve Tyler may let something slip on the Leno show, regarding the tour.
We'll see ...

Vengeance new album 'Crystal Eye' released through SPV / Steamhammer February, 27th 2012





 It’s a full thirty years ago that Leon Goewie founded the Dutch rock band Vengeance in the early 1980s; thirty years in which the band went through variably successful times and which had Goewie himself experience the usual highs and lows of life as a musician. Yet: he never lost his inherent optimism nor his basic enthusiasm for Vengeance. Crystal Eye, the group’s latest album, is – as Goewie puts it – “straightforward rock’n’roll which communicates first and foremost a positive feeling and a strong sense of humour, going directly for the audience’s central nervous system.” At the same time Goewie, whose uniquely expressive voice can be picked out among thousands, cannot deny that his band has developed: “After thirty years in this business, you should mature at least a little,” he grins knowingly, “so in that respect Crystal Eye is slightly more serious than most of our previous releases – but of course only to an extent where we don’t miss out on the fun of it all.” the new album will be out on 27 February 2012 (Germany: 24 February, USA/Canada: early March) on Steamhammer/SPV.  




Goewie talks about a recording which, in his opinion, is the most professional he’s ever cut with Vengeance. Crystal Eye, which he composed mostly in collaboration with producer Michael Voss (Mad Max, Michael Schenker) and which also features a title track by former Vengeance guitarist Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon, Star One), consists of a total of eleven songs. Plus ‘Whole Lotta Metal’, a number which Tony Martin (ex-Black Sabbath) contributed tailor-made for Goewie and Vengeance. The album closes with the instrumental ‘Jan’s End Piece’ which features the last guitar solos recorded by Jan Somers before his unexpected death.


Talking of Jan Somers: the unforgotten Vengeance guitarist is present on Crystal Eye in a number of ways: the cover artwork as well as the illustrations in the booklet were created by the multi-talented musician, and his son Timo Somers features on the album as a guest guitarist. No doubt about it: Crystal Eye forges an arch between the group’s glorious past – documented by the return of the legendary band logo from the cult recordings We Have Ways To Make You Rock and Take It Or Leave It – and their future-oriented present.


The album’s sensational all-star cast is just as spectacular as the new material: alongside original vocalist Leon Goewie, Crystal Eyes features drummer Chris Slade (ex-AC/DC), guitarist Keri Kelli (ex-Alice Cooper), and bassist Chris Glen (Michael Schenker Group, S.A.H.B.). “More than ever before, this is a band which consists of friends,” comments Goewie, whose excellent reputation as an exceptional vocalist made this impressive line-up possible: Goewie, Slade, Glen and Kelli also form the nucleus of AC/DC cover band Chris Slade's Steel Circle who rock the popular clubs whenever their time allows it.


And Vengeance are eager to rock their audience as soon as possible: an extensive tour has been scheduled for spring 2012, only a few weeks after the release of their album. Goewie: “We can hardly wait to play numbers from Crystal Eye live at last, along with our classics. I promise that we will pull out all the stops 100% every night!”


Official sites:


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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Brief Update for Thursday January 12th, 2012



Mike Portnoy is moving forward, Flying Colors with Steve Morse!



Flying Colors, the spectacular new virtuoso prog/pop/rock band, featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater) and guitarist Steve Morse (Deep Purple), will release their eponymous debut album in the UK on Monday March 26th, followed by a US release on Tuesday March 27th.
Released by Music Theories Recordings, the debut album includes the talents of Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Dave LaRue (bass), Neal Morse (keyboards, vocals), Casey McPherson (lead vocals, guitar), and Steve Morse (lead guitar). "The album has bits and pieces of what you'd expect from each of us,” says Portnoy. “The sum of all its parts led to brand new, unchartered territory for everyone involved." 

Click here to read the full web press release:
The formation of Flying Colors began with a simple idea: virtuoso musicians and a pop singer joining together to make new-fashioned music the old fashioned way. Refreshing, classic, old and new, the recordings are saturated with the many styles, tones and hues of the players who, in becoming a band, have delivered a unique fusion of vintage craftsmanship and contemporary music.
Mike Portnoy was the co-founding member and drummer for one of the world’s biggest prog metal bands “Dream Theater”. Neal Morse is the co-founding member of the prog rock band Spock’s Beard and is currently the prog rock supergroup “Transatlantic”. 
David LaRue plays bass for the Dixie Dregs and has also worked with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Steve Morse has been playing lead guitar for Deep Purple for the last 16 years. Founder and leader of “Alpha Rev”, Casey McPherson, has enjoyed major success in the US with multiple hits including the song “New Morning”.
"It was quite an experience,” recalls Dave LaRue. “The band moved at a fast pace, ideas flying around the room at all times. Sections of tunes were arranged, and then re-arranged. Ideas were tried every which way until we made them work, or, in some cases, discarded them altogether. Just keeping track of everything was a challenge!" The album is filled with trial and triumph. It's been an inspiring challenge melding folk, prog, pop, and metal all into one big recording."

Website:
http://flyingcolorsmusic.com/


Nickelback is Ready to Hit the Road - Here & Now Tour 2012





It's been two years in the making and it's finally here... the new Nickelback North American tour!
The Live Nation-produced "Here & Now Tour 2012" begins on April 10th where it will start making a 39-date trek throughout North America, with dates confirmed through June 26th. BUSH, Seether and My Darkest Days will join Nickelback on all tour dates with tickets going on sale beginning January 20th at Ticketmaster and Live Nation.
Get more details straight from Nickelback here!
http://nickelback.com/news/56841

Fan Club members will be able to purchase tickets beginning January 13th here along with a membership to the all new Nickelback fan club. Citi® cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets beginning Monday, January 16th at 10:00 am local time through Citi's Private Pass® Program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com







VIP Packages will also be available through VIP Nation, including premium seats, exclusive merchandise and more. For more information please visit: www.VIPNation.com

With the new tour, Nickelback will perform songs from the recently released seventh studio album, Here And Now, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 thanks to the hit singles “When We Stand Together” and "Bottoms Up.”  In addition to songs from the new album, the band will also perform a multitude of hits from their previous six smash albums.



Nickelback 2012 North American Tour Dates


Date:   City / State:   Venue:   Onsale date:

 
April 10, 2012 Moline, IL i wireless Center January 21

April 12, 2012 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena January 21

April 14, 2012 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena January 21

April 15, 2012 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center January 28

April 19, 2012 New York , NY Madison Square Garden January 21

April 21, 2012 Montreal, PQ Bell Centre January 21

April 22, 2012 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre January 21

April 24, 2012 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center January 21

April 25, 2012 Pittsburgh, PA Consol Energy Center January 21

April 27, 2012 Hartford, CT XL Center January 20

April 28, 2012 Worcester, MA DCU Center January 21

April 30, 2012 Washington, DC Verizon Center January 20

May 2, 2012 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena January 21

May 4, 2012 Orlando, FL Amway Center January 28

May 5, 2012 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Bank Atlantic Center January 21

May 15, 2012 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place January 21

May 16, 2012 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome January 21

May 18, 2012 Saskatoon, SK Credit Union Centre January 21

May 20, 2012 Fargo, ND Fargodome January 28

May 22, 2012 Omaha, NE CenturyLink Center Omaha January 21

May 23, 2012 Minneapolis, MN Target Center January 21

May 25, 2012 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center January 21

May 26, 2012 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center January 21

May 29, 2012 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center January 21

May 30, 2012 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena January 21

June 1, 2012 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center January 21

June 2, 2012 Houston, TX Toyota Center January 21

June 5, 2012 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center January 21

June 7, 2012 Tulsa, OK BOK Center January 21

June 8, 2012 Wichita, KS Intrust Bank Arena January 21

June 10, 2012 Denver, CO Pepsi Center January 21

June 12, 2012 Salt Lake City, UT Energy Solutions Arena January 21

June 15, 2012 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center January 21

June 18, 2012 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion January 20

June 20, 2012 Nampa, IA Idaho Center January 21

June 21, 2012 Portland, OR Rose Garden January 21

June 23, 2012 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome January 21

June 24, 2012 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena January 21

June 26, 2012 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena January 21

Official weblink:
www.nickelback.com

 



22 YEAR-OLD AUSTRALIAN ROCKER LAURA WILDE SET TO RELEASE HER DEBUT ALBUM SOLD MY SOUL JANUARY 31, 2012.




FIRST SINGLE IS THE TITLE TRACK “SOLD MY SOUL,” WHICH GOES TO RADIO ON FEBRUARY 7, 2012, FOLLOWED BY A SUPER FUN ACCOMPANYING VIDEO; LAURA ALSO OPENS FOR LEIF GARRETT ON HIS FINAL SHOW FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 AT THE WHISKY A GO GO IN HOLLYWOOD
Los Angeles, CA: Laura Wilde’s long-awaited album Sold My Soul is finally dropping on January 31, 2012. Laura will tour and release singles and videos to support the album. Her first show is supporting Leif Garrett in his final live performance at Hollywood’s Whisky a Go Go on Friday, January 13. “It's truly an honor to be opening for Leif Garrett. My respect goes out to him for being a multi-gold and platinum recording artist and successful actor. I can't wait to meet him and share the stage,” Laura says.

22 year-old Laura has been compared to Lita Ford, Pat Benatar and even Chrissie Hynde.
Gorgeous, talented, and tough-yet-feminine at the same time, Laura Wilde and her signature Flying V are set to rock the States and beyond. A gifted songwriter and self-taught musician, Laura's already known in her native Melbourne, Australia, and is looking forward to conquering the US next. "I'm so excited to finally be releasing my debut album. It has been the culmination of a lot of hard work ... but I'm not popping any champagne corks yet. I'm really keen to get out on the road to promote it. I hope my fans enjoy listening to it as much as I've enjoyed making it!”



The first album cut going to radio is the title track “Sold My Soul,” which has a very cool accompanying video. “The single ‘Sold My Soul’ was the last song I wrote on the album. It's a wish list of all of the places I've been to or would like to visit. It’s really a celebration of my arriving in a new country and wanting to really experience it.... almost like a modern day version of ‘The Wanderer’ by Dion. I'm also really proud that I wrote, recorded and played all of the instruments on it myself.”
“Making the video was so much fun. It depicts a slice of life of being out on the road with the band and the infectious camaraderie we all have amongst each other.”


Laura’s music is explosive, gritty, powerful, fearless and aggressive. Real, true rock n’ roll, which is in short supply, especially from women.
“Music is pretty much the only way in which I am able to express my feelings and emotions. Being a musician is my dream job in every sense, and I enjoy all aspects of the process. I love everything from practicing to performing, from songwriting to production. It’s an unbelievably varied and interesting career to be able to pursue, and I'm quite blessed and grateful to have this amazing opportunity to do what I love exactly the way I want to do it.”



Links:http://www.laurawilde.com
http://www.facebook.com/laurawildemusic
http://twitter.com/laurawilde
http://www.sonicbids.com/laurawildemusic
http://www.imdb.me/laurawilde
http://www.myspace.com/laurawildemusic

Editor's note:
I think Laura Wilde will certainly turn some heads and boy does she rock with the Flying V!
She sounds actually to me, a little like Joan Jett too if you ask me!






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Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Brief Late News Update for Tuesday January 10th, 2012





STYX
SET TO TAKE OVER TV AIRWAVES
ALL THIS MONTH AS U.S. TOUR CONTINUES;
“STYX: THE GRAND ILLUSION/PIECES OF EIGHT LIVE”
DVD OUT JANUARY 31
January 9, 2012 -- Legendary rockers STYX--Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Chuck Panozzo, Lawrence Gowan, Ricky Phillips and Todd Sucherman— will be invading the TV airwaves throughout the month of January, perfectly timed with the upcoming DVD release, Styx: The Grand Illusion/Pieces Of Eight Live, coming January 31.
It all starts Wednesday, January 11 with a performance on “The Rosie Show,” which will air at 7pm ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. For the performance of “Come Sail Away,” host Rosie O’Donnell accompanied the band on her own drum kit. The band’s classic episode of VH1’s “Behind The Music” has been updated—now called “Behind The Music Remastered”--and will be airing on Saturday, January 14 at 9pm ET/PT on VH1 Classic. Next up: NBC will air “Improve-Ice Starring STYX” on Sunday, January 15 at 4pm ET/PT, which was filmed in Greenville, SC at the Bi-Lo Center and features champion figure skaters Johnny Weir, Michael Weiss, Nancy Kerrigan, Jeremy Abbott, Ryan Bradley, Sasha Cohen, Nicole Bobek and Mirai Nagasu performing to various STYX classics.

All of their routines were choreographed the day of the show. The HDNet channel will re-broadcast the 2006 concert special, “One with Everything - Styx & The Contemporary Youth Orchestra of Cleveland,” on Sunday, January 22 at 9pm ET/PT. STYX joined forces with Cleveland's Contemporary Youth Orchestra--a 171-piece orchestra and choir composed of students aged 13-19--to perform various STYX classics. Fans should also check local listings for all of the programs.

On the DVD front, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Styx: The Grand Illusion/Pieces Of Eight Live on DVD, Blu-Ray, and DVD/2CD on January 31. This show was recorded November 9, 2010 at the historic Orpheum Theater in Memphis, on the tour that saw them perform both these albums in their entirety for the first time. The 20-song, two-hour and 11-minute presentation features stunning high-definition visuals accenting the complex musical arrangements recorded in DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital 5.1, and LPCM Stereo. The staging of these two multi-platinum albums and the fevered response makes this concert a must for all STYX fans. Styx: The Grand Illusion/Pieces Of Eight Live also includes the bonus feature “Putting On The Show,” an inside look at the people and equipment needed to stage such a massive spectacle.
Meanwhile, STYX’s entire career has recently been encapsulated within the 16 tracks of REGENERATION, VOLUME I & II, which was released October 4 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. In addition to 13 STYX classics and the new song, “Difference In The World,” the collection also includes interpretations of “High Enough” and “Coming Of Age,” originally recorded by Damn Yankees, which featured Tommy Shaw, along with Night Ranger’s Jack Blades, Ted Nugent and drummer Michael Cartellone.

Spawned from a Chicago basement in the early ‘70s, STYX would eventually transform into the virtual arena rock prototype by the late '70s and early '80s, due to a fondness for big rockers and soaring power ballads. Over the course of their 38-year career they’ve released 15 studio albums, 6 best-of compilations and 4 live albums, garnering 8 Top Ten singles. STYX has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. 
Throughout their illustrious career, they’ve performed more live shows since 1999 than all of the previous years of its career combined. Two Super-Bowl appearances, Pollstar box office chart-topping tours with Def Leppard, Journey, Boston, REO Speedwagon and Bad Company (to name only a few), two more studio albums and no end in sight, STYX continues to conquer the planet, one venue at a time.
 In touring news, the band’s schedule hasn’t slowed down since their summer tour with Yes last year. Check out STYX at any of the following stops, with more to be added in the coming weeks:
DATE CITY VENUE
Fri 1/13 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
Sat 1/14 Ft. Worth, TX Billy Bob’s
Wed 1/25 Anaheim, CA The Grove
Thu 1/26 Santa Ynez, CA Chumash Casino
Fri 1/27 Temecula, CA Pechanga Casino
Sat 1/28 Reno, NV Silver Legacy Casino
Wed 2/1 Wenatchee, WA Town Toyota Center
Fri 2/3 Tacoma, WA Emerald Queen Casino
Sat 2/4 Coquitlam, BC. Red Robinson Show Theatre
Fri 2/10 Las Vegas, NV Green Valley Ranch/Grand Events Center
Sat 2/11 Wendover, NV Peppermill Concert Hall
Fri 3/2 Mt. Pleasant, MI Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Fri 3/9 Miami, FL Magic City Casino Amphitheater
Sat 3/10 Silver Springs, FL Twin Oaks Amphitheatre
 
 
 
New Van Halen single 'Tattoo' available now

 
 
Last week was of course the big Van Halen launch with their show at New York's Cafe Wha? that caused lots of stir for many different reasons and that show did not - surprisingly - even include the first new Van Halen single, instead they played new album song 'She's the Woman.'
The new single 'Tattoo' is available today and my take is that it doesn't sound too bad and is quite a familar sounding Van Halen for sure.
Link to the video right here:
The new album, 'A Different Kind of Truth,' is released on February 7th.
The full tracklisting being:
1. Tattoo
2. She’s The Woman
3. You and Your Blues
4. China Town
5. Blood and Fire
6. Bullethead
7. As Is
8. Honeybabysweetiedoll
9. The Trouble With Never
10. Outta Space
11. Stay Frosty
12. Big River
13. Beats Workin’
 
 
Expectations are high from fans as there is still so much unrest from old fans with Michael Anthony not being a part of what would have been a reunion of the classic and original Van Halen. His place of course now taken by Eddie Van Halen's son, Wolfgang.
The band kick off their new US tour on February 18th in Louisville, KY.
 
 
Weblinks:


 
Scottish Prog rockers Pallas Announce 2012 tour

**2012 TOUR DATES - FREE MONSTER BIG BAND DOWNLOAD - ! **

After the busy year that was 2011 the band Pallas are now well underway planning 2012 which starts with a tour, details below with further details on the website.

24/02 GLASGOW UK: CLASSIC GRAND
25/02 KINGSTON UK: THE PEEL
26/02 BILSTON UK: ROBIN 2
27/02: PARIS F: LA SCENE BASTILLE
28/02: PRATTELN CH: GALERY
29/02: FRANKFURT D: DAS RIND
01/03: DEN BOSCH NL: W2
02/03: ZOETERMEER NL: DE BOERDERIJ
03/03: VERVIERS B: SPIRIT OF 66

Also on the website you can find FREE DOWNLOADS of the bands cover of the ELP track Black Moon, which had been scheduled for a Classic Rock Presents Prog cover disc which had to be pulled at the last moment, plus a just for fun "Big Band Swing Remix" of Monster!
Also 2012 calendar download will follow shortly with the 2011 still available for artwork collectors.

If you have already gotthe album XXV don't forget the free download of Atlantean which you could use as an additional opening track on you mp3 players XXV tracklist, and don't forget on the website are track by track samples, band comments including some of the "storyline" behind the tracks.

If you, like us, feel that not enough people know about Pallas PLEASE use the Facebook and Tweet buttons throughout the site to spread the news amongst your friends!

Also it's the time of year when there are polls for Album of the Year 2011 - if you enjoyed XXV right at the start of last year don't forget it now !!

Thanks for reading and we hope to see you at a gig soon.
Official Band website:
http://www.pallasxxv.com/
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