6.28.2014

BADFINGER'S JOEY MOLLAND 2 NEW RELEASES!!


London, UK – On the heels of his critically acclaimed new solo album 'Return To Memphis', Badfinger legend Joey Molland has released two hard to find, sought after albums on UK's Gonzo Multimedia - 'Demos Old And New' and 'This Way Up'!

Signed to the Beatles' Apple label in 1968 as The Iveys, the band quickly changed their name to Badfinger by 1969. The group would go on to score four consecutive worldwide hits from 1970 to 1972: “Come And Get It” (written and produced by Paul McCartney), “No Matter What”, “Day After Day” and “Baby Blue”.


In 1971, a cover of the Badfinger song “Without You” by Harry Nilsson became a number one hit on the Billboard charts. Though the band suffered major tragedies throughout its career, surviving member Joey Molland has continued to keep the Badfinger flame alight through concerts and recordings over the past 30 years. And now he is back with a fantastic new album 'Return To Memphis', which was produced by Carl 'Blue' Wise and recorded at Willie Mitchell's Royal Studios in Memphis.



This collection of demos from various parts of his long career only proves to confirm what an extraordinary songwriter Joey Molland is.

Tracks:
1. I Said It's Alright '92
2. Borderline '84
3. Birdsong '92
4. Cadillac Blues '88
5. Can't Stop '84
6. Clouds of Love '80
7. Isn't That A Dream '95
8. It's True '88
9. Mirrors '95
10. Miss Misunderstood '72
11. Moonlight
12. Panning Gold '82
13. Sometimes
14. Walkin' The Floor '83
15. What You're Doin '73
16. When '80
17. Miss Misunderstood



In 2001, Joey Molland released the critically acclaimed album 'This Way Up' independently. CD Universe describes the album as: “…one of the best solo discs that ex-members of the Beatles never made. It bears repeating - 'This Way Up' contains the essence of what was great about those early solo Beatles albums, not surprising because Molland played on some of them. The surprise is that a sideman from those sessions has created a mini-masterpiece rivaling, and on some songs equaling, those classic and important recordings. 13 perfectly constructed songs by Molland do more than just carry on a tradition - they combine to give proof that this style of music is still so very vital.”

Tracks:
1. Mirrors
2. Happy
3. A Way To Be
4. The Bust
5. This Must Be Love
6. Moonlight
7. Another Honeymoon
8. When I Was A Boy
9. Angels Like Us
10. What Else (Nothing)
11. Tell Me
12. 2 Minute Warning
13. Isn't That A Dream



Joey's latest CD 'Return To Memphis' has been garnering major press worldwide and follows the major buzz surrounding the Badfinger track “Baby Blue” being played during the finale of A&E's hit TV series 'Breaking Bad'.

Says Joey, “I did the record in Memphis and so it's called 'Return To Memphis'. I started out loving Memphis music...Elvis and all that. A lot of great rockers came from there. So I opted to go down there and make a record and it was a great experience.”

Originally from Liverpool, Joey now resides in the US, where he continues to perform with Joey Molland's Badfinger. Along with Joey on guitar and vocals, the current lineup features Mark Healey (bass/vocals), Steve Wozny (keyboards/vocals), Mike Ricciardi (drums). For updated tour information check Joey Moland's official facebook page

SW/MM/NG DEBUT: FEEL NOT BAD ON OLD FLAME RECORDS


 WE LOVE THESE GUYS!

On August 29th, the Fayetteville, AR quintet SW/MM/NG will release their long-awaited full length debut Feel Not Bad on Old Flame Records.

Consequence of Sound premiered the album's lead single single "Some Dreams Come True" and said SW/MM/NG "craft bright guitar pop with pessimistic wit." The track is also available to stream and embed via Soundcloud.

“It’s inspired by 1930’s vocal jazz songs that dealt with love and longing and the timeless quality of the two, but considered within the scope of indie rock,” frontman Brian Kupillas said of the track. “The themes, which by today’s standards are considered simple, are backed by equally simple, traditional chord progressions. The song is a throwback to a time in which sentimentalism and romanticism were much more fluent in the culture.”



SW/MM/NG is Brian Kupillas (vocal, guitar), Jared Hennessy (guitar), Joel Paul (bass), Jack Lloyd (keyboards), and JD Paul (drums). The group, who have been favorably compared to a broad array of textured tunesmiths like The Cure, The Smiths, Real Estate, and Caveman, have garnered critical attention from NPR, NME, The New York Times, The Wild Honey Pie, and Wondering Sound.


Following the digital release of three two-song singles and more than three years on the road, SW/MM/NG are set to release their trim but expansive eight-song full length. The album title, inspired by M. Pirsig’s Zen and the Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance, encapsulates the record's distinctive mix of sincerity and barbed wit. “What struck me about the phrase is that it was almost like a pessimist’s way of saying ‘feel good,’” Kupillas says with a good-natured laugh.

The shimmering “We Do It All The Time” is a snapshot of an ice storm that hit the band’s hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas one winter day. Instead of the paralyzing the town, the storm inspired the town to threw house parties and embrace the break in convention to enjoy the city and share in good times with neighbors. The soaring “Younger” epitomizes SW/MM/NG’s acerbic wit by being an “anti cult of youth summer song hidden within a cult of youth summer song.”

For SW/MM/NG, the true meaning of the music is the live connection. That’s something Kupillas is most proud of, and recalling the band’s second appearance at the Treefort Music Festival, he says: “The most recent time we played, it was like playing to a hometown crowd only these people were strangers. Hearing them sing along was so gratifying, it just affirmed everything we had done up to that point."

US Tour Dates:

8/17: St. Louis, MO @ Firebird w/Stone Chat, SUR, Con Trails
8/19: Lexington, KY @ Al’s Sidecar w/Satellite Giant & TBA
8/20: Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups w/WV White & Sega Genocide
8/21: Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie w/ Black Brick
8/22: Brooklyn, NY @ Muchmore’s w/The Teen Age, Bob & Martha, Vagabon
8/23: Brooklyn, NY @ Radio Bushwick w/Napoleon & Four Visions
8/24: Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right w/TBA
8/26: Washington D.C @ Paper Haus w/Humble Fire & Real Clothes
8/27: Parkersburg, WV @ Project Active Media w/TBA
8/30: Little Rock, AR @ Stickyz w/Isaac Alexander & Sea Nanners

You can pre-order Feel Not Bad via Old Flame Records. The vinyl release is limited to 500 copies worldwide.

Find SW/MM/NG 

BIG DRUM BONANZA DRUM CAMP LIVE JULY 2-6

 

Oxnard, CA - Six of the world’s top drummers will be featured on DrumChannel.com’s live, daily webcasts of Thomas Lang’s “Big Drum Bonanza” drum camp from July 2-6 at 5:30 PM (Pacific Time).

The free, hour-long shows— which can be accessed from computers and mobile devices virtually anywhere on the planet— will include appearances by Thomas Lang (stOrk), Chris Coleman (Prince), Matt Garstka (Animals As Leaders), Aquiles Priester (Hangar), Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal) and Gergo Borlai (Tribal Tech) as well as special guest John Tempesta (The Cult). Each show will offer a wrap-up of the day’s educational activities as well as discussions and performances by the all-star faculty.

To celebrate the “Big Drum Bonanza”/Independence Day weekend, Drum Channel is also giving drummers a special, limited time opportunity to become members of the award-winning www.DrumChannel.com community. From July 1 through 7, unlimited access to hundreds of Drum Channel lessons and shows by drummers such as Thomas Lang, Gregg Bissonette, Terry Bozzio, Chad Smith, Stewart Copeland, Tony Royster, Jr., Peter Erskine, Dave Elitch, Luke Holland, Cobus Potgieter and many more is available for a full year at the reduced price of $49.90.

The special “Big Drum Bonanza” deal not only provides 2 months of membership at no charge, it also includes a free $25 gift card good for downloads at Drum Channel’s online store. The gift card can be used independently or to augment Drum Channel’s online lessons with downloads of popular DVD content by Daniel Glass, Danny Seraphine, Buddy Rich, JR Robinson, Tony Royster, Jr. and Neil Peart, to name just a few.

Learn from the best and improve your drumming over the Fourth Of July weekend by tuning in to “The Big Drum Bonanza Live” shows and signing up for unlimited Drum Channel membership at a great price at www.DrumChannel.com. For more information on the Big Drum Bonanza or to purchase Guest Passes for the Big Drum Bonanza Live! at Drum Channel studios, please visit www.muso-mart.com

Drum Channel is a state-of-the-art provider of a wide variety of interactive drum education content, including www.drumchannel.com which features 100’s of lessons, lesson plans and live events as well as Drum Channel’s traditional DVDs and Digital Video Downloads (available at http://www.drumchannel.com/store).

GUITAR VIRTUOSO MARTY WALSH RELEASES STAR STUDDED NEW CD!


Guitar Virtuoso and Former Supertramp Member Marty Walsh Releases New CD Featuring Guest Appearances By Members of YES, Rufus and a Host of LA Studio Legends

Boston, MA – Much to the excitement of guitar aficionados across the globe, celebrated guitarist Marty Walsh released his eagerly awaited debut instrumental solo album 'The Total Plan' on June 16th 2014! Making the release even more thrilling is the array of guest artists appearing on the release – Billy Sherwood (YES/CIRCA:), John “JR” Robinson (Rufus, Eric Clapton, Mike Oldfield/Steve Winwood) and a multitude of LA Studio Legends.

Says Marty, “Everyone on the album are musicians that I have close personal and working relationships with. Billy and I did an album that was released in 1996 under the band name The Key. People like John Robinson, Abe Laboriel, Michael Ruff and everyone else on the album I have worked with for years. When I came up with this idea I asked all of these wonderful musicians if they would play on one track for me. Graciously they all accepted.”

Marty Walsh is an assistant professor in the Ensemble and Music Production departments at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. A veteran of the LA studio music scene, he has worked as a guitarist with some of the biggest names in the business. The early 1980s found him on the hits “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton, “She Works Hard For The Money” by Donna Summer, and “Heartlight” by Neil Diamond, to name a few.

He also recorded with John Denver, Eddie Money, Kenny Rogers, Sheena Easton, and Julio Iglesias, among others. In 1985, Marty played guitar on the Supertramp album 'Brother Where You Bound' and then toured with the band in 1985-86 and again in 1988 after playing on their 1988 release 'Free As A Bird'.

Continuing to do recording sessions into the 1990s, he also was a part of the live band on the Nickelodeon Television show 'Roundhouse' which was critically acclaimed and ran from 1992 through 1994. In the late 90's Marty played guitar on numerous Curb Records releases including three of Leann Rimes' albums, 'Sittin On Top Of The World', 'Leann Rimes' and 'I Need You', whose title track set the record for weeks (54) in the top 40.

Most recently, he can be heard on the Freddie Jackson single “Until The End Of Time”, which reached the number 1 spot on Billboard's R&B charts and stayed on the charts for 26 weeks. And now much to the anticipation of guitarists and musicians everywhere, Marty is releasing his first (instrumental) solo album 'The Total Plan'!

Says Marty, “Being an instrumental album it is simply about the music. There are a few things conceptually that I was trying to achieve with this recording though. The first being the fact that I wanted to make an album of music that I felt would appeal to the masses. The album is not a Jazz album necessarily, it's really more of a pop record. While there are improvised solos, the focus of the record is much more about the melodies and arrangements of the songs, which hopefully are memorable.

The second thing that I wanted to achieve was making a record with many of the people that I've worked with over the years. I literally enlisted musicians for this project that I had worked with closely going way back to when I first started touring and doing recording sessions, and then also tapped into some of the faculty and also young musicians that I have worked closely with at the Berklee college of music.

There are ten songs on the album and each song has different groupings of personnel. I also feel that stylistically the album is quite diverse, which actually came about from tapping into all of these various musicians who brought their own identity to the project.”

Marty's new album showcases a variety of styles, which is a reflection of his vast musical influences. He explains, “While I am primarily a guitarist, and my guitar playing is the focus of the record, I don't feel like my approach to the instrument is like a lot of other guitarists. As a young musician growing up, of course I was influenced by people like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, but then growing up in Los Angeles, guys like Larry Carlton, Jay Graydon, and all of the other LA studio guitar players that I had so much respect for certainly were extremely influential in my development.

But even more influential than all of the great guitar players are a host of other musicians. I have always had the tendency not to focus on guitar players and their approach to the instrument. Music that has influenced me over the years has tended to be from piano players, songwriters, people that compose memorable music and also many of the great producer/arrangers that I have worked with.

Guys like Michael Omartian, the late Michel Columbier, and the late Tom Dowd. I had the good fortune to actually work with these people closely in the recording environment and learned so much about composing and arranging. That's the kind of thing that I feel is really so important in moving people emotionally with music. Hopefully that's what this album will do, move people emotionally.”

“Marty Walsh has made a fine album, featuring some red-hot musicians beside his heartfelt guitar playing – the sounds he wrings from his guitars are strong, melodic and exciting.” - John Anthony Helliwell (Supertramp)

“Marty Walsh is an amazing guitarist and songwriter. I had the pleasure making a record with him called 'The World Is Watching' (the band was called The Key). We met in 1986 when he was on tour playing guitar with Supertramp for their 'Brother Where You Bound' record. My band Lodgic opened for them and so we hung out backstage and became fast friends and have been ever since. I'm very happy to see Marty going for it with his new record and was honored he asked me to be a part of it too!” - Billy Sherwood (YES/CIRCA:)

“Marty Walsh is one of the most soulful musicians I have known. His musicality shines through any band he has ever been in. This new solo CD reflects his funk, soul and rock roots. It's a must have for all.” - John “JR” Robinson (Rufus/Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood/Mike Oldfield)

“I have been good friends with the near legendary Marty Walsh since our Glendale/Burbank, California days. He was always known as the 'Boy Wonder' on the guitar back then. And still is today. If you're ever stuck for the next part of your song... don't worry, Marty's got it covered.” - Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy / Black Star Riders)

“Over the years I have had the good fortune to work with some of the greatest guitar players in the world. It runs the gamut. Rock, Funk, Jazz, Pop. There are a handful that can shred in all these fields. Marty is one of them! On 'The Total Plan' Marty went to 'The Shed', with a few friends, and came out with a real gem. It rocks, it inspires, it grooves, and Now is the Time, to check it out!” - Tommy Vicari (Grammy award winning engineer and producer)

In support of his new CD release Marty has been working with a videographer, trying to determine which songs would be good choices for music videos and how to approach that. He is also currently working on putting together the personnel for a live band. Although, since the record has so many different people on it, putting a band together that can play all of his music live is a bit of a challenge. The good news is that being in Boston and teaching at Berklee, Marty has access to some unbelievable young talented musicians that will most likely be the members of this group. Also his son Ian played some keyboards on the record, and wrote a few of the pieces with Marty, so he is kind of a cornerstone to the live band.

In conclusion, Marty has this to relay to his fans and listeners, “Just sit back, relax and enjoy......put this album on when you have people over. I do feel that it is the kind of record that you can put a set of headphones on and listen intently to, as I feel that it has a real 'flow' to it in terms of taking you on a bit of a journey from song to song. But it's also one that you can put on in the background and just let it be a 'feel good' record. Hopefully if people put this album on for friends in the background over casual conversation the question will be 'What is this music that's playing?' and then 'Where can I get it?'”

To purchase: Marty Walsh's 'The Total Plan' go to:

6.25.2014

THE BASEBALL PROJECT: SUMMER TOUR 2014


The Baseball Project, feat. members of R.E.M. and Dream Syndicate, to Set Out
on US Summer Tour to support their latest release 3rd, the new installment in their obsessive musical tribute to our national pastime

The Baseball Project will embark on a summer tour in July including dates up and down the East Coast and beyond. The tour follows the release of the band’s third album, 3rd, released on Yep Roc Records on March 25. The record features 17 swings at the national pastime with subjects including Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and some of the true characters of the game such as once-beloved fallen star of the Mets and Phillies Lenny Dykstra, and acid-tripping pitcher Dock Ellis.



Inspired by the New York Yankees' Bernie Williams and his outstanding career (but somewhat overshadowed by the stacked pinstripe history of Mantle and DiMaggio that only ranks him as the third best center fielder in team history), watch their live in-studio performance of "Monument Park" ABOVE.

The Baseball Project was formed in 2007 by Scott McCaughey (Young Fresh Fellows, The Minus 5, R.E.M.) and Steve Wynn (The Dream Syndicate, Steve Wynn and the Miracle 3). The endeavor began as a way for a couple of fans with a shared musical vision to pay tribute to our national pastime. Since then, The Baseball Project has blossomed into a full-fledged, much-loved band in its own right. Zuzu’s Petals/Steve Wynn drummer Linda Pitmon and R.E.M.’s Peter Buck and Mike Mills fill out the official roster of The Baseball Project, an all-star squad whose following and creativity has grown steadily with each release and tour.

Tour Dates:
July 10 - Birmingham, AL @ Sirote Theatre
July 11 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
July 12 - Durham, NC @ All-Star Fan Fest at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
July 17 - Washington, DC @ The Hamilton
July 18 - Rehoboth Beach, DE @ Dogfish Head Brewery
July 19 - Ringwood, NJ @ Live at Drew's
July 20 - New Windsor, NY @ Storm King Art Center (w/ Happiness)
July 22 - New London, CT @ Hygenic Art Park
July 23 - Hudson, NY @ Club Helsinki
July 24 - Rochester, NY @ Party In The Park (w/ Lucero)
July 25 - Reading, PA @ Weekend Kick-off Party at The Abe
July 26 - Harrisburg, PA @ Midtown Arts Center (w/ The Split Squad)
July 27 - Port Chester, NY @ Garcia's
July 28 - Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live (w/ The Split Squad)
July 29 - Portsmouth, NH @ The Press Room
July 30 - Boston, MA @ Great Scott (w/ The Split Squad)
August 1 - Cooperstown, NY @ Brewery Ommegang (w/ Conor Oberst and Dawes)
August 2 - Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade
August 3 - Asbury Park, NJ @ Asbury Lanes
August 5 - Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
August 6 - St. Louis, MO @ Duck Room at Blueberry Hill
August 7 - Chicago, IL @ Abbey Pub
August 10 - Madison, WI @ House Party (RSVP to righteousmusicmgmt@gmail.com)
August 11 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Cedar Cultural Center
August 13 - Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar
August 15 - Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater (w/ The Minus 5)

RUSTED ROOT: JULY 8 THE MACHINE SHOP IN FLINT!


June 25, 2014 (Brooklyn, NY) Rusted Root will be back on the road for many a date this springtime. On July 8th they’ll be at the Machine Shop in Flint, MI.



In honor of their 25th Anniversary, Rusted Root have started an Indie-A-Gogo campaign to raise money to record a brand new studio album, their eighth and follow-up their current release, The Movement. In order to make the music that they want and their fans desire Rusted Root must do it independently, without the funding of a record label.
 

To date, they’ve written over 30 songs for the new record, many of which they have already been tested in front of the fans. Rusted Root promises to provide perks according to funding levels and keep fans up to date on these through their website. Some of the perks include the ever popular” Choose Your Own Adventure," "Send Me On My Way Soundcheck" or "Stage Seating." Others will need to wait until the album is complete like the "Vinyl package" and "Digital Download."



Rusted Root have been on an extensive national tour to support the release of their debut album with Shanachie Entertainment, The Movement. Rusted Root founder & front man, Michael Glabicki says, "The Movement is an extremely joyous recording with seriously deep undertones. It is a culmination of everything we have learned it is truly is a career record for us.”


Famous for their unique fusion of acoustic, rock and world music and formed over twenty years ago, Rusted Root have recorded eight albums and sold over three million records worldwide and have played countless nights on the road supporting bands like Santana, The Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews Band, The Allman Brothers Band, the HORDE Festival and the Jimmy Page/Robert Plant reunion tour. Their music has been featured in films like Ice Age, Twister and Matilda, TV shows like New Girl, Ally McBeal, Charmed and Chuck as well as recent Enterprise Rent-A-Car commercials.


High Times states, “Thank goodness peace, love, and great grooves haven’t fallen out of fashion, because Rusted Root delivers all this and more with their seventh studio album, The Movement.” The current tour lineup is Michael Glabicki (lead vocals, guitar), Liz Berlin (vocals, percussion), Patrick Norman (vocals, bass, percussion), Preach Freedom (percussion) and Dirk Miller (guitar).

DETROIT HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS: TILTED AXES:DETROIT 313 JULY 19!

The Detroit Historical Society presents
“TILTED AXES: DETROIT (313)”
Music for Mobile Electric Guitars

A musical procession through Midtown Detroit, a performance outside & inside of the Detroit Historical Museum, and a Grand Finale at Comerica Park in celebration of The City of Detroit’s 313th Anniversary conceived and produced by composer Patrick Grant and performed by electric guitarists and featured artists from the Detroit Metro Area



In 2011 Patrick Grant, a New York City-based composer/performer and Detroit native, created Tilted Axes: Music for Mobile Guitars for the Make Music New York celebration of the first day of winter. The title of the project refers to the axial tilt of the Earth that brings about seasonal change as well as playing upon the word “axes” which is slang for one’s guitar or other musical instrument. Since then Tilted Axes has had a number of manifestations in NYC, one in Detroit in 2013 for the first day of spring, and now looks forward to European versions beginning in September.


What is Tilted Axes? It is a body of musical works that are performed as a procession by approximately 30 guitarists with portable mini-amps worn by each performer. They are accompanied by drums and percussion and are led by standard-bearers holding a banner. The ensemble, whether in NYC, Detroit, or Europe, is made up of local musicians, in this case, musicians from the greater Detroit area, who receive the music and improvisational structures that Grant creates in advance via MP3s and PDF files. They workshop and rehearse days prior to the event, customizing it and adapting it to the nature of the ensemble and to the requirements of the event and its featured performers.

6.23.2014

MOUNTAIN DRUMMER CORKY LAING WINS BONZO BASH LEGEND AWARD


Drum Legend Corky Laing Is Presented The 'Bonzo Bash Legend Award' 
At John Bonham's Bonzo Bash By Kiss's Peter Criss!

“As the drummer for Mountain, Corky Laing shares the title as one of the best players of his genre. He's also the same good guy he used to be.” – Levon Helm

NYC - Much to the excitement of drummers worldwide, one of rock's icons, drum legend Corky Laing, recently received the prestigious 'Bonzo Bash Legend Award' at the Bergen PAC in New Jersey on May 31st. The award was presented by original Kiss drummer Peter Criss!

Corky & Peter Criss

Corky says, “It was a tremendous honor and a total surprise when Peter Criss (from Kiss) presented the 'Legend Award' to me at the John Bonham 'Bonzo Bash'. And to receive the award in front of all these brilliant drummers was a real rush. There seems to be a kind of 'magical crazy glue' that keeps the drumming community tightly wrapped. It's not like the 'Super Bowl of drumming', there is no competition.

Every drummer has his/her own uniqueness. We aspire to reach out while digging deep with a passion to become the very best. I humbly believe in receiving this award I'm being recognized for doing just that. Every day for me is another downbeat, and what a joy it is to live and breath it. It may sound a bit out there, but that's exactly how I feel when I play. I am sincerely in love with my 'all consuming mistress', my beautiful drum kit!”



As well as Mountain, Laing has recorded with a long list of legendary artists including Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Bo Diddley and Ozzy Osbourne. He has performed with Meat Loaf, Gov’t Mule, the Allman Brothers, Voivod, Teenage Head and dozens of others. And according to Modern Drummer magazine, Corky Laing “has done as much as anyone in Western culture to turn the cowbell into a rock ’n roll staple”.

This prolific artist is busier than ever. His latest project, 'Playing God', a rock opera created with Matti Häyry and Tuija Takala from Finland, premiered in Basel, Switzerland, and Paris, France in 2013. Recently, in the early spring of 2014, the rock opera was performed in Helsinki, Finland. Laing wrote the music for the album, and is the Musical Director in the stage performances where he also performs a key role, LUKE, who plays drums and sings. The 'Playing God' CD was released on GONZO Multimedia on July 15, 2013.


Check out Corky's upcoming appearance!

Corky Laing “Under The Rock”
Friday June 27 2014 at 8pm
Guild Hall- East Hampton, NY

Corky Laing flies solo… recounting his rock ’n roll life in words and music.

Montreal native Corky Laing, co-founder of iconic supergroups Mountain and West, Bruce & Laing, comes out from behind the drums and spills all about the Golden Age of Rock, which wasn’t always quite so golden… An era when rock stars were bigger than life, in spite of the fact that many of their lives spun out of control.



Laing, who wrote the platinum-selling rock anthem, “Mississippi Queen”, chronicles his life from his innocent early days on the Montreal sock-hop circuit (Bartholomew Plus 3 and Energy) to the pinnacle of rock 'n roll.

On June 27, 2014, Laing, whose skills on the skins are matched only by his wit and candour, will relate how he climbed up and fell down with some of the rock world's most prominent luminaries… but it's not all talk. Corky will show us exactly how and why he is one of the most acclaimed drummers in the music business. And he took it all in from UNDER THE ROCK!

When: June 27, 2014
Where: Guild Hall - East Hampton, NY (in The John Drew Theatre in the Dina Merrill Pavilion at Guild Hall)
158 Main Street
East Hampton, New York 11937
631-324-0806
Tickets online at GuildHall.org or at Box Office 631-324-4050; theatermania.com; or 866-811-4111

6.20.2014

LIGHT MY FIRE: A CLASSIC ROCK SALUTE TO THE DOORS


First off readers let me say that I do not like cover bands, cover albums, tribute albums and compilation albums. I have always felt they should be considered a separate genre and that they usually do a disservice to the original composers and bands. After listening to “A Classic Rock Salute To The Doors” though I am rethinking those thoughts. It is hard to cover every song here, there are 16 of their greatest hits, so I will try to give an over view of what I think is important. I will leave the final decision up to you as to how good it really is after you listen to it.


I was fortunate enough to see ‘The Doors’, 3 times, once at Cobo Hall in Detroit. They were a very unassuming band with almost no equipment. They used no special effects, fireworks, light shows or anything other than themselves, a few instruments and only a couple amps and speakers. The stage was pretty empty even by the standards of the 1960’s. What they lacked in equipment they made up by how tight and cohesive they were as a group when they were all in sync with each other and halfway sober. Jim Morrison usually took all eyes off the other 3 members but make no mistake that without them Jim Morrison would probably have become another undiscovered rock star.


Several of the guests on this album most likely knew ‘The Doors’ back in the day and are by all rights are ‘Superstars’ themselves. More than 42 of rock's greatest classic ‘Superstars’ showed up to play on this album. That’s a lot of “tribute” to any person or group and shows the love and respect they all had for ‘The Doors’ and their music. By my count there are at least 7 tribute albums out there for ‘The Doors’ but from where I sit this is probably the only one that should matter.


The biggest names in classic rock 
gather together to pay homage 
to the original riders on the storm, 
The Doors!

The 16 well done tracks on this album are:

1. L.A. Woman - Jimi Jamison (Survivor), Ted Turner (Wishbone Ash) & Patrick Moraz (Moody Blues)

2. Love Me Two Times - Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Thijs van Leer (Focus) & Larry Coryell

3. Roadhouse Blues - Leslie West (Mountain), Brian Auger & Rod Piazza

4. Love Her Madly - Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge) & Mick Box (Uriah Heep)

5. Riders On The Storm - Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), Tony Kaye (Yes) & Steve Cropper (Booker T. & The M.G. s)

6. The Crystal Ship - Edgar Winter & Chris Spedding

7. Intro (People Are Strange) - Keith Emerson, Jeff Skunk Baxter & Joel Druckman (John Fahey)

8. People Are Strange - David Johansen (NY Dolls) & Billy Sherwood (Yes)

9. Touch Me - Robert Gordon, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Steve Morse & Nik Turner (Hawkwind)

10. The Soft Parade - Graham Bonnet (Rainbow), Christopher North (Ambrosia) & Steve Hillage (Gong)

11. Hello, I Love You - Ken Hensley (Uriah Heep) & Roye Albrighton (Nektar)

12. Spanish Caravan - Eric Martin (Mr. Big) & Elliot Easton (The Cars)

13. Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar) - Todd Rundgren & Geoff Downes (Yes / Asia) & Zoot Horn Rollo (Captain Beefheart)

14. Break On Through (To The Other Side) - Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad) & Chick Churchill (Ten Years After)

15. Light My Fire - Ian Gillan (Deep Purple), Rick Wakeman (Yes) & Steve Howe (Yes)

16. The End - Pat Travers & Jimmy Greenspoon (Three Dog Night)




The album starts off with one of my favorites, ‘LA Woman’. From their 6th, album released in 1971, ‘LA Woman’. Jami Jamison, Ted Turner and Patrick Moraz do an admirable job of covering this tune. The guitar work, Ted Turner I am assuming, gives an old favorite a different twist.

I could go into much more detail on more songs off this album but since space is limited I will just give some observations here. This is certainly an album to help introduce anyone who has never heard ‘The Doors’ before to their greatness. After listening to it I guarantee they will hunger for the original music just to hear who these 4 guys, who cut out a slice of rock history for themselves, really were.

The guitar work on every song is clean, precise and shredded, something that Robby Kriegers “fingerstyle” guitar playing did not allow him to do. Not that Robby Krieger wasn't great, he was just not as technical since “fingerstyle“ playing is better suited to Flamenco and Folk Music. It’s probably the most notable difference in all of the tunes here.

Conspicuous by its absence here though is ‘The Unknown Soldier’ which could have easily replaced the version of ‘People Are Strange’ with David Johansen and Billy Sherwood. This is the only song I really felt did not belong among the 16 cuts on this album.

The closing song is my all time favorite and appropriately is, ‘The End’, featuring Pat Travers and Jimmy Greenspoon. Listening to this version gave me goose bumps and almost brought tears to my eyes. The depth is so different but not nearly as dark as the original. I think you'll find yourself listening to it over and over again!

“Electric Mike” Langford

6.19.2014

TEN FOOT POLE BACK WITH TOUR DATES AND NEW ALBUM !


"I never doubted that I'd get back into it at some point – I just needed a break," explains TEN FOOT POLE frontman and founding member Dennis Jagard. "Once you've experienced a crowd singing along to the songs you wrote, it's hard to imagine just walking away from the chance to do it again."

Influential SoCal punk rock staple Ten Foot Pole will be releasing their first album in ten years on Cyber Tracks in 2015. But first, they're getting back into the swing of things by doing what they do best – perform. Their US and Canadian mini headline tour kicks off at Reggie's in Chicago, IL on July 15th then circles around the American Midwest and Northeast concluding at The Brighton Bar in Long Branch, NJ (dates below).

"It's too early in the process to limit or define what's going to come out, but I think it's safe to say that fans can expect candid, sincere, honest and outrageous lyrics matched with some aggressive music, a few well-placed stops, and generous helpings of pick slides and feedback," describes Jagard. "I think a good song works regardless of genre, so I just try to write whatever comes to mind." Jagard has teamed up with drummer Chris Dalley (Pulley, Implants), bassist Chris Del Rio (Implants), and guitarist Keith "DJ" Divel (Swindle, Red Devil Squadron) to help create their newest collection of punk rock sing-alongs.

Ten Foot Pole was founded in 1983 and got their start under the moniker Scared Straight releasing an album and a 7-inch. Ten Foot Pole self-released their debut album Swill in 1993, which would eventually lead to a record deal with Epitaph Records.

Their discography includes six albums (Swill, Rev, Unleashed, Insider – Epitaph Records, Bad Mother Trucker – Victory Records, Subliminable Messages – Go-Kart Records), a split EP with Satanic Surfers, and numerous appearances on compilations. Past members include vocalist and Major League Baseball pitching ace Scott Radinsky and drummers Jordan Burns (Strung Out, Pulley) and Tony Palermo (Papa Roach, Pulley, Unwritten Law). Their seventh studio album will be released in 2015 via Los Angeles-based Cyber Tracks, which is owned and operated by El Hefe of NOFX and his wife Jen. Catch them on tour this summer!

TOUR DATES

July 15 Reggie's – Chicago, IL
July 16 Agora Theatre – Cleveland, OH
July 17 Hard Luck Bar – Toronto, ON
July 18 Belle Pub – Belleville, ON
July 19 Rockaganza! Festival – Drummondville, QC
July 20 The Dover Brickhouse – Dover, NH
July 22 Bogies – Albany, NY
July 23 The Legendary Dobbs – Philadelphia, PA
July 24 The Middle East – Cambridge, MA
July 25 The Grand Victory – Brooklyn, NY
July 26 The Brighton Bar – Long Branch, NJ

6.17.2014

THE BEATLES GET BACK TO MONO


The Beatles in Mono: 180-Gram LPs Available September 8, Individually and in a Limited 14-LP Boxed Edition with Hardbound Book.

London – June 12, 2014 – The Beatles in mono: this is how most listeners first heard the group in the 1960s, when mono was the predominant audio format. Up until 1968, each Beatles album was given a unique mono and stereo mix, but the group always regarded the mono as primary. On September 8 (September 9 in North America), The Beatles’ nine U.K. albums, the American-compiled Magical Mystery Tour, and the Mono Masters collection of non-album tracks will be released in mono on 180-gram vinyl LPs with faithfully replicated artwork.


Newly mastered from the analogue master tapes, each album will be available both individually and within a lavish, limited 14-LP boxed edition, The Beatles In Mono, which also includes a 108-page hardbound book.


In an audiophile-minded undertaking, The Beatles' acclaimed mono albums have been newly mastered for vinyl from quarter-inch master tapes at Abbey Road Studios by GRAMMY®-winning engineer Sean Magee and GRAMMY®-winning mastering supervisor Steve Berkowitz. 


While The Beatles In Mono CD boxed set released in 2009 was created from digital remasters, for this new vinyl project, Magee and Berkowitz cut the records without using any digital technology. Instead, they employed the same procedures used in the 1960s, guided by the original albums and by detailed transfer notes made by the original cutting engineers.


Working in the same room at Abbey Road where most of The Beatles' albums were initially cut, the pair first dedicated weeks to concentrated listening, fastidiously comparing the master tapes with first pressings of the mono records made in the 1960s. Using a rigorously tested Studer A80 machine to play back the precious tapes, the new vinyl was cut on a 1980s-era VMS80 lathe.

6.14.2014

*NEW VIDEO* TRIBUTE TO BOOTSEY X AND THE LOVEMASTERS!!


In memory of the legendary Bob (Bootsey X) Mulrooney, this music video was edited from 30 years of Bootsey X and the Lovemasters concert footage. It follows the band (in its various line-ups) from some of their earliest filmed shows in 1984 through their memorial show for Bootsey in 2014.

One of their most iconic songs, The Lovemasters recorded multiple versions of Genius from the Waist Down over the years. This version is the one that was released as a single on the 1986 Tremor Records compilation End of the World A Go-Go.

6.12.2014

T.M. CALDWELL'S RARE FILM SCREENING AT THE PAINTED LADY JUNE 26!


Detroit artist/archivist T.M. Caldwell will be the programmer for an exclusive night of rare 16mm films at the Painted Lady Lounge (formerly Lilli's 21).

Thursday June 26th 2014
in Hamtramck. 9:30 to 11:30 p.m.
The Painted Lady Lounge
2930 Jacob St. off Joseph Campau Ave.
Hamtramck,MI 313 874-2991

A night of genuine ol' school style audio/visual tech geek for celluloid purists. These will be in actual motion picture film reels shown on former public school 16mm A.V. projection equipment onto a linen screen.



Jump
1969-71 (?)
An anti-recreational drug film by William Dear and Robert Dyke w/ legendary Detroit music afficianado Anthony 'Tony' Fusco in a cameo role. Great fuzzed out garage/psychedelic score, rag top sports car, dope-in with dum-dum boys and gals, sporting classic beat ray bans & wrap around shades,
late '60's hip stoner hair and clothes. A twisted, scared-straight, moralistic tale.

WXYZ Detroit Radio Promo Film

1969-70
With revered local disc jockey personalities Dick Purtan 
(post CKLW & Keener & pre- mustache)and Tom Shannon.
Phone pranks, near subliminal shot of John Sinclair, many scenes of Detroit. All to the sounds of musicians from
Johnny Cash to Thunderclap Newman.


Good Life
1968-70
A hippie outsider nature retreat (Alaska/California./Washington commune?),back-to-the-wilderness getaway,
documentary.Gorgeous forest nature imagery,
blue grass banjo pickin',skinny dippin',good clean (?) fun.
 
Untitled

1965-70 (?)
Unidentified jazz ensemble performing several numbers

with commentary by leader of group. B&W kinescope film shot by Jam Handy Studio of E. Grand Blvd. Detroit.


Javelin

1970-72 
Classic Detroit muscle/sports car, action packed, auto racing promo film. Vehicle is painted red,white and blue
in patriotic manner of Evel Knievel's bike & MC5’s Brother Wayne Kramer's axe.

6.09.2014

PONY SHOW!! WITH THE FEATURES AND PALACES PJ LAGER HOUSE JUNE 17

 

Donny has pale skin and slender, foolish legs. His preferred method of travel is by horseback across the dusky plains. Jason has never touched a drop of water in his life, yet he will sometimes claim otherwise. He can often be found stretched out on the floor, sleeping in a shaft of sunlight, like a cat.


The two share a healthy fear of cloven-hooved animals. This fear manifests itself physically in sweaty palms and piteous, uncontrollable mewling. Leann has long, silky hair. When braided, it can suspend a bench upon which six men are sleeping. In the top left drawer of her bedroom bureau lies a small, oaken box.



Inside this box is a smaller box, this one carved from hickory and inlaid with human bone. Inside this box is yet another box. No one has ever learned what lies in this last box, perhaps not even she. A more merry trio whirling and dancing upon their musical instruments you will never find.



6.06.2014

DON DAVIS DETROIT MUSIC AND BANKING LEGEND DIED AT 75

 
Don Davis
Photo Credit: John Urbanek

Sad news tonight....Don "The Don" Davis perhaps the most successful business mogul in Detroit history passed away yesterday at 75.

DETROIT (June 6, 2014) – The Wilmore Agency regrets to announce the passing of Detroit native Mr. Don Davis after a brief illness on Thursday, June 5th.

Don Davis was CEO and chairman of First Independence Bank, Michigan’s only African-American owned and operated commercial bank, with multiple branches around the City of Detroit. A notably, successful endeavor, Mr. Davis led First Independence Bank with $204 million in assets (as of December 31, 2013), and was ranked as one of the top ranked African American owned bank in the United States, according to Black Enterprise Magazine.

Don Davis famous for his early work as a pioneering Motown session guitarist, then his historic work at United Sound Systems. He produced and/or played on numerous soul hits with the greatest soul artists of the 1960's and 1970s. Don left USS in Detroit and went to work at STAX in Memphis.He produced hits too numerous to list here...but you can see them on BlackRadioNetwork

Don was also a well known philanthropist, Davis partnered with the Lawrence P. Doss Scholarship Foundation to launch The Don Davis Composition Scholarship Award, which assists Detroit's underprivileged students in their educational goals.

Our friend John Neff who worked for Don back in the day has shared many stories about the amazing accomplishments of Don Davis... Read more here

Don passed away after a brief illness yesterday...and more details will be released soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with Don's lovely wife Kiko and his three wonderful children.

6.05.2014

TOM GUERRA'S VINTAGE GUITARS USED ON NEW CD "ALL OF THE ABOVE"

Here are some of the guitars used in the making of "All of the Above," 
pic (c) 2014 Joe Lemieux

Tom Guerra L-R: 1959 Stratocaster, 1955 Les Paul TV Special, 1970-1 Fender Stratocaster (solid maple neck), 1960 Stratocaster, 1963 Stratocaster.

GET TOM'S NEW CD "ALL OF THE ABOVE" TODAY!




STEVE KING GRAMMY WINNING DETROIT RECORDING ENGINEER DIED AT 56


Friends of Steve King wrote me last night to say, the Grammy-winning recording engineer best known for his work with Eminem, died Tuesday at Harper University Hospital in Detroit. He was 56. Steve a very well liked in the Detroit Music Business...Sad loss to the music world..Steve died way too young....our thoughts and prayers to his family and many friends and colleagues.


Steve worked with all the legends, Eminem, Aretha Franklin, Patti Smith, George Clinton,  50 Cent and members of G-Unit. He died on Tuesday in a Harper University hospital not long after being diagnosed with liver disease.

In a statement, Eminem said that, "I'm very sad to hear about Steve King's passing. I had the honor and pleasure of working with Steve on many projects in my earlier years and he was a greatly talented engineer, musician and friend. I will miss Steve's friendly way and sense of humor the most. My condolences go out to his family and all that knew Steve."



6.04.2014

NYC ROCK BAND RICKITY NEW DEBUT ALBUM "GREATEST HITS"


NYC – Highly anticipated debut album by “super group” Rickity, a New York City, classic rock 'n' soul band performing great original songs, is now available! Featuring bassist/harpist Randy Pratt, best known for his work with The Lizards, Cactus and Vanilla Fudge, the new album titled 'Greatest Hits' has been released on Hyperspace records. The band members have played, toured the world and recorded with Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, The Funky Knights, Seven Turns and The Lizards.

In Rickity they have found their ultimate vehicle of expression. The seasoned rockers have added highly respected R&B vocalist Perrita Kitson and the combination is thrilling. Lead guitarist Jesse Berlin has the chops, soul and imagination to be at the top of the heavy rock universe. His solos are jaw dropping adventures.

Says Randy Pratt, “Our goal is to combine R&B, soul and blues with classic heavy riff rock. Perrita is the real deal. She spent her whole career in R&B, Soul and Jazz..this is her FIRST rock band!”

Perrita adds, “Rickity’s Recipe is take some hard core classic rock, add some funk, and divvy up some really colorful lyrical lines and you have ….. RICKITY. I hope the Rickity band will be appreciated and admired in representing classic rock.. all the way baby!”


The combination of heavy, classic riff rock, world class R&B, catchy hooks and a fearlessly sexy stance makes Rickity special. A Rickity concert has the feel of a “greatest hits” show...every song memorable. Perrita and percussionist/sampler Paul Gifford share lead vocals and do strong harmonies, insuring there is never a dull moment.



Says Randy, “The band formed in my basement, as usual...lol! Our new guitarist, Jesse Berlin, did his first gig with us on his 21st birthday! He's spectacular! The two Pauls and I (Paul Latimer on guitar and keys, Paul Gifford on vocals, percussion and samples) have played together for decades. We can read each other's minds and complete each other's sentences. Neil Cicione is the engine of the band...a total badass on the drums.”

Rickity has shared stages with the likes of The Doobie Brothers, Billy Squier, Rare Earth and headlining as their star continues to rise. The band will be performing at the Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, PA opening for Black Oak Arkansas on July 3, 2014!



Says Randy, “We can duplicate everything you hear on our CD live. We have two great singers and we're tight as hell! We are a no B.S., muscular, classic rock band...accent on the HEAVY. We broke some rules with our combining of styles, but it feels natural and intense. Our songs are mostly about sex, so I guess our message is...ENJOY!”
http://cdbaby.com/cd/rickity

6.03.2014

IGGY POP: GIMME SOME SKIN BOX SET


Los Angeles, CA - Iggy Pop fans rejoice! Cleopatra Records will be releasing a special limited edition 7-inch singles box set from the undisputed king of modern punk rock, Iggy Pop! The release includes 7 individual 45s featuring exclusive new tracks as well as classic recordings from 1972-73 with the Stooges - all packaged with a full-color booklet, detailed liner notes, a custom 7-inch vinyl adaptor, and collectible patch!


Track List:
(1) I Can’t Explain / Lonely Boy
(2) Cock In My Pocket / Tight Pants
(3) I Got A Right / White Christmas (Guitar Stooge Mix)
(4) Money (That’s What I Want) / Open Up And Bleed (Single Edit)
(5) I Wanna Be Your Dog (Fast Version) / Johanna
(6) Gimme Some Skin / I’m So Glad
(7) Louie Louie / Scene Of The Crime

Seven singles, fourteen sides. The Stooges in their prime, Iggy in his pomp. And all sufficiently sharp and shapely that, even if you’ve never heard the performers in your life, you’ll know that it couldn’t be anybody else.


THE BOYS: BACK WITH A BANG


The Boys – Back with a Bang

On June 20 2014 THE BOYS release their long-requested first new studio album since 1981 on Wolverine Records. Featuring the original founder members and creative core of Matt Dangerfield, Casino Steel and Honest John Plain, the new album “Punk Rock Menopause” is packed with 13 iconic new songs bearing the band’s classic trademark blistering guitars, hard-edged melodies, killer hooks and layered harmonies. It will be released as CD/LP and Digital Download!


The Boys Story

Along with the Sex Pistols, Clash and The Damned, The Boys were part of the first wave of the mid-1970’s UK punk explosion. Armed with an arsenal of killer Steel/Dangerfield songs The Boys became the first UK punk band to sign an album deal in January 1977. Highly regarded by the music press and their contemporaries, their well-crafted songs, together with Steel and Dangerfield’s love of harmonies, led to them being described as ‘The Beatles of Punk’ but they could (and should) just as deservedly have been compared to the Ramones – fast, alternately brattish and tongue-in-cheek, and gloriously anthemic.

As Last FM puts it: “The Boys made arguably one of the best LPs of the 70s with their self-titled first album and provided the template for superior Pop Punk before even the Buzzcocks had got out of first gear”.

The Boys were born in September 1975 when singer/guitarist Matt Dangerfield left Mick Jones and Tony James’s fledgling punk band London SS to form a new band with ex-Hollywood Brats songwriter/keyboard player Casino Steel. Dangerfield’s art college pal, guitarist Honest John Plain, was quickly recruited. The following year they held auditions for the bass and drum roles with Kid Reid and Jack Black completing the line-up.

Matt Dangerfield had converted the tiny disused coal cellar of his rented basement flat in Maida Vale into a home recording studio/rehearsal room and as a consequence, 47A Warrington Crescent became extremely important in the development of the UK punk scene in the mid seventies. Mick Jones, Glen Matlock, Tony James, Rat Scabies, Brian James, Gene October, Sid Vicious and Billy Idol were regular visitors. Amongst others, The Sex Pistols, The Damned, London SS, Clash, Chelsea, Generation X and of course, The Boys, made their first recordings there. In this hotbed of creativity Steel and Dangerfield quickly forged a prolific songwriting partnership.

The Boys made their live debut at London’s Hope and Anchor in September 1976. Mick Jones, Billy Idol, Joe Strummer, Tony James and Gene October were in attendance for The Boys first performance. A mere handful of gigs later, they became the first UK punk band to sign an album deal when NEMS Records snapped them up in January 1977.

Having released two albums and three singles with NEMS, they moved to Safari Records in 1979 where two further albums and five more singles followed.

Over the years countless bands have covered The Boys’ back catalogue – from Argentina to Germany and Japan to the USA – and even more artists have cited The Boys as a major influence. According to the privileged few to have heard it in advance, the new album is right up there with its predecessors and destined to add a handful of new ‘Boys Classics’ to the band’s legacy.
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