3.11.2015

QUAD : The Return Of Sweet Crystal - Fourth Time Is A Charm





DETROIT: The return of eleven time Detroit Music Award winners SWEET CRYSTAL with their latest release “QUAD” finds the band sounding larger and more powerful than ever, thanks to the collaboration with award-winning mixer/engineer Chuck Alkazian (Christina Aguilera, R Kelly, Mitch Ryder, Pop Evil) and Pearl Sound Studios, Canton, MI.

From the opening flourish of “Fanfare” right into the slide-guitar driven progressive rock anthem “Foot Of The Cross”, these songs will satisfy the cravings for more SWEET CRYSTAL from even the most demanding fans.

Featuring performances by special guest vocalists Amy Susan Heard and David Perez , there are storylines and soaring musical lines on QUAD for every taste and situation.

“We’ve really upped our sonic onslaught with QUAD” says founding member Marq Andrew Speck. “There are songs here about desperation and redemption, asking questions of faith and finding real answers for our lives as well as some mighty sweet instrumentals.”

The physical CD also contains a 14 minute bonus track: an in-depth interview with the band conducted by local rock DJ (and a legend himself) Doug "The Doc Of Rock" Podell, giving listeners more insight into SWEET CRYSTAL and what QUAD is all about; a must have for new and classic fans alike.

The disc and digital download versions of QUAD will be available beginning in April at Amazon, iTunes, CDBaby, Bandcamp and all other Internet music sites. 

SWEET CRYSTAL is a very rare group of musicians. Not only has the band remained in existence for an impressive 40 years, but also the core trio of Marq Andrew Speck (lead vocals, keyboards), Bill Blatter (guitar, vocals) and Steve Wieser (drums) has remained intact for the entirety of that time. Perhaps most importantly, the band has remained standing strong on the front lines of the Michigan Christian rock scene, even before that music genre had a name.

SWEET CRYSTAL and QUAD – still “Reaching The World, One Song At A Time ™”!

Follow @sweet_crystal   on Facebook, Twitter and the Web

         

3.10.2015

OPEN JAM FEATURING TOSHA OWENS!

 

Open jams and open mics and running rampant in the Detroit area. Some are good and some are great. With the insurgence of musicians that are coming out of and to the area, they are great avenues to just do what you do as a musician and a wonderful opportunity to network.  I will periodically be investigating some of these events (there are several you can find any day of the week) and report my findings to you.  The first one I will report on will be happening tonight at Pub Froggy located at 16420 E13 Mile Road in Roseville, MI from 8pm till 12am.

 This open mic is hosted by Detroit Blues and Rock singer Tosha Owens and her Unstable Dudes (David A Watson - drums, John Abraham - bass, Jimmy Alter - guitar, Carlton Washington - guitar). Some of the buzz about this open mic (and the buzz is spreading) is that it is very relaxed, a fun time and very diverse! One person even said its 'big ole party with some of the best musicians I have ever heard'.  I would have to agree.  You can hear everything from blues, rock, rap, spoken word to original, alternative and punk.

All musicians are welcome to bring themselves or their whole band to get a few tunes in and listen to others.  One night 11 drummers showed up and then it got creative.  They put all of them on stage with different percussion pieces and just let them jam for 4 minutes straight. That was great.  Some legends and familiar local musicians have graced the 'Doing it Froggy Style' jam as well.  Artists like Jim McCarty, Cee Cee Collins, Niecy Blues, Chris Brantly, Gabe Gonzalez, Dezi McCullers, R J Spangler and his planet D nonet band, Terry Thunder, Phil Hale and many more. Can't wait to see who they have in store for us tonight!

Many bonds are formed from these jams and also new bands and projects come out of these events.  I will continue to support them as long as I can.  Will you?  I gotta go and get ready for tonight!

Always be grateful for your blessings and they will never stop coming.  Peace Family!!!

ReeRee Rocker

JONEZEN "Takes Shots" at AZEALIA BANKS // SOULJA BOY // AMBER ROSE In New Song - LISTEN HERE



3.06.2015

TILTED AXES DETROIT: MARCH 20-22 2015


Tilted Axes: Music for Mobile Electric Guitars Returns to Detroit…and Royal Oak?

"...Tilted Axes? It's the brainchild of Detroit native and New York experimental composer Patrick Grant, a procession of electric guitars playing compositions in public places. Grant has brought the performance, which he's staged in Germany and New York, to Detroit's Cultural Center, and returned last year for the city's 313th birthday.

This year he's back, and his choices are even more interesting, in that he's chosen to participate in larger events that perhaps match the creative spirit of his endeavor. The axes will be rocking in the Detroit area for three days this March, including March 22, at the Marche du la Nain Rouge (this iteration of Tilted Axes will become the decidedly Francophone "Haches Incliné"), adding to the insurrectionary spirit of the event. His schedule also includes the (4th Annual) Bestest Concert Ever, on March 21, at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, and something called the Equinox Procession in downtown Royal Oak on March 20..." - The Metro Times, Feb. 19, 2015


Saturday, March 21 - The 4th Annual Bestest Concert Ever
5:00-8:00 PM - Royal Oak Farmers Market
316 E 11 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI
w/Horse Cave Trio, Motor Honey, Candy Band, Evenin' Gentlemen

Activities Include: Rockin the Red Carpet photos, Crazy Hair Salon, Zany Face Painting and a haute couture dress-up station. You can also get your hand immortalized in wax with Creative Arts Studios or play all the instruments you can imagine at the Mccourts Musical Petting Zoo. New this year is Gem Mining with the Miners Den!!

Also play games with the Royal Oak High School Drama Club and Band Boosters!! Hungry and thirsty? There will also be some super yummy food available for purchase including Detroit BBQ, Treat Dreams and The Market Cafe. Milking It Productions will also be on hand with their famous AXL Pale Ale and BRIK Red Ale for the over 21 set. $5 admission - kids welcome
FB event page:

Sunday, March 22 - Marche du Nain Rouge
1:00-3:00 PM - Midtown Detroit

Beginning at Traffic Jam & Snug (Canfield & 2nd Ave.)
Ending at the Detroit Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St.
Procession route map: http://tinyurl.com/k4ecvlg

Supposedly, for 300 years, on the Sunday after the Vernal Equinox, Detroiters have celebrated liberation from the Nain Rouge, the fiendish embodiment of all that holds us back. Revelers dressed in costume converge at or near Cass Park and hope for better things for Detroit’s future, celebrating whatever is good and working in the city: happiness, success and freedom from the antagonism of the Nain in the new year. Unfortunately, on occasion, the Nain Rouge is able to manifest, and reveals himself to the revelers, taunting them with tales of his evil machinations and plans meant to bring the city down. Just in case, revelers are advised to come in disguise, so the Nain can’t exact revenge.
More info at: http://marchedunainrouge.com/

Performers include: Patrick Grant (NYC), Paula Messner, Skeeto Valdez, Howard Glazer, Rick Matle, Jeff Adams, Bob Kaufman, Chris McGorey, Dean Western, Eric Iverson, Gael Grant, James McGlinnen, John Halo (NYC), John Lovaas (Chicago), Jude Closson, Rob Knevels, Sarah Metevier (Chicago), Erik Grant, Sean Biggs, and others TBA

TILTED AXES: Music for Mobile Electric Guitars

Combining the energy of rock, the creative discipline of theater, and the experimental spirit of the downtown NYC arts scene, Tilted Axes is both a processional event, and an ensemble of mobile electric guitarists created by composer/performer Patrick Grant.

Inspired by his background in gamelan music and vanguard theater work, classically-trained post-rocker Grant conceived of Tilted Axes in 2011 as part of Make Music Winter, an event which transforms New York’s cityscape with participatory musical parades in honor of the winter solstice. Tilted Axes was a way of untethering the electric guitar from both heavy stage amps and traditional band structures, as well as bringing live music directly to its audience.

The guitarists of Tilted Axes perform original compositions written specifically for the event by Grant as well as those from the Tilted repertoire, using portable amplifiers strapped to their sides as they walk through the city streets. The outdoor procession of musicians moves along predetermined routes in selected areas, in honor of an event, landmark, or organization unique to that community.

Since its inception, Tilted Axes has evolved as a project with multiple incarnations in New York, Detroit, and Düsseldorf, Germany. In 2015 the project will manifest itself in performances in the USA, Europe, and South America.

The musical pieces themselves, with their interlocking sections, make room for many kinds of genres and grooves. A democratic approach to interpretation allows the musicians - soloists, rhythm players, and percussionists - to shine in an ensemble of uncommon textural power. Flexible in number, Tilted Axes adapts itself to the environment or occasion, and feeds on the energy of a constantly shifting audience.

Tilted Axes cuts musical pathways through the urban landscape, turning neighborhoods into sonic narratives. As a form of street theater, the ensemble brings potent, ecstatic riffs, and an element of surprise, to an unsuspecting public. Tilted Axes is always in motion; striding in, rocking out, and moving on. Above all: it rocks.

Tilted Axes: Detroit 2015 is powered by the help and support of VOX amps, KORG/USA, Discover Guitar, Peppergreen Media (ASCAP), Strange Music Inc., Candy Band, The Metro Times, McCourt’s Music Royal Oak, & The Detroit School of Rock and Pop.

http://www.tiltedaxes.com/tiltedaxes.html

2.28.2015

THE MUGGS HAVE A NEW RELEASE! PARTY IN FERNDALE MARCH 21!


The Muggs are getting ready to release our 4th studio album entitled, Straight Up Boogaloo on March 21st 2015. We are having a record release party on the same night at Magic Bag in Ferndale, MI. Would you be interested in reviewing this LP and have it correspond the week of our record release party? Please let me know.

Best, Tony Muggs

www.themuggs.com news/shows/music/video/bio/merch/messageboard

2.26.2015

MACHINEGUN THOMPSON AND RETROKIMMER ON TAPDETROIT TOMORROW NIGHT!


Machinegun and Kim Maki aka Retro Kimmer be live in the studio with T Money Green on his 5Xl L Radio Show on February 27...Check out the show by clicking the photo or link....talking about REAL DETROIT MUSIC!

http://www.tapdetroit.com/5xl-large-in-charge-012315/


2.24.2015

STONE CLOVER :“PROPER VILLAINS” CD RELEASE MARCH 7

STONE CLOVER “ST PRACTICE DAY” PARTY CELEBRATES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

“PROPER VILLAINS” CD RELEASE MARCH 7 @ THE CROFOOT BALLROOM

(Pontiac, MI February 21, 2015) Stone Clover, the Motor City’s premier Irish rock band, is the group you've been waiting to party with! Join them to celebrate the release of “Proper Villains”, the band’s highly anticipated, studio CD of all original music. This “St Practice Day” party takes place on Saturday, March 7th at the elegant Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac, MI, and is presented in association with Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey.

“This project has been a truly collaborative endeavor” says Paul Brady, the band’s lead singer and brew-master, “everyone contributed to the final product, and we owe a considerable debt…to a number of friendly bartenders. It was the “luck of the Irish” that led us to multiple award winning Producer Chuck Alkazian at Pearl Sound Studios. We’re positive that “Proper Villains” will pay homage to his string of Grammy success.”

Stone Clover puts a dizzying spin on everything from traditional Irish songs to their own infectious, high-octane originals, which are presented on ”Proper Villains”. Don't plan on sitting down once they've hit the stage - with swift guitar swirls and a dancing violin, on top of a mandolin or accordion, add the bass and drums and the mix drives the rhythm straight to your drinking hand. The next thing you know your glass is empty and you can't stop bouncing along!

“Stone Clover consistently packs smaller venues” continues Brady, “When the opportunity to throw this party in the ballroom at the Crofoot was offered, it was a no-brainer! They have an awesome stage with million dollar sound and lights, there’s plenty of parking, but most important…multiple bars! Nobody should have to wait for a drink. It’s the proper venue for “Proper Villains!””

The doors swing open at 7pm. Special guests Bill Grogan's Goat and Dragon Wagon get the party started at 8! Advance tickets are only $10 and are on sale now at ticketweb.com or the Crofoot box office. Good luck at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Michigan Humane Society.

For further details, visit www.StoneCloverBand.com, www.TheCrofoot.com, or call 248-858-9333.

CHEERS!

2.21.2015

SNAKES! GUILLOTINES! ELECTRIC CHAIRS! NEW BOOK RELEASE JUNE 9TH


Dennis Dunaway's Autobiography 
SNAKES! GUILLOTINES! ELECTRIC CHAIRS! 
Will Come Out on June 9th!



Spread the news: My official autobiography, SNAKES! GUILLOTINES! ELECTRIC CHAIRS! My Adventures in the Alice Cooper Group, will come out on June 9th! Preorder your copy today, and keep an eye out on dennisdunaway.com and Facebook for special events and book signings.DD

2.06.2015

WHO REALLY PLAYED GUITAR SOLOS ON TRAIN KEPT A ROLLIN


STEVE 'The Deacon' HUNTER

‘Train Kept A Rollin’, was written by Tiny Bradshaw in 1951. The song was given new life by The Yardbirds in 1965 then again by the inimitable Aerosmith when they recorded it for their second album ‘Get Your Wings” in 1974.

Their version is actually a two-part song, the first has a slower groove arrangement, while the second uses that of the Yardbirds. Aerosmith turned it into a hard rock standard and a staple of classic rock radio; it remains one of their most popular tunes.

But few people know that they had a little help along the way when, during the recording, Record Producer Jack Douglas saw the now legendary session man Steve Hunter sitting outside the studio taking a cigarette break from a different session and he asked Steve to play a solo over the first half of the track.

It was very quick Steve recalls, he got his own guitar which he thinks would have been a 1959 Les Paul TV Special. They took some time to get a sound, then, ran through the track. But, as he did not have the vocal in his headphones they ran through it again this time with the vocal in, and Steve nailed it.

He got paid about $750 for doing it, then, as it turns out, 'Train' had a huge impact on the career of the young, inexperienced Aerosmith. They went on to bigger and better things, becoming one of the highest paid, most domineering bands in Rock Music.

Unbeknownst to Steve, Douglas also enlisted his session companion Dick Wagner to play the solo over the second half simulated live ‘Yardbirds’ section.

Neither Hunter or Wagner got a credit on the album, as ‘ghosting’ as it’s sometimes called was fairly common practice at that time.

Hunter has no idea why he was asked to record the solo; as he says, it was none of his business. The rest of the band we’re all there, they were very nice to him and he was never asked to teach anybody what he played.

In 2013 Joe Perry played a solo on Steve's solo album 'The Manhattan Blues Project' (The Brooklyn Shuffle) alongside his buddy Johnny Depp, so clearly there are no hard feelings and why should there be.

Statement from Steve Hunter

"Aerosmith was in Studio C of The Record Plant and I was doing work with Bob Ezrin in Studio A. I had a long wait between dubs and was waiting in the lobby. Jack Douglas popped his head out of Studio C and asked "Hey, do you feel like playing? I said sure, so I grabbed my guitar and went in" "I had two run thru’s, then Jack said "great' that's it! That turned out to be the opening solos on 'Train Kept A Rollin’ " steve hunter 2/1/2015

Here is a selection of other classic solos from Steve Hunterer




1.30.2015

CARMINE AND VINNY APPICE: DRUM WARS LIVE!


Drum Legends Carmine & Vinny Appice Release New 'Drum Wars Live' Video - “Stand Up And Shout!”

Los Angeles, CA - Drummers and music fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement about the new live CD track and music video by drum legends, brothers, Carmine & Vinny Appice, titled “Stand Up And Shout!” Drumming demi-gods Carmine & Vinny Appice have both had extraordinary careers behind the drum kit, beginning with Carmine’s tenure in such legendary classic rock bands as Vanilla Fudge and Cactus as well as supporting stints with Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne. Meanwhile, younger brother Vinny made his name as a metal drummer for monster acts such as Dio, Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell.

Check out the new video here: http://youtu.be/pVzzh4MDeok



Recently, these two drum virtuosos have been wowing audiences with their own rock show called “Drum Wars”, featuring not only the hits of their associated bands but also a thrilling series of solos that pit them against each other like the Gene Krupa/Buddy Rich drum battles of yore. Fortunately for us mere mortals, this unique concert experience was recorded in June 2014 at the Iridium in New York and is now available on CD courtesy of Deadline Music and Rocker Records. Along with Carmine and Vinny, the 'Drum Wars Live' CD features Jim Crean, Ethan Brosh and James Caputo!

“After a bunch of friends and fans gave us a bunch of footage and photos from our 'Drum Wars' shows we decided to put together a video from our live CD. The 'Stand Up And Shout' video is a good representation of what 'Drum Wars' is – a kick-ass show!” - Carmine Appice

Here's what's being said about the new video:

“A full force drum battle complete with showmanship, sight gags, musicianship, power and sibling rivalry, captured on video.” - Radio Chick. Talk show host NYC

“STAND UP AND SHOUT. Powerful and relentlessly appealing! A Metal Anthem with overtones of DIO and Cactus from two of the most powerful drummers in the world.” - Allan Handelman, Show and Syndicated Show “Rock Talk”. www.ifitrocks.com

“Stand for Vinnie... Shout for Carmine... Drum Wars thunders with double the power and double the punch! Drum Wars battles through the legendary drumming brothers' catalog and rocks you with shock and awe!” - A.J. Fritz Host of Fritzrocks WLVR FM

“This percussive pair will pulverize you with their paradiddles during Drum Wars on stage and on CD. Experience it while you can!”

On The Air & In The Wind, Fingers

“Drum Wars is a quick, fun listen that freshens riffs and energizes lyrics while keeping the songs relevant and fast paced. It's an easy beginning to end listen.”
- Orlando Mornings 943 The Shark,
Brian Orlando, Morning Show Host 943 The Shark

For those unsure of their ability to withstand the aural assault that the Appice brothers bring, a free downloadable track from the album has been made available on the Rocker Records website. Visit here: http://rockerrecords.bandcamp.com/

“When me and Vinny play together we push each other to our limits. Either while drum battling or playing great songs from our history on this CD, while backed up with a great band behind us!” - Carmine Appice



“A CD of great music and drums that punch with power and energy.” - Vinny Appice

More 'Drum Wars Live' tour dates are currently in the works for March and beyond. Also, coinciding with the 'Drum Wars Live' CD release was a series of European shows featuring both Carmine & Vinny performing alongside a jaw-dropping list of metal vocalists and musicians. Dubbed the Metal All-Stars, this year’s crop includes Geoff Tate formerly of Queensrÿche, Dave Ellefson of Megadeth, James LaBrie of Dream Theater, and lots more!! For details, visit:
http://www.metalallstars.com/

This January, Vinny Appice will be embarking on the Extreme Guitar 2015 North American Tour featuring Uli Jon Roth, Vinnie Moore, Craig Goldy, Elliott Rubinson, Vinny Appice, Mark Boals!

Extreme Guitar 2015 North American Tour Dates
Jan 21 Ramona, CA
Jan 22 Anaheim, CA
Jan 23 Hollywood, CA
Jan 24 Las Vegas, NV
Jan 25 San Jose, CA
Jan 26 Portland, OR
Jan 27 Seattle, WA
Jan 29 Moorehead, MN
Jan 30 Spring Lake Park, MN
Jan 31 St Charles, IL
Feb 01 Chicago, IL
Feb 02 Detroit, MI
Feb 03 Toronto, ON
Feb 04 Cleveland, OH
Feb 05 Hartford, CT
Feb 06 Londonderry, NH
Feb 07 Pougkeepsie, NY
Feb 08 New York, NY
Feb 09 Springfield, VA

For more information:
www.vinnyappice.com
www.drumwars.com
www.carmineappice.com
www.cactusrocks.net
www.therodexperience.com

1.27.2015

DESTROY ALL MONSTERS:SHINDIG! MAGAZINE ARTICLE IN ISSUE #45

 destroy all monsters
Subscribe below
Shindig! Magazine Issue #45
submitted by Jon 'Mojo' Mills

“Motherfucker it’s comin’ out of your pay”

The genre breaking band DESTROY ALL MONSTERS featured a cast of Detroit deities including Mike Davis (The MC5) and Ron Asheton (The Stooges). COLIN BRYCE talks with them about art, noise and trees

The genre breaking band DESTROY ALL MONSTERS featured a cast of Detroit deities including Mike Davis (The MC5) and Ron Asheton (The Stooges). COLIN BRYCE talks with them about art, noise and trees

The Destroy All Monsters story began as an art project in around 1974 with the meeting of University Of Michigan (based in Ann Arbor) art students Mike Kelley, Jim Shaw, Carey Loren and front-person (most commonly known as) Niagara. Their love, respect and interest for all things trash, outside, artistic, unconventional, free, unfettered and noisy brought them together and paved the way for sonic excursions and sound treatments that should most probably be described as un-easy listening, or even – as a fitting tribute to their hero Godzilla – monstrous; unless of course you have an ear for that sort of thing. An artistic and musical mix up of Sun Ra (a Detroit area favourite), The Velvet Underground, Beefheart, comic books, Beardsley, Man Ray, countless B-movies (gangster, monster, exploitation) and a healthy distrust and distaste for authority and the mainstream and you’ll very nearly have a half-cup of the kool aid the Monsters were drinking.

After a close encounter at a one of their (very few) performances you may have found yourself in love with the bands mixture of cheap organs, effects, feedback, moaning, saxophone, violin, clanging, bashing, squealing, squalling and their interpretations of classics like ‘Nature Boy’ or even Sabbath’s ‘Iron Man’. Alternately you may have wished you skipped dropping that second hit of purple micro-dot.

“The art collaboration was a group of us that jammed in a basement for about a year,” explains Niagara. “No one ever heard or saw us, except at a college art show. The earlier stuff was quirky and funny, in an anti-music way. We invented noise music, so they say.”

Hiawatha Bailey is a long-standing face on the Ann Arbor/Detroit scene, a close friend of the band who worked as road crew/sound man for Destroy All Monsters. As a performer in his own right he also shared many bills as a member of The Cult Heroes. He recalls seeing an early DAM show at the college: “It was kind of ’50s beatnik and way out in a way.”

It is after the departure of founder members Shaw and Kelley that Larry and Ben Miller joined the Monsters and helped to set off a newer, jazzier and refined approach to the art sonics of the earlier incarnation. But it was once former Stooges and MC5 members Ron Asheton and (a freshly released from prison) Mike Davis joined the gang that all bets were off and Destroy All Monsters became a more fully-fledged rock band with Niagara front and centre sipping on her (now legendary) can of Tab, her wild mane streaked and piled atop her head, and dressed in some of the finest mini-skirts, heels and leopard print brassieres the budget of an aspiring artist will allow.

“Mike (Davis/MC5) and I were in together at Lexington,” recalls Hiawatha. “After I was released I ended up staying at a friend’s place at Whitmore Lake on about 100 acres... Mike came up there for New Year after being at his father’s place in Detroit... I had set up some space to play... More people ended up coming over and Ron told me about Niagara.” It was up at this property that the new high-energy version of Destroy All Monsters first began to get it together.

It is without doubt that the signing on of Ron Asheton and Mike Davis and their contributions musically brought Destroy All Monsters out of the artistic shadows and onto the much larger world stage. The increasing profile of all things “punk rock” and the influence of Asheton’s and Davis’s former bands on the new “punk” groups – even though their previous bands had only been broken up a few years at that point – allowed Destroy All Monsters to get their mugs in magazines like Creem, Rock Scene, Bomp and others. Asheton’s knack for a crafty, hypnotic riff and his experience working with one-of-a-kind front persons clearly also helped broaden Niagara’s often monochromatic vocal styling’s and appeal.

You could say that Ron and Mike brought a bit more “chrome” in general to the Destroy All Monsters camp (pun intended). As interesting as some of the ideas of the early DAM incarnation were they were still a group of young artists exploring and learning how to apply their chosen aesthetics. Nothing wrong of course with artistic experimentation and it certainly works for Destroy All Monsters on the early tracks like ‘From Edgar Cayce’ or ‘Silver Noise Kill Kill’.

Shindig! Magazine Issue #45
Jon 'Mojo' Mills

CARL LUNDGREN ROCK POSTER EXHIBIT AT DETROIT URBAN DESIGN FEB 5



A beautiful display of Carl's rock posters from the 1960's through today! Digital and silkscreen. All available for sale. Also available for sale will be accessories featuring his iconic designs from Detroit Urban Design Studios. The exhibit will run through February 27th.

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