DETROIT ROCK N ROLL MAGAZINE

12.01.2014

Steve Hunter Talks Guitars, Tone and 'Tone Poems Live'

December 1st 2014

Tonight! LIVE!

Guitar Player Steve Hunter talks about his music, his style and his new album 'Tone Poems Live'

On LA Talk Radio (8pm Pacific time, 11pm Eastern time)

‪#‎FLOGuitarEnthusiasts As you know, our show is all about tone, and this week's we really deliver it! But tonight we are also going to experience something else that goes along with great tone - taste, and our guest delivers both! Scott and Jeff welcome back Steve Hunter, who has been one of the most in demand session players and touring guitarists ever, recording and touring with Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, Peter Gabriel, and many others. And, Steve has had success also as a solo artist. We talk to Steve about his latest project, "Tone Poems Live," a live in-studio recording and video featuring Tony Levin on bass, Phil Aaberg on keyboards, and Alvino Bennett on drums and percussion. We will discuss the gear, Steve's tone, and the recording of this epic performance. Join us, 8pm Pacific time, 11pm Eastern time, at www.latalkradio.com on ch 1!

11.29.2014

WE SUPPORT THE ROCK N ROLL PREP SCHOOL!

WE SUPPORT

THE ROCK N ROLL PREP SCHOOL!

MISSING BOOTSEY X: STORY FROM GERALD SHOHAN

Even though he’s been gone for a year now, don’t think any of his fans and friends will ever forget Bootsey X! I’ve spent some time on Youtube the last few days thinking I would add a one of the video’s of Bootsey X and the Lovemasters along with this picture.

The trouble is, I couldn’t decide which one. Like most of you know, not every show is the brightest star in your universe. Should it be one that reminds me of the time we had that night, or a song that everyone wanted us to play.

I watched one that had both Bootsey and Steve King, both of which left us this past year. Instead of rambling on, I’d just like to say during this holiday season, how thankful I am to have been a part of the life and times of these guys, and thank all of you for being there for us.
Feel free to post or like your favorite tune or moment. THANK YOU GERALD

11.27.2014

GUITAR LEGEND PETER BANKS THE MARS TAPES!

Rare Recordings By Guitar Legend Peter Banks 'The Mars Tapes' Now Available!

London, UK – Much to the excitement of prog fans worldwide, rare recordings of guitar legend Peter Banks, best known for his work with YES and FLASH, is now available on GONZO Multimedia! Peter Banks Empire 'The Mars Tapes' (2-CD set) represents Empire lll in rehearsal at Mars Studios in Los Angeles in 1979. The band had set up camp at Mars Studios for six months rehearsing and showcasing their music, much of which has been unheard until this release. The band basically recorded every thing they did off the board, tape hiss and all.

Peter Banks (RIP 2013) and Sidonie Jordan, who not only co-wrote, but fronted the band with her powerful vocals, founded Empire in the early to mid-seventies after Peter’s FLASH endeavors and attracted artists such as Phil Collins. Peter and Phil had joined forces in a band called 'Zok And The Radar Boys' which was pre-Empire for Peter, and pre-Brand X for Phil. “Sky At Night” (bonus track) features Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals and Jon Giblin on bass and is testimony of their collaboration.

Sidonie Jordan, who has an extensive list of music credentials to her name, including a diversified solo career as a staff writer/recording artist for A&M Records, and has recorded for other labels such as Capital Records, Electra Records and Trojan Records. (Her song and recording of ‘All God’s Mornings’ was produced by Peter Townshend and featured on his ‘With Love’ album. Sidonie is currently producing and writing with Jez Larder owner of Skyline Studios in Sunbury- On-Thames UK, and Empire lll drummer, Mark Murdock, more recently known for his 'Cymbalic Encounters’ release featuring members from Brand X, agreed to release these recordings as a dedication to the memory of Peter Banks and his great contribution to progressive rock music.

Says Sidonie, “ 'The Mars Tapes' were recorded live at Mars Studios in Los Angles during the summer of 1979! And include a few tracks that never appeared on any Empire albums. As with all the Empire incarnations this album features the amazing talent and skill of Peter Banks, who has been called the Architect of Progressive Rock.”

Drummer Mark Murdock explains, “The Peter Banks Empire ship set sail against the ever-changing music world, and was uncompromising in producing a range of material with Peter Banks' 'Signature Guitar Sound and Style,' while incorporating themes of the time period in which the band existed and also reliving the past by playing songs from the early Empire catalog and even a YES version of ‘Something’s Coming.’ There are various tracks on ‘The Mars Tapes’ that also represented a ‘Work In Progress,’ which were both instrumental and vocal orientated. Empire was anticipating to make some big waves in the music scene, but the waves never reached the shore- until now!”

For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.com/product_details/15718

BUDDY GUY COMING TO ANN ARBOR!!

Grammy Award Winner Buddy Guy to perform at the Michigan Theater in March

Tickets go on sale now
ANN ARBOR, Michigan - The Ark presents blues legend Buddy Guy March 18 at 7:30pm at the Michigan Theater.

Buddy Guy's impressive resume includes: 5 Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, more Blues Music Awards (formerly known as W.C. Handy Awards) than any other blues artist in history, and Rolling Stone magazine ranked him among the"100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and his song "Stone Crazy" as one of the "100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time."

Guy began his career in Chicago in the 1960's as a studio session musician at the legendary Chess Records label where he backed dozen of blues musicians, including, Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters. He grew to the forefront of the stage where his cutting electric guitar style and passionate vocals captured the attention of a growing number of rock musicians. Eric Clapton calls Buddy Guy "by far and without a doubt the best guitar player alive." He is now considered a major guitar influence among blues and rock icons alike.

Come see this masterful guitarist with a captivating stage presence at the Michigan Theater. Reserved seats are $49.50 and $39.50 (limited Gold Circle also available) and go on sale at ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets on Friday, November 21 at 10:00 am. Charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Media sponsorship provided by Metro Times.

About the Michigan Theater: Now celebrating its 87th year, the Michigan Theater is Ann Arbor's award-winning non-profit historic center for fine film and performing arts. The Michigan Theater welcomes more than 250,000 visitors each year to its art house films, concerts, lectures, live theater, and special programs such as Sundance Film Festival USA and Cinetopia International Film Festival. The Michigan Theater is located in downtown Ann Arbor at 603 East Liberty Street. Visit michtheater.org or call the 24-hour information line at (734) 668-TIME for schedule and ticket information.

About The Ark: The Ark is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enrichment of the human spirit through the presentation, preservation and encouragement of folk, roots and ethnic music and related arts. The Ark provides a welcoming atmosphere for all people to listen to, learn about, perform and share music. The Ark is located at 316 South Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor. Visit www.theark.org for further information.