Author Archive
BASS LEGEND JEFF BERLIN RECORDS AN ASTONISHING NEW CD
Author: Jeff Boule
Richard Drexler, piano and upright bass (right), Berlin (center) and legendary drummer Mike Clark (left). A dangerous combo, promising intense music in February.
1/9/2012 – Clearwater, FL – Insiders who have heard bass legend Jeff Berlin’s newest CD are buzzing about the forthcoming release – a release that they are saying could possibly be among the greatest bass album of all time! The word is that Jeff Berlin has recorded a jazz CD so astonishing that the artist himself is in shock with what he played! “I prepared for it by practicing 5 hours a day for weeks,” Jeff explains. “What came of my preparation was to record solos on the bass that I believe have never been heard before from a bass player!”
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(PHILADELPHIA, PA) Jon Anderson, the voice of the rock group Yes for many years, has once again stepped up to help the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia (CSCP) by providing the soundtrack for the organization’s 2011 electronic holiday card. The e-card, designed by Lauren Keswick and Scott Bluebond and produced by Keswick (www.medicalartstudio.com) was distributed today to the cancer support organization’s friends, supporters, members, donors and others and is available at www.cancersupport-phila.org. The card shows images from events and programs from the past year.
The song used for the e-card is called “Give Hope” and was originally released as a bonus track on the 22ndanniversary reissue of Anderson’s fourth solo album, the holiday-themed 3 Ships. This reissue contained five tracks not included on the original release from 1985 including this song. The original music for this song was by Narada Michael Walden and it was developed by Christophe Lebled. CSCP marketing and communications director Scott Bluebond was listening to the track recently and thought it would make an excellent accompaniment to his organization’s holiday e-card this year. He approached Anderson’s publicist, Billy James of Glass Onyon PR, who quickly was given the “OK” from Anderson. Read the rest of this entry »
Perhaps the most comprehensive "demo" tape ever submitted by an up-and-coming artist, Sarah Spencer, enlisting the assistance of heavy hitter Steve Morse. Between that and her raw talent, you can't go wrong.
Please accept my apologies, dear reader. I have been meaning to do this review for so long. Here’s the issue: Every time a new piece of music comes across my desk lately, it has been so new, so fresh, so unheard of to me, that I simply allow myself to indulge, devour and experience.
I also need to extend a personal “thank you for your patience” to Chris Brown of Random Touch. I am dying to do the back-to-back Random Touch albums as the BOSCH disc was killer! (I throw that on every now and again, just because I reviewed them previously, doesn’t mean they collect duct on my shelves. The good ones migrate into my collection.)
But where Mr. Morse and Ms. Spencer went with Angelfire, you would not expect a disc of this caliber from these fairly divergent artists.
It would seem this blog has gotten big for its britches. We started with our loyalty to a certain artist-who-will-never-be-named-in-this-blog-again, we had brushes with greatness (Jeff Berlin, Bill Bruford, Jon Anderson, Rick Wakeman, so on) we forget what time of year it is, and what we have to be thankful for.
I remember some of the things I have to be thankful for now that I am back in an area where even I made an impression on the local musical scene. Imagine my surprise when I returned after 18 years away to find that the little band I was a part of was historic in that it was one of the first area local bands to make a splash. The band made news doing MTV basement video contest, local radio airplay, local television appearances, etc. Yeah, we were original before original was cool.
I have the scars and road rash to prove it. Long before Breaking Benjamin broke up.
CLASSIC ROCK LEGENDS WISHBONE ASH CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF ‘ELEGANT STEALTH’
Author: Jeff Boule
New tunes from Wishbone Ash! Photo courtesy of Glass Onyon
Danbury, CT - Elegant Stealth represents a benchmark in the evolution of Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock. Signature twin-lead melodies and a powerhouse rhythm section frame 11 new tracks that reflect a diverse realm of styles and moods. Elegant Stealth will be released on ZXY Music on November 25th.
Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash has more than 20 original studio recordings and several live albums to their credit. On Elegant Stealth, the group coalesces around strong songwriting and serious chops. Founding member Andy Powell handles lead vocals and trades licks with Finland’s guitar wizard Muddy Manninen. Bassist Bob Skeat, a 14-year veteran of the band and in-demand studio musician, sets the pace with Joe Crabtree, one of the best of Britain’s new breed of drummers, having played with Pendragon and David Cross of King Crimson.
The band demonstrates its versatility on Elegant Stealth, from the pop/rocker “Reason to Believe” to the gentler vibe of “Give it Up” to tunes like “Warm Tears” and “Big Issues,” where the band gets to stretch out and flex its musical muscles.
Wakeman ( r ) and Anderson test drive some new material from their new collaborative LP The Living Tree as well as cruise some classic YES tunes in the Poconos. Photo by Lynn Vala
This blog has exposed me to a lot of new music. It has also brought me close to many artists, opened many musical doors for me, and I learn something new every time I write something. This review is unique in that while I was fortunate enough to work with the promoter for Jon Anderson, and his subsequent projects, I got to experience what many say is the heart and soul of progressive rock mainstays YES, Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman live playing songs from the YES catalog that we all know and love, but also songs from Anderson/Wakeman’s new album The Living Tree. While this is a review of the live act, I will make a quickie commentary on the album The Living Tree: I am going to get the disc based on the performances I saw at the Sherman Theater.
The Sherman Theater is an old venue in the heart of Stroudsburg, which is undergoing a touch of a renaissance lately. The Sherman, I would say is undergoing it’s own renaissance, with some new elements and some signs of age. Will call got our order confused, but such associations with promoters, press agents, etc., usually leads to snafu situations. Unless person A talks directly to person B, and when I get there I talk to person B, then the situation usually devolves to Situation Normal, All Fouled Up.
While I most likely will recognize the YES tunes, the new pieces from The Living Tree and if Anderson does anything from his new disc Open, I may need help naming them. Thanks to a cooperative soundman and an equally cooperative stage manager named Neil (if memory serves, no chance of that happening), we managed to take pictures of Jon’s personal set lists.
Rock Journalism 101: "… if you need information about anything pertaining to the show, providing you have an actual business purpose for being at the performance and aren't just an overzealous fan…" Photo by Lynn Vala
Ask and you shall receive… Read the rest of this entry »
Promoting the expanded re-release of Completion Backward Principle, the Tubes bring their "La Dolce Vida" tour to Jim Thorpe, PA. Photo by Lynn Vala
Jim Thorpe PA – I function in a lot of different environments. Theaters, clubs, halls… But usually these are, at the most, extreme, in the suburbs of some metropolis. This venue is up in the mountains of North East PA.
This up-high-rural-stuff ain’t for me.
Many of these venues often feature restaurants adjacent or within the structure. This venue’s restaurant, Roadies, was particularly good. I may be a tad biased. You see, that night, I was craving a big, sloppy, juicy cheeseburger. I was thrilled when I saw it on the menu. But the burger itself was so huge, juicy and sloppy, it met my craving head on and was most satisfying. The fries were great too. Thankfully, my doctor doesn’t read this column.
But I have found that many of these “experience” reviews contain comments and opinions about food. I am beginning to feel like a restaurant critic. There are enough Gordon Ramsey’s in the world…
Let’s talk about MUSIC!
Fresh off the burner, the new CD from Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman. They do indeed deliver the goods, right through customs and into the United States. Cover courtesy of Glass Onyon
So, apparently, my question last time, “can Anderson/Wakeman deliver the goods” has been answered! Some of the East Coast US reviews are starting to surface, and, let’s just say I am thrilled we got our tickets!! This is promising to be a trip down YES memory lane with nods to brand new music composed by the duo. Not wanting to speak out of turn, I am going to wait for the show to make any decisions about the new material. The good news is, I won’t be waiting long as Anderson and Wakeman are coming to my “hood” tomorrow and I will have pen in hand, trusty photographer armed with photo pass, and I will be happily passing on all the dish about the show!!!
But let’s give a look at what Anderson/Wakeman’s PR folks have to say about this latest release and corresponding tour”:
11/5/2011 – London, UK – As a follow-up to their critically acclaimed CD ‘The Living Tree’ from 2010, YES legends Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman prepare to release ‘Anderson / Wakeman – The Living Tree In Concert Part One’ on Gonzo Multimedia on November 28th. The CD was recorded during the duo’s British tour in 2010 and comes housed in a sleeve design by Mark Wilkinson who was also responsible for the design of the artwork for ‘The Living Tree’.
Over the moon about brilliant reviews, Rick Wakeman (l) and Jon Anderson bring their happy song-fest to the NE US. Photo courtesy of Glass Onyon PR
I had posted some press releases previously, but sometimes assignments drop in your lap last minute. Who am I to pass up Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman coming to my “hood”? I still regret not seeing Emerson Lake Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner and Smith when they played this very same theater, the Sherman in Stroudsburg.
I thought I had spent enough time in the Poconos, having moved there shortly before 9/11. Leaving shortly after realizing our position would be militarily strategic as a strike zone with the proximity of Tobyhanna Army Depot.
Circumstances and reversal of fortunes (in that all my legal issues have been, for the most part addressed and I am victorious, those who plagiarized me, not so much) allow me to attend Anderson/Wakeman on November 5th, so I will be bringing you the usually slimmy on this critically acclaimed “Greatest Hits” tour. What exactly are the critics saying? Venture forth…
YES Legends Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman To Tour North America Fall 2011
Author: Jeff Boule
Founding members of the Yes Former Bandmate Mutual Admiration Society, Rick Wakeman (L) and Jon Anderson (R). Photo courtesy of Glass Onyon
Once again, nothing like that personalized, autographed CD cover.
If you caught my last post, I went on about a talented young bassist by the name of Julie Slick who plays bass in the Adrian Belew Power Trio. For this young lady to be able to handle parts by bassists of such renown as Tony Levin, Les Claypool and others, as well as converting parts played on the Chapman Stick and Warr Guitar, is an ambitious feat in itself. So it was of little surprise to me that she could conjure up a series of songs to compile a solo disc. What was surprising was the depth and imaginativeness as well as the maturity and depth of composition this young artist has displayed. Again, if you are looking for Katy Perry, Lada Yada, or other pop divas of that ilk, this ain’t it. This is the direction of progressive music of the female gender. Artists like Tori Amos, Nina Hagen, even some instrumental Laurie Anderson come to mind. Slick professes not to be a vocalist, but I’d love to comprise this line-up: Amos on keyboards and vocals, Anderson on keyboards, violin, electronics and vocals, Slick on bass and electronics, and Maureen Tucker of Velvet Underground (Anderson’s husband Lou Reed’s former bandmate) on percussion and anything else she wants.
GoGo’s my gluteus maximus (and at my age, it is maximus)…
Nothing like a personalized, autographed DVD case of the Adrian Belew Power Trio Live In Germany.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: I’d like to take a minute or two to express some heartfelt emotions. Yup, first entry back and I’m getting all mushy. But I’d like to thank all of my faithful followers who contacted me on my Facebook page and relayed their concerns regarding my absence from these sites. I have been, and to a lesser extent, still am, under the weather. I will remain classified as such until an exam later this month. I also want to thank a couple of new Facebook friends who convinced me that regardless of negative feedback, my opinion of the art form is the only one that should matter in my forum. Thank you Steve and Elliott.
I have a lot of catching up to do, so let’s get to it!
Scott Bluebond (L) and Jon Anderson pose with the signed guitar in the green room of The 10! Show.
13TH Annual Evening in the Yard Being Held on Friday, May 20 at the Navy Yard.
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) Scott Bluebond is the marketing and communications director at the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia (CSCP). But he is also one huge Yes fan. He was able to combine his love for helping people with cancer and the group Yes this week. CSCP is having their annual gala on May 20 and this year, there will be an auction for the first time. Scott called his friend Rich Chodak, owner of Bluebond Guitars and Music School (www.bluebondguitars.com/Bluebond/Home.html), for help. Rich purchased the store from his childhood friend and neighbor, Dale Bluebond, who was killed in an auto accident in 1994. Dale was Scott’s cousin.
Say YES to acoustic versions from your favorite progressive band's lead singer. Photo courtesy of Glass Onyon.
4/5/2011 – Asheville, NC - Much to the excitement of fans across the country, Music icon Jon Anderson, best known for his work with Yes, Vangelis, Kitaro and other notable music artists, as well as his innovative solo efforts, is preparing to tour the US in support of his forthcoming CD release ‘Survival and Other Stories‘. Jon recently completed a successful European tour with former Yes member and keyboard virtuoso Rick Wakeman on the heels of their critically acclaimed debut album ‘The Living Tree‘. The upcoming Spring tour “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson” touts an exciting mixture of material from Jon Anderson’s prolific solo career, collaborations with Vangelis and classic Yes songs, along with new compositions from his pending CD, and promises a magical and memorable evening of enchanting music for all who attend!
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE RETURN TRIUMPHANT TO TERMINAL 5 IN NYC, 3-25-11
Author: Jeff Boule
The new and improved Queens Of The Stone Age seminal first album. The re-release has garnered such interest that the band embarked on a tour shortly after a near-death experience by frontman Josh Homme.
It was no surprise that the Queens Of The Stone Age (QOTSA) sold out its first tour in many years. They left fans wanting more after their Era Vulgaris tour, and Josh Homme teased us with his super-group Them Crooked Vultures, which was also economically viable to the point where his cohorts in the band (Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and Led Zepplin bassist/keyboardist/arranger John Paul Jones) want to keep the band productive.
But perhaps it was (according to Rolling Stone) Homme’s recent death scare that made people sell out this tour AND FAST! You see, if you follow QOTSA, you know that Homme has had trouble with his knee and an emphysema-like illness since the Over The Years and Through The Woods era. For those of you not familiar with this incident, please read on…
Unearthed recordings of Fairport Convention with Sandy Denny surface on CD.
3/16/2011 – Philadelphia, PA – Much to the excitement of Fairport Convention and Sandy Denny fans around the globe, Philadelphia’s ItsAboutMusic.com will release ultra rare recordings of the famed UK group recorded live at Ebbets Field in Denver, Colorado May 23/24, 1974. Produced and digitally remastered by Fairport Convention’s Jerry Donahue for ItsAboutMusic.com, the 1974 line-up of Fairport Convention on these recordings feature Sandy Denny (Vocals, Piano), Dave Mattacks (Drums), Jerry Donahue (Lead Guitar, Vocals), Dave Pegg (Bass,Vocals), Trevor Lucas (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar) and Dave Swarbrick (Vocals, Violin). This historical audio documentation catches the band at the height of their career performing to an ecstatic audience.
Fairport Convention was formed around 1967, and originally played a ”harmony-and guitar-based folk-rock style” strongly influenced by Californian groups of the day like the Byrds. The line-up that recorded their self-titled debut album in 1968 featured Richard Thompson, Ian Matthews, and Simon Nicol on guitars; Ashley Hutchings on bass; Judy Dyble on vocals; and Martin Lamble on drums. Fairport Convention didn’t reach their peak until Dyble was replaced after the first album in 1968 by Sandy Denny, who had previously recorded both as a solo act and with the Strawbs. Denny has been touted as the best British folk-rock singer of all time. This incarnation of the band would record two well-received albums. When Ian Matthews left the band in early 1969, and Martin Lamble (still in his teens) died in an accident involving the group’s equipment van in mid-1969, Fairport regrouped, replacing Lamble with Dave Mattacks, and adding Dave Swarbrick on fiddle. Their repertoire became much more traditional, and electrified traditional folk numbers would dominate their next album, Liege and Lief (1969).
Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@cs.com
I know, I know… I said I would be posting more regularly, but I had severe difficulties with my Internet Service Provider, Enter.Net. For all you readers in my former hometown, Allentown PA, you must know that Enter.Net is a substandard provider and has no regard for customers outside it’s immediate geographic region. The internet is global. Since I was unable to access the internet for many weeks with dependability, posting was a problem. I have switched to a new provider, Comcast, and upgraded to a T1 connection. So I should be able to upload those boatloads of photos faster.
I extend my sympathies to my webmasters.
KILLING JOKE GATHER AT THE IRVING PLAZA, 12-03-10
Author: Jeff Boule
Killing Joke onstage at the Fillmore at Irving Plaza, NYC. Photo by Lynn Vala
Killing Joke finally played the Irving Plaza after postponing this show from earlier in the year. They were amazing. I told you it was going to be awesome. You should have been there.
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L.E.D. lights, laser lights, Naru jackets, spiritual music all equal a transcendental experience. Photo by Lynn Vala
Glenside PA – Picking up from where we left off with our last entry, we are in intermission of the Todd/Healing show at the Keswick Theater in Glenside PA. Whilst waiting for part two of the show, I manage to talk to some fans, as well as Doug Ford, Steve the usher who tells me that some of the more raucous songs are not only not for him, but at the back of the theater, sound like mud. THAT’S a shame. I am fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of Tim Luciano, who, through his brother Pete (‘Lucky’) is friends with and grew up with Rundgren’s brother Robin Rundgren, who is here at the show along with Rundgren’s mother Ruth. Mrs. Rundgren attends many of Rundgren’s east coast shows and is a heavy contributor to Rundgren biographer Billy James’ two editions of ‘A Dream Goes On Forever, The Continuing Story Of Todd Rundgren’.
As the second half nears, we see under the curtain the movement of feet, we hear Rundgren talking and errant notes here and there. The house lights die as album 2, Healing begins. From behind closed curtain we hear Rundgren vocally proclaim ‘My child…’
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This review is extremely late in being posted as both the author and photographer have experienced a loss in the family and have been dealing with the associated responsibilities that accompany a family member flying from this earth. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone.
Hipster gigster, techno-wizard and all-around rock-and-roll guy, Todd Rundgren gives the "Fool" guitar a massive workout recreating the Todd album. Photo by Lynn Vala
Glenside PA – I will have to explain the two albums being played live by Rundgren and company at the Keswick Theater before we get into the review. The first is the self titled album Todd. It remains my favorite album by him to date. Starting out with some backwards masking (sounds played backward) of a voice asking for a little fanfare, it maintains a non-stop adventure right to the protracted fade of the last track, recorded live with a chorus of audience members from both coasts and mixed together (long before digital signal stretching in Pro-Tools) in one track.
The second album is a collection of songs pertaining to the science (?) of psychic healing. Side one of Healing deals with the voyage of one who is anointed with the power to heal, and the taxation of a greedy society, all clamoring for the healing touch. Trivia time: The bonus 7” vinyl that was included with the original 12” plastic waffle release was the single from the album called “Time Heals” and was the 7th original video aired on MTV’s broadcast debut.
There weren’t many videos to choose from then, and Rundgren and MTV are not the best of friends. Read on for more dish…