Rock Review: Scorpions-Born To Touch Your Feelings - Best of Rock Ballads

Release Date: November 24, 2017

Label: Sony Legacy

Website

Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker, Matthias Jabs, Pawel Maciwoda, and Mikkey Dee are the Scorpions. It has been four decades since the song "Born To Touch Your Feelings" was released for the first time. If you are into them or were, there is something here to relish. This music will remind you of the good times (I hope).

Born To Touch Your Feelings - Best of Rock Ballads is 17 tracks of pure Scorpions at their rock ballad best. I have always loved to rock out to their tracks like "The Zoo, " "Rock You Like A Hurricane" etc. I have to admit I never think of ballads when discussing these iconic rockers.

It is collections like this that help you to relive those great rocking ballads, done the way only Klaus could sing them and the band could play them. It also makes you realize that the band was not one dimensional. They have always been a solid musical unit with a massive worldwide following. That comes as no surprise and it is a tribute to their staying power and mass appeal.

This is goose bump time people, this music hits you straight in the heart. It will have you smiling, laughing or crying all in one listen. That is how emotional I get when I hear this great music. What makes this release so special besides everything I just mentioned?  The fact that there are new updated versions of tracks, acoustic takes, and completely new tracks, which gives it more oomph than a run of the mill greatest hits release. So needless to say, there is more than enough material to keep your interest from beginning to end.

The leadoff and title track set the bar high and they never lose that focus and maintain that standard on each offering. I have a few favorites like "Still Loving You" and "Wind Of Change," which are the "Comeblack Versions." Those two tracks just put me away. What great music, feelings, and vocals. When “The Smoke Is Going Down” (2015 Remaster) is no slouch either - so spot on and filled with passion. At concerts, it was time to break out the disposable lighter time back in the day and now its cellphones in flashlight mode.

Then there are some tracks I have never heard and absolutely loved. "Send Me An Angel" (New Acoustic Version 2017) is excellent. And the next treat for my ears was closing out the album with two brand-spanking new tracks "Melrose Avenue" and "Always Be With You."

This is a superb package of the old, new and redone (very well) tracks. If you are a Scorpions fan you will love this collection and if you are a rock fan I am sure you will find plenty of appreciation for this collection. The musicianship is outstanding the sound quality will knock your socks off.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 14, 2018

Founder of:

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Tracks: 
01. Born To Touch Your Feelings ("MTV Unplugged" Studio Edit)
02. Still Loving You ("Comeblack" Version)
03. Wind Of Change ("Comeblack" Version)
04. Always Somewhere (2015 Remaster)
05. Send Me An Angel (New Acoustic Version 2017)
06. Holiday (2015 Remaster)
07. Eye Of The Storm (Radio Edit)
08. When The Smoke Is Going Down (2015 Remaster)
09. Lonely Nights
10. Gypsy Life
11. House Of Cards (Single Edit)
12. The Best Is Yet To Come
13. When You Came Into My Life ("MTV Unplugged" Studio Edit)
14. Lady Starlight (2015 Remaster)
15. Follow Your Heart (New Full-Band Version 2017)
16. Melrose Avenue (New Song)
17. Always Be With You (New Song)
 

Bass Icon Stu Hamm To Tour The US In Support Of New Album "The Diary of Patrick Xavier"

Legendary bassist Stu Hamm will be touring the US end of February in support of his highly anticipated new concept album “The Diary of Patrick Xavier”! Stu Hamm has been the go-to bass player for the world's great musicians. Time spent playing with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani has cemented his place among the greats and gave him the platform to display his pioneering bass techniques to adoring crowds worldwide.

“The Diary of Patrick Xavier”

2015 started out with a bang. My life was tossed in a blender, and I decided to go on a walkabout to sort things out. I booked as many gigs as possible and became the Flying Dutchman of bass players. Those of you who actually know me, know that I am always reading something. And, as much as I love the convenience of my Kindle, and reading comics on my iPad, nothing beats the feel and smell of actually holding a book in your hands. When I finish a book, I leave it in the seat pocket in front of me (if I'm in a plane), or hide it somewhere in the hotel room, where I hope that housekeeping won’t find it, but a bored, lonely fellow traveler might…pay it forward y'all!!

And so…I finished reading “The Shadow-Line” by Joseph Conrad on the beach in Pescara, and pedaled it back with me at the end of the day to Citta'Bianca Hotel and placed it on the bookshelf in the lobby…Then, something caught my eye…It stood out because what was written on the spine was in English. “The Diary of Patrick Xavier”. What I held in my hands was a diary of an American named Patrick Xavier who, after life changing events, had decided to travel for 18 months to find…???...and to keep a journal of his physical, emotional and spiritual journey. And now it gets weird. Although the Agent of Change that happened to Patrick was quite different from what happened to me, the experiences he was going through were just too close to my own to be ignored. We were searching for the same answers to the same questions.

Reading what he went through was heartbreaking, hilarious, inspiring, and all too familiar to me. Anyway, it was all very intriguing. This is how music is created. I came upon the idea to write songs based on P.X.'s journal entries…or at least the ones that mirrored my own experiences and that I could relate to in such a way as I could get the point of the text across musically. I won’t quote directly from his journal entries, but will give a brief description of what he wrote that moved me to write the music. Our man Patrick is a much better writer then me, or maybe…the writer I would have liked to become had my life tilted differently at key moments. The names and places have been changed to protect the guilty… the innocent can take care of themselves. - Stu Hamm

Stu Hamm has traveled the world from Boston to Belfast to Budapest, Bali and Berlin. He's performed in a 19th century circus tent with Joan Baez, and recorded a duet of “Do Right Woman” with her. HAMM  has performed with Mick Jagger, played sold out shows at Royal Albert Hall and in front of 120,000 people in Mexico City with a Mexican Rock Band.

Hamm graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he met guitarist Steve Vai and, through him, met Joe Satriani. He played bass on Vai's 1984 debut solo album, “Flex-Able” and in 1990 Hamm was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Degree from his Alma Mater.  He has performed and recorded with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Michael Shenker, Frank Gambale, and many other well-respected guitarists, however, it was playing live on tour with Satriani that brought Hamm's skills to national attention. Subsequent recordings with Satriani and other rock/fusion artists along with the release of his own solo recordings (featuring keyboard player Tommy Mars, guitarists Alan Holdsworth and Robert Fripp, drummers Steve Smith and Tommy Lee), solidified his reputation as a bassist and performer.

Stu Hamm solo tour dates:
FEBRUARY 27, TUE - St. Paul, MN (Vieux Carré)
FEBRUARY 28, WED - Milwaukee, WI (Shank Hall)
MARCH 1, THU - Chicago, IL (Reggie's)
MARCH 2, FRI - Indianapolis, IN (Irving Theater)
MARCH 3, SAT - Evansville, IN (Mojo's BoneYard)
MARCH 4, SUN - St. Louis, MO (Fubar)
MARCH 6, TUE - Cincinnati, OH (MVP)
MARCH 7, WED - Detroit, MI (Token Lounge)
MARCH 8, THU - Cleveland, OH (Wilbert's Music)
MARCH 10, SAT - Kenneth Square, PA (Kenneth Flash)
MARCH 11, SUN - New Hope, PA (Havana)
MARCH 15, THU - Marlboro, NY (The Falcon)
MARCH 16, FRI - Providence, RI (Alchemy)
MARCH 17, SAT - Boston, MA (The Middle East Upstairs)
MARCH 18, SUN - Brookline, NH (Oak Hill Music Hall)
MARCH 20, TUE - Piermont, NY (The Turning Point)
MARCH 21, WED - Pawling, NY (Darryl's House)
MARCH 22, THU - Schenectady, NY (The Van Dyck Lounge)
MARCH 23, FRI - Syracuse, NY (Funk 'n Waffles Downtown)
MARCH 25, SUN - Rochester, NY (Lovin' Cup)
MARCH 27, TUE - Buffalo, NY (The Tralf)
MARCH 28, WED - Toronto, ON (The Garrison)

For more information:
www.stuarthamm.net/
www.facebook.com/StuHammBass

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Bass Icon Stu Hamm To Tour The US In Support Of New Album "The Diary of Patrick Xavier"

Legendary bassist Stu Hamm will be touring the US end of February in support of his highly anticipated new concept album “The Diary of Patrick Xavier”! Stu Hamm has been the go-to bass player for the world's great musicians. Time spent playing with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani has cemented his place among the greats and gave him the platform to display his pioneering bass techniques to adoring crowds worldwide.

“The Diary of Patrick Xavier”

2015 started out with a bang. My life was tossed in a blender, and I decided to go on a walkabout to sort things out. I booked as many gigs as possible and became the Flying Dutchman of bass players. Those of you who actually know me, know that I am always reading something. And, as much as I love the convenience of my Kindle, and reading comics on my iPad, nothing beats the feel and smell of actually holding a book in your hands. When I finish a book, I leave it in the seat pocket in front of me (if I'm in a plane), or hide it somewhere in the hotel room, where I hope that housekeeping won’t find it, but a bored, lonely fellow traveler might…pay it forward y'all!!

And so…I finished reading “The Shadow-Line” by Joseph Conrad on the beach in Pescara, and pedaled it back with me at the end of the day to Citta'Bianca Hotel and placed it on the bookshelf in the lobby…Then, something caught my eye…It stood out because what was written on the spine was in English. “The Diary of Patrick Xavier”. What I held in my hands was a diary of an American named Patrick Xavier who, after life changing events, had decided to travel for 18 months to find…???...and to keep a journal of his physical, emotional and spiritual journey. And now it gets weird. Although the Agent of Change that happened to Patrick was quite different from what happened to me, the experiences he was going through were just too close to my own to be ignored. We were searching for the same answers to the same questions.

Reading what he went through was heartbreaking, hilarious, inspiring, and all too familiar to me. Anyway, it was all very intriguing. This is how music is created. I came upon the idea to write songs based on P.X.'s journal entries…or at least the ones that mirrored my own experiences and that I could relate to in such a way as I could get the point of the text across musically. I won’t quote directly from his journal entries, but will give a brief description of what he wrote that moved me to write the music. Our man Patrick is a much better writer then me, or maybe…the writer I would have liked to become had my life tilted differently at key moments. The names and places have been changed to protect the guilty… the innocent can take care of themselves. - Stu Hamm

Stu Hamm has traveled the world from Boston to Belfast to Budapest, Bali and Berlin. He's performed in a 19th century circus tent with Joan Baez, and recorded a duet of “Do Right Woman” with her. HAMM  has performed with Mick Jagger, played sold out shows at Royal Albert Hall and in front of 120,000 people in Mexico City with a Mexican Rock Band.

Hamm graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he met guitarist Steve Vai and, through him, met Joe Satriani. He played bass on Vai's 1984 debut solo album, “Flex-Able” and in 1990 Hamm was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Degree from his Alma Mater.  He has performed and recorded with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Michael Shenker, Frank Gambale, and many other well-respected guitarists, however, it was playing live on tour with Satriani that brought Hamm's skills to national attention. Subsequent recordings with Satriani and other rock/fusion artists along with the release of his own solo recordings (featuring keyboard player Tommy Mars, guitarists Alan Holdsworth and Robert Fripp, drummers Steve Smith and Tommy Lee), solidified his reputation as a bassist and performer.

Stu Hamm solo tour dates:
FEBRUARY 27, TUE - St. Paul, MN (Vieux Carré)
FEBRUARY 28, WED - Milwaukee, WI (Shank Hall)
MARCH 1, THU - Chicago, IL (Reggie's)
MARCH 2, FRI - Indianapolis, IN (Irving Theater)
MARCH 3, SAT - Evansville, IN (Mojo's BoneYard)
MARCH 4, SUN - St. Louis, MO (Fubar)
MARCH 6, TUE - Cincinnati, OH (MVP)
MARCH 7, WED - Detroit, MI (Token Lounge)
MARCH 8, THU - Cleveland, OH (Wilbert's Music)
MARCH 10, SAT - Kenneth Square, PA (Kenneth Flash)
MARCH 11, SUN - New Hope, PA (Havana)
MARCH 15, THU - Marlboro, NY (The Falcon)
MARCH 16, FRI - Providence, RI (Alchemy)
MARCH 17, SAT - Boston, MA (The Middle East Upstairs)
MARCH 18, SUN - Brookline, NH (Oak Hill Music Hall)
MARCH 20, TUE - Piermont, NY (The Turning Point)
MARCH 21, WED - Pawling, NY (Darryl's House)
MARCH 22, THU - Schenectady, NY (The Van Dyck Lounge)
MARCH 23, FRI - Syracuse, NY (Funk 'n Waffles Downtown)
MARCH 25, SUN - Rochester, NY (Lovin' Cup)
MARCH 27, TUE - Buffalo, NY (The Tralf)
MARCH 28, WED - Toronto, ON (The Garrison)

For more information:
www.stuarthamm.net/
www.facebook.com/StuHammBass

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

French Bassist Shob To Release Second Album "Karma Obscur" In April 2018

Talented French bass player Shob, who has collaborated with many artists (Roger Biwandu (Zawinul Syndicate), Patrick Rondat (G3), PapaGuyo (Sly & Family Stone), Patrick Bebey, Charles X, Eths...), will be releasing his second album “Karma Obscur” in Spring 2018! His critically acclaimed debut “Pragmatism” (2015) received over 500,000 hits on youtube, more than 600 physical copies sold, 10,000 downloads sold!

Shob's new album “Karma Obscur” is a progressive rock/funk album with a really tight and meticulous production. Sixteen guests have participated in the recording, all amazing musicians. The album is described as “Dark Funk,” which was really Shob's state of mind when it was written. Throughout the record, you will encounter crazy beatbox parts (Beasty), amazing soul vocalist (Laurène P Magnani), insane metal guitar solos (Pierre Danel/Kadinja), body-builded drum parts (Morgan Berthet), African percussion and grooves (Ludo Lesage)….Always cleverly mixed.

In support of his forthcoming album, Shob is preparing to tour Europe in April 2018 covering 7 countries: France, Germany, Holland, Slovaquia, Italy, Austria, Norway. His band features Morgan Berthet (Myrath, Eths, Klone, Kadinja) on drums, Denis Cornardeau on guitar and Tony Lavaud (Charles X, Santa Machete) on keyboards.

Shob's music is described as intense progressive rock/funk played live by amazing musicians, and has been compared to Snarky Puppy, Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock, Oz Noy, and Larry Graham. He has played more than 1000 shows over the past 6 years, and his solo project allowed him to open for great Jazz artists such as Scott Henderson, Jeff Berlin, and Gary Novak. He played some of the greatest places such as: Hell Fest open air (Mainstage France), Graspop fest (Bel), Wacken Fest (Ger), Ziget fest (Hung), Madrid electric fest, Elysée Montmartre (Paris), ST Emilion Jazz festival, Moscow, Rio, Sao Polo, Santiago Chile, Barcelone, St Barth, and Europe.

One thing defines Shob's shows: GROOVE. Audience must be prepared to burn the dance floor out on this crazy fusion funky sound. This said, technical virtuosity lovers won't be disappointed. Shob's quartet are some of the greatest musicians in their category. Also, there's a large part of improvisation during the ensemble's shows, in which each musician can express himself, and interact with the audience…which makes every show UNIQUE.

Shob “Karma Obscur” Tour 2018
02.04.2018 FR-Marseilles, venue TBA
05.04.2018 AT-Frauental, Bluegarage
06.04.2018 SK-Bratislava, Museum
07.04.2018 AT-Vienna, Reigen
08.04.2018 AT-Linz, SMARAGD CC     TBC
09.04.2018 DE-Passau, Cafe Museum
10.04.2018 DE-Fürth, Kofferfabrik
12.04.2018 DE-Karlsruhe, KOHI
14.04.2018 NL-Tilburg, Paradox
16.04.2018 DE-Celle, Herzog-Ernst
17.04.2018 DE-Göttingen, Nörgelbuff
19.04.2018 DE-Unna, Kühlschiff
20.04.2018 DE-Nordhausen, Cyriaci-Kapelle
21.04.2018 DE-Rodgau, Maximal Kulturinitiative Rodgau
22.04.2018 NL-Zoetermeer, Boerderij (afternoon show)
24.04.2018 FR-Nancy, MAI France

Shob also has been teaching master classes since 2010 with his amazing musician and friend Morgan Berthet (drums for Myrath, Klone, Eths, Kadinja...) He's also known for his tutorial bass video on youtube and bandcamp. Shob is sponsored by Sandberg basses, Aguilar Amplification.



“Best fusion album of the year” - Planet Waves / 2014

“Not only for bass players, those who look for groove and various musical colours will be pleased.” - Pavillon 666

“This kind of album is timeless and in 50 years from now, we still can play it, it won´t get old at all” - Metal is the Law / Webzine

Watch Shob's new video: 

To purchase Shob's “Karma Obscur”: 
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/karma-obscur/id1228600280 ;
Bandcamp: https://shob.bandcamp.com/ ;

Videos:
Shob's youtube channel has more than 500 000 hits and 2500 followers: www.youtube.com/user/shobkubiack
Shob “Karma Obscur”:

Shon “Green Elephant”:

Audio/Video sample “Sacerdoce”:

Audio/Video sample “Enclosures”: 

For more information: www.shob.fr

MAXIMUM Booking
netMusicZone Records
Phone:  0049-(0)-8324-933-851
Fax:  0049-(0)-8324-933-829
E-Mail:  info@MAXIMUMBooking.com
www.MAXIMUMBooking.com ;

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

French Bassist Shob To Release Second Album "Karma Obscur" In April 2018

Talented French bass player Shob, who has collaborated with many artists (Roger Biwandu (Zawinul Syndicate), Patrick Rondat (G3), PapaGuyo (Sly & Family Stone), Patrick Bebey, Charles X, Eths...), will be releasing his second album “Karma Obscur” in Spring 2018! His critically acclaimed debut “Pragmatism” (2015) received over 500,000 hits on youtube, more than 600 physical copies sold, 10,000 downloads sold!

Shob's new album “Karma Obscur” is a progressive rock/funk album with a really tight and meticulous production. Sixteen guests have participated in the recording, all amazing musicians. The album is described as “Dark Funk,” which was really Shob's state of mind when it was written. Throughout the record, you will encounter crazy beatbox parts (Beasty), amazing soul vocalist (Laurène P Magnani), insane metal guitar solos (Pierre Danel/Kadinja), body-builded drum parts (Morgan Berthet), African percussion and grooves (Ludo Lesage)….Always cleverly mixed.

In support of his forthcoming album, Shob is preparing to tour Europe in April 2018 covering 7 countries: France, Germany, Holland, Slovaquia, Italy, Austria, Norway. His band features Morgan Berthet (Myrath, Eths, Klone, Kadinja) on drums, Denis Cornardeau on guitar and Tony Lavaud (Charles X, Santa Machete) on keyboards.

Shob's music is described as intense progressive rock/funk played live by amazing musicians, and has been compared to Snarky Puppy, Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock, Oz Noy, and Larry Graham. He has played more than 1000 shows over the past 6 years, and his solo project allowed him to open for great Jazz artists such as Scott Henderson, Jeff Berlin, and Gary Novak. He played some of the greatest places such as: Hell Fest open air (Mainstage France), Graspop fest (Bel), Wacken Fest (Ger), Ziget fest (Hung), Madrid electric fest, Elysée Montmartre (Paris), ST Emilion Jazz festival, Moscow, Rio, Sao Polo, Santiago Chile, Barcelone, St Barth, and Europe.

One thing defines Shob's shows: GROOVE. Audience must be prepared to burn the dance floor out on this crazy fusion funky sound. This said, technical virtuosity lovers won't be disappointed. Shob's quartet are some of the greatest musicians in their category. Also, there's a large part of improvisation during the ensemble's shows, in which each musician can express himself, and interact with the audience…which makes every show UNIQUE.

Shob “Karma Obscur” Tour 2018
02.04.2018 FR-Marseilles, venue TBA
05.04.2018 AT-Frauental, Bluegarage
06.04.2018 SK-Bratislava, Museum
07.04.2018 AT-Vienna, Reigen
08.04.2018 AT-Linz, SMARAGD CC     TBC
09.04.2018 DE-Passau, Cafe Museum
10.04.2018 DE-Fürth, Kofferfabrik
12.04.2018 DE-Karlsruhe, KOHI
14.04.2018 NL-Tilburg, Paradox
16.04.2018 DE-Celle, Herzog-Ernst
17.04.2018 DE-Göttingen, Nörgelbuff
19.04.2018 DE-Unna, Kühlschiff
20.04.2018 DE-Nordhausen, Cyriaci-Kapelle
21.04.2018 DE-Rodgau, Maximal Kulturinitiative Rodgau
22.04.2018 NL-Zoetermeer, Boerderij (afternoon show)
24.04.2018 FR-Nancy, MAI France

Shob also has been teaching master classes since 2010 with his amazing musician and friend Morgan Berthet (drums for Myrath, Klone, Eths, Kadinja...) He's also known for his tutorial bass video on youtube and bandcamp. Shob is sponsored by Sandberg basses, Aguilar Amplification.



“Best fusion album of the year” - Planet Waves / 2014

“Not only for bass players, those who look for groove and various musical colours will be pleased.” - Pavillon 666

“This kind of album is timeless and in 50 years from now, we still can play it, it won´t get old at all” - Metal is the Law / Webzine

Watch Shob's new video: 

To purchase Shob's “Karma Obscur”: 
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/karma-obscur/id1228600280 ;
Bandcamp: https://shob.bandcamp.com/ ;

Videos:
Shob's youtube channel has more than 500 000 hits and 2500 followers: www.youtube.com/user/shobkubiack
Shob “Karma Obscur”:

Shon “Green Elephant”:

Audio/Video sample “Sacerdoce”:

Audio/Video sample “Enclosures”: 

For more information: www.shob.fr

MAXIMUM Booking
netMusicZone Records
Phone:  0049-(0)-8324-933-851
Fax:  0049-(0)-8324-933-829
E-Mail:  info@MAXIMUMBooking.com
www.MAXIMUMBooking.com ;

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com