Heart, Joan Jett and Cheap Trick at The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)

Heart, Joan Jett and  Cheap Trick at The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)

September 8, 2016

A recent evening at SPAC featured three Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees on the stage. For this music lover it was a first seeing all three bands. 

It was a humid and rainy evening that certainly made enjoying the show on the lawn more difficult. We felt fortunate to be under cover. We had good seats and I was grateful for that.

First up was Cheap Trick. Things started with an electrifying energy coming from the capacity audience as the band started with an appropriate “Hello There.” As it turned out the mix for this band was subpar and the music sounded distorted and it made hearing and understanding the vocals of Robin Zander difficult. It wasn’t until Tom Peterson stepped out and started his version of The Velvet Underground cover “I'm Waiting for the Man” with a little bit of Lou Reed’s “Heroin” sandwiched in between when things took a turn for the better. 

Zander was on again and off again for most of the night in the vocal department as well. I have always enjoyed the music of Cheap Trick but they really need to get their sound mix together to present a quality show. With some tweaking of that mix they could go from a grade C to a B in a heartbeat.

http://www.cheaptrick.com/

Set List:

    Hello There

    California Man (The Move cover)

    Lookout

    Baby Loves to Rock

    Tonight It's You

    Downed

    Stop This Game

    I'm Waiting for the Man (The Velvet Underground cover) (Tom Peterson on lead vocals) (with 'Heroin' snippet)

    The Flame

    I Want You to Want Me

    Dream Police

    Clock Strikes Ten

    Surrender

    Goodnight

http://joanjett.com/

I knew once Joan Jett got on stage the energy there was going to change and I was not disappointed. It reached another level once she arrived. She kicked it off with “Bad Reputation” and all I could think of was the punk rock of the 70s like The Ramones and how she got her start with the all-female band The Runaways.

Joan sounded fantastic…as good as she always has. She still has that high energy swagger and hint of toughness in her presentation and the crowd absolutely adored her. I thought she was an exciting and charismatic performer that has obviously kept her edge after all these years. It is great to see music icons like herself still touring and presenting music in an original and quality manner. She rocks it’s as simple as that!

As Joan and her band made their way through the set the energy level and excitement level just kept rising. The sound mix was perfect, you could hear her singing as clear as day and the music was spot on all night.

I was surprised that they did not save “I Love Rock & Roll” as their closer but it still made the crowd go wild once they started in with the classic rocker. My favorites of the evening were “I Love Rock & Roll,” “I Hate Myself or Loving You” and “Cherry Bomb.” The sweet memories of youth come rushing back to you with the help of great music, it works every time.

This was a killer performance by Joan and her band and I would love to see her again.

    Set List:

    Bad Reputation

    Cherry Bomb (The Runaways cover)

    Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah) (Gary Glitter cover)

    TMI

    You Drive Me Wild (The Runaways cover)

    Light of Day (Bruce Springsteen cover)

    Soulmates to Strangers

    Love Is Pain

    Fake Friends

    Any Weather

    I Love Rock & Roll

    Crimson & Clover (Tommy James & the Shondells cover)

    I Hate Myself for Loving You

    Everyday People (Sly & The Family Stone cover)

http://www.heart-music.com

Now for the headliner, Heart. This is a band I have had interest in seeing since their inception in the 70s but never did. Finally, I got my chance to watch the legendary Wilson sisters Ann and Nancy, do their thing in a live setting.

When Ann came out on stage I noticed how great she looked. She was full of energy and excitement and that translated to the crowd instantly. Nancy has always looked the same with her long blonde hair brushing over her shoulders and her guitar in hand ready to rock. 

Long time guitarist Craig Bartock was present as well and he was excellent all night long.

I thought the opening track was an interesting choice. The Romeo’s Daughter cover “Wild Child” kicked it all into high gear and it hit the bullseye, bringing everyone to their feet and setting the tone. The track reminded me of those crazy 70s I grew up in and some of things the Wilson’s experienced during that time as well. Read their biography if you are interested, it’s fascinating.

I am not only a longtime admirer of Heart but I respect Ann and Nancy for what they have accomplished on and off the stage throughout their lives. They serve as an example and inspiration to countless people across the globe.

Ann’s voice has held up amazingly over the years and she really has not taken a step back. After listening to all the new music they have recorded over the last few years and then seeing her belt out each song on stage reconfirmed that conviction. In a word, she is an amazing and electric performer that has total command of her vocals and the stage.

The musicianship was beyond reproach and it showed why they are drawing large crowds everywhere they go.

Every band has their own niche and style but Heart is special. All of these bands have been at it for over four decades. Heart sounds like they have their foot all the way to the floor when they perform. I happen to appreciate their strength and wherewithal to continue to present superb performances in and out of the studios. 

“Crazy on You” was phenomenal and “Alone” was proof positive that Ann still has what it takes to grab a performance and grasp the attention of an audience. She was so powerful; I was getting chills all the way through the performance.

I think what surprised some members of the audience was the encore of the Led Zeppelin covers. I knew that they would kill it and they did. They have always acknowledged their influences and then given a positive response to that by performing certain songs superbly. I was listening to people talk on the way out of the venue and some were saying how amazed they were with their rendition of “Stairway To Heaven.” It was great to hear that people realized what a special night they witnessed. I am sure they solidified their fan base and added some younger generation folks to their followers after last night.

I would highly recommend attending this show before the tour ends, I promise you will not regret it.

Set List:

Wild Child (Romeo's Daughter cover)

Magic Man

What About Love (Toronto cover)

Even It Up

These Dreams

Two (Ne‐Yo cover)

Straight On For You

Kick It Out

Beautiful Broken

Alone (I-Ten cover)

Crazy on You

Barracuda

Encore:

Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin cover)

Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin cover)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

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September 11, 2016

Rock Review: The Ann Wilson Thing-#2

Release Date: August 12, 2016
Label: Rounder Records
Website

One of the most beloved performers in music is Ann Wilson, renowned for her legendary work as the vocalist with Heart and her highly acclaimed solo work. Yes, Ms. Wilson is rock royalty.

The Ann Wilson thing is one of her projects and now she has released #2 of her covers of classic rock songs and originals.

Having old friend and Heart guitarist Craig Bartock along for the ride gives the singer an immediate comfort zone. Wilson finds plenty of familiarity with her choice of tracks and we cannot forget she was part of band in the 70s onward that contributed some of their own slices of classic rock like “Magic Man” and “Barracuda” to name just a few.

The two originals are “Fighten Fer Life” and “Anguish,” which she collaborated with Bartock on.

The opener is the Hendrix all time classic “Manic Depression.” This is a song covered by numerous artists and emulated throughout the history of recorded music. Ann does a terrific job with the song and as to be expected she totally owns it and the instrumentation is exceptional per usual.

“Don t Give Up” was featured track on our Rate The Tracks site. The Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush track still rings true to this day and the talented Wilson covers both parts like the accomplished pro she is. The timbre of the song is mellow and thoughtful as the vocalist accentuates every word to make sure it hits home. Her voice is still poignant after all these years. She is one of those performers that has not lost a step and that is a tribute to her dedication to the craft.

People tend to have higher expectations for established stars like Ann Wilson and without fail she never disappoints. 

The curtain closer is the original “Anguish.” The track starts off with twangy slide guitar made for the blues then Wilson’s voice joins in with as much vitality and color as the guitar musters. She still hits those high notes with ease. Even though I love “Manic Depression” and the way it was presented this one is so killer you wish it would just keep going.

Everything is here for the folks that appreciate Ann Wilson, Heart and any of her solo projects. What can I say the lady is one of the best ever and with music like this it’s hard to argue that she still isn’t on top. #2 is great EP.

5/5 Stars

Key Track: Anguish

Tracks:

1. Manic Depression

2. Fighten Fer Life

3. Don t Give Up

4. Anguish

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 28, 2016

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

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Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

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Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Pink Fireball Release Wild Rock Single 'Cool Rider Crunch'

Pink Fireball are a four-piece rock group from Paris, reviving classic rock whilst introducing several of their own idiosyncratic twists.

Their previous single ‘Turn Around’ was a chugging rock anthem that incorporated trumpets accompanied by a fun rollercoaster-themed music video. Now the band are back with this new guitar-driven single ‘Cool Rider Crunch’. It features some big vocals, breaking into a mean guitar solo for the second half of the track.

The music video is equally exciting and sees the band riding a 1965 Ford Mustang. The video also features appearances from Moulin Rouge dancer Chloe Alexandra Atherton and models Aline Tran and Petula Goldfever. 

Links:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpwU4cwJNKYztu6c0xgmkA

https://www.facebook.com/pinkfireball/?ref=ts&fref=ts

https://twitter.com/pink_fireball

https://soundcloud.com/pink-fireball

https://play.spotify.com/album/312sdIlJKwscXpfpqPg7Di?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open

Orca Release New Single ‘Aquarium’

Described as a “cracking band” and praised for their “excellent production values” by music blog Progrockmusictalk, UK-based alt-rockers Orca have proven to be on top of their game. As pioneers and creators of the mysterious domain of ‘space metal’, the five-piece is steadily stepping up to the music industry’s spotlight.

Their fascination with space and discovering the unknown has always been part of their own musical exploration. By fusing melodic experimentation with hard hitting metal riffs, their new single ‘Aquarium’ (taken from the album ‘Universe’) is a muscular track, effervescing with a forthright and speeding energy. As a follow up to the similarly metal infused guitar styles and contemplative vocals of their first single ‘Amber’, this tune is a sensational marvel of progressive rock.

Listen here:  

The song came about when singer Chris started exploring the emotions drawn from the cryptic and riddle-like rhythmic arrangement of a demo recording. ‘Aquarium’ is ultimately about desire, beauty, identity, sensuality, and connecting with the power of nature. The video for the single was shot in a real aquarium which the band describes as a “wonderful” and “entrancing” experience. The album is called ‘Universe’ as it was written while the band were travelling separately around the world, with each band member looking out to a different part of the night sky for inspiration.

With influences ranging from Deftones to Tool the band has mastered the techniques of DIY and created a magnificent set of songs with little to no help from other producers. Their music touches upon the deeper questions in life. Orca describes their sound as being about “submission to the awe and power of the world, and the realization and self-actualization levels of awareness and consciousness.” Part of their musical diversity stems from the fact that Orca consists of a colourful mixture of different nationalities. Bassist Matt McGuinness is Irish, guitarist David Vezzoli from Italy, other guitarist Ben Murray-Smith from England but born in Brazil, drummer Kacper "Drum Kid" Stachowiak

from Poland and singer Chris Edwards is British Armenian. Orca’s sound reflects this diversity and has been celebrated by radio stations such as KSCR in Los Angeles and Aaron Phillip’s Amazing Radio Rock Show here in the UK. Musically, they have also come from a variety of backgrounds ranging from psychedelic rock and jazz to heavy metal and synth-pop.

The band has evolved from bassist Matt and guitarist Dave’s previous project called Martian Time Slip which focused more on a traditional darker kind of metal. After the break up of Martian Time Slip the two collaborators embarked upon new endeavours, forming Orca and searching for the perfect vocalist for the band. Chris approached the band with a style that was both unique and enigmatic. They were struck by his powerful voice and his ability to enrich the melodies with passion much like the late Jeff Buckley. Ben joined shortly afterwards while continuing to write songs for famous Vlogger Casey Neistat. The newest addition to the group is drummer Kacper who has had success with his symphonic power metal band Pathfinder.

The single ‘Aquarium’ is out on 4^th March from the album Universe out April 1st

LINKS:

http://www.orcaband.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfc2c5RQ1oHYu8EmZ-TNSsQ/videos

https://twitter.com/orcabanduk

https://www.facebook.com/orcaband

https://soundcloud.com/orcaband

https://orcaband.bandcamp.com/

Upcoming gig dates for 2016:

March 20th – Cellar Bar, Bracknell

April 1st - Rigger Stoke-on-Trent

April 8th - Barfly, London

April 18th - Surya King's Cross, London

Progressive Rock Review: Asia-Axis XXX Live In San Francisco

Release Date: 22^nd June 2015

Label:  Frontiers music

Website 

This is a recording produced by the original line-up of the band, Asia, when they toured in support of the album XXX, released back in 2012.The venue for the recording was the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco and the date was the 7^th November 2012.

The four members of the band were John Wetton (bass, vocals), Carl Palmer (drums), Steve Howe (guitars) and Geoff Downes (keyboards).

This is the band’s 23rd live album, if the information to be gleaned from  progarchives.com is to be believed. Axis XXX Live In San Franscisco is a 2 disc release with a total playing time a few seconds over the 2 hour mark, (120:21), and comprises 19 tracks. Disc 1 has 12 tracks including the obligatory “Introduction” and has a running time of 62:50 minutes with the second disc, 7 tracks and a slightly shorter playing time of 57:31 minutes. The longest track on offer is found on disc 2, “ Holy War-Drum Solo” at 15:03 minutes and the shortest track is “Pyramidolog,” on disc 1 with a playing time of 3:26 minutes.

The recording concentrates on the earlier albums, although it was headlined as the Axis XXX tour, with 10 of the 19 tracks coming from the first album, Asia in 1982 (7 tracks) and second album, Alpha in 1983 (3 tracks). The only other album to be “plundered” in any way is XXX, from 2012, with 3 tracks. An odd inclusion to my mind is a track taken from the solo album release by Steve Howe in 2001, Natural Timbre.

After the fairly low-key introduction, which is simply the music prior to and during the band entering the stage, as evidenced by the clapping/cheering that starts up part way through. Once ready, the band burst into life with 2 classic tracks from the debut album, Asia, now 33 years old, “Only Time Will Tell” (5:22) and “Wildest Dreams” (6:02) and follow this duo with a track from the 2012, XXX album, “Face On The Bridge” (6:01). All four members of the band are excellent as you would expect from such seasoned musicians, and the power still present in the voice of John Wetton is amazing.

The band then run through a selection of material, which tends to form the bulk of their live shows, so there are no real surprises. “Pyramidology” (3:27) and “Golden Mean” (4:11) allow Steve Howe to highlight his acoustic guitar playing, which most people are well aware of, and then the band pull together for another track from the XXX album in the form of “I Know How You Feel” (5:50).

Whilst the album, Axis XXX is not going to “set the heather alight” and shift shedloads of copies, it is a very competent, satisfying release. If there is anything to flag up as a negative, it is simply the lack of the surprise factor, with the playlist being firmly planted in “safe” tracks, and a similarity to other live recordings by the band.

For Asia fans, this will be an essential purchase, but I am not convinced that this issue will add to the number of Asia fans. In the same manner as the album started with a “bang,” it concludes in a similar manner with the rousing pairing of “Sole Survivor” (7:24) and “Heat Of The Moment” (7:55).

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Only Time Will Tell, Tomorrow The World, Heat Of The Moment

Tracks:

Disc 1:

Introduction
Only Time Will Tell
Wildest Dreams
Face On The Bridge
Time Again
Tomorrow The world
Ride Easy
Pyramidology
Golden Mean
I Know How You Feel
Don’t Cry
Smile has left Your Eyes

Disc 2:
Cutting It Fine
Holy War-Drum Solo
Extraordinary Life
Here Comes The feeling
Open Your Eyes
Sole Survivor

Heat Of The Moment

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

November 30, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Rock Review: Asia-Axis XXX Live In San Francisco

Release Date: 22^ndJune 2015

Label:  Frontiers music

Website 

This is a recording produced by the original line-up of the band, Asia, when they toured in support of the album XXX, released back in 2012.The venue for the recording was the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco and the date was the 7^th November 2012.

The four members of the band were John Wetton (bass, vocals), Carl Palmer (drums), Steve Howe (guitars) and Geoff Downes (keyboards).

This is the band’s 23rd live album, if the information to be gleaned from  progarchives.com is to be believed. Axis XXX Live In San Franscisco is a 2 disc release with a total playing time a few seconds over the 2 hour mark, (120:21), and comprises 19 tracks. Disc 1 has 12 tracks including the obligatory “Introduction” and has a running time of 62:50 minutes with the second disc, 7 tracks and a slightly shorter playing time of 57:31 minutes. The longest track on offer is found on disc 2, “ Holy War-Drum Solo” at 15:03 minutes and the shortest track is “Pyramidolog,” on disc 1 with a playing time of 3:26 minutes.

The recording concentrates on the earlier albums, although it was headlined as the Axis XXX tour, with 10 of the 19 tracks coming from the first album, Asia in 1982 (7 tracks) and second album, Alpha in 1983 (3 tracks). The only other album to be “plundered” in any way is XXX, from 2012, with 3 tracks. An odd inclusion to my mind is a track taken from the solo album release by Steve Howe in 2001, Natural Timbre.

After the fairly low-key introduction, which is simply the music prior to and during the band entering the stage, as evidenced by the clapping/cheering that starts up part way through. Once ready, the band burst into life with 2 classic tracks from the debut album, Asia, now 33 years old, “Only Time Will Tell” (5:22) and “Wildest Dreams” (6:02) and follow this duo with a track from the 2012, XXX album, “Face On The Bridge” (6:01). All four members of the band are excellent as you would expect from such seasoned musicians, and the power still present in the voice of John Wetton is amazing.

The band then run through a selection of material, which tends to form the bulk of their live shows, so there are no real surprises. “Pyramidology” (3:27) and “Golden Mean” (4:11) allow Steve Howe to highlight his acoustic guitar playing, which most people are well aware of, and then the band pull together for another track from the XXX album in the form of “I Know How You Feel” (5:50).

Whilst the album, Axis XXX is not going to “set the heather alight” and shift shedloads of copies, it is a very competent, satisfying release. If there is anything to flag up as a negative, it is simply the lack of the surprise factor, with the playlist being firmly planted in “safe” tracks, and a similarity to other live recordings by the band.

For Asia fans, this will be an essential purchase, but I am not convinced that this issue will add to the number of Asia fans. In the same manner as the album started with a “bang,” it concludes in a similar manner with the rousing pairing of “Sole Survivor” (7:24) and “Heat Of The Moment” (7:55).

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Only Time Will Tell, Tomorrow The World, Heat Of The Moment

Tracks:

Disc 1:

Introduction
Only Time Will Tell
Wildest Dreams
Face On The Bridge
Time Again
Tomorrow The world
Ride Easy
Pyramidology
Golden Mean
I Know How You Feel
Don’t Cry
Smile has left Your Eyes

Disc 2:
Cutting It Fine
Holy War-Drum Solo
Extraordinary Life
Here Comes The feeling
Open Your Eyes
Sole Survivor

Heat Of The Moment

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

November 30, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Audio Fidelity To Release Alice Cooper's “Muscle of Love” On 4.0 Quad SACD

“Alice returns to a pure rock sound...one of his most revered albums ever.”

Alice Cooper fans rejoice! Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity will be releasing the final Alice Cooper group album on 4.0 Quad SACD. Muscle of Love is the seventh studio album by Alice Cooper and it was the last album to feature the entire original band, and it was a true grand finale at that. Cooper stated in an interview at the time that the album marked a return to fundamentals. “It's not complicated in any sense...It's very basic rock & roll throughout.”

The two best-known tracks are undoubtedly the Top 20 anthem “Teenage Lament '74,” which features none other than Liza Minnelli, Ronnie Spector, Labelle and the Pointer Sisters on backing vocals, and the rollicking title track. But other tracks are just as good - the Led Zep-stomping opener, “Big Apple Dreamin' (Hippo),” the gentle “Hard Hearted Alice” (a precursor to Cooper's future ballad-oriented direction), the raging “Working Up a Sweat,” and “Man with the Golden Gun.”

The 1973 return to the band's more hard rock roots was a successful creative choice and catapulted Muscle Of Love into Billboard's Top 10 Album Chart. That sound, complete with the prog-rock/heavy metal workouts, has proven over the years to be a significant piece of the Alice Cooper legacy.

“One of the best albums of the genre...a hard rock classic!”

INCLUDES: Miniature replica of the Institute of Nude Wrestling book cover

TRACKS:
1. Big Apple Dreamin' (Hippo)
2. Never Been Sold Before
3. Hard Hearted Alice
4. Crazy Little Child
5. Working Up a Sweat
6. Muscle of Love
7. Man with the Golden Gun
8. Teenage Lament '74
9. Woman Machine

Produced by Jack Richardson, Jack Douglas
Mastered: Stereo CD, SACD & 4.0 Analog to High Definition DSD Digital Transfer: Steve Hoffman & Stephen Marsh

For more information: www.audiofidelity.net
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Music Legends Unite! The Rock Pack Feat. Mickey Thomas of STARSHIP, Bobby Kimball original lead singer of TOTO, Steve Walsh formerly of KANSAS, Robin Zander of CHEAP TRICK, Fee Waybill of THE TUBES, and John Payne formerly of ASIA!

The Rock Pack To Perform At The Germain Arena, Ft Myers, FL. Nov 19, 2015

Fort Myers, FL -  November 19th sees the arrival of THE ROCK PACK at The Germain Arena, Ft. Myers, FL.

John Payne, former ASIA lead vocalist and co-creator of the #1 Vegas musical “Raiding the Rock Vault,” has created a unique new event. THE ROCK PACK concert is an incredible 80s rock extravaganza featuring the vocalists and the hits from six major classic rock bands.

The cast of stellar star singers includes Mickey Thomas of STARSHIP, Bobby Kimball original lead singer of TOTO, Steve Walsh formerly of KANSAS, Robin Zander of CHEAP TRICK, Fee Waybill of THE TUBES, and John Payne formerly of ASIA.

This stunning show features the classic hit songs sung by the original singers; Dust in the Wind, I Want You to Want Me, We Built This City, Africa, Surrender, Beauty, The Flame, Rosanna, White Punks on Dope, Carry on My Wayward Son, Dream Police, Hold the Line, Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now and more.

Ringmaster Payne also extracts interesting stories from the cast of classic rock artists as well as pertinent visuals on huge screens. Throughout the show he sings the ASIA classics Heat Of The Moment, Only Time Will Tell, Sole Survivor, and Time Again.

Prepare yourself for an unprecedented evening of superlative music, enthralling stories and visuals.

THE ROCK PACK, Presented by KDIM Entertainment as part of The Classic Rock Series.

Who: The Rock Pack
When: November 19, 2015
Where: Germain Arena, Ft. Myers, FL
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/classic-rock-series-the-rock-pack-estero-florida-11-19-2015/event/0D004F23AAF679AC?artistid=1475086&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1

For more information:
http://theclassicrockseries.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ClassicRockSeries
https://twitter.com/ClassRockSeries
www.kdimentertainment.com ;

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

Audio Fidelity To Release Loggins and Messina Classic Rock Gem On 4.0 Quad SACD

“So much great music packed into one album!”

Camarillo, CA – Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity is releasing Loggins and Messina's critically acclaimed self-titled album on 4.0 Quad SACD. While Loggins and Messina created many fine albums this one stands out as most representative of their impact. In the early '70s the duo pioneered true country/rock and showcased it with style and near-flawless performances.

The eponymously titled 1972 Loggins and Messina album built on the strengths of their debut outing, “Sittin' In.” The same mix of short catchy country-folk-pop gems with longer intricately layered and meaningful ballads bordering on jazz and edgy rock powered its success. The album reached #16 on the Billboard charts and “Your Mama Don't Dance” charted at #4. The epic “Angry Eyes” became an instant FM radio staple reaching the top of the college radio and AOR charts.

This Loggins and Messina album has many varied textures and arrangements. A little bit of country, a number of quality ballads and some good old rock 'n' roll. Their backup band was anchored by multi-instrumentalist Al Garth, and also featured keyboardist Michael Omartian and Poco steel guitarist Rusty Young.

The Loggins and Messina album became the true introduction of the band, Loggins and Messina, not as soloists playing together, but rather as a duo that offered pure genius in their music.

“Exceptional harmonies and insightful lyrics...The cream Of The Classic Rock crop.”

Tracks
1. Good Friend
2. Whiskey
3. Your Mama Don't Dance
4. Long Tail Cat
5. Golden Ribbons
6. Thinking of You
7. Just Before the News
8. Till the Ends Meet
9. Holiday Hotel
10. Lady of My Heart
11. Angry Eyes

Produced by Jim Messina, Kenny Loggins
Mastered for this release by Steve Hoffman at Stephen Marsh Mastering

For more information: www.audiofidelity.net

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

From The Heat Of Australia Comes ‘The Violence Of Ice’, The New Single From Rhett May

Primarily influenced by the classic song writing of John Lennon, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Rhett May is a rock writer who has moulded his own sound over several decades in the industry. His self-produced rock is simple, raw and home-made – without over-the-top production but with plenty to say about May’s take on the modern world.

Having spent a large part of his childhood in Calcutta, India, his guitar led songs are infused with the sounds of the Indian streets, giving his music a different flavour to the majority of current, cookie cutter rock music. By blending classic sensibilities with a twist of Indian culture, he has created a string of upcoming singles, the first of which will be ‘The Violence of Ice’ – out October 2^nd.

With a musical career which spans back to the seventies when his band Lucifer supported legendary rock band Queen, Rhett May is a voice of experience in a rock world which has become increasingly shallow. He’s toured the world, seen the music industry from the inside, and watched the dark side of the business consume those around him.

Throughout those experiences, Rhett May continually turned away the excesses of the industry, choosing instead to write his own story as opposed to those who fell into the clutches of addiction. His is a positive message, song writing influenced by a wide and varied back story which took him from an orphanage at seven years old, to the streets of Calcutta in India, to settling in Melbourne, Australia as part of Lucifer.

It’s a lifetime of stories that shape Rhett May’s song writing, not to mention his work ethic – both musically and personally – which sees him answering every piece of fan mail individually.

And come the release of ‘The Violence of Ice’ on October 2^nd, we suspect he’ll be answering plenty more.

Links:

www.soundcloud.com/rhett-may-music

www.facebook.com/rhettmaymusic

www.twitter.com/rhettmay

www.rhettmay.com

www.reverbnation.com/rhettmay

https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/rhett-may/id287901404

Classic Rock Legends Wishbone Ash Return to North America for Fall Road Warriors Tour

Danbury, CT - Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock, returns to these shores in September with the Road Warriors North American Tour. The tour begins in Colorado and moves eastward through the month, passing through 12 states and Ontario, Canada. Longtime fans and new converts alike will revel in the group’s signature twin-guitar mastery and powerhouse rhythm section as they present classics spanning their career and showcase selections from their latest studio release, “Blue Horizon.”

True road warriors, each year Wishbone Ash logs around 30,000 miles, roughly equivalent to circumnavigating the earth; but this year may just set an all-time record with a series of July performances in South Africa. “We are looking forward to reconnecting with fans from the past who are just catching on that we've been touring non-stop for 46 years, to see and hear how we’ve grown while carrying the torch,” says founding member Andy Powell “And for our faithful fans who have walked with us consistently through the years, we have some special things in store to reach new heights in our relationship.”

The Road Warriors North American Tour also comes on the heels of two live recording projects in May, including a direct-to-vinyl performance at renowned Metropolis Studios complex in London slated for a fall release, expected to be available on both vinyl and CD. “Recording live in a studio and going straight to acetate is rarely done,” says Powell. “The conditions have to be just right, because you only get one shot. Everything has to be in sync.”

Immediately following the Metropolis session, the band did a three-day residency at Le Triton Theatre in Les Lilas, Paris that was recorded for a DVD release in October. Powell says, “We recorded three nights of material, including current versions of some classic songs, plus some deep tracks that people won't necessarily expect.”

Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash is led by Powell on guitar and vocals, trading licks with Finnish guitar master Muddy Manninen. Bassist Bob Skeat, an 18-year veteran of the band, sets the pace with Joe Crabtree, one of the best of Britain’s new breed of drummers whose performance credits include Pendragon and David Cross of King Crimson.

Through the years the band has delved into various musical genres, from folk, blues and jazz to pedal-to-the-metal rock and electronica. Whatever the style, Wishbone Ash’s hallmark is the distinctive twin-melodic lead guitar interplay that has influenced such bands as Thin Lizzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Maiden and, more recently, Opeth. Wishbone Ash has to its credit 24 original studio recordings, 11 live albums and five live DVDs along with a DVD rockumentary (“This is Wishbone Ash”).

In 2014, the band released “Blue Horizon” (Solid Rockhouse Records) to international acclaim. Praised for its stylistic variety and powerful performances, the album features guest artist, Ireland’s Pat McManus, on fiddle for two tracks. “Blue Horizon” also includes two songs written by Aynsley Powell (Andy Powell’s son) and one by former Wishbone Ash guitarist Roger Filgate.

According to Powell, the album’s diversity reflects the culmination of several factors. “The band basically lives together year-round, so we have a very strong level of communication that translates in our performances and recordings,” he says. “We’ve come to an era where the industry has to pigeonhole a band as Classic Rock, Prog Rock, Heritage Rock and so on. The truth is that we have always kept our options open and always relied on the musicianship of the players to lead the way. It’s fun to be stylistically diverse and this has, in its way, contributed to our longevity.”

Powell has been working on his autobiography, “Eyes Wide Open: True Tales of a Wishbone Ash Warrior,” which is slated for October publication and will be available through Amazon. “It’s quite an undertaking to put 46 years of being a touring musician in this one band into book form,” he says. “I’ve seen a lot of changes in the music business and the world in general, as you can imagine.”

There is no other rock band in history that has done more with the twin guitar concept than The Ash. Be sure to catch them on the Road Warriors Tour this September. Tour dates and more information can be found at www.wishboneash.com.

WISHBONE ASH 'ROAD WARRIORS NORTH AMERICA' SEPTEMBER 2015
SEPT. 3 DENVER CO SOILED DOVE
SEPT. 5 WICHITA KS CROWN UPTOWN THEATRE
SEPT. 6 KANSAS CITY MO KNUCKLEHEADS
SEPT. 8 MINNEAPOLIS MN FAMOUS DAVE'S
SEPT. 9 DAVENPORT IA REDSTONE ROOM
SEPT. 10 MILWAUKEE WI PABST THEATRE
SEPT. 11 WOODSTOCK IL WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE
SEPT. 12 EDWARDSVILLE IL WILDEY THEATRE
SEPT. 13 EDWARDSVILLE IL WILDEY THEATRE (featuring “Argus Live”)
SEPT. 15 AUBURN HILLS MI CALLAHAN’S
SEPT. 16 CLEVELAND OH BEACHLAND BALLROOM
SEPT. 17 BUFFALO NY SPORTSMEN'S TAVERN
SEPT. 18 BARRIE ONT VIOLET'S VENUE
SEPT. 20 BEACON NY TOWNE CRIER CAFE
SEPT. 21 NEW YORK NY B.B. KING'S
SEPT. 22 FAIRFIELD CT FAIRFIELD THEATRE
SEPT. 23 SELLERSVILLE PA SELLERSVILLE THEATER
SEPT. 24 SHIRLEY MA BULL RUN
SEPT. 25 ALBANY NY VAN DYCK
SEPT. 26 JIM THORPE PA MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
SEPT. 27 BORDENTOWN NJ RECORD COLLECTOR

North American Booking: Steve Ozark, Ozark Talent, PH: 785-760-3143 OzarkTalent@gmail.com

Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Marketing & PR assistance: Kate Goldsmith - kate_goldsmith@wishboneash.com

To download electronic press kit: www.wishboneash.com/epk

Classic Rock Legends Wishbone Ash Return to North America for Fall Road Warriors Tour

Danbury, CT - Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock, returns to these shores in September with the Road Warriors North American Tour. The tour begins in Colorado and moves eastward through the month, passing through 12 states and Ontario, Canada. Longtime fans and new converts alike will revel in the group’s signature twin-guitar mastery and powerhouse rhythm section as they present classics spanning their career and showcase selections from their latest studio release, “Blue Horizon.”

True road warriors, each year Wishbone Ash logs around 30,000 miles, roughly equivalent to circumnavigating the earth; but this year may just set an all-time record with a series of July performances in South Africa. “We are looking forward to reconnecting with fans from the past who are just catching on that we've been touring non-stop for 46 years, to see and hear how we’ve grown while carrying the torch,” says founding member Andy Powell “And for our faithful fans who have walked with us consistently through the years, we have some special things in store to reach new heights in our relationship.”

The Road Warriors North American Tour also comes on the heels of two live recording projects in May, including a direct-to-vinyl performance at renowned Metropolis Studios complex in London slated for a fall release, expected to be available on both vinyl and CD. “Recording live in a studio and going straight to acetate is rarely done,” says Powell. “The conditions have to be just right, because you only get one shot. Everything has to be in sync.”

Immediately following the Metropolis session, the band did a three-day residency at Le Triton Theatre in Les Lilas, Paris that was recorded for a DVD release in October. Powell says, “We recorded three nights of material, including current versions of some classic songs, plus some deep tracks that people won't necessarily expect.”

Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash is led by Powell on guitar and vocals, trading licks with Finnish guitar master Muddy Manninen. Bassist Bob Skeat, an 18-year veteran of the band, sets the pace with Joe Crabtree, one of the best of Britain’s new breed of drummers whose performance credits include Pendragon and David Cross of King Crimson.

Through the years the band has delved into various musical genres, from folk, blues and jazz to pedal-to-the-metal rock and electronica. Whatever the style, Wishbone Ash’s hallmark is the distinctive twin-melodic lead guitar interplay that has influenced such bands as Thin Lizzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Maiden and, more recently, Opeth. Wishbone Ash has to its credit 24 original studio recordings, 11 live albums and five live DVDs along with a DVD rockumentary (“This is Wishbone Ash”).

In 2014, the band released “Blue Horizon” (Solid Rockhouse Records) to international acclaim. Praised for its stylistic variety and powerful performances, the album features guest artist, Ireland’s Pat McManus, on fiddle for two tracks. “Blue Horizon” also includes two songs written by Aynsley Powell (Andy Powell’s son) and one by former Wishbone Ash guitarist Roger Filgate.

According to Powell, the album’s diversity reflects the culmination of several factors. “The band basically lives together year-round, so we have a very strong level of communication that translates in our performances and recordings,” he says. “We’ve come to an era where the industry has to pigeonhole a band as Classic Rock, Prog Rock, Heritage Rock and so on. The truth is that we have always kept our options open and always relied on the musicianship of the players to lead the way. It’s fun to be stylistically diverse and this has, in its way, contributed to our longevity.”

Powell has been working on his autobiography, “Eyes Wide Open: True Tales of a Wishbone Ash Warrior,” which is slated for October publication and will be available through Amazon. “It’s quite an undertaking to put 46 years of being a touring musician in this one band into book form,” he says. “I’ve seen a lot of changes in the music business and the world in general, as you can imagine.”

There is no other rock band in history that has done more with the twin guitar concept than The Ash. Be sure to catch them on the Road Warriors Tour this September. Tour dates and more information can be found at www.wishboneash.com.

WISHBONE ASH 'ROAD WARRIORS NORTH AMERICA' SEPTEMBER 2015
SEPT. 3 DENVER CO SOILED DOVE
SEPT. 5 WICHITA KS CROWN UPTOWN THEATRE
SEPT. 6 KANSAS CITY MO KNUCKLEHEADS
SEPT. 8 MINNEAPOLIS MN FAMOUS DAVE'S
SEPT. 9 DAVENPORT IA REDSTONE ROOM
SEPT. 10 MILWAUKEE WI PABST THEATRE
SEPT. 11 WOODSTOCK IL WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE
SEPT. 12 EDWARDSVILLE IL WILDEY THEATRE
SEPT. 13 EDWARDSVILLE IL WILDEY THEATRE (featuring “Argus Live”)
SEPT. 15 AUBURN HILLS MI CALLAHAN’S
SEPT. 16 CLEVELAND OH BEACHLAND BALLROOM
SEPT. 17 BUFFALO NY SPORTSMEN'S TAVERN
SEPT. 18 BARRIE ONT VIOLET'S VENUE
SEPT. 20 BEACON NY TOWNE CRIER CAFE
SEPT. 21 NEW YORK NY B.B. KING'S
SEPT. 22 FAIRFIELD CT FAIRFIELD THEATRE
SEPT. 23 SELLERSVILLE PA SELLERSVILLE THEATER
SEPT. 24 SHIRLEY MA BULL RUN
SEPT. 25 ALBANY NY VAN DYCK
SEPT. 26 JIM THORPE PA MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
SEPT. 27 BORDENTOWN NJ RECORD COLLECTOR

North American Booking: Steve Ozark, Ozark Talent, PH: 785-760-3143 OzarkTalent@gmail.com

Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Marketing & PR assistance: Kate Goldsmith - kate_goldsmith@wishboneash.com

To download electronic press kit: www.wishboneash.com/epk