Showing posts with label Classic Rock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Classic Rock. Show all posts

10/31/2017

Prog Rock Review: RTFACT-Life Is Good

Release Date: CD Release Date - September 30, 2017/LP Release Date - November 23, 2017
Label: AFL Music

It is a beautiful thing this progressive rock, and what some artists are releasing these days is amazing. The prog community is very special to this music fan. When you get a chance to hear a project with a overabundance of artists joining forces to record an album it is even more exciting and special.

So now we have RTFACT with their album Life Is Good. This band is fresh from their recording sessions and ready to get this music out to the masses ASAP!

Life Is Good is a boundless combination of prog and classic rock. One of the great things about this album besides all of stellar musicianship, are the vocals of Jeff Scott Soto. He is an outstanding vocalist and I believe underrated by people in the music business. The people that really count, the listeners, know who he is and his capabilities.

Nad Sylvan provides vocals as well and notably Oz Noy rips off a few stellar guitar lines to polish and perfect the experience.  So, what you get is a few of the more recognizable names in the industry joining forces with names you may have been ever exposed to. What does this tell me? There is a lot of unfound talent out there to be discovered and am I ever glad I discovered this band. Thanks go out to Yuri Volodarsky,of AFL Music for making this opportunity possible.

These players know how to have some fun as well. After the superb “(I Got) Money In My Pocket” and “Hail To The Winner Part I” then comes the entertaining instrumental “Hail To The Winner Part II Tarantella.” It starts off like a soundtrack to one of the old 60s TV Shows like Mr. Ed for instance. Then it launches into a full-on rock attack with scorching leads from the six-string. After that workout a true to form prog rock approach is taken, with all the quick changes that blow your mind on “Gotika.” Again, my interest peaked and I was compelled to turn up the volume. It was like listening to ELP on steroids. This is prog rock at its very best as far as I am concerned.

I think the description of the band on the Bandcamp website paints the proper picture of what this music is with the following statement:

An archaeological trove of musical nuggets, with soaring vocals, Hammond B3 wizardry, muscular guitar solos, and a supple rhythm section that grooves as hard as it rocks.

It so true! Usually these statements are a blown out of proportion, a gaggle of words, but in the case every bit of it is right as rain. This is a great sound from start to finish with crankin’ guitar solos, pumping organ and synth parts, and a killer rhythm section. It all comes together to create a prog rock masterpiece. “Life Is Good (Remix)” calls it day with a very Yes like sound and layered vocals. A fitting touch for the closer with a wink and nod to an outstanding musical journey to prog nirvana.

Yes, indeed Life Is Good thanks to prog rock.

Tracks:
1. Life Is Good
2. Artifact
3. (I Got) Money In My Pocket
4. Hail To The Winner. Part I
5. Hail To The Winner. Part II. Tarantella
6. Gotika
7. The King, The Master, And The Timekeeper
8. Hollywood Walk Of Fame
9. Life Is Good (Remix)
 
Line Up:
Jeff Scott Soto - vocals
Nad Sylvan - vocals
Will Champlin - vocals
Oz Noy - solo guitar
Jeff Kollman - solo guitar
Rafael Moreira - guitar
Josh Smith - guitar
Gary Meek - flute, sax
Edward Tsiselsky - keyboards
Dmitry Ilugdin - synthesizers
Eugene Sharikov - bass
Joel Taylor – drums

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 31, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

8/25/2017

Rare Late Sixties Album by Philippe DeBarge with The Pretty Things "Rock St. Trop" Remastered & Reworked!


Features bonus tracks!

London - Pioneering rockers Phil May & Wally Waller (of The Pretty Things) present the highest quality release to date of their collaboration with French playboy Philippe DeBarge. To be released on September 1st by Madfish Records, the album is now remastered and reworked and features bonus tracks and rare photos!

It was late August in 1969 when Phil May and Wally Waller were flown to St. Tropez by Philippe DeBarge (a French wealthy playboy), and taken to the DeBarge family estate - a magnet for the rich and famous of the era, from politicians to film and rock stars. DeBarge had serious money and wanted to make a serious album, with him as the front man. He'd done his research. He knew exactly who he wanted to make that album with. They were The Pretty Things.

At this time, songwriters May and Waller were at their most prolific but they were between albums, between tours. When DeBarge came calling, it was hard to come up with a good reason why not to go, so they went, did the deal and soon penned and recorded Philippe's project back in London at Nova Studios. And when “S.F. Sorrow” sales picked up, EMI wanted a new album and “Parachute” took over. The Philippe DeBarge project was dropped and didn't see commercial release until 2009.

Now restored and reworked with rare photos and new liner notes by Wally Waller, this is the finest release of the Philippe DeBarge sessions to date. Released as a CD presented in a digipack packaging with a 16-page booklet.

The Pretty Things created some of the most exciting and innovative records of the sixties and early seventies. Winners of the Hero award at the 2009 Mojo Honours, the band have been name checked over the years by an array of artists ranging from The Clash, David Bowie and Aerosmith through to The Libertines and Kasabian.

DISC 1
1. Hello, How Do You Do ? (04:06)
2. You Might Even Say (04:03)
3. Alexander (02:59)
4. Send You With Loving (03:04)
5. You`re Running You And Me (04:50)
6. Peace (01:44)
7. Eagle`s Son (03:20)
8. Graves Of Grey (00:48)
9. New Day (04:08)
10. It`ll Never Be Me (04:34)
11. I`m Checking Out (03:44)
12. All Gone Now (02:13)

Bonus Tracks
13. Monsieur Rock (Ballad Of Philippe) (05:33)
14. Lover (01:40)
15. Silver Stars (03:35)

Release date September 1, 2017

For more information: http://www.madfishmusic.com/artists/the-pretty-things/

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

8/12/2017

Classic Rock Legends Wishbone Ash Get "Tough & Tender" on North American Fall Tour!


Acoustic versions of beloved classics featured alongside hard-hitting numbers

Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock, will offer their North American fans a dynamic concert experience on the 2017 “Tough & Tender” Tour. In addition to the high-powered, all-out rockers the band is known for delivering, the guys will turn down the volume (but not the intensity) and treat audiences to acoustic versions of some of their classic hits.

“A great song is a great song, however it's delivered,” says bandleader Andy Powell (guitar, lead vocals). “Playing acoustically allows people to hear the 'bones' of a song and how it might have been conceived in the first place.”

Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash finds itself in rare company these days. Not many bands are still going strong after nearly 50 years. It takes a serious lifetime of commitment to the craft of making music; but, more importantly, real skill is required to navigate the shifting seas of the music industry, and few know that better than Powell.

“We laid down strong musical roots in the '70s, and these roots continue to prove productive,” he says. “Also, we nurtured our fan base as much as possible through fan club conventions, newsletters and the like; but this was all given a great boost once the digital age came into being, with websites and social media.”

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.

True road warriors, each year the band logs around 30,000 miles, roughly equivalent to circumnavigating the earth. “The hours, days and weeks we spend touring and recording results in a close-knit group, for sure,” says Powell. “It allows us to bring a level of intensity to the table that people seem to pick up on and appreciate.”

The fruitful results of near-constant touring are evident on the latest DVD release, “Live in Paris,” recorded in May 2015 during a three-day residency at Le Triton Theatre in Les Lilas, Paris. 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.”

The band recently released a four-disc “Road Works” box set, a compilation of four separate shows recorded in Germany and the UK. In October 2015, Powell completed his autobiography, “Eyes Wide Open: True Tales of a Wishbone Ash Warrior,” co-written with Irish music journalist Colin Harper. The book, published by Jawbone Press, has met with public and critical acclaim.

“Our concept was to root my musical story and that of the band's to the times in which I came of age,” says Powell. “That is to say, relating it to those times, decade by decade, so that the reader could get a picture of how I was impacted by the social and musical trends and how I weathered those changes. We also wanted to keep it breezy and poke a little fun at this music game at the same time.”

In addition to the “Tough & Tender” Tour, Fall 2017 will also see the release of a 32-CD deluxe box set, “Wishbone Ash – The Vintage Years,” on Snapper Music.


From left: Joe Crabtree, Mark Abrahams, Andy Powell, Bob Skeat. Photo by Stefan Johansson

Wishbone Ash US Tour Dates:
Sept. 12 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall
Sept. 13 Minneapolis, MN Famous Dave's
Sept. 14 Davenport, IA River Music Experience
Sept. 15 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theatre
Sept. 16 Edwardsville, IL Wildey Theatre
Sept. 17 Edwardsville IL Wildey Theatre
Sept. 19 Auburn Hills, MI Callahan's Music Hall
Sept. 22 Sherwood Park, AB Canada Festival Place
Sept. 25 Annapolis, MD Rams Head on Stage
Sept. 26 Richmond, VA Tin Pan
Sept. 27 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater
Sept. 28 Norfolk, CT Infinity Music Hall
Sept. 29 Derry, NH Tupelo Music Hall
Sept. 30 Bay Shore, NY Boulton Center
Oct. 1 Pawling, NY Daryl's House Club
Oct. 2 New York, NY BB King Blues Club & Grill
Oct. 5 Buffalo, NY Sportsmen's Tavern
Oct. 6 Akron, OH Tangier
Oct. 7 Pittsburgh, PA Rex Theater
Oct. 8 Jim Thorpe, PA Mauch Chunk Opera House

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 tour this September. Tour dates and more information can be found at www.wishboneash.com. Follow the band on Facebook @wishbone.ash.official, Twitter @wishboneash_com and Instagram.

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

Press inquiries: 
Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com and
Kate Goldsmith - kate_goldsmith@wishboneash.com

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

Classic Rock Legends Wishbone Ash Get "Tough & Tender" on North American Fall Tour!


Acoustic versions of beloved classics featured alongside hard-hitting numbers

Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock, will offer their North American fans a dynamic concert experience on the 2017 “Tough & Tender” Tour. In addition to the high-powered, all-out rockers the band is known for delivering, the guys will turn down the volume (but not the intensity) and treat audiences to acoustic versions of some of their classic hits.

“A great song is a great song, however it's delivered,” says bandleader Andy Powell (guitar, lead vocals). “Playing acoustically allows people to hear the 'bones' of a song and how it might have been conceived in the first place.”

Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash finds itself in rare company these days. Not many bands are still going strong after nearly 50 years. It takes a serious lifetime of commitment to the craft of making music; but, more importantly, real skill is required to navigate the shifting seas of the music industry, and few know that better than Powell.

“We laid down strong musical roots in the '70s, and these roots continue to prove productive,” he says. “Also, we nurtured our fan base as much as possible through fan club conventions, newsletters and the like; but this was all given a great boost once the digital age came into being, with websites and social media.”

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.

True road warriors, each year the band logs around 30,000 miles, roughly equivalent to circumnavigating the earth. “The hours, days and weeks we spend touring and recording results in a close-knit group, for sure,” says Powell. “It allows us to bring a level of intensity to the table that people seem to pick up on and appreciate.”

The fruitful results of near-constant touring are evident on the latest DVD release, “Live in Paris,” recorded in May 2015 during a three-day residency at Le Triton Theatre in Les Lilas, Paris. 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.”

The band recently released a four-disc “Road Works” box set, a compilation of four separate shows recorded in Germany and the UK. In October 2015, Powell completed his autobiography, “Eyes Wide Open: True Tales of a Wishbone Ash Warrior,” co-written with Irish music journalist Colin Harper. The book, published by Jawbone Press, has met with public and critical acclaim.

“Our concept was to root my musical story and that of the band's to the times in which I came of age,” says Powell. “That is to say, relating it to those times, decade by decade, so that the reader could get a picture of how I was impacted by the social and musical trends and how I weathered those changes. We also wanted to keep it breezy and poke a little fun at this music game at the same time.”

In addition to the “Tough & Tender” Tour, Fall 2017 will also see the release of a 32-CD deluxe box set, “Wishbone Ash – The Vintage Years,” on Snapper Music.


From left: Joe Crabtree, Mark Abrahams, Andy Powell, Bob Skeat. Photo by Stefan Johansson

Wishbone Ash US Tour Dates:
Sept. 12 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall
Sept. 13 Minneapolis, MN Famous Dave's
Sept. 14 Davenport, IA River Music Experience
Sept. 15 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theatre
Sept. 16 Edwardsville, IL Wildey Theatre
Sept. 17 Edwardsville IL Wildey Theatre
Sept. 19 Auburn Hills, MI Callahan's Music Hall
Sept. 22 Sherwood Park, AB Canada Festival Place
Sept. 25 Annapolis, MD Rams Head on Stage
Sept. 26 Richmond, VA Tin Pan
Sept. 27 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater
Sept. 28 Norfolk, CT Infinity Music Hall
Sept. 29 Derry, NH Tupelo Music Hall
Sept. 30 Bay Shore, NY Boulton Center
Oct. 1 Pawling, NY Daryl's House Club
Oct. 2 New York, NY BB King Blues Club & Grill
Oct. 5 Buffalo, NY Sportsmen's Tavern
Oct. 6 Akron, OH Tangier
Oct. 7 Pittsburgh, PA Rex Theater
Oct. 8 Jim Thorpe, PA Mauch Chunk Opera House

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 tour this September. Tour dates and more information can be found at www.wishboneash.com. Follow the band on Facebook @wishbone.ash.official, Twitter @wishboneash_com and Instagram.

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

Press inquiries: 
Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com and
Kate Goldsmith - kate_goldsmith@wishboneash.com

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

6/25/2017

Classic Rock Legends Spirit's Self-Titled Debut Album To Be Released On Limited Edition Hybrid SACD!


Includes 4 BONUS Tracks!

Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity will be releasing Spirit's Spirit on limited edition hybrid SACD, which includes 4 bonus tracks! Spirit's 1968 debut album spent more than six months on the Billboard album charts and received heavy airplay on underground FM radio. Their music was part of the core, essence, and heartbeat of  the hippie, psychedelic, counter culture movement. The album is timeless, as fresh today as when it first appeared.

The band could play more styles than almost any other group. On Spirit they unveiled a mélange of rock, jazz, blues, folk-rock, and even a bit of classical and Indian music. The music is experimental. The vocals flow as easily as the instrumentals. Spirit struck a careful balance between disciplined studio chops, jazz improvisation, and driving rock and roll. Guitar prodigy Randy California is a clear standout, but the other band members are superb as well; John Locke's shimmering keyboards, Mark Andes' subsonic wall of bass, and Ed Cassidy's precision drumming. Big credit has to go to lead singer Jay Ferguson, whose phrasing is always just right with a wonderful spontaneous feel. The Marty Paich string arrangements are sublime.

The songs tackled unusual lyrical themes, like “Fresh Garbage” and “Mechanical World” while “Uncle Jack” showed some solid psych-pop instincts. And, it has long been debated if Led Zeppelin lifted the opening guitar lines of Spirit's “Taurus” for their own much more famous “Stairway to Heaven.”

This is an essential album if ever there was one, and it would prove impossible to trace any musical time line without the inclusion of Spirit, and in particular, this body of work.

“A true touchstone to the late sixties and the music of the times.”

TRACKS
Fresh-Garbage                
Uncle Jack                    
Mechanical World          
Taurus                            
Girl In Your Eye                
Straight Arrow                
Topanga Windows              
Gramophone Man              
Water Woman                    
The Great Canyon Fire In General
Elijah                            

BONUS TRACKS
Veruska                        
Free Spirit                      
If I Had a Woman            
Elijah (alternate take)  

Produced by Lou Adler
Mastered by Steve Hoffman
SACD Authoring by Stephen Marsh at Marsh Mastering

For more information: www.audiofidelity.net



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

3/31/2017

Dean Friedman Embarking On UK Tour


American recording artist, Dean Friedman, best known to UK & Ireland audiences for his classic hits, ‘Lucky Stars’, ‘Lydia’, ‘McDonald’s Girl’, ‘Ariel’, and ‘Woman of Mine’, embarks on a 40+ city concert tour, running 20th April thru 20th August, 2017, and featuring appearances at the Brighton Fringe Festival (6th May), Great York Fringe Festival (22nd July), Edinburgh Fringe Festival (10 thru 21 Aug – not 14,15) and including a 2-night run at The Pheasantry [Pizza Express], London (26, 27 May).

            Friedman’s tour coincides with the release of a brand new fan-funded album – his first new album release in seven years. Says Friedman of the, as yet, untitled album, “I’ve always tried to paint pictures in my songs, with words and music. Recording in a studio, turning the songs into an album, allows me to add color and shade and texture to those sonic portraits and aural landscapes. The new album, currently in production, has a projected release date of 15th July, 2017.

            Tickets to all of Friedman’s tour dates, as well as his CD and book catalog, can be purchased direct via www.DeanFriedman.com .
                                                                                                  
            Friedman’s recent tours continue to garner rave reviews: “Every song in this show is a classic.” (London Theatre Guide), Songsmith Extraordinaire” – (Music Week), “Stunning Musicianship” (HotPress) , “Dean Friedman is entirely unique and utterly brilliant!” – (ThreeWeeks)… are just a few of the superlatives used to describe his unique and original talent.

            In addition to his familiar radio hits, album releases and touring, Friedman composes and produces music soundtracks for TV and film, including the music to the hit Central TV series BOON and NBC’s Eerie Indiana. He’s also published a respected tome on the art and craft of songwriting titled, ‘The Songwriter’s Handbook’ (The Artists League), based on the ‘Songwriting Workshops’ and ‘Songwriting Masterclasses’ he’s conducted at universities and music conservatories around the world, including L.I.P.A. (The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts).

            This year marks Friedman’s 14th appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where in addition to his regular concert runs, he’s written and produced several hit children’s musicals, including ‘Smelly Feet’ – a children’s musical that really stinks! This summer, Friedman will premier a new kids musical titled, ‘The Legend of Finn McCool’ – a silly tall tale of giant proportions. The show is based on a beloved Irish folk-tale about Ireland’s mightiest giant, Finn McCool, and tells the story of how the Giant’s Causeway came to be built.
Friedman has faced his share of controversy in recent years: The Merseyside band, Half Man Half Biscuit released a best-selling EP containing a track entitled, ‘The Bastard Son of Dean Friedman’, which went to #1 on the UK Indie chart; a claim which Friedman vehemently denies, ‘I’ve never even met Nigel Blackwell’s mum!’. Friedman extracts his revenge on his recent CD, ‘Submarine Races’, in the song, 'A Baker's Tale', the hitherto untold story of Nigel Blackwell's dubious origins. 
Though Friedman's single, ‘McDonald's Girl’, was officially banned by the BBC for mentioning the name of the well known fast food restaurant in its chorus, the irrepressible pop song has been covered by a number of contemporary bands including top-selling, Canadian group, Barenaked Ladies (WEA), and The Blenders (Universal), whose version soared to #1 on the national airplay charts in Norway. With the advent of YouTube, video versions have gone viral and finally, thirty five years after the song was banned by the BBC, the McDonald’s corporation officially licensed the song for a national TV/Radio campaign, confirming the song as a pure pop phenomenon.
One of Friedman's recent tours was almost cancelled when it was announced that his tour sponsor www.goldenseeds.co.uk would distribute packets of cannabis seeds to the first ten people that purchased CD's at each of Friedman's gigs. The controversy was only resolved after Friedman promised not to distribute the seeds within 50 yards of the venue premises. (click to see Songwriter's Cannabis Controversy).
Friedman will be performing solo, on guitar and keyboards, featuring songs from throughout his 40 year recording career, including familiar radio hits, ‘Lucky Stars’, ‘Lydia’, ‘McDonald’s Girl’, ‘Ariel’ and ‘Woman of Mine’, as well as selections from his newest album. Discover what legions of devoted fans have known for years - the sophisticated, funny and profound work of a master songsmith.

  ………………………………………………………………………..


See Dean Friedman’s full Tour Itinerary at www.deanfriedman.com Embed Video

3/24/2017

The Doors Guitar Legend Robby Krieger To Play Select US Dates


The Doors guitar legend Robby Krieger will be playing select US dates beginning in April! A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (with The Doors), Krieger wrote or co-wrote many of the Doors' songs, including the hits “Light My Fire”, “Love Me Two Times”, “Touch Me”, and “Love Her Madly”. After the Doors disbanded, Krieger continued his performing and recording career with other musicians including former Doors band mates John Densmore and Ray Manzarek. Robby is listed by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest guitarists of all time!

Tour dates:

April 7, 2017 - Pasadena, CA - The Rose
April 8, 2017 - Ojai, CA - Ojai Libbey Bowl
April 16, 2017 - New York, NY - City Winery New York
April 19, 2017 - Shirley, MA - Bull Run
April 21, 2017 - Greensburg, PA - Palace Theatre
April 22, 2017 - Newton, NJ - Newton Theatre
April 23, 2017 - Ardmore, PA - Ardmore Music Hall
May 5, 2017 - Grand Rapids, MI - 20 Monroe Live
May 6, 2017 - Detroit, MI - The Filmore Detroit
May 7, 2017 - Indianapolis, IN - Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
May 27, 2017 - Simi Valley, CA - Rancho Santa Susana Community

Robert Alan Krieger, born January 8, 1946, in Los Angeles, is a musical performer and The Doors guitarist. He attended UCLA. “The first music I heard that I liked was Peter and the Wolf. I accidentally sat and broke the record (I was about seven). Then I listened to rock ‘n’ roll – I listened to the radio a lot – Fats Domino, Elvis, The Platters.

“There was lots of classical music in my house. My father liked march music. There was a piano at home. I studied trumpet at ten, but nothing came of it. Then I started playing blues on the piano? no lessons though. When I was fifteen, I started playing guitar. I used my friend’s guitar. I didn’t get my own until I was sixteen. It was a Mexican flamenco guitar. I took flamenco lessons for a few months. I switched around from folk to flamenco to blues to rock ‘n’ roll.

“Records got me into the blues. Some of the newer rock ‘n’ roll, such as the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. If it hadn’t been for Butterfield going electric, I probably wouldn’t have gone rock ‘n’ roll.

I didn’t plan on rock ‘n’ roll. I wanted to learn jazz; I got to know some people doing rock ‘n’ roll with jazz, and I thought I could make money playing music. In rock ‘n’ roll you can realize anything that you can in jazz or anything. There’s no limitation other than the beat. You have more freedom than you do in anything except jazz.

“In The Doors we have both musicians and poets, and both know of each other’s art, so we can effect a synthesis. In the case of Tim Buckley or Dylan you have one man’s ideas. Most groups today aren’t groups. In a true group all the members create the arrangements among themselves.”

For more info: http://robbykrieger.com/

Robby Krieger - In Session:
Buy the CD here:
https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/robby-krieger-in-sessions-cd/
Buy the digital version here:
https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/in-session/id1194804130?app=itunes&at=1000lt9k

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

(photo by Jill Jarrett)

3/15/2017

Classic Rock Icons BLUES IMAGE Featuring MIKE PINERA Prove That The Best Songs Are TIMELESS!


Los Angeles, CA - In 1970, Tampa-based rockers Blues Image took audiences on the trip of a lifetime with their smash hit single “Ride Captain Ride” - a song that continues to embed itself in pop culture consciousness, showing up as recently as 2004 in the hilarious Will Ferrell comedy Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy. Vocalist/guitarist Mike Pinera founded Blues Image in the late ‘60s and quickly turned the band into a powerhouse collective with a reputation for stunning musicianship and, of course, exquisite songwriting. Pinera left the group briefly to front the mighty Iron Butterfly, but he’s kept the Blues Image fire burning bright for over 5 decades! Now, a remarkable new collection, Timeless, that honors the songs of the past as well as brand new material will be released on CD this March 31 courtesy of Purple Pyramid Records.

Timeless showcases both Pinera’s past accomplishments with fantastic new renditions of “Ride Captain Ride” and Iron Butterfly’s “In A Gadda Da Vida” as well as his present skills as a songwriter on such tunes as “Love Is The Answer,” “Pay My Dues” and more! With guest appearances by blues rock legend Pat Travers and Journey’s Jonathan Cain, Timeless is sure to be a hit among fans of Blues Image and classic 70s rock!

Track List:
1. Ride Captain Ride
2. In A Gadda Da Vida
3. Fantasy Of Love
4. Come Back
5. Love Is The Answer
6. Touch My Heart
7. Pay My Dues
8. In The Garden Of Eden
9. Leaving My Troubles Behind
10. Butterfly Bleu
11. Isla
12. Something To Say

Buy the CD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/blues-image-feat-mike-pinera-timeless-cd/

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

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Follow PURPLE PYRAMID  @ 
Facebook  |  Instagram  | Twitter | Youtube | Purple Pyramid Store 
Facebook @PurplePyramidRecords
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePyramidRecords/
Instagram @Purple.pyramid
https://www.instagram.com/purple.pyramid/
Twitter @PurplePyramid1
https://twitter.com/PurplePyramid1
Youtube @ Purple Pyramid
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwiCec6bS6mX3c7dpitfYRQ
Purple Pyramid Store @
https://cleorecs.com/store/product-category/record-label/purple-pyramid/

12/15/2016

New Book By Douglas Harr “Rockin' The City of Angels” Feat. Stunning Images & Memorabilia of Led Zeppelin, Queen, David Bowie, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, The Who, Yes and Others!


Celebrates incredible performances by Led Zeppelin, Queen, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Genesis, Heart, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, The Who, Yes!

London - Concert culture in Los Angeles, the City of Angels, in the 1970s had all the lush opulence of theater, the virtuosic chops of a classical performance, and the edge-of-your-seat excitement of rock n’ roll. First-time author, and lifelong music fanatic, Douglas Harr’s Rockin’ The City Of Angels: Celebrating the Great Rock Shows of the 1970s In Concert, On Record and On Film brings to life all the classic majesty in real time. This collection of over 500 stunning images is carefully culled from the premiere practitioners of fine art photography, covering a refreshingly broad cross section of 1970s iconic artists.

“The 1970s were a time when rock bands made expansive concept records with sweeping themes,” recalls author Douglas Harr. “Rock albums back then promised ‘theater of the mind,’ and their creators were inspired to mount elaborate stage shows that brought these dreams to life. I caught many of these concerts in Los Angeles. They were almost religion to me and masses of fellow concert-goers.”

RTCOA celebrates more than thirty incredible performances, including key tours by bands such as Led Zeppelin, Queen, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Genesis, Heart, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, The Who and Yes. These myth-making moments are presented here by a hand-picked collection of brilliant images by the best photojournalists of that time, including Richard E. Aaron, Jorgen Angel, Fin Costello, Armando Gallo, Neal Preston, Jim Summaria, Lisa Tanner and Neil Zlowzower among many others. “I spent 2 years in basements, agencies, and sometimes bands' homes, combing through hundreds of slides to find the best concert photos from that time, now so long ago,” Harr shares. In addition, RTCOA includes written commentary reflecting on these legendary concerts with reviews of the best concert video documents filmed during the era.

This 396-page book is thoughtfully divided into three sections. “Rock Gods & Entertainers” features bands like The Who, Stones, Zep, Tull, Bowie, Queen, and AC/DC. “Shamans, Storytellers, and Mellow Rockers” explores the concerts of Genesis, Yes, Cat Stevens, Eagles, Heart, Supertramp, Kansas, and more. Lastly, “Virtuosos & Classic Rockers” brings to life performances by ELP, King Crimson, ELO, Dixie Dregs, Kate Bush and many of their peers. This is the perfect gift for those who were there—or wish they were there—for that magical time.

Harr is a staff writer for Gonzo Weekly magazine, part of the Gonzo Multimedia label in England. In addition, he has contributed articles and photographs to Expose Magazine and Something Else Reviews in the U.S. His writings and photos are also captured in his weekly blog at diegospadeproductions.com. He is an aficionado of progressive and classic rock music from the early 1970’s and a frequent concert patron who has attended more than 400 shows during his lifetime. He was classically trained on the piano for seven years before transitioning to college and full-time “music patron” status. Besides music publications, Harr’s written work is also featured in technology books, including CIO Perspectives and Data Insights: New Ways to Visualize and Make Sense of Data, and in his blog on music and technology Alternative IT. All this has been a part of a 30-plus year career as a technology executive and patron of the rock ‘n’ roll arts.

This coffee-table book is nearly the size of an LP album cover, 396 pages, over 500 images, written by Douglas Harr, designed by Tilman Reitzle. Foreword by Armando Gallo.

Customers pre-ordering before December 20 will receive a signed commemorative postcard which can be used as a gift, just in time for the season.

Release Date: 13th January 2017

For more information: http://www.gonzomultimedia.com/search/product_details/16002/Douglas_Harr-Rockin%27_The_City_of_Angels.html

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

New Book By Douglas Harr “Rockin' The City of Angels” Feat. Stunning Images & Memorabilia of Led Zeppelin, Queen, David Bowie, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, The Who, Yes and Others!


Celebrates incredible performances by Led Zeppelin, Queen, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Genesis, Heart, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, The Who, Yes!

London - Concert culture in Los Angeles, the City of Angels, in the 1970s had all the lush opulence of theater, the virtuosic chops of a classical performance, and the edge-of-your-seat excitement of rock n’ roll. First-time author, and lifelong music fanatic, Douglas Harr’s Rockin’ The City Of Angels: Celebrating the Great Rock Shows of the 1970s In Concert, On Record and On Film brings to life all the classic majesty in real time. This collection of over 500 stunning images is carefully culled from the premiere practitioners of fine art photography, covering a refreshingly broad cross section of 1970s iconic artists.

“The 1970s were a time when rock bands made expansive concept records with sweeping themes,” recalls author Douglas Harr. “Rock albums back then promised ‘theater of the mind,’ and their creators were inspired to mount elaborate stage shows that brought these dreams to life. I caught many of these concerts in Los Angeles. They were almost religion to me and masses of fellow concert-goers.”

RTCOA celebrates more than thirty incredible performances, including key tours by bands such as Led Zeppelin, Queen, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Genesis, Heart, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, The Who and Yes. These myth-making moments are presented here by a hand-picked collection of brilliant images by the best photojournalists of that time, including Richard E. Aaron, Jorgen Angel, Fin Costello, Armando Gallo, Neal Preston, Jim Summaria, Lisa Tanner and Neil Zlowzower among many others. “I spent 2 years in basements, agencies, and sometimes bands' homes, combing through hundreds of slides to find the best concert photos from that time, now so long ago,” Harr shares. In addition, RTCOA includes written commentary reflecting on these legendary concerts with reviews of the best concert video documents filmed during the era.

This 396-page book is thoughtfully divided into three sections. “Rock Gods & Entertainers” features bands like The Who, Stones, Zep, Tull, Bowie, Queen, and AC/DC. “Shamans, Storytellers, and Mellow Rockers” explores the concerts of Genesis, Yes, Cat Stevens, Eagles, Heart, Supertramp, Kansas, and more. Lastly, “Virtuosos & Classic Rockers” brings to life performances by ELP, King Crimson, ELO, Dixie Dregs, Kate Bush and many of their peers. This is the perfect gift for those who were there—or wish they were there—for that magical time.

Harr is a staff writer for Gonzo Weekly magazine, part of the Gonzo Multimedia label in England. In addition, he has contributed articles and photographs to Expose Magazine and Something Else Reviews in the U.S. His writings and photos are also captured in his weekly blog at diegospadeproductions.com. He is an aficionado of progressive and classic rock music from the early 1970’s and a frequent concert patron who has attended more than 400 shows during his lifetime. He was classically trained on the piano for seven years before transitioning to college and full-time “music patron” status. Besides music publications, Harr’s written work is also featured in technology books, including CIO Perspectives and Data Insights: New Ways to Visualize and Make Sense of Data, and in his blog on music and technology Alternative IT. All this has been a part of a 30-plus year career as a technology executive and patron of the rock ‘n’ roll arts.

This coffee-table book is nearly the size of an LP album cover, 396 pages, over 500 images, written by Douglas Harr, designed by Tilman Reitzle. Foreword by Armando Gallo.

Customers pre-ordering before December 20 will receive a signed commemorative postcard which can be used as a gift, just in time for the season.

Release Date: 13th January 2017

For more information: http://www.gonzomultimedia.com/search/product_details/16002/Douglas_Harr-Rockin%27_The_City_of_Angels.html

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

11/23/2016

Mott The Hoople Legend Ian Hunter Releases 30-Disc Anthology Box Set Stranded in Reality


Featuring rare and previously unreleased recordings and film!

London, UK - The career of the British rock great and Mott the Hoople icon Ian Hunter is celebrated with this 30-disc Anthology box set, Stranded in Reality, containing a swathe of rare and previously unreleased recordings and film. Compiled and curated by Ian and recognised Hunter-Mott biographer Campbell Devine, the project is the ultimate celebration of the artist’s hugely influential and sparkling solo work. Covering the years 1975 to 2015, Stranded in Reality comprises 17 original albums on 19 CDs, 9 “new” discs of intriguing rare and unreleased tracks plus 2DVDs.

All of Ian’s classic solo albums are contained in the box set including expanded Anniversary Editions of Ian HunterAll-American Alien BoyYou’re Never Alone with a Schizophrenic and Welcome to the Club, plus special unique bonus track discs of Short Back n’ SidesAll of The Good Ones Are TakenThe Artful DodgerStrings AttachedShrunken Heads and When I’m President.

The new albums are titled Tilting the Mirror (Rarities 2CD), If You Wait Long Enough for Anything, You Can Get it on Sale (Live 1979-81 2CD), Bag of Tricks (Live Volumes 1, 2 and 3), Acoustic Shadows and Experiments. The box presents many unheard and “lost” songs from Ian’s archive including ‘San Diego Freeway’, ‘Nobody’s Perfect’ and ‘Salvation’ as well as rarely performed live versions of ‘Wild East’, ‘While You Were Looking At Me’, ‘The Outsider’ and a 2008 acoustic concert.

A visual 2 disc set, It Never Happened, features promo, live and archive material, and most of the footage has not been issued commercially on DVD until now. The project includes a complete 1979 Hunter Ronson concert from London’s Hammersmith Odeon and a TV film from the same tour, live in Toronto. Collectively, the albums and DVD’s offer music fans a rock ‘n’ roll jackpot of over 400 tracks!

Lavishly presented in an LP-size deluxe box with custom Escher-style cover, the collection also contains an 88-page hardback book with comprehensive essay, rare memorabilia and Ian Hunter “Track by Track” for every song, a stunning facsimile Shades newspaper featuring classic historic press features, an Alien Boy lithograph personally signed by Ian and original and brand new album artwork in replica card sleeves.

Stranded in Reality is a strictly limited edition of 2,500 units for sale to worldwide customers through www.propermusic.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-50-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Mott The Hoople Legend Ian Hunter Releases 30-Disc Anthology Box Set Stranded in Reality


Featuring rare and previously unreleased recordings and film!

London, UK - The career of the British rock great and Mott the Hoople icon Ian Hunter is celebrated with this 30-disc Anthology box set, Stranded in Reality, containing a swathe of rare and previously unreleased recordings and film. Compiled and curated by Ian and recognised Hunter-Mott biographer Campbell Devine, the project is the ultimate celebration of the artist’s hugely influential and sparkling solo work. Covering the years 1975 to 2015, Stranded in Reality comprises 17 original albums on 19 CDs, 9 “new” discs of intriguing rare and unreleased tracks plus 2DVDs.

All of Ian’s classic solo albums are contained in the box set including expanded Anniversary Editions of Ian HunterAll-American Alien BoyYou’re Never Alone with a Schizophrenic and Welcome to the Club, plus special unique bonus track discs of Short Back n’ SidesAll of The Good Ones Are TakenThe Artful DodgerStrings AttachedShrunken Heads and When I’m President.

The new albums are titled Tilting the Mirror (Rarities 2CD), If You Wait Long Enough for Anything, You Can Get it on Sale (Live 1979-81 2CD), Bag of Tricks (Live Volumes 1, 2 and 3), Acoustic Shadows and Experiments. The box presents many unheard and “lost” songs from Ian’s archive including ‘San Diego Freeway’, ‘Nobody’s Perfect’ and ‘Salvation’ as well as rarely performed live versions of ‘Wild East’, ‘While You Were Looking At Me’, ‘The Outsider’ and a 2008 acoustic concert.

A visual 2 disc set, It Never Happened, features promo, live and archive material, and most of the footage has not been issued commercially on DVD until now. The project includes a complete 1979 Hunter Ronson concert from London’s Hammersmith Odeon and a TV film from the same tour, live in Toronto. Collectively, the albums and DVD’s offer music fans a rock ‘n’ roll jackpot of over 400 tracks!

Lavishly presented in an LP-size deluxe box with custom Escher-style cover, the collection also contains an 88-page hardback book with comprehensive essay, rare memorabilia and Ian Hunter “Track by Track” for every song, a stunning facsimile Shades newspaper featuring classic historic press features, an Alien Boy lithograph personally signed by Ian and original and brand new album artwork in replica card sleeves.

Stranded in Reality is a strictly limited edition of 2,500 units for sale to worldwide customers through www.propermusic.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-50-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

9/11/2016

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.


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

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)
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 (NeYo 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
Founder Of:
September 11, 2016