MuzikMan's Reviews And News: Guitar

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4/14/2018

Music Legend SHUGGIE OTIS Lets His Guitar Take Center Stage On A New Fusion Rock Album INTER-FUSION!

Features drummer Carmine Appice & bassist Tony Franklin!

Los Angeles, CA - Though most known for his soulful songwriting and gentle croon as heard on blockbuster hits such as “Strawberry Letter 23” and “Inspiration Information,” Shuggie Otis has long been held as one of the most innovative and tasteful guitarists to ever pick up the 6-strings, the “heir to Hendrix” as he is often called. A guitar-playing prodigy from an early age, Shuggie performed on stage and in the studio alongside his legendary father, bluesman Johnny Otis. Now, Shuggie has a new project that showcases just how mindblowing he can be on the pearly frets of his gorgeous maroon Gibson SG, an adventurous new fusion rock project called Inter-Fusion. The album consists of mostly instrumental tracks that groove and weave, taking unexpected turns in surprising directions but all anchored by one of the finest rhythm sections imaginable featuring drummer Carmine Appice (of Vanilla Fudge and Beck, Bogert & Appice) and bass player Tony Franklin (of The Firm and Roy Harper). In addition, keyboardist Kyle Hamood (of local L.A. rockers Them Guns) steps in as both a musician and producer of the album bringing the absolute best performances possible out of each player.

Reflecting on the recording process, Appice enthuses “This was one of the wildest sessions I’ve ever done in my career!” while Franklin had high praise for Otis, saying “Shuggie loved to jam, and was very open to everyone's input. He was not afraid to experiment and try new directions and sounds. I think the music sounds very fresh and alive.” Additionally, Hamood summed up his thoughts on this unique experience saying “Watching the songs come together over such a short period of time, and the diversity that each band member brought to the overall sound and vibe was truly magical. It was an honor to work and create with such a talented group of musicians.”

In a behind-the-scenes promotional video, shot by director Vicente Cordero, Shuggie likewise gushes over the project and his fellow collaborators saying in conversation with Cleopatra owner Brian Perera, “Wow! Did you know it was going to be this good? I know how good it is because I’m in the group. But you’ve seen a little bit of it, and I think you know, you feel the excitement, you hear how good these guys are. And they’re really serious, not just some jive cats!”

Check out the full video here: https://youtu.be/yXFg8zlXqHI

Inter-Fusion will be available April 20th on both CD, vinyl and on all digital platforms.

Track List:
1. Aphelion
2. Get A Grip
3. Ice Cold Daydream
4. Interlude
5. Woman
6. Sweet Surrender
7. Clear Power
8. V8

Buy the CD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/shuggie-otis-inter-fusion-cd/
Buy the digital: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/inter-fusion/1362748941?app=itunes&at=1000lt9k

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
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Music Legend SHUGGIE OTIS Lets His Guitar Take Center Stage On A New Fusion Rock Album INTER-FUSION!

Features drummer Carmine Appice & bassist Tony Franklin!

3/29/2018

A Masterful Collection Of Guitar Playing Virtuosos Put Together By Emmy Award-Winning Producer Brian Tarquin Set For Release March 23!

Features performances by the late Allan Holdsworth & Larry Coryell plus Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Stanley Clarke, Zakk Wylde, and more!

Los Angeles, CA - If you haven’t yet got your fill of six-string slinging, tour de force performances, then we have the collection for you! From multi-Emmy award-winning composer/producer Brian Tarquin comes Guitar Masters Collection, an extraordinary compilation of hard-to-find rarities, including tracks from the late great Allan Holdsworth, plus a rare, unheard recording by the recently departed guitar icon Larry Coryell. The album also contains cover songs “Hair” by Joe Satriani & Stanley Clarke and “I Wish” featuring former Ozzy axeman Zakk Wylde as well as Steve Vai, Chris Poland (of Megadeth), Leslie West & Hal Lindes (of Dire Straits) alongside bass masters Randy Coven and Billy Sheehan.

Guitar Player magazine editor & chief, Mike Molenda, who wrote the liner notes for this collection, states “For fearless explorers of the musical unknown, a perfect compilation of artistry is a collection of performances that pummels your unsuspecting little ass with shock waves of awe and wonder. Rather than document the obvious - or sate the expectations of the casual enthusiast - every track challenges, puzzles, thrills, inspires, and, ultimately, delights the listener.”

Don’t miss this fantastic album, available on CD and digital from Purple Pyramid Records!

“The players here, both known and unknown, are staggeringly skilled, and the tunes are new and vibrant. Brian Tarquin serves up some crunchy rock with some burning wah work. Each cut has something new and adventurous to add to our listening experience. Guitarists should be in heaven with this one, as it is definitely good to the last drop.” - Vintage Guitar Magazine

“Brian is a very good guitar player and engineer, the “Godfather of Fusion” gives him an A plus! The song that I played on, Tocar Modera, is a beautiful piece of music.” - Larry Coryell

“The hottest gun slingers around today, all adding up to an exquisite journey fueled by steel and wood...” - Hal Lindes (Dire Straits)

“Tarquin is a great producer...the tunes and performances are first rate.” - Progression Magazine

Track List:
1. Allan Holdsworth & David Hines - Skippy
2. Larry Coryell & Brian Tarquin - Tocar Modera
3. Steve Vai & Randy Coven - Funk Me Tender
4. Zakk Wylde & Randy Coven - I Wish
5. Stanley Clarke & Joe Satriani - Hair
6. Chris Poland & Brian Tarquin - Tarquinius Maximus
7. Leslie West & Randy Coven - Mother Load
8. Hal Lindes - Ricarda
9. Allan Holdsworth & David Hines - Antilla
10. Billy Sheehan, Doug Doppler & Brian Tarquin - Blue Wind

Buy the CD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/guitar-masters-collection-cd/
Buy the digital: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/guitar-masters-collection/1354782381?app=itunes&at=1000lt9k

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

PURPLE PYRAMID RECORDS, a division of CLEOPATRA RECORDS, INC.
Facebook @PurplePyramidRecords
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePyramidRecords/
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https://twitter.com/PurplePyramid1
Youtube @ Purple Pyramid
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Purple Pyramid Store @
https://cleorecs.com/store/product-category/record-label/purple-pyramid/

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

A Masterful Collection Of Guitar Playing Virtuosos Put Together By Emmy Award-Winning Producer Brian Tarquin Set For Release March 23!

Features performances by the late Allan Holdsworth & Larry Coryell plus Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Stanley Clarke, Zakk Wylde, and more!

3/23/2018

Alice Cooper Group Guitarist/Songwriter Michael Bruce's "No More Mr. Nice Guy" Biography Revised!

Limited edition signed by Michael Bruce available!

London - Much to the excitement of Alice Cooper group fans worldwide, Gonzo Multimedia will be releasing Michael Bruce's critically acclaimed biography “No More Mr. Nice Guy” revised! Also available is a limited edition signed by Michael Bruce.

Written by Alice Cooper group guitarist, keyboard player and main songwriter Michael Bruce, “No More Mr. Nice Guy” is an anthology of the band that encapsulated the decadent spirit of the 1970s. Following the group on their journey from Arizona garage band to eventual rise to stardom, it reveals the truth behind the drinking and the rock 'n' roll. This “true life” story includes the hangings, the executions, the ghoulish makeup, the egos and of course, the rock 'n' roll. Revised and updated it includes previously unseen photographs and memorabilia.

“Its not often we get a chance to redo, remake or in this case re-release a book.....my book. It is with much thought, great enjoyment, many thanks and heartfelt appreciation for family, friends and fans that I present the re-release of 'No More Mr Nice Guy.' A compilation of hilarious rock 'n' roll stories and life events that made me the man I am today.” - Michael Bruce

This release comes on the heels of the recent highly publicized Alice Cooper group reunion concerts in the UK!

To order: https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/michael-bruce-no-more-mr-nice-guy

Michael Bruce FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/michael.bruce.7106

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

3/21/2018

Music Legend & Virtuoso Guitarist Shawn Phillips Releases His Most Daring, Socially Conscious Album Yet with Continuance - Out Now on Tunecore Distribution

The record features the last work by Phillips' longtime friend and collaborator, composer Paul Buckmaster

(Los Angeles, March 22, 2018) Shawn Phillips, one of music’s most daring, influential and enigmatic figures, has an announced the release of his new album, Continuance, via Tunecore Distribution. The record – Phillips' 26th solo effort – sees the genre-bending singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist, who was once described by Bill Graham as “the best-kept secret in the music business,” mixing hard rock, blues, funk, jazz, classical and New Age into an enthralling, singular style of expression.

“I didn't set out to create this album for people who want some background music while they're having dinner,” says Phillips. “And it's not something to be sampled piecemeal. I wanted to make a complete experience, a record that takes you on a journey both musically and lyrically. That's all I've ever done.”

The aptly named Continuance extends Phillips' commitment to making ambitious, introspective yet socially conscious music. Just as he did on the psychedelic staple “Season of the Witch,” which he co-authored with Donovan in 1966, Phillips weaves evocative imagery with indelible melodies and progressive arrangements, resulting in music that is by turns angry and uplifting, soothing and unsettling. “I came up at a time when you tried to write songs that mattered,” Phillips states. “Lyrically and musically, you challenge yourself and your audience. I always felt an obligation to never play it safe, and I'm certainly not going to stop now.”

Phillips brought that same sense of adventure into Rose Lane Studios in Carpenteria, California, where he recorded his new songs with a group of musicians (Lady Gaga's Brockett Parsons, Keyboards; Anthony Crawford, Bass; Sebastian Persini, Drums; Danny Janklow, Saxophone; Josh Seguin, lead Guitar and Jonathan McCuen, Guitar on “C'Mon Round) he had never met before. “My co-producer, Sjoerd Koppert, recommended the players, and I put my faith in him,” Phillips explains. “I came in, told them there wasn't any music on paper, that I would not tell them what to play, played them the music, and off we went. Apart from a basic structure, It was free-form. I didn't know what to expect, but a minute into the first tune, 'Man With a Gun,' I said, 'All right. This is gonna work!'”

On that hard-edged track, the musicians explode fiercely and intuitively, and Phillips makes no apologies for the song's on-target and timely lyrics. “What's happening in the world and with this administration disgusts me,” he says. “I think we have the singular most unqualified, incompetent individual ever to grace the Oval Office right now. I grew up with guns, but to see what people are doing to sell weapons, profiting on people's pain, it appalls me. An untrained citizen doesn't need an AR-15.”

Similarly, he casts a discerning eye at the current administration and widens his net to include all of the world's oligarchs on the funky, jam-like “Furious Desperation,” which includes a soundbite from a speech by Vermont senator and 2016 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. “The title is a reference to Ralph Waldo Emerson's 'Quiet Desperation,'” Phillips explains. “That was then, this is now. The majority of the world is trying to survive, and you have people in power who are deliberately making it difficult.”

But Phillips dials down the righteous vitriol on the absorbing and transporting opening cut “Life,” which is propelled by one of the guitarist's most elegant acoustic guitar figures. His six-string phrasing is superlative on the hypnotic instrumental “Tribute to D,” written in honor of fellow guitar icon, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour. “I met David through my friend Bob Ezrin,” Phillips recalls. “I thought he was a kind, intelligent soul. I was in South Africa when I wrote the song, and I thought the melodies sounded very Gilmour, so it’s my tribute to him.”

Several of the tracks are graced by thrilling orchestral arrangements by legendary conductor and composer Paul Buckmaster, whom Phillips worked with and called his closest friend for over five decades. These cuts represent the last works by Buckmaster, who passed away in November 2017. “I talked to Paul by Skype the day before he died,” Phillips remembers. “It's so sad that he's gone, and it's an absolute honor to have him on this record.”

In the early '60s he played a coffee house in Saskatoon Saskatchewan where a young woman who was a waitress there, asked him to teach her some guitar. He did so for some 2 weeks. Her name was Joni Mitchell. Then, while playing in Toronto, he met Ravi Shankar after attending his concert and Shankar graciously gave him his first lesson right there and then. Arriving in England in the mid-'60s, the Texas-born Phillips had a way of pulling people into his musical orbit. A master on six- and 12-string guitars, having learned sitar from Ravi Shankar and, in turn, gave George Harrison his first lessons on the instrument. Donovan called upon his songwriting services, and Paul McCartney asked him to sing backup on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. While in England, he also recorded with Traffic members Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi. “It's all history now,” says Phillips, “but at the time, we were just musicians hanging out and having fun. We really didn't think about the importance of what we were doing.”

In the ensuing decades, Phillips released a string of rapturously received records – his four-album run between 1970 and 1972 along contains the classics Contribution, Second Contribution, Collaboration and Faces – and has seen his work compiled on not one, but two “best of” collections. While continuing to record and tour, he's made his home in Italy and South Africa before moving to Louisville, Kentucky with his wife Juliette and 12 year old son Liam in 2016.

“More than anything, I just want to open people's minds and appeal to the better nature in everyone,” says Phillips, who cites “In Grace We Intend,” the graceful tone poem that comprises the 9th track on Continuance, as a summation of that message. “I showed the lyrics to Jay Naidoo, who was Nelson Mandela's closest advisor from the day he stepped out of prison to the end of his presidency in South Africa. He told me, 'I spent three years writing a book, and you just said it all on one page.' As an artist, you feel pretty special when you hear something like that from such an extraordinary humanist.”

Continuance can be streamed on Spotify and is available for purchase on iTunes and on Phillips' website. In June, Phillips will tour Canada and he's planning dates in the U.S. for mid-summer.

To purchase Shawn Phillips Continuance: http://www.shawnphillips.com/buyContinuance.htm

Shawn Phillips official website: http://www.shawnphillips.com/

For Press inquiries:

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

Nichole Peters
Jensen Communications
nichole@jensencom.com
626-585-9575

Music Legend & Virtuoso Guitarist Shawn Phillips Releases His Most Daring, Socially Conscious Album Yet with Continuance - Out Now on Tunecore Distribution

The record features the last work by Phillips' longtime friend and collaborator, composer Paul Buckmaster

3/12/2018

YES Guitar Legend Peter Banks's Anthology Be Well, Be Safe, Be Lucky... 2CD & The Self-Contained Trilogy 3CD – OUT NOW!

YES and Flash guitar legend Peter Banks's Be Well, Be Safe, Be Lucky...The Anthology 2CD & The Self-Contained Trilogy 3CD are now available!

PETER BANKS: BE WELL, BE SAFE, BE LUCKY… THE ANTHOLOGY

Peter Banks was one of the original members of YES and an accomplished guitarist, but sadly passed away in 2013. Be Well, Be Safe, Be Lucky...The Anthology is the FIRST EVER compilation of his solo career.

This set is being released in his memory, by his Estate via Cherry Red worldwide, during the 5th anniversary of his passing and the 50th Anniversary of YES. The 2CD set includes “Knights (Reprise)” which features Phil Collins, Steve Hackett and the late John Wetton. Also included is the first release of the short instrumental “Knights (Revisited)” which features Billy Sherwood, Jay Schellen and Tony Kaye of YES.

The second disc features numerous rarities, (including two previously unreleased extended tracks) collected together from 7 different compilations… a “catch all” of Peter Banks tracks that fans may not have heard before. The second disc includes the astonishing guitar led instrumental re-record of YES’s “Astral Traveller.”

The booklet features an original poem by Bill Ward of Black Sabbath, included with kind permission. The set also features new artwork and the audio has received a 2018 remaster.

To purchase NOW from Amazon: http://geni.us/PBME3
Also available on the Cleopatra Records US webstore from 13th April: http://geni.us/CleoPB

PETER BANKS: THE SELF-CONTAINED TRILOGY 3CD

The Self-Contained Trilogy 3CD set includes all three of Peter Banks’s solo studio albums from the 1990's in one place: Instinct (1994), Self-Contained (1995) and Reduction (1997)

The booklet features the original album artwork, liner notes and credits. The set also features new artwork and the audio has received a 2018 remaster.

To purchase NOW from Amazon: http://geni.us/PBME2

Remembering Peter Banks Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/Remembering-Peter-Banks-165355266955155/

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

YES Guitar Legend Peter Banks's Anthology Be Well, Be Safe, Be Lucky... 2CD & The Self-Contained Trilogy 3CD – OUT NOW!

3/02/2018

Guitar Virtuoso Marcelo Paganini Releases New EP Feat. Pink Floyd's Durga McBroom & Jazz Legend Deodato

The Great Gig Beyond 2001 - Paganini, McBroom, Deodato, Husband, Madore Prog Odyssey

On July 2016 French-Brazilian guitar virtuoso Marcelo Paganini had a “what if” moment and asked common friend Fernando Perdomo to help him get in touch with Pink Floyd's singer Durga McBroom about recording some vocals on a couple of songs. The stars were aligned, Durga was touring Italy and agreed to come to Marcelo Paganini's studio in the Normandy's countryside in France for a couple of days in early August.

They recorded a 4 songs EP “B4ever now” being released digitally and on CD on CD Baby and digital platforms on March the first 2018. The songs are: “Crying with a smile”, then 2 songs with jazz legend Eumir Deodato “2001” on keys: “Last BART to San Bruno” and “B4ever now”. The last song is “2012 Space Traffic Jam”, from the critically acclaimed album of same name released in 2014, like all the other songs on this EP. The songs were all re-mixed and re-mastered. New arrangements with Durga's vocal make it a completely new musical experience. Even for those who know the 2014 versions. Prog rock jazz fusion for the digital space age, with guitar and vocals out of this world.

“Working with Marcelo Paganini was one of the most unique experiences of my career. It will make a great chapter in my autobiography. He is the quintessential mad prog rock musician - think of Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice, but instead of a magician's hat he is using a guitar to create a chaotic, mystical masterpiece.” - Durga McBroom

Joking about the song title “2012 Space Traffic Jam”, Marcelo Paganini laughs: “Looks like the UFO Space Traffic Jam is just above our heads on planet Earth, I mean... Did you see the videos on the mainstream press? Too many UFOs to hide Mode: On...” The cosmic surreal cover art featuring Marcelo Paganini, Durga McBroom and Eumir Deodato was done by French artist Raquel de Miranda.

Marcelo Paganini recorded all the guitars and most of the keyboards in all songs, Marc Madoré played bass and Gary Husband played drums. “I lived all my life to record with those wonderful musicians and specially with Durga McBroom. She have it all, her voice is pure passion and magical powers, she is simply the very best. Durga McBroom put my music in another dimension. And what a talent in front of a camera, just stunning... Miracles DO happen. Be careful about what you wish for: she came, she sang, then she left... Now I have the rest of my life to deal with it... At least I have, and now with this release we all have, the music and the films... That I hope will bring more music and films together and specially live shows. Now Durga is living in Italy. Who will be the first prog festival to book us?”

Marcelo Paganini worked night and day for months on the “Crying with a smile” experimental short film, that will go into the film festivals circuit first, before being posted on the Internet. A 43 seconds teaser is available on YouTube and Facebook. “The song was about human life and death, when I lost my grand father in 1989. Then I moved to New York City... Lots of people everywhere in the free wild 90's Times Square.... It was all about people's life and death... But it changed after a river called 'Rio Doce', died in Brazil in 2015, because of greed. Nobody talks about it. Then the film became about the survival of rivers, oceans, blood, sweat and tears, in other words, life... The small village we see in the film with the wonderful bridge, the Sarthe River and the small chappell is Saint Cenery le Gerei in France. Just a few miles away from my studio”. Another short film is on the making for the song “B4ever now”.

Marcelo Paganini met Durga McBroom for the first time on Cruise to the Edge in 2015, after winning a Facebook contest at the last minute. Written in the stars? It was a life change experience for many reasons for Marcelo Paganini, “any prog rock lovers must go at least once in their lifetimes. Especially singers and musicians... A musical prog cruise with the coolest people inside that are your next best friends... In one word: GO. Thank you Larry Morand, I wrote a song about my cruise experience that will be on my next album called 'Captain's face' for the man I never met but had such a big impact in my life and musical direction. Since the McBroom sisters will already be on board, of course I dream about being booked on the next Cruise to the Edge.”

Since the release of “2012 Space Traffic Jam” in January 2014, Marcelo Paganini toured Brazil in December 2014 to release the album there, making the musical film “First time in Rio” live. In the Fall 2017 Marcelo Paganini released the album in France at Reveillon Jazz Cafe in September. In October Marcelo Paganini made a new musical film “Live at Music Alençon” with new keyboard player Ricardo Fiuza, Marc Madoré on bass and Christophe Bras on drums. Some short videos published on Facebook already got thousands of views. More will be posted soon...

For more information:
http://marcelopaganini.zimbalam.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marcelo-Paganini/13255032254

YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/MarcelloPaganini

Link to video teaser “Crying with a smile”:
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/13255032254/videos/10154738124187255/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2kIpr9-2ls

Link to video teaser Marcelo Paganini new band “Live at Music Alençon”:
https://www.facebook.com/13255032254/videos/10154543409107255/

To purchase Marcelo Paganini's 4-song EP “B4ever now”: http://www.cdbaby.com/marcelopaganini4

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

Guitar Virtuoso Marcelo Paganini Releases New EP Feat. Pink Floyd's Durga McBroom & Jazz Legend Deodato

2/22/2018

Virtuoso Blues/Rock Guitarist Paul Nelson Announces 2018 North American Tour Dates

Paul Nelson is recognized as one of today's most talented guitarists and live performers. Nelson not only has the distinction of being the hand-picked guitar protégé, bandmate and producer to legendary rock/blues icon Johnny Winter but he has toured the world over performing and or recording alongside an endless who's who list of top artists including Eric Clapton, Slash, Billy Gibbons, Ben Harper, Robben Ford, Vince Gill, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, James Cotton, Joe Perry, Susan Tedeschi, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, John Popper, Dr. John, Larry Carlton, Leslie West, Joe Bonamassa, Sonny Landreth, Dickey Betts to Joe Walsh and more... Paul will be touring the US & Canada this winter/spring 2018.

“What else can we say about Paul Nelson except...Chops Deluxe.” - Guitar World Magazine

“An A-List guitar player...one of the most technically dazzling players around today.” - Guitar Magazine

“He's a soulful player who has chops to burn. The word 'ferocious' comes to mind, or 'take no prisoners'” - Vintage Guitar Magazine

Paul Nelson US/Canada Tour Dates

02/17/18 - Daryl's House, Pawling, NY
02/24/18 - Factory Underground, Norwalk, CT
03/09/18 - World Live Cafe, Philadelphia, PA
03/17/18 - FTC, Fairfield, CT
03/22/18 - The Slippery Noodle Indianapolis, IN
03/24/18 - Chrome Lounge, Omaha, NE
03/25/18 - Byrons Bar, Pomeroy, IA
03/28/18 - Zoo Bar, Lincoln, NE
03/30/18 - Knuckle Heads Saloon, Kansas City, MO
03/31/18 - The Third Base, Springfield, IL
04/06/18 - Cadillac Lounge, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
04/07/18 - Peters Players, Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada
04/14/18 - Chans, Woonsocket, RI
04/27/18 - Lizzie Rose Music Room, Trenton, NJ
05/04/18 - Uncle Bos, Topeka, KS
05/05/17 - Round Barn Festival, Kirksville, MO
05/06/18- Buddy Guy's Chicago, IL
05/09/18 - Paradise Inn, Gulf Breeze, FL
05/11/18 - Englewoods on Dearborn, Englewood, FL
05/12/18 - South Street Naples, FL
05/17/18 - Terrafermata, Stuart, FL
05/18/18 - The Barrel Room, Fort Myers, FL
05/19/18 - The Funky Biscuit, Boca Raton, FL
05/20/18 - Earl's Hideaway, Sebastion, FL
06/01/18 - Big Beat Dallas, Hwy 61 Stage - Irving, TX
06/02/18 - Big Beat Dallas, Hwy 61 Stage - Irving, TX
06/03/18 - Big Beat Dallas, Hwy 61 Stage - Irving, TX
08/17/18 - Madams Organ, Washington, DC

A multi-Grammy nominated artist, Paul Nelson received a Grammy award for his work performing on and producing Winter's Step Back Megaforce/Sony release, winning “Best Blues Album of the Year” and the BMA “Blues Music Award” for “Best Blues/Rock Album.” Step Back reached #16 on the Billboard top 200, staying at #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts for weeks. He is also a recipient of the Blues Foundation's KBA “Keeping The Blues Alive Award.”

Nelson and his music have reached millions with appearances on Late Night with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel Live, and via the award-winning documentaries: “Down and Dirty - The Johnny Winter Story” and “Sideman: Long Road to Glory” (feat: Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, Hubert Sumlin).

Nelson's latest project “Badass Generation,” on Sony Records, still maintains his unmistakable connection to the Blues, but it also finds the guitarist showing powerful songwriting combining his many other musical influences that his fans have come to expect, making him one of music's most respected and influential contemporary artists.

Staying at #1 on the “Hot New Releases” charts for months Nelson's latest project “Badass Generation” on Sony Records still maintains his unmistakable connection to the Blues, but it also finds the guitarist showing his many other musical dimensions fans have come expect considering him one of music's most respected and influential contemporary artists...

“Love this album - the sound and the energy. Gorgeous, searing guitar work. Like a blow torch!” - Wall Street Journal

“The Paul Nelson Band Rocks. Period.” - Goldmine Magazine

Paul Nelson and Warren Haynes at the Great South Bay Music Festival on Long Island:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpMET3fmaHA&feature=share

Official website: www.paulnelsonguitar.com
Official FB: www.facebook.com/pages/Paul-Nelson/221214511250923

To purchase Paul Nelson's “Badass Generation”: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/baddass-generation/id1082870890

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

1/08/2018

Innovative Guitarist Jon Durant Releases Solo Guitar Album "Parting Is"

Boston, MA - Following three acclaimed CDs with his group Burnt Belief, Jon Durant has returned with his first solo album since 2011's “Dance of the Shadow Planets.” Unlike his previous solo albums, however, “Parting Is” is a completely solo guitar album.

A deeply emotional and personal record, “Parting Is” takes the idea of a solo guitar album and transforms it into a stunning sonic landscape of texture and color. Many of the sounds on the album bear no relationship with traditional guitar, but there are no synthesizers employed at all. Everything is played by Jon Durant on guitars (with Durant also playing fretless bass on four pieces).

Durant commented: “In recent years, I have been spending a lot of time away from people and places I love very much. My two boys are out of the house, one graduated college and the other is a senior in college this year. We have a wonderful time when I get to see them, but then they go away and there is a bit of a pang as we part. Also, we have a second home on the other side of the country (Portland, OR) where I spend a fair bit of time, and is also where much of this album began. Frequently my wife will join me for a long weekend, and I will stay on for another week or so, and of course there's the sadness when we part. What is reflected in this music is the sweet sorrow that comes from this parting - recognizing that it's temporary but still longing for more time together.”

About the music, Durant stated: “On most days, one of the first things I do is grab a cup of tea or coffee, and begin to experiment with my guitar. The music that comes out is not done with any intention of becoming a composition, or a recording, but is rather more of a meditation. However, a friend heard a brief recording of one such piece and asked why I didn't record more of them. When I began to do so, I felt a pattern was emerging that might be worth exploring.

“Many pieces begin as loops that I would play a melodic lead over. I recorded several of these, then began to deconstruct the loops and record the various parts as separate components which could become less loop like and more dynamic and flowing. The track, 'Open Window' is a perfect example of how that played out.”

That track, “Open Window” also provides an opportunity to explore the unusual sound and textures that Durant creates. The primary guitar which began as a loop is an electric 12 string. From there, multiple electric 12 string parts were layered in a minimalistic way. The melodic guitar is a fretless electric guitar, and the low tones (which sound a bit like the old Moog Bass Pedals) are generated from the fretless guitar. Also, swirling around in the background are Jon's unique cloud guitar sounds, notes which hang in the air like clouds with no discernable beginnings or endings.

There are three solo cloud guitar pieces (“Clouds in Advance”, “Before the Rain Falls” and “Willamette Fog”) and two pieces which remained as a loop with lead guitar over the top. “The Room Where She Waits” is a loop of electric 12 String and the lead is fretless guitar. On “Evolve in Place”, the loop is an electric guitar with fretless guitar over the top.

Guitarist Jon Durant brings a unique sense of texture and melody to his instrument. His distinctive “cloud guitar” soundscapes and engaging lead work have graced numerous CD recordings and film soundtracks. As executive producer of Alchemy Records, he produces recordings for internationally acclaimed artists in his small home studio. Alongside Durant's six solo albums and three Burnt Belief records (with Colin Edwin of Porcupine Tree), Alchemy has also released albums by artists Michael Manring, Gary Willis, Leni Stern/Wayne Krantz and others.

To Purchase Jon Durant's “Parting Is”:
https://www.amazon.com/Parting-Jon-Durant/dp/B077319LXV
https://burningshed.com

Video for Burnt Belief, “Ghosts Aquatic”:

Video for Burnt Belief, “Dissemble”:

Video for Burnt Belief, “Semazen”:

Jon Durant's official website: http://www.jondurant.com

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

Innovative Guitarist Jon Durant Releases Solo Guitar Album "Parting Is"

Video for Burnt Belief, “Dissemble”:

Video for Burnt Belief, “Semazen”:

Jon Durant's official website: http://www.jondurant.com

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

Innovative Guitarist Jon Durant Releases Solo Guitar Album "Parting Is"

Video for Burnt Belief, “Dissemble”:

Video for Burnt Belief, “Semazen”:

Jon Durant's official website: http://www.jondurant.com

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

12/19/2017

Indo-Fusion Guitarist Rahul Mukerji's Debut Album "Ma De Re Sha" Receives Rave Reviews!

One of the most impressive albums of this year by Indo-Fusion guitarist Rahul Mukerji has been garnering enthusiastic reviews from the music press and fans alike worldwide! “Ma De Re Sha” was released in May 2017 and the response has been no less than astounding!

Says Rahul, “It has been an exhilarating experience seeing the positive reviews flood in and to see the album featured in prominent magazines and music outlets. I'm very grateful to the fans and people who helped make this album the success it has become.”

Rahul is a guitarist/musician based in Maryland, USA. Born in India, he has been performing live for over fifteen years. From dive bars and weddings, to crowds of thousands opening for the B-52s, he has had a varied performing career that has included gigs in Chicago, Boston, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and India.

Rahul has been featured on a wide array of recordings. His original pieces were featured in the short indie film “Tokyo Confidential.” His music was also featured on international and national radio stations and his compositions have been featured in various fractal and traditional animations videos and used in the official score for the Fractal Forums web episodes.

Rahul was featured in various publications like Songlines magazine, Pipeline magazine, and in 2008 Guitar Player Magazine Editors' Picks. He is also a guest Guitar Instructor on the Shred Academy website. In addition to music, Rahul is also an accomplished visual artist and regularly exhibits his work in the Washington metropolitan area. From the traditional to the digital domain, Rahul utilizes a wide array of mediums such as wood engraving, spray painting, pencil sketching, and computer fractal renderings.

From the source inspiration, to the concept, writing, arrangement, and its actual making, this project is truly a reflection of unity in diversity. This world fusion rock guitar album brings together flavors of Indian music, Middle Eastern percussion, jazz, ambient, rock, and metal. The compositions and the arrangements were inspired by interactions with people from different cultural backgrounds and walks of life, all filtered through the prism of Rahul's own multicultural upbringing between East and West. The actual making of the music involved coordination with musicians and mixing/mastering engineers living in the US, Germany, Spain, and France.

Here's what the press have been saying about Rahul Mukerji:

“His expressive guitar playing through 'Ma De Re Sha' demonstrates a dizzying range of technique and tone, while the compositions make a highly electrified fusion mix that borrows from Joe Satriani as much as John McLaughlin. These dynamic instrumental pieces stay most firmly rooted in rock mode, though it's an adeptly malleable one that always has room for exotic motifs. Mukerji's fretwork in any mode is fluid and buoyant enough to make his excitement contagious, and the result is an album happy to weave and blend all those elements until it's easy to forget they're so different at all.” - All About Jazz

“Indian born / Maryland-based guitarist Rahul Mukerji is making waves with his 2017 CD called 'Ma De Re Sha.' Rahul's music is very cinematic and his fleet fingered guitar work sounds influenced by masters such as Jeff Beck, Jan Akkerman and Al DiMeola.” - Pipeline Magazine

“Ambitious, varied and at times full of energy, 'Ma De Re Sha' has the feel of Indian cinematic music more so than Indian classical music. And it is really good...the breadth of his interests and potential that makes this an exciting debut.” - Amardeep Dhillon, Songlines Magazine

“This cat can play. Many influences can be heard, but I want to give Mukerji more credit than that. He takes those influences, and in some cases, is an improvement over them. I highly recommend 'Ma De Re Sha' be listened to immediately and often thereafter.” - Walter Kolosky, Author and host of the Jazz Rocks Podcast

“...Perhaps the best parts of Mukerji’s playing are the emotional buoyancy and lightness of being that run through his writing and playing, even the heaviest parts. His melodies and grooves flow through the ears and leave behind a sense of bold and positive creativity. This makes him an emerging artist to contend with, one who should do well even beyond the guitar community. Buy this record tonight!” - Mike O’Cull, IndieBandGuru

“...a vertiginous mix of tasty colors. 'Ma De Re Sha' is a rapture throughout announcing the advent of a new force on the fusion scene.” - Dmitry M. Epstein, Let It Rock

“... twelve succinct tunes that showcase his compositions and chops, brilliant melodies and inventive arrangements, one foot in his Indian culture and the other foot firmly in American instrumental rock, drawing influences from both and freely superimposing them on each other...There's a lot of variety among these dozen cuts to absorb, all performed with impeccable power and precision.” - Peter Thelen, Exposé Online

“Mukerji combines powerful rock guitar hero licks with jazz-rock fusion, Middle Eastern beats and Indian music influences. He also uses a note bending technique that gives it a South Asian flavor and sets him apart from western guitar players.” - Progressive Rock Central

“Mukerji is an amazing guitarist and instrumentalist who is drawing comparisons to players as diverse and acclaimed as Joe Satriani, John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola and Steve Vai on his 13-track debut 'Ma De Re Sha.'” - Sights and Sounds of Note

“...an effective set with some impressive guitar playing” - Gary Hill, Music Street Journal

“...a fusion album of the highest quality of musical excellence.” - Exclusive Magazine

To purchase Rahul Mukerji's “Ma De Re Sha”:
https://rahulmukerji.bandcamp.com/
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RahulMukerji

For more information: http://www.mukerji.us

Video links:
Youtube Channel Shortlink: https://goo.gl/GfCfj0
Album teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtlsgYBEBeI
FB page Shortlink: https://goo.gl/YYbPUe

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

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