New Book on Legendary Proto-Metal Power Trio BANG "The BANG Story: From the Basement to the Bright Lights" Now Available!

“The BANG Story: From the Basement to the Bright Lights” by Lawrence Knorr, Frank Ferrara, Tony Diorio, and Frank Gilcken

Often called America's answer to Black Sabbath, one of the most unsung bands in the history of US hard rock music, BANG, is back with a new biography “The BANG Story: From the Basement to the Bright Lights”! With the heaviness of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, coupled with the groove of Grand Funk Railroad, BANG released three critically acclaimed albums on Capitol Records in the early 1970s before disappearing for a number of years. 2017 marks the 45th anniversary of BANG's critically acclaimed debut album and the band is celebrating with the release of their new book! “The BANG Story: From the Basement to the Bright Lights” was written by Lawrence Knorr, Frank Ferrara, Tony Diorio, and Frank Gilcken.

In the summer of 1971, BANG, a trio from the Philadelphia area, decided to take a road trip to Florida to try their fortune. While buying some rolling papers in the Sunshine State, they learned about a Small Faces and Deep Purple concert nearby in Orlando. They showed up at the venue and brazenly declared they were ready to go on stage. The concert organizer asked them to set up and play for him. After a couple songs, he told them they were opening for Rod Stewart and Small Faces. Before they knew it, BANG was playing with Bachman Turner Overdrive, Deep Purple, Three Dog Night, Fleetwood Mac, Ike and Tina Turner, The Doobie Brothers, and even Black Sabbath. Capitol Records signed them, and three LPs were released. Join Frank Ferrara, Tony Diorio, and Frankie Gilcken, as they recall their rapid rise to fame, playing with numerous Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.

The 1971 self-titled debut album “BANG” is considered an important forerunner to the early Doom Metal genre. Undoubtedly one of America's heaviest 'proto-metal' bands from the period, BANG also had a strong sense of melodic power. The band's versatility and songwriting skills are second to none. Highly regarded as a cult act by many for years, it’s now time for this truly amazing rock band to be enjoyed by a new audience worldwide!

Excerpts from the book:

“Those were the days when everything was experimental,” said Karl Richardson, the engineer. “We were looking for something more reverberant. We didn’t want BANG to sound like everybody else. In those days, records were more like paintings, than photographs. The studio was a palette, and we were always thinking about art—not just taking a picture.”

OZZY Cheesesteak anecdote … ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1972, BANG was back in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to play with Black Sabbath, who was in the midst of their Master of Reality Tour. Wild Turkey was to open this evening, followed by the boys from Philly. That afternoon, the band was hanging out with Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler from Black Sabbath. They offered to introduce them to cheesesteaks, having discovered a sandwich shop in town that was attempting to replicate their favorite Philadelphia cuisine. “I’ve never had a bloody cheesesteak,” admitted Ozzy. And so BANG introduced the Prince of Darkness to the delicacy. After chomping on a few bites, he asked, “I have another question for you. What do the fans mean when they are making the “V” signs with their fingers? For our Churchill, it meant victory.” “To them it means one of two things,” answered Frankie. “It either means peace or boogie.” After that, Ozzy would often be seen on stage flashing dual V-signs to all of his audiences, as captured on the cover of their next album Vol. 4.

Available in Paperback:
Publisher: Sunbury Press, Inc. - Release date August 15, 2017
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/The-BANG-Story-9781620065822.htm

To purchase:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bang-Story-Basement-Bright-Lights/dp/1620065827
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bang-story-lawrence-knorr/1126989375
Sunbury Press: http://www.sunburypressstore.com/The-BANG-Story-9781620065822.htm

Finnish label Svart Records is released BANG's 4 classic records: “Death of a Country,” “BANG,” “Mother/Bow to the King,” “BANG Music.” They were re-pressed on both vinyl and CD: http://www.svartrecords.com/

BANG has made available free ringtones! Free Frank Gilcken guitar solos for iPhones and Androids! http://www.bangmusic.com/ringtones/ Also, all BANG songs are now available for 99 cents mp3 downloads http://www.bangmusic.com/shop/mp3s/ BANG's complete recorded catalog is available as well through their website, which includes the band's latest CD releases “Return To Zero” and “The Maze.”

To purchase BANG CD's, Vinyl and Digital Album Downloads: http://www.bangmusic.com/shop/cds-and-vinyl/

Also the website contains never seen videos of BANG! http://www.bangmusic.com/videos/ including the “BANGstory” video a must see:

For more information:
http://www.bangmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/Bangtheband
Instagram: @bang_the_band

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

British Rock Legends UFO To Release First Ever Covers Album "The Salentino Cuts"

Los Angeles - British rock legends UFO offer up their first ever covers album paying homage to a dozen of their personal favorites! “The Salentino Cuts” includes several unexpected choices such as Mad Seasons's “River Of Deceit,” John Mellencamp's “Paper In Fire,” and Bill Withers' “Ain't No Sunshine” alongside more traditional but nonetheless thrilling versions such as The Yardbirds' “Heartful Of Soul,” ZZ Top's “Just Got Paid” and lots more!

UFO's current line-up features original members Phil Mogg on vocals and Andy Parker on drums. Keyboardist/guitarist Paul Raymond joined the band in 1976. Lead guitarist Vinnie Moore has been a permanent member of the group since 2003, and American bassist Rob De Luca joined the fold in 2012.

Vinnie says, “Making this covers record was a blast for me. I thoroughly enjoyed putting a little of my own spin on these tunes that I grew up with. I played ZZ Top and Robin Trower songs about a gazzilion times onstage over the years. it was great to actually get to record some of my old faves.”

UFO's “The Salentino Cuts” will be released on September 29th and will be available on both CD & 2 limited vinyl pressings, one splatter vinyl and one white vinyl!

Track List:
1. Heartful Of Soul
2. Break On Through (To The Other Side)
3. River Of Deceit
4. The Pusher
5. Paper In Fire
6. Rock Candy
7. Mississippi Queen
8. Ain't No Sunshine
9. Honey-Bee
10. Too Rolling Stoned
11. Just Got Paid
12. It's My Life

In September & October, the band will be embarking on a monster tour of North America with fellow classic rockers Saxon!

UFO European tour dates:

August 11 - Leyendas del Rock Festival XII - Villena - Spain
August 13 - Alcatraz Open Air- Kortrijk - Belgium
September 7 - Germany - Dortmund - Musiktheater Piano
September 8 - Holland - Eindhoven - Cityrock Festival
September 9 - Holland - Leeuwarden - Cityrock Festival
September 10 - France - Raismes - Raismes Fest
September 12 - England - Southampton - The Brook
September 14 - England - Dorking - Dorking Halls
September 15 - England - Holmfirth - Picturedrome
September 16 - England - Northampton - Roadmender

UFO & SAXON US Tour Dates - Round 2:

September 22 - Newton, NJ - Newton Theater
September 23 - Huntington, NY - Paramount Theater
September 24 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage
September 26 - Philadelphia, PA - Theater Of The Living Arts
September 28 - Plymouth, NH - Flying Monkey
September 29 - Worcester, MA - Palladium
September 30 - Hartford, CT - Webster Theater
October 1 - Portland, ME - Aura
October 3 - Toronto, ON - Queen Elizabeth Theatre
October 4 - Montreal, QU - Corona Theatre
October 6 - Flint, MI - Machine Shop
October 7 - Traverse City, MI - Ground Zero
October 8 - Chicago, IL - Concord Music Hall
October 9 - Akron, OH - Tangier Cabaret Room
October 11 - Pittsburgh, PA - Jergels
October 12 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogarts
October 13 - Merrillville, IN - Star Plaza
October 14 - Indianapolis, IN - The Egyptian

UFO was formed in London in 1969. They became a transitional group between early hard rock and heavy metal and the new wave of British heavy metal. Over a career spanning 48 years, UFO has released 22 studio albums, 14 live recordings and 16 compilation albums. They achieved success with several albums and singles  in the UK and US Top 40 charts, and have sold over 10 million records worldwide. UFO is considered one of the classic hard rock acts, and have influenced many notable rock bands. The band was ranked number 84 on VH1's “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.”

For more information:
http://www.ufo-music.info/
http://www.ufo.band

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

LA Hard Rock Trio The Rift To Release Two New Addicting Singles!

Los Angeles – Hard rock trio The Rift will be releasing two balls to the wall singles titled “Rock Narcotic” and “Mysterious” from their eagerly awaited forthcoming second album slated for release end of July 2017! Conceptually the first single “Rock Narcotic” is a tribute to rock and roll. It's about how rock n roll feeds our imagination, inspires us, and allows us to totally immerse ourselves in it's grooves. Once you're hooked on that feeling you never want to let it go, it's the best drug in the world. The second single “Mysterious” is more abstract. It's about the give and take nature of life, struggling to have faith but wanting to, and realizing how precious and short our time is.

Says founding member Aris Anagnos, “We wrote both of these songs around the same time shortly after the release of our previous album 'Inventions,' in March of last year. They both developed so naturally and quickly we knew we had something special with them. We added both songs to our live shows over the past year and people were really responding to them. Every time we write our goal is to evolve and get better. It's exciting for us to have people hear the new stuff and feel it live. The recording process was a little complicated but the results and engineers themselves were really fantastic.”

Traditionally, a “rift” is an open space. It's a place of possibility and promise. Hard rock trio The Rift lives up to its moniker. Bassist John Anagnos says, “The name is the best way to describe the band, what we do, and the experience we portray live. The songs are meant to be an opening, and there's a lot you can find within them.”

That openness has solidified the group - brothers Aris Anagnos (vocals/guitar) and John along with Ovais Malik (drums) - as one of Southern California's most thrilling new rock upstarts. Since forming in 2009, the musicians have played alongside the likes of Exodus, Yngwie Malmsteen, The Misfits, and more as well as receiving nominations at the Hollywood Music Awards and Ventura County Music Awards. 2016's full-length debut “Inventions” crystallized their hard rock hooks and generated a ton of buzz on Pure Volume, JamintheVan, Screamer Magazine, Pure Grain Audio, and dozens of radio stations. The album also caught the attention of Grammy winning producer Brandon Friesen who worked famously with Alice in Chains and NickelBack, most recently the Kooks.

Now in 2017 with the release of two new singles “Rock Narcotic” and “Mysterious,” the band feels that they have reached a new level in song development and that they are onto something very special. “Rock Narcotic” is provocative and one can hear traces of Muse and System of a Down at times. The song is about losing yourself in the music and getting addicted to rock and roll. It has almost a reggae, flamenco vibe at times, but then hits hard with a chunky rock chorus. Aris says it's meant to be a tribute to the power of rock and roll. “Mysterious” has an incredible opening sequence, it starts with this airy synthesizer and crashes into a booming rock chorus fueled by a monster drum beat. It's reminiscent of Ann Berlin in parts, and Kings of Leon in other places. John said of the two songs “this one gave me chills.”

Punctuated by longtime friend Ovais's impenetrable percussion, it's the familial bond between the brothers and close friends that brings another dimension to The Rift. “Being family helps with the collaborative process,” adds John. “We tend to think along the same lines. There's a certain magic to it. If I was playing with anybody else, it wouldn't necessarily be there.”

Both songs were engineered and produced by Amit, who we had worked with the band in the past and is stellar. Says Aris, “Amit really pushed us in the studio and made sure we gave our all on every take.  I think these two songs are the beginning of a new platform for us musically and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.”

The Rift is currently finishing their forthcoming sophomore album slated for release late 2017! In closing Aris has this to impart, “ I think the message we want to have our listeners get from both songs is to have them connect with the music and want to lose themselves in hearing it, like we do.”

To purchase:
“Rock Narcotic”: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rock-narcotic-single/id1253820883
“Mysterious”: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mysterious-single/id1253820753

For more information:
www.theriftla.com
facebook.com/theriftmusic

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

Drum Legend Corky Laing Moves Mountain! Spring & Summer 2017 World Tour!

Corky Laing, the powerhouse drummer of the legendary bands Mountain and West, Bruce & Laing is taking Mountain’s music back on the road. Since 2015 Corky has infrequently played in Europe and the US as Corky Laing plays Mountain. The audiences’ response to Corky’s passion, energy and respect for the music has been enthusiastic and a momentum has been building. Spring and summer of 2017 see Corky embark on a World tour.

“… ‘Mississippi Queen’ was, of course, a highlight, but seldom have I seen a drummer dominate a set with such panache, and such deft use of the high hat and cowbell. There’s just not enough in rock these days. A true ‘giant of rock’.”

(http://getreadytorock.me.uk/blog/2017/01/gig-review-giants-of-rock-butlins-minehead-27-30-january-2017/)

Corky Laing Plays Mountain World Tour 2017
05/10 - Blue Notez, Dortmund, Germany
05/11 - De Pul, Uden, Netherlands
05/12 - KultBahnhof, Gifhorn, Germany
05/13 - Maria’s Ballroom, Hamburg, Germany
05/15 - Meisenfrei, Bremen, Germany
05/17 - Yard Club, Köln, Germany
05/18 - Beavers, Miltenberg, Germany
05/19 - Blues Club Chiemgau, Rimsting, Germany
05/20 - Rockjungfer, Arnstadt, Germany
06/02 - Beverly (N. Boston), MA - 9 Wallis
06/03 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie
06/05 - Raleigh, NC - Kings
06/06 - Wilmington, NC - Reggies
06/08 - Atlanta, GA - Southern Comfort
06/09 - Hattiesburgh, MS - Thirsty Hippo
06/10 - New Orleans, LA - Siberia
06/11 - Houston, TX - White Oak
06/13 - San Antonio, TX - Sam’s Burger Joint
06/14 - Austin, TX - Barracuda
06/16 - Denver, CO - Electric Funeral Fest
06/17 - Santa Fe, NM - Boxcar
06/18 - Phoenix, AZ - Club Red
06/20 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
06/21 - Los Angeles, CA - Regent
06/23 - San Francisco, CA - Thee Parkside
06/24 - Sacramento, CA - Starlite
06/26 - Portland, OR - Dante’s
06/27 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
07/01 - Calgary, AB - Palomino
07/04 - Madison, WI - High Noon
07/05 - Chicago, IL - Reggies
07/06 - Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
07/07 - Detroit, MI - Token Lounge
07/08 - Toronto, ON - Garrison
07/09 - Pittsburgh, PA - Cattivo
08/11 - Underground, Stockholm, Sweden
08/12 - Underground, Stockholm, Sweden
(More dates to be announced.)

More on Corky
www.corkylaingworks.com
Corky on Facebook
www.facebook.com/corkylaing
US Booking, Nathan at
nanotear@gmail.com
Further info & interview requests etc., Tuija at
politebystander@gmail.com

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

Debut Album By Burnt Out Wreck “Swallow” Featuring Heavy Pettin's Gary Moat Now Available!

London - The eagerly awaited debut album from Burnt Out Wreck featuring ex-Heavy Pettin's Gary Moat is now available! “Swallow” is a huge slice of full on, punchy classic hard rock with guitar riffs galore! Released via Cherry Red Records, this album is every bit as good as you would expect from one of Scotland's original rock n rollers, Gary Moat!

Says Gary, “I went in to the studio to record a set of songs. Before I knew it, 'Swallow' had been created, and now here it is. I thoroughly enjoyed being in the studio but it was never my intention to become a recording artist again but here I am. It is crazy but I'm loving it. The album is a culmination of all my influences. It has been 30 years in the making and it seems it's being received very well everywhere...which is fantastic.”

Gary has a colorful history as the drummer and main songwriter for metal legends Heavy Pettin'. The band were signed to Polydor and Warner Chappell in 1983 with help from Def Leppard's manager Peter Mensch. They toured extensively until 1988 with Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Ratt, Motley Crue, Saxon, Accept and Magnum amongst others, as well as headlining their own tours. They recorded three albums with different producers: Brian May, Mark Dearnley and Adrian Lee/Tony Taverner. Heavy Pettin' also played the likes of Reading Festival, Loreley and other major festivals, as well as recording The Friday Rock Show for Tommy Vance & Tony Wilson.

Gary created Burnt Out Wreck in the summer of 2016. After penning songs for an album, he ventured into the studio under the watchful eye of acclaimed sound engineer Steve Rispin (Asia), and with Gary's determination to create good time classic rock, “Swallow” began to take shape. For Burnt Out Wreck, Gary has traded the drum stool for the microphone. He has his own imitable style, and is frequently compared to Bon Scott and Marc Storace.

Burnt Out Wreck's “Swallow”  is co-produced by Gary Moat and Steve Rispin (Asia, Inglorious), mastered by Pete Maher (U2, The Killers, Jack White, Rolling Stones etc).

Watch Burnt Out Wreck's “Swallow” video:

(The video was created by Mark Leary at ASYLUMseventy7)

Burnt Out Wreck features:
Gary Moat - vocals, rhythm guitar
Adrian Dunn - guitar, backing vocals
Alex Carmichael - bass, backing vocals
Miles Goodman, guitar
Paul Gray - drums

The band played their first live show at the Giants Of Rock in Minehead in January 2017, alongside the likes of Steve Hackett, Ian Anderson, Iain Paice, Phil Campbell, Focus, Gun, Dare and many more.

Upcoming UK show:
23rd March, Underworld, Camden
http://www.theunderworldcamden.co.uk/gigs/events/23-mar-17-burnt-out-wreck-the-underworld/

To purchase Burnt Out Wreck's “Swallow”:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/swallowalbum
iTunes: http://geni.us/BurntOutWreckSwallow

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/BurntOutWreck
https://twitter.com/BurntWreck?lang=en-gb

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

Debut Album By Burnt Out Wreck “Swallow” Featuring Heavy Pettin's Gary Moat Now Available!

London - The eagerly awaited debut album from Burnt Out Wreck featuring ex-Heavy Pettin's Gary Moat is now available! “Swallow” is a huge slice of full on, punchy classic hard rock with guitar riffs galore! Released via Cherry Red Records, this album is every bit as good as you would expect from one of Scotland's original rock n rollers, Gary Moat!

Says Gary, “I went in to the studio to record a set of songs. Before I knew it, 'Swallow' had been created, and now here it is. I thoroughly enjoyed being in the studio but it was never my intention to become a recording artist again but here I am. It is crazy but I'm loving it. The album is a culmination of all my influences. It has been 30 years in the making and it seems it's being received very well everywhere...which is fantastic.”

Gary has a colorful history as the drummer and main songwriter for metal legends Heavy Pettin'. The band were signed to Polydor and Warner Chappell in 1983 with help from Def Leppard's manager Peter Mensch. They toured extensively until 1988 with Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Ratt, Motley Crue, Saxon, Accept and Magnum amongst others, as well as headlining their own tours. They recorded three albums with different producers: Brian May, Mark Dearnley and Adrian Lee/Tony Taverner. Heavy Pettin' also played the likes of Reading Festival, Loreley and other major festivals, as well as recording The Friday Rock Show for Tommy Vance & Tony Wilson.

Gary created Burnt Out Wreck in the summer of 2016. After penning songs for an album, he ventured into the studio under the watchful eye of acclaimed sound engineer Steve Rispin (Asia), and with Gary's determination to create good time classic rock, “Swallow” began to take shape. For Burnt Out Wreck, Gary has traded the drum stool for the microphone. He has his own imitable style, and is frequently compared to Bon Scott and Marc Storace.

Burnt Out Wreck's “Swallow”  is co-produced by Gary Moat and Steve Rispin (Asia, Inglorious), mastered by Pete Maher (U2, The Killers, Jack White, Rolling Stones etc).

Watch Burnt Out Wreck's “Swallow” video:

(The video was created by Mark Leary at ASYLUMseventy7)

Burnt Out Wreck features:
Gary Moat - vocals, rhythm guitar
Adrian Dunn - guitar, backing vocals
Alex Carmichael - bass, backing vocals
Miles Goodman, guitar
Paul Gray - drums

The band played their first live show at the Giants Of Rock in Minehead in January 2017, alongside the likes of Steve Hackett, Ian Anderson, Iain Paice, Phil Campbell, Focus, Gun, Dare and many more.

Upcoming UK show:
23rd March, Underworld, Camden
http://www.theunderworldcamden.co.uk/gigs/events/23-mar-17-burnt-out-wreck-the-underworld/

To purchase Burnt Out Wreck's “Swallow”:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/swallowalbum
iTunes: http://geni.us/BurntOutWreckSwallow

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/BurntOutWreck
https://twitter.com/BurntWreck?lang=en-gb

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

Metal Review: Judas Priest-Turbo 30

Release Date: February 3, 2017

Label: Sony

Website

This month the metal gods, Judas Priest, returned with a reminder of where the band was in 1986.  Turbo 30 is celebrated on their 30^th anniversary with a 3 CD set. The set includes a trifold cardboard fold out case containing the original album remastered and two live discs recorded in Kansas City on The Fuel of Life Tour.

I must admit this is not one of favorite JP albums but it does not lack for classic heavy metal tracks that have become staples of their live set. I have seen them 3 times now, first during the comeback tour with Halford back in 2005 promoting Angel of Retribution, then in 2010 to celebrate the great British Steel album and finally in 2014 to promote their surprisingly different and excellent Redeemer of Souls album. So, I got a taste of several different decades in live setting and have had a good dose of this band over the years and completely enjoyed it.

The title track is killer, what a grand opening for an album. Another heavy track followed it titled “Locked In.”  “Out in the Cold” was another stand out giving their rabid fans a taste of the heavy metal priest they came to know and love. “Parental Guidance” sounded more like a Twisted Sister or Quiet Riot anthem than anything from their catalog even although there were some good guitar licks.

One thing that may have got lost in translation was the fact that it was 1986, and this was a band trying to create a sound to fit the times. The problem with a heavy metal band with the reputation of JP is that they would only set their audience up for some disappointments with Turbo.  With the addition of synthesized guitars (which they would master brilliantly on the Nostradamus album many years later) and that techno sound it would water down the mix and take away some of their normal oomph and power.

This is not to say that this album was not worthy of special anniversary issue. People listen differently with the passing of time and we cannot take for granted what a great band of talented musicians this band had at its disposal. And their lead singer Rob Halford did not look like the badass that he does now. Ever since his return to the group, with lightning bolt tattoos on his shaved head and that menacing goatee - well let’s just say it has been quite a ride. They all look metal that is for sure. 

If you have a thing for this kind of release you are in luck plus you get a ton of prime JP music live which is always a good thing if you are a fan and have seen them live you will appreciate it even more. They get an A for effort on this back in 1986 and overall C+ with the addition of the live cuts. They should have stood their ground and stayed with the time-tested formula of heavy metal without all the glitter and things around the fringes. This is great for the collector and completest but for the die hard metal freaks, it’s a maybe or total pass.

3.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 13, 2017

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

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Track List:
Disc One — Turbo: Remastered:
01. Turbo Lover
02. Locked In
03. Private Property
04. Parental Guidance
05. Rock You All Around The World
06. Out In The Cold
07. Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days
08. Hot For Love
09. Reckless

Disc Two — Live At The Kemper Arena, Kansas City:
01. Out In the Cold
02. Locked In
03. Heading Out To The Highway
04. Metal Gods
05. Breaking The Law
06. Love Bites
07. Some Heads Are Gonna Roll
08. The Sentinel
09. Private Property
10. Desert Plains
11. Rock You All Around The World

Disc Three — Live At The Kemper Arena, Kansas City:12. The Hellion
13. Electric Eye
14. Turbo Lover
15. Freewheel Burning
16. Victim Of Changes
17. The Green Manalishi (With The Two -Pronged Crown)
18. Living After Midnight
19. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
20. Hell Bent For Leather

Band Members:
Rob Halford – lead vocals
Glenn Tipton – lead and synthesized guitars
K.K. Downing – lead and synthesized guitars
Ian Hill – bass
Dave Holland – drums

Boston Hard Rockers Neon Alley To Release New Video “That's How It Is”

Boston, MA - Hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, Boston rockers Neon Alley are releasing a new video “That's How It Is”!

Watch Neon Alley's “That's How It Is” video:

A Young Woman wakes on the floor, trapped in a nebulous white room. It's minimalistic and sparse but evokes the future. There's only a white cube furniture piece with a VR headset on the center. She waves her hand over the cube and holograms of the band appear behind her (in the style of Star Wars holograms). They begin to play. As the guitar lead begins, she dons the headset and is taken to various spaces in a Virtual Reality world. And in each scene she becomes a different person.

In each scene she experiences what it's like being in someone else's body through her avatar. Some bodies are interesting. Other bodies are uncomfortable. So she leaves each scene in search of a better body/persona until she finds herself in an avatar that looks just like her own body except she's clean, nicely dressed in 50’s retro style. The body fits so well that she begins to dance and rocks out, having the time of her life.

End with her back in the white room as she sits down, sweaty, and removes the VR headset. She laughs. What a blast.

Camera cuts to a WS outside of the room and we see multiple rooms, each with one person. Each person looks dejected, upset or depressed. Except for her.

Says guitarist and band leader Dave Vaccaro, “The video, like the song is about the people we cross paths with and interact with everyday. Kind, clever, smart, slow, inspiring, funny, good or bad. It's just how people are and that's never going to change. The only thing that you can control is how you react to them. Like our woman in theVR headset (played by Shannon Ashe), some of the people she becomes she likes. Others she finds interesting, and still others she can do without.

“Wouldn't it be interesting to be somebody else for a time? Who would you be if you could be someone else for a day?

“Directed by Valdimir Minuty the video is one of several interpretations of the song that the band felt best represented the idea of 'That's How It Is'. Since Vlad is an artist as well as a film maker (he does great story boards BTW) he was able to translate the feel of the song in a very basic way that worked quite well given the limited resources we had available to us.

One thing we didn't want was a typical performance video of the band playing in some dilapidated industrial building. We really like how the video turned out, especially the sci-fi vibe of it. It's different.”

The live footage was shot all in one day at a studio/sound stage in Allston, MA called Red Sky Studio with post production taking another few weeks for edits and revisions.

NEON Alley is: 
David Vaccaro – Lead vocals, guitars, keyboards
Mike McDonald – Bass, vocals
Scott Marion – Drums & percussion

BACKGROUND: David Vaccaro's story in music has a rare upward sweep. Vaccaro has journeyed from hardscrabble Boston club dates to the 90's music scene of Los Angeles and creative collaborations with some of melodic rock's platinum selling vocalists. With the self-titled debut album of his new band Neon Alley (out on DMV Music), Vaccaro revisits that visceral soulfulness of his early days. This collection of originals including a cleverly re-imagined cover is perfectly crafted for sweat-soaked live performances.

And Neon Alley has been doing just that, sweat-soaked live performances in clubs in and around Central Massachusetts, working their live show and earning a reputation as one of the best live bands in the area.

Here's what's being said about Neon Alley's debut album:

“...David carries a talent for carrying a tune, and there are plenty of those reverberating in hummable hard rock fashion. Highlights are carved out in the form of 'That's How It Is', a catchy rock anthem and the dreamy echoes of 'I Only Want to Be With You'. The cover of 'Jailhouse Rock' is another favorite; a refreshing reworking of the classic...” - Daniel Pavlica, therocktologist.com

“This album chock full of guitar-driven modern classic rockers kicks off in fine style with the thunderous 'That's How It Is', and backs it up with the more melodic 'All I Want', before that aforementioned cover, a rather unexpectedly ballsy 'Jailhouse Rock'. Wow, what a brilliant rendition these boys bring to the fore here, which they follow up with the drum-led 'I Only Want To Be With You'.” - Exclusive Magazine

“Neon Alley, It is loud, it is brash, it is exactly what Classic Rock should be.” - Simon Barrett, Blog Talk Radio

“NEON ALLEY: A solid dose of arena rock in search of an arena, this power trio delivers the kind of classic headbang that will speak for the generation throughout the generations. For teens that go to music festivals where it’s about rocking out instead of seeing and being seen, it’s like the 80s and 90s never left. Hot stuff that raging hormones will totally understand.”  - midwestrecord.com

“Grab a copy of this album, put it into your car, roll the windows down and crank it up while it’s still warm out and cruise to your heart’s content.” -  Altered Frequencies.com

“The new eight-song release begins with the guitar-riff driving rhythm of "That's How It Is" which will get the blood pumping.”  - JP's MusicBlog.com

To purchase Neon Alley's debut CD: http://www.dmvmusic.com/store
You can also buy CDs and t-shirts at: http://shop.bandwear.com/collections/dmv-music-shop

For more information: 
http://www.dmvmusic.com/
www.facebook.com/neonalley

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

Boston Hard Rockers Neon Alley To Release New Video “That's How It Is”

Boston, MA - Hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, Boston rockers Neon Alley are releasing a new video “That's How It Is”!

Watch Neon Alley's “That's How It Is” video:

A Young Woman wakes on the floor, trapped in a nebulous white room. It's minimalistic and sparse but evokes the future. There's only a white cube furniture piece with a VR headset on the center. She waves her hand over the cube and holograms of the band appear behind her (in the style of Star Wars holograms). They begin to play. As the guitar lead begins, she dons the headset and is taken to various spaces in a Virtual Reality world. And in each scene she becomes a different person.

In each scene she experiences what it's like being in someone else's body through her avatar. Some bodies are interesting. Other bodies are uncomfortable. So she leaves each scene in search of a better body/persona until she finds herself in an avatar that looks just like her own body except she's clean, nicely dressed in 50’s retro style. The body fits so well that she begins to dance and rocks out, having the time of her life.

End with her back in the white room as she sits down, sweaty, and removes the VR headset. She laughs. What a blast.

Camera cuts to a WS outside of the room and we see multiple rooms, each with one person. Each person looks dejected, upset or depressed. Except for her.

Says guitarist and band leader Dave Vaccaro, “The video, like the song is about the people we cross paths with and interact with everyday. Kind, clever, smart, slow, inspiring, funny, good or bad. It's just how people are and that's never going to change. The only thing that you can control is how you react to them. Like our woman in theVR headset (played by Shannon Ashe), some of the people she becomes she likes. Others she finds interesting, and still others she can do without.

“Wouldn't it be interesting to be somebody else for a time? Who would you be if you could be someone else for a day?

“Directed by Valdimir Minuty the video is one of several interpretations of the song that the band felt best represented the idea of 'That's How It Is'. Since Vlad is an artist as well as a film maker (he does great story boards BTW) he was able to translate the feel of the song in a very basic way that worked quite well given the limited resources we had available to us.

One thing we didn't want was a typical performance video of the band playing in some dilapidated industrial building. We really like how the video turned out, especially the sci-fi vibe of it. It's different.”

The live footage was shot all in one day at a studio/sound stage in Allston, MA called Red Sky Studio with post production taking another few weeks for edits and revisions.

NEON Alley is: 
David Vaccaro – Lead vocals, guitars, keyboards
Mike McDonald – Bass, vocals
Scott Marion – Drums & percussion

BACKGROUND: David Vaccaro's story in music has a rare upward sweep. Vaccaro has journeyed from hardscrabble Boston club dates to the 90's music scene of Los Angeles and creative collaborations with some of melodic rock's platinum selling vocalists. With the self-titled debut album of his new band Neon Alley (out on DMV Music), Vaccaro revisits that visceral soulfulness of his early days. This collection of originals including a cleverly re-imagined cover is perfectly crafted for sweat-soaked live performances.

And Neon Alley has been doing just that, sweat-soaked live performances in clubs in and around Central Massachusetts, working their live show and earning a reputation as one of the best live bands in the area.

Here's what's being said about Neon Alley's debut album:

“...David carries a talent for carrying a tune, and there are plenty of those reverberating in hummable hard rock fashion. Highlights are carved out in the form of 'That's How It Is', a catchy rock anthem and the dreamy echoes of 'I Only Want to Be With You'. The cover of 'Jailhouse Rock' is another favorite; a refreshing reworking of the classic...” - Daniel Pavlica, therocktologist.com

“This album chock full of guitar-driven modern classic rockers kicks off in fine style with the thunderous 'That's How It Is', and backs it up with the more melodic 'All I Want', before that aforementioned cover, a rather unexpectedly ballsy 'Jailhouse Rock'. Wow, what a brilliant rendition these boys bring to the fore here, which they follow up with the drum-led 'I Only Want To Be With You'.” - Exclusive Magazine

“Neon Alley, It is loud, it is brash, it is exactly what Classic Rock should be.” - Simon Barrett, Blog Talk Radio

“NEON ALLEY: A solid dose of arena rock in search of an arena, this power trio delivers the kind of classic headbang that will speak for the generation throughout the generations. For teens that go to music festivals where it’s about rocking out instead of seeing and being seen, it’s like the 80s and 90s never left. Hot stuff that raging hormones will totally understand.”  - midwestrecord.com

“Grab a copy of this album, put it into your car, roll the windows down and crank it up while it’s still warm out and cruise to your heart’s content.” -  Altered Frequencies.com

“The new eight-song release begins with the guitar-riff driving rhythm of "That's How It Is" which will get the blood pumping.”  - JP's MusicBlog.com

To purchase Neon Alley's debut CD: http://www.dmvmusic.com/store
You can also buy CDs and t-shirts at: http://shop.bandwear.com/collections/dmv-music-shop

For more information: 
http://www.dmvmusic.com/
www.facebook.com/neonalley

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

Hard Rock Supergroup HOLLYWOOD MONSTERS Unleashes A Brand New Album!

Los Angeles, CA - The hard rock supergroup featuring French vocalist and guitar phenom Steph Honde, who anchored the band of original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Dianno, and drum icon Vinny Appice of Black Sabbath and Dio returns with a brand new album of killer tracks! Capture The Sun ups the ante of the band's highly acclaimed 2014 debut album offering even more killer riffs and outstanding songwriting as well as a superb cover of David Bowie’s “Sweet Thing/Candidate” from the glamtastic Diamond Dogs album. As always, this Hollywood Monsters joint features a TON of outstanding special guest performances including the likes of bassist Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge, Beck, Bogert, Appice), another Dio alum Tracy G, Whitesnake’s Neil Murray, Danko Jones, and many others!

Watch a video teaser of the album here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlB8KWKh_zo&feature=youtu.be

Track List:
1. Mysteries Of Life
2. Evilution
3. Always Crashing The Same Car
4. It's A Lie
5. Waiting
6. Don't Let It Happen
7. Another Day In Grey Part II
8. Everything Is Going To Be Alright
9. Dreams
10. King For A Day
11. Capture The Sun
12. Sweet Thing / Candidate / Sweet Thing (Reprise)
BONUS TRACK
13. Fool For Your Loving

Buy the CD: http://flyt.it/HollywoodMonstersSunCD
Buy the digital version: http://flyt.it/HollywoodMonstersSunDig

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

Hard Driving Rock Debut CD By Neon Alley Feat. Guitarist / Vocalist David Vaccaro To Be Released

Boston, MA - Known for (what the band likes to call) Modern Classic Rock, Neon Alley takes you back to an era when Rock wasn’t about making a quick buck, but about songs written and performed from the heart.

BAND: David Vaccaro – Lead vocals, guitars, keyboards. Mike McDonald – Bass, Vocals. Scott Marion – Drums & percussion

BACKGROUND: David Vaccaro’s story in music has a rare upward sweep. Vaccaro has journeyed from hardscrabble Boston club dates to the 90’s music scene of Los Angeles and creative collaborations with some of melodic rock’s platinum selling vocalists. With the self-titled debut album of his new band Neon Alley (out on DMV Music), Vaccaro revisits that visceral soulfulness of his early days. This collection of originals including a cleverly re-imagined cover is perfectly crafted for sweat-soaked live performances.

And Neon Alley has been doing just that, sweat-soaked live performances in clubs in and around Central Massachusetts, working their live show and earning a reputation as one of the best live bands in the area.

David’s previous CD releases under the band name V-Project include Lost Demos and New Machine.

Lost Demos, for the most part an acoustic rock CD, features collaborations and vocals by Robin McAuley (Grand Prix, McAuley Schenker Group, Survivor, Raiding The Rock Vault), James Christian (House of Lords), Christopher Post (Dillinger) and Dennis Gresham.

V-Project’s Lost Demos garnered glowing reviews (see insert) from magazines and blogs in both the U.S. and Europe.

Vaccaro soon began work on his second CD that would be titled New Machine.

With Robin McAuley once again lending his distinctive vocal edge to four of the CD’s tracks, New Machine was a decidedly more amped up affair. A big step forward as well for Vaccaro as he is featured for the first time on five of the CD’s tracks in a lead vocal capacity, making over half of the CD, a one man show.

Reviews of V-Project’s New Machine were very positive, with the tracks You Don’t Care and Disclaimer receiving significant airplay on secondary radio markets around the US and on internet podcast radio shows.

NEON ALLEY: With his new 3-piece power trio–Neon Alley, Vaccaro is poised to give fans a neon blast of guitar-driven modern classic rock. In support of the new CD release the band has teamed up with Boston film Director Vladimir Minuty to create videos for the first two singles That’s How It Is and I Only Want To Be With You.

Previous Release: V-Project - Lost Demos
(DMV Music)

“The overall outcome of the album is astounding.....Lost Demos one of the finest albums of the year from this region or any other.” (Metronome Magazine, Boston)

“From the start, I was hit by “Only Friend”, written by McAuley/Vaccaro/Post. It’s universally relatable lyrics of gratitude, contrasting harmonies, percussion and Latin style guitar make this one a keeper. “The Good Times”, with its beautifully inviting guitar opening, is also impossible to resist.” (Carol Anne Szel for Inside Connection Magazine)

“These numbers aren’t your usual melodic rock that you’ve heard a thousand times already over the last 15 or so years – instead they are of an electric/acoustic relaxing quality that originally turned you on to the incredible material found on albums like Led Zeppelin 3 and 4 but brought more up to date without losing that bright, glowing, atmospheric style that new technology seems to kill these days.” (MetalliVille Webzine, Sheffield, England)

“A good collection of ballad and mid tempo pop rockers, made even better by some outstanding vocalists.” (Melodicrock.com, Australia)

Previous Release: V-Project - New Machine
(DMV Music)

“Solid and unassuming, yet deceptively addictive, this is a hard rock album worth hearing.” (Metalstorm Magazine)

“I like this CD very much, especially ”Somebody Like You” and “ You Don’t Care”. The production is good and the guitar playing great.” (Music Producer Tom Werman - Producer of 23 gold and platinum rock albums. Artists include: Motley Crue, Cheap Trick, Ted Nugent, Molly Hatchet, Blue Oyster Cult, Twisted Sister, and more...)

“The New Machine works! These are great tunes for a backyard barbecue!” (Home of Rock, Das Rock Magazine, Germany)

“All the songs are great with at least half going into immediate rotation on my playlist.” (24Rock.net)

“I think Vaccaro has hit pay dirt with the fittingly titled New Machine. Go ahead take a ride, you’ll love it.” (Metronome Magazine, Boston)

To purchase Neon Alley's debut CD: http://shop.bandwear.com/collections/dmv-music-shop/products/cd_dmvm001

For more information:
DMVMusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/NeonAlley/ 

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

Classic Rock Review: Deep Purple Live (Three Albums)

Release Date: May 26, 2015, September 18, 2015

Label: earMusic

Website: http://www.deeppurple.com

Once officially recognized as the loudest band in the world, Deep Purple are one of the towering figures of heavy metal from the 70s, along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. With over one hundred million albums sold and a career spanning six decades, they are one of the most influential bands of all time. Formed in 1968, in Hertford, England, the band currently consists of Ian Gillian (vocals, harmonic, and percussion), Ian Paice (drums, percussion), Roger Glover (bass), Steve Morse (guitar), and Don Airey (organ, keyboards). 

Having released nineteen studio albums and dozens of live albums, they show no signs of slowing down.  This year has seen the release of three live albums, two of which are double albums. They are Long Beach 1971, …To The Rising Sun (In Tokyo) featuring Ritchie Blackmore and Jon Lord from the DP MK2 lineup and From The Setting Sun…(In Wacken). 

The thing I like about “Speed King” is the way it captures the atmosphere of playing live. From the talking to the audience to the rawness of the music, it is easy to just close your eyes and imagine being there all those years ago. Clocking in at just over eleven minutes, “Speed King” is the first of four long jams, with this being the shortest, to make up the album.  Whereas “Speed King” acts as a bit of warm up for the band, “Strange Kind of Woman” finds them loose and comfortable in a kind of blues rock style reminiscent of Led Zeppelin. It starts of rocking and wild enough, and keeps getting better from there. The guitar parts are great, the drums consistently on point, and the vocals sparse yet effective. It is easy to tell that they are enjoying themselves. 

“Child in Time” is a truly epic song, clocking in at over twenty minutes in length. There is a great energy

running throughout the song, and a nice even pace to it all. The tempo changes are smooth and effortless. The guitar part in the beginning of the second half of the song is just a fantastic display of musicianship. “Mandrake Root” is a great hard rocking song. It starts out nice and heavy and gets very interesting when the keyboards take over. Not to be overshadowed by keyboards, the guitar takes over around the eight minute mark for one quality solo. It is the longest song at over twenty-seven minutes in length and it does drag a bit after the halfway point, but things do pick up for the last third of the song with some feedback that gets in the way. 

The other two lives albums are not only both double albums …To The Rising Sun (In Tokyo) and From The Setting Sun… (In Wacken), but they also share many of the same songs, so I would like to go over the songs that appear only once first. To The Rising Sun opens with the tone setting “Après Vous.”  The crowd is into it and there is a lively atmosphere that is infectious. “Uncommon Man” starts off slow and mellow, and rising nice and steadily before ending with a sweet instrumental part. The drums get things rolling on “The Mule” before completely taking over with a blistering solo that steals the show. It does not end there because the keyboards and guitar join in to make for one memorable song. On From The Setting Sun, “Highway Star” is a great hard rock song, with the right attitude and spirit, that is enhanced by the uncompromising and unrelenting music. “No One Came” is another song that is nothing short of fantastic. It comes out confident and full of momentum and it never loses it the whole way through. 

Most of the songs on …To The Rising Sun (In Tokyo) and From The Setting Sun… (In Wacken) are the same with little variation besides small differences in length, but that is about it. I like this because it shows how consistent they are in their live performances. “Hard Lovin’ Man” is a banging rock song on both albums that is hard not to move to, with a rhythm that practically calls out to be head banged to. The shorter versions of “Strange Kind of Woman” both dazzle again. In a tribute to the late actor, “Vincent Price” is very enjoyable with an appropriately haunting atmosphere and an eerie sound that is perfect for a horror movie. 

The instrumental “The Well-Dressed Guitar” is an impressive display all around. The song is just pulsating with electric energy that it never gets old.  “Above and Beyond” is a moving tribute to Jon Lord, an original member of the band who died in 2012. The sound of “Lazy” is anything but as the organ will certainly get you going, and things really get rocking once the guitar kicks in and things are off to the races from there. “Don Airey’s Solo” is a simple and beautiful song whose light and pleasant sound is a welcome change. “Space Truckin’” is a fun song with a carnival-like atmosphere. It would make a great party song. “Smoke on the Water” is simply an amazing song that could not be any more perfect. It is chilling when the crowd joins in the singing. It is definitely the type moment that calls out to be experienced live. “Black Night” is a rip-roaring tune that has probably the best guitar part of all the songs.

When it comes down to it, all three albums are high quality productions. If you are a die-hard collector or fan, then I would not hesitate to recommend all three. If you are not, then I would go with Long Beach 1971 and one of the others. Overall, I find it hard to pick a favorite between …To The Rising Sun (In Tokyo) and From The Setting Sun… (In Wacken). There are only a few songs that do not appear on both albums, so not much is being left out. You cannot really go wrong with either album, if you have to choose between the two. All in all, I would say that these three live albums do a fantastic job of making the listener want to be there.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Strange Kind of Woman, The Mule, Highway Star, Vincent Price, The Well-Dressed Guitar, Smoke on the Water, Black Night

Tracks:
Long Beach 1971
1. Speed King
2. Strange Kind of Woman
3. Child in Time
4. Mandrake Root

From The Setting Sun… (In Wacken)
Disc 1
1. Highway Star
2. Into The Fire
3. Hard Lovin’ Man
4. Vincent Price
5. Strange Kind of Woman
6. Contact Lost
7. The Well-Dressed Guitar
8. Hell to Pay
9. Lazy 

Disc 2
1. Above and Beyond
2. No One Came
3. Don Airey’s Solo
4. Perfect Strangers
5. Space Truckin’
6. Smoke on the Water
7. Green Onions / Hush
8. Black Night

…To The Rising Sun (In Tokyo)
Disc 1
1. Après Vous
2. Into the Fire
3. Hard Lovin’ Man
4. Strange Kind of Woman
5. Vincent Price
6. Contact Lost
7. Uncommon Man
8. The Well-Dressed Guitar
9. The Mule
10. Above and Beyond
11. Lazy

Disc 2 
1. Hell to Pay
2. Don Airey’s Solo
3. Perfect Strangers
4. Space Truckin’
5. Smoke on the Water
6. Green Onions / Hush
7. Black Night

Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff

November 24, 201

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Concert Review: The Winery Dogs In Concert At The Ridgefield Theater

The Winery Dogs In Concert At  The Ridgefield Theater

With Guest Kicking Harold

Ridgefield, CT October 3, 2015

http://www.thewinerydogs.com

http://www.kickingharold.com

It has been two years since I have had the opportunity to see The Winery Dogs in concert. The band consists of Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Billy Sheehan (bass, vocals) and Richie Kotzen (lead vocals, guitar and keyboards). They are a true super group and they just released their second studio album Hot Streak.

To kick off their Double Down World Tour 2015/2016 they chose the charming town of Ridgefield, Connecticut. The venue was the Ridgefield Playhouse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts center with a capacity of 500. As soon as I got there it was a reminder that I was there once before in 2005 to cover Mountain and Rick Derringer. 10 years has past so quickly! This time I am going to keep an eye on who is playing there so I can go back.

Before the stars of the evening took the stage a three piece called Kicking Harold warmed up the crowd. The band is Michael Odabashian (drums/vocals), Tim David Kelly (vocals, guitar) and Julia Lage (bass, vocals). They are hard edged and heavy with influences of metal and punk in their presentation. I hear influences like The Ramones, Black Sabbath and others. They did a few covers like “Born To Be Wild” and “Working Man” and their original material stood up well. I never place any expectations for an opening act but they were one of the better bands I have seen in that slot.

The Winery Dogs set started off with one of their new tracks “Oblivion.” The packed house were treated to all the new songs as well as cuts from the first album which it made it a very diverse set.  This is a band that is hard to categorize, they cover rock, pop, progressive, blues, everything it seems. Ritchie Kotzen is the multi-talented centerpiece of the band. This of course takes nothing from Portnoy and Sheehan who both are incredibly talented musicians. I have seen Portnoy play with Dream Theater 8 times and now with one of his newer bands twice. Portnoy amazes me; he is part of many bands and has helped so many other bands get some much needed exposure. His importance in the music community goes beyond words at this point.

Kotzen just oozes with soul and emotion when he plays and sings and Sheehan and Portnoy are perpetual motion machines that are a joy to watch.  Kotzen is equally talented with his vocal delivery, guitar and keyboards. He is also the consummate showman pulling the crowd in like a large magnet. We witnessed this when he took the stage by himself and sang “Fire” with his acoustic guitar. I also found his apparel interesting; he looked as though he was ready to take the stage with Blackmore’s Night (another one of my favorite performers).

So as this super group made their way through their set many things were going on all at once. With so much talent on one stage it’s like spontaneous combustion and the chemistry these three men have just sparkle and shines all night long. 

One my favorites is “Time Machine”from their first album. It provides a showcase for everyone’s talent in the band. They really know how to stretch it out on this one out and rock the house. What I continue to find a wonder is how Kotzen plays his guitars without a pick. Not many professionals do it that way particularly with an electric and in their style of music.

If you happen to be looking for a concert to attend that features some of the best musicians in the world on the same stage I would encourage you to go see The Winery Dogs. I guarantee you will walk away stunned at how good they are. They are not main stream so they are still a bit under the wire but just watch as their following continues to grow. Get out there and support live music, buy their CDs and swag at the merchandise table. Doing those things will keep the music alive and make it worthwhile for these folks to continue to entertain us.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder Write A Music Review, Prog Rock Music Talk, MuzikMan Reviews, MuzikMan’s Productions, Rate The Tracksand New Age Music Reviews

October 5, 2015

Set List:

Oblivion

Captain Love

We are one

How long

Time Machine

Empire

Fire

Think it Over

The Other Side

Not Hopeless

Ghost town

Hot Streak

I'm No Angel

Desire

Encore:

Regret

Elevate