Bass Legend Jeff Berlin To Release 30th Anniversary Edition 12-inch Vinyl "Joe Frazier - Round 3" Feat. Steve Vai & David Sancious!

Joe Frazier - Round 3 smokes because the players are smoking. They took a wonderful piece of music and lit a fuse under it! - Jeff Berlin

Nashville – Legendary bassist Jeff Berlin will be releasing on May 11th a 30th Anniversary Edition 12-inch vinyl of his signature song “Joe Frazier.” The EP “Joe Frazier - Round 3” will include a newly remastered version of the original song from his critically acclaimed 1987 album “Pump It!” and a completely re-imagined version, composed and performed by Jeff, Steve Vai (lead guitar), David Sancious (keys), Keith Carlock (drums) and Tom Hemby (rhythm guitar). This limited-edition EP will be available as signed audiophile vinyl, signed CD, or digital release, with collector's editions including an autographed chart of the new arrangement. Digital “mix minus” tracks of the single will also be offered so you can play along with these iconic musicians.

Says Jeff, “'Joe Frazier' is a song that has remained with me throughout my career. No matter where I am in the world, people ask to hear this song. 2017 marks the 30th anniversary of the rendition that I recorded on my second solo record, 'Pump It!' While chatting about the tune with producer John McCracken, we thought to come up with a new version, calling it 'Joe Frazier - Round 3.' For me, this new song is almost entirely different from the previous two renditions and, quite honestly, I think that this is one of the best tunes I ever wrote.”

Musicians:
Bass and Keyboards: Jeff Berlin
Guitar Solo: Steve Vai
Additional Keyboards: David Sancious
Drums: Keith Carlock
Rhythm Guitars: Tom Hemby
Shakers: Gabriela Sinagra

Says Jeff, “Steve Vai's guitar solo was searing. He showed why he is one of the greatest of the great guitarists in the world. David Sancious' keyboards put color and style into JF. The man is a legend and helped to put the 'orchestra' into 'Joe Frazier.' Keith Carlock’s drumming is like a train clicking down the tracks. He instantly grabbed the quarter note and never let it go for over seven minutes of musical percolating. Tom Hemby is one of Nashville's top studio guitarists. But on 'Joe Frazier,' he sounded like the guitarist for James Brown and AC/DC.”


Photo by Arnie Goodman Photography

Credits
“Joe Frazier – Round 3”
Written and Arranged by Jeff Berlin
© 2018 Sejavi Music BMI

Produced by: John McCracken for Headstrong Media Group
Engineered and Mixed by: John McCracken @ Studio 225 Brentwood, TN
Drums Recorded at: Velvet Cinema Studio, Franklin, TN
Mastered by: Randy Merrill @ Sterling Sound, NYC

Jeff's Equipment: 
Markbass “Jeff Berlin” and “Players School” bass cabinets
Cort Rithimic bass
Babicz Bass Bridge
DR Bass Strings
Steinberg-Cubase

Release date: May 11, 2018.

Five options, all accessible for purchase at: https://www.jeffberlinmusicgroup.com/jbmerch/

I. The Collector's Package
1. Signed 180g audiophile 12” vinyl EP with a newly remastered version of the original (“Joe Frazier - Round 2”) and a completely re-imagined version (“Joe Frazier - Round 3”) written and performed by Jeff and an all-star group: Steve Vai (guitar), Keith Carlock (drums), David Sancious (keys), and Tom Hemby (rhythm guitar)
2. Signed CD of both songs, and
3. A signed and dated print of the full score for “Joe Frazier - Round 3”
All of Jeff's signatures will be original!
Available July 2018 (pre-order bonus!!: digital bundle sent to you FREE on May 11, 2018)
$39.95 + shipping and handling. International shipping available

II. “Joe Frazier” 30th-Anniversary Edition CD
This signed, special-edition CD will include a newly remastered version of “Joe Frazier - Round 2” and the all new “Joe Frazier - Round 3”
$14.95 + shipping and handling. International shipping available

III. “Joe Frazier” 30th-Anniversary Digital Bundle
This packed special-edition digital bundle will include:
1. the newly remastered “Joe Frazier - Round 2”
2. the brand new “Joe Frazier - Round 3”
3. an extra bonus track: the original “Joe Frazier - Round 2” demo
4. a digital download of the full “Joe Frazier - Round 3” score
$7.99

IV. “Joe Frazier - Round 3” “Music Minus One” Alternate Mix Bundle
This interactive “Music Minus One” digital bundle will include alternate mixes of “Joe Frazier - Round 3” that allow you to play along with Jeff Berlin, Steve Vai, Keith Carlock, David Sancious, and Tom Hemby. This bundle includes the full digital score and 4 alternate mixes:
1) Minus drums
2) Minus bass
3) Minus guitars
4) Minus bass solos and guitar solos
$14.99

Each of these “Music Minus” mixes is available for individual purchase ($4.99) and will also include the full digital score along with the alternate mix.

Pre-orders accepted now at: jeffberlinmusicgroup.com

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

Bass Legend Jeff Berlin To Release 30th Anniversary Edition 12-inch Vinyl "Joe Frazier - Round 3" Feat. Steve Vai & David Sancious!

Joe Frazier - Round 3 smokes because the players are smoking. They took a wonderful piece of music and lit a fuse under it! - Jeff Berlin

Nashville – Legendary bassist Jeff Berlin will be releasing on May 11th a 30th Anniversary Edition 12-inch vinyl of his signature song “Joe Frazier.” The EP “Joe Frazier - Round 3” will include a newly remastered version of the original song from his critically acclaimed 1987 album “Pump It!” and a completely re-imagined version, composed and performed by Jeff, Steve Vai (lead guitar), David Sancious (keys), Keith Carlock (drums) and Tom Hemby (rhythm guitar). This limited-edition EP will be available as signed audiophile vinyl, signed CD, or digital release, with collector's editions including an autographed chart of the new arrangement. Digital “mix minus” tracks of the single will also be offered so you can play along with these iconic musicians.

Says Jeff, “'Joe Frazier' is a song that has remained with me throughout my career. No matter where I am in the world, people ask to hear this song. 2017 marks the 30th anniversary of the rendition that I recorded on my second solo record, 'Pump It!' While chatting about the tune with producer John McCracken, we thought to come up with a new version, calling it 'Joe Frazier - Round 3.' For me, this new song is almost entirely different from the previous two renditions and, quite honestly, I think that this is one of the best tunes I ever wrote.”

Musicians:
Bass and Keyboards: Jeff Berlin
Guitar Solo: Steve Vai
Additional Keyboards: David Sancious
Drums: Keith Carlock
Rhythm Guitars: Tom Hemby
Shakers: Gabriela Sinagra

Says Jeff, “Steve Vai's guitar solo was searing. He showed why he is one of the greatest of the great guitarists in the world. David Sancious' keyboards put color and style into JF. The man is a legend and helped to put the 'orchestra' into 'Joe Frazier.' Keith Carlock’s drumming is like a train clicking down the tracks. He instantly grabbed the quarter note and never let it go for over seven minutes of musical percolating. Tom Hemby is one of Nashville's top studio guitarists. But on 'Joe Frazier,' he sounded like the guitarist for James Brown and AC/DC.”


Photo by Arnie Goodman Photography

Credits
“Joe Frazier – Round 3”
Written and Arranged by Jeff Berlin
© 2018 Sejavi Music BMI

Produced by: John McCracken for Headstrong Media Group
Engineered and Mixed by: John McCracken @ Studio 225 Brentwood, TN
Drums Recorded at: Velvet Cinema Studio, Franklin, TN
Mastered by: Randy Merrill @ Sterling Sound, NYC

Jeff's Equipment: 
Markbass “Jeff Berlin” and “Players School” bass cabinets
Cort Rithimic bass
Babicz Bass Bridge
DR Bass Strings
Steinberg-Cubase

Release date: May 11, 2018.

Five options, all accessible for purchase at: https://www.jeffberlinmusicgroup.com/jbmerch/

I. The Collector's Package
1. Signed 180g audiophile 12” vinyl EP with a newly remastered version of the original (“Joe Frazier - Round 2”) and a completely re-imagined version (“Joe Frazier - Round 3”) written and performed by Jeff and an all-star group: Steve Vai (guitar), Keith Carlock (drums), David Sancious (keys), and Tom Hemby (rhythm guitar)
2. Signed CD of both songs, and
3. A signed and dated print of the full score for “Joe Frazier - Round 3”
All of Jeff's signatures will be original!
Available July 2018 (pre-order bonus!!: digital bundle sent to you FREE on May 11, 2018)
$39.95 + shipping and handling. International shipping available

II. “Joe Frazier” 30th-Anniversary Edition CD
This signed, special-edition CD will include a newly remastered version of “Joe Frazier - Round 2” and the all new “Joe Frazier - Round 3”
$14.95 + shipping and handling. International shipping available

III. “Joe Frazier” 30th-Anniversary Digital Bundle
This packed special-edition digital bundle will include:
1. the newly remastered “Joe Frazier - Round 2”
2. the brand new “Joe Frazier - Round 3”
3. an extra bonus track: the original “Joe Frazier - Round 2” demo
4. a digital download of the full “Joe Frazier - Round 3” score
$7.99

IV. “Joe Frazier - Round 3” “Music Minus One” Alternate Mix Bundle
This interactive “Music Minus One” digital bundle will include alternate mixes of “Joe Frazier - Round 3” that allow you to play along with Jeff Berlin, Steve Vai, Keith Carlock, David Sancious, and Tom Hemby. This bundle includes the full digital score and 4 alternate mixes:
1) Minus drums
2) Minus bass
3) Minus guitars
4) Minus bass solos and guitar solos
$14.99

Each of these “Music Minus” mixes is available for individual purchase ($4.99) and will also include the full digital score along with the alternate mix.

Pre-orders accepted now at: jeffberlinmusicgroup.com

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

ZAP Feat. Zappa Vocal Legend Ike Willis, Chip Z'Nuff & Sean McKee Release Digital Single “Air Traffic Control” on Steve Vai's Favored Nations

Chicago, IL - New band ZAP has released a digital single called “Air Traffic Control” on Steve Vai's Favored Nations label. The band is made up of Emmy-nominated composer Sean McKee, who is also collaborating with Jon Anderson from YES on a concept album project, Ike Willis, the voice on numerous Frank Zappa albums, and Grammy-nominated bassist Chip Z'Nuff (Enuff Z'Nuff, Missing Persons, Adler's Appetite).

“Air Traffic Control” started as a 60 second piece that was commissioned by Lee Abrams (Co-Founder of XM Radio) to have McKee write a piece of music in the style of Frank Zappa, and produce a video to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his passing. McKee wrote and performed all instruments, including recording the keyboard parts using a then-prototype Lineage MIDI guitar from Inspired Instruments.

Besides being a musician, McKee is known as a pioneer in the field of image processing, creating technology used for new movies and classic film restorations, along with 2D to 3D conversions, with the technology he led development on being used daily in Hollywood. For several years, one of his clients was Gail Zappa, Frank's widow, and he worked on restoring film elements from Frank's archive, and also helped to recover lost video masters that Gail hadn't seen in years.

According to McKee, “When I heard the news of Gail's passing last October, I was deeply saddened, she was very kind to me, and an incredibly smart woman who pioneered the concept of artists' retaining the rights to the master recordings. I decided to take the 60 second piece and finish it as a proper song, as a memorial to Gail and tribute to Frank, who was a big influence on my playing.”

McKee crafted the song starting from the existing 60 second guitar solo, building a complete song around it, similar to methods Zappa incorporated. He then asked Ike Willis to sing on the track and add another guitar solo. Die hard Zappa fans will also notice a lyrical reference to the infamous 'White Zone'.

McKee continues, “The original solo I wrote is what ends the song, and Ike takes the first guitar solo. If you close your eyes, you can see Frank and hear the lineage. When Frank got sick, he asked Ike to carry on his music, and while this is a new, original song, his playing and voice carries the torch for both the legacy fans as well as a new generation of listeners.”

McKee then asked Chip Z'Nuff to play bass on all parts except for the bass under the solos, which McKee had recorded originally.

The end result is a modern interpretation and homage to a timeless and unique style.

Watch the video:

To purchase:
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1146099690?ls=1&app=itunes
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1146099690

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/ZAP-BAND-1618003005158499/

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

ZAP Feat. Zappa Vocal Legend Ike Willis, Chip Z'Nuff & Sean McKee Release Digital Single “Air Traffic Control” on Steve Vai's Favored Nations

Chicago, IL - New band ZAP has released a digital single called “Air Traffic Control” on Steve Vai's Favored Nations label. The band is made up of Emmy-nominated composer Sean McKee, who is also collaborating with Jon Anderson from YES on a concept album project, Ike Willis, the voice on numerous Frank Zappa albums, and Grammy-nominated bassist Chip Z'Nuff (Enuff Z'Nuff, Missing Persons, Adler's Appetite).

“Air Traffic Control” started as a 60 second piece that was commissioned by Lee Abrams (Co-Founder of XM Radio) to have McKee write a piece of music in the style of Frank Zappa, and produce a video to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his passing. McKee wrote and performed all instruments, including recording the keyboard parts using a then-prototype Lineage MIDI guitar from Inspired Instruments.

Besides being a musician, McKee is known as a pioneer in the field of image processing, creating technology used for new movies and classic film restorations, along with 2D to 3D conversions, with the technology he led development on being used daily in Hollywood. For several years, one of his clients was Gail Zappa, Frank's widow, and he worked on restoring film elements from Frank's archive, and also helped to recover lost video masters that Gail hadn't seen in years.

According to McKee, “When I heard the news of Gail's passing last October, I was deeply saddened, she was very kind to me, and an incredibly smart woman who pioneered the concept of artists' retaining the rights to the master recordings. I decided to take the 60 second piece and finish it as a proper song, as a memorial to Gail and tribute to Frank, who was a big influence on my playing.”

McKee crafted the song starting from the existing 60 second guitar solo, building a complete song around it, similar to methods Zappa incorporated. He then asked Ike Willis to sing on the track and add another guitar solo. Die hard Zappa fans will also notice a lyrical reference to the infamous 'White Zone'.

McKee continues, “The original solo I wrote is what ends the song, and Ike takes the first guitar solo. If you close your eyes, you can see Frank and hear the lineage. When Frank got sick, he asked Ike to carry on his music, and while this is a new, original song, his playing and voice carries the torch for both the legacy fans as well as a new generation of listeners.”

McKee then asked Chip Z'Nuff to play bass on all parts except for the bass under the solos, which McKee had recorded originally.

The end result is a modern interpretation and homage to a timeless and unique style.

Watch the video:

To purchase:
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1146099690?ls=1&app=itunes
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1146099690

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/ZAP-BAND-1618003005158499/

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

ZAP Feat. Zappa Vocal Legend Ike Willis, Chip Z'Nuff & Sean McKee Release Digital Single “Air Traffic Control” on Steve Vai's Favored Nations

Chicago, IL - New band ZAP has released a digital single called “Air Traffic Control” on Steve Vai's Favored Nations label. The band is made up of Emmy-nominated composer Sean McKee, who is also collaborating with Jon Anderson from YES on a concept album project, Ike Willis, the voice on numerous Frank Zappa albums, and Grammy-nominated bassist Chip Z'Nuff (Enuff Z'Nuff, Missing Persons, Adler's Appetite).

“Air Traffic Control” started as a 60 second piece that was commissioned by Lee Abrams (Co-Founder of XM Radio) to have McKee write a piece of music in the style of Frank Zappa, and produce a video to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his passing. McKee wrote and performed all instruments, including recording the keyboard parts using a then-prototype Lineage MIDI guitar from Inspired Instruments.

Besides being a musician, McKee is known as a pioneer in the field of image processing, creating technology used for new movies and classic film restorations, along with 2D to 3D conversions, with the technology he led development on being used daily in Hollywood. For several years, one of his clients was Gail Zappa, Frank's widow, and he worked on restoring film elements from Frank's archive, and also helped to recover lost video masters that Gail hadn't seen in years.

According to McKee, “When I heard the news of Gail's passing last October, I was deeply saddened, she was very kind to me, and an incredibly smart woman who pioneered the concept of artists' retaining the rights to the master recordings. I decided to take the 60 second piece and finish it as a proper song, as a memorial to Gail and tribute to Frank, who was a big influence on my playing.”

McKee crafted the song starting from the existing 60 second guitar solo, building a complete song around it, similar to methods Zappa incorporated. He then asked Ike Willis to sing on the track and add another guitar solo. Die hard Zappa fans will also notice a lyrical reference to the infamous 'White Zone'.

McKee continues, “The original solo I wrote is what ends the song, and Ike takes the first guitar solo. If you close your eyes, you can see Frank and hear the lineage. When Frank got sick, he asked Ike to carry on his music, and while this is a new, original song, his playing and voice carries the torch for both the legacy fans as well as a new generation of listeners.”

McKee then asked Chip Z'Nuff to play bass on all parts except for the bass under the solos, which McKee had recorded originally.

The end result is a modern interpretation and homage to a timeless and unique style.

Watch the video:

To purchase:
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1146099690?ls=1&app=itunes
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1146099690

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/ZAP-BAND-1618003005158499/

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

Generation Axe At The Casino Ballroom In Hampton Beach New Hampshire

Generation Axe At The Casino Ballroom In Hampton Beach New Hampshire

May 7, 2016

http://generationaxe.com

 Tosin Abasi, Zakk Wylde, Steve Vai, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt

For this music lover the Generation Axe concert was a highly anticipated arrival  Steve Vai and his friends were finishing up the last leg of their tour in chilly Hampton Beach New Hampshire and they have enjoyed it so much that they would like to take this show to the world. We shall see how that shapes up.

I personally have appreciated the artistry of Steve Vai for many years and actually the only six string trail blazer that I was unfamiliar with was Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders). Tosin was most impressive and I will seek out his music because of this show.

The one thing I was not prepared for was seeing the stack of Marshall Amps on the stage. I have never seen that many amps before! In addition to that there was a stack of eight amps  above the stage to the left and right. Because of our seats, which were excellent, the decibel level was ear shattering at times. So advice to those with tickets closer to the stage, bring your ear plugs. The one player that was the loudest was Zakk Wylde.
  

To no surprise of mine Vai was on an entirely different level than all the other players. The one that stood out and almost stole the show was Nuno Bettencourt. I have to say he did until Vai came on to play his segment. Nuno is a vastly underrated musician and he can sing as well. One of the final numbers was Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein” and he added some drums. I was certainly impressed by his all-around talent.

I really do not have much to say about Yngwie as I have never been a fan. When he plays most everything sounds like a slight variation of the last song you heard. I do have to give him the nod for his vocals on the last song, Deep Purple’s “Highway Star.” That came as a surprise. I am sure there were plenty of people there that appreciate the man and his music I am just not one of them. I am not down playing his importance as an innovator of the guitar I just do not think he is among the greatest like a Vai or Clapton etc. The whole point of this show is to show how different each musician can be and that is generally appreciated.

Zakk Wylde was a total animal on guitar. I do have to say he knows how to bend those strings and he has one powerful voice  The one thing I thought he could have done is cut down the time on his solos but then again there are people that live for that. He does a lot of shredding so if you like that you will love him. He did his own version of Black Sabbath’s “N.I.B.” and it was fantastic! He also covered Hendrix’s “Little Wing.” Once that got rolling he was taking it all right out the crowd walking around playing behind his back, much to the delight of the fans. He is a highly entertaining and funny performer I would recommend seeing.

This is the kind of live music experience that is like a once in a lifetime thing that should not be missed. For us it was a 3 hour trip but time well spent to see so many legendary players in one evening. They started at 8pm and finished just around midnight. Each performer got their turn and they did some great things together as well. Just like Steve Vai said “This is a diverse group of guitar players.” So if you like to rock and listen to a good cross section of styles on the six string this is a must see show. It comes as advertised A Night of Guitars!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-May 10, 2016

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

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Generation Axe At The Casino Ballroom In Hampton Beach New Hampshire

Generation Axe At The Casino Ballroom In Hampton Beach New Hampshire

May 7, 2016

http://generationaxe.com

 Tosin Abasi, Zakk Wylde, Steve Vai, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt

For this music lover the Generation Axe concert was a highly anticipated arrival  Steve Vai and his friends were finishing up the last leg of their tour in chilly Hampton Beach New Hampshire and they have enjoyed it so much that they would like to take this show to the world. We shall see how that shapes up.

I personally have appreciated the artistry of Steve Vai for many years and actually the only six string trail blazer that I was unfamiliar with was Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders). Tosin was most impressive and I will seek out his music because of this show.

The one thing I was not prepared for was seeing the stack of Marshall Amps on the stage. I have never seen that many amps before! In addition to that there was a stack of eight amps  above the stage to the left and right. Because of our seats, which were excellent, the decibel level was ear shattering at times. So advice to those with tickets closer to the stage, bring your ear plugs. The one player that was the loudest was Zakk Wylde.
  

To no surprise of mine Vai was on an entirely different level than all the other players. The one that stood out and almost stole the show was Nuno Bettencourt. I have to say he did until Vai came on to play his segment. Nuno is a vastly underrated musician and he can sing as well. One of the final numbers was Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein” and he added some drums. I was certainly impressed by his all-around talent.

I really do not have much to say about Yngwie as I have never been a fan. When he plays most everything sounds like a slight variation of the last song you heard. I do have to give him the nod for his vocals on the last song, Deep Purple’s “Highway Star.” That came as a surprise. I am sure there were plenty of people there that appreciate the man and his music I am just not one of them. I am not down playing his importance as an innovator of the guitar I just do not think he is among the greatest like a Vai or Clapton etc. The whole point of this show is to show how different each musician can be and that is generally appreciated.

Zakk Wylde was a total animal on guitar. I do have to say he knows how to bend those strings and he has one powerful voice  The one thing I thought he could have done is cut down the time on his solos but then again there are people that live for that. He does a lot of shredding so if you like that you will love him. He did his own version of Black Sabbath’s “N.I.B.” and it was fantastic! He also covered Hendrix’s “Little Wing.” Once that got rolling he was taking it all right out the crowd walking around playing behind his back, much to the delight of the fans. He is a highly entertaining and funny performer I would recommend seeing.

This is the kind of live music experience that is like a once in a lifetime thing that should not be missed. For us it was a 3 hour trip but time well spent to see so many legendary players in one evening. They started at 8pm and finished just around midnight. Each performer got their turn and they did some great things together as well. Just like Steve Vai said “This is a diverse group of guitar players.” So if you like to rock and listen to a good cross section of styles on the six string this is a must see show. It comes as advertised A Night of Guitars!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-May 10, 2016

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks