If you have any familiarity with Booker T. and the MG’s or all the music coming out of the legendary Stax label, then you know the name, Steve Cropper. All that music I have always appreciated and the craft of Cropper on the six-string leading the way. You won’t hear his name mentioned amongst the greats such as Clapton, Beck, and of course Hendrix. My thought is that he was recognized in his genre and all his contributions to countless recordings including his solo recordings. He played at a very high level and continues to do so as the new release Fire It Up will attest. He is right up there on the list with the big boys as far as I am concerned.
Fire It Up features Cropper at his level best with Nioshi Jackson (drums), Roger C. Reale (vocals), and Jon Tiven (bass, sax, keys, harmonica, background vocals, with shared production duties with Cropper). Some other names contributed that you will recognize as well are Felix Cavaliere, Anton Fig, Simon Kirke, the list is extensive. All of that fine talent coming together to lend a hand gives Fire It Up some flow and cohesiveness that adds to the spark of that amazing guitar playing on display from start to finish.
There are thirteen cuts on the album. After listening to all of them I felt as though there was nothing that seemed out of sync or so different that it stood out as the one track that would be left in the can for future consideration. This is quality rock and blues with a strong underpinning of soul that comes through the vocals nicely.
I think the versatility that Cropper offers on this release is exceptional. “Bush Hog, Pt. 1” is a snappy instrumental to kick things off. The title track is a funky bluesy burner with Reale on vocals to complete the song. As things move along you hear will so many of those sweet crisp licks from Cropper. My favorite amongst many was “Heartbreak Street” and “She’s So Fine,” which sounded like a good choice for a single release to create a buzz about the album.
Cropper is 79 years young and he still has that fire burning in his belly. He floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee (thanks for that line Muhammad Ali) on this recording. The band he pulled together to support him certainly does Fire It Up at every turn making this a classic offering that stands as one of the best releases I have heard this year.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder March 22, 2021
Tracks:
01. Bush Hog, Pt. 1 02. Fire It Up 03. One Good Turn 04. I'm Not Havin' It 05. Out of Love 06. Far Away 07. Say You Don't Know Me 08. She's So Fine 09. Two Wrongs 10. Heartbreak Street 11. The Go-Getter Is Gone 12. Bush Hog, Pt. 2 13. Bush Hog
Chicago prog legends DISTRICT 97 have released a new quarantine video for the song “Divided We Fall” from their forthcoming live album “Screenplay,” which features well over 2 hours of music across 2 CDs and is released March 26, 2021! Along with this brand new track, the album comprises all of DISTRICT 97’s critically-acclaimed “Screens” album performed live at Europe's prog rock mecca, Boerderij Cultuurpodium, in October 2019. Additionally, the collection boasts a wide variety of live material spanning DISTRICT 97’s back catalog and covers ranging from John Lennon to Yes.
Also included is a rousing unreleased live performance of “21st Century Schizoid Man” featuring King Crimson/Asia/UK legend John Wetton, as well as collaborations with other artists such as Dave Kerzner and Fernando Perdomo. Plus, there are two secret “encore” performances.
Watch the video for “Divided We Fall”:
Leslie Hunt (vocalist): I have been absolutely fixated on the idea of confirmation bias and how dangerous it is for us to only have access to information that further solidifies our pre-existing convictions. In such an ego-centric culture that values individualism higher than anything else, the arrogance and moral righteousness in this country has reached such a level of toxicity that it comes out in these never-ending, rage-induced arguments on social media and with one another. We believe a thing, we google the thing, we get proof of the thing and we view others without the same belief-that-was-google-proven as irresponsible and obtuse, never pausing to consider that they might be stuck in their bubble as well. It might be our undoing as a society.
The song explores the ego-discomfort necessary to challenge your convictions by looking through different lenses and googling things on other people's devices in an effort to poke holes in your own staunch beliefs.
Tim Seisser (bassist): When I write for the band, I think about what songs have been successful in the catalog, and I try to retain aspects of those songs to create a cohesive D97 sound. But I also think about what is missing from the catalog. The galloping groove feel is a favorite of mine from the “prog-metal” genre and it’s a fun challenge to keep up the pace rhythmically. I enjoy getting Leslie’s perspective on not just melodies and lyrical content, but also song form. I really like the counterpoint style lines she came up with for the hooks, as we have been trying to find more opportunities for lyrical and vocal interplay.
All in all, I’m super happy with the way this one came together and am really looking forward to performing it live for you wonderful fans in the hopefully very near future.
Both the song and video were recorded remotely in quarantine. Video editing by Phil Satterly.
DISTRICT 97 is undoubtedly the most musically adventurous rock band in the world to feature an American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist. Since 2008, this quintet from Chicago has melded an adventurous, uncompromising instrumental prowess with the look, sound, and stage presence of vocalist Leslie Hunt. Through world tours and a stream of studio and live releases, the band has garnered a worldwide fanbase; collaborating with iconic singer/bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia, UK) and drawing praise from Bill Bruford (drummer of Yes/King Crimson/Genesis), Mike Portnoy (drummer of Dream Theater/Transatlantic) and other rock luminaries along the way.
DISTRICT 97 rehearses doggedly to refine their compositions, ensemble-playing, and stage presentation; their standards for excellence have only grown more rigorous with the passage of time. Their latest album “Screens” (released October 2019) and its accompanying live shows set a high watermark of composition and musicianship.
The covid-19 pandemic has not stopped the band from innovating. Their Virtual Screening Tour and the stunning “Ghost Girl” animated short film have kept them at the top of the current prog rock heap. Watch the video:
Chicago prog legends DISTRICT 97 have released a new quarantine video for the song “Divided We Fall” from their forthcoming live album “Screenplay,” which features well over 2 hours of music across 2 CDs and is released March 26, 2021! Along with this brand new track, the album comprises all of DISTRICT 97’s critically-acclaimed “Screens” album performed live at Europe's prog rock mecca, Boerderij Cultuurpodium, in October 2019. Additionally, the collection boasts a wide variety of live material spanning DISTRICT 97’s back catalog and covers ranging from John Lennon to Yes.
Also included is a rousing unreleased live performance of “21st Century Schizoid Man” featuring King Crimson/Asia/UK legend John Wetton, as well as collaborations with other artists such as Dave Kerzner and Fernando Perdomo. Plus, there are two secret “encore” performances.
Watch the video for “Divided We Fall”:
Leslie Hunt (vocalist): I have been absolutely fixated on the idea of confirmation bias and how dangerous it is for us to only have access to information that further solidifies our pre-existing convictions. In such an ego-centric culture that values individualism higher than anything else, the arrogance and moral righteousness in this country has reached such a level of toxicity that it comes out in these never-ending, rage-induced arguments on social media and with one another. We believe a thing, we google the thing, we get proof of the thing and we view others without the same belief-that-was-google-proven as irresponsible and obtuse, never pausing to consider that they might be stuck in their bubble as well. It might be our undoing as a society.
The song explores the ego-discomfort necessary to challenge your convictions by looking through different lenses and googling things on other people's devices in an effort to poke holes in your own staunch beliefs.
Tim Seisser (bassist): When I write for the band, I think about what songs have been successful in the catalog, and I try to retain aspects of those songs to create a cohesive D97 sound. But I also think about what is missing from the catalog. The galloping groove feel is a favorite of mine from the “prog-metal” genre and it’s a fun challenge to keep up the pace rhythmically. I enjoy getting Leslie’s perspective on not just melodies and lyrical content, but also song form. I really like the counterpoint style lines she came up with for the hooks, as we have been trying to find more opportunities for lyrical and vocal interplay.
All in all, I’m super happy with the way this one came together and am really looking forward to performing it live for you wonderful fans in the hopefully very near future.
Both the song and video were recorded remotely in quarantine. Video editing by Phil Satterly.
DISTRICT 97 is undoubtedly the most musically adventurous rock band in the world to feature an American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist. Since 2008, this quintet from Chicago has melded an adventurous, uncompromising instrumental prowess with the look, sound, and stage presence of vocalist Leslie Hunt. Through world tours and a stream of studio and live releases, the band has garnered a worldwide fanbase; collaborating with iconic singer/bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia, UK) and drawing praise from Bill Bruford (drummer of Yes/King Crimson/Genesis), Mike Portnoy (drummer of Dream Theater/Transatlantic) and other rock luminaries along the way.
DISTRICT 97 rehearses doggedly to refine their compositions, ensemble-playing, and stage presentation; their standards for excellence have only grown more rigorous with the passage of time. Their latest album “Screens” (released October 2019) and its accompanying live shows set a high watermark of composition and musicianship.
The covid-19 pandemic has not stopped the band from innovating. Their Virtual Screening Tour and the stunning “Ghost Girl” animated short film have kept them at the top of the current prog rock heap. Watch the video:
Sweet are a British Rock Band with a pedigree of Hits! “Fox on The Run,” “Ballroom Blitz,” “Action,” “Love is Like Oxygen” and many more. The 1975 album “Desolation Boulevard” has truly stood the test of time keeping the band as relevant today as it was back then.
Much to the excitement of fans worldwide, Sweet has released a new album “Isolation Boulevard” which is a reworking of many of the original tracks including the latest single “Set Me Free,” written by original guitarist and producer Andy Scott. He has led the band since 1985 maintaining the high standards set more than 50 years ago when Sweet first burst onto the music scene.
“Isolation Boulevard” was recorded between lockdowns in September/October 2020. The new album harks back to Sweet’s golden era and the 1975 album “Desolation Boulevard.” The latest single and video “Set Me Free” is taken from “Isolation Boulevard” and though it is one of the bands most covered songs, this is the first time Sweet has released it as a single. Andy Scott, the songwriter and last man standing from the original band has produced a remarkable album given the circumstances that we face globally.
There is a rumor circulating of a British Rock Invasion featuring Sweet and a couple of other 70’s Rock bands to tour North America very soon!
“2021 - Sweet are back with a new album ‘Isolation Boulevard’ featuring the single ‘Set Me Free’ and a dynamic stage show celebrating 50 years of hits!” – Andy Scott
Watch Sweet’s “Set Me Free” (Radio Edit) Official Video:
“Isolation Boulevard” Tracklist: Fox on the Run Still Got the Rock Action Love Is Like Oxygen Hellraiser The Six Teens Blockbuster Set Me Free Teenage Rampage Turn It Down New York Groove Ballroom Blitz
Prudential Music Group 20600 Eureka Rd Suite 900 Taylor, Mi 48180 Cell 248-707-0778 https://www.prudentialmusicgroup.com Prudential Music Group is headed up by young drummer Jason Hartless (Ted Nugent, Sponge, Joe Lynn Turner)
Sweet are a British Rock Band with a pedigree of Hits! “Fox on The Run,” “Ballroom Blitz,” “Action,” “Love is Like Oxygen” and many more. The 1975 album “Desolation Boulevard” has truly stood the test of time keeping the band as relevant today as it was back then.
Much to the excitement of fans worldwide, Sweet has released a new album “Isolation Boulevard” which is a reworking of many of the original tracks including the latest single “Set Me Free,” written by original guitarist and producer Andy Scott. He has led the band since 1985 maintaining the high standards set more than 50 years ago when Sweet first burst onto the music scene.
“Isolation Boulevard” was recorded between lockdowns in September/October 2020. The new album harks back to Sweet’s golden era and the 1975 album “Desolation Boulevard.” The latest single and video “Set Me Free” is taken from “Isolation Boulevard” and though it is one of the bands most covered songs, this is the first time Sweet has released it as a single. Andy Scott, the songwriter and last man standing from the original band has produced a remarkable album given the circumstances that we face globally.
There is a rumor circulating of a British Rock Invasion featuring Sweet and a couple of other 70’s Rock bands to tour North America very soon!
“2021 - Sweet are back with a new album ‘Isolation Boulevard’ featuring the single ‘Set Me Free’ and a dynamic stage show celebrating 50 years of hits!” – Andy Scott
Watch Sweet’s “Set Me Free” (Radio Edit) Official Video:
“Isolation Boulevard” Tracklist: Fox on the Run Still Got the Rock Action Love Is Like Oxygen Hellraiser The Six Teens Blockbuster Set Me Free Teenage Rampage Turn It Down New York Groove Ballroom Blitz
Prudential Music Group 20600 Eureka Rd Suite 900 Taylor, Mi 48180 Cell 248-707-0778 https://www.prudentialmusicgroup.com Prudential Music Group is headed up by young drummer Jason Hartless (Ted Nugent, Sponge, Joe Lynn Turner)
