MuzikMan's Reviews And News

9/06/2018

Leader Of Down Feat. Final Recordings From Motörhead Guitarist Würzel To Release "Cascade Into Chaos"

Featuring guest appearances by even more Motörhead alumni including Lemmy Kilmister, Fast Eddie Clarke, and Phil Campbell along with Cliff Evans (Tank), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), Whitfield Crane (Ugly Kid Joe), and Lee Richards (Ex Godsmack)!

Los Angeles - The brainchild of Grammy nominated former Motörhead guitarist Würzel and bass player Tim Atkinson who after forming the band Leader of Down in 2008 busied themselves in a London rehearsal studio writing dozens of tracks in preparation for recording an album. They then recruited drummer, Steve Clarke (Ex Fastway) to join the ranks and continue preparing for the debut album “Cascade Into Chaos” (scheduled for release on Cleopatra Records September 2018).

The name Leader of Down came from Würzel mishearing the lyrics to the Status Quo track “Down, Down”. Würzel found this extremely funny as he had been singing the wrong words “Down Down, Leader of Down” for over 30 years.

“Cascade into Chaos” is named after a phrase that Würzel and Tim liked during the initial songwriting sessions, it seemed a very obvious choice and was the only title that the two of them ever really discussed.

The band started recording the initial tracks for the album which included a reworking of Würzel’s solo release from the 80's “People Say I'm Crazy”. These initial sessions also included a track that was always intended for Lemmy to sing on, as Würzel said “We think it would suit him”. This track eventually became “Paradise Turned Into Dust” with Lemmy finishing his recording at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles in 2015 shortly before his own passing, at a very emotional session with Tim Atkinson and Steve Clarke. Unmistakably Lemmy Kilmister with his unique voice on “Laugh At The Devil”.

Although there are several guest vocalists on the album such as Whitfield Crane, the line up of Leader of Down is completed by vocalist Matt Baker and guitarist Alex Ward who have slipped seamlessly into the line up.

After Würzel's tragic death in 2011 the band continued to finish the album and enlisted the help of some friends to honour the great man. With guest appearances from Lemmy, Phil Campbell (who joined Motörhead on the same day as Würzel in 1984), Fast Eddie Clarke who has also sadly passed away beginning of 2018, Whitfield Crane from Ugly Kid Joe, Lee Richards (Ex Godsmack), Bruce Foxton from The Jam, and Cliff Evans from Tank.

Says Tim Atkinson, “It is a very bittersweet feeling now that the album is being released. It feels very strange without Würzel being here, and I know he would be thrilled with the final result. It was a real pleasure writing with Würzel, as we instinctively knew what both of us were thinking when we put our ideas forward. We always wanted Lemmy to sing on 'Paradise turned into Dust', and it was a very emotional session in Los Angeles when Lemmy completed the track and I just wish that Würz had been there to see it. It was amazing that so many friends helped us to finish the album with guest appearances and I can only thank them from the bottom of my heart. To hear Phil playing with Würzel again was absolutely fantastic”.

The album features 10 blockbusting tracks, all mixed by Motörhead Grammy winning producer Cameron Webb at Maple Studios in California.

The album is of course a tribute to Würzel and the other fallen Motörhead heroes but it is also just the beginning for Leader of Down who after a successful appearance at Hard Rock Hell are embarking on a tour with Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons in November 2018, and will be very busy next year with live shows already planned. Leader of Down have signed a worldwide deal with Los Angeles based label Cleopatra Records.

As Lemmy once shouted from the stage at Hammersmith Odeon, shortly after Würzel and Phil Campbell joined, “Well, are we back?” We can safely say that Würzel is back, we just wish that he was with us for the ride.

Track listing
1. Paradise Turned Into Dust ( Lemmy vocals, additional bass Tim Atkinson)
2. Cascade Into Chaos
3. People Say I’m Crazy
4. Serial Killjoy (Bruce Foxton on additional bass with Tim Atkinson)
5. Children of Disease (Whitfield Crane vocals, Lee Richards and Richards/ Crane) backing vocals, Phil Campbell 2nd guitar solo)
6. Snakebite (Fast Eddie Clarke all guitars and vocals)
7. Punch and Geordie
8. Feel Good (Cliff Evans first guitar solo)
9. The Killing Rain (The last song Würzel ever recorded)
10. Laugh at the Devil (Lemmy vocals and all guitars by Fast Eddie Clarke)

To purchase:
Buy the CD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/leader-of-down-cascade-into-chaos-cd/
Buy the vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/leader-of-down-cascade-into-chaos-lp/

For more information:
www.LeaderOfDown.com
www.facebook.com/leaderofdownofficial

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

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
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9/05/2018

Concert Review: Judas Priest and Deep Purple Co-Headline at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center

Judas Priest and Deep Purple Co-Headline at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center

Opening Act Temperance Movement

Bethel Woods New York

September 2, 2018

http://www.judaspriest.com/home/

http://www.deeppurple.com/

http://thetemperancemovement.com/

Thousands of people made the trek to the mountains in Bethel Woods NY to see a triple header rock concert. It was one of those nights you would never forget. Deep Purple, whom I never saw live, Judas Priest and a relatively new band on the scene, Temperance Movement, would entertain for over 3 hours.

It was a long ride for us but well worth the trip by the time we got back home in the wee hours of the morning. This would be the fourth time I would see Judas Priest. I am also aware that Deep Purple is likely on their last tour and recorded their last studio album From Here To Infinite. This placed some urgency on the event for me personally. I was there to cover Judas Priest so everything else was icing on the cake.

I have to say that the venue at Bethel Woods, which sits directly across the field where Woodstock was held, is the most beautiful venue I have ever been to. I have been to a few in my day and this place is so scenic and peaceful, well not for long though. There is a little stream that runs alongside the path to the stage and a beautiful water fountain as well. There are all kinds of food and drink vendors and some very interesting booths for memorabilia of the site and of course the swag booths to give every fan a chance to buy something from the event. I picked up a signed CD from The Temperance Movement. It is a fantastic new album titled A Deeper Cut.

So, we just made it there before the concert started and had to walk quite a way from where we parked, which would later prove to work to our advantage when leaving. My son and I ran to our seats to catch The Temperance Movement’s opening song.

The Temperance Movement are a British blues rock band formed in 2011 by Phil Campbell and guitarists Luke Potashnick and Paul Sayer. The rhythm section consists of bassist Nick Fyffe and drummer Damon Wilson. This was a pleasant surprise to have them open for the two rock heavyweights as I have appreciated their recorded output since their inception. They really came on strong and maintained the energy level with some great playing. The lead singer is a little dynamo, jumping all over and waving his arms. I think he must have watched Jagger on stage a bit before he took the stage himself and I can hear the influence of the Rolling Stones in their sound. They had a short stay but they really made the best of every moment and think left a lasting impression on an audience that was likely unfamiliar to them.

Faulkner and Halford

Judas Priest was up next and they started things off with the title track of their new album Firepower. Rob Halford is now sporting his completely white beard and looking like the elder rocker but sounding strong as ever. Every time I see this band I am simply amazed how Halford keeps his pipes in such good shape and the range and screams he still commands are awesome.

Ritchie Faulkner is now the veteran guitar player of the band. He trades licks with Andy Sneap who fills in now for Glen Tipton. Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I was very saddened to hear this news. It seemed strange not seeing Glen on stage with his red leather pants and guitar blazing away. Faulkner certainly has reached another level as a guitar player and he has risen to the occasion taking over a lion’s share of the lead runs.

Halford and Sneap

So as Priest made their way through their set list I realized that this was the first time I had felt the sheer power of their set so up close. We had some great seats. When I would sit down for a few minutes I could feel the bass drum hammering away at my chest. It really was an amazing feeling. They were very loud but that is the only way to experience a Priest concert with the decibel level pinning in the red. If it hurts the eardrums well that will eventually wear off and you will be so glad you went again.

Then came rock legends Deep Purple. Ian Gillan (vocals), Ian Paice (drums), Roger Glover (bass), Steve Morse (guitar) and Don Airey (keys) are a solid veteran unit that is very comfortable on stage and in the studio.

Ian Gillan has naturally lost some range with his voice; however, he is very distinctive and he gets the numbers across quite well. Some of the fan favorites were covered like “Highway Star,” “Space Truckin,” “Lazy” and of course “Smoke on the Water” and the incredible oldie “Hush.”

Deep Purple Bass Player Roger Glover

Deep Purple can still be a force to be reckoned with onstage and if they were not I am sure they would not be sharing a bill with the metal legends Judas Priest. There is likely a mutual respect there between the two bands. I have to give the nod to Steve Morse for still playing magnificently even though he has some wrist issues and has to wear a brace. I know the feeling and really appreciate his efforts to keep playing all of that great music.

What an amazing night and I was there. What an honor and privilege it was to attend such an event and have the opportunity to provide some coverage to perspective concert goers.

My final thought is if this show is coming to a town near you I highly recommend your attendance as this may be your last chance to see these bands play together!

September 5, 2018

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

New Age Music Reviews

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"The original internet “MuzikMan” Reviewer since 1998!”

(All the pics I took with my phone so they are not professional, I have provided them to give people an idea of what I was watching and enjoying)

Judas Priest Setlist:

Firepower Intro

Firepower

Delivering the Goods

Sinner

Lightning Strike

Desert Plains

Turbo Lover

Guardians

Rising From Ruins

Freewheel Burning

You've Got Another Thing Comin'

Hell Bent for Leather

Painkiller

Encore:

Metal Gods

No Surrender

(first time w/o Glenn;… more )

Breaking the Law

Living After Midnight

Deep Purple Setlist:

Mars, the Bringer of War

(Gustav Holst song)

Highway Star

Pictures of Home

Bloodsucker

Strange Kind of Woman

Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming

Uncommon Man

Lazy

Knocking at Your Back Door

Keyboard Solo

(incl. "The Star-Spangled Banner")

Perfect Strangers

Space Truckin'

Smoke on the Water

Encore:

Hush

(Joe South cover) (incl. "Peter Gunn Theme" intro)

9/04/2018

Instrumental World-Jazz-Fusion Review: Ron Korb-World Café

Release Date: August 8, 2018
Label: Humbledragon
Website

Flutist Ron Korb released World Café last month. This is his twentieth proper release. That is quite a catalog of recordings for any career. This is my first time hearing his music and I was anticipating some great sounds just by looking at the title. To give you the right looking glass before listening, I would prepare yourself for some excellent world-jazz-fusion.

World encompasses a broad range in relation to anything however for music it means something very special. You know you are in for some ear candy when that word is part of the genre. In this case, you will hear Latin-infused instrumentation led by Ron’s magnificent flute playing.

My musical taste buds were meant for any kind of Latin music, this was not an acquired taste, I have always enjoyed this type of music. I love the rhythms and particularly the percussion that lays down that hotbed of sound. Larry Crowe is the main percussionist throughout with the exception of the superb “Carnival” and “Hilario” where Papiosco adds his congas and timbale to the mix. Bill Evans, the long-time collaborator of Ron, is steady throughout the entire album on the keys. Having the right chemistry between players is always so important for a successful recording session, it becomes very clear that is the case here.

If you are appreciative of the flute you will feel you have struck gold on World Café. I have always appreciated the flute in rock or jazz recordings. One of the factors that I greatly appreciate about this album is that the artist actually travels to the lands that are the subject matter of his music. All the music was written and composed by Ron, everything is the real deal with this man.

The CD comes encased in a quality hardbound book style with each page containing pictures, anecdotes and a list of the contributing musicians. This is not just a listening experience, it is all-encompassing. Through the CD booklet pages and the music, you get to feel the atmosphere of where he is and imagine the colors, sounds and smells wafting through the air. World Café is everything that it says it is and a little bit more for the astute listener. It is without a doubt my pick for best fusion album of 2018 and the bar is set very high to challenge it.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

September 4, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Bailar Conmigo (Dance with Me)
02. Sans Regret
03. Cordoba
04. Hilario
05. Island Life
06. Argentina
07. Take My Hand
08. Patagonia
09. Sans Regret Reprise
10. New Orleans
11. Carnival
12. Sans Regret Finale

Cleopatra Entertainment Secures North American and UK Distribution Rights for Conny Plank Documentary Film

Los Angeles - Cleopatra Entertainment has secured the North American and UK distribution rights to the 2018 SXSW Film Festival Official Selection CONNY PLANK: The Potential Of Noise documentary.

The U.S. Theatrical Premier is slated for 6:00 PM on Friday, September 28th at the Arena Cinelounge Theater, 6464 Sunset Blvd. Lobby Level, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (323) 924-1644 and the film will run the entire week for a seven day engagement. In attendance at the premier will be the film’s Director and son of the late Conny Plank - Stephan Plank - and the film’s Berlin-based Producer Milena Fessman, who will participate in an exclusive Q&A session following the screening.

One of the greatest studio engineers and record producers of the 20th century, a world without Conny Plank’s influence on music is unfathomable. Instrumental in shaping the early sound of Kraftwerk, Plank would go on to work with legends such as Neu!, Cluster, DAF and Devo, eventually breaking through to the mainstream with the likes of Ultravox, The Eurythmics, and the legendary Scorpions. Conny’s son Stephan Plank, who co-directed this film with Reto Caduff, set out to discover the side of his father which he did not know, whilst at the same time, through interviews with such luminaries as Michael Rother, Daniel Miller and the late Holger Czukay, providing an appreciation of a man and his craft.

The 95 minute documentary also traces the history of Stephan’s father Conny through the viewpoint of the artists he worked with. It also examines the legacy the West German producer, sound engineer and musician left behind following his death at the age of 47. Ranging across progressive, avant garde, electronic and krautrock, Plank was also a regular collaborator with Cluster’s Dieter Moebius. Born Konrad Plank in Hütschenhausen in 1940, Conny died of cancer in 1987, leaving behind his wife, the actor Christa Fast, and son Stephan, then aged 13.

“I discovered his work in the early 80s when albums by Eurythmics or Ultravox, Les Ritas Mitsouko, Freur or by German new wave acts such as Ideal, Rheingold or DAF had the Conny Plank credit on the cover,” comments Reto Caduff via email. “Little did I know at that time of his earlier influence: that he brought Kraftwerk to the recording studio for the first time, that he was working with the band up to their “Autobahn” hit, and all his contribution to the krautrock genre and early electronic music. I only discovered really Neu! when the albums were reissued in the early 2000s. He really was a pioneer and his untimely death at 47 in 1987 only added to the legend.

“To me, the idea of co-directing the film made a lot of sense since Stephan could approach the artists whom he met as a kid in the studio (his home) differently than a regular documentary director. My hunch proved correct over and over again. Meeting the artists brought the memories and stories to a complete different level and enabled us to paint a very unique picture of this extraordinary artist behind the mixing desk. I also felt the timing was right since a lot of the people were still active.

“I hope we made a film that appeals to the fans who grew up with his music as much as to a younger generation interested in the genesis of electronic music,” he concludes.

For more information about Conny Plank: The Potential of Noise and other films from Cleopatra Entertainment, please contact Tim Yasui 310-477-4000 or tim@cleorecs.com or visit our website at www.cleopatra-entertainment.com

For advance tickets, please visit: http://arenascreen.com/event/conny-plank-potential-noise

OFFICIAL TRAILER:

AMAZON DVD pre-sale link: https://www.amazon.com/Conny-Plank-Potential-Gianna-Nannini/dp/B07FNRJWJL

VOD Release date: October 16th
DVD Home Entertainment Release date: November 13th

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

Pages

9/06/2018

Leader Of Down Feat. Final Recordings From Motörhead Guitarist Würzel To Release "Cascade Into Chaos"

9/05/2018

Concert Review: Judas Priest and Deep Purple Co-Headline at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center

9/04/2018

Instrumental World-Jazz-Fusion Review: Ron Korb-World Café

Cleopatra Entertainment Secures North American and UK Distribution Rights for Conny Plank Documentary Film

Cleopatra Entertainment Secures North American and UK Distribution Rights for Conny Plank Documentary Film