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Wednesday, February 28, 2007

REO SPEEDWAGON have now entitled their new album ‘Find Your Own Way Home’. .

Kansas members Billy Greer, Phil Ehart, David Ragsdale and Richard Williams have formed a side project together dubbed Native Window, with Billy Greer handling vocals.

RIP – Australian rock legend BILLY THORPE.

PRESS RELEASES

Press Release / Canadian rock legends April Wine continue their Electric Adventure in 2007. A new studio album (16th studio release) Roughly Speaking was released in late 2006, that finds the band exploring various styles – blues, Beatlesque power pop, and the boogie rock they've always been known for. The album was recorded in pure analog – 2” tape, 24 track recording with no digital equipment during the entire process – roughly speaking, it's April Wine exploring some different styles but a real breath of fresh air and an interesting effort.
April Wine are Myles Goodwyn (guitars, keys, lead vocals), Brian Greenway (guitars, vocals) and Gerry Mercer (drums, vocals). Longtime bassist Jim Clench has decided to call it a day and he's been replaced by ex-Offenbach star Breen LeBoeuf. Preliminary reports are more than positive as Breen has brought not only new life to April Wine, but outstanding musicianship and impressive vocal ability. All reports are that the bands current live shows are getting solid reviews.
Roughly Speaking tracks: Saw Someone, I've Had Enough For Now, Night Life (Willie Nelson), Sheila, You Don't Even Know, I Am I Am, Life Goes, If You're Coming.
Current tour dates: - Mar 02 - Halifax, NS - The Marquee
- Mar 03 - St. John's, NF - Club One
- Mar 06 - Moncton, NB - Rockin Rodeo
- Mar 07 - St. John, NB - Imperial Theatre
- Mar 08 - Fredericton, NB - The Playhouse
- Mar 09 - Summerside, PE - Harbourfront Jubilee Theatre
- Mar 10 - Glace Bay, NS - Savoy Theatre
Look for more Canadian and USA dates into the Spring & Summer. For collectors and memorabilia types, check out historian and uber fan – Dave Buerster's – extensive band tribute site (which the band often time call upon) www.aprilwine.ws and the official website www.aprilwine.ca



Frontiers Records is excited to present JOE LYNN TURNER's new studio album "Second Hand Life" scheduled for release in Europe on April 20th 2007 !
In a career that spans nearly 30 years and includes over 50 album credits, Joe Lynn Turner ("JLT") remains one of rock and roll's most distinctive, soulful and expressive vocalists. His credits include FANDANGO, RAINBOW, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, DEEP PURPLE and more recently MOTHER'S ARMY and his successful cooperation with GLENN HUGHES on the HUGHES / TURNER PROJECT albums.
"Second Hand Life" is Turner's new studio album, his tenth solo release. This time Joe wanted to go straight back to his melodic rock roots. Therefore, he worked on the songwriting with such luminaries as Jim Peterik (ex SURVIVOR), Bob Held, Karl Cochran, Martin Briley. He also managed to include a track that he co-wrote with Ritchie Blackmore, Jim Peterik and Roger Glover entitled "Stroke of Midnight".
The players on the new disc include longtime collaborators Karl Cochran (ACE FREHLEY) on guitar and bass, Bob Held on bass, Gary Corbett on keyboards and former DAMN YANKEES - now with LYNYRD SKYNYRD - drummer Michael Cartellone.
In Joe's words: "I would describe the new album as a hybrid between The Usual Suspects and Sunstorm, my recent studio project which received more positive reviews than any of my solo CDs since Rescue You. I felt that the fans wanted to hear more music in this melodic rock vein. So... I think we delivered on this forthcoming album".

Tracklisting on "Second Hand Life" includes the following songs:
Love is Life; Got Me Where You Want Me; Second Hand Life; In Your Eyes; Blood Red Sky; Stroke of Midnight; Over the Top; Cruel; Sweet Obsession; Love Is On Our Side; Two Lights (European exclusive bonus track)



The new album from the Punk Rockers TRACY GANG PUSSY, called "Paris Sucks" will be out on April, 2nd 2007 via Active Entertainment/Pias - PRODUCED BY TOMAS SKOGSBERG (Backyard Babies, The Hellacopters...)
more informations via www.myspace.com/tracygangpussy
TRACY GANG PUSSY :
Feb 28 SOMA CLUB @HANNOVER (DE)
Mar 1 RIDER'S CAFE @LUBECK (DE)
Mar 2 CHEMIEFABRIK @DRESDEN (DE)
Mar 3 KLUB 007 @PRAGUE (CZ)
Mar 5 CLUB BOZAK @TEPLICE (CZ)
Mar 6 PAUNCHY CATS @LICHTENFELS (DE)
Mar 7 WHITE TRASH @BERLIN (DE)
Mar 8 ROCK CITY @USTER (CH)


Dear FishHeads, Freaks, fans and The Company,
A month gone by and so much has happened, all definitely positive and all very exciting and uplifting!
Where do I start? I suppose with the confirmed news that I have taken up a position of a broadcaster on Planet Rock with my own show, "Fish on Friday" kicking off on the 3rd March at 6 till 8pm. The show goes out every Friday (repeated on Sunday) until the end of June and I'll be playing an array of rock music including demos from "The Thirteenth Star". First show for example has King Crimson, Roger Waters, Genesis, Marillion, Led Zep, SAHB, the Faces - you get the drift! As well as stories behind songs and a plethora of anecdotes there's a weekly competition to win my entire catalogue of solo studio recordings with a draw from all who enter for a special prize for a lucky someone of a visit to the studio for the playback of the new album and dinner with me and the boys. I'm cooking! :-)
At the moment the shows are being pre recorded at the XFM studio in Glasgow but in the next few weeks I'll be going out live from Scotland!
Trevor White, my producer is really pleased with the first two shows which are in the can and both he and I are excited about the plans for the coming months which will culminate in a special live performance at a venue as yet unnamed in Central Scotland which will probably be the first show on the "Clutching at Stars" tour. Admission will be free and tickets only available to fans who enter the competitions over the broadcast period. In fairness to The Company I will probably be arranging a warm up gig to this show as it will be recorded and broadcast on Planet Rock after my run of shows.
The demos that I'll be playing are in rough form with the first two purely instrumental loose versions. I'll be talking about the songs and explaining the writing and development process as the weeks go by. There's enough anecdotes flying around to keep the most diehard fans happy.
I had hoped to announce the appointment simultaneously with Planet Rock but their press department forgot to tell me and they launched before I could get the news on the web site. Needless to say there will be quite a bit of coverage in the general media supporting the show and with the "Thirteenth Star" and the acoustic album from St Mary's in the neck of the pipeline it's all going to be great profile.
I'll be writing a blog for the Planet Rock web site and I'll have a dedicated email address specifically for contacting me about the show and for requests, comments and abuse! All in all very exciting stuff!

I've also been in discussion with other parties and I am considering seriously setting up "Fish TV". This will take the form of a streaming service available on monthly subscription where fans can see an hour of material that's made up of interviews from the studio about the new album, the demoing and recording of the tracks, footage shot generally around the farm and studio, funnies, archive footage from my vast collection of tapes amassed from touring since 88 including studio sessions from various albums and other material.
We are still working on formats and pricing etc and there will be a survey conducted on the web site as well as a demo of the intended show style put up in the near future in order to canvas your opinions and get your input on what you would like to see.
The picture quality is quite good and better than YouTube for example and the idea is to have DVDs of the shows available at some point with the studio footage perhaps tied as a bonus disc with "13th Star".

I'll be discussing on-line downloads with parties in the coming weeks in order to get the catalogue and other material available in the run up to the release of the new studio album. It's a long convoluted process and unravelling the mysteries of the myriad of options on offer will take some concentration and time. I hope to have it in place by the early summer.

The acoustic live performance from St Mary's has been mixed and mastered by Calum Malcolm and Mark Wilkinson is coming up to visit me next week to discuss the cover artwork not only for this album but also the main studio project which already has the principal images in place in some form or another. I think it's the most powerful artwork since the "Vigil" cover.
The acoustic project will be available on mail order only in April through the web site and will be previewed on my Planet Rock show.
More details will be given out as the project moves into production.

The Studio control room is buzzing (thankfully not literally) as the new equipment is now wired in and working giving me a complete fully functioning recording studio once again. The room was cleared out when the garage was finished and the classic Helpenstill piano which I bought from Mickey Simmonds back in 88 has been reconditioned, re strung and tuned and playing a part in the writing sessions. The piano once belonged to Chas and Dave who left their own fag burns on the black fibre glass top before flogging it to Mickey who sold it to me before he started work on the "Vigil" sessions. It's the piano you can hear on the "Gentleman's Excuse Me" demo on the re mastered "Vigil" bonus tracks. It sat in the container in the garden for over 6 years and I was pleased that this talisman is back in the studio again and in fine working order.
My out front/monitor engineer Paul Kennedy spent a week tracking wires and cleaning up the technical aspects of the studio and was a huge help in getting the place fully operational again. It was a good feeling getting the old place up and running again!
The control room now hosts a brand new Apple Mac G5 Pro with the top of the range Pro Tools HD software and a 24 track Soundcraft desk which is tied up to the existing input lines in the main studio floor and booths. This is the principal recording equipment but I also have the old G4 Apple Mac set up as a work station in the back of the room with the new Logic Pro acting as the main writing tool.
Steve Vantsis has already been up for two writing sessions and has been brilliant at getting to grips with the new set up and has come up with some great ideas which have given us 9 working songs on the "grid". Steve and I have talked about working together as writers for quite a while but this is the first time we have collaborated. It's been highly productive and the vibe on the sessions has been really positive and creative. I would go as far as to say this has been the best vibe in the studio and control room for years. Frank Usher has also been taking part in the sessions and has come up with a couple of great ideas. Like Steve he has been in the background on previous album writing but is now very involved in the creation of this project and between the three of us we have come on leaps and bounds in the first two months of working together. The chemistry on this album is very different and the material strong and melodic and sitting on some wonderful grooves.The style is different but relative and I can hear echoes of "Sunsets" and ironically "Clutching" in the tracks we are working on at present.
Track tiles we have at the moment are "Circle Line", "Arc of the Curve", "Micklegate", "13th Star", "Dark Star", "Openwater", "It Ain't Easy" (working title), "Going Home" (working title) and "Where in the World?".
It is a concept album and in the next two months more will become clear (both to you and me :-)) as the writing progresses and more material takes the grid and others move forward to the intended band pre production in late April early May. I am fully confident we are on line to bring in Calum Malcolm in mid May to begin recording with an intended finished album by mid July.
More information about the album will be posted as we move further into the project. For now we are in a very positive position and all the hard work everyone has put in the last two months is more than paying off.

There are changes in the band line up for the album and the tour. Both Tony Turrell and Andy Trill have been moved out. They put in a great shift on the "Return to Childhood" album and tour and I sincerely appreciate all their work with me in the last two years. I decided however that I needed a change and to freshen up the chemistry for this album. The decision had nothing to do with either Andy or Tony's playing ability but more to do with the new style and approach on "13th Star".
Tony is replaced by Foss Paterson who has recently been playing keys with John Martyn. Foss as many of you know played with me in the mid 90's on the "Suits" and "Yin/Yang" projects after Mickey Simmonds left the band and made me aware of his availability through a chance meeting with Frank (Foss retired from the band at the same time as Frank just before the "Sunsets" album). He came down to the studio last week and we let him play on the demos. His interpretations blew us away and we knew immediately he was the right man for the position. It's an appointment that put a big smile on everyone's faces and I for one am really pleased he is back in the fold.
The position of second guitarist has not yet been filled and I have a number of options I am examining. We have auditioned a couple of likely contenders but at the moment we are under no pressure to make a decision. I am confident I will have my man by the end of March and in place for the last period of the writing sessions.

All in all as you can see we are in exciting times and there are a lot of highly positive things going on. We have been very busy in the last two months and in the coming period I know it's going to get even more hectic as the recording looms. I am on a real high just now as are all the team and everyone is looking forward to delivering what I hope is one of the finest albums I have produced for years. You can rest assured we will do our finest to achieve that aim,

until the next post,
take care and stay alive
Onkel Fish
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Official Fish site - http://www.the-company.com
Mail order service - http://shop.the-company.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIG NEWS

Rock and Blues Custom Show - Derbyshire - 26th to 29th July 2007

Main Stage
Scorpions with Special Guest Uli Jon Roth
Michael Schenker Group
The Levellers
Pat Savage Band
GMT
The Animals and Friends
The Handsome Beasts
BOTB Winner
Saor Patrol
Crossed Piston Salon
Uniting the Elements
Dirty DC
The Brew
Pugma Ho
New Generation Superstars
Cathouse Creepers
The Almaboobies
+ 2 more to be announced - see www.rockandblues.uk.com

Korn, Dragonforce and Velvet Revolver are the latest bands confirmed for this year's Download Festival

FASTER PUSSYCAT + ENUFF Z NUFF
April 26th - Swansea Sin City
April 27th - Bradford Rio's
April 28th - Nottingham Rock City
April 29th - Dudley JBs
April 30th - Crewe Limelight
May 1st - London Camden Underworld

FASTWAY are lining-up more European festival shows along with the already confirmed Sweden Rocks appearance.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

DEEP PURPLE have urged fans not to buy the recently released ‘Live at the NEC 1993’ on Sony/BMG as they feel it does not put the band in a good light.

FASTER PUSSYCAT frontman Taime Downe has issued the following statement (handbags at dawn!):
"FASTER PUSSYCAT is NOT playing Europe in April and May. That is Brent Muscat doing his FP tribute band, playing my songs. We will be on tour in the U.S. in May and Europe in the summer. Sorry it you already bought tickets.
"P.S.: Message to Brent: I didn't want it to turn into this, you prick! But I started the band, not you.... I wrote the songs, not you. I did the work.... NOT YOU!!!.... but that's you, always taking credit that's not yours!!!"

Three David Lee Roth solo albums will be reissued April 3 in the US. Remastered versions of the original Van Halen singer's 1991 disc, A Little Ain't Enough, and 1994 effort, Your Filthy Little Mouth, will be made available along with the first-ever CD edition of Sonrisa Salvaje -- the rare Spanish-language version of his 1986 effort, Eat 'Em and Smile. The VAN HALEN ‘Best Of’ due in April has now been cancelled.

PAUL STANLEY’s recent US concerts had an average attendance of 62% of tickets sold (or 950 people on average per venue) according to Pollstar.

PRESS RELEASES

Any fan who attended TOTO shows over the last year noticed that Mike Porcaro had toured after having sustained a very painful injury to his left hand. Despite the fact that it was difficult, Mike persevered and played each and every date of the first leg of the Falling In Between Tour. After returning home, Mike sought medical treatment and has been recovering nicely; however, he has not been able to recuperate in time to join the band on the upcoming tour.
“I was hoping that the situation would be better by now,” Mike states, “but it hasn’t improved. It’s gonna take a while. I’m working on it, and I hope to be back in the saddle soon enough. But, unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to make this upcoming run. Nobody feels worse about it than me, but that’s the reality of it.”
Despite the short notice, TOTO have recruited one of the best bass players around to substitute for Mike: acclaimed session musician and life-long friend Leland (Lee) Sklar. “Those of you on the TOTO Network have seen Lee; he’s a big part of the Network and what we’re trying to do there with the web. He’s going to play bass and you’re going to love it. You’re in great hands,” says Mike, and jokes, “Come on down and see him play and see a real bass player.”
Sklar, a renowned player whose credits include James Taylor, Hall & Oates, Jackson Browne, Phil Collins, Clint Black, Reba McEntire, and George Strait, is looking forward to playing with his long-time friends in TOTO. He will be filling in for Mike on all of the upcoming TOTO tour dates so that Mike has the time to fully recover. “I hope to see you all soon,” says Mike. “I’m sorry that this is the way it is, but this is life and I’ll hopefully be back really soon. So God bless and enjoy the upcoming tour!”
Mike recorded a special video message apologizing for not being able to do the tour and introducing Lee to the fans.
http://www.toto99.com/multimedia/videos/mike.shtml

GIG NEWS

FOREIGNER
Mon 03/12/07 Tokyo, JPN Koseinenkin Kaikan
Tue 03/13/07 Tokyo, JPN Koseinenkin Kaikan
Thu 03/15/07 Honolulu, HI Neal S. Blaisdell Arena
Fri 03/16/07 Kahului, HI Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Sat 03/17/07 Kona, HI Hilton Waikoloa
Tue 03/20/07 Austin, TX Travis County Exposition Center
Fri 03/30/07 Long Beach, CA Vault 350
Sat 03/31/07 Scottsdale, AZ Westworld
Mon 04/09/07 Columbus, OH Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
Fri 04/13/07 Grand Prairie, TX Lone Star Park At Grand Prairie
Fri 05/18/07 Peachtree City, GA Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater
Sat 05/19/07 Peachtree City, GA Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater
Sun 05/20/07 Hudson, FL Port Hudson Marina
Sat 05/26/07 San Juan, PR Coliseo de Puerto Rico
Thu 06/14/07 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park Amphitheatre
Fri 06/15/07 Raleigh, NC Alltel Pavilion @ Walnut Creek
Sat 06/16/07 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Sun 06/17/07 Bristow, VA Nissan Pavilion
Thu 06/21/07 Mansfield, MA Tweeter Center
Fri 06/22/07 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
Sat 06/23/07 Wantagh, NY Nikon At Jones Beach Theater
Thu 06/28/07 Moosic, PA Toyota Pavilion At Montage Mountain
Fri 06/29/07 Camden, NJ Tweeter Center At The Waterfront
Sat 06/30/07 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel Casino / Spa
Sun 07/01/07 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
Tue 07/03/07 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest
Sat 07/28/07 Janesville, WI Rock County 4-H Fair
Fri 08/17/07 Des Moines, IA Iowa State Fair
Fri 08/31/07 Woodstock, VA Shenandoah County Fair
12th & 13th Oct Lincoln City, OR Chinook Winds Casino

The Killers, Snow Patrol and the Foo Fighters will be the three headliners of the 2-day 2007 V Festival later this summer. The twinned event which takes place at in Chelmsford and Staffordshire over the weekend of August 8-10 will see The Killers headline one night whilst Foo Fighters and Snow Patrol will co-headline the other.
Other artists confirmed to appear include Amy Winehouse, Babyshambles, Basement Jaxx, Damien Rice, Editors, Fratellis, Happy Mondays, James, James Morrison, Kasabian, Kooks, KT Tunstall, Manic Street Preachers, Mika, Paolo Nutini, Pink and Primal Scream.

TRAVIS
MAY
15 Grimsby Auditorium
16 Dundee Caird Hall
17 Glasgow Barrowlands
21 Newcastle Academy
22 Manchester Apollo
23 Bournemouth BIC
25 Birmingham Academy
26 Plymouth Pavilions
27 Reading Hexagon
29 London Hammersmith Apollo
JUNE
8 Thetford Forest, Suffolk
10 Bedgebury Pinetum, Kent
23 Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
29 Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
30 Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Nottinghamshire

REVIEWS

DAMAGE CONTROL Cargo Records (2007) www.damage-control.co.uk

You may not know the name but you will know the band, namely guitarist Robin George, bassists Pete Way (UFO), drummer Chris Slade (Asia/AC/DC/Uriah Heep) and on vocals the Quireboys Spike. Musically it reminds you of AC/DC and Nazareth, especially as Spike’s vocals sound like they’ve been squeezed through a mangler at times! In fact the only slight downside of the album is Spike’s vocals which at times just don’t seem to quite fit the music. That’s said ‘Dead Men Walking’, ‘Savage Songs’ and the album highlight ‘Alice’ are classic hard rock tunes. Robin George ditches his more polished guitar sound of his solo work for some mean, dirty riffing and a great piece of guitar on ‘Bitching Blues’. Chris Slade’s drumming is worthy of a special mention as well as he really powers along the songs and seems to get more free reign for powerhouse drumming than in his Asia days.
Fans of Nazareth, the Quireboys and Bon Scott era AC/DC will like this album I am sure as well as lovers of no frills blues based hard rock. Hopefully the band will tour and we will see another album from them as they obviously work well together.

****
Jason Ritchie

AL ATKINS ‘The Sin Sessions’ Cargo Records (2007) www.dieselandglory.com

Al Atkins was a founding member of metal legends Judas Priest and this is his fifth solo release. He’s joined by a few notable guests including Budgie guitarist Simon Lees and Diamond Head’s Brian Tatler. Atkins has an earthy vocal style suited to the classic metal tunes on here of which ‘Demon Deceiver’ and ‘Blood, demons and Whiskey’ are the pick of the bunch. There are two Priest songs revisited on here, ‘Victim Of Changes’ and ‘Dreamer Deceiver’, both of which stay faithful to the originals (personally though I prefer Rob Halford singing these). Elsewhere it is pretty standard metal fare, well played but nothing really stand out.
If you are a Judas Priest fan give this a listen as the songs are not unlike the mighty Priest and of interest as well to fans of classic metal like Chariot, Saxon et al

***
Jason Ritchie

THE DIALS (CDS 2007) www.thedials.co.uk

The Dials were recently winners in the Fopp unsigned bands competition and rightly so! They evoke the 60’s psychedelic sound and the harmony filled bands like the Byrds and CSN. The latter even form the basis of the third track on this EP ‘CSN’, a very lad back and mellow piece. ‘The Coracle’ is simply top stuff, lovely harmony and a real 60’s sound albeit with modern production. ‘Hernandez’ is the middle track on this three song CD and again the band maintain their high standards.
A very enjoyable CD and I urge fans of the Byrds and CSN to buy/download ‘The Coracle’ as it is too good to miss out on.

****
Jason Ritchie

THE DECOYS ‘Songs About Girls’ (CDS 2007) www.decoysband.com

The Decoys come from the south coast of England (near Worthing) and have been going for three years. This is an enjoyable five track CD is upbeat pop rock with ‘She Won’t Wait’ and ‘Torn Up’ well worth checking out pronto. They remind me of the rather good Undercut and Black #5 (RIP), with the band’s emphasis on strong melodies and crashing guitar riffs when needed.

****
Jason Ritchie

SON VENENO (CDS 2007) www.myspace.com/sonveneno

Mmmm…not sure I am the target market for this band as it contains lots of rapping and r’n’b, which along with jazz leaves me cold. ‘Stupid Song’ with its Latino beat is worth a listen, mind you ‘Bridge’ is background music at best, soon to be played in your local shopping centre…
Unless you like rap steer clear…

*
Jason Ritchie

CONRAD VINGOE (CDS 2007) www.conradvingoe.co.uk

Singer/songwriter Conrad Vingoe is another winner of Fopp’s unsigned competition and with his mellow tunes sure to become a hit within fans of this genre. ‘How Come’ off the Fopp EP is a great little number, whilst ‘Letter To Self’ allows his voice to take the centre stage along with some wistful piano. There are a lot of acoustic singer/songwriters out there vying for attention but I would rank Vingoe as one of the best of the new voices and certainly worthy of further investigation.

****
Jason Ritchie

Monday, February 26, 2007

BON JOVI plan to release their new album in late May.

FASTWAY will appear at this year's Sweden Rock Festival. After a long time of silence the band is now back in action. Besides guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke, the band features amongst others John "Harv" Harbinson (Stormzone), Steve Strange and John McManus (Mama's Boys).

Despite splitting-up last year FROST are back with Declan Burke (DARWIN’S RADIO) joining as the new vocalist.

Members of ZZ Top, The Strokes and Nine Inch Nails are to appear on the next Queens of the Stone Age album which is due out later this year.

The KAISER CHIEFS top the UK singles chart this week.

FEEDER release a b-sides/rarities album on March 19th.

The three remaining members of The Darkness – Dan Hawkins, Ed Graham and Richie Edwards – have announced they have begun work on recording a new album, which they will release under a different name. Bassist Edwards will take over as singer and be replaced by Graham Coxon’s bassist, Toby MacFarlaine.

PRESS RELEASES

UK rockers SACRED HEART have some song samples from the forthcoming album "SHAKE" available at www.myspace.com/sacredheartshakes - they are early mixes but the band would like to invite you for a listen.
They are also supporting former LITTLE ANGELS front-man TOBY JEPSON in Farnboro' UK on Sunday 1st April where they will showcase songs from the new album. Hope to see you there.


Frontiers Records is thrilled to announce all details surrounding the release on April 20 of Night Ranger's come back album Hole In The Sun.

Like no other band formed in the 80s, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the sound and style of that decade. Since original members Jack Blades, Brad Gillis, Kelly Keagy and Jeff Watson reunited in 1996, they have brought their guitar-crunching, melodic brand of hard rock into the 21st century with unparalleled talent, energy and creativity. Rounding out the line-up on keyboards is Great White's Michael Lardie.
Hole in the Sun the brand new studio album, breaks a 9 years silence and is the culmination of the band's work so far. From the guitar attack of the opener Tell Your Vision, to the grandeur of a power ballad like There Is Life, going through straight ahead rock numbers like Drama Queen or the title track and with incredible melodic cuts like Whatever Happened, Night Ranger's new album has everything the fans could ask for.
"It is one of the hardest rocking albums that Night Ranger has ever put out" says band's singer and bass player Jack Blades, "I think it rivals Dawn Patrol for just sheer hard rocking...... just straight ahead American rocking. That's what it sounds like to me."
Hole In The Sun draws on the band's classic sound, mixed with a more contemporary style and totally in your face production. According to Blades Night Ranger is "dual lead guitars, dual lead vocalists, anthemic choruses, big ballads and I think that's what this record is. Describe Night Ranger and you describe this album."
Drummer / singer Kelly Keagy adds "We wanted to see if we could turn some heads. We wanted to push some boundaries, and Whatever Happened sounds like it could be on radio. I think Don't Tell Me You Love Me is like Tell Your Vision, except 20 years later. And There Is Life was such a great song to write. We wanted to write another piano ballad like Sister Christian or Sentimental Street."
Final tracklisting on Hole In The Sun includes: Tell Your Vision; Drama Queen; You're Gonna Hear It From Me; Whatever Happened; There Is Life; Rock Star; Hole In The Sun; Fool In Me; White Knuckle Ride; Revelation 4 AM; Wrap It Up; Being.


MTM Music announces the release of Warrant's Born Again D.V.D. Delvis Video Diaries which features 12 new music videos from the 12 bombastic songs of the Warrant CD Born Again with video edits from Jerry Dixon, Steven Sweet & Tommy Thayer.
The 2006 released album Born Again was perfectly describing the band's current state With their new singer, Jaime St. James (Black N Blue), Warrant have recorded an album that surprised their old fans and definitely attracted some new ones. After the release the band was touring around the US performing lots of huge festivals and worked hard on the DVD which sees the light of day in 2007.
The DVD features bonus material of 30 minutes of the studio recording sessions, a making of Born Again, a funny backstage tour video debauchery of The Down Boys and a slide show. Feel free to enjoy all this video magic with your neighbour's, cranking up your surround sound unit to 11! Classic 80's hard rock with the band's trademark touch of poser and sleaze metal!
Track List - 01. Devils Juice, 02. Dirty Jack, 03. Bourbon County Line, 04. Hell, Ca, 05. Angels, 06. Love Strikes Like Lightning, 07. Glimmer, 08. Roller Coaster, 09. Down In Diamonds, 10. Velvet Noose, 11. Roxy, 12. Good Times.
Special features + Tour Outtakes, + In The Studio, + Gallery, + Live Shots. Running time 96 minutes, all regions, PAL
The release is scheduled for April 20.

The Brazilian metal band Tribuzy, formed and headed by singer Renato Tribuzy released their studio debut Execution with a `heavy-metal-allstar-team´ feat. Bruce Dickinson, Michael Kiske, Mat Sinner, Ralf Scheepers, Roland Grapow, Andreas Kisser, Kiko Loureiro and Roy Z. The musical influences used by Tribuzy during the writing process were the great classics such as Powerslave (Iron Maiden), And Justice For All (Metallica) and other 80's heavy music.
The album Execution Live Reunion has 11 tracks in total and features all of the guests from the Execution studio album in a special performance onstage with Tribuzy. The album was produced by Roy Z and Renato Tribuzy, and mixed by Roy Z at Mountain View studio, in LA, USA.
Line-Up: Renato Tribuzy Vocals, Gustavo Silvera Guitars, Frank Schieber Guitars, Ivan Guilhon Bass, Flavio Pascarillo Drums.
Guests Bruce Dickinson (vocals), Michael Kiske (vocals), Kiko Loureiro (guitar), Mat Sinner (vocals), Ralf Scheepers (vocals), Roland Grapow (guitar), Roy Z (guitar).
Track List - 01. Into, 02. Agressive, 03. Divine Disgrace, 04. The Attempt, 05. Forgotten Time (feat. Kiko Loureiro), 06. Nature Of Evil (feat. Kiko Loureiro, Mat Sinner), 07. Absolution (feat. Ralf Scheepers, Roland Grapow), 08. Web Of Life (feat. Roland Grapow), 09. Execution (feat. Kiko Loureiro), 10. Beast In The Light (feat. Bruce Dickinson, Roy Z), 11. The Means (Bonustrack).
The release is scheduled for April 20.

US melodic power metal band Vainglory features intense riffs, virtuoso guitar shredding, mighty drumming, heavy pounding bass parts, powerful vocals and thought provoking lyrics.
Based around modern guitar master, Corbin King The King Of Southern Shred, and vocal sensation Kate French, of Chastain fame, this band has all the ingredients in place to be a major force on the metal market for years to come. Kate's ability to mix power, conviction, emotion, and true heavy metal singing is very uncommon in today's "metal" vocalists. Kate is a veteran to heavy metal and has not only pushed beyond the normal bounds of female vocalists, but has delivered her best recorded performance to date on this CD.
Along with bassist Chris Banja, drummer Dan Lynch and second guitarist John Michael Youngblood, Vainglory now hits the streets with their powerful metal debut. Vainglory will be on the forefront of the metal scene in 2007, dominating you with the awe inspiring new CD and incredible live performances to come up.
Track List - 01) Walking Dead, 02) Burdened, 03) The Only Way I Know, 04) Face Of Death, 05) Midnight Hellfire, 06) Undying Love, 07) Decapitation Attack, 08) Act Of God, 09) Vainglory, 10) Endlessly, 11) Blackened Soul, 12) My Living Hell.
The release is scheduled for April 20.

GIG NEWS

TANGERINE DREAM
20TH APRIL - ASTORIA – LONDON

SAXON
May 14th - Manchester Academy 2
May 15th - London Astoria
May 16th - Nottingham Rock City
May 17th - Dublin Temple Bar Music Centre
May 18th - Glasgow Garage
May 20th - Wolverhampton Civic Hall
May 21st - Cardiff Coal Exchange
May 23rd - Belfast Spring & Airbrake

METALLICA
Jul. 01 - Werchter, BELGIUM (Rock Werchter Festival)
Jul. 03 - Athens, GREECE (Rockwave Festival)
Jul. 05 - Vienna, AUSTRIA (Rotundenplatz)
Jul. 10 - Oslo, NORWAY (Valle Hovin Stadion)
Jul. 12 - Stockholm, SWEDEN (Stadion)
Jul. 13 - Aarhus, DENMARK (Vestereng)
Jul. 15 - Helsinki, FINLAND (Olympic Stadium)
Jul. 18 - Moscow, RUSSIA (Lushniki Stadium)

REVIEWS

ED WINSLET (Demo 2007) www.myspace.com/edwinslet

A very talented young singer/songwriter based in southern England. This three track sampler CD is very good and he is streets above the blandness of James Blunt. Pick of the tracks has to be ‘Changing Now’, with Winslett hitting the high notes towards the end of the tack. Not unlike REM is sound at times, whilst ‘Imaginary Friend’ is another fine tune and Winslet again displays a very rich, strong voice. Highly recommended and worth a listen on his MySpace site.

****
Jason Ritchie

Jessica Blake “Three Good Reasons” Puffafish Records (Cat No PUFFAFHCD009).

Jessica Blake has recorded an album that sounds like it should be any number of country music legends, however, she resides in Londons Portobello Road- although she did grow up on an Indian Reservation in Florida.
The songs here are strong, straight from the heart stuff and range from the mellow “”Sangre De Cristo”, the slow and melancholy “Sleepy Eye Hill” to the poppier “Dancing With The Dead”, the highlight for me is “Don’t’ Try This At Home” whilst “5 O’clock Southbound” is the perfect track too close the album.
Jessica is on tour in the UK over the next couple of months, and I for one look forward to seeing these songs performed live.

Nikk Gunns 4 out of 5

Vitali Kuprij “Global Inferno/Revenge” Lion Music (Cat No LMC196)

Ukranian keyboard player Vitali Kuprij is a highly accomplished keyboard player who regularly tops player polls worldwide. Glacial Inferno sees Vitali team up with guitarist Michael Harris and ex-Malmsteen rhythm section of John Maccaluso and Randy Coven, to record an album of classically infused rock.
This CD is purely instrumentals and the highlights here include the tracks “Liquid Rain”, “Just Another Day” and “Burning Ice”.
On “Revenge” we are treated to guest vocals by, amongst others Joe Lynn-Turner and Doogie White (both ex-Malmsteen) which makes the CD even more Malmsteenesque.
Highlights here include “”I Don’t Believe In Love”, “Into The Void” and “Stand Up and Fight”.
These CD’s really show the blend of classical music and rock, and this works well.

Nikk Gunns 2 out of 5

GILLAN
Mr Universe
5/5

Glory Road
5/5

Future Shock
5/5

Double Trouble
3.5/5

Edsel Records

Two things immediately spring to mind with these four CDs (first batch, more to follow);
Firstly, singer Ian Gillan had himself an amazing band here, that for whatever reasons, worked, and worked incredibly well. Several top ten albums and singles for a start. As bassist John McCoy recently told me, they had the best singer in the rock business, who just needed a kick up the bottom. I’m inclined to agree; the chemistry was explosive!
Secondly, these reissues, with bonus tracks, are a lot more coherent than the original CD reissues of some 10+ years ago. Not totally perfect in the spread of the bonus cuts, but pretty damn close. The original CDs were poor, to put it very politely, and these with their sleevenotes et al can be filed under “About Bloody Time”.

After leaving Deep Purple for the first time, Ian dabbled in various projects before forming the jazz fusion oriented Ian Gillan Band. 1978 saw the formation of Gillan, with only pianist Colin Towns staying on.
Only bassist John McCoy remained from ‘The Japanese Album’, and Mr Universe was the Gillan Band’s UK debut, adding drummer Mick Underwood and guitarist Bernie Tormé.
Unlike Rainbow, PAL and Whitesnake, Gillan really moved away from the Deep Purple template in a big way, the music fiery and explosive. Towns’ keyboards moved from intricate to lead and back, Bernie’s guitar mixing punk and Hendrix, and the Underwood/McCoy rhythm section solid and heavy.
Mix punk energy, trad rock and NWoBHM, with Ian Gillan’s voice at its pinnacle.

The melodic metal of “Vengeance” was issued as a single, and the 8 minute live jam of “Smoke On The Water” b-side is added as a bonus.

1980’s Glory Road, here as a double disc, kicks off with the original album, and has a bigger Tormé/McCoy influence. Opener “Unchain Your Brain” is a classic riff as you’ll get, as is “Are You Sure”. Riffs and solos combined, it is an essential album.
The second disc is the “For Gillan Fans Only” LP which was a limited edition at the time. A single b-side, and several studio jams, covers and rock’n’roll irrelevances. A solo track from Colin Towns (from an unreleased solo album), John and Bernie playing with drummer Thunderstick, and a track by the Split Knee Loons, it’s all good stuff. Two more b-sides (to the single “No Easy Way”) complete the disc.

Future Shock, Bernie’s last album with the band, is another classic, and a more cohesive sound, with writing and performance more equally spread (neither keyboards nor guitar taking control, but working equally well together. The excellent “No Laughing In Heaven” saw the band play Top Of The Pops, and a cover of “New Orleans” was a single too. The bonus tracks here, all relevant, are excellent too; the cover of Elvis Presley’s “Trouble” and the anti nuclear “Mutually Assured Destruction” (both singles and Gillan at his best), and several b-sides, including a brilliant (and humorous) take on “Lucille”, with excellent interplay between Tormé and Towns.

Double Trouble followed quickly, as a double album (the second disc a live set), and featured ex White Spirit guitarist Janick Gers (now of Iron Maiden).
The studio is solid, a very good set by normal standards but compared to Future Shock and Glory Road a little unspectacular. A couple of singles were raised, and the opener “I’ll Rip Out Your Spine” is worth a listen and more. The lengthy “Born To Kill” is Towns at his best. In fact on reflection it’s a damn good set, just a little different. The studio set finishes with the bonus track “Spanish Guitar”, first time on CD and previously only on a rare flexi disc.
The second live disc kicks off with the original live album, great takes on Gillan classics recorded at Reading 1981 (“If You Believe Me” is taken from The Rainbow). Two additional reading tracks that appeared as b-sides, and three from Reading 1980 that include “Smoke On The Water”, that were issued on the “Trouble” double single.

These complete albums really are essential listening and form an important part of British hard rock at its peak. Good to see them available again and given the job they deserve.

Ian GILLAN
Highway Star – A Life In Rock (2DVD)
Universal

Ian Gillan is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock singers. Ever. And quite rightly so.
From college bands to Episode Six, Deep Purple, Gillan, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple again. Then solo and Purple again. Complicated, colourful and extensive history. And 2006 saw Ian Gillan’s 40th year in the business.
This DVD looks at the man’s history. With interviews, TV clips, the complete works.
Disc 1 kicks off with a look at the early work, featuring interviews with Pavarotti (Yes! Really), Ian’s mum and even Def Leppard’s Joe Elliot.
Much of the Deep Purple info is well documented, but nice here all on one set. Band interviews and live shots etc, which does make for great listening.
Disc 1 also features interviews with footballer George Best, a Deep Purple fan who became friends with Gillan; one of the last interviews before he died. A nice touch.
The solo work is interesting, some new and amusing info, but sadly parts are glossed over. Ian’s comments on Janick Gers being a seamless replacement for Bernie Tormé are a little misguided, but like I said, a lot of interesting information.
Born Again, and the Black Sabbath story provides more amusing anecdotes.
The infamous reunion and re-sacking, the live shots of the new solo band touring Naked Thunder make for good viewing. Wife Bron Gillan and guitarist Steve Morris are both interviewed too.
Then back in Purple for The Battle Rages On, and Jon Lord quite rightly saying there’s only one voice for Deep Purple. Some interesting info on the politics involved on getting Gillan back, and further politics involved behind Blackmore leaving. Paice, Glover and Lord interviews do make for enjoyable and interesting viewing.
Bootleg shots of Satriani playing “Smoke On The Water” follow, as do shots of Gillan singing with Pavarotti. Along the way there’s interviews with many other musicians, including Ronnie Dio.
Additionally on disc 1 is a collection of interviews on various subjects.
Disc 2 features loads of extras which both Gillan and Purple fans will enjoy; on tour with Purple, work with Pavarotti, the Gillan Cam and other clips.
Much of the info has been aired on other programmes but it’s nice to have it all here together, freshly done, with plenty of new footage.
Very enjoyable

4/5
Joe Geesin

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

BREED 77 news

New single “Look At Me Now”, April UK headline club tour and a new Spanish album, “Un Encuentro”!

Following their recent triumphant No.1 German rock club chart position with another No.1 radio coup in the USA, Breed 77 complete an all action new year with the release of a stunning new single, “Look at me now”, 23rd April, AND a brand new Spanish vocal album, “Un Encuentro” (‘An Encounter), May 7th.

The single “Look at me now” is an epic song in the mould of their national top 40 hit “The River’, and the digital bundle also contains a never before heard ‘latino-metal’ version of the classic Cranberries hit “Zombie”, as well as two unique Spanish vocal versions from “Un Encuentro” - “La Ultima Hora” and “Petroleo”.

These Spanish renditions cap a huge push by the band to complete this rare album. Re recording in their native tongue a selection of great tracks from their first three albums Breed 77 have created a really unique and captivating cultural album which fuses together the Moorish flavour of the Southern Med with their driving melodic hard rock. Following on from their pre ‘Xmas US airplay success with the hispanic rockers of Northern California, “Un Encuentro” was snapped up early for an exclusive release in the US by dedicated hispanic platform ‘iTunes Latino’. The physical album will be exclusively available for the first time in the UK on May 7th.

To support the campaign for the releases Breed 77 will be first of all ‘Getting in the ring’ at the exclusive Metal Hammer March 5th bill (Hammersmith) along with other acts Turisas, Deathstars and Zico chain, after which they will head out on an April headline club tour to promote their single and album release.

‘UN ENCUENTRO’ APRIL TOUR:
19th - Belfast, Spring & Airbrake
20th - Dublin, TBMC
21st - Manchester, Academy 3
22nd - Glasgow, Cathouse
23rd - Nottingham, Rock city
24th - Norwich, Waterfront
25th - Bristol, Academy
26th - London, Underworld
27th - Peterborough, The Park
28th - Birmingham, Academy 2
29th - Newcastle, Academy
30th - Oxford. Zodiac

Never a band to stand still nor follow the pack, Breed 77 have once again tapped into their musical souls and delivered a package which will rarely be bettered!

Breed 77's official website
Breed 77's MySpace
The VAN HALEN reunion has been "postponed indefinitely" as apparently Dave Lee Roth and the promoters Live Nation have not signed contracts yet!

The Isle of Wight Festival which takes place at Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th June 2007 has announced the first acts, including the Friday and Saturday headliners. Confirmed for the Friday are headliner Snow Patrol, plus The Feeling.
Confirmed for the Saturday are headliner Muse, plus special guests Kasabian, Amy Winehouse, Ash, and Arno Carstens.
For the Sunday the headliner is still to be announced (although the Rolling Stones are 99% confirmed). Acts so far confirmed for this day are Keane, the Fratellis, Paolo Nutini and James Morrison. Wolfmother are also confirmed, but no day was given.

Tori Amos is to return with her ninth studio album on April 30 entitled American Doll Posse.

Ian Astbury has officially finished his stint with ex-Doors members in Riders of the Strom, to concentrate solely on the Cult.

Former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle is back with a new album. It's called Artimus Venomus, and it features him on lead vocals, as well as drums. Pyle has put four of the new songs on his official site at www.myspace.com/artimuspyleband

PRESS RELEASES

Lion Music will release the following two titles on March 23:
Sun Caged - Artemisia - Artemisia is a metaphorical place. In some ways it's akin to Neverland, and in other ways, its opposite. People we've lost and dreams' we've let go find themselves here. There's sadness about the place, and yet a warm glow as we stroll among memories of what might've been. The music paints the landscape, and the lyrics serve as our guide as we tour this place. The classical met aphors and allegories are stripped of their pretence and rejoined with their humanistic origins. Pain and loss are recurring themes, as is the never-ending quest for the understanding, strength and humility that living in the real world demands.
Back with a virtually new line-up, yet a musical nod to the past, Sun Caged return with Artemisia, their second album and four years after their self titled debut (LMC070).
Since the debut the band have seen almost wholesale changes in personnel with only guitarist and band founder Marcel Coenen remaining from the debut. Yet the typical Sun Caged sound is still present, if anything even richer with even more different sounds and styles than heard on the debut. The new band members and Coenen have delved deep to deliver an album that acts on creative impulses, without limiting themselves to the standard bag of tricks often heard in the progressive genre. Artemisia delivers an album full of unstoppable vocal melody, virtuoso guitar work, odd time signatures and complex chord sequences all topped off with an ultra powerful production.
Track Listing - 01. Lyre's Harmony, 02. A Fair Trade, 03. Unborn, 04. Bloodline, 05. Painted Eyes, 06. Engelbert the Inchworm, 07. Afraid to Fly, 08. Dialogue, 09. Departing Words, 10. Doldrums.
Band Members: Paul Adrian Villarreal – Vocals and Acoustic Guitar, Marcel Coenen – Guitars and Backing Vocals, Roel Vink – Bass Guitar, Rene Kroon – Keyboards and Backing Vocals, Roel Van Helden – Drums and Percussion.

Francesco Fareri - Secrets Within - Italian guitar blazer Francesco Fareri will release his second album on Lion Music on March 23rd 2007. Entitled "Secrets Within". The new album contains 2 contrasting sides of Francesco's musical vision and is quite different from Francesco's previous release "Forbidden Dimension" (LMC147) in his playing, ideas and approach to music in general.
Secrets Within is divided into two movements, one heavy and one acoustic to better show all of Francesco's ideas, feelings and the way he considers music. Francesco simply comments, "I believe this album to be the best material I've ever released and the one that best represents me. This album is really introspective and very important for me, it was inspired from the experience of the impossible things happened in the last years and from everyday stuff. This isn't a guitar album, as I wanted all the instruments to have the same importance in every song. I really care recording all music in general with particular attention".
"Secrets Within" two movements are sub titled, "Into The Dark Line" which is the heavy part of the album and is more into shred and progressive metal yet with a lot of themes, melodies and unison passages. Whilst the second movement of the album "Out Of The Dark Line" is acoustic and is only guitar and piano/keyboards with more delicate melodies and some really introspective moments.
"Secrets Within" sees Francesco team up with a wealth of virtuoso musicians in Kyle Honea on Bass and Lucrezio de Seta on Drums. On these musicians contribution Francesco states, "The experience and confidence of players like Kyle Honea and Lucrezio de Seta improved the songs because they understood exactly what I wanted to record and they played with their style but focusing on my main idea. They are the best rhythm section ever heard!"
"Secrets Within also features guest keyboard/piano solos from Vitalij Kuprij (Artension / ex Ring Of Fire / Solo) and Bob Katsionis (Imaginery / Firewind / Solo).
The CD also contains extra material with photos, transcriptions, videos, a diary of the making of "Secrets Within" and much more.
Track Listing: Into the Dark Line - Secrets Within, Circle, Lies, Sonic Garden, The Waves, Destiny, Liquid World, Present Glow, Scenes; Out of the Dark Line - Parallel Lives, Wood of Silence, Masquerade, Undefined, Seasons, Secret World.
Musicians: Francesco Fareri - Guitars & Keyboards, Kyle Honea - Bass, Lucrezio de Seta - Drums; Guest players: Vitalij Kuprij - Keyboards solos & Piano on 'Secrets Within' and Bob Katsionis - Keyboards solos on 'Liquid World'.

GIG NEWS

THE WILDHEARTS
23RD APRIL - THE BROOK - SOUTHAMPTON
24TH APRIL - ANSON ROOMS - BRISTOL
25TH APRIL - THE POINT - CARDIFF
28TH APRIL - OXFORD ZODIAC - OXFORD
30TH APRIL - WULFRUN HALL - WOLVERHAMPTON
3RD MAY - THE CORPORATION - SHEFFIELD
4TH MAY - MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY - MANCHESTER
5TH MAY - ROCK CITY - NOTTINGHAM
7TH MAY - CARLING ACADEMY - NEWCASTLE
8TH MAY - CATHOUSE – GLASGOW

BLONDIE, JAMES and MADNESS are rumoured for this year’s Guilfest in July.

PEARL JAM
June 23rd Hyde Park, London (TBC)

REVIEWS

MOSTLY AUTUMN ‘Heart Full Of Sky’ (2007) www.mostly-autumn.com

Mostly Autumn are back and now on their own record label. There are also some guest musicians on here including Steeleye Span’s Peter Knight on violin, session musician David ‘Munch’ Moore (Gary Moore/Bo Diddley/Colosseum) and ex-Karnataka vocalist Anne-Marie Helder.
This album is classic Mostly Autumn – glorious musical passages, everything from folk through to rock tunes and the wonderful vocals of Heather Findlay. Opener ‘Fading Colours’ is simply stunning from the opening keyboards right through to the closing notes. You can’t quite pinpoint what makes Mostly Autumn so good but this track is a good as intro as to why they are so special (they revisit part of this song in ‘Further From Home’ later on in the album). ‘Pocket Watch’ is another gem, with Bryan Josh taking the vocal spotlight (his guitar work is as ever stunning). ‘Dreaming’ sees the band rock out at the start before drifting into a very progressive piece of music. ‘Walk With A Storm’ has a neat Hammond organ run courtesy of David Moore plus the violin of Peter Knight. Personally I love it when they do their folk ballads and this album doesn’t disappoint as ‘Find The Sun’ amply satisfies.
Basically if you have any albums by Fairport Convention, Pink Floyd, Marillion, Blackmore’s Night, Camel or Clannad in your collection then add this album pronto as you won’t be disappointed. They do their own thing and do it so well.

*****
Jason Ritchie

BLOOM ‘Shoulder to Cry On’ (CDS 2007) www.myspace.com/bloomonline

The band release their debut album in the summer but prior to this comes this single released in March. Along with a tune by Snow Patrol this has been chosen as part of the anti-bullying campaign and a worthy song it is too. Hints of Pearl Jam (but with a decent vocalist!) and even Coldplay in the backing arrangements. Worthy of chart success on the tune alone and their debut will be one to watch out for this summer.

****
Jason Ritchie

CAPDOWN ‘Surviving the Death of A Genre’ Fierce Panda (CDS 2007) www.fiercepanda.co.uk

Doubtless they have their fans but Capdown’s indie/ska sound does little for me I am afraid. It is listenable enough but not a tune you’d be playing in a year’s time IO am sure. Like many a band they will be here today gone tomorrow…

**1/2
Jason Ritchie

THE ANSWER ‘Be What You Want’ Albert Productions (CDS 2007)

Possibly one of the weakest tracks on the band’s excellent debut album from last year, although still a good tune and one sure to gain wide airplay due to its slower vibe. Also on here are a cover of Aerosmith’s ‘Sweet Emotion’ – great fun, an acoustic take on ‘Into The Gutter’ and a live version of the excellent ‘No questions Asked’. Can’t wait for the band’s second album…

****
Jason Ritchie

ED WINSLET (Demo 2007) www.myspace.com/edwinslet

A very talented young singer/songwriter based in southern England. This three track sampler CD is very good and he is streets above the blandness of James Blunt. Pick of the tracks has to be ‘Changing Now’, with Winslett hitting the high notes towards the end of the tack. Not unlike REM is sound at times, whilst ‘Imaginary Friend’ is another fine tune and Winslet again displays a very rich, strong voice. Highly recommended and worth a listen on his MySpace site.

****
Jason Ritchie

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS ‘The Very Best Of’ (2007 2 CD) Rhino www.rhino.com

The Doobie Brothers have a long and varied history and back in 2000 released a new studio album. This two disc collection covers their entire career, although personally I don’t really like the Michael McDonald years! Disc one is of most interest, with the hits ‘Listen To The Music’, ‘Long Train Runnin’ and ‘China Grove’, featuring a great guitar riff throughout he song. The band had a great sense of harmony as well as you can hear on ‘Another Park, Another Sunday’ and ‘Black Water’, the latter similar to the Little River Band. When Michael McDonald joined in the late 70’s their music really goes bland for me and a tad to jazz/easy listening. Although ‘Minute By Minute’ is the pick of the McDonald years. Disc two includes songs from their three albums released after 1989, with ‘The Doctor’ seeing the rock quota increased (and Michael McDonald out of the band!). With its piano and guitar solos you could easily imagine Lynyrd Skynyrd playing this one. ‘Rollin’ On’ highlights the band’s harmonies once more, with ‘Ordinary Man’ lifted of their last studio album.
Depends on your musical taste really as I love the band’s early and later years but steer well clear of the McDonald years, which many will doubtless love. A good collection for the casual/new fan and worth it for disc one alone.

***1/2
Jason Ritchie

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

TYKETTO & VALENTINE (the HUGO fronted melodic rockers) are part of the Firefest line-up (see Press Releases).

CHRIS CONNELL has left AUDIOSLAVE to concentrate on his solo career.

POISON and the reunited RATT are the latest rumoured US summer tour package.

THE JAM’s bassist Bruce Foxton and drummer Rick Buckler are reuniting for a tour, minus the group's most famous member, Paul Weller, under the moniker "From the Jam: Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler." The duo, who will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Jam's debut, "In the City," will be joined by singer/guitarist Russell Hastings and guitarist/keyboardist Dave Moore

SOS (Save Our Selves) has been confirmed to take place across Concerts on all 7 continents on July 7 2007. The SOS concerts are to raise awareness of climate crisis and at a press conference the organisers revealed 25 of the 100 acts set to appear in Shanghai, Sydney, Johannesburg, London, Brazil, Japan, United States and Antarctica
The 25 acts confirmed so far include
Pharrell
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Foo Fighters
Snoop Dogg
Lenny Kravitz
Bon Jovi
Paolo Nutini
Sheryl Crow
AFI
Melissa Etheridge
John Mayer
Damien Rice
Corinne Bailey Rae
Duran Duran
Snow Patrol
John Legend
Black Eyed Peas
Akon
Enrique Iglesias
Fall Out Boy
Maná
Keane
Kelly Clarkson
Korn
Faith Hill w/ Tim McGraw
Bloc Party
Coldplay and U2 are also strongly rumoured to take part.

PRESS RELEASES

FM

What can you say about FM? Arguably the biggest AOR act ever to come out of the UK, FM very quickly became Britain’s answer to Foreigner, Bon Jovi et al. The debut album 'Indiscreet' spawned no less than five singles, including the all time classics ‘Frozen Heart’ and ‘That Girl’, which paved the way for the band to become a bona fide headline act in super quick time. The normally difficult second album ‘Tough It Out’ appeared in 1989. Gone were the flashy suits and the quaffed bonces to be replaced by a harder edged guitar sound as the band started to find their feet . The title track ‘Bad Luck' and ‘Someday You’ll Come Running’ showcased a new direction for the band without once forgetting they key ingredient - melody. A change of label saw 1991’s ‘Takin’ It to the Streets’ emerge on Music For Nations and saw the band have a surprise, yet well deserved hit with the old blues standard ‘Heard it Through the Grapevine’. ‘... Streets’ also included the mega ballad ‘Only the Strong Survive’, perhaps a slightly autobiographical track in the face of changing and challenging musical times. ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’ emerged in 1995 and despite the lack of hit singles the band continued to tour hard to their ever faithful hard core, never once failing to convert even the most cynical of concert attendees with their biggest weapon - their stunning live show. ‘Paraphernalia’ appeared as a Japanese only release in 1996, in effect after the band had decided to call it a day, but effectively was nothing more than an album compiled of out takes and unused demo versions. It wasn’t until 2003 that another official FM release appeared, ‘Long Time No See’, a triple disc consisting of updated versions of FM classics and a live recording from the London Astoria in 1989. Since then FM have seen their entire back catalogue re-issued in one form or another and consequently have never had so much product available on the market at any given time. FIREFEST are delighted that the boys have accepted our invitation to headline Firefest 4. We are also very proud that they have chosen our festival to finally make that appearance that so many have waited, hoped and prayed for over the last twelve years. We’re not sure if they have in actual fact realised that it’s the 21st anniversary of the release of ‘Indiscreet’ but either way it will be a hell of a way to celebrate it! To quote Merv Gold worthy ‘This may the only time this reunion happens’. With no future plans for the band outside of this one off appearance this is a MUST for all FM. fans………the long wait will be over on October 27th .

TYKETTO

Tyketto are without doubt one of the finest live melodic hard rock acts ever to grace a stage. A love affair with UK fans that has lasted for sixteen years on the back of the seminal ‘Don’t Come Easy’ and ‘Strength in Numbers’ was only recently cemented with a reunion of the original line up in November 2004. Well, the band had so much fun last time out that they decided not to leave it so long again to come back and say hello to everybody. Tyketto are not a going concern per se, and with all the guys in the band so busy with their other projects we at Firefest are grateful that they guys will take the time out to rip up the stage at Rock City for Firefest 4. Danny Vaughn is currently on the promotional trail with his storming new album ‘Traveller’ and has just been invited by Journey to open for them on their UK tour in March. This of course will be followed by a string of Danny Vaughn band dates throughout the UK and Europe in May. Mike Clayton keeps his hand in by playing regularly in his native New Jersey where he owns and manages one of the biggest booking agencies in the New Jersey/New York area and Brookie ... well what can you say about Brook St James? Talented to the point of insanity, a guitarist of unbelievable dexterity and vocal chops to match, it’s no wonder Tyketto are still hailed as one of the all time greats of the genre. To those of who have had the pleasure of seeing them live you will already know this, and to those of you who have not yet seen them this is the ONLY chance for you to see just why they have earned this reputation.

HAREM SCAREM

A swift return for the Canadian maestros after gracing us with their presence at FF2. Harem are a band that have never stood still and continually put out quality product for their adoring army of fans. ‘Human Nature’ is a return to the classic Harem sound with plenty of big guitars and huge choruses as well as more modern elements, ensuring Harem are constantly moving forward musically, not intent in sitting on their laurels. Credited with possibly the most popular benchmark album of the genre, ‘Mood Swings’, they swing easily between the heavier approach of the aforementioned album and the lighter moments contained on ‘Higher’ and ‘Weight of the World’, both of which have earned the band further accolades amongst their huge fan base. ‘Human Nature’ saw the band undergo a huge surge of popularity with it’s instant combination of pounding hard rock and effortless balladry and this will be the only chance to catch the guys live in Europe in 2007. Definitely a show not to be missed.

JORN

Jorn Lande is one of the greatest singers on the face of the planet, period! Jorn’s previous work with The Snakes saw him almost out-Coverdale David himself. If that wasn’t enough, he fronted Millenium and took the band to a new level with ‘Hourglass’, endured a brief spell singing for Yngwie Malmsteen and then went on to front German power metal act Masterplan for both ‘Masterplan’ and ‘Aeronautics’ generating almost half a million sales. In between Jorn has continued to record and release solo work: ‘Starfire’, ‘World Changer’, ‘Out to Every Nation’ and ‘The Duke’. Currently on the promotion trail with two new albums ‘Unlocking the Past’ and ‘The Gathering’ Jorn is one of the busiest singers in the world, and of course his live show is nothing short of amazing. Firefest 4 will be Jorn’s first solo appearance in the UK since 1999 and no doubt will be eagerly anticipated by all. Just in case you thought we had forgotten, you can throw in two albums with Ronnie Le Tekro’s Vagabond and another two with Ark just for good measure. There is no end to the man’s talents.

VALENTINE

Valentine’s self titled debut album, despite not getting the attention it deserved upon it’s release, is quite rightly revered as a classic of the era. Peppered with up tempo feel good rock songs and heartfelt balladry, tracks such as ‘No Way’, ‘Tears in the Night’ and ‘Nobody Said it Was Easy’ conjure up images of stadium rock as it should be. Led by Hugo Valenti, Valentine were compared to Perry era Journey, Hugo’s voice and looks bearing an uncanny resemblance to the legend himself. Valentine were pushed by the record company, having a number of tracks featured in the hit movie ‘Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead’, but changing musical times meant the band, despite recording a fantastic album, were lost in the mix. Valentine morphed into Open Skyz and released a self titled album in 1994 which once again contained a wealth of stunning tracks, but alas the band called it quits shortly afterwards. Hugo has continued to release albums, in fact the self titled debut ‘Hugo’ featuring Vinny Burns and Gary Hughes can rightly be described as a latter day classic. For the first time in 15 years, Hugo, Adam Holland, Craig Pullman and Gerard Zappa will appear live on stage as Valentine at Firefest 4. The set list is being debated by the band, but Gerard has insisted it will encompass Valentine, Open Skyz and even a couple from the debut Hugo album. Another definitely not to be missed.

CRUNCH

Formerly known as Adriangale, Vic Rivera (AG, Poley/Rivera), Jamie Rowe (Guardian/AG) and Eddie Campbell head into the fray once more and despite Adriangale being left behind, are keen to insist it is in name only. It was our pleasure to witness one of the finest 45 minutes of rock and roll in Madrid in 2001 when Adriangale absolutely blew the place apart with their own brand of classic American hard rock. Now calling themselves Crunch, the guys have a wealth of material to draw upon from their song writing past in Adriangale, songs such as ‘Feel the Fire’, ‘Faith’, ‘A Moment’s Notice’, Closer’ and ‘Save Our Love’ are all bound to make an appearance as well as new material which is currently being recorded . The band plan to have new music available this summer and will look to Firefest as the event to premier those songs live for the first time anywhere in the world. Watch out for CRUNCH as possibly the surprise package of the day…..

JADED HEART

Germany’s finest exporters of melodic rock have enjoyed a 17 year career . Albums such as ‘Inside Out’, ‘Slaves and Masters’, ‘Mystery Eyes’ and ‘IV’ have helped cement the fact that Jaded Heart are a band capable of coming up with the goods time after time. ‘The Journey Will Never End’ and ‘Trust’ further enhanced that reputation whilst new release ‘Helluva Time’ has continued to draw the plaudits from critics and fans alike. Jaded Heart last appeared in the UK in 2001 and are really looking forward to getting back to play. In fact we’re pretty delighted that they are coming too……….

FIREFEST 4 takes place in Nottingham Rock City on Saturday October 27th . Tickets will be on sale directly from FIREFEST from Monday morning February 19th .

Paymets Accepted : cash (at senders risk), postal order, or bank draft in Sterling pounds made payable to Mr Bruce Mee c/o Fireworks Magazine, 10 Dunnock Close, Offerton, Stockport, SK2 5XD, England.

Payment can also be made by PAYPAL . Payment to fireworks.mag@ntlworld.com , please be sure to include your name and address in the message box.

The level of interest in FIREFEST has never been higher, especially with FM already announced, we have been inundated with Email enquiries for tickets and information in general. We would think that this show will sell out pretty quickly, so therefore we would like to advise anybody attending to purchase your tickets well in advance.

FIREFEST is an age 14 years and over show.

The Day 1 show (formerly known as the pre-show ) has taken on a life of it’s own and the full line up for FridayOct 26th will be announced shortly . We hope to have 5 bands appearing and it will NOT be in the Rig. We are moving this to a larger venue to accommodate everybody - bands, organisers and fans - with a bigger stage and more room for all concerned, thus ensuring everybody will have a better vantage point.

Well, we hope you like then line up. It’s taken a while to put it together but I’m sure you will agree it is a veritable best of the best. We think this line up is the strongest yet for FIREFEST and once again would ask you for your support in making this show a success. If you are considering purchasing tickets, you can do so from us . It is the cheapest way to do this as we do not charge booking/convenience fees per ticket or per transaction. Please allow 21 days for delivery of tickets but we will try get them out sooner.

The web site www.thefirefest.com will be up and running shortly. It’s currently being redesigned in advance of FF4 and you can continue to pick up the latest news about the bands and the show there, or indeed at our sponsors sites, www.melodicrock.com and www.hardrockhouse.com

A full list of ticket agents will be made available shortly , including specialist mail order melodic rock stores where you can purchase CDs and tickets all in one go!

Well that’s about it. As usual we can be contacted at firefest@hotmail.com with suggestions, questions, bribes and anything else you would care to send us.

See you all in October hopefully
Kieran, Bruce and Daren


Escape Music are delighted to announce the release of the brand new album "Megalomania" by British band Wildkard, featuring ex Kick members Chris Jones, Mikey J and Nick Workman. Originally called The Zero Hour Project these songs newly recorded in the UK and Finland in January and February 2007, were written by Chris and Nick back in the nineties and were heard only by a privileged few, but it was only a matter of time that they would see the light of day! These songs are possibly the best kept secret in the world of melodic rock, as here you will find an album full of surprises. Indeed, ”Megalomania” is an incredible album and boasts ten of the finest songs ever to recorded by a British rock band.
Wildcard is Nick Workman on vocals, Chris Jones on guitar and Mikey J. on Bass. Helping them out with guest appearances are finnish musicians Jimbo Mäkeläinen on drums, Jaakko Niitemaa om guitar and keyboard players Jonne Valtonen, Olli Cunningham and Steve Newman.

Release date: April 23, 2007
Album track-list: 1. Falling Down, 2. All I Have, 3. End Of The World, 4. 7Days, 5. Whispers In the Dark, 6. Wake Me Up When It’s Over, 7. Something Strange, 8. When Everything Has Changed, 9. Letting Go, 10. Right Here By My Side

GIG NEWS

WASP
April
11th Liverpool Academy
12th Glasgow Academy
13th Leeds Rio's
14th Newcastle Academy
15th Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall

AEROSMITH
June 6th - Randers, Denmark - Randers Stadium
June 8th - Solvesborg, Sweden Rock Festival
June 10th - Frankfurt, Germany Hessentag Fair
June 12th - Karlsruhe, Germany DM Arena
June 14th - Munich, Germany Olympiahalle
June 16th - Venice, Italy Heineken Festival
June 19th - Paris, France Bercy Arena
June 22nd - Dessel, Belgium Graspop Festival
June 24th - London, England Hyde Park Calling
June 26th - Dublin, Ireland Marley Park
June 28th - Cologne, Germany Cologne Arena
June 30th - Biddinghuizen, Holland Arrow Classic Festival
July 7th - Helsinki, Finland Hartwell Arena
July 10th - St. Petersburg, Russia SKK Arena
July 12th - Moscow, Russia Olympissky Arena

From the Jam: Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler
May
02 Oxford Zodiac
03 Cambridge Junction
05 Middlesbrough Town Hall - The Crypt
06 Aberdeen Lemon Tree
07 Edinburgh Liquid Rooms
09 Nottingham Rescue Rooms
10 Stoke Sugarmill
11 Liverpool Academy 2
12 Sheffield Leadmill
13 Preston 53 Degrees
16 Bristol Academy 2
17 Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
18 Cardiff Point
19 Guildford Surrey University
20 Isle of Wight: The Venue - Ryde Theatre
23 Norwich Waterfront
24 Tunbridge Wells - The High Rocks
25 Northampton Soundhaus
26 Reading Fez Club
27 Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

BLUE MURDER’s original line-up of guitarist/vocalist John Sykes, bassist Tony Franklin and drummer Carmine Appice are strongly rumoured to be reuniting.

The new album by Rush, called Snakes And Arrows, will be released by Atlantic Records on May 1.

Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, and ex-Television guitarist Tom Verlaine are among the guests on Patti Smith’s new covers album. Twelve is released through Columbia Records on April 16 and includes songs by Stevie Wonder, Tears for Fears, the Allman Brothers and Nirvava.

Escape Music will release the new studio album from The Ladder on April 23 in Europe. The Ladder is: Steve Overland – Vocals (FM, Shadowman) / Pete Jupp – Drums (FM) / Bob Skeat – Bass (Wild Life / Wishbone Ash) / Gerhard Pichler - Guitars.
Track List: Body & Soul / Sacred / Something To Believe In / All Of My Life / Believe In Me / Run To You / Here I am / Sea Of Love / Make A Wish / Mean Streets / Abandoned.
The new album is produced by Steve Overland and Pete Jupp and was recorded at Voodoo Lounge Studio's, Harrow, London, UK.

Simon Wright will fill in for Andy Parker on the upcoming UFO tour next month.

PRESS RELEASES

We are very pleased to announce that the forthcoming gig with our
great friends, Mr So & So, at the HLC in Rotherham for the Classic
Rock Society on the 3rd March 2007, will feature a very special guest…
none other than Marillion's very own Steve Rothery.

Steve will be joining us on stage to play "Within Cold Glass" – the
version on our debut album "Awakening" (to be released very shortly)
features a solo by the man himself. We are highly honoured to have
been given this opportunity to perform live with Steve, since his
musical talent has provided such a huge inspiration throughout our
lives. This promises to be a unique and truly fantastic night - so
don't miss it! You can order your tickets now - directly from the CRS
at – www.classicrocksociety.net

With regard to the album, I am happy to say that the CDs will be
delivered to me on Friday 16th February. For all those that pre-
ordered the album - thank you all!! - the CD will be posted to you on
Monday 19th February. The official release date for "Awakening" is
26th March 2007 – from when the album will be available nationally
and internationally from all good music outlets including Amazon,
iTunes, CDBaby… and of course directly from us!

Don't forget our official launch party at The Point in Cardiff on the
24th February. Support will be provided by our other good friends,
Touchstone, and the evening promises to be a fun filled one! There
will also be a raffle for a selection of memorabilia from our
collective musical past - more details on the night. Tickets are
just £8.00 and can be bought from the venue in advance or on the
door, or – if you prefer - directly from our record company, Comet
Music – www.comet-music.co.uk – by sending an e-mail request to –
info@comet-music.co.uk

Other dates in the calendar are as follows –

Feb 24 2007 8:00P The Point,Cardiff
Mar 3 2007 7:00P The HLC for the Classic Rock Society,Rotherham
Mar 17 2007 7:00P The Riga Music Bar,Southend-On-Sea, Essex
Apr 14 2007 8:00P The Peel, Kingston-Upon-Thames
Apr 19 2007 8:00P The Limelight, Crewe, Cheshire
May 26 2007 8:15P Newark Beer Festival, Midlands

More dates to follow soon - see you on the road! Please do come and
say hi after the show and share a beer or 2 with us…we look forward
to catching up with you all.


We now have the live CD for sale on the It Bites websites at www.itbites.com. The CD is compiled from the December 2006 shows and was mixed at Outhouse Studios by It Bites.

We didn't have enough space to get the entire show on a single CD, so we had to choose which tracks were used and which will be kept for use in the future. We hope you enjoy the new versions of the old songs with JM singing and playing guitar, and also the new song Playground which you can now listen to at your leisure.

The inspiration for the album artwork came from a paper plate upon which we all did a quick doodle of ourselves backstage in Manchester. This was kept as a bit of fun but when we needed some artwork Dick said "why not use the plate as it was a tour memento and hand drawn by us."

So we did! The end result is a collaboration with our old friend Vitamin P and everyone knows you need a good shot of that from time to time.

We did have plans for another tour in the spring but have now decided to put this on hold in favour of getting the writing finished for the new studio album. I'm sure some people will feel a little bit let down, especially if they didn't get to any of the shows last year but rest assured we will be back on the road by the start of the summer.

Thanks again for your support and we will see you again soon.

It Bites xxx

PS T-shirts and mousemats are also available to buy from the website now!

GIG NEWS

BREED 77
19th Belfast, Spring & Airbrake
20th Dublin, TBMC
21st Manchester, Academy 3
22nd Glasgow, Cathouse
23rd Nottingham, Rock City
24th Norwich, Waterfront
25th Bristol, Academy
26th London, Underworld
27th Peterborough, The Park
28th Birmingham, Academy 2
29th Newcastle, Academy
30th Oxford, Zodiac

THE POLICE
28-May Vancouver, BC GM Place
06-June Seattle, WA Key Arena
09-June Denver, CO Pepsi Center
15-June Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena
16-June Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Festival
18-June Phoenix, AZ US Airways Arena
26-June Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
30-June New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
02-July St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
22-July Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
25-July Montreal, PQ Bell Centre
28-July Boston, MA Fenway Park
01, 03-Aug New York, NY Madison Square Garden

RUSH
Jun. 13 - Nashville, TN @ Starwood Amphitheater
Jun. 15 - West Palm Beach, FL @ Sound Advice Amphitheater
Jun. 16 - Tampa, FL @ Ford Amphitheater @ Florida State Fairgrounds
Jun. 18 - Atlanta, GA @ HiFi Buys Amphitheater
Jun. 19 - Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Jun. 27 - Mansfield, MA @ Tweeter Center
Jul. 02 - Wantaugh, NY @ Jones Beach Amphitheater
Jul. 04 - Darien Lake, NY @ Six Flags
Jul. 07 - Homdel, NJ @ PNC Arts Center

REVIEWS

JAMES MORRISON ‘Undiscovered’ Polydor (2007) www.myspacemusic.com/jamesmorrisonmusic

James Morrison has already made as big impact here in the UK and is know ready to have a crack at the US market. He has a cracking voice, not like that whiny waste of space James Blunt and goes from the gentle pop of ‘Under The Influence’ though to the soul flavoured ‘You Give Me Something’ (reminded me of Lenny Kravitz in his good moments). ‘The Last Goodbye’ is a great number to finish the album on amply highlighting what a voice this man has (and he is only in his early 20’s!). Very well produced with some lush backing as and when required.
The only real downside of this album is that it could do with an up tempo number just to add some variety and break things up a bit. Definitely a singer/songwriter with a great future ahead of him.

***1/2
Jason Ritchie

L.E.O. ‘Alpacas Orgling’ (2007) Cheap Lullaby www.myspace.com/bleuleo

L.E.O. is a power-pop ‘supergroup’ conceived by Bleu and includes contributions from Andy Sturmer (Jellyfish), Mike Viola (The Candy Butchers), Jason Scheff (Chicago), Steve Gorman (The Black Crowes), Hanson and many more! Yes it is a big tribute to all things Jeff Lynne/ELO (even the band’s name is an anagram of ELO!). Bloody hell is it good as well! ‘Goodbye Innocence’ could easily be a Jeff Lynne solo number right down to the Lynne styles guitar solo. The same goes for ‘Private Line’. Then we have ‘Make Me’ which takes the riff of ‘Do Ya’ and goes into ELO overdrive! ‘Don’t Let It Go’ recalls prime time ELO in all their pomp whilst the rock ‘n’ roll feel reminds you of the Travelling Wilburys. Simply wonderful! Album closer ‘Sukaz Are Born Every Minute’ gets those strings and harmonies set to max. Listen right to the end of this track (it reads a mere 42 minutes on my RealPlayer!) where L.E.O. cover the ELO classic ‘Don’t Bring Me Down’, in acoustic mode.
There are many aural delights on this album that reveal themselves with each play, just like an ELO album. I really do hope they do another album to follow this one and maybe they can rope in Jeff Lynne for a guest spot!
A must have for lovers of Jeff Lynne, Travelling Wilburys and ELO music. They wanted to pay tribute to the genius of Jeff Lynne and they did big time.

****1/2
Jason Ritchie

GINGER ‘Yoni’ Cargo Records (2007) www.myspace.com/silverginger

Ginger is back with a new solo album, although not a double like 2006’s ‘Valor Del Corazon’. Unlike that album though this one has a lot going on musically from string sections through top horn sections and even tubular bells on the very catchy ‘When She Comes’. Ginger really is one of the world’s best tunesmiths as he keeps on producing great tunes regardless of whether it is in the Wildhearts, silver Ginger 5 or solo. Highlights are many from the pop rock gem ‘Siberian Angel’, the harmony filled ‘Holiday’ and ‘Jake’ which verges into power ballad territory! The strings and keys on the later are simply stunning. Bernie Torme (GMT/Gillan) guests on a couple of tracks as well including ‘His Bed Is On Fire’, one for airplay that’s for sure. Check out the guitar solo halfway through the track, classic stuff.
Another great solo effort and with a Wildhearts album to come very soon 2007 is shaping up to be a vintage year for all things Ginger. If you’re a fan buy it and if you’re not why not?

****1/2
Jason Ritchie

MAGNUM ‘Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow’ SPV (2007) www.magnumonline.co.uk

Magnum return with possibly their most intricate album in regards to production and instrumentation. They really have put the pomp back into rock on this little beauty! Keyboards player Mark Stanway really gives the album that extra edge of gloss and you will be worn out with all the air keyboard solos I can tell you… Drummer Jimmy Copley fits seamlessly into the overall Magnum sound as well, this being his studio debut release with the band. Highlights? Where to start…‘When We were Young’ is a grand opening statement with lush keys and a great drum sound with Tony Clarkin’s guitars giving just the right amount of hard rock edge to the music. ‘Be Strong’ with its neat percussion and guitar riff is another stand out, along with the big ballad ‘Inside Your Head’. Bob Catley always had come to the fore on the big production numbers and he is in fine voice on this one. ‘Desperate Times’ harks back to the ‘Vigilante’ album, with a clean, crisp sound and very keyboard led. The rocky ‘Dragons Are Real’ you can see becoming a live favourite, along with ‘Eyes Wide Open’.
The album follows on naturally from the last two albums ‘Brand New Morning’ and ‘Breath Of Life’, with the emphasis on a big, rounded production coupled with Clarkin’s consummate songwriting. What with a Rodney Matthews cover to admire and discover whilst listening to this album, Magnum fans are in for a real treat.

*****
Jason Ritchie

Friday, February 09, 2007

KLUB KERRANG! RETURNS TO ROCK FEBRUARY

KLUB KERRANG! Saturday 17th February 2007
The Klub Kerrang! launch night at Koko in January was so good that we still have shell shocked people sat by the fire exits refusing to the leave. With both Bassknives and the incredible Gallows almost blowing the roof off the venue, the capacity crowd could do nothing but have a great time!

People might think this type of night is only a once in a blue moon happening, but not with Klub Kerrang! The carnage is going to take off again at Koko on Saturday 17th February with The Ghost Of A Thousand opening proceedings in raucous fashion before Wales’ finest export since The Lostprophets and Funeral For A Friend, The Blackout take over.

It’s not just the bands that will make it a great night, as Kerrang residents James Sherry and Emma Johnston will be doing their thing in the main room with DJ Zac Slack from www.caughtinthecrossfire.com in the top room throwing out the best punk, hardcore, trash, death metal and classics all night.

And don’t forget the special deal for Klub Kerrang! If you come with a flyer before 11pm, you can get in for just £4. You can print the flyer off from the Koko website or Caught In The Crossfire.

KLUB KERRANG!

THE BLACKOUT
+
THE GHOST OF A THOUSAND
+
Resident DJs James Sherry and Emma Johnston
+
[middle room?]
+
Crossfire DJ Zac Slack in the Crossfire room + guests

Saturday 17th February 2007 (Every third Saturday of the month)

Doors open 10.00pm to late
£6 before 11.00pm and £8 after.
Flyers and NUS cards £4 before 11.00pm
Tickets 0870 998 8888 or right now on www.aloud.com
Drinks offers all night shooters £1.50 Fosters Twist £2
Strictly over 18’s only
KOKO 1A CAMDEN HIGH ST LONDON NW1
NEWS

Dream Theater have signed to Roadrunner Records. Their new album, 'Systematic Chaos', is due in June.

Jamie Rowe, Vic Rivera and Eddie Campbell - formerly of the highly-acclaimed Adriangale - have regrouped to form Crunch, their brand-new venture. Joining the trio are TNA's Doug Odell on bass (who played on AdrianGale's Reprogram) and newcomer Joe Cruz on drums.

A new Jeff Buckley album called Life Eternal: An Introduction to Jeff Buckley is to be released on May 21. 15 tracks have been gathered for the album described by the official website “as an introduction to Jeff for those who have not yet discovered his music”.
The full track list is:
1. Last Goodbye (Grace)
2. Mojo Pin (Live at Sin-e)
3. Forget Her (Grace Legacy Edition)
4. Everybody Here Wants You (Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk)
5. Dream Brother (alternate take - Grace Legacy Edition)
6. Eternal Life (Live at Sin-e)
7. The Sky Is A Landfill (Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk)
8. Je N'en Connais Pas La Fin (Live at Sin-e)
9. So Real (live in Japan - promo single)
10. Lover You Should Have Come Over (Grace)
11. New Year's Prayer (Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk)
12. Vancouver (Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk)
13. Grace (Grace)
14. Lilac Wine (Live at Sony Studios) (unreleased)
15. Hallelujah (Grace)

IRON BUTTERFLY plan to release their first new album in thirty years later this year.

Smashing Pumpkins have announced the title and release date of their new album. It is called ‘Zeitgeist’ and is out in July.

GIG NEWS

THE SCORPIONS
Mar. 02 - Moscow, RUS @ National Kremlin Palace
Apr. 06 - Riga, LAT @ Arena
Apr. 07 - Vilnius, LIT @ Siemens Arena
May 11 - Dijon, FRA @ Zénith
May 14 - Paris, FRA @ Zénith
May 19 - Rouen, FRA @ Zénith
Jun. 16 - Bratislava, SK @ Incheba Exhibition Centre
Jul. 02 - Athens, GRE @ Stadium Karaiskaki
Jul. 07 - Karlovy Vary, CZR @ Stadion AC Start
Aug. 03 - Klaksvik, Faroe Islands @ TBA
Aug. 28 - Ottawa, Ontario @ TBA
Aug. 30 - Montréal, Quebec @ Spectrum
Sep. 01 - Chicoutimi, Quebec @ TBA

STYX/FOREIGNER/ASIA
Thu 06/14/07 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park Amphitheatre
Fri 06/15/07 Raleigh, NC Alltel Pavilion @ Walnut Creek
Sat 06/16/07 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amp. Charlotte
Sun 06/17/07 Bristow, VA Nissan Pavilion
Thu 06/21/07 Mansfield, MA Tweeter Center
Fri 06/22/07 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
Sat 06/23/07 Wantagh, NY Nikon At Jones Beach Theater
Thu 06/28/07 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion @ Montage Mountain
Fri 06/29/07 Camden, NJ Tweeter Center At The Waterfront
Sat 06/30/07 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel Casino / Spa
Sun 07/01/07 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
Tue 07/03/07 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest

THE WHO
May
22 Birmingham National Indoor Arena
23 Sheffield Arena
25 Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
26 Hull City AFC
June
01 GB Swansea City AFC
23 Cheshire Knowsley Hall
24 Glastonbury Festival (To Be Confirmed)
26/27 London Wembley Arena

IRON BUTTERFLY
2007-02-18 Cypress Garden Adventure Park Winterhaven, Florida
2007-02-22 Capt. Hiram's Resort Sebastian, Florida
2007-02-24 Wild Adventures Theme Park Valdosta, Georgia
2007-03-15 Hippiefest Newark, NJ
2007-05-19 Psychedelic Daze Festival Lakeland, Florida
2007-06-09 Lake Chelan Bike Rally Lake Chelan, WA
2007-06-16 Brandt's Harley Davidson Wabash, Indiana
2007-06-19 Goodstock Summerville, WV
2007-06-20 Goodstock Summerville, WV
2007-09-30 Woofstock Eureka, California

REVIEWS

MIKA ‘Life In Cartoon Motion’ Universal (2007) www.universalmusic.com

Mika is one of these artists that seem to come from nowhere and suddenly be big news, with a single currently at number one here in the UK and gaining good and bad reviews in equal measure. He’s even had Brain May sticking up for him after a less than flattering review in the Guardian newspaper! The music is seriously OTT pomp and you do wonder why he’s had such success with his Queen influenced pomp when artists like Valentine and Valensia have been doing music similar to this for many years with little sales success. That aside this album is pure fun, despite a few blatant snippets of other tunes – ‘Relax’ is the Cutting Crew’s ‘I Just Died In Your Arms’. The Queen sound runs throughout many songs from the current single ‘Grace Kelly’ which name checks Freddie Mercury through to the quirky ‘Billy Brown’. Mind you ‘Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)’ is a tribute to ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ right down to the throbbing John Deacon approved bass.
‘Lollipop’ will either have you revelling in its harmonies and child choir or running away in despair! Me I love all its pomp and swagger (as does my eight year old daughter!). ‘Stuck In The Middle’ is one for the Supertramp fans out there along with Scissor Sister fans as Mike hits the high notes and then some. The ten minute ‘Happy Ending’ almost delves into prog rock territory with a gospel choir and strings join the first half before fading out with just vocals and piano. Some very talented and experienced session musicians lend a hand including Jerry Hey, guitarist Tim Pierce and long standing REM string arranger Paul Buckmaster.
Not for everyone as it is very OOT and full on but the tunes are always instant and enjoyable. If you like Queen, the Scissor Sistors, Supertramp and pomp you will love this album. Like the mighty Queen you will either love Mika or run a mile…

****1/2
Jason Ritchie

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Singer/songwriter of the month - CHRIS SINGLETON


CHRIS SINGLETON

WIN a signed copy of his excellent new album (see reviews below) and some handwritten lyrics - very collectable!
Simply answer the following question –
What is the name of his recently released album?
A – Twisted City
B – Twisted Sister
C – Twist & shout

Simply e-mail your answer to papa_bear70@hotmail.com (entries welcome from any country!)
Closing date is 9th March 2007

Album review

Interview

Gig review

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Artist of the Month - WAKING THE WITCH

As a new feature I am introducing Band of the Month and to entice you all to try the bands/artists featured you can win CD’s! So you can sample a new band for free and hopefully become a fan. First up are Yorkshire based female four piece Waking the Witch (Rachel Goodwin, Patsy Matheson, Becky Mills and Jools Parker) who have released three albums so far, each gaining rave reviews. They will appeal to lovers of female fronted folk/indie/acoustic rock and with all four singing you have harmonies to die for. Like a female CSN&Y or Shaw/Blades…

WAKING THE WITCH

WIN one of two signed copies of the band’s excellent new album (see reviews below). Simply answer the following question –
What is the name of the new album?
A – Boys From The Lough
B – Boys From The Black Stuff
C – Boys From The Abattoir

Simply e-mail your answer to papa_bear70@hotmail.com (entries welcome from any country!)
Closing date is 9th March 2007

Album review

Gig review

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

MANOWAR has revealed the complete track listing for "Gods of War", which is scheduled for release on February 23 in Germany (February 26 for the rest of Europe and April 3 for the USA/Canada) –
01. Overture To The Hymn Of The Immortal Warriors
02. The Ascension
03. King Of Kings
04. Army Of The Dead, Part I
05. Sleipnir
06. Loki God Of Fire
07. Blood Brothers
08. Overture To Odin
09. The Blood Of Odin
10. The Sons Of Odin
11. Glory Majesty Unity
12. Gods Of War
13. Army Of The Dead, Part II
14. Odin
15. Hymn Of The Immortal Warriors
Bonus Track:
16. Die For Metal

The original line-up of Love/Hate are to re-unite. They;ll play a show in Los Angeles in February 24, performing the classic album 'Blackout In The Red Room' in its entirety.

Te new REO Speedwagon album Everyone Loves A Happy Ending will be released on March 26.

GARY MOORE is completing a still untitled studio album that features a guest appearance from ex-Thin Lizzy drummer Brian Downey. Due in early May, it showcases original material and songs rediscovered by the guitarist whilst researching his Planet Rock radio show Blues Power, including the Sonny Boy Williamson chestnuts Eyesight To The Blind and Checking Up On My Baby.

An unspecified illness to David Crosby has forced Crosby, Stills & Nash to postpone an Australian tour until the end of the year.

In Requiem is the title of Paradise Lost's new album, being lined up for release in May through Century Media Records.

VAN HALEN are back for 40 US summer shows (TBA) with DAVE LEE ROTH, although no European dates are expected.

THE BEATLES and Apple have settled their legal dispute which could mean the BEATLES sings appearing as downloads in the very near future.

Ex-RAINBOW singers Joe Lynn Turner and Graham Bonnet are scheduled to appear on a double bill in late May and early June in Japan.
May 30 - Tokyo, JPN @ O-East
May 31 - Tokyo, JPN @ O-East
Jun. 01 - Osaka, JPN - Shinsaibashi Club Quattro
JOE LYNN TURNER band lineup:
Joe Lynn Turner - Vocals
Akira Kajiyama - Guitar
Toshio Egawa - Keyboards
Atsushi Hasegawa - Bass
Kenichi Fujimoto - Drums
ALCATRAZZ is:
Graham Bonnet - Vocals
Howie Simon (JEFF SCOTT SOTO) - Guitar
Glen Sobel - Drums
Tim Luce – Bass

GIG NEWS

BLACKMORE'S NIGHT
June 10th - Glen Rothes Hall
June 12th - York Grand Opera House
June 14th - Reading Hexagon
June 17th - Birmingham Alexandra Theatre
June 19th - Yeovil Octagon
June 20th - Cardiff St. Davids Hall
June 23rd - Brighton Dome

ALEX RUDI PELL has cancelled his remaining European dates due to illness.

Robert Plant headlines the Green Man Festival in the Brecon Beacons, Wales, on August 18. For info go to www.thegreenmanfestival.co.uk, or call the ticket hotline on: 08700 667799.

REVIEWS

SILENT FORCE `Walk the Earth' AFM Records (2007) www.silentforce.de

The band's fourth album with the ever busy Dennis Ward (Pink
Cream 69) handling production duties. The band's big selling point
for many metal fans is that DC Cooper, one time member of Riyal
Hunt, is the vocalist. He really does suit this style of bombastic
melodic metal and `Point Of No Return' sounds like his days with
Royal Hunt! Yet despite the epic title track and the classy keyboard
solos on `In From The Dark' the album just lacks killer tunes. It
just sounds as if written to a formula and bar three songs there is
nothing really special about the music, well played and produced as
it is.
Try as I might to like this album it is not up there with Royal
Hunt, Power Quest, Rhapsody of Fire or Intense. If you're already a
fan get this otherwise try and listen to some songs first as it is
not an essential purchase.

***
Jason Ritchie

3 LEGGED DOGG `Frozen Summer' Perris Records (2007)
www.3leggeddogg.com

An impressive line-up for this band including the ex-Dio/Rainbow
rhythm section of Vinnie Appice and Jimmy Bain with Riot's Carlos
Vavazo on guitars and ex-Lynch Mob vocalist Chas West. With the band
members coming from some of the giants of classic hard rock and
metal you'd expect an album of music in a similar vein…wrong! This
album is like Soundgarden and Slave to the System, down tuned
guitars and a sound that would have fitted in well the grunge sound.
The songs are not bad but they don't really stay in your head after
playing save for `Left For Dead' and the grinding `Bring The Hammer
Down'. Appice and Bain are tighter than the proverbial gnat's ass
and Chas West can certainly hit the notes but for all that I can't
see it being played much down the line.
Worth a spin but don't expect anything sounding like the band
members' past musical output.

***
Jason Ritchie