21 Dec 2014


CRR (Dot EU) After Hours Movie Review
Spotlight: Rockin' The Wall (2010 Documentary / 2014 DVD Release)

I had the pleasure along with my lovely wife of watching the 2010 documentary; Rockin' The Wall. Based on the best-selling book, Seven Events That Made America, America by Larry Schweikart. Secured the DVD. As soon as I pressed the play button on the Blu-ray, my lovely wife and I became engulfed almost immediately. Surprised my better half because she figured it would bore her to death from the get go. Some boring classic rock film. Not really, and far from it.

Three days before I was born, the Berlin Wall was constructed. Life as known then, was changed from that moment on. For those inside, and outside the military protected barrier. People died trying to escape / get pass it. You know something is bad when you hear stories as these. And who could blame them? From the years 1961 to 1989 this crap went on. And what helped the wall come crumbling down, you ask? Many things actually, but would you believe in part, rock n' roll music? And to say anything else I'd be taking away from the wonderfulness that Larry Schweikart, and director Marc Leif have in store for you in the new to retail DVD release; Rockin' The Wall. A well done narrative by Adam Baldwin. No time wasted telling a very compelling story. And one that needs repeatedly to be told so others don't try making the same mistake again.

NO MORE WALLS! NO MORE WALLS! NO MORE WALLS! NO MORE WALLS!

Rating: Using the one to ten star rating system as found on other popular DVD review websites, Uncle G gives the 2010 documentary (it also has / had a soundtrack) Rockin' The Wall (a film by Larry Schweikart and Marc Leif) Official retail DVD Release; 10 Stars! Classic rock fans / followers should especially be interested.

OH...let me name drop...from The Doors...includes cool classic rockers like; Robby Krieger. Briefly, and used where it counted most. One more BIG name, John Van Tongeren. Does original score music. Keyboardist and Music Composer with some really super cool credits to his name. So, many reasons as to why to check this out, if you have not already. Is worth buying / renting for the evening.

Gary Brown
American Correspondent & 'The Stay at Home and Watch Documentary Guy' for Classic Rock Radio (Dot EU)

ROCK LEGEND RANDY BACHMAN ANNOUNCES NEW PROJECT:

BACHMAN’S HEAVY BLUES DROPS APRIL 15, 2015

Guest soloists include: Neil Young, Joe Bonamassa, Robert Randolph and Peter Frampton

The man known as the “architect of Canadian rock n’ roll” is forging ahead into 2015 with a brand new project billed simply as BACHMAN. Joined by a virtuoso rhythm section with Anna Ruddick on bass and Dale Anne Brendan on drums, the trio’s debut effort entitled Heavy Blues will be available worldwide on April 15, 2015 through Linus Entertainment.

Heavy Blues draws from the unlikely trio’s love of classic 60s blues rock and emerges with a blistering sound, a fierce and fearless collection of BACHMAN originals. Featuring an enviable list of Randy Bachman’s contemporaries including Neil Young, Joe Bonamassa, Robert Randolph and the late Jeff Healey, each musician contributes their signature-style guitar solos blending classic blues and rock with a modern undertone.

Produced by internationally-acclaimed producer Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, Rush, Led Zeppelin), Heavy Blues marks the rare occasion that Randy Bachman has relinquished the producer reins. “'I’ve known Kevin for many years and watched his producer credits grow to include many rock legends,” explains Randy Bachman. “I knew that he could push me past my limit, pull me onto new paths and direct me down new roads. The collaboration, paired with Dale Anne and Anna’s musical ferocity, has made this entire project an amazing experience for me.”

A legendary figure in the rock n’ roll world, Randy Bachman has earned over 120 gold and platinum album/singles awards around the world for performing and producing. As the co-founder and principal songwriter for The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Randy Bachman’s monstrous hits, including “American Woman,” “Looking Out for #1,” “Let It Ride,” Taking Care of Business,” and “No Sugar Time,” have garnered him the coveted #1 spot on radio playlists in over 20 countries and he has amassed over 40 million records sold.

Randy Bachman has been awarded Order of Canada, ASCAP’s Global Impact honour, Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, and received two separate inductions into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:
WWW.RANDYBACHMAN.COM

Pat Travers Band: Live At The Iridium NYC

Tracklisting:  Rock And Roll Susie; Gettin’ Betta; Crash And Burn; Heat In The Street; Josephine; I’ve Got News For You; Ask Me Baby; I La, La, La Love You; Lone Wolf (Kirk solo) / Red House; If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day; Spoonful; Black Betty.

It was a July day of unparalleled rock ‘n’ roll awesomeness for Pat Travers, one he remembers well to date. The year was 1978 and the location was at the Oakland Coliseum, where roughly 55,000 fans were attending for an unforgettable day that saw the newly formed Pat Travers Band play together with AC/DC, Van Halen, Foreigner, and Aerosmith. The band had spent much of the year on a tour that would be released in 1979 as “Live! Go for What You Know,” arguably his best and certainly one of the most acclaimed Hard Rock Live albums of all times.

Toronto-born Pat Travers, is truly a swaggering hard-rock axeman. He picked up the guitar after a Jimi Hendrix performance in Ottawa. His debut album was released in 1976, and while his most successful releases like "Makin’ Magic" and "Crash And Burn" are now more than 30 years old, he never consigned himself to the nostalgia circuit.

In 2012 Pat Travers Band made a comeback with a new lineup - which saw the return of drummer Sandy Gennaro behind the skins - and a new record “Can Do”, released the following year. A great release which saw Travers and his band playing better than ever! In the tour that lead up to the release of that album, he picked the right venue for this celebration of a new live CD, "Live at the Iridium NYC".

Pat says: “The two shows that we played at the Iridium Club in February 2012 marked the first time I ever really felt totally comfortable and “at home” in “The Big Apple”. The people at the Iridium just made us feel like we were honorary New Yorkers. It was awesome.  Having done an extensive European tour at the end of 2011, a Caribbean Cruise Ship gig and a bunch of concerts at the beginning of the year the band was on fire. So being able to record a set at the Iridium in New York City was the perfect venue and time to capture the PTB at their smoking best. We were fortunate to have Jon Paris join us on “Blues Harp” for two classic tunes and he just tore it up and showed us all how the Blues is really done”.

Presenting all the highlights of his career and combining the individual talents with the chemistry of being on the stage, you can feel an energy that is tangible on this recording, an enjoyment that is infectious, and, quite frankly, you owe it to yourself to catch this band whenever and wherever you can.

PAT TRAVERS BAND:
Pat Travers: Guitar, Vocals
Kirk McKim: Guitar, Vocals
Rodney O’Quinn: Bass Guitar, Vocals
Sandy Gennaro: Drums
Jon Paris guest on “Blues Harp” on “If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day” and “Spoonful”.

17 Dec 2014

CRR Dot EU – New Music Review
Spotlight: Billy Idol – Kings & Queens Of The Underground (2014 BFI Records, Inc.)

How refreshing it is when an established musician comes out with something fresh and exciting? So good it makes you remember why you originally became a fan to begin with. Such is the case with Billy Idol's latest studio offering called Billy Idol – Kings & Queens Of The Underground. His personality unique, and a voice that captures ones attention. I have one of Billy's Greatest Hits CDs in my collection. I always dug the hits, but for whatever reason just never spent the time learning his whole catalog. Something that I'm motivated to do after hearing this latest one.

My personal friends have heard me talk of “perfect albums” before in conversation. Taste varies. Definition for myself being that I get into every song, where an album's third track is just as good as its last. Not the same as one's favorite album. In your mind, obviously it has left an impression. Not a wasted note, not too long to bore and take away from what's good nor too short so that it's not an album anymore. That the lyrics be matched with the right music and band where everyone gave their all and devoted all they had. Believed in what they were doing. Wait....too deep. Think I made my point. Every song here is worth playing, totaling almost 48 minutes worth of stellar performances, not only from Mr. Idol but from all those around him involved in this project as well.

So speaking of, who knew in the year 2014, we'd get a Buggles reunion? The duo whose song 'Video Kill The Radio Star' helped launch a network. Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes are all over this album. Both behind the scenes and in the studio, performing the music. Mr. Horn is a solid bass player, and Mr. Downes plays keyboards for both prog-rock bands Yes and Asia. And that's not everything. These guys are superstars, believe me. Steve Stevens is on guitar. Ash Soan (Producers) behind the drum kit on every number except for on a tune called 'Save Me Now'. A guy I saw play drums for Tori Amos over a decade ago, Mr. Matt Chamberlin.

I purchased Billy's King & Queens Of The Underground CD the first few days it was out. If you support an artist, try buying their new shit the first week it's released. Big sales numbers make headlines, and sways not only opinion, but also careers. Honestly, its been a while since the public had some new Billy Idol music. In today's market, if you're already established professionally and you don't have something fresh, you're labeled a greatest hits act. Just riding on your laurels milking it for all you can. If not independently wealthy, and doing it just to get out of the castle.

Billy Idol - King & Queens Of The Underground (2014) – Uncle G's Review & Rating

I love when I TOTALLY fall into a new CD. Repeated plays EVERYDAY for DAYS in a ROW. Am not sure if I started memorizing the music first, or the lyrics? Forty Eight minutes long, and no filler, no place. Keep in mind, I was a fan of Billy beforehand. Not a fanatic, but I was already sold. Seriously...who the fuck doesn't already like Billy's cover of 'Mony Mony' (Tommy James & The Shondells)?

Nice start! The first track called 'Bitter Pill', has Billy coming in and almost immediately you hear the word "Go!” Like he just rode in on a motorcycle, got off the bike, and just walked up to a microphone, all done in precise time. A toe tapping number with semi-autobiographical words, as is the lyrics to the whole recording really. A recurring theme. Now a mature man with experiences worth recalling. The voice is stronger. He believes what he hears, and the results clearly show it. Songs either produced by Trevor Horn, or Greg Kurstin. Imagine being another producer on the same project as Trevor Horn? No pressure I'm sure.

Solid songwriting throughout Kings & Queens Of The Underground. Proof's in the cuts. Musicianship solid. More upbeat, in which I dig the most. I already know that when I'm finished with this review, and I'm off writing another one about something else (cool B movie), that this compact disc will STAY near my home stereo. Absolutely perfect!

Uncle G's Favorite Moments:

The first song I pushed the repeat button on when giving this a first listen was found on track four 'One Breath Away' . Musicianship blows me away! Kind of groovy at first, and then look out...holy shit! Hear for yourself. Right at the 2:19 mark. Play this loud and you'll be capable of blowing out your speakers, and just not caring. Lasts under a minute and Billy comes back in. Classic Idol!

Something about the word "go". The last track on Kings & Queens Of The Underground is actually one of the best get-up and go songs that I heard in a while. Rocks like crazy. Bass line is infectious! Billy sings about what he knows. I did my teen years mostly on the streets, in the 1970's on the Jersey Shore. I can identify.

Uncle G's Rating

Using the one to five star rating system, whereas one star means it sucks through a long straw, to five stars meaning it's a new musical masterpiece, I give the new Billy Idol studio album Kings & Queens Of The Underground...5 stars! I am already certain this will be on my upcoming Best Of '14 – Top Ten List. Stay Tuned!

Gary Brown

American Correspondent for Classic Rock Radio (Dot EU)

Twitter: @GBrown0816

RIVAL SONS ANNOUNCE EUROPEAN TOUR FOR EARLY 2015

“They craft near-perfect garage-rock songs to hang the thrills and frills from.” - Kerrang!

“A powerhouse of big riffed rock ‘n’ roll” - Q Magazine

“..a cavalcade of fuzzy, hulking riffs, swinging psychedelic grooves and hollered vocals” – Mojo

“Sun kissed psychedelia and irresistible hooks, with the band’s soul, funk and blues influences thrust joyously to the fore… If you thrilled to the Black Keys it’s time to meet your new favourite band” - The Guardian

"..sheer unadultarated greatness" Classic Rock (#1 Album Of The Year 2014)

Long Beach, California's RIVAL SONS are currently winding up the UK leg of their European tour, and are delighted to announce they will be heading back in March and April 2015 which will see them headline the prestigious Roundhouse in London.  Tickets go on sale THURSDAY 18^TH DECEMBER 2014 – 10AM.

The band recently performed on Later With Jools Holland, following another TV appearance in the USA on the Late Show with David Letterman and   phenomenal performance at the star-studded Classic Rock Roll of Honour awards in LA.  They also fitted in a last minute support slot with Lenny Kravitz at Wembley Arena.

With elements of psychedelia and more than a nod to soul the new Rival Sons album ‘Great Western Valkyrie’ received rave reviews when it was released earlier this year. It was rated the No.1 album of 2014 by Classic Rock magazine as well as hitting the Top 20 albums of the year in Kerrang magazine. This, their fifth record in as many years saw the band yet again recording live in Nashville, using 50’s gear borrowed from Sun studios , acknowledging their heritage, but always having their eyes and ears focussed on the 21^st Century.

There will be a new RIVAL SONS single in January 2015. ‘Good Things’  is a stroll through the land of possibilities that highlights the soulful melodies of enigmatic singer Jay Buchanan, shows off the signature guitar tones of Scott Holiday whilst the powerhouse rhythm section of Michael Miley on drums and the sultry grooves of Dave Beste on bass pin the whole song down.

March 2015
Sat 28 Leeds Academy, UK     
Sun 29 Liverpool Academy, UK    
Mon 30 Glasgow Academy, UK  
April 2015
Wed 1    London Roundhouse, UK     
Fri 3        Nottingham Rock City, UK    
Sat 4       Southampton, Guildhall UK

Great Western Valkyrie, is available now and stormed into the charts around the world upon its release.  Available on digisleeve CD and limited edition vinyl LP at 

http://www.earache.com/rs14 - 

or on iTunes at 

http://bit.ly/rivalsons-iTunes

Official Site -

  http://www.rivalsons.com

Facebook - 

http://www.facebook.com/rivalsons

Twitter - 

http://twitter.com/rivalsons

Following the release of the Sunflower Jam ‘Celebrating Jon Lord’ in September 2014 (No.1 in the DVD/Blu-Ray Charts in five European territories), another great once-in-a-lifetime event is going to be released on 2 March 2015 on earMUSIC.   ‘Ian Paice’s Sunflower Superjam – Live At The Royal Albert Hall 2012’ will be available as a CD+DVD and DVD+CD set.

This spectacular live document is a feast for the eyes and ears capturing the second of the Sunflower Jams in the most prestigious of all London venues: The Royal Albert Hall.  Before this show, which was open to any rock fan, “the Jam” was a private charity event, organised by Deep Purple’s Ian Paice and his wife Jacky Paice, where the biggest stars would jam and perform classic songs to raise money for charity.

‘Ian Paice’s Sunflower Superjam – Live At The Royal Albert Hall 2012’ couldn´t have turned more powerful, thanks to the contribution of Mark King (Level 42), delivering groovy renditions of two of his greatest hits with a legend of the Hammond organ: Brian Auger, who also plays on almost the whole show; Iron Maiden´s Bruce Dickinson, who lends his explosive voice for Thin Lizzy´s ‘Emerald’ and The Who´s ‘Behind Blue Eyes’, Alice Cooper playing with Ian Paice and Brian May his classics ‘Elected’ and ‘School´s Out’, or Bruce Dickinson, Brian May, John Paul Jones and Ian Paice teaming up for a rendition of Deep Purple’s ‘Black Night’.

For British Blues Rockers The Temperance Movement at the time this was their biggest show yet, while Steve Balsamo paid tribute to Jon Lord with ‘Pictured Within’, anticipating the great homage the Sunflower Jam would dedicate to Lord two years later with ‘Celebrating Jon Lord’.  Just when the Royal Albert Hall audience thought it simply couldn’t get any better, the final ‘Smoke on The Water’ literally caused an explosion of joy and celebration - A feeling that is present on each song of this exciting recording.

The DVD contains the whole show plus further bonus tracks by Brian May & Kerry Ellis, The Temperance Movement and Alfie Boe.

OUT NOW!

Foreigner: The Best Of Foreigner 4 & More

With ten multi-platinum albums and sixteen Top 30 US hits, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 75 million.

Responsible for some of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems including “Juke Box Hero,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” “Head Games,” “Hot Blooded,” “Cold As Ice,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” and the worldwide #1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” Foreigner continues to rock the charts more than thirty years into the game.

At Foreigner’s core is founder and lead guitarist Mick Jones, the visionary maestro whose stylistic songwriting, indelible guitar hooks and multi-layered talents continue to escalate Foreigner’s influence, along with lead vocalist Kelly Hansen, bass guitarist Jeff Pilson and multi-instrumentalist Tom Gimbel.

Founded in 1976, Foreigner’s debut album produced the hits “Feels Like The First Time,” “Cold As Ice” and “Long, Long Way From Home.” The album Double Vision followed, as did a string of hits like “Urgent,” “Juke Box Hero” and “Waiting For A Girl Like You.” Those songs helped give Foreigner’s next album, 4, its impressive run at #1 on the Billboard chart. At the zenith of 80’s sound, Foreigner’s fifth album, Agent Provocateur, gave the world the incredible #1 global hit,” I Want To Know What Love Is.” This musical milestone followed the record-breaking song “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” which appeared on the previous record “4”.

An unprecedented new level of energy commenced in 2002 when Mick Jones decided to take Foreigner to the next level. He was joined by the astonishing Kelly Hansen on vocals, and continues as they lead the group in a re-emergence of astounding music that speaks to long time Foreigner fans and younger generations. With renewed energy and direction, Foreigner hit the Billboard charts again with the 2005 release of their live greatest hits album, Extended Versions. Can’t Slow Down followed in 2009, and entered the Billboard chart in the Top 30, driven by two Top 20 radio singles, “In Pieces” and “When It Comes To Love.” To follow was the release of the band’s 3-disc set, Feels Like The First Time, which included an acoustic CD with an intimate and unique re-interpretation of many Foreigner classics, studio re-records by the new lineup and a live performance DVD showcasing the group’s exceptional live energy.

Foreigner experienced another surge in popularity when several of their hits were featured on the Rock Of Ages soundtrack, including “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Juke Box Hero” and “Waiting For A Girl Like You” – more songs than any other one band on the soundtrack. Hollywood quickly took note, and several more tracks were featured in hit films “Anchorman 2,” “Magic Mike” and “Pitch Perfect,” sending Foreigner downloads up 400%. The video game industry was soon to follow. The blockbuster release, “Grand Theft Auto V,” features Foreigner’s “Dirty White Boy,” and “Hot Blooded” is included in the November 2013 release of “BandFuse”. The high visibility of Foreigner’s songs continues to introduce the band’s music to a whole future generation of fans.
On October 3rd & 4th 2014, Foreigner performed and record a unique event at the prestigious Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ.  For the first time ever, the band presented 'The Best of Foreigner 4 & More' show.  This is a theme that will continue through select live shows, with a repertoire consisting of some of the best and most loved songs of Foreigner “4” plus a selection of other Foreigner timeless hits. Foreigner ”4” remains the best selling and fans’ favorite album in the entire Foreigner catalogue.  This is a release that will resonate very deeply with the Foreigner audience and go on to become a major release in Foreigner’s catalogue.

FOREIGNER:

Mick Jones – Lead Guitar

Kelly Hansen – Lead Vocals

Jeff Pilson – Bass

Tom Gimbel – Flute, Rhythm Guitar, Saxophone

Michael Bluestein - Keys

Chris Frazier – Drums

Bruce Watson - Lead Guitar

Forthcoming Blockbuster Release in 2015. 

Revolution Saints Debut Album

Tracklisting: Back On My Trail; Turn Back Time; You're Not Alone (Feat. Arnel Pineda); Locked Out Of Paradise; Way To The Sun (Feat. Neal Schon); Dream On; Don't Walk Away; Here Forever; Strangers To This Life; Better World; How To Mend A Broken Heart; In The Name Of The Father (Fernando's Song). Bonus tracks (deluxe edition only): You Are Not Alone (Arnel Pineda version); Way To The Sun (Doug Aldrich version); You Are Not Alone (Deen Castronovo Version).
DVD content: Making of the Album documentary; Turn Back Time (videoclip); Back On My Trail (videoclip); Here Forever (videoclip); Way to the Sun (lyric video) 
-
Deen Castronovo, Jack Blades and Doug Aldrich. Put these three titans together in a band and you have REVOLUTION SAINTS.

Superbly handling drums and lead vocals is Deen Castronovo. Already renowned for his drum talents and backing vocals in Journey, Bad English and more, Deen's excellent vocal talents are in the spotlight on this release. On bass, and co-lead vocals on a few tracks, Jack Blades is well known for his melodic, yet hard rocking approach to songwriting and playing via multiple classic albums by his main band Night Ranger, as well as with the Damn Yankees and the Shaw/Blades releases. On guitar, Doug Aldrich was excited to lend his fiery blues guitar attack to such a unique and melodic band. Doug, who just left Whitesnake after a fruitful 12 year run (including co-writing 2010s critically acclaimed "Forevermore" release) and also of Burning Rain and formerly of DIO, has a deep pedigree and is one of today’s most respected guitarists.

You can tell by the name - and the names involved - that REVOLUTION SAINTS is not going to be your average rock 'n roll band. The record brings back the classic melodic rock style to where it should be: inspiring, uplifting vocals, soaring melodies and musicianship to die for. Simply put, it is completely badass.

The project is the vision of Frontiers' President Serafino Perugino, who for years had hoped to work on a project where Deen would be the lead vocalist. Having previously worked with all three artists on different projects on Frontiers, having Deen, Jack and Doug on board together was a dream come true for Perugino. With production overseen by in-house Frontiers man, Alessandro Del Vecchio (who also contributed to the songwriting and played keyboards on the album), the recording process took place in Portland, OR during the summer of 2014.

REVOLUTION SAINTS' music is played with a heart and soul and that highlights the passion and the enthusiasm of three of the best rock and all-around musicians in the game today.
Truly, this will be a release that you cannot miss!

REVOLUTION SAINTS

Deen Castronovo: lead vocals, drums

Jack Blades: bass, vocals on Turn Back Time and Way To The Sun

Doug Aldrich: guitars

Featuring:

Alessandro Del Vecchio: keyboards, backing vocals, vocals on Way To The Sun 

Arnel Pineda – co-lead vocals on You're Not Alone

Neal Schon – guitar solo on Way To The Sun

Produced by Alessandro Del Vecchio

Out Now: 

Yes: Like It Is 

Live At The Bristol Hippodrome CD/DVD

Tracklisting:

Cd1: Going For The One; Turn Of The Century; Parallels; Wonderous Stories; Awaken.

Cd2: Yours Is No Disgrace; Clap; Starship Trooper; I’ve Seen All Good People; A Venture; Perpetual Change.

Dvd / Blu Ray: Going For The One; Turn Of The Century; Parallels; Wonderous Stories; Awaken; Yours Is No Disgrace; Clap; Starship Trooper; I’ve Seen All Good People; A Venture; Perpetual Change.

Among the world’s most influential, ground-breaking, and respected progressive rock bands, Grammy Award winning, YES, is proud to announce its new live album, ‘Heaven and Earth.’ Having sold nearly 40 million albums in a career that has so far spanned more than four decades, ‘Heaven and Earth’ sees YES continuing with its tradition of symphonic progressive rock that remains timelessly fresh and innovative.

In Spring 2014, YES performed in their Canada, UK and European tour a true classic rock header by performing two of their most popular albums in their entirety, all in one concert: 1971’s THE YES ALBUM, and 1977’s GOING FOR THE ONE.

Music audiences across the world experienced the albums – each representing an important milestone in YES’ career which encompasses sales of close to 50 million albums worldwide – performed from beginning to end.

YES
Jon Davison, vocals
Chris Squire, bass
Steve Howe, guitars
Alan White, drums
Geoff Downes, keyboards

Annie Haslam Re-Releases Her Classic, 

"Live Studio Concert Philadelphia 1997"  

Autographed DVD

Renaissance frontwoman/solo singer/artist Annie Haslam has just released her classic performance video on DVD of a Live Studio Concert she did in Philadelphia in 1997 for the Prism TV Network.

Annie's new DVD has just been released on her own label, White Dove Records, and is available to ship exclusively worldwide.

Annie created her own digital store, which has most of her back catalog including two Christmas albums, IT SNOWS IN HEAVEN TOO and SNOWBALL. Find digital releases also of her albums: BLESSING IN DISGUISE, UNDER BRAZILIAN SKIES, ONE ENCHANTED EVENING, THE DAWN OF ANANDA, and WOMAN TRANSCENDING at: musicstore.anniehaslam.com. These albums are also available on iTunes, Amazon, Beats Music, Deezer, Google Play, Rdio, Spotify, and YouTube Music Key.

The LIVE STUDIO CONCERT in PHILADELPHIA 1997 was recorded and produced at Philadelphia's Sonic Studios in standard definition in original 4:3 aspect ratio and Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo. It features three Renaissance songs: "Carpet of The Sun," "The Young Prince and Princess," and "Captive Heart."

The DVD features Annie's songwriting skills in collaboration with Tony Visconti on "What He Seeks" and "Pool of Tears," Rave Tesar on "Sleepless Mother," and David Biglin on "Summon the Angels" and "Seashell Eyes." Tony produced her 1994 BLESSING IN DISGUISE CD.

In addition to an audio and video crew, Annie filmed some of the experience with her own video camera, ("The Haslam-Cam") Band members were keyboardist Rave Tesar, singer/guitarist/keyboardist Davd Biglin and drummer Joe Goldberger. She remembers, "They played flawlessly and sounded more like 6 than 3 musicians. It was exhilarating; each song had the audience singing along."

Ordering the standard DVD (NTSC all-region and plays on modern PAL DVD players) for $19.99 includes an autograph from Annie, plus animmediate digital download of the audio tracks. The package includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads in MP3 and FLAC formats.

Annie Haslam is an English progressive rock vocalist, songwriter, and painter residing in Pennsylvania, USA. She is best known as the lead singer of the classical rock band Renaissance since 1971, and for her long and diverse solo singing career. On December 20, Annie, again, headlines her holiday concert In the Spirit of the Holidays at the Sellersville Theater, Sellersville, PA (www.st94.com). In April 2015 Renaissance will be touring the UK and Europe.

The longtime Captain of her own ship (including re-forming Renaissance with the late Michael Dunford in 2009, touring, writing, establishing a career as a visual artist, and working with animals), Ms. Haslam owns most of her solo catalog. "I would rather control my life's work," she states. In owning my music, I can always keep my products available, and stay in touch with my fans."

1.

1.  Carpet Of The Sun

2.  Pool Of Tears

3.  Summon The Angels

4.  Captive Heart

5.  After The Oceans Are Gone 

6.  Seashell Eyes

7.  Sleepless Mother

8.  Goodbye Trees

9.  What He Seeks

10. The Young Prince And Princess

Order Here:

http://musicstore.anniehaslam.com/album/live-studio-concert-philadelphia-1997

REMASTERED EXPANDED VERSION 

OF JUDAS PRIEST'S CLASSIC 

DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH ALBUM ANNOUNCED!‏

New York, NY – December 10, 2014 - Coming off an era which saw several Judas Priest albums that have gone down as some of the greatest in the entire history of heavy metal (namely, 1980's 'British Steel' and 1982's 'Screaming for Vengeance'), the band from Birmingham knew that their next release had to 'deliver the goods,' to cement their standing as the leaders of metal. And deliver they did, with their platinum-certified 1984 release, 'Defenders of the Faith,' which spawned such headbanging classics as 'Freewheel Burning,' 'Jawbreaker,' 'The Sentinel,' 'Some Heads Are Gonna Roll,' and 'Love Bites.'


And on March 10, 2015, a newly expanded three-CD version of the album will be unleashed via Columbia/Legacy, which includes the original ten-track album remastered by producer Tom Allom, and a complete live recording from the 'Defenders' tour, recorded at the Long Beach Arena in California, on May 5, 1984.


The 21-track concert (split up over two discs) perfectly balances the then-new material from the group's ninth studio offering overall, including such classics as 'Metal Gods,' 'Breaking the Law,' 'Sinner,' 'Electric Eye,' 'The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown),' 'Victim of Changes,' and 'You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,' among many others.


As the band states in the liner notes to the reissue, "It's 30 years since we released 'Defenders of the Faith' - we're very proud to say it has become a classic that's beloved by Priest fans throughout the world"


Judas Priest continues to 'defend the faith' to this day, as the group recently issued their seventeenth studio album, 'Redeemer of Souls,' which sees the band's popularity amongst metalheads remain as strong as ever, as it debuted higher than any other previous Priest release (at #6 on the Billboard 200). And on the group's current tour, quite a few classics from 'Defenders' are being performed for the first time in years.


And soon, fans will get a chance to re-experience vintage Judas Priest, with the 'Defenders of the Faith' reissue.


CD1 'Defenders of the Faith' Re-Mastered

1. Freewheel Burning
2. Jawbreaker
3. Rock Hard Ride Free
4. The Sentinel
5. Love Bites
6. Eat Me Alive
7. Some Heads Are Gonna Roll
8. Night Comes Down
9. Heavy Duty
10. Defenders of the Faith


CD2 Live at Long Beach Arena, California 5th May 1984

1. Love Bites
2. Jawbreaker
3. Grinder
4. Metal Gods
5. Breaking the Law
6. Sinner
7. Desert Plains
8. Some Heads Are Gonna Roll
9. The Sentinel
10. Rock Hard Ride Free


CD3 Live at Long Beach Arena, California 5th May 1984

1. Night Comes Down
2. The Hellion
3. Electric Eye
4. Heavy Duty
5. Defenders of the Faith
6. Freewheel Burning
7. Victim of Changes
8. The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)
9. Living After Midnight
10. Hell Bent For Leather
11. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming

www.judaspriest.com

Marillion, still some December dates left to catch

Marillion ; purveyors of soulful, powerful,  and often deeply-moving music,  with a long-standing reputation for blistering live  shows which have earned them an impressive  and faithful global fanbase. MARILLION have: Sold 15 million albums Released 17 studio albums Had 8 UK Top 10 albums Played gigs to over 3 million people Released 23 UK singles During the period the band were fronted by Fish  (1981 -88) they scored  eleven Top 40 hits on the UK Singles Chart, including 1985's "Kayleigh",  which reached No. 2 and became their biggest hit single.  The first album released with Hogarth, 1989's Seasons End, was  another Top Ten hit, and albums continued to chart well until  their departure from EMI following the release of their  1996 live album Made Again  Steve "h" Hogarth fronts the band (since 1988) and brought  a new heart and energy to the band when since becoming lead-vocal/lyricist. Predictions of doom were swiftly dispelled, as across a further 13  albums, Hogarth – along with existing members Steve Rothery (guitar),  Mark Kelly (keyboards), Pete Trewavas (bass), and  Ian Mosley (drums) – reinvigorated and constantly redefined Marillion’s sound.  They forged into new musical territories with a succession of  inventive, emotional albums, displaying little regard to the  vagaries of the musical "Fashion Police", or radio playlists.  The line-up remains  unchanged to this day.

After the release of 1999’s ‘marillion.com’ the band banished the  spectre of record company pressure once and for all by launching their  own record label (the aptly-named Intact imprint) and freeing themselves  up to produce some of the finest music of their career. Thanks to their much lauded (and much copied) pioneering Internet-based  rock n'roll business model, Marillion have developed a unique and  intimate relationship with their fans. From sponsoring entire tours of  the USA to funding the recording of recent albums, Marillion’s global  fan-base is unique in its affection and dedication.   In fact Marillion are credited with inventing Crowdfunding. The history of the band's use of the Internet is described by Michael Lewis  in the book Next: The Future Just Happened as an example of how the  Internet is shifting power away from established elites, such as  multinational record labels and record producers.  As a result, such passionate, wholesale support has allowed  Marillion to step outside of the conventional music industry and  find their own path.

In 2001 ‘Anoraknophobia’ saw Marillion take the groundbreaking step of  asking fans to pre-order an album 12 months before release. An  amazing 12,000 people signed up, helping to finance the recording.  The band once again took pre-orders for the 2004 masterpiece ‘Marbles,’  but this time the money was channelled into a campaign fund to  promote its launch. When singles ‘Don’t Hurt Yourself’ and ‘You’re Gone‘ breached the  UK top 20 – the latter making it all the way to number 7 –  jaws dropped right across the music world. Not bad going for a band without major label backing. But it was merely the latest twist in the history of a group who have  held  on to the conviction that what they’re doing MEANS something  more than entertainment or selling records.

The band has evolved into a vibrant musical force – to those who  already love Marillion, they’re something special; to everyone else  they’re a love affair waiting to happen.

In 2012, the band released  their 17th studio album   SOUNDS THAT CAN’T BE MADE and performed  a string of gigs in North and South America and all over Europe.  In 2014 Marillion toured Latin America and returned to the studio  to begin writing their 18th studio album.   Still some Marillion December 2014 UK Dates you can catch! Monday 8 December 2014 GLASGOW - O2 ABC Tickets: www.o2abcglasgow.co.uk SUPPORT: Luke Jackson Wednesday 10 December 2014 MANCHESTER - HMV Ritz Tickets: www.ticketline.co.uk SUPPORT: Luke Jackson Thursday 11 December 2014 LONDON - The Forum Tickets: www.ticketmaster.co.uk SUPPORT: Luke Jackson At the London show, Marillion will be joining forces with  Live Here Now to produce a CD of the concert that will  be on sale straight after the show. With the shows being so close to Christmas, expect snow,  Father Christmas and a great night of Marillion classics and more.

  

For more information on MARILLION, check out the following 
website / social media links:

Website - http://www.marillion.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MarillionOfficial

Twitter - https://twitter.com/MarillionOnline

Find Classic Rock Radio on Twitter @ClassicRockEU

Find us on Facebook here

Find Marilyn-Michaels on Twitter @RadioGirlProds

and on Facebook here MarilynMichaelsRadioGirlProductions

ETHAN BROSH KICKS OFF TOUR DATES THIS WEEK WITH RED DRAGON CARTEL/JAKE E. LEE 

Guitarist Ethan Brosh is widely considered one of the most promising instrumentalists on the scene, as evidenced by his latest album, 'Live the Dream.' And now, he is set to open for guitar legend Jake E. Lee's band, Red Dragon Cartel, on a nearly month-long tour of North America, kicking off on December 2nd in New York City and wrapping up on December 20th in Baltimore.

"I feel both honored and privileged to once again take my band on tour with one of my all time favorite guitar players, Jake E. Lee!," says Brosh about the upcoming trek. "Jake's playing, writing and overall style have been an influence and an inspiration since the very beginning stages of my guitar playing. We've all been waiting many years to see Jake back on the scene so I feel lucky to be a small part of it on this upcoming tour. I can't wait to be back out there seeing my fans again and doing what I love to do most!"

Mixed by Max Norman (Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth) and featuring the talents of world-class bassist Dave Ellefson, as well as the mastering expertise of Bob Ludwig (Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Iron Maiden), 'Live the Dream' is Brosh's most exciting and ambitious project to date. And the album cover painting by Joe Petagno (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd) is also sure to turn heads.

Issued by Carmine Appice's label Rocker Records LLC, "Live the Dream" is available for purchase via these links:

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/live-the-dream/id816347755

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Live-Dream-Ethan-Brosh/dp/B00HZMRX0Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393806359&sr=8-1&keywords=ethan+brosh

The buzz continues to build for guitar hero Ethan Brosh, and it will undoubtedly only grow stronger now that a brand new video has been filmed for one of the many standout tracks from his latest album, 'Live the Dream,' titled "Space Invaders.” The clip puts Brosh's impressive six-string skills front and center, which can be viewed in the link below. As Brosh himself explains, "A music video is something that has to go hand in hand with the music that it's associated with. It is part of the art as a whole. It is the image that will stay in the minds of the listeners for as long as they listen to that particular musical piece. When I have a music video done, I take the process almost as seriously as I take my music. A lot of time, energy and attention to detail gets into play when we shoot or edit a video." And Brosh has nothing but praise for the video's director, Seth C. Brown. "This video was made by Seth C. Brown who can turn any rushed, impossible to shoot scene with bad lighting into a beautiful work of art! I'm very proud of the new video for 'Space Invaders,' and can't wait to make more videos for this record!”

Downward Spiral video (featuring George Lynch) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9ZsC_dgS8U

CONFIRMED TOUR DATES WITH ETHAN BROSH SUPPORTING RED DRAGON CARTEL:

Dec 2 Webster Hall NY, NY
Dec 3 Dobbs Philadelphia, PA
Dec 5 Mexicali Live Teaneck, NJ
Dec 6 The Chance Poughkeepsie, NY [with Burning Heat]
Dec 7 1150 Oak Bar Cranston, RI [with Burning Heat]
Dec 9 Rockstarz Cheektowaga, NY
Dec 10 The Garrison Toronto, ON
Dec 12 Token Lounge Detroit, MI
Dec 13 Reggie's Chicago, IL
Dec 16 Oddbody’s Dayton, OH
Dec 17 Agora Theater Cleveland, OH
Dec 19 Altar Bar Pittsburgh, PA
Dec 20 Fish Head Cantina Baltimore, MD


FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
www.ethanbrosh.com

Judas Priest at the Tacoma Dome – November 22, 2014

Saturday night on the 22nd of November, Judas Priest played at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington and was the last show in the US for 2014. February 21st 2015 the band heads to Australia to play the Soundwave Festivals, then to Japan, UK, and Europe.

The doors promptly opened at 6pm with a long line of people of all ages, from young couples holding babies, to teenagers, to senior age metal heads. It was awesome to see so many supporters of Heavy Metal music and Judas Priest fans.

We took our seats which were a little off to the side, but a perfect view to the stage! The show started right at 7:30pm with the opening band Steel Panther. This show was outrageous and hilarious, probably more appealing to men due to the type of humor, but as long as you’re not offended easily it’s pretty entertaining and they did a great job pumping the audience for Judas Priest.

8:30 sharp, behind the giant blue Judas Priest backdrop, Ritchie Faulkner (guitarist), Glenn Tipton (guitarist), and Ian Hill (bass) played the opening metal anthem to Priest’s new killer song, “Dragonaut” until the curtain finally dropped to the floor with an audible—BOOM! Scott Travis (drums) kicked the song into high gear and my eyes instantly started searching the stage for Rob Halford. Rob started singing, but I still couldn’t see him. After a few more seconds Rob charged onto the stage totally immersed in metal awesomeness!

Judas Priest went on to played a few songs from their 1980 chart topping

album, ‘British Steel’ and it was during the second song on the setlist, “Metal Gods” that I got to hear, for the first time live, the infamous Rob Halford’s high pitched scream! The power of that scream moved through the crowd like lightening and everyone responded loudly with a collective roar with their horns in the air!

Glenn Tipton has been with Judas Priest since 1974 and he and Ritchie Faulkner totally gel together as the two guitarists. They stood side by side at the front of the smoky blue stage harmonizing the opening chords to, “Victim of Changes” from the 1976 album ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’. Then with perfect timing Ian Hill and Scott Travis jumped in, adding the thick background to one of my favorite Priest tunes. Scott Travis is an amazing drummer and really bangs it out on this performance using his speed and complexity talents and, of course, the double bass drums pounding loud and clear throughout the Dome. Rob Halford ended the song with the loudest, most piercing scream I’ve ever heard and my ears exploded with delight!

Fourty years of singing his ass off and “Proud to be a classic metal band from the UK playing for the world,” Rob Halford goes on to say, “The next song is very special to the band, a song with a beautiful ballad and powerful message, “Beyond the Realms of Death.” We all agreed with Rob’s statement and fired up our Bic lighters and waved them high in the dark air for the band to see. Rob has such an impressive vocal range and he really showed off his unique vocal skills for this metal classic. Following the light to dark patterns of the riff, Rob sings in his lower vocal range until the chorus hits and the song awakens and Rob’s high pitched voice becomes the central force. Glenn Tipton played a stunning guitar solo with perfect tone adding a great deal of feeling and emotion to this epic performance.

Throughout the show, Rob Halford was arrayed in his finest leathers and shiny metallic clothing, giving every bit of flair to his performance. Some of the best things about rock n roll is flamboyance and being over the top, so when Rob came out from the back of the stage on a Harley for “Hell Bent for Leather,” it was one of the purest rock n roll/metal moments in my personal concert experience. At this point in the show, and for the last three songs, there was lots of audience participation as Rob held out the mic to the audience to help sing the chorus’s to “You Got Another Thing Coming,” and the encores, “Living After Midnight,” and “Defenders of the Faith.”

Judas Priest has come a long way since 1970 when Ian Hill started putting together one of the most influential and best metal bands in the world and from my experience of the ‘Redeemer of Souls’ show, Judas Priest’s metal glory lives on!

SETLIST:

1. Dragonaut

2. Metal Gods

3. Devils Child

4. Victim of Changes

5. Halls of Valhalla

6. Love Bites

7. March of the Damned

8. Turbo Lover

9. Redeemer of Souls

10. Beyond the Realms of Death

11. Jawbreaker

12. Breaking the Law

13. Hell Bent for Leather

14. You Got Another Thing Coming

15. Living After Midnight

16. Defenders of the Faith

Tour Dates: 

http://tickets.judaspriest.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialJudasPriest

Review by:

Jill Maciel

West Coast Correspondent

Photos by:

Scott Banning