Wednesday 29 July 2015

One Question with Uncle G_Star Trek Voyager Alumni

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)
29 July 2015
Space City Comic Con (2015)

One Question with Uncle G
Participant's: Star Trek Voyager Alumni

The first real event I covered at the just held Space City Comic Con that took place in Houston Texas this past weekend, was going to a press junket the night before the convention actually started. Was held last Thursday night, the 23rd.
NGR Center - Houston Texas USA
As I am walking up to the room in this huge building (NGR Center) the event is being held in, a Mr. Devin Pike with Space City Comic Con walks up and greets me by saying; "You must be the classic rock guy." For I am indeed. A cool greeting. And with that the next hour or two is spent hanging out getting a feel for things. My writing skills and I'll freely admit it, are probably unorthodox at best. Even being capable of playing reporter, I simply prefer sometimes just being a fly on the wall. Which is what for the most part I did. When inspired I react. That's the important thing. 

The first two people I engaged in a little small talk with was actors Gil Gerald, and Felix Silla from the late 1970's sci-fi television  program; Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Gil stared as the title character, and Felix was the robot Twiki. The show ran for three seasons. For those whom the name Felix Silla does not sound familiar, think back to the 1960's old school television comedy classic, The Addams Family. Felix played the character known as, COUSIN ITT! So here I am. The main guy I wanted to see and talk to at the press junket, is delayed and won't be able to attend. Instead I find Cousin Itt. And I don't want to end up playing fanboy and embarrass myself before the convention even starts. Like with Gil, Felix and I make idle chatter. Inside me while this is going on, I'm thinking this is the coolest shit EVER! Those who know me realize The Addams Family is one of my all time favorite television programs. To be able to meet one of it's stars; Fuc*ing INCREDIBLE! And one of my favorite characters from the show, to boot. So it ends up Felix and Gil are both super nice guys. I would recommend going out of one's way, if at a function they are at, just to say hello. Both gentlemen are television icons. My wife made sure to tell me that Gil played in an episode of the television classic; Little House on the Prairie. One of her favorite television shows when she was a young girl.

Later on as I made my way around the three day convention, I would catch Gil and Felix at their respective tables, which of course was right next door to each other. Appeared entertaining and informative to all who approached them. One example as to what Space City Comic Con is really about. Having fun being around creative people, centering around an industry beloved by millions of people like myself. Making memories. Now home recuperating, and telling all what a blast Space City Comic Con was! Am already looking forward to the next one.

Felix Silla - Cousin Itt on the classic TV series; The Addams Family
Also at the Thursday night press event was a cast member of the Star Trek Voyager television program, Manu Intiraymi. One of the actors newest projects is what I sincerely hope will be another Star Trek spin off series; Star Trek Renegades. Debuts at a screening in Los Angeles next month (August). Am hoping to review once it's available to the general public. In it, Manu reprises his character from the Voyager series; Icheb. A neonatal Borg drone freed from the hive by accident, and successfully liberated by ex-Borg, Seven of Nine. The Icheb character I thought was a pretty cool one, and in real life I found the actor who portrays the character, pretty cool as well. Walked up to me and introduced himself. Could not be any nicer. Was wearing a cool hat too. My only problem was at first recognizing him. Remember, all I know of Manu and seen of him was on the Star Trek Voyager show that ended back in the year 2001. That's fourteen years ago. People age. Others being younger than I, would have known Manu from another popular program he was in eleven years after Voyager ended called, One Tree Hill. All too eager to answer any question I threw his way. When the time was right, I asked … my ONE QUESTION. But first, how that came about.

Keep in mind, the center of attention at this years Space City Comic Con was the television show Star Trek and it's star, William Shatner. Another series of the Star Trek franchise was front and center as well; Star Trek Voyager. Starring Kate Mulgrew, as Captain Kathryn Janeway. A highly skilled actress known for more then that role but also as Galina "Red" Reznikov from the HBO hit; Orange Is The New Black. And also getting the spotlight, a Star Trek Voyager cast reunion, with several of the shows cast members attending. PLUS a shitload of other activities. On foot I found out that literally, Houston's Space City Comic Con was a HUGE event. Held right next door to Houston's iconic Astrodome. But so much more going on as well, with my point being Star Trek was certainly a big draw. Made sense to me to come up with just one question, that represented music, and was Star Trek Voyager friendly. Many associated with the program played along and the ones who didn't certainly would have if they had the time. Back to Manu (you remember him), who was the first cast member of Star Trek Voyager that I saw, so I asked him first. And without any further ado, finally … here is THE ONE QUESTION.

Using Voyagers Holodeck, if you could recreate a musical event from the past, what would it be? I then elaborated, and even gave examples. One being Woodstock because I was too young to go. Would have loved to have been there, and watched first hand what went on. Using the Holographic Environment Simulator, that would be possible.

Now for those who might now have watched Star Trek Voyager, the holodeck was used for several reasons including entertainment. One simply got creative, wrote a story, and programed that information into the holodecks computers. Within seconds, you were there.

Manu's answer: "A Sex Pistols concert." He didn't elaborate, but my guess would be the time period from their beginning years; 1975-1977. Absolutely wild back then to say the least.

I later on throughout the three day convention asked other people associated with the Star Trek Voyager program the same question. Here's their answers.

Robert Picardo: "The Beatles at The Hollywood Bowl." GREAT answer! Iconic group! Early Beatles were cool. Being in the middle of all that fan hysteria. What a rush that would be. But wait … look at Tim Russ' answer.


Tim Russ 
Tim Russ: "The Beatles Rooftop Concert" (30 January 1969). Uncle G says; "That's my answer too!" Watching The Beatles do their later material, including the song 'Get Back' in which is one of my favorite Beatles songs, would simply blow me away. Plus the roof top concert included musician Billy Preston on keys. That's worth bonus points. A few years later the honorary fifth Beatle had a huge hit with an upbeat number called; Nothing From Nothing. Born in Houston, Texas in 1946, Billy passed away in 2006, at the young age of 59.

Garrett Wang: "Elvis Presley." That surprised me. Garrett is age wise, one of the youngest in the Voyager cast that assembled in Houston this past weekend. Dude's answer is golden oldies. Got to love it! Elvis was certainly one of a kind. So an excellent response from Garrett. I'm already on record saying I'm a BIG Elvis fan as well. Have visited Graceland twice. I actually think the King of Rock n'Roll is Chuck Berry. Elvis is royalty as well.

Richard 'Rick' Sternbach (Star Trek Voyager Set Designer): "Benny Goodman." I asked for details. Just to be lucky enough to be able to attend just one show, it didn't matter which one specifically. Good enough for me. Benny Goodman back in his time, was seen and treated like a rock star is nowadays. You could really cut a rug listening to his band play.


Rick Sternbach
Oh, dig this. While I was there with Rick, a real International Space Station NASA astronaut walked up and said hello to Mr. Sternbach. The guys a fan! Astronaut Douglas Wheelock. Either Rick or I could not have been any more thrilled. A real privilege / treat to be in the company of two great men such as these.

Having a Space City Comic Con Media Pass I could have waited for a break in between fans doing meet and greets, and asked Star Trek Voyager main cast members Ethan Phillips (who I'm told likes to tell dirty jokes), or Robert Beltran the question, and I'm sure both would have given terrific answers. Thing is they were very busy every time I was around them, which is fine. That's what this is in part. An opportunity for people to meet their favorite actors. Sucks through a long straw standing in them for long periods of time to do so. Basically means you're not the only individual to think he or she was a cool part of whatever entertainment project that they worked, or are presently working on.

And lastly, actress Kate Mulgrew, who was swamped with fans the whole time she was there … when walking by me, acknowledged my saying, "hello Ma'am", with a very polite "hello" back at me. Proved we both have good manners.

William Shatner the same. He walked by, and it just so happened I had his newest CD, Ponder The Mystery, in my hand. Pointing the cover in his direction, and at the closest range possible as he was walking by, I said loud enough for him to hear; "Great CD!". Check it out. Mr. Shatner took the time and said 'thank you' directly back at me. I so want to interview him about his last music CD, Ponder The Mystery. I digress. The reason why I'm mentioning that both Kate and Bill acknowledged me isn't so anyone thinks I'm cool, but instead to show how cool they are. Two of the BIGGEST stars in the Star Trek franchise, for just a second, really made my day. A complete stranger to them. No one was making them acknowledge me. First look and I'm a six foot almost 200 lbs bearded middle aged male, holding onto a big stick. Neither iconic actor was obligated to say anything in response to me. Both did anyway. Believe me, at these conventions, every second of these peoples time is taken. I'm very grateful for the acknowledgments. Hopefully someone reading this knowing them, can pass on a word of thanks. Astounding in a way, what a few seconds of politeness to another human being can do.

Thanks to William Shatner / Star Trek Voyager Alumni … U ALL ROCK!

ALSO THANKS TO:

George Comits who I first communicated with through email, and who helped me set up the Tim Russ interview I did recently. Mr. Devin Pike and the volunteers I met throughout my time at the Space City Comic Con … U ALL ROCK as well. GREAT job doing your assigned tasks which included making sure yours truly was okay. I sincerely appreciate it. U know who you are.

Note: Images used are from the Gary Brown autograph / photo collection.
Editing done by Alexandra Sereni. 

Gary "Uncle G" Brown
American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk
Twitter @GBrown0816

Thursday 23 July 2015

FACES: YOU CAN MAKE ME DANCE, SING OR ANYTHING
(1970-1975)
The Collection Includes Newly Remastered Versions Of All Four Studio Albums 
With A Bonus Disc Of Rarities And Will Be Available On August 28 From Rhino
 Limited Edition Vinyl Version Boasts Remastered Sound Cut From The Original Analog Masters And Packaging That Meticulously Recreates The Original Albums
 Faces squeezed a lifetime’s worth of rock ’n’ roll into just five years. But despite their relatively short time together, Kenney Jones (drums), Ronnie Lane (bass/vocals), Ian McLagan (keyboard), Rod Stewart (vocals) and Ronnie Wood (guitar/vocals) have earned a spot on the short list of the world’s greatest rock bands.
Rhino Records will release a boxed set with newly remastered versions of all four of the Faces’ studio albums, plus a bonus disc of rarities. All of the music has been remastered from the original analog tapes, making the collection the best-sounding version of the band’s music ever released. YOU CAN MAKE ME DANCE, SING OR ANYTHING (1970-1975) will be available on August 28 from Rhino Records 
A beautiful limited edition vinyl version of the collection will also be released the same day. To deliver superior audiophile quality, each album was cut from the original analog master tapes directly to lacquers and pressed on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl. The records will come packaged in sleeves that accurately recreate the original release. For instance, when you push the sleeve for Ooh La La, the man’s eyes move and his mouth opens, creating a look that’s reminiscent of Terry Gilliam’s animation work with Monty Python. 
 The YOU CAN MAKE ME DANCE, SING OR ANYTHING (1970-1975) CD set includes: The First Step (1970), Long Player (1971), A Nod Is as Good as a Wink…to a Blind Horse (1971), and Ooh La La (1973), and features unreleased bonus tracks included with each album. Despite their hard-partying reputation, the band was a formidable powerhouse and could play it all—blues, soul, funk, country and boogie. These albums showcase that incredible range from bar stool anthems like “Had Me A Real Good Time,” “Miss Judy’s Farm,” and “Stay With Me,” to tender ballads that will leave you crying in your beer like “Ooh La La,” “Love Lives Here” and “Glad And Sorry.”
In addition to the studio albums, the collection also features a bonus disc that gathers up nine essential tracks that didn’t appear on proper albums, including the 1973 single “Pool Hall Richard,” a live performance of the Temptations’ “I Wish It Would Rain” from the 1973 Reading Festival, and “Dishevelment Blues,” a song that came free as a flexi-disc in copies of the British music publication, New Music Express.
 The Faces came together in 1969 when former Small Faces Ian McLagan, Kenney Jones and Ronnie Lane hooked up with ex-Jeff Beck Group vocalist Rod Stewart and guitarist Ronnie Wood. The group’s impact on music has only deepened since its break up in 1975. In recognition of the Faces’ influence, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted the group in 2012.


Taste: What's Going On - 

Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970

On 18 September 2015, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release 
What’s Going On – Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970” by Taste.  This is a simultaneous release on DVD, Blu-ray, 2LP and CD formats [Cat No: EREDV1190, ERBRD5272, EAGLP647 and EAGCD643 respectively] represents the first ever video release of this legendary performance.

The film tells the story of Eire's seminal rock band Taste, formed in Cork, Ireland in 1966 by Rory GallagherTaste had a brief but influential career, releasing two studio albums in 1969 and 1970 and disbanding shortly after their legendary appearance at the 1970 Isle Of Wight Festival, which is the centrepiece of this film. The core of “What’s Going On” is the band’s performance at the festival on August 28th but it is encapsulated by a documentary on the history and importance of Taste and setting the scene for their Isle Of Wight Festival appearance. This features contributions from Rory’s brother and Taste road manager Donal Gallagher along with Brian May(Queen), The Edge (U2), Bob Geldof and renowned guitarist Larry Coryell. Taste’s performance at the festival was so well received that Jimi Hendrix when asked on the Sunday, “How does it feel to be the best guitarist in the world”, replied, “I don’t know, why don’t you go and ask Rory Gallagher?”

The original 1970 footage was shot by Academy Award winning director Murray Lerner. The 16mm film has been restored and the sound remixed for this 2015 version of “What’s Going On – Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970” which includes all the tracks on the original 1971 Polydor LP plus several additional tracks.  Bonus features on this release include three tracks from the German TV series Beat Club: “If The Day Was Any Longer”, “It’s Happened Before, It’ll Happen Again” and “Morning Sun”.  Additionally there are three conceptual music videos for the tracks “I’ll Remember”; “What’s Going On” and “Born On The Wrong Side Of Time”.  Rory Gallagher and Taste are also being celebrated with the “I’ll Remember” 4CD box set released by Universal on 28 August 2015 boasting remastered Versions of Their Two Acclaimed Studio Albums “Taste” and “On The Boards”, including Bonus Tracks.  Also included are previously unreleased live concert recordings from Stockholm’s Konserthuset, The BBC and Woburn Abbey Festival, plus Demos of both released and unreleased material.

TRACKLISTING DVD / Blu-Ray
1) What’s Going On   2) Sugar Mama   3) Morning Sun   4) Gambling Blues   5) Sinner Boy   6) Same Old Story   7) Catfish Blues   8) I Feel So Good
TRACKLISTING CD / 2LP
1) What’s Going On   2) Sugar Mama   3) Morning Sun   4) Gambling Blues   5) Sinner Boy   6) I’ll Remember   7) I Feel So Good   8) Catfish Blues   9) Same Old Story   10) Blister On The Moon

Rory Gallagher would go on to enjoy an acclaimed and highly successful solo career. Johnny Marr said, “The man who changed my musical life was Rory Gallagher, I picked up a guitar because of him.”  The electrifying What’s Going On – Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970” is an early example of Rory’s justified reputation as the ultimate live performer.

Tuesday 21 July 2015

Uncle G's After Hours FUN Movie Reviews_Trainwreck

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK) 
21 July 2015

         ClassicRockRadio.co.uk Presents 
                          Uncle G's After Hours FUN Movie Reviews
Trainwreck (Official Movie Poster)
Spotlight: Trainwreck (2015 Universal Pictures) 

Before January of this year, I really didn't have a clue as to who Amy Schumer was. Now I always had an interest in stand up comedy, and could have before the beginning of this year, seen her name someplace, or had it mentioned to me. Besides being on television and now in the movies, Amy is also for those unaware, a very successful professional stand up comedian. Occasionally I author reviews of live stand up acts that make their way into H Town, or nearby for the station that I exclusively write for; Classic Rock Radio Dot Co Dot UK...the best classic rock station on the web btw. As good a place for a plug as any. However it happened, this rising Hollywood star sooner or later made my radar, and promptly so, I started investigating. 

The woman whom I called my wife for the last two decades now, in my mind, at least for the past few months, must have wondered about my all the sudden fixation with Amy Schumer. I swear it's not a crush. All kidding aside, I do think Amy Schumer to be a pretty lady. I'd be lying if I said otherwise. Still and regardless of what my wife might believe, their are no lustful feelings here. A bonus I must admit that Ms. Schumer can be easy on the eyes. Personal appearances aside, I conclude Amy to be very funny, intelligent, and extremely talented. So nothing for my wife to worry about. Now she can go back to believing I masturbate while thinking about Megyn Kelly. 

My research on Amy Schumer started by getting acquainted with Amy's cable television program; Inside Amy Schumer. Into season three now, I caught up on previous episodes by watching the first two seasons via the internet streaming network; Hulu. Over twenty half hour shows plus all the new programs broadcast so far from Season Three. Enough for me to conclude Ms. Schumer a very entertaining young lady, worthy of my complete attention.  

Uncle G talks … Trainwreck 

The just released motion picture comedy Trainwreck is in a nutshell, a story about a young woman in her early thirties who, after a decade and more of living life like it's a never ending party, is now being presented with reasons as to why it might be a good thing to chill out some. Maybe even be open minded to exclusively date only one person. Oh the horror! An inconceivable notion brought on by a shitty childhood, with a Father (brilliantly portrayed by Colin Quinn) incapable of maintaining a grown up monogamous relationship with their Mother. This of course affected Amy, and her younger sister in different ways. In today's world a common family tragedy, that luckily for the viewers of this film, can also be the inspiration of a superbly written rated R comedy motion picture. 

Flash-forward to the present time and before our very own eyes, Amy the wild one of the two sisters, manages to at least get a grasp at what's going on around her. So much booze, drugs, and sex with multiple partners displayed on the big screen, that I found it amazing the character was able to function as well as she did. So to me, I found this motion picture to be more about an individual reaching maturity, more than it was a chick-flick. Did I just say, what I just said? Yes, interlocked with hilarious scenes of Amy's sexual misadventures while getting totally polluted in the process, is a romance story. So yours truly quick as a lick, labels this a chick flick. Isn't like I suffered any sitting through it. Even if all the nudity was male. And not a lot thank God. So instead of getting into Arnold destroying things, here I was watching a cleverly disguised love story. And I really didn't mind. For myself, and along with other theatergoers who practically filled the place, a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Terminate that Mr. Schwarzenegger! 

Rating: Using the same one to ten star rating system the IMDb website uses, whereas one star means it sucks, but not in a good way, to ten stars meaning it's worth spending your hard earned cash on, Uncle G gives the Amy Schumer written comedy Trainwreck … ten stars! 

Frankly, hard to find anything wrong with it. The cast was brilliant! Stand out performances by athletes and actors alike. A favorite was Tilda Swinton who played Amy's boss. The story on it's own is actually quite enjoyable. Even the not so funny events. An adult R rated sex comedy that don't insult your intelligence. I'm all for it! Plus I like the New York City backdrop, and Billy Joel tunes. Good also seeing familiar faces from the 'Inside Amy Schumer' program. Congrats to all involved. Well done!


                                               Official Trailer
                       Trainwreck starring Amy Schumer and Bill Hader

Gary Brown 
American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk 
Twitter @GBrown0816

Thursday 16 July 2015


THE BAND’S CAPITOL ALBUMS COLLECTED FOR 9LP VINYL BOX SET,
 THE BAND: THE CAPITOL ALBUMS 1968-1977,’


Iconic Albums Remastered from Their Original Analogue Masters for
Heavyweight, 180-Gram Vinyl LPs with Faithfully Replicated Artwork


The Band’s seven acclaimed, influential Capitol Records studio albums and Rock Of Ages double LP concert album have been remastered from their original analogue masters for The Band: The Capitol Albums 1968-1977, a new 9LP vinyl box set to be released by Capitol. Remastered for vinyl at Capitol Mastering, the collection’s eight albums are presented on heavyweight, 180-gram vinyl with faithfully replicated original album art and packaging. 

Before stepping into their own spotlight in 1968, The Band’s members already shared an extensive collaborative history.  Between 1960 and 1962, the then-teenaged multi-instrumentalists Levon Helm (drums, vocals, mandolin), Robbie Robertson (guitar, piano, vocals), Rick Danko (bass, vocals, fiddle), Richard Manuel (keyboards, vocals, drums) and Garth Hudson (keyboards, horns) first performed and recorded together as members of the backing band for Ronnie Hawkins called the Hawks. In late 1963, the Hawks struck out on their own and became Levon & the Hawks, performing and recording under this name in 1964 and 1965. 

In 1965, Robertson met with Bob Dylan in New York, just as Dylan was seeking an electric guitarist for his touring band. Robertson and Helm joined Dylan at his Forest Hills and Hollywood Bowl shows, and then convinced Dylan to bring all The Hawks on for the rest of the tour. The Hawks backed Dylan on the road from October 1965 through 1966 as he incensed audiences in the U.S., Australia and Europe, performing electric sets. Disheartened by the vocally disdainful ‘folkie purist’ audience response to their first plugged-in performances with Dylan, Helm left the band in November 1965.

After the 1966 tour concluded, The Hawks woodshedded for the next year in upstate New York, often in the company of Dylan, forging a highly original sound that in one way or another encompassed the panoply of American roots music: country, blues, R&B, gospel, soul, rockabilly, the honking tenor sax tradition, Anglican hymns, funeral dirges, brass band music, folk music, and modern rock, fused and synthesized in ways that no one had ever before thought possible. 

In 1967, the former Hawks were re-joined by Helm as they prepared to record their first full-length album. The Band was born in 1968 with the release of Music From Big Pink, which debuted to glowing reviews; a journalist for Life magazine wrote that The Band “dipped into the well of tradition and came up with a bucketful of clear, cool, country soul that washed the ears with a sound never heard before.” While the album only reached No. 30 on Billboard’s chart when it was released, it has become recognised over time as one of the most important albums in the history of rock, and its lead single, “The Weight,” a timeless rock staple.

The Band’s second, self-titled album, released in 1969, was launched with the hit “Up On Cripple Creek.” But it was the second single, Robertson’s Civil War song, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” that rose to the top of the charts (for both The Band and Joan Baez), pushing the album to gold and elevating The Band to headliner status. Both hits were sung by Helm. Two more songs from The Band would go on to become staples of FM rock radio, the rollicking “Rag Mama Rag” and the socially conscious “King Harvest (Has Surely Come).”

Stage Fright ushered The Band into the ‘70s. Both the title track, sung by Danko, a reflection on the stardom they had achieved, and “The Shape I’m In,” featuring Manuel’s vocals, became FM favourites as album rock burgeoned into a viable format. The Band’s fourth album, 1971’s Cahoots, features the funky, New Orleans sound of “Life Is A Carnival,” a collaboration by Robertson, Helm and Danko, and Bob Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece,” which preceded Dylan’s own recorded version. 

During the final week of 1971, The Band played four legendary concerts at New York City’s Academy Of Music, ushering in the New Year with electrifying performances, including new horn arrangements by Allen Toussaint and a surprise guest appearance by Dylan for a New Year’s Eve encore. Highlights from the concerts were compiled for The Band’s classic 1972 double LP, Rock Of Ages, which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and remains a core album in the group’s Capitol catalog (in 2013, Capitol/UMe released remixed recordings from all four shows on The Band: Live At The Academy Of Music 1971). 

Moondog Matinee, an album of cover songs released in 1973, features The Band’s version of “Ain’t Got No Home,” a 1957 R&B hit by New Orleans legend Clarence “Frogman” Henry. Helm credited Hudson with rigging up a hose he sang through to achieve “that lovely frog voice” the song requires.

The Band’s sixth studio album was Northern Lights-Southern Cross, a clever reference to their Canadian roots and their love of the American South. The 1975 album features the Dixieland-tinged “Ophelia,” as well as “Acadian Driftwood” and “It Makes No Difference.” Released in 1977, Islands was The Band’s final Capitol album and the last to feature the group’s original line-up. The album includes “The Saga of Pepote Rouge,” a typically eccentric Band song, and a cover of “Georgia On My Mind.”

In 1989, The Band was inducted into the Canadian Juno Hall of Fame; five years later they were accorded the same honour by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2008, The Band was honoured with The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Sadly, three members of The Band, Richard Manuel, Rick Danko and Levon Helm, have passed away, but The Band’s legacy lives on, in their recordings and in their tangible influence on popular music since they first hit the scene, wowing not only Bob Dylan, but many other major players of the day, including Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Miles Davis. Making Americana music before the term even existed, Rick, Levon, Garth, Richard and Robbie collectively constituted the only ensemble to ever rightfully earn the sobriquet The Band.


Music From Big Pink
The Band
Stage Fright
Cahoots
Rock Of Ages (2LP)
Moondog Matinee
Northern Lights-Southern Cross
Islands



DAVID GILMOUR REVEALS DETAILS OF ‘RATTLE THAT LOCK’,
HIS NEW ALBUM. PLUS NORTH AMERICAN SHOWS ANNOUNCED.
Debut single has its first airplay this Friday, 17 July 2015
 North American dates go on sale Friday 17 July
David Gilmour, has announced that his new solo album  Rattle That Lock’ will be released worldwide on 18 September by Sony Music. The first single, also called Rattle That Lock, will have its world premiere tomorrow on BBC Radio 2’s Chris Evans show. 
Also announced today are David Gilmour’s first North American dates for ten years to take place in March and April 2016.
‘Rattle That Lock’ is David Gilmour’s fourth solo album and follows his 2006 No 1 ‘On An Island’.   Primary lyricist is Gilmour’s long-term writing partner, Polly Samson, and it is co-produced by David Gilmour and Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera. ‘Rattle That Lock’s striking cover has been art directed by Dave Stansbie from The Creative Corporation under the creative directorship of Aubrey Powell from Hipgnosis.

Full tracklisting for ‘Rattle That Lock’
1) 5 A.M (Gilmour)
2) Rattle That Lock (Gilmour/Samson/Boumendil)
3) Faces Of Stone (Gilmour)
4) A Boat Lies Waiting (Gilmour/Samson)
5) Dancing Right In Front Of Me (Gilmour)
6) In Any Tongue (Gilmour/Samson)
7) Beauty (Gilmour)
8) The Girl In The Yellow Dress (Gilmour/Samson)
9) Today (Gilmour/Samson)
10) And Then…(Gilmour)
The track Rattle That Lock will be heard for the first time on BBC Radio 2 tomorrow morning and will be available immediately to download and stream worldwide. The song begins with the four notes, created by Michaël Boumendil, which precede announcements at French SNCF railway stations which Gilmour recorded on his iPhone at Aix-en-Prevence station.  Samson’s lyrics are inspired by Book II of John Milton’s Paradise Lost, which is also featured in her recent acclaimed novel, The Kindness.  The single also features the Liberty Choir and singers Mica Paris and Louise Marshall.
The North American March and April 2016 shows will be David Gilmour’s first dates there since the ‘On An Island’ tour in 2006, it will follow his UK and European tour this September/October.  Tickets go on sale Friday 17 July at 10.00am EST. Every ticket purchased online includes a copy of David Gilmour’s new studio album ‘Rattle That Lock’.The US dates are:
 24 March 2016 – Los Angeles - Hollywood Bowl
31 March 2016 – Toronto - ACC 
6 April 2016 – Chicago – United Center

11 April 2016 – New York – Madison Square Garden

Tickets can be booked via Ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets, or by phone.

The formats for ‘Rattle That Lock follow.


ALBUM AVAILABLE TO PRE ORDER FROM 17 JULY 2015
iTunes
smarturl.it/RattleThatLock – Standard
smarturl.it/RattleThatLockDLX – Deluxe

Amazon
smarturl.it/RattleThatLockAmz – Standard physical
smarturl.it/RattleThatLockAmzDLX – Deluxe physical
smarturl.it/RattleThatLockAmzV – Vinyl


DAVID GILMOUR
‘RATTLE THAT LOCK’
                                             David Gilmour "Rattle That Lock "     

FORMATS
VINYL LP IN GATEFOLD SLEEVE.
Heavyweight vinyl, mastered by James Guthrie and Joel Plante at das boot
Gatefold sleeve, photo inner bags, full colour labels, download card
Full size 16-page photo/lyric booklet including artist photographs by Kevin Westenberg and album session photographs by Polly Samson
Creative Director: Aubrey Powell, Hipgnosis / Sleeve design by The Creative Corporation
Front sleeve landscape photograph by Rupert Truman, StormStudios
Produced by David Gilmour and Phil Manzanera

SIDE 1
1  5 A.M.
2. Rattle That Lock
3. Faces Of Stone
4. A Boat Lies Waiting
5. Dancing Right In Front Of Me

SIDE 2
1.    In Any Tongue
2.  Beauty
3.  The Girl In The Yellow Dress
4.  Today
5.  And Then…



 COMPACT DISC
Hard cover bound book package with gold foil blocking on cloth spine, colour CD label
22-page photo/lyric booklet including artist photographs by Kevin Westenberg
and album session photographs by Polly Samson
Creative Director: Aubrey Powell, Hipgnosis / Sleeve design by The Creative Corporation
Front sleeve landscape photograph by Rupert Truman, StormStudios
Produced by David Gilmour and Phil Manzanera

1.    5 A.M.
2.    Rattle That Lock
3.    Faces Of Stone
4.    A Boat Lies Waiting
5.    Dancing Right In Front Of Me

6.    In Any Tongue
7.    Beauty
8.    The Girl In The Yellow Dress
9.    Today
10.  And Then…



DELUXE CD + DVD PACKAGE
2-Disc box set includes CD, DVD with bonus 10 audio-visual items, 4 audio tracks, album in Surround Sound and memorabilia
(4 x ‘Barn Jam’ AV clips include Richard Wright’s last recorded / filmed performances).
Bonus content = approx. 105 mins + Surround album
DVD contains ‘Rattle That Lock’ album in 5.1 Surround (Dolby Digital and DTS), plus Stereo version in 48kHz/24 bit
PLUS 14 EXTRA non-album items: 4 video tracks, 4 audio tracks, 2 promo films, 4 documentaries
PLUS 32-page hardback lyric/photo book including artist photographs by Kevin Westenberg and album session photographs by Polly Samson
PLUS 48-page book ‘Paradise Lost’ (Book II)
PLUS Memorabilia including poster, postcard and plectrum
CD and DVD in colour card wallets with colour labels
Album produced by David Gilmour and Phil Manzanera

CD
1.    5 A.M.
2.    Rattle That Lock
3.    Faces Of Stone
4.    A Boat Lies Waiting
5.    Dancing Right In Front Of Me

CD cont...
6.    In Any Tongue
7.    Beauty
8.    The Girl In The Yellow Dress
9.    Today
10.  And Then…

DVD (NTSC)
AUDIO-VISUAL
BARN JAMS Recorded and filmed in January 2007, featuring:
David Gilmour: Guitar; Richard Wright: Keyboards; Guy Pratt: Bass; Steve DiStanislao: Drums
1.    BARN JAM 1           
2.    BARN JAM 2           
3.    BARN JAM 3           
4.    BARN JAM 4                       
5.    THE ANIMATORS – ALASDAIR + JOCK (Documentary)
6.    RATTLE THAT LOCK (Video)
7.    THE ANIMATORS – DANNY MADDEN (Documentary)
8.    THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW DRESS (Video)
9.    POLLY SAMSON AND DAVID GILMOUR AT THE BORRIS HOUSE FESTIVAL OF WRITING & IDEAS  (Documentary)
10. THE MAKING OF THE RATTLE THAT LOCK ALBUM (Documentary)

AUDIO ONLY
11. RATTLE THAT LOCK Extended Mix
12. THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW DRESS Orchestral Version
13. RATTLE THAT LOCK Youth Mix – 12” Extended Radio Dub
14. RATTLE THAT LOCK Radio Edit

15. THE RATTLE THAT LOCK ALBUM in 5.1 sound, PCM Stereo
Album resolution: 48kHz/24bit including 5.1 Dolby Digital and 5.1 DTS and Stereo PCM



DELUXE CD + BLU-RAY PACKAGE
2-Disc box set (6.8”x5.9”) includes CD, Blu-ray with bonus 10 audio-visual items, 4 audio tracks, album in Surround Sound and memorabilia
(4 x ‘Barn Jam’ AV clips include Richard Wright’s last recorded / filmed performances). Bonus content = approx. 105 mins + Surround album
Blu-ray contains ‘Rattle That Lock’ album in 5.1 Surround (PCM and DTS Master Audio), plus Stereo version in 96kHz/24 bit
PLUS EXTRA non-album audio-visual material and audio material:  4 video tracks, 4 audio tracks, 2 promo films, 4 documentaries
PLUS 32-page hardback lyric/photo book including artist photographs by Kevin Westenberg and album session photographs by Polly Samson
PLUS 48-page book ‘Paradise Lost’ (Book II)
PLUS Memorabilia including poster, postcard and plectrum
CD and Blu-ray discs in colour card wallets with colour labels
Album produced by David Gilmour and Phil Manzanera

CD
1.    5 A.M.
2.    Rattle That Lock
3.    Faces Of Stone
4.    A Boat Lies Waiting
5.    Dancing Right In Front Of Me

CD Cont...
6.    In Any Tongue
7.    Beauty
8.    The Girl In The Yellow Dress
9.    Today
10.  And Then…

BLU-RAY
AUDIO-VISUAL
BARN JAMS Recorded and filmed in January 2007, featuring:
David Gilmour: Guitar; Richard Wright: Keyboards; Guy Pratt: Bass; Steve DiStanislao: Drums
1.         BARN JAM 1           
2.         BARN JAM 2           
3.         BARN JAM 3           
4.         BARN JAM 4                       
5.         THE ANIMATORS – ALASDAIR + JOCK (Documentary)
6.         RATTLE THAT LOCK (Video)
7.         THE ANIMATORS – DANNY MADDEN (Documentary)
8.         THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW DRESS (Video)
9.         POLLY SAMSON AND DAVID GILMOUR AT THE BORRIS HOUSE FESTIVAL OF WRITING & IDEAS  (Documentary)
10.       THE MAKING OF THE RATTLE THAT LOCK ALBUM (Documentary)

AUDIO ONLY
11.       RATTLE THAT LOCK                                  Extended Mix
12.       THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW DRESS       Orchestral Version
13.       RATTLE THAT LOCK                                  Youth Mix – 12” Extended Radio Dub
14.       RATTLE THAT LOCK                                  Radio Edit

15.       THE RATTLE THAT LOCK ALBUM in 5.1 sound, PCM Stereo
Album resolution: 96kHz/24bit including 5.1 PCM and DTS Master Audio and Stereo PCM