Asia Release Live Album From Final Tour To Feature Steve Howe:

Asia

Axis XXX Live San Francisco

Tracklisting:

Cd1 - Introduction; Only Time Will Tell; Wildest Dreams; Face On The Bridge; Time Again; Tomorrow The World; Ride Easy; Pyramidology; The Golden Mean; I Know How You Feel; Don't Cry; The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.

Cd2 - Cutting It Fine; Holy War/Drum Solo; An Extraordinary Life; Here Comes The Feeling; Open Your Eyes; Sole Survivor; Heat Of The Moment.

Dvd // BLU RAY - Introduction; Only Time Will Tell; Wildest Dreams; Face On The Bridge; Time Again; Tomorrow The World; Ride Easy; Pyramidology; The Golden Mean; I Know How You Feel; Don’t Cry; The Smile Has Left Your Eyes; Cutting It Fine; Holy War/Drum Solo; An Extraordinary Life; Here Comes The Feeling; Open Your Eyes; Sole Survivor; Heat Of The Moment.

Recorded on November 7^th 2012 at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, this new ASIA live CD / DVD and Blu Ray captures once again the band, in the original line-up, in front of an ecstatic audience during one of the shows that ASIA performed in support of the “XXX” album and which was broadcasted by AXS TV in the USA.

With HD recording this new live album is truly a rewarding experience for all ASIA fans. After the recent DVD releases, this is Asia performing one of the very last shows featuring the original line up with: Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton live on the road, in-your face and for your viewing pleasure.

The set list features songs from their first two albums and selected cuts from the reunion albums, including the single from “XXX” “Face on the Bridge”. This is a historical document of where the band was at the time and a snapshot of their musicianship, camaraderie and passion. This live CD / DVD is an irreplaceable companion to the “XXX” studio album.

Formed at the dawn of the MTV era, Asia’s first release was the best selling album in the world in 1982 and sat at the number 1 spot in the USA for 9 weeks, powered by the classic rock anthem, “Heat Of The Moment,” and four other radio hits. Asia’s 1983 sophomore  album, Alpha, also went multi-platinum  and enjoyed several hit singles, including the #1 smash, “Don’t Cry”. During the recording of its third disc, the band splintered, and by the 1990s, only Geoff Downes remained from the original line-up.

The reunion came to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band, but morphed itself into an ongoing endeavour.

ASIA

John Wetton: bass and vocals

Carl Palmer: drums

Geoff Downes: keyboards

Steve Howe: guitars

Review_Lunden Reign_American Stranger

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)
30 May 2015
ClassicRockRadio.co.uk NEW Music Review
Lunden Reign - American Stranger (2015 Cleopatra Records)

                  Lunden Reign - American Stranger

        Cover Artwork:Ioannis - Photo: Benjamin James - Model: Marie

From the great state of California, and what was The Lori G & Nikki Lunden Band, comes; Lunden Reign. 

For a modern rock band publicly described as being, big beat / alternative rock, after playing their debut CD many times in a row, I decided what we have here is a new rock band with an appreciation for the rock and roll before them. Touching on old school vibes, yet emitting their own fresh, and unique sound.

First listens and my mind compares the music with; The Bangles, or Heart. Successful musical groups that had a distinctive sound, which earned them as time went by, buckets full of cash, and a rather large following. I feel the same can happen for Lunden Reign. If radio was what it was decades ago when the outstanding bands I just mentioned was breaking ground, I lay two tracks from 'American Stranger' on the general public, and in the process make them stars. That easy. The title track, American Stranger, and what can also be referred to as Track Six on American Stranger, a solid number with a hard edge entitled, Hear Me. Infectious drum beat. Every song on American Stranger deserves attention / airplay. These are just two. And not just for the music, but the lyrics, which can be found to be more real than poems about Egyptians, or magic men. 

                                Lunden Reign - American Stranger (2015 Cleopatra Records)

The comparison is all about Lunden Reign's leading ladies; Nikki Lunden, whose performs lead vocals, and is a keyboardist, and Lora G (Espinoza-Lunden), who's a guitarist, and synth player. I'm genuinely impressed. Saying they play or sound like women who made it to the top of the music heap, in popularity and sales, and actually are life long professional musicians now, is certainly meant as a compliment. It's my job as a writer to describe what I hear. If 'big beat' means 'upbeat' or 'rocking', then I'm hearing that loud and clear.

Tell tale signs you got something. American Stranger isn't too long in length. Ten songs, with the whole disc coming in at around the thirty-eight minute mark. It was recorded in three very cool places; Capitol Records (Hollywood CA), Stagg Street Studios (Van Nuns CA), and Abby Road Studios (London UK). Plus it has very prog-rock like cover art. Works for me!

Lunden Reign - American Stranger is an album / CD easily played from beginning to end. Here is where I would usually say what my favorite songs were, and truth is at the moment, I find it impossible to say what tracks I get into the most. I conclude that I must dig them all! Each one having something special about it. A guitar riff, the vocal performance, a groovy beat, a catchy melody or chorus. Every part is interwoven perfectly with the others. And now that the opportunity presented itself, hats off to the rest of the band, and a word of thanks to anyone I may have left out who made 'American Stranger' possible.

Rating: Back to the business at hand, I'll cut to the chase and say that I now consider myself a fan of Lunden Reign. Am already looking forward to whatever the their follow up is.

Using the five star rating system, whereas one star means it sucks through a long straw, to five stars meaning one can spend their hard earned money on it, Uncle G gives Lunden Reign - American Stranger …5 stars! Had to have seen that coming.

For more information on Lunden Reign, please check out their official social media websites:

Official Website: LundenReign.com
Official Facebook: Facebook.com/LundenReign
Official Twitter: Twitter.com/LundenReign

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

Review_ELP_Live At The Mar Y Sol Festival '72

                      ClassicRockRadio.co.uk Presents
                  Uncle G's Classic Rock CD Collection

                         ELP - Live At The Mar Y Sol Festival '72 - CD Cover Wrap

Note: This is a modified version of a column / review that ran as a ClassicRockRadio.co.uk Facebook EXCLUSSIVE, back on June 14, 2012. 

Today's Pick: Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Live At The Mar Y Sol Festival '72 (2011 Shout Factory)

Last year (2011) Shout Factory released a sound board recording of ELP from a show performed in 1972. My research tells me this concert was a few months before the release of Trilogy.

Seeing the CD there with all the other ELP recordings really surprised the hell out of me. Here I was walking the CD aisle in Fry's (Houston Texas) last week, and in the corner of my eye, I notice this. Picked it up so I could read the details. The next time it left my hand was when I got into the car. Purchased for a reasonable price.

The CD's called; ELP - Live At The Mar Y Sol Festival '72. It reads; Recorded live on April 2, 1972 at The Mar Y Sol Festival, Vega Baja, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

ELP's act was part of a HUGE three day rock concert. Reading the list of acts that also played there just blows my mind; Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Allman Brothers, Dr. John, and Fleetwood Mac -- just to name a few. Plus imagine being able to see ELP. All this in 1972. Now where my time machine go? I could only imagine how cool it would have been to be there. But what about the flip side to these festivals we all hear about? All those people outside for three straight days; smelly, sweaty, and bad breath galore. And lets not forget to mention; drunk, stoned, and wired from getting no sleep. The older I get, the less appealing that all becomes.

The Scan: This cracked me up. The booklet (check out the scan - top of this webpage) includes a reprint of a poster for the event. Price of admission was $15.00, in which it stated, "did not include travel arrangements." Think they had a sense of humor here, or that they were dead serious? To Puerto Rico...right. As wasted as most of these concert attendees must have been, I mean really. Who on Earth would think that? "OK, I purchased my $15.00 ticket. When's the limo arrive to take me to the airport?"

Good news. From what I can tell, this CD contains their whole set. These guys are smoking hot. Really in their prime. This is an EXCELLENT live CD !!! I would strongly recommend adding ELP - Live At The Mar Y Sol Festival to YOUR CD collection if you haven't done so already. Has already received many repeat plays in this household, and I predict will get many more. A real treat!

Rating: Using the one to five Star Rating System, whereas one star means it blows chunks, to five stars which means it's perfectly alright to spend your hard earned cash on, Uncle G rates Emerson, Lake, & Palmer - Live At The Mar Y Sol Festival 72 ... 5 stars! For reasons already stated. 

UPDATE 2015: Just announced, a limited - deluxe edition of Trilogy containing three discs, the original album (remastered), an alternative mixes disc, and a surround sound DVD audio disc produced by Jakki Jakszyk is to be released Worldwide, on June 9th. For more detailed information, please check out the following link; official ELP merchandise page:

Emerson, Lake, & Palmer - Trilogy (1972)

http://elp.merchnow.com/products/201612/trilogy-deluxe-edition-3cd

Gary Brown

American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk

Twitter @GBrown0816

Review_The Rolling Stones_Some Girls_Live In Texas Blu-ray

            Uncle G's Classic Rock DVD Collection

                      Blu-ray: The Rolling Stones - Some Girls - Live In Texas

                                                (Also available on DVD)

Note: In celebration of The Rolling Stones, on the road and doing shows in the year 2015, ClassicRockRadio.co.uk proudly re-print a column that appeared as a ClassicRockRadio.co.uk Facebook EXCLUSIVE sometime last year; 2014. 

The Rolling Stones. Still kicking ass, and taking names. Isn't that awesome!

Review_The Rolling Stones:Some Girls_Live in Texas (2011 Eagle Rock Entertainment)

So about a week ago I'm in the music DVD aisle in Fry's, and I run across this new Rolling Stones item. A DVD from back when they were touring Some Girls. Sprang from their giant archives I imagine. Most excellent !!! Different packages, going for different prices. You can get a regular DVD for about 12 bucks. The Blu-ray was 3 dollar more. The deluxe was a DVD (maybe Blu-ray) and a audio CD. I picked the Blu-ray. With tax it was under seven-teen bucks.

In the year 1978, a concert ticket to see the Stones play at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia cost me around 15 bucks. Less than the Blu-ray DVD I just purchased. Back then I was sixteen years old. In high school back then a popular question was if one was a Rolling Stones or a Beatles fan? For some weird reason, most were fans of either one or the other. Like it was impossible to be fans of both. I really did dig The Beatles. Still do, but I also liked the Stones. I must admit not as much. Out of all the musicians in those bands, I liked Paul McCartney the best. That was back when I was a teenager. Over the years as I matured, it's changed somewhat. And leaning more towards the Rolling Stones favor.

Maybe a half year before the studio album Some Girls was released, the Stones came out with a live gem called; Love You Live. A double album. I fell right into it, playing nothing else for the longest time. So when I got my concert ticket, I was just really hoping that I'd get to see them play like they came across on wax. I probably thought of The Rolling Stones as more a party band. I seen their film Gimme Shelter several times at a midnight theater showing. I would go with different young ladies and we make out the entire picture. I never saw much of the film, but I heard everything. Regarding the songs, I knew the older hits. Already seeing Led Zeppelin, now it was time for me to be in the presence of this super group.

The concert date was June 17th. It was a Saturday. I was going to Philadelphia with a group of friends. All of us were excited about going. The band Foreigner was warming up. Was excited about seeing them also.

We partied our collective asses off several nights leading up to the date of the show. Two nights before the concert, the unspeakable happened. We were involved in a car accident. The auto we were in lost brakes, and we drove into a super high curb. The driver thought at first he killed everyone. I was in the backseat with two young ladies. The front seat on impact moved back and my foot being underneath it, was injured as a result. The ankle was sprained. My foot swelled to the size of a football. Doctor said I would have been better off breaking it. I was given crutches.

Friends all the next day came and visited. I was sharing a place to live. Most visitors brought booze. One older friend reached out his hand to give me what he said; "would make you feel all better". This miracle pill was know as a; Quaalude. Later that night, just a stones throw from Madam Marie's psychic reader / fortune telling building on the Asbury Park boardwalk, I proclaimed myself healed and threw my crutches over the rail into the Atlantic Ocean. The next day after the Quaalude's wore off, I had to get another pair of crutches. We missed the concert. I never did see the Rolling Stones, or Foreigner for that fact.

This Blu-ray disc makes up for it. Damn sure does. This is sweet !!! From the get go, picture and sound quality are off the chart. I'm so glad I spent the extra three bucks for the Blu-ray. You can see the sweat drops fall off Jagger. Not that I find that appealing. It's the details you see. While doing so, you're hearing the show like you're there. Close your eyes and your imagination will plant your feet front and center, right by Mick. Imagine hard enough, and you can smell the weed coming from the crowd. This is Dallas, Texas in the late seventies. Everyone's smokin' something. Our guitar players here do just that. Regular cigarettes. Between Woods and Richards they smoked so damn many cigarettes that I started really feeling like I would like one myself. How weird is that? It's been since November of 2007 since I had a drag. I did get a kick from watching that. Mick was such a help. He put their smokes out for them. Again...the over all picture...details are incredible. Got some pretty Texas women in the audience. Something to see for everyone.

The disc starts off with a quick glance of the crowd before show time. Like a page out of a late seventies high school year book. It's an indoor concert. Seventeen songs performed in all. They hit stride by the third song; Honky Tonk Women. It is a tour of their album 'Some Girls' and they do just that by performing seven out of the ten songs that make up one of the groups biggest selling albums. Nothing half ass about this. It's not a so called off night for the band. They are rehearsed, and well tuned. The audience eats out of their hands from the first moment they take the stage. At a frenzy whenever Jagger and company called for it. A perfect night for audience and the main attractions.

                                  The Rolling Stones - Shattered

That's not it. Bonus footage. A new interview with Mick. A poster of the DVD cover behind him in which he comments. It's funny seeing the interviewer try to get at questions that Mr. Jagger can remember. For one thing, and not good for ones memory, the band revolved around booze and drugs more than once in their now fifty year career. Especially in the time span Some Girls covers. It was before and after the album that Richards was dealing with being busted for heroin. In Canada, back in 1977. He ended up being a very lucky man. Probation and community service (benefit concerts). That's of course touched on, as well as other prevalent subjects. Mick is cool with answering questions and tries to provide whatever information he can. Seemed that way to me.

Back in '78 I watched the super popular television show, Saturday Night Live. That's when I wasn't already passed out from drinking too much. I remember coming home early so I could catch the Rolling Stones as musical guests. That was a BIG thing. I had this tiny black and white TV set. I was poor. It's all I had back then. I was cool with it. To my delight, the SNL footage is included as a bonus feature. To see it now...on a big screen...in color...wonderful picture clarity...blows me away.

Rating this one out of ten stars, Uncle G gives it a perfect score; 10. I watched this twice in a 24 hour period. It actually makes me feel at peace with missing the band all those years ago. I recommend this for every fan of classic rock out there. It's that good !!

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

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Review_Squackett_A Life Within A Day

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)

New Music from Classic Rockers

Note: This is a re-run of a column that first ran as a ClassicRockRadio.co.uk Facebook EXCLUSIVE on 31 July 2012.

                         Squackett - A Life Within A Day (2012)

How about we start with a little background first?

The name Squackett. A witty combination of the artists two last names. It is a weird sounding word. Always gets some kind of reply when said aloud. Imagine this if you will. Out of your home stereo speakers blast the debut CD from; Squackett. We'll say for this exercise that the song playing is a little more on the prog rocking side; Storm Chaser. Three out of four times this is what the guest you just allowed into the house is going to say; "Is is ok if I use your bathroom? It was a long trip." In which you will reply; "Of course. You know where it is." On the way out of the toilet; "Hey, I really like that music. Who is that?" If they spent any substantial time in the loo then they might have been able to hear more than one song. And really, that's pretty much all it takes to realize just how good, and solid this CD is. Your reply to the inquiry; "Squackett."

Chris Squire. Bass player for Yes. Steve Hackett. Ex-Guitar player for Genesis. Two seriously well versed musicians. Both men now into their sixth decade of existence on this planet. Behind them such a phenomenal body of work that for the rest of their lives they could pretty much rest on their laurels, letting the praise continually roll in. Hopefully the money as well for both being solid songwriters and main reasons why their respected bands became famous to start with. Experienced in all phases of the music business. Plus, both can also sing exceptionally well. Squire a choir boy from back in his youth.

My hopes for when it comes to buying any of these SUPER GROUPS releases, are always guarded nowadays. In other words, I've been let down over the years. Musicians I genuinely liked, but whatever the project failing to generate from me, any sparks from within. I finally hear something I've been waiting ages to hear, and I end up disappointed. Another twenty dollar bill wasted. It is easily explained. Most times the music, it just don't click. It's not what one was expecting. Maybe it's in a style which is different than what I come to know the musician(s) for? Odds are I got turned onto their work playing rock music. So here they are putting out something new that is NOWHERE near the form or style of music I originally liked them for. Think Marilyn Manson putting out a polka record. This would be in the five dollar bin at Walmart in no time flat. A double edge sword here. Make music that keeps sounding alike, and fans will walk away because they think you are not capable of doing anything else. I'm happy to report that Squackett is on pretty solid ground.

As is the history of both musicians, the musical styling of this recording does change direction from time to time. That being the case and lots of times the winning formula to a successful album / CD. I find Squackett to be a true progressive rock release. Saying that, I also find this to be a solid rock album. A main reason why I enjoy progressive music so much is that it incorporates different styles of music, yet centers them around a rock format. In a nutshell, it helps provide for a more unique listening experience then say just standard rock n' roll. Squackett does just that.

The opening tune is also the title track off the CD; A Life Within A Day. One of the BEST new prog rock songs that I heard in ages. What a welcome relief also. Both gentlemen let us know almost immediately that this is not old folks music. Carries over to the next song; Tall Ships. This has one of the most infectious bass lines you ever want to hear. Squire's doing it !! Hackett is right out front giving the listeners something to wiggle their behinds too. Two outstanding songs, and on the first two tracks of their debut release. Three cheers -- hip hip hooray. For the record if ones kept up with what Hackett / Squire have been doing while each contributing to each others solo projects, than one is not surprised by what they just heard.

                               Squackett - A Life Within A Day

The song 'Divided Self' follows. Somewhat mellower than the previous songs just played. Actually to my ears it sounds like a left out song from the Yes - Talk recording sessions. Has that sort of feel about it. Not a derogatory statement. More a statement to the Yes West haters out there. Talk is actually one of my favorite Yes studio releases. It was the early material that made me a fan. Taste and opinion changes as one matures. Came out at a right time in my life. Reminds me now whenever I play it of the time when my wife and I dated.

Track four is a Squire tune; 'Aliens'. Much better than another sci-fi themed song that comes to mind that also had Chris' participation; Arriving UFO. Think Yes' 1978 studio release; Tormato. Nowhere near being a favorite Yes song of mine. 'Aliens' on the other hand is an excellent song. It's catchy. I caught myself walking around the house singing aloud the chorus; "Aliens are only us, are only us, from the future." My cat be looking at me all funny like. You could only imagine what they are thinking while zeroed in on your behavior; "explain me that one Einstein. Are you referring to time travel? Where is my tuna dinner?" No...seriously...this is a groovy song. I can forget all about Arriving UFO with this one.

Sea Of Smiles I believe is set up to be the first single. It is a extremely solid, pleasant song. Displays superior musicianship. Has a marvelous beat. Rather positive. Excellent vocals. Like the whole CD, it's examples of excellent producing and mixing skills. Makes me smile listening to it.

The Summer Backwards again displays the magnificent musicianship that one gets used to when playing recordings from either of these performers. Somewhat mellow. Nice pace to it. Again, excellent vocals.

The next song should is totally contagious; Storm Chaser. Squire's outstanding. As all his work is on here. It is so thrilling to hear Chris be able to stand out, and being heard is always appreciated. He is not one to turn down in the mix. Midpoint has the coolest sci-fi TV theme song thing going on your ever heard. Then back to being a badass rocker. Turn this up and be careful...you'll blow your speakers out.

The CD ends with on a high note. Two songs that go well side by side. Ending not as rocking as I might like, I'll still pretty cool with the end results.

Here's names of other contributing musicians associated with Squackett; Roger King - Keyboards. If a fan of Hackett's solo material (which if not...you should be) then you know the name. Does excellent work. On Squackett, some of the best prog keyboard work I heard in a long time. Dude's still in his 40's too. Amanda Lehmann, guitar and vocals. A multi instrumentalist if I'm not mistaken. Also a driving force working previously with Hackett. And rounding out the group, drummer Jeremy Stacey. Has played with countless of hugely popular acts over the years. On Squackett, he ranks right up their alongside a Bruford, or a Collins. Can blend in, or lead the charge. That ladies and gentlemen is the signs to knowing and identifying a brilliant drummer. Together these musicians mingle and compliment each others styles. Would be exciting to get to see this in a concert setting. In a new interview with CRR's Jon Kirkman, Chris Squire suggested that perhaps we'd see some live shows towards the end of the year. I hope so and guys...professionally record it and put me down for an advanced copy of the DVD. Look at that. Sold one already.

Rating: One out of five stars, Uncle G gives Squackett - A Life Within A Day, a rating of; 5 Stars. It is worth the effort getting it. My first time seeing this retail, the store wanted close to 25 bucks for it. Add sales tax. Walk out would be close to 30 dollars. For the single CD, and not the one that comes with a bonus DVD. Because it is an import. More than I could afford, I passed. Next, I ordered it on a highly popular retail website that now adds sales tax to it's final amount. Couple days later I get an e-mail saying how sorry they are that they are sold out. Thank God for e-Bay. For without them, I could not have done this review.

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

Lynyrd Skynyrd- "One More For The Fans"

AVAILABLE JULY 24, 2015
ON earMUSIC IN COLLABORATION WITH LOUD & PROUD RECORDS AND BLACKBIRD PRESENTS 

THE 2CD, 2DVD AND BLU-RAY SET FEATURES PERFORMANCES BY 
LYNYRD SKYNYRD 
AND A STAR-STUDDED LINE UP OF TALENT

On one special night last November, an extraordinary collection of artists came together at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA to perform and celebrate the songs of Lynyrd Skynyrd, one of the most influential bands of our time. This unique concert event centered around performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, including a special rendition of “Travelin’ Man” with Johnny Van Zant singing along with an archival video of hislate brother, Ronnie performing, as well as a rousing rendition of “Sweet Home Alabama” with Skynyrd inviting the entire star-studded line-up up on stage to perform alongside them.

The show will be available July 24, 2105 as a 2CD and 2DVD set as well as Blu-ray titled Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More For The Fans on earMUSIC in collaboration withLoud & Proud Records in partnership with Blackbird Presents.

One More For The Fans features performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd as well as music legends and young talent, culled from multiple genres including Classic Rock, Country and Americana with Gregg Allman, Trace Adkins, Alabama, Blackberry Smoke, Cheap Trick, Charlie Daniels, Peter Frampton, Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, Randy Houser, Jason Isbell, Jamey Johnson, Aaron Lewis, moe., O.A.R., Robert Randolph and Donnie Van Zant all coming together to perform songs from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s extensive catalog of music.  
“Hearing all of these incredible musicians sing our songs was unforgettable,” says Rossington. “It was a really special night and I’m so happy our fans will now get to enjoy the show at home.”

Keith Wortman, creator and executive producer of the concert event, broadcast special and music release worked with Ken Levitan and Ross Schilling who also served as executive producers of the show. Don Was led the all-star house band as musical director for the evening.   
As part of the campaign to save the Fox Theatre from demolition, Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded their 1976 live album, One More From The Road, at the landmark theatre. The title Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More For The Fans was inspired by that legendary album’s title.

With a catalog of over 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million worldwide, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to multiple generations. Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to build on the legacy that began over 40 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida.  Led by core members Gary Rossington (guitar),Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar), along with longtime drummer Michael Cartellone, the band also includes Mark "Sparky" Matejka (guitar), Johnny Colt (bass), Peter Keys (keyboards) and The Honkettes-Dale Krantz Rossington and Carol Chase-on background vocals.

“Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More For The Fans” Track Listing:
1. Whiskey Rock A Roller – performed by Randy Houser                 
2. You Got That Right – performed by Robert Randolph & Jimmy Hall       
3. Saturday Night Special – performed by Aaron Lewis        
4. Working For MCA – performed by Blackberry Smoke                  
5. Don't Ask Me No Questions – performed by O.A.R.  
6. Gimme Back My Bullets – performed by Cheap Trick
7. The Ballad of Curtis Loew – performed by moe & John Hiatt
8. Simple Man – performed by Gov't Mule              
9. That Smell – performed by Warren Haynes         
10.  Four Walls of Raiford – performed by Jamey Johnson              
11.  I Know A Little – performed by Jason Isbell  
12.  Call Me The Breeze – performed by Peter Frampton
13.  What's Your Name – performed by Trace Adkins          
14.  Down South Jukin’ – performed by Charlie Daniels & Donnie Van Zant
15.  Gimme Three Steps – performed by Alabama              
16.  Tuesday's Gone – performed by Gregg Allman             
17.  Travelin’ Man – performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd With Jonny and Ronnie – Ronnie on big screen
18.  Free Bird - performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
19.  Sweet Home Alabama – performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd and the entire cast

Review_Not A Good Sign_From A Distance

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)
14 May 2015
ClassicRockRadio.co.uk New Music Review

Not A Good Sign - From A Distance (2015)

Spotlight: Not A Good Sign - From A Distance (2015 AtltrOck Productions)

So I open the padded envelope this came in, and see the cover of the CD. The band's name jumps out at me; Not A Good Sign. My first thought; Not A Good Band Name. My mind works like that. So I played the CD. Didn't matter what they were calling themselves. The music contained jumps out and grabs you. The singing, and lyrics not at first. Grows on you. Can't say I liked James LaBrie (Dream Theater) immediately when I first heard the first Dream Theater he was on; Images And Words (1992). The actual music is what I'm drawn to. The vocals to me have to appear as a natural fit. Deciding the music was too good to let this go, I gave it a few more plays. Some time later decided that the singer, Alessio Calandriello, is a perfect match for the other four in the band. That the music contained within 'Not A Good Sign - From A Distance' is a perfect vehicle for this singer and these lyrics. Much akin to James LaBrie and Dream Theater's 2nd studio offering. Just not as hard sounding.

Research shows that 'Not A Good Sign - From A Distance' CD is their second studio release. Not the same exact band line up here as the first outing. All new to this reviewer. What I hear is progressive rock with influences steering off into the land of King Crimson, and Porcupine Tree. There are some rocking passages, as well as some just some downright beautiful moments.

If a fan of keyboards, then you're love Not A Good Sign's keyboard player; Paolo SKE Botta. His playing, be it the piano, or his choice of keyboard textures and sounds, capable of catching one's attention, and never letting it go. Alessandro Cassani on bass and backing vocals, Martino Malacrida behind the drum kit, make up a solid rhythm section. The guitar playing mostly heard on the CD is by a former founding member of Not A Good Sign member Francesco Zago, with one track (Flying Over Cities) by current guitar man, Gian Marco Trevisan.

                                            Not A Good Sign - Wait For Me 
Rating

Using the star rating system where one star means it blows chunks, to five stars which means it's cool to spend your hard earned cash on, Uncle G rates Not A Good Sign - From A Distance … 5 stars! Main reason is because it demands listening to. Solid Italian progressive rock. Not that I'm an expert. Has a mature, aged sound to it, that I'm certain would be greatly appreciated by all those who dig this kind of music. I for one certainly do.

Important Internet Links

CD Label - AltrOck Productions

http://www.altrock.it/

Not A Good Sign Official Website

http://www.notagoodsign.org/

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