Classic Rock Radio: June 2015

Tuesday 30 June 2015

Review_Mick Abrahams_Revived!

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)

30 June 2015

ClassicRockRadio.co.uk Presents: NEW Music from Classic Rockers

Spotlight: Mick Abrahams - Rivived! (2015 Gonzo Multimedia)

Mick Abrahams - Revived! (2015 Gonzo Multimedia)

It's always a pleasure hearing such a GREAT R&B / Classic Rock guitar player like, Mick Abrahams play. Those that can't quite remember where they heard the name, be it not the British rock blues band Blodwyn Pig, then it's probably the progressive-rock supergroup; Jethro Tull. Mr. Abrahams was the original guitarist for that band. A difference in opinion as it usually is with these kinds of things, led to his departure from the group. From there so interesting a life that it was worth writing a book in which Mick did less than a decade ago. Serious health problems since, but nothing that can prevent Mr. Abrahams from releasing a extremely well done, new recording. Mick's joined by many professional, and accomplished musicians, including his replacement on the second Jethro Tull studio album, Mr. Martin Barre, in which he does one track, and then two tracks with one time bass player of one of The Rolling Stones, Mr. Bill Wyman. Elliott Randall (Steely Dan), and Jim Rodford (Whitesnake) both appear as well. Back to Mr. Abrahams, a man who is nowadays age wise in his early seventies, and at this stage in his life, having the common afflictions one would expect for a man to have that's around his age. Add to that a stroke, and other misfortunes. Mick himself is very forthright about all this. Nevertheless, when it comes to music, Mick delivers! His guitar playing and singing abilities are fine. The title means just that; Rivived: awake and capable of going back to what you use to do.

This CD is seventeen hand picked tracks by Mr. Abrahams. Well sixteen with the last track, Summer Day With A Hammond, being another version of the song that's worth the price of admission, a Mick Abrahams original entitled; Summer Day, which starts off the CD. One of a handful of songs penned by Mick that appear on; Rivived! The other tracks are songs Mick wanted to play. As simple as that, and a great collection of tunes they are. Some older stuff bringing back memories of my listening to one of the most coolest DJs on the planet, the now deceased; Wolfman Jack (January 21, 1938 – July 1, 1995). For those unaware, Wolfman played golden oldies. Bands like Sha Na Na, and The Coasters, in which Mick does one of their classic songs; What About Us? A GREAT sing along. Makes me smile everytime I hear it. Mick shines on his version by the way, assisting here in the vocal department.

Speaking of vocals, Paul Jones is just one of several outstanding vocalist who contribute to Revived! Also powered by human lungs, too cool harmonica playing as well, supplied by Mark Feltham, and Paul Jones.

Another thing that makes me happy about this release, is that half of the money earned goes to a children's charity called; Kids 'n' Cancer. So not only are you getting a music disc that's worth playing, from the beginning kick ass song to the equally stunning closing number, but half of whatever you pay for this gem, goes to younger ones who could use the help. Hard fighting cancer as an adult. Can you imagine being a child and doing so? Maybe you or someone you personally know, survived their battle with the Big C. This records a reality because everyone involved focused on one common cause. They put personalities aside, and pushed away financial reward. Bought their best game to the table. Talent that took years for these individuals to develop. Given away free so they could help the nice people at Kids 'n' Cancer, get those ill young people, the on time medical treatment they need, and deserve.

Rating:

Using the one to five star rating system, whereas one star means it's utter rubbish, to five stars which means for the money spent you get a cool music CD (or download) that's cool to play when friends are over, or home by yourself in your underwear and not having shaved in days. Uncle G rated Mick Abrahams - Revived! -- 5 stars! For reasons just given. Just Saying: Enjoyed viewing the bonus DVD that accompanied the music disc. Speaking of the finished retail product, I like the booklet as well. Chock full of detailed information about all those involved, with a current photo. A little nicer than just listing names & credits. And as well as that, Revived! comes with a nifty bonus DVD. Contains vital background information, and behind the scenes footage.

Credits #1

Credits # 2

Kids 'n' Cancer Official Website: http://www.kidsncancer.org.uk

Gary "Uncle G" Brown

American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk

Twitter @GBrown0816

Eagle Release ELO Live At Hyde Park in September

On DVD/Blu-ray

On 11 September 2015, Eagle Rock Entertainment, in association with the BBC, release “Live In Hyde Park” by Jeff Lynne’s ELO on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats [Cat Nos: EREDV1185, ERBRD5268 and EVD1169]. This release offers fantastic value with full length concert and feature length documentary on the same disc. The show from Hyde Park includes “Mr Blue Sky”, “Sweet Talkin’ Woman”, “Livin’ Thing”, “Evil Woman”, “Telephone Line”, “Don’t Bring Me Down”, “Showdown”, “Roll Over Beethoven”, “10358 Overture”, “Can’t Get It Out Of My Head”, “Strange Magic” and many more!

The Electric Light Orchestra, led by one of rocks most iconic songwriters and producers Jeff Lynne, are one of the most successful bands of all time with global sales of over 50 million albums. In September 2014, Jeff Lynne’s ELO headlined BBC Radio 2’s “Festival In A Day” in London’s famous Hyde Park. It was the first time in almost 30 years that the band had performed on a festival stage. Jeff Lynne said, “It seemed like the entire 50,000 were singing and clapping along, which carried on for the whole night. The Hyde Park concert turned out to be one of the most memorable shows ever for me”.

The critics agreed, with The Times saying it was ‘near perfect’ in their 5* review and the Evening Standard marveling that ‘ELO still have the power to flick switches’ in their 4* review. Neil McCormick of the Telegraph noted how “fifty thousand grown men and women sang along in joyous rapture to some of the greatest pop music ever heard.”

As well as the full “Live In Hyde Park” show, the Bonus Features offer the feature length documentary “Mr Blue Sky – The Story Of Jeff Lynne and ELO” and also new interviews filmed at Hyde Park. Jeff Lynne has been involved every step of the way with every aspect of this production, especially the audio delivery, saying: “It’s important to me that viewers experience the Hyde Park show exactly as it was performed on the night….in stereo”.

TRACKLISTING
1) All Over The World 2) Evil Woman 3) Ma-Ma-Ma Belle 4) Showdown 5) Livin’ Thing 6) Strange Magic 7) 10538 Overture 8) Can’t Get It Out Of My Head 9) Sweet Talkin’ Woman 10) Turn To Stone 11) Steppin’ Out 12) Handle With Care 13) Don’t Bring Me Down 14) Rock ‘n’ Roll Is King 15) Telephone Line 16) Mr Blue Sky 17) Roll Over Beethoven

This show was a truly special moment that will live on in fans’ memories forever - the 50,000 tickets for the event had sold out in a matter of minutes and the fans sang along to hit after hit performed by Jeff Lynne and the band accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra. “Live In Hyde Park” by Jeff Lynne’s ELO will be cherished by all who love this truly important band.

Alice Cooper: 15-CD Boxed Set Features All Of The Studio Albums The Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer Released With Warner Bros. Records Between 1969 and 1983

Available On July 31 From Rhino

Alice Cooper has rattled the cages of the establishment with his hard-rocking music and theatrical stagecraft for nearly five decades. Since his 1969 debut, Cooper has sold more than 50 million albums, headlined sold-out tours, influenced countless artists, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Because there is no rest for the wicked, Cooper will hit the road this summer for a massive North American tour with Mötley Crüe.

Rhino has the perfect soundtrack to haunt your nightmares with a new 15-CD boxed set that includes all of the albums that Cooper recorded with Warner Bros. Records- THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1969-1983 will be available on July 31. The set will also be available digitally.

The set is presented in a clamshell box and includes 15 albums, each one featuring the original artwork: Pretties For You (1969), Easy Action (1970), Love It To Death (1971), Killer (1971), School’s Out (1972), Billion Dollar Babies (1973), Muscle Of Love (1973), Welcome To My Nightmare (1975), Alice Cooper Goes To Hell (1976), Lace And Whiskey (1977), From The Inside (1978), Flush The Fashion (1980), Special Forces (1981), Zipper Catches Skin (1982), and DaDa (1983).

Alice Cooper along with guitarists Glen Buxton and Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway and drummer Neal Smith recorded seven albums together, including four consecutive platinum records that culminated with the #1 album Billion Dollar Babies in 1973. This line-up generated indelible hard rock classics like “I’m Eighteen,” “School’s Out,” “Elected,” “Hello Hooray,” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.”

After releasing the platinum-certified Alice Cooper’s Greatest Hits in 1974, Cooper launched a successful solo career in 1975 with Welcome To My Nightmare. The concept album about a child’s nightmares peaked at #5 on the charts, was certified platinum, and featured the hit ballad “Only Women Bleed.”

Over the next eight years, Cooper recorded seven more solo albums for Warner Bros. Among the many highlights from that period are the ballad “I Never Cry,” the Top Ten smash “You And Me” from Lace And Whiskey, “How You Gonna See Me Now” off of From The Inside, and “Clones (We’re All)” from Flush the Fashion.

THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1969-1983

- Pretties For You (1969)

- Easy Action (1970)

- Love It To Death (1971)

- Killer (1971)

- School’s Out (1972)

- Billion Dollar Babies (1973)

- Muscle Of Love (1973)

- Welcome To My Nightmare (1975)

- Alice Cooper Goes To Hell (1976)

- Lace And Whiskey (1977)

- From The Inside (1978)

- Flush The Fusion (1980)

- Special Forces (1981)

- Zipper Catches Skin (1982)

- DaDa (1983)

ALICE COOPER ON TOUR

July

22 Eugene, OR Matthew Knight Arena

24 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome

25 Paso Robles, CA California Mid-State Fair

26 Billings, MT Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark

28 Boise, ID Taco Bell Arena

29 Salt Lake City, UT Energy Solutions Arena

31 Denver, CO Pepsi Center

August

1 Sturgis, SD, Sturgis Buffalo Chip

3 Winnipeg, MBMTS Centre

5 St Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center

7 Milwaukee, WI BMO Harris Pavilion

8 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena

9 Detroit, MI The Palace Of Auburn Hills

11 Hershey, PA Giant Center

12 Brooklyn, NY Barclay's Center

14 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center

15 Worcester, MA DCU Center

16 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun

18 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena

19 Cincinnati, OH U.S. Bank Arena

20 Indianapolis, IN Bankers Life Fieldhouse

22 Toronto, ON, Canada Air Canada Centre

23 Ottawa, ON, Canada Canadian Tire Centre

24 Montreal, QC, Canada Bell Centre

26 Baltimore, MD Royal Farms Arena

28 Raleigh, NC PNC Arena

29 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena

30 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena

September

1 Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre

2 Miami, FL American Airlines Arena

4 New Orleans, LA Smoothie King Center

5 Houston, TX Toyota Center

6 San Antonio, TX Alamodome

October

5 Hidalgo, TX State Farm Arena

7 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

8 North Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena

10 Evansville, IN The Ford Center

11 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena

13 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena

14 Buffalo, NY First Niagara Center

16 Bridgeport, CT Webster Bank Arena

17 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena

18 Bangor, ME Cross Insurance Center

22 Moncton, NB, Canada The Centre @ Casino New Brunswick

November

2 Newcastle, UK Metro Radio Arena

3 Manchester, UK Arena

4 Birmingham, UK Genting Arena

6 London, UK Wembley SSE Arena

8 Stuttgart, Germany Schleyerhalle

10 Milan Italy Forum

13 Munich, Germany Zenith

14 Dusseldorf, Germany ISS Dome

December

4 Lincoln, NE Pinnacle Bank Arena

7 Sioux Falls, SD Denny Sanford Premier Center

8 Grand Forks, ND Alerus Center

10 Saskatoon, SA SaskTel Centre

12 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place

13 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome

15 Portland, OR Moda Cent

19 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center

20 San Diego CA Viejas Center

22 Anaheim, CA Honda Center

Friday 26 June 2015

Tim Russ_2015 Interview

ClassicRockRadio.co.uk PRESENTS
An Exclusive Interview with … Tim Russ
By American Correspondent Gary Brown

On January of this year, Tim Russ released a new solo album entitled, Lifeline, that is currently for sale on the website CD Baby Dot Com, and on Apple's iTunes. It's also being promoted on his personal website. Please join us as we were lucky enough to get a few minutes of Tim's time, to have a chat about music in general, and his newest musical accomplishment.

Tim Russ - Lifeline (2015)

ClassicRockRadio.co.uk: When starting out on your musical journey, what song or musician / band motivated you the most to pursue a musical career?

Tim Russ: My main influences were Santana, Chicago, Cat Stevens, Kool & The Gang, Genesis, and more recently, Bruce Hornsby, Jonny Lang, and Peter Gabriel.

ClassicRockRadio.co.uk: Your first electric guitar, what made you want that particular model? Was it the distinctive sound when you heard it being played, something aesthetically pleasing about the way it feels in your hands, or a combination?

Tim Russ: Well since it was my first guitar it was a Gibson 335 copy, very inexpensive but it worked. My parents weren't gonna buy a more expensive guitar until they realized I was serious about playing. I wasn't that concerned about the sound quality, as long as I could play it.

ClassicRockRadio.co.uk: What was the first song you learned so that you could perform it in front of a crowd, solo or with a band, and how old were you at the time?

Tim Russ: I'm pretty sure it was the standard first song you learned at that time which was "Gloria." After that it may have been "Smoke on the Water."

Photo Credit: Al Ortega

ClassicRockRadio.co.uk: When composing a new song like the title track off your latest CD, Lifeline, what comes first for you, the lyrics, or the instrumentation? Also, while on the subject, can you elaborate some on the lyrics meaning?

Tim Russ: "Lifeline" was written for a feature film I played a role in - to be used specifically over the credit roll at the end. I started with the chorus lyrics and concept first. Then worked out the chorus changes, and then the verse melody and lyrics. Typically the music/melody comes to me first, then the lyrics. And I usually write the lyrics based on a concept. In the case of "Lifeline," I based the lyrics on the storyline of the film. It has to do with being lost, isolated, alone, reaching out for help.

ClassicRockRadio.co.uk: Ten songs out of twelve on Lifeline are songs others wrote. What process do you go through finding material for an album that you feel comfortable covering / adding your own spin on? Do certain songs just stick in your mind after hearing them as possibly something to do yourself down the road?

Tim Russ: Most of the time, I choose the songs I put on an album based on having played them often with my band. The arrangement and feel of the song evolves over time while playing it live with my band. And the last piece is just my liking the song enough to want to record it and put it on a CD. Looking back...there are a few songs on my CD's that I am not so happy about having recorded.

ClassicRockRadio.co.uk: The first eleven tracks to Lifeline maintain a certain flow, whereas the last track, and what I think of as more a bonus track, Doom Doom Diggity, really stands out on it's own. Everything about it's wild! A personal favorite of mine. Your second of two songwriting credits on Lifeline. Is what we hear on 'Doom Doom Diggity' all you? Also, would you care to tell us the story behind such a track?

Tim Russ: "Doom Doom Diggity" was also written specifically for a film called, "They Want Dick Dickster," and it is definitely being used in the film. The film is a raunchy comedy about an obnoxious, rude, alcoholic, film director. In the story the main character sings lyrics from that song, but there was no song actually written at the time, so I offered to write one. And I based the lyrics on the lead character's personality and what he does in the film. The song is all me except for the beats track. And the beats track actually slows down every 16 measures or so - you can hear it - which was perfect for the song. it's almost as if the song is "drunk."

ClassicRockRadio.co.uk: If Big Hollywood presented you with a sky's the limit budget for a blues players biofilm, either alive or deceased, where you could either direct, act, or do both, what musician would you want to focus the new movie on, and why?

Photo Credit: David Benjamin Photography

Tim Russ: If it were Blues music specifically, I would probably center it around the style of Jonny Lang, or Willy Dixon. I like Blues music in which the arrangements are just the standard 1, 4, 5, changes. But, given an option, I wouldn't necessarily go with Blues music particularly. I would probably go with a more contemporary, sound or band, either from present day or possibly the classic rock era.

THANK YOU Mr. Russ!! You rock! All of us here at ClassicRockRadio.co.uk wish your newest album, Lifeline, much success. And we do appreciate you taking the time with us.

Tim Russ - Links Of Interest

01.) Yours truly just recently reviewed Tim's new CD, Lifeline, giving it a 5 out of 5 star review. Found within the main website of ClassicRockRadio.co.uk … THE blog.

http://classicrockradioeu.blogspot.com/2015/06/reviewtim-russlifeline.html

02.) One can purchase the CD Lifeline (or other Tim Russ releases) via CD Baby Dot Com. Here's the link to Tim's page:

https://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/TimRuss

RED ALERT!

Tim will appear at Space City Comic Con in Houston, Texas U.S.A. this July 24th to the 26th. Not only will Mr. Russ have a table so he can meet & greet fans, but he's said to be playing a music set as well. Yours truly (American Correspondent Gary "Uncle G" Brown) will be in attendance covering this special event. And besides all that taking place, one of the television shows that Tim's most associated with, Star Trek: Voyager, at this very same Space City Comic Con will have a 20th Anniversary reunion, with most of the cast of that very special Star Trek program attending. For more detailed information, please consult the official website of Space City Comic Con:

http://spacecitycomiccon.com/

04.) Tim has an official website: http://www.timrusswebpage.com/

05.) Mr. Russ' resume since starting the entertainment industry can't be any more impressive. Here's his webpage on the IMDb website:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0750913/

06.) Speaking of his acting, here's one project I'm fully behind; Star Trek Renegades: http://startrekrenegades.com/

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

Sunday 21 June 2015

Uncle G After Hours Fun Movie Reviews_Bigfoot

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)

21 June 2015

ClassicRockRadio.co.uk PRESENTS

Uncle G's After Hours FUN Movie Reviews

Spotlight: Bigfoot (2012 The Asylum)

Note: This is a reprint of a review I authored / posted on a B movie discussion website. Date was 02 July 2012.

My wife and I this past Saturday night, watched the SYFY Channel's new original movie; Bigfoot. One one hand it was absolutely horrible, and on many levels. Yet on the other hand so cheesetastic, it would be one of those you didn't want to miss if a fan of 'B-Movies'.

With these types of films, lack of money usually affects the whole production. It's what happens when as a filmmaker, you dream of having a budget in the millions, and instead you're asking actors to work for scale because you don't have the budget to pay them properly like what they might get if they do another production. Money is important. Pays the rent. The best people to hire, asking too high a figure to even be considered. Plenty of good films are still made under these circumstances. I'd label Bigfoot a horror film, but in all actuality, this Bigfoot movie plays more like a comedy. And as far as cash goes, I'm sure the film profited like every other movie The Asylum makes. Laughing all the bank as the old saying goes.

Note: The Asylum does seem to have a working / winning formula going on. Nowadays the makers of TV's hit zombie show, Z Nation, and of the popular Sharknado franchise.

In a starring role, the Brady Bunch's Barry Williams. I have always had the impression that Mr. Williams seriously, could not act his way out of a paper bag. He seems to have only mastered after decades in the entertainment business, only a couple moods to be in while playing his parts; happy or stressed. When I say happy, it's more or less how one would appear naturally if in a good mood. Having a spring in their step. Remember the Brady Bunch characters? They were a lot of time, all nauseously like that. My guess would be the iconic family show would be how Barry learned acting skills such as this.

When I say stressed, it's uptight. In one scene he's dialing a cell phone. Imagine doing so using all your fingers. Looking like a spider is coming down for the kill. I looked at my wife and said; "he's not calling anyone doing that." I asked myself, I said; Self, how hard could it be to pretend to be dialing a phone so it would look like you were really doing it? A method actor would for real, dial the damn phone. This guy instead has magic fingers, he could just wave over the phone keyboard, and then it magically connected to the person he wanted. Meantime, my wife told me he looked constipated. I mentioned maybe he should perhaps eat more fiber. Not that Williams heard me. His role was that of a musician whose seen past success, and who is now an environmentalist. His supporters, a small group of young attractive women. In the beginning of the movie, they chain themselves to heavy equipment vehicles. Trees have to be removed so to make room for a big concert, that's being promoted by the local radio station.

Enter The Partridge Family's Danny Bonaduce. He isn't much better an actor than Barry Williams. Between the two he would be the better thespian. At least he displays more than two styles of which to deliver his lines. Could have been the roles they were portraying? Williams a no nonsense environmentalist. Bonaduce, a local DJ, and opportunist. Not that far a stretch for Danny, seeing that's what he pretty much does in real life.

Classic rocker Alice Cooper makes a cameo. One of the funniest parts of the movie, by the way. Giving Grandpa Manson his due, one of the better performances in the film, as well. Alice been dying on stage for decades now. Kind of has it down to a science.

Official Trailer - Bigfoot (2012)

BIGFOOT: This is all done by computer effects. Not that hard to find in the woods, I would imagine seeing that the creature would be over four stories tall. Think the Nancy Archer role in 50's B science fiction film, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman. Now with LOTS more hair. Add to that the creature HATES all people.

I did love the way Bigfoot killed its victims. My favorite way; picks them up and bite their heads off. For variety, others he would throw great distances. Stepping on people like bugs was also a way it dealt with those it didn't like. This of course provided for moments where seriously bad actors could hold their hands up and scream pretending the monster was right there, and seconds away from being pounced on. Then oozing between Bigfoots toes. Like I said; cheesetastic.

Special Effects: The Bigfoot monster, wasn't the worst. For other special effects were just downright laughable. Such as, the helicopters that were helping hunt Bigfoot. all appeared to be like toy models. I've seen better in Godzilla movies by the way. You can tell the actors when doing these scenes had a green screen behind them. And very little if any, experience acting with any believability at all. Was that obvious. They might as well threw their fake guns aside, and started dancing the jig. Certainly I would have enjoyed that more than watching people who claim they were actors, barely get through their acting assignment.

Other actors were involved that you might know their name; TVs WKRP Howard Hesseman, and independent film studio, Full Moon Features Meridian actress; Sherilyn Fenn. I didn't recognize the 47 year old Fenn, at all. She has that middle aged lady look to her now. Which is cool. We all get older. When a younger woman, she was very beautiful. Posed in Playboy. Done several films and television shows, over the years. Her acting skills nowadays, on the same level as Williams. At least judging by this performance. So much so that I was hoping throughout the movie that Bigfoot would get them both. The 72 year old Hesseman did the best among the three playing a small town mayor.

The Good News: The director had to have done this whole production, tongue-in-cheek. Directed by actor Bruce Davison. As an actor, he's given much better performances than the ones he's directed here. I love to see a clip of just scenes of Bigfoot killing people. Another got killed when Bigfoot threw a port-a-potty on them. It's really a borderline comedy. Think of it as that, and the popcorn flick actually improves some. Which helps because the script's only other functional use is being as an aide to assist house train a puppy.

Bigfoot - DVD back credit / cover art (The Asylum)

Out of a ten star rating, I give this film made by The Asylum, six stars. That's being kind. It does have a fun cast, if not anything else. I blame the director and those behind the scenes for not capturing the full potential of what it could have been. More care with the overall special effects, making them just a tad more believable, instead of cartoonist, and I feel the movie could have been potentially a better looking film. And not so much the Bigfoot monster. This was actually the star of the film. It's a keeper. For down the road I see endless possibilities with the Bigfoot character; Bigfoot Vs. 2-Head Shark with the winner going against Mega Piranha, a 2010 Asylum film that also starred Barry Williams.

American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk

Gary Brown

Twitter @GBrown0816

Friday 19 June 2015

Review_IZZ - Everlasting Instant

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)
19 June 2015
ClassicRockRadio.co.uk NEW Music Review

Spotlight: IZZ - Everlasting Instant (2015 Doone Music Inc.)

I would have liked to have known about this band sooner. From what I read they have an interesting back catalog. One that receives daily praise from fans and reviewers alike.

IZZ is an American prog-rock group that comes out of the great state of New York. Founded by brothers John and Tom Galgano. Their interest in progressive rock motivated them to find other like minded musicians, and start a band. The name of which was inspired by a player of the New York Mets baseball team. IZZ's first release entitled Silver Of A Sun, came out in 1998. Since that time they released a handful of studio albums, with their newest, Everlasting Instant, coming out this past April. A final installment of a three-part series of concept albums that began with The Darkened Room in 2009, and continued with Crush Of The Night, back in 2012.

My introduction to IZZ, is this album; Everlasting Instant. I first put it on and heard for almost the first minute, vocals that were accompanied by some nice lite keyboard work. I'm thinking to myself that maybe it's too mellow for me to spend that much time on. I only tend to review the music I like. Too soft, and I'm bored quickly. Then the music builds up, and the rest of the band joins in. The first two tracks, Own The Mystery, and an instrumental entitled, Every Minute. Those two songs made me press the repeat button, and also impressed me enough to spend this last week, listening to the whole CD. Sincerely said, a pleasant experience. Played it while driving, and while keeping busy around the house. Contains outstanding instrumentation. Each instrument one hears throughout the album, has it's stand out moments, especially the keyboards. This is a prog-rock band after all. Contains a good representation of each of the seven members. What I consider a modern prog-rock band, that include vocals / lyrics that add to the overall sound, and don't distract.

Rating: Using the one to five star rating system, whereas one star means it's simply dreadful, to five stars which means it's cool to spend your hard earned money on, Uncle G gives IZZ - Everlasting Instant … 5 stars! Songs are well composed. Over all IZZ has a nice mature sound while remembering they are a rock band. Comes from being experienced players. The CD is paced well. Word around the internet is that IZZ is a must-see band in concert. Hope they make their way around while I am. Would love to find out for myself.

From IZZ - Everlasting Instant - Can't Feel The Earth, Part IV.

Musicians:
Paul Bremner / electric and acoustic guitar
Anmarie Byrnes / lead and backing vocals
Brian Coralian / electronic and acoustic drums and percussion
Greg DiMiceli / drums and percussion
John Galgano / bass guitar, acoustic/electric guitar, lead and backing vocals
Tom Galgano / keyboards, lead and backing vocals
Laura Meade / lead and backing vocals

For additional information on the band, please consult IZZ's official website;

www.izzmusic.com

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

Tuesday 16 June 2015

Uncle G_DVD Collection_Rick Wakeman_6 Wives LIVE

Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)
17 June 2015

ClassicRockRadio.co.uk PRESENTS

Uncle G's Classic Rock DVD Collection

Rick Wakeman - The Six Wives Of Henry VIII:Live at Hampton Court Palace (2009 Eagle Vision)

There is a chain of retail stores in Houston, Texas, named Half Price Books, that buys and sells new and used; books, albums, CDs, cassettes, I think I saw an eight track tape there one day not long ago, VHS tapes, movies on a disc the size of albums, Blue-rays, and DVDs. They also have collectibles. Pre-printed metal signs, key chains, computer games, and whatever other items one could think that would tie in with everything else I just mentioned. A very cool store I try to check out every so often.

On my last trip there, I picked up a couple DVD concert discs. Brand new, and offered at a price lower than what it was when it was a brand new item. Ones a Aerosmith concert from 2013 in Japan, and the other DVD I have chosen, a Rick Wakeman spectacle, professionally recorded in 2009 entitled; Rick Wakeman - The Six Wives Of Henry VIII: Live at Hampton Court Palace. Put out by Eagle Vision. Known for putting out quality concert DVDs / Blu-rays. Again they have outdone themselves. The Wakeman DVD comes with special features, and a nice booklet, giving detailed information about the special performance, and the subjects in which the music glorifies.

Rick Wakeman's 1973 album Six Wives Of Henry VIII was the second Rick Wakeman album in the first album collection I had. Journey To The Centre Of The Earth (1974) was the first. Then Myths and Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table (1975) my third. Purchased that the first week it came out. I have since that time, purchased various versions of these three classic Rick Wakeman offerings. If an youngin' wants to know why Rick Wakeman is as famous as he is today, point them to any of those three albums. Or any that came after, which dig into various styles of piano / keyboard playing. I have my favorites; Rick Wakeman's Criminal Record (1977), and Rock N' Roll Prophet Plus (1993).

Rick's Six Wives project was extra special to me for various reasons. For one it was a rock instrumental. My Mom, (God rest her soul) being a professional musician and seriously into Herb Alpert back in the 1960's, introduced me to music without words. A preference today. Songs containing longer than usual passages of time in between lyrics, in my mind is a plus the majority of the time. The band Yes excelled at this, as did many one of their contemporaries such as Pink Floyd, and Genesis, just to name a couple.

My introduction to Rick's keyboard was the group, Yes. Another reason why the album Six Wives fits my taste, is because various Yes members appear on it. Early nineteen seventies. The Fragile / Close To The Edge / Tales line-ups. All but Jon Anderson, which includes Yes' two drummers at the time, Bill Bruford and his replacement, Alan White. Some of my all time favorite musicians on the planet. Them being on this album just makes it even better in my book.

This live version recorded over two nights, the first and second of May, in the year 2009, according to the keyboard wizard himself, is Henry and the Six Wives of Henry The VIII, as it was meant to be performed / presented. Long story short, way back when, their were recording limitations. Now the whole piece could be appreciated in it's entirety, as it was meant to be heard. And as the spectacle as it should be. Besides Mr. Wakeman, a very large number of professional musicians, a robust narrator, and a backdrop worthy of all the work involved to make the show go without a hitch. Again, performed two nights in a row, involving hundreds of people. The DVD I imagine the best of each song performed. So many good moments. Cool bonus features. A DVD worth purchasing, as I assume the CD is as well, in which I need to start seeking out. The additional music flows as freely as the original. If a fan of Mr. Wakeman's, then this historical 2009 Rick Wakeman concert DVD is a MUST HAVE.

Backing of DVD

DVD Song Track Listing / Running Order

01. Tudorture/Henry's Fanfare
02. Tudorture/1485
03. Catherine Of Aragon (2009)
04. Kathryn Howard (2009)
05. Jane's Prelude
06. Jane Seymour (2009)
07. Defender Of The Faith
08. Katherine Parr (2009)
09. Anne Of Cleves (2009)
10. Anne Boleyn (2009)
11. Tudorock

12. Tudorture (Reprise)

Running Time: 125 approx.

CREDITS

Rick Wakeman - Catherine Aragon (2009)

Gary Brown

American Correspondent for Classic Rock Radio (Dot CO Dot UK)

Twitter @GBrown0816