Its about music I love and hate. Bands, musicians, albums, songs, live performance... anything related to music I listen too, read about, and watch (even breath) is here.
Asked myself to what level would it be good for a certain musician or a band to cover "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin? I have seen live many artists playing the song and heard the song by different musicians, pros as well as amateur, but no one put it like the way Heart did at the Kennedy Center Honors on December, 2nd - broadcast two days ago on CBS television channel.
This event is an annual ceremony to recognize celebrities in the United States and honor them for their contribution to the culture and art. Honorees this year included actor Dustin Hoffmann, late night host David Letterman, Russian Natalia Makarova, music legend Buddy Guy, and the three surviving members of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones.
In addition to Ann and Nancy Wilson, drummer Jason Bonham joined and played the song on stage, accompanied by a big number of musicians on strings and horns sections, as well as vocal choir.
It was fantastic performance, Ann's singing was wondrous from the first beginning of the song. You can see a big smile on the faces of Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Johns while they were watching the performance. nodding with approval to what they were seeing. It was a sensational and an emotional. The way they arranged the song was like adding a religious touch to it. It was so good that It was so good that t almost brought Robert Planet into tears.
Below a teaser trailer of the upcoming album by Heavy Metal pioneers, Queensryche, with their new singer Todd La Torre. The whole metal community witnessed the unpleasent and frustrating (sometimes called violent) departure of legendary Geoff Tate from the band.
I was surprised a couple of months ago when I heard Tate's solo album. Immediately ordered it and was very pleased with every single song. Basically my surprise was to hear real metal contrast to the last Queensryche album Addicted to Chaos, which was to me the most disappointing album in thier career.
Now and after hearing the teaser trailer of the upcoming album, I can't make up my mind who is right and who is wrong, because I like what I heard from Tate solo work, as well as I love what I heard on this teaser trailer.
Many knows that the late Ronnie James Dio did backing vocals (or featured) on a number of tracks. He can be heard on Ian Gillan's 40 years anniversary album, Gillan Inn, singing "Day Late and Dollar Short".
The other time was with Queensryche, when he Leant vocals as Dr.X on the Operation Mindcrime II album.
But it was a big surprise when came to my knowledge that the legendary musician did backing vocals on the song "Give Me Kindness", from David Coverdale's second solo album, Northwinds.
More interesting is that Ronnie's wife (and later his manager), Windy, is singing backing vocals on that song too.
I would love to hear the full story of how all his come around! During that time Dio was part of the first reincarnation of Richie Blackmore's Rainbow.
By the way, Northwinds is a great album, more blues than rock. Some critics considers the music from that album is the early trademark to Whitesnake MKI sound we all used to listen to in the years that followed.
Cheesy video of a great song. This song is one of the best and powerful Rainbow songs ever recorded. Some call it Deep Purple's "Highway Star" of Rainbow.
The distinguished part of the song is the guitar solo.
Fascinating!
Ritchie Blackmore is one of God's chosen ones for his musicianship and guitar technique.
I never heard Ritchie Blackmore plays the same solo live as it has been recorded in the studio. I think the reason maybe because it is widely known that Blackmore doesn't plan in advance on a specific solo for a particular song.
Jon Lord and Ian Paice were feeling jealous from and threatened by Joe Lynn Turner when he was the singer of Deep Purple in 1990?!!
This is what the Turner said during an interview back in 2008 on Living Legends (see below)
Talking about the writing of the fellow up to Deep Purple's Slave & Masters with him on vocals after Gillan left in late 1987, Joe Lynn Turner said: "...for the second album (following Slave & Masters)... they didn't want to hear it." He goes into details "Ritchie and I were OK with it. Roger was in the middle, and there was Jon and Ian (Paice) that were absolutely against it. They were really... I have to say it, absolutely jealous... absolutly jealous, and I don't... care... what you say... guys... you are... you were threatened. and I understand that! They felt it were slipping away from them, because the focus has been shifted, and it was, because of more commercial purposes. And that's exactly what we suppose be doing. Becoming more commercial... "
As a matter of fact I never imagined Turner singing any song from Battle Rages On album.
Mr Turner's work on Rainbow is outstanding, and his work on Slaves & Masters is excellent. No doubt about it, but I don't see opposing an attempt to change Deep Purple into a hair-metal band, for example, would be threatening the career and future of giants like Ian Paice and Jon Lord! Jealousy? from a situation where Turner and Blackie trying to change the future of Deep Purple?
Please... I don't want to be harsh.
As I said, Slave & Masters is a great album, but most of DP fans and music critics agreed that the album was (and still does) sound like a typical Deep Purple one, but certainly more like one of the best Rainbow albums.
I think this is one of the reasons Jon and Paice were against a second shot to take with Turner on helm - I still doubt that Roger Glover went with it in the first place.
First time I listened to Slaves & Masters was at a friend's house. That was a couple of months after the album came out in Europe. My friend phoned and asked me to come over to his house. When I entered the house it was the first time when I heard "Fortuneteller". We gave the album a very in depth listen, and a second one. I was filled with joy from the first listen. The album is just great: lyrics, music, singing, mixing and production.
However, I agreed with my dear friend when he said that this brilliant album was more like a Rainbow album. My judgment was not based on comparing this album with Perfect Stranger or Machine Head aka Gillan on vocals, I adored Deep Purple when Coverdale and Hughes were on vocals, that was Deep Purple too.
I never thought of Deep Purple as Blackmore's band...
Earlier today I watched on BBC4 one of the series recorded as part of the Leeds International Piano Competition. An event that brings pianist from all over the world every three years.
Today's episode was on the brilliant performance by 24 year old pianist, Federico Colli, playing Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, called the Emperor.
The performance is dated back to the time when this Italian virtuoso was still in the second place
When I saw him playing I just left everything I was doing and began watching Colli bringing a new life to Beethoven's 5th Symphony.
Extraordinarily, his piano playing is magical. The first thing comes to mind when watching and listening to him confirm the theory that there are wizards living among us. He can make the sun shine on stage and not in sky.
The special thing about Federico Colli is that you won't see him as just an amazing musician who learned to play a difficult and technically-complex musical score. Colli plays with perfection (and ease), with passion and conviction towards the score.
A couple of days ago he won the first place in this competition. Can anyone would dare of have any doubts?
What we know so far came out a couple of days ago from various online sources. Metal Injection is one of the websites who published an exclusive report. Adding to that other websites talking about the progress of the one of the most anticipated albums in rock and metal.
So this is what is known about the progress of the new Black Sabbath album:
- One song title, called "God Is Dead".
- The band recorded 15 songs. 12 will make it to the album, the other 3 will be released with other special / deluxe editions.
- The band is recording the new album at Shandri La Studios in Malibu, US.
- The album will come out next, but no release date announced.
- The title of the album will also be announced next year. Ozzy told NME "next year, 2013, is a good clue of what we'll call the album."
- Bassist Geezer Butler revealed that the band was approaching the album in the same way that they did with their all important second album "Rick Rubin (Producer) sat us down, put the first album on and said, "listen to this. Imagine it's 1969. You just did that. What would you do next?"
- Tony Iommi finished guitar tracks on all songs of all 15 songs.
- Ozzy and Geezer are writing lyrics, and currently putting vocals and bass on all songs.
- No word on who is (already) given the drums tasks.
On all websites publishing current Black Sabbath news one can see already seen pictures of the band from the Ozzy era, but all pictures have Bill Ward removed from them!
It doesn't need a lot of thinking to know that Bill is our of the picture the moment the official Black Sabbath website came online with dozens of old and new pictures, all cut artistically to show three instead of the original four band members.
Back to the new album, from reading the above, am I seeing a fast pace in putting things together? In either case, I look forward to the new album next year.
The queens of rock are back with a new album. Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson new record is called Frantic, and it has a number of fine golden songs.
I wasn't impressed with the title song when I saw the video on youtube, but I liked it after a couple of listens. However, I still feel that the climax picks up from "Old Dear America". Side note, great choice to merge strings on some of the songs, I think most of them had an orchestration composition into them.
Million Miles is one of my favorites. I listened to the song a number of times, it is one of my most favorite songs on the album. Did I say that?
I can't make out describing the 59 Crunch. A short song that is between a typical Grunge and Indie rock (if we are going to separate the two into two different genres).
The music takes another turn on Cordury Road. Mid tempo a bit dark melody with heavy strings arrangements. Am I hearing 3/4 note used in the melody?!
Beautiful Broken is another favorite of mine. Just punch in the face type of rock song.
Another favorite of mine from this fanatical perfect album is Two Silver Rings. The song had its own atmosphere. Sadly, the album ends with the Zingara, with percussions and acoustic guitars going blues style in a way, with strings from second part of the song to compliment the overall melody.
Another side note: I don't understand why they didn't include the other two songs "Two
Silver Rings" and "Zingara" into the official album! The latter
The album is coinciding with the release of an autobiography, hence Heart fans (like me) are getting a double treat.
All in all, Heart took us a trip around musical cultures around the world, in my opinion, but with their own terms.
Ann and Nancy Wilson still deserve the title of queens of rock. No doubt about it, especially with such a vibrant album.
What makes this album better than previous one, Red Velvet Car, are the obvious power and energy that I missed in previous one. In addition, the Wilson sisters ability of writing diverse and colorful songs. No doubt about it.
Song Listing
01 Fanatic
02 Dear Old America
03 Walkin' Good
04 Skin and Bones
05 Million Miles
06 Pennsylvania
07 Mashallah!
08 Rock Deep (Vancouver)
09 59 Crunch
10 Corduroy Road
An excellent interview by MusicRadar with Deep Purple's maestro and legendary guitarist Steve Morse. The interview was done during Deep Purple's world tour last year.
The interview touches on many subjects, from early days with the Dregs, Deep Purple, playing technique adn future plans.
One of the highlights from the interview I liked most is talking about the time when he met with Deep Purple's management and band members for the first time back in 1994. Steve Morse admitted that he had some trepidation:
"Actually, I did have some trepidation. They asked
me to join the band, but I'd never even seen them play live. They played
all over the world, but they didn't play a lot in America. I didn't
know what they'd be like, whether they were a band just living of their
name and not into new ideas – all those things. So my manager, Frank
Solomon, set it up Deep Purple's manager that I would play four shows
with the band. That way, it was an easy get-out-of-jail arrangement on
both sides if we were unhappy."
"I didn't know what to expect,
but during my first rehearsal with the band, which was only a couple of
hours before we were supposed to do a gig, I was blown away by how great
they were. I think we were all surprised at how good things sounded and
how easy the chemistry was. Within an hour, we were laughing and
slapping one another on the backs going, 'All right, this is gonna
work!'"
Steve Morse also talk about his guitar playing technique live and while recording albums in studio, whether recording with Deep Purple or for his solo projects. There is a video giving a demonstration of his signature guitar, with some shredding and soloing that leave you speechless.
No one can beat this man's guitar technique - John Petrucci of Dream Theater himself consider Steve Morse as his idol.
I think he got used to that, but it looks like inevitable in an interview with Steve Morse without seeing/hearing/reading about the subject of comparing him with Ritchie Blackmore. This interview is no exception.
One of his responses to the question about his approach:
"In truth, my attitude about my guitar was more based
around what the band wanted, and what they said to me flat-out was,
'Don't copy Ritchie.' They told me that right off. They could've picked
from plenty of people who wanted to be just like Ritchie Blackmore in
Deep Purple. That's not what they wanted. They wanted somebody with his
own persona – and not only that, but a strong persona.
"If I would play a Strat,
everything would go right out the window and I'd be entering into that
land of parody and emulating Ritchie Blackmore. I respect him totally,
but I don't want to be him in a Deep Purple cover band."
I personally hate this non-sense comparison. Steve Morse is the longest-serving guitarist in the history of Deep Purple. He co-wrote with them fantastic albums, such as Purpendicular and Bananas. I have seen him playing live with Deep Purple three times, and if I have the opportunity again I will definitely go. His presence and charisma on stage is nothing to compare with the that of Blackmore. This is a fact.
Speaking of playing DP songs live, "Highway Star" is Steve Morse's favorite Deep Purple song to play on stage, because it has a lot of changing parts...
"Plus, it has that awesome keyboard solo, which is an absolute work of
art. If you were to say to me, 'Name me one of the greatest examples of
classical meets rock music,' I wouldn't have to think too hard. And the
guitar solo is a lot of fun to play."
In the interview he also explains how to play Smoke on the Water. Check it out below:
Steve Morse talks briefly about Deep Purple's progress regarding the recording of their new album - the last studio album by the band was "Rapture of the Deep", released in 2005. "We've got the music pretty mapped out for the majority of the
recording. The goal on this album isn't to stretch out to new heights;
it's more about revisiting the roots – riff-oriented blues rock. Heavy
stuff, you know?"
"Doom and Gloom" is the new song from the Rolling Stones. The song is the first from new album "Grrr!", due to release next month, 11 November, to be precise. The last album the band recorded was seven years ago.
Someone told me that the Rolling Stones is the oldest living band today, is that right?
The new song is energetic, enjoyable, uptempo pure rock number.... you know what? this is the official video of the song. See it by yourself.
Gibson have named Black Sabbath legendary guitarist Tony Iommi as the greatest heavy metal guitarist of all time.
Guitar firm Gibson say: “Tony’s dark, distinct guitar textures in Black Sabbath helped spearhead the heavy metal movement. Iron Man and Paranoid boast some of the most memorable riffs of all time, with crushingly heavy choruses. His playing is immortalised through the generations of bands that have followed.”
Gibson’s Greatest heavy metal guitarists of all time list is:
01. Tony Iommi 02. Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield 03. Randy Rhoads 04. John Petrucci 05. Dimebag Darrell 06. Eddie Van Halen 07. Zakk Wylde 08. Adam Jones 09. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith 10. George Lynch
I might argue with the order in which these names were ordered, but as long as Iommi is nr.1 I am a very happy man.
Delivered today by post, a copy of Jon Lord’s studio version of the Concerto for Group and Orchestra.
Unfortunately, this album is the final chapter in the life of Jon Lord, an outstanding musician. A man with a personality that inspired many and loved by many. His sudden death last July was a devastating, a big shock.
A bright beautiful star has faded away from our lives. Jon Lord will be forever missed.
The Concerto for Group and Orchestra originally performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Malcolm Arnold at the Royal Albert Hall on September 1969 with Deep Purple MKII. Some say that this life performance took place shortly after bringing Gillan and Glover into the band, even before recording their first album In Rock.
After the show part of the original score went missing. That was in the early 1970's. Until the late 1990’s when Dutch composer, Marco de Goeij wrote a transcription of the Concerto, by listening to the original album, and from watching the video tape of the live performance. He met Jon Lord later and presented the score to him. Celebrating the 30th anniversary Deep Purple began the “Concerto Tour” in different countries with special guests, such as the late Ronnie James Dio, Ian Anderson, Steve Moors and others. Again the show at the Royal Albert Hall in September 1999 was filmed and released on CD, DVD and Blu-ray.
I was there on 30 October 2000 at the Rotterdam Ahoy, The Netherlands when the Concerto was played in its entirety. Jon Lord introduced the band before starting the music, and he also brought Dutch composer, Marco de Goeij on stage to thank him for his immense effort in bringing the Concerto to live again. It was a show that I will never forget as long as I live.
Jon Lord left Deep Purple in 2002 and put his time mainly around composing classical music. Not until a couple of years ago when he decided to record the Concerto for Group and Orchestra in studio.
This version of the Concerto is performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by the great Paul Mann – the same conductor of the 30th anniversary shows. No current or previous members of Deep Purple are involved in this project, except for guitar master Steve Morse. It was Mr. Lord’s decision to have different musicians on the album this time, to have different personalities and musical background and not put the focus on a single band, according to the liner notes of the album.
The Concerto consists of three movements:
1. Moderato - Allegro (16.20 minutes).
2. Andante (19:34 minutes).
3. Vivace - Presto (10:48 minutes).
The sessions were recorded in Liverpool, London and Sofia, but the final mixing was done by Andrew Dudman at Abbey Road Studios in London.
When I read earlier this year about Jon Lord's taking the Concerto into the studio, first thing I was wondering about was how on earth are they going to make the entrance of the "rock band" this time? I am referring to the 6 plus minutes of the the first movement, Moderato, because it is the most crucial spot in the whole score, in my opinion. This is by far the moment when rock music aggressively suppose to clash with classical music! This suppose to be the first contact, the first impact. Those who have seen the 1969 performance remember when Ritchie Blackmore launched that heavy-artillery attack with a guitar solo that left Sir Malcolm Arnold and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra dazzling in a swirl. On the 30th anniversary version, Steve Morse took matters differently by showing the audience a premier in musical punctuality with a masterful sensational solo.
Both guitarists managed to take breath away with their magical guitar playing. Thus, I was asking myself if the new recording will have a new or similar magic! The answer is a big yes!
I never heard of him, neither heard his playing before, but Darin Vasilev's fret shredding and finger tapping solos on the first movement of the Concerto is just jaw-dropping.
It was not only the guitar playing here, there is something else added to this guitar mayhem at that “entrance” of rock to the world of classical music: it is Brett Morgan on drums!! wow
Lost count how many times I replayed that part of the first movement just to listen to the way Brett Morgan played drums.
The second movement, Andante, is what many call it the event when a “truce between rock and classical music is taking place”. On this movement we have the singing part which Ian Gillan wrote the lyrics one or two days before the event back in 1969. On this version the singing is divided among three perfect vocalists: both Kasia Laska and Steve Balsamo delivered fine singing lines and exchanged harmonies on the first part, while Iron Maiden’s legendary Bruce Dickinson sang magnificently the remaining parts.
Joe Bonamassa choice to play guitar on Andante was the spot on. In addition, I loved Bonamassa's way of complimenting Dickinson singing through his solos, and use of power chords in the background.
On the first and second movement of the concerto you can sense very little changes to the composition of original score. Basically, the score is based on the 1999 version, but the third movement, Vivace - Presto, is where I felt personally where most of the changes were made to the score. These changes definitely added glory to the overall score.
And I am so glad to hear Steve Morse putting his wizard touch again.
The third movement is shorter than the previous versions. For example, they shortened the drum solo in the middle prior to the 6/8 tempo. However, I felt that the third movement on this record is the most accurate and "clean" version of the Concerto.
The CD has a 20 page booklet with pictures from the recording sessions, and liner notes by Paul Mann and Jon Lord's family. Beautiful and warm words, all paying tribute to a giant in music history. It is sad as well as a relief to know that Jon Lord himself listened to the final mix of the record couple of weeks before his death. The same thing regarding the cover art and the design of the CD.
Jon Lord will be missed among us, but his music, all his music will remain forever in the minds and hearts of his fans. The proof is the attempt by fans to include Jon Lord's music into the BBC Proms earlier this year.
Rest in peace, Jon Lord.
Below is a video fragment from the recording sessions of the Concerto for Group and Orchestra
Earlier today I enjoyed watching live interview on BBC1 with Jeff Lynne, co-founder of Electric Light Orchestra, aka ELO.
He talked about different things, such as how he always wished to make a James Bond theme. He also talked about his joy playing and recording with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison as one band i.e. Travelling Wilburys.
Jeff Lynne mentioned that in the last three years he has been working in his home studio in the United Stated on both his solo album and on ELO compilation album called "Mr. Blue Sky: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra". The latter piece of work is re-recording of old ELO material (not re-mastering or re-mixing of original recordings).
Lynne felt the new re-recorded songs have now a fresh sound when listening to them comparing to the original.
The other project Jeff Lynne was walking about was his solo album "Long Wave". An album consists of cover versions of songs that influenced him when he was living in Birmingham in the old days. He used to listen to those songs on the radio's long wave, hence the album title. A video fragment of a song "Mercy Mercy" was also shown during the interview.
Tonight on BBC4 will be an ELO night. A documentary called Mr. Blue Sky: The Story of Jeff Lynne and ELO is scheduled to begin at 9PM. This will be followed by ELO's live show at Wembley arena back in 1978.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced a list of nominees to be inducted as part of the 2013 class.
Rush and Heart expressed their excitement and thrill with the news through their Facebook pages,
Previously, Rush guitarist, Alex Lifeson said during an interview with Guitar World magazine that he "really don’t feel the need to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame because, at the end of the day, it’s just somebody’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame".
For Heart, I think this news is a boost to their already fame status, because this news coincide with the release of their new album "Fanatic", also with the release of of their autobiography book entitled "Kicking and Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul, and Rock and Roll".
Fans can vite for their favorite band n the rock and roll hall of fame website here
Rainbow is not like any band. This band left its mark on rock music history books. The band was formed by Ritchie Blackmore as action / reaction to his first "divorce" from his original band, Deep Purple.
Through the years, the band went through different lineups, but this lineup is different, it is special, if I may say. With their higher than live musicianship they can really and easily shatter metal into small peaces.
We have Ronnie James Dio on vocals, Jimmy Bain on Bass (one of the most unique bass player ever with his technique), Cozy Powel on Drums, Tony Carey on Keyboards, and Ritchie Blackmore, of course, on white Fender Stratocaster.
The result came out from this line-up is: "Rainbow Rising". Release in 1976. An epic 5 songs masterpiece. The mixing of the album is so amazing that I never heard something like that from that period ever, thanks to Martin Birch - who is known for producing albums described as ahead of their time.
"Do You Close Your Eyes" is one of the songs from that album. It is not the best song from the album, but it is absolutely one of the best songs Rainbow ever recorded.
I adore this song!
The song's upbeat and power maybe the reason the band choose to include it in the set list of their live shows.
There are three versions of the song released. All three are on the Deluxe Edition of the album that came out in 2011.
A video of Rainbow playing Rainbow on Monster of Rock 1980.
The performance starts with a short introduction to Lazy (Deep Purple) by Ritchie Blackmore before playing the riff to All Night Long with Graham Bonnet coming on stage.
I don't know if this show was ever put on DVD, or even there is a video tape released - there is a bootleg CD of the Tokyo show on the same year as part of the All Night Long Tour 1980 (The song is fourth in the set-list) but I never heard a bootleg or official release on video tape or DVD.
I wish there is.
Another wish from that lineup that didn't come true is another album with Bonnet on vocals.
Progressive Rock legends Rush released their two years in the making album, Clockwork Angels, last June. The reason for the delay is the extensive touring schedule between 2010 and 2012.
All lyrics are written by Neil Peart, and all the music were composed by Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson. The first two songs from the album, Caravan and BU2B were written back in 2010 and played live before the release of the album. The rest of the songs were recorded later.
Initially it was not planned to make a concept album until later stages of writing by it's main lyricist and drummer, Neil Peart. Basically the album is a story of a young man's journey into the world of fantasy, alchemy and science fiction, as well as the focus on this boy's determination to reach out to what he believes in.
My favorite songs from Clockwork Angels are "BU2B", and "Headlong Fight", but "Seven Cities of Gold" and "Carnies" are the most favorite. Not only that the guitar work on these songs is stunning, but the whole structure and composition is impressive. Adding to that their position on the album having "Halo Effect" as a slow song in-between the two songs just perfect.
The title song is epic. Anyone can come to the same conclusion while listening to this particular song how Rush remains to this day an influence and inspiration to many of today's bands around the world.
Rush official website already advertising a novelization of the album. Wondering if this album will turn into a movie one day. That would be cool.
Many wrote on the Internet that the album needs more than one listen to appreciate it. I listened to the album for the fist time twice in row. Technically, no one dare to argue about musicianship of the trio. The album producer, Nick Raskulinecz mentioned in an interview that he and the band wanted to capture Rush of 1970's on this album.
I believe that Rush did efficiently and brilliantly reached to their 70's era but with a 21'st century twist.
Rush will play London O2 on 24'th of may 2013.
Track List:
No. Title Length
1. "Caravan" 5:40
2. "BU2B" 5:10
3. "Clockwork Angels" 7:31
4. "The Anarchist" 6:52
5. "Carnies" 4:52
6. "Halo Effect" 3:14
7. "Seven Cities of Gold" 6:32
8. "The Wreckers" 5:01
9. "Headlong Flight" 7:20
10. "BU2B2" 1:28
11. "Wish Them Well" 5:25
12. "The Garden" 6:59
In a recent interview with Ian Gillan, he talked about how the double CD compilation album of him and Iommi released recently under the name WhoCares came about.
Gillan talks about the work with Iommi after all these years - remember he was fronting Sabbath after recorded with the band one of the best albums ever made, Born Again. He explains how Iommi is so easy to work with.
He also tell the story of how the song "Out of My Mind" was written by the super group
We wrote ‘Out Of My Mind’ at Tony’s place.” He co-wrote the other WhoCares song, “Holy Water” with Steve Morris, with whom he’s worked with on various solo projects. He said that it wasn’t difficult to get everyone onboard. “I called Nicko, who recorded live with Jon Lord, Tony and myself in London. Tony called Jason who played his part in America.”
In addition, Gillan felt so great about his short reunion with his former bandmate, the late Jon Lord, with some insight into his friendship with late composer.
I bought the CD when it came out, and was not dissapointed, because it contains some gems, songs put together by the two legends that spans their 40 plus career, in addition to the two songs written and recorded on earlier date and came out as a single.
I was surprised but rejoyced seeing "Anno Maudi" among the songs. The album inlay also carries a lot of notes by Iommi and Gillan for each single song.
In short, We have one album with Black Sabbath and Iommi solo stuff, as well as Deep Purple and Ian Gillan stuff in one package.
Track Listing on WhoCares:
Disc: 1
1. WhoCares "Out Of My Mind" Featuring Jon Lord, Jason Newsted and Nicko McBrain
2. Black Sababth "Zero The Hero"
3. Ian Gillan feat. Iommi, Ian Paice and Roger Glover "Trashed"
4. M. Rakintzis feat. Ian Gillan "Get Away"
5. Tony Iommi feat G.Hughes "Slip Away"
6. Gillan "Don´t Hold Me Back"
7. Ian Gillan "She Thinks It´s A Crime"
8. Repo Depo feat. Ian Gillan "Easy Come, Easy Go"
9. Deep Purple feat.Ronnie James Dio "Smoke On The Water"
Disc: 2
1. WhoCares "Holy Water"
2. Black Sabbath "Anno Mundi"
3. Tony Iommi feat. G. Hughes "Let it Down Easy"
4. Ian Gillan "Hole in My Vest"
5. Gillan & Glover feat. Dr.John "Can´t Believe You Wanna Leave me"
6. Ian Gillan & The Javelins "Can I Get A Witness"
7. Garth Rockett & The Moonshiners aka IG "No Laughing in Heaven"
8. Ian Gillan "When A Blind Man Cries"
9. Deep Purple "Dick Pimple"
It has been confirmed that Adele has finished recording the theme to the new James Bond movie Skyfall, coming out in November. According to different sources, Adele was spotted at London's Abbey Road studio a couple of weeks ago where the song has been recorded.
The name of the song is... Skyfall!
When reading this I was wondering if the news is true and that Adele was not long ago in the studio to record the song for the movie, isn't that awkward that a movie will be premiered and two months prior to that they record the theme song?
While thinking of that the answer came rolling to my mind. I remember seeing an interview with Duran Duran two years ago when they mentioned their involvement in recording the theme for 1985's Bond movie, A View To A Kill. Nick Rhodes mentions that production company responsible for 007 franchise has their own culture. Part of their culture when making a Bond movie is to leave music till the very end.
I guess the same thing is happening in the case of Adele.
I saw this on Ultimate Classic Rock website. It is a selection list of 17 attractive young women who happens to be daughters of rock legends, such as the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and Van Halen.
Interesting after reading about each one of them and their path into fame, not by following their fathers route in music industry, but mostly through modeling and fashion design. Some choose acting and scoring in Hollywood blockbusters, and there are also who has been into porn!
UCR could stretch the list to include other rock star daughters, in my opinion. How come 17?
There are others who also involved in modelling and fashion business, such as 18 years old Frances Bean Cobain, daughter of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain and Hole's Courtney Love, or India Waters, daughter of Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, or even Amber Le Bon - if we consider Duran Duran rock, and not Pop.
But I am sure I can come up with more to the list, such as...
Lauren Harris
Born on 6 July 1984. Ms Harris is the daughter of Iron Maiden's founder and bassist, Steve Harris. She started music by forming her own band and released an album back in 2008 called Calm Before The Storm. , and she appeared with her band on a number of rock festivals in 2008, such as Download.
The band played on that album included Richie Faulkner, the new guitarist of Judas Priest who replaced legendary K. K. Downing who left Priest in 2011.
Last year and after the departure of Faulkner, Lauren Harris formed another band and called it Six Hour Sundown and in December 2011 the band released a single called Jekyll and Hyde. The music is promising, so hope to see more from this band in the near future.
Toni-Marie Iommi
She is the one and only daughter of the one and only titan in metal, Tony Iommi - a name that would bring shivers when heard in rock and metal circle, of course. Toni-Marie was born in 1983, from a former American model.
Toni-Marie used to sing as main vocals in the short-lived British band called Lunarmile back in 2007-2008. They released an EP called 4 AM before breaking up. Lunarmile also included on bass guitar Alex Hill, the son of Judas Priest basist Ian Hill). What's the deal with Judas Priest influence on rock star daughters?? Since 2010, Toni-Marie Iommi is engaged to Mikko "Linde" Lindström, the guitarist of Finnish rock band HIM - Lindestrom notably played guitars with his father in law (and the super group WhoCares) on the song "Out of My Mind".
Gillian Glover
If you are a Deep Purple fan, then you would recognize Gillian Glover quickly. She is the daughter of the legendary Roger Glover. She also sang a couple of songs on her father’s solo albums, Snapshot and If Life Was Easy.
Apart from her music writing and singing skills, she a professional scuba diving master and jewellery designer of recycled guitar strings.
Started singing when she was 22 years old, but joined her first band Beat:Root in 2001. She also recorded her first solo album called Red Hand in 2005. After that she joined her current band Human Beans, and in early 2011 released Still Life With Music. The band is based and perform mainly in London.
Gillian Glover and her band bass player, Travis are partners and in 2009 had a son.
In one week news came out about three heavy weight acts in music releasing live albums.
One of the bands that I regret not going to their live concert is AC/DC. I have problems with big arenas, maybe that's the reason.
Their new album 's Live At River Plate is taken from three shows they did in Argentina and came out on previous DVD released last year. However, the new live CD will include extra songs.
I have seen different live DVD's of this great Australian band, but the their 1990's LIVE album still in mind as my favorite. Nevertheless, this band still deliver one of the best shows on earth every year, the proof is obvious in reviews and by people I talked to who has been to their concerts.
The song listing of the album will be:
1. Rock N Roll Train
2. Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be
3. Back In Black
4. Big Jack
5. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
6. Shot Down In Flames
7. Thunderstruck
8. Black Ice
9. The Jack
10. Hells Bells
11. Shoot To Thrill
12. War Machine
13. Dog Eat Dog
14. You Shook Me All Night Long
15. T.N.T.
16. Whole Lotta Rosie
17. Let There Be Rock
18. Highway To Hell
19. For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)
Paul Simon, Live in New York City is not only a CD, it is a DVD and CD set loaded with songs from this magnificent musician career.
Last week I was watching a documentary on him during the recording with a number of African artists.
Without doubt, Simon is a great musician, and that is obvious from his diversity in musical elements he put in his music - whether that is disputed or not, it is not our discussion here, but the humbleness and coolness this man has during the recording session is outstanding.
I don't think anyone would argue of joy such a concert would bring to fans everywhere.
Live in New York City’ track listing is:
1. The Obvious Child
2. Dazzling Blue
3. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
4. So Beautiful Or So What
5. Mother And Child Reunion
6. That Was Your Mother
7. Hearts And Bones
8. Crazy Love, Vol. II
9. Slip Slidin’ Away
10. Rewrite
11. The Boy In The Bubble
12. The Only Living Boy In New York
13. The Afterlife
14 Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
15. Gumboots
16. The Sound Of Silence
17. Kodachrome
18. Gone At Last
19. Late In The Evening
20. Still Crazy After All These Years
The third live album coming out soon is by the band that is considered as one of the three pillars created hard rock: Led Zeppelin. It is from their live performance in 2007 at the O2 Arena in London. The album is called "Celebration Day". Not known yet if the album will only be on DVD or CD/DVD.
Many people, including me waited for a long time for this, and can't describe my happiness of the news.
It started when the band's Facebook page showed a FIVE on its main page and started with a countdown prior to the official announcement. The obscurity of the event triggered a lot of speculations. Some thought that the band is recording a new album and launching a big tour. These speculations were ruled out, especially seeing Robert Plant's commitment to two bands at the same time. Even with that, people's imagination went too far by saying that Plant has been replaced by Glenn Hughes.
That was the funniest thing I ever heard. I love Glenn Hughes, but seeing him with Zeppelin is difficult to imagine (like seeing David Coverdale singing with Black Sabbath). Besides, Glenn is touring now promoting Black Country Communion new album coming out next month, Afterglow.
Zeppelin never had another vocalist but Plant and it is very difficult to imagine anyone else taking the helm.
Celebration Day tracklist:
1. Good Times Bad Times
2. Ramble On
3. Black Dog
4. In My Time Of Dying
5. For Your Life
6. Trampled Under Foot
7. Nobody’s Fault But Mine
8. No Quarter
9. Since I’ve Been Loving You
10. Dazed And Confused
11. Stairway To Heaven
12. The Song Remains The Same
13. Misty Mountain Hop
14. Kashmir
15. Whole Lotta Love
16. Rock And Roll
Last month I walked into HMV record store to check on some movies. Always a joy going to that place.
This was the first time I heard Rodrigo and Gabriela music, coming out through the store's speakers.
The fast playing combined with outstanding composition melody were stunningly perfect to my air.
I asked one of the guys working there about the music, he told me about the due and how they left thrash metal and switched to classical guitars before recording their first album. He showed me the shelve where they have their CD's.
They only have 5 studio albums, and 4 live albums. I decided to buy my first album but I was not sure from where to start, wanted to ask the guy again about the name of the tune i heard few minutes ago, but then I had another idea: to start with the latest album and go backwards through their catalogue. That's how I bought Area 52.
This is an album where the two virtuoso recruiting a number of perfect Cuban musicians and record (or shall I say re-record) some of their songs from previous albums but with Cuban style.
The result is a brilliant record.
The record was mixed received. Some criticized the idea of replacing guitar and adding other instruments like piano, violin, trumpets...etc
I disagree, I could listen to both the original version of "Hanuman" (from their 11:11 album), as well as to the new version from Area 52, which became like a Santana melody.
The same goes with the excellent tune"Santo Domingo", or "11:11" or "Diablo Rojo". They are the same songs but they have another excellent musical taste each.
On the same day I listened to Area 52 and before watching the "making of the album documentary" on the DVD attached with the album, I went to youtube and that was it: I was stunned. Their playing live performance is jaw dropping.
It is not about being a good player only, but Rodrigo and Gabriela were capable of entertain. Their interaction with the public is also superb.
From Youtube I also heard the tune they wrote for Pirates of the Caribbean 4 soundtrack.
After seeing that I decided to look if they are planning to do a concert in London in the coming months, but I was disappointed because they are not. Hopefully next year.
I read somewhere that they are already back in the studio to record their next album. One thing for sure, I will be one of the first to buy that record when it come out.
The artwork of Black Country Communion's upcoming album is out.
This is the one of the most anticipated albums to me for this year.
Black Country Communion made of the legendary Deep Purple/ Black Sabbath's Glenn Hughes, guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham on Drums (he is the son of Led Zeppelin's late drummer) and Derek Sherinian, a former member of giant progressive metal band Dream Theater.
This is the third Black Country Communion album to be release - if not counting the live in Europe album / DVD.
I like the artwork very much, and I liked the bits of music from the new album on the trailer - see below.
According to Hughes the new album will not step away from the musical direction introduced in previous two studio albums, but it will be a deeper album music.
I am a very happy man, especially when I hear such words.
Finished watching the Cure playing live at Reading and Leeds Festival. This is the first appearance of the band at this festival in 33 years, according to news sources.
Great performance will not give justice, to say the least, because it was much greater than anyone would expected. It was fantastic.
I know that this line-up of the Cure is not the same 33 years ago, yet the bass / guitar signitures playing (reminds me of Killing Joke - another great band), and Robert Smith's distinguish voice scared the years away - like the first time hearing this band many years ago.
Hopefully will see this band again live very soon and not to wait for another decade.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is a band with a history book of its own. When the name Lynyrd Skynyrd is mentioned to any music fan, immediately the name is linked to the tragic plane crash that took the lives of some of band members including lead singer Ronnie van Zant and guitarist Steve Gains, among others.
To many fans, that was the end of the band.
The plane crash was the turning point for this American band - they decided to call it a day until mid 1980's when they came back with the late singer's younger brother, Johnny, on lead vocals. Since then, the band went through many lineup changes, except for Gary Rossington being the only original member of the band.
I like his guitar playing.
I think they have recorded something like 15 studio albums and tons of live material. They are pioneers in their music genre, no doubt about it.
However, their songs never clicked in to me. Never. I never loved Lynyrd Skynryd music but I loved "Free Bird".
I hated "Sweet Home..." but their latest album just came out now, and it is amazing.
Last of a Dyin' Breed is a solid rock album with a lot of country and southern rock music flavor thrown all over most of songs. Line-up changes in a band always has its impact on the overall music any band is making, but does that live up to the expectations of fans in the case of Lynyrd Skynyrd new album?
Highlights from the new album are the title track Last of a Dyin' Breed. Mississippi Blood, and Home Grown are among my favorites, and I can add Home'sTwisted and Good Teacher too.
There are some albums that you play and gradually fall in love with the music, and there are some that you just fall in love with the songs from first listen. This album is in the middle.
The problem I have is not with this band in particular. It is more of a general taste of music genre. I don't like country music or southern rock music - liked a little the work Zakk Wylde did a couple of years ago on his Pride and Glory album, though.
In short, Lynyrd Skynyrd delivered a very good album, regardless of whether they have stick to their southern rock roots or not. Remember, I never listened to full album from this band, but i think the new music will please many die hard fans.
The albums can easily be chosen as one of music highlights in 2012, in my opinion.
Track Listing:
==================
01."Last of a Dyin' Breed"
02."One Day at a Time"
03."Homegrown"
04."Ready to Fly"
05."Mississippi Blood"
06."Good Teacher"
07."Something to Live For"
08."Life's Twisted"
09."Nothing Comes Easy"
10."Honey Hole"
11."Start Livin' Life Again"
Band members on this album:
=================================
Johnny Van Zant – lead vocals
Gary Rossington – guitars
Rickey Medlocke – guitars
Michael Cartellone – drums
Johnny Colt – bass
Mark Matejka – guitars
Peter Keys – keyboards
John Lowery aka "John 5" – guitar
The
first time I heard Jon Lord was when I listened to songs from Deep
Purple's "Made in Europe", such as Burn or You Fool No One. The second
time was when I heard "Deepest Purple" album. Since then, DP became an
integral part of my life.
This is not a post to talk about the
history of Deep Purple as one of the three main pillars holding Rock
& Metal music structure (the other two are Black Sabbath and Led
Zeppelin, of course).
This post is about what Jon Lord means to me since I was a kid to this day.
The
first time I saw Jon Lord on video was many and many years ago. I used
to live in Iraq, and back then there were small numbers of communities
from different neighborhoods in Baghdad who shared passion for rock and
metal. The knew which record shop to meet and welcome new comers, and
they knew which record shop is the most resourceful with latest news and
stories about their favorite bands.
I was one of those guys.
Back
to that video tape. I borrowed it from a friend whom I would love to
talk about one day on this blog (and whom I wish he is still doing
well).
By the way, that friend I am talking about is considered as
one of the few ultimate sources of rock and metal music in whole Iraq
during these days.
The video tape was of Deep Purple playing California Jam concert from 1974.
Seeing
Jon Lord playing Hammond organ - an instrument I am used to see and
hear only in churches, it made me speechless. This was the first time I
see such an instrument being recruited that way in music: melting
Hammond organ sound in a heavy rock band music.
I thought this was
his only trademark. I was wrong, because the creativity Jon Lord had in
music exceeded that of being a professional rock star, because years
later I learned that he already did something more advanced than any
other musician in modern music history could made: he is the one who
made the perfect marriage between classical music and rock come true.
This was in the form of the Concerto for Group and Orchestra that came
out in 1969.
Being a fan of Jon Lord became an integral part of
me. Growing up listening to his work with Deep Purple and Whitesnake, as
well as his solo work or with other musicians. It was not only about
music, but it filled me in joy reading news about him back then or
chatting with dear old friends about his stage performance, for example.
In
the mid 1980's, a friend of mine showed me a magazine that was
exclusive to Deep Purple family tree news. In Iraq, pop and rock
magazines did not exist, and no import of such media source was
possible, but that friend got it from a relative from abroad. Two things
in particular I will never forget about that particular magazine: the
first was seeing for the first time a picture of Glenn Hughes with Black
Sabbath (from Seventh Star photo sessions), and reading how David
Coverdale describing Jon Lord as being THE STAR and the gentleman out of
all musicians he worked with while he was in Deep Purple and
Whitesnake.
Jon Lord was one of my role models in life. If I was
meant to work as a musician, part of me definitely would have a Jon Lord
in it.
When I was in the first year in university I drew a
portrait of Jon Lord based on picture from the Perfect Strangers album. I
remember doing that during lectures - It didn't mean that I had no
interest in those lectures, but making a portrait of Jon Lord was a
priority too.
Speaking of Whitesnake, I got a video tape of one of
their live concerts. Jon Lord's solo by combining classical, Hammond
organ and synth's was mind blowing. Can anyone dispute that the remake
of "Crying in the Rain" in 1987 album missed the Jon Lord touch in it
compare it to that on "Saint & Sinners"?
The first time I saw
Jon Lord live was in 2000 in Ahoy, Rotterdam, during Deep Purple's 30'th
anniversary tour of the Concerto for Group and Orchestra. I won't
forget his introduction to the concert warning that the concert will
start slow and by the end will make us deaf. It was a sensational, one
of the most special moments in my whole entire life.
One of the
reasons I keep replaying John Peel's rock family tree on Deep Purple was
the way Lord telling the story of this pioneer rock band. On a side
note, I still can't believe it, but after all these years, I still enjoy
every minute watching that documentary - eyes locked on screen. Don't
know if I have to thank the great John Peel for the way this show was
made, or is it because of my love of Deep Purple.
To everyone's knowledge, Jon Lord stardom was not only tied to Deep Purple material. Can anyone argue or say anything about Sarabande or Pictured Within, for example?
Even
after departing ways with his mates in Deep Purple and focusing on
classical music was stunning. The last album I bought was Boom of the Tingling Strings, a sensational album.
I
was so thrilled when I read not long ago about Jon Lord was busy in the
past months on completing a final studio version of the Concerto, with
guest musicians such as Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, guitar Virtuosos Joe Bonamassa and Steve Morse.
No
one doubted for a minute about health issues. The news of Jon Lord
having cancer was shocking prior to that, but many, including media I
read confirmed that Jon was getting better... and the news of recording
the concerto in Abbey Road was a sort of confirmation, a relief, in
fact. My feeling of comfort and relief for that legendary musician
strengthen when I read about tour dates advertised in Germany, until the
moment when a friend of mine sent me an email late on that night to
tell me that Jon Lord passed away.
That was it for me. I was for days in a state of disbelief.
I
felt that music scene has lost something extremely vital to its
essence, and this man's work for more than 40 years is a living proof.
Jon Lord was unique. He was and will always be a titan among giants in
music history. No doubt about that.
Rest in peace, Mr. Lord. You
will remain in our heart and souls with what you gave humanity. Your
music will remain for eternity.
Got the deluxe edition today (with the making of the album DVD). There was a lot of publicity online and on guitar magazines regarding this album. To say the truth, it deserve such coverage.
The album is one of music highlights of 2012. I can say that with full confidence. The music on this album is straightforward heavy metal, no complication in songs structure. The choice of mixing guitars the way they did is also a good one.
Difficult to pick a favorite song, because if I do that then I will list the full album track.
The singing is stunning, in fact, it is much better than it was with Alter Bridge. Yet, Myles Kennedy influence from his days with that great band Alter Bridge is noticeable on this album. Nevertheless, but that doesn't ruin it for Slash fans. It give another flavor to the music from that great guitarist.
Track List 01."Apocalyptic Love" 3:28 02."One Last Thrill" 3:09 03."Standing in the Sun" 4:03 04."You're a Lie" 3:50 05."No More Heroes" 4:23 06."Halo" 3:22 07."We Will Roam" 4:49 08."Anastasia" 6:07 09."Not for Me" 5:21 10."Bad Rain" 3:46 11."Hard & Fast" 3:02 12."Far and Away" 5:14 13."Shots Fired" 3:48
Band members
Primary personnel Slash – lead guitar, acoustic guitar on "Anastasia", talkbox on "Carolina" Myles Kennedy – lead vocals, rhythm guitar Todd Kerns – bass, backing vocals Brent Fitz – drums
I just read that less than an hour ago the world lost one of its
greatest musicians ever existed. Robin Gibb, one of the founders of of
the legendary Bee Gees died at 62 after battling illness.
Last
time I saw Mr. Gibb on TV was during a game show where his wife
accompanied him, and the last time I have sen a picture of him on
newspaper when the news broke up of him battling cancer, and later on
when he went into a coma. The last time I heard his Maurice was from his
work on the Anniversary of the Titanic, where he composed a breath
taking classical music piece.
As a very long time fan of the
Bee Gees, my sadness is beyond apprehension. I grew up considering the
three legendary musicians (Robin, Barry and Maurice) as one of my
favorites, all time favorite.
The Bee Gees and their music has always occupied a place in my music library, and in my heart, and will be that way, forever.
Rest in peace, Mr. Gibb. Your voice, your music and your presence will be missed. Forever.
I am not a sport person, and not a type of person who follow champion's league or any other sport competition.
A
colleague of mine asked me to show some love to Chelsea when they were
qualified to the quarter final. Since then I started to follow their
matches.
I am so Happy for Chelsea becoming Europe's champions
yesterday in the penalty shootout against Bayern Munich yesterday.
Through out the match, there was a noticeable pressure from the German
team on scoring.
I think that Chelsea's trainer, Di Matteo,
already foresee that, and decided to setup the plan of 8 defending while
attempting to opening a gap through Bayern to have desired score.
Fair
to say that I can consider Robben as the star of the show. Truly he was
a football bulldozer smashing the field in the hope of either making a
goal or attempting to score one himself. There are other notable stars
who showed stunning performance from the German team, like Ribery, among
others.
But the one and only who would take the credit for this
match is the one and only Didier Drogba from Chelsea who made the turn
on his team favor.
It was a game of professional, a joy as well as a thrill.
But...
Why
on earth did the match coincided with Black Sabbath concert in
Birmingham? I am sure that a lot of people among the 2,000 die hard fans
have the thrill doubled by attending the masters of heavy metal gig
while their minds tuned in to the events in Germany.
Note: Yes, I am putting Bill Ward picture with the rest.
I
read that Black Sabbath gig was professionally filmed! and they played
"Wheels of Confusion" and "Dirty Woman" too? I will get the DVD when it
comes out.
Back
in March, there was a big fuzz regarding the Mike Portnoy's interview,
which as usual, his words were taken out of context, instead of consider
it as a warm and genuine expression of feelings from a great musician
towards his fans..
I gave my opinion on Twitter about this, and it was an honor to see the legendary drummer re-tweeting me.
Like
many, I was very sad when I heard of Mr. Portnoey's departure from
Dream Theater. I was extremely frustrated, to say the least.
I
have seen Mike with Dream Theater live in Ahoy, The Netherlands two
years ago. This was his last European tour with Dream Theater. It might
be another reason I was frustrated!
Nevertheless, as I mentioned
on twitter, life goes on, there were decisions made, and both Mike and
DT are moving on now with their lives. Both are successful, in fact very
successful - their past and present music is a proof for eternity. Any
Dream Theater fan realize that both had enough from this breakup
affair, emotionally above anything else - read interviews and imagine
the impact.
As loyal fans, it is not fair to keep hammering on
this issue, and for Mike Portnoy, he doesn't owe anyone anything, not
even a small justification to what he say or do.
See, I look at it
like that: magnificent musicians like MP and Dream Theater (among
others) are part of our lives, because we fans love their music, go to
see them in concert, buy their CD's, and above all make time to listen
to, read and watch their latest news through all sorts of media
streaming exist on the planet.
That's why, we need to give them
space, to help them to remain creative so we remain share these
beautiful moments with what they make.
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