Author Archives: glassonyonpr

2014/09/14

Blues Ace Popa Chubby Celebrates 25 Years On The Road With A Brand New Album I’m Feelin’ Lucky And A West Coast Tour!

By glassonyonpr

2051 PopaChubby med res

For Immediate Release

Blues Ace Popa Chubby Celebrates 25 Years On The Road With A Brand New Album I’m Feelin’ Lucky And A West Coast Tour!

Los Angeles, CA – Larger than life blues figure Popa Chubby has a lot of reasons to feel lucky this year. 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of his emergence as a powerful force in the venerable New York blues scene with his very own band, and his own unique brand of hard hitting, face melting, blues rock n’ funky soul. And he’ll celebrate this major milestone the only way he knows how, with the release of a smokin’ hot studio album I’m Feelin’ Lucky – coming October 14 on Cleopatra Records – and a series of shows on the West Coast!

“It’s been 25 years and I’m still standing,” declares Popa Chubby, and considering the long and rugged road he’s had to travel, that in itself is a miracle. From his beginning in the late ‘70s as a “bad kid with an afro and a brand new Gibson Midnight Special guitar” to his stint as a punk rock sideman for Screaming Mad George and Richard Hell, among others, to signing a deal with Sony and releasing one of the top selling blues albums of 1994 (the phenomenal Booty And The Beast), Popa Chubby has seen it all and lived to tell about it on well over a dozen studio albums!

His newest effort I’m Feelin’ Lucky gave the veteran musician an opportunity to reflect on his extraordinary career and to work on new musical ideas and arrangements in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. Recording at his home studio in the Hudson Valley, Popa called on some of his closest associates to help bring this album to life, including drummer Chris Reddan, keyboardist Dave Keyes, and bassist Francesco Beccaro. In addition, two very special guests brought even more magic to the proceedings, vocalist Dana Fuchs, mostly known for her role in the 2007 Beatles musical Across The Universe, as well as one of the most revered blues players around today, Mike Zito of the Royal Southern Brotherhood.

I’m Feelin’ Lucky is Popa’s debut album for Cleopatra and contains some of his best and most deeply felt writing. “The Way It Is” is an “urban soul ballad,” he explains, “that’s about those times when you just sit there and you realize that you’re all messed up and there ain’t nothing you can do about it…that’s the blues right there.” The title track is a major slice of “badass funk” with heavy wah wah pedal guitar playing from Popa and “great New Orleans style lyrics.” “I’m A Pitbull (Nothin’ But Love)” may be the song closest to his heart: “I’m a big dog lover. I have a little pitbull and I love him dearly. They’re a very misunderstood breed. I work with people at a pitbull rescue who work with these dogs and train them to be service dogs for veterans coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s a beautiful thing. There is not a more loyal, devoted and emotionally intuitive dog.” It’s these very same qualities in Popa Chubby’s own gracious persona that have been drawing fans to his music for over 2 decades.

Fans will also delight in hearing that Popa Chubby’s Universal Breakdown Tour hits the West Coast later this year with a slew of shows starting in Las Vegas at the Big Blues Bender held in the Riviera Hotel & Casino. For complete tour information, visit http://www.popachubby.com and get lucky with Popa Chubby!

1. Come To Me (with Dana Fuchs)
2. One Leg At A Time
3. Three Little Words
4. Rollin’ N’ Tumblin’
5. Too Much Information
6. Rock On Bluesman (with Mike Zito)
7. I’m Feelin’ Lucky
8. Save Your Own Life
9. I’m A Pitbull (Nothing But Love)
10. The Way It Is

Check out a video teaser for the album here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_VHUjCw3pM

Order the CD on Amazon: http://geni.us/2Ave

Order the digital version on iTunes: http://geni.us/27sk

9/25 – Las Vegas, NV – Big Blues Bender
9/26 – Ventura, CA – Yolie’s
9/27 – Arcadia, CA – Arcadia Blues Club
9/28 – Santa Cruz, CA – Jerry’s Front Pocket
9/30 – San Francisco, CA – Biscuits & Blues
10/2 – Crystal Bay, NV – Crystal Bay Club Casino
10/3 – Sacramento – Torch Club
10/4 – Point Arena, CA – Arena Theatre
10/7 – Portland, OR – Duff’s Garage
10/8 – Birkenfeld, OR – The Birk
10/9 – Vancouver, BC – Electric Owl
10/10 – Mount Vernon, WA – Lincoln Theatre
10/11 – Seattle, WA – Highway 99 Blues Club

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
http://www.CleopatraRecords.com

Leave a comment | posted in Popa Chubby, Press Release

2014/09/13

Eric Clapton’s ‘Pilgrim’ Album To Be Release on Limited Numbered Edition Hybrid SACD

By glassonyonpr

Eric Clapton - PilgrimSACDmockup

For Immediate Release

Eric Clapton’s ‘Pilgrim’ Album To Be Release on Limited Numbered Edition Hybrid SACD

“An Inspiring Masterpiece From The Guitar God – an essential to the Clapton library!”

Camarillo, CA – Adding to the series of Eric Clapton reissues, Marshall Blonstein’s Audio Fidelity will be releasing Clapton’s 1998 album ‘Pilgrim’ on Limited Numbered Edition Hybrid SACD! From the song titles “River of Tears,” “Broken Hearted,” “Going Down Slow,” “Sick and Tired” on down, ‘Pilgrim’ is the musical journal of an artist who has wandered into some dark places and come back the wiser for his troubles. 1998’s ‘Pilgrim’ is the 13th studio album by Eric Clapton, it was his first album of original material since 1989’s ‘Journeyman’ (also recently reissued on Hybrid SACD by Audio Fidelity).

The album is an intriguing musical tableau that experiments with drum machines and synthesized dashes of electronica and an inventive use of strings, performed by the London Session Orchestra, reminiscent of old-school R&B. There is wonderful, graceful guitar work throughout ‘Pilgrim’, Clapton provides some great hooks and emotional melodies. The best songs on this eloquent album of orchestrated blues meditations express a choked-up grief and despair. The songwriting is the standout feature of this album. Clapton wrote in his autobiography that he wanted to make the “saddest album.” He wrote or co-wrote every song except “Born in Time,” an overlooked Bob Dylan tune, and “Going Down Slow,” a classic blues written by St. Louis Jimmy. In two songs, “My Father’s Eyes” and “Circus,” Clapton alludes to the tragic death of his 4-year-old son. The songs are very moving with more complicated melodies and in depth lyrics. Clapton’s emphasis is placed on the entire arrangement instead of being built around a jam session.

Eric’s voice has never sounded better, his singing is raw and passionate, much of the music is informed by smooth R&B textures. On the album’s sizzling title track, he evokes some of the soulful eloquence of the great Curtis Mayfield. Clapton’s vocals are among the most convincing of his career. ‘Pilgrim’ is an atmospheric album whose mood is mostly melancholy. Unbearable loss and yearning are the central themes of ‘Pilgrim’, and with its heartbeat bass lines, melodic, meditative guitar figures and heartbreaking lyrics, it offers moments of pure beauty.

“…another evolutionary step from an always rebellious and ever-changing artist.”

The album produced multi-platinum sales and appeared on the year-end Top 100 lists of countries all around the world.

Tracks
1. My Father’s Eyes
2. River of Tears
3. Pilgrim
4. Broken Hearted
5. One Chance
6. Circus
7. Going Down Slow
8. Fall Like Rain
9. Born in Time
10. Sick and Tired
11. Needs His Woman
12. She’s Gone
13. You Were There
14. Inside of Me

Mastered by Steve Hoffman at Marsh Mastering

For more information: http://www.audiofidelity.net/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Eric Clapton, Press Release, SACD

2014/09/11

Orlando Weekly Review of Terry Bozzio at the Plaza Live

By glassonyonpr

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Terry Bozzio at the Plaza Live (photo by James Dechert)

ORLANDO MUSIC NEWS
This Little Underground: Terry Bozzio at the Plaza Live
September 8, 2014
By Bao Le-Huu

Beyond a string of credits alongside people like Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck, Missing Persons and U.K., Terry Bozzio (Sept. 5, Plaza Live) has built a legacy of his own as a percussion pioneer. On his first North American solo drum performance, he rode into town on what’s billed as the “world’s largest tuned drum and percussion set.” Just look at this thing…

Like an instrumental array from some H.R. Giger dream, this one-of-a-kind behemoth is more evocative and beautiful than most big-city urban art. It’s maybe the only solo kit out there that could break Neil Peart’s heart.

For the rest of the review, please visit the Orlando Weekly website!

Leave a comment | posted in Review, Terry Bozzio

2014/09/10

Hit Channel Interview with Carmine Appice

By glassonyonpr

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Interview:Carmine Appice (Cactus,Vanilla Fudge,Beck Bogert & Appice)
Δημοσιεύθηκε 8 Σεπτεμβρίου 2014 | Από thodoris | In English

HIT CHANNEL EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: September 2014. We had the great honour to talk with a legendary drummer: Carmine Appice. He is best known as a member of Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Beck, Bogert & Appice and Rod Stewart’s backing band. He has also played with Ozzy Osbourne, Pink Floyd, Pat Travers, Michael Schenker, Ted Nugent, Blue Murder, Rick Derringer, Paul Stanley, Marty Friedman, Sly Stone and many others. Read below the very interesting things he told us:

Cleopatra Records is releasing rare live and studio recordings by Cactus, Bogert & Appice and Travers & Appice. Are you happy with the release of this stuff?
Yes, I am. I mean, considering what they are, the object was to get out what were lying around and were not really released. The Bogert & Appice stuff was basically stuff that I had lying around and we had recorded it in the early 2000s and never released. And we decided to put a label together to get out a lot of stuff that I had and that my friends had, that we never released. So, basically what we did was: the Bogert & Appice one (ed: “Friends”) was an EP which had 7 songs laying around and the Cactus lives: “Live in Japan” and “Live in the USA”. We recorded “Live in Japan” in Japan and we decided to actually do it and release it. And “Live in the USA” was something that another company in Europe released and they didn’t have license to do it. So, we decided that we release that also. As far as I am happy, I’m pretty happy with that all, but you know, there are not like big budget items. We didn’t spend $100.000, but I’m very happy with the playing, the sound is really good and the performances are awesome.

You just finished a summer tour with Vanilla Fudge. What are you future plans?
Next week, we are going to finish a new Vanilla Fudge album, called “The Spirit of ‘67” and we did all those songs from 1967. My brother Vinny (ed: Black Sabbath –drums) and I, we played a show in New York City, called “Drum Wars”. We are going to release “Drum Wars” live CD also. We don’t have any “Drum Wars” product out there and it was a really cool show that we recorded and we decided to get the tapes and work on it. The sound is really good, we have mixed everything and we are releasing that. Then, the next thing I do is I have a show called “The Rod Experience”, which is basically three members of the Rod Stewart group. We did the 1979 “Blondes Have More Fun” tour and we play pretty much all the songs that we did in 1979. We have a guy who looks and sounds like Rod. So, it’s a kind of historical tribute show featuring an all star group and members of the Rod Steward group. I’m going to take that to China in November and that’s fun. I believe we are coming to Greece with the Metal All Stars tour. I am gonna featuring in this tour along with Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society), Joey Belladona (Anthrax) and Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne). I believe this December we will come to Greece. I don’t have the dates in front of me, that should be fun. I have a lot of cool stuff to do until the rest of the year.

How important was the cover of “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” (The Supremes) to the career of Vanilla Fudge?
I think that was historical. That was very important. I don’t think we would have done it without having that song as a hit.

For the rest of the interview, please visit the Hit Channel website!

Leave a comment | posted in Carmine Appice, Interview

2014/09/08

Bill Nelson’s “After The Satellite Sings” To Be Reissued By Esoteric Recordings September 29, 2014

By glassonyonpr

Bill

For Immediate Release

Bill Nelson’s “After The Satellite Sings” To Be Reissued By Esoteric Recordings September 29, 2014

London, UK – ESOTERIC RECORDINGS imprint Cocteau Discs, the home of BILL NELSON’s catalogue between 1971 and 2001, continues their series of ongoing releases with the release of a newly remastered edition of the album, “AFTER THE SATELLITE SINGS”.

The album was recorded in 28 days at Fairview Studios in East Yorkshire in 1995 and saw Bill push his constantly evolving musical boundaries still further. A collection of fine songs and three instrumental pieces, “After the Satellite Sings” is a fine album that remains fascinating and engaging nearly two decades on from its first release.

The Cocteau Discs edition fully restores the original album artwork and features a new note by Bill Nelson.

“ ‘After The Satellite Sings’ is an interesting album on many levels and I’m pleased to see it being given a re-release.” – Bill Nelson

• NEW REMASTERED EDITION OF THE CLASSIC 1995 ALBUM BY BILL NELSON – UNAVAILABLE FOR MANY YEARS
• BOOKLET WITH FULLY RESTORED ARTWORK & NEW ESSAY

TRACK LIST:

1. DEEPLY DAZZLED
2. DREAMSTER 2 LR
3. FLIPSIDE
4. STREAMLINER
5. MEMORY BABE
6. SKULL BABY CLUSTER
7. ZOOM SEQUENCE
8. ROCKET TO DAMASCUS
9. BEAUTIFUL NUDES
10. OLD GOAT
11. SQUIRM
12. WOW! IT’S SCOOTERCAR SEXKITTEN!
13. PHANTOM SEDAN (THEME FROM TAIL-FIN CITY)
14. ORDINARY IDIOTS
15. V-GHOST (FOR HAROLD AND ELLEN)
16. BLINK-AGOG

For more information: http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4807

Bill Nelson’s official website: http://www.billnelson.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Bill Nelson, Press Release

2014/09/06

A Star-Studded Ensemble Of Contemporary Jazz Players Join Together For The Ultra Melodic Smooth Jazz Cafe!

By glassonyonpr

1860 SmoothJazzCafe med res

For Immediate Release

A Star-Studded Ensemble Of Contemporary Jazz Players Join Together For The Ultra Melodic Smooth Jazz Cafe!

Featuring Frank Gambale, Chuck Loeb, Hal Lindes, Brian Tarquin, & Denny Jiosa

Los Angeles, CA – Pull up a chair, grab a cup of joe and get ready to hear some of the most lush, harmonious jazz guitarists around at the Smooth Jazz Cafe! This new project, set to be released September 30 on Purple Pyramid Records, features Australian jazz fusion great Frank Gambale, former Dire Straits guitarist Hal Lindes, Stan Getz sideman and current member of Fourplay, Chuck Loeb, and the Grammy nominated Denny Jiosa. And the whole thing is helmed by the supremely talented, multi-Emmy winning Brian Tarquin, who wrote all of the songs and produced the album as well as performs on it.

Hal Lindes waxes poetic about the project and its leader, calling Tarquin a “supreme maestro of the Gold Top and Marshall Stack” and describes the Smooth Jazz Cafe album as “an exquisite journey fueled by steel and wood, glowing hot tubes and Celestion speakers being pushed to their limit and beyond.”

Denny Jiosa shares “Brian and I met several years ago at the Gavin Smooth Jazz radio convention when we had simultaneous hit records. Great melody, tasteful playing, warm tones, and smooth grooves are always delivered by Brian! I am honored and excited to trade musical lines with such a versatile player!”

And finally, Chuck Loeb offers “I had a lot of fun playing on it. The band killed!”

To order the CD on Amazon: http://geni.us/2VBD

To order the digital version on iTunes: http://geni.us/4kG

1. Zoot Suit featuring Chuck Loeb
2. Peg featuring Chuck Loeb
3. Swift Kick featuring Chuck Loeb
4. Yorkville featuring Chuck Loeb
5. The Big Sleep featuring Hal Lindes
6. On The Brick feat. Brian Tarquin
7. Hiptster featuring Denny Jiosa
8. Frolic Room feat. Brian Tarquin
9. Birdbrain featuring Hal Lindes
10. Boogie Man feat. Brian Tarquin
11. Chrome Dome featuring Denny Jiosa
12. The Dutchess feat. Brian Tarquin
13. Spanish Harlem featuring Frank Gambale
14. Drugstore Cowboy feat. Brian Tarquin
15. Nowheresville feat. Brian Tarquin

Watch the new video for “On The Brick”: http://youtu.be/7VwleyTT50o

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
http://www.CleopatraRecords.com

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Smooth Jazz Cafe

2014/09/04

Music Tried and True Interview with Al Kooper

By glassonyonpr

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Al Kooper Interview: ‘Super Session’ Remastered & Kooper Uncovers New Music In Column
September 2, 2014

By Ray Shasho
-Interviewed July 2nd 2014

Singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist AL KOOPER continues to relish an incredible life of music. Although these days it’s mostly through his weekly online column for The Morton Report entitled ‘New Music for Old People’
Kooper reveals…
“This column is like the title says – its intention is to fill the gap for those of us who were satiated musically in the ’60s and then searched desperately as we aged for music we could relate to and get the same buzz from nowadays. iTunes was the answer for me in 2003 and I have been following the new releases every Tuesday ever since I realized there was an endless stream of music I could enjoy there. The reason I am writing this column is to make sure others don’t miss this. These are not top ten items; but they SHOULD be!”

Kooper is also excited about the re-release of the classic ‘Super Session’ album featuring Al Kooper-Mike Bloomfield-Stephen Stills. The album is re-mastered with the latest (Hybrid Multichannel SACD) technology. The package includes new liner notes written by Al Kooper that tells the story of the Super Session album and the new 5.1 Multichannel mix. The 5.1 mix by Al Kooper with mastering by Bob Ludwig was never released and yet it has acquired some fame from industry insiders familiar with the Multichannel mix with comments like “excellent” and “it deserves to be heard.”The new mastering of the Stereo tracks for new SACD Stereo and CD Stereo audio are by mastering engineer Steve Hoffman. -The official release of ‘Super Session’ on amazon.com is -September 9th.

AL KOOPER: had a life changing undertaking technologically and musically after receiving a Webcor reel to reel tape recorder as a Bat Mitzvah gift in 1957.Born in Brooklyn and growing up in Queens, New York … Kooper began his incredible music career as a fourteen year old guitarist with The Royal Teens (“Short Shorts” #3 U.S. Hit in 1958).

In 1960, Kooper joined the songwriting team of Bob Brass and Irwin Levine and wrote “This Diamond Ring” (#1 U.S. Hit in 1965) for Gary Lewis & the Playboys. At 21, Kooper moved to Greenwich Village and began a momentous relationship with Bob Dylan. He performed and recorded with Dylan including adding his classic Hammond organ riffs on “Like a Rolling Stone” (#2 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Hit in 1965). During those recording sessions, Kooper met Michael Bloomfield.

For the rest of the bio and the interview, please visit the Music Tried and True website!

Leave a comment | posted in Al Kooper, Press Release

2014/09/03

Blues-Rocker Guitarist/Singer AC Myles Releases ‘Reconsider Me’!

By glassonyonpr

AC Myles CD Cover

For Immediate Release

Blues-Rocker Guitarist/Singer AC Myles Releases ‘Reconsider Me’!

“AC Myles ‘Reconsider Me’ promises to provide some of the most memorable moments of 2014!” – Tom Hyslop – RockMrTom

San Jose, CA – Blues-rocker guitarist/singer AC Myles’ new studio recording, ‘Reconsider Me’, groups songs that outline his musical development and his maturing into one of the more valid guitarist and vocalists in the blues arena. Recorded & produced in San Jose, CA. by Kid Andersen at his own Greaseland Studio, the album combines originals and choice covers to tell the roadworthy story of this well traveled and very talented Californian.

“Perhaps the only soulful thing to come out of Fresno, AC Myles can play the hell out of a guitar, and he’s growing as a songwriter” – San Jose Metro Editor Steve Palopoli

With ‘Reconsider Me’, Myles very confidently delivers a “beyond amazing” vocal range, as well as his unyielding lead and slide guitar work. The song selections vary from traditional blues to 70’s blues-rock overload. With the opening track of the Jimmy Johnson inspired & Fenton Robinson penned “You Don’t Know What Love Is”, as well as the amazing vocal workout of the title track, Johnny Adams “Reconsider Me”, Myles proves his traditional stylings are up to snuff both vocally and on guitar. The self-penned tracks “Three Ways to Fall’’ and the tour de force “Livin’ a Lie” showcase fierce rock n roll slide guitar and vocal chops, following right in line with Rory Gallagher’s “Do You Read Me” and the co-written clever southern rocker “Call ’em All Baby”.

Says Myles, “ ‘Reconsider Me’ is the culmination of originals with choice covers that reflect the career & growth. The covers are songs of artists that influenced me and is the first step into something uniquely AC Myles. Most I have had the fortunate to work with while sprouting musically in the SF Bay area and developed relationships with over the last 10 years.”

Myles spent his later teens and twenties touring with his own band eventually finding his way to the San Francisco Bay Area, playing sideman to a wide array of acts, most notably blues man Fillmore Slim and modern day soul man John Nemeth. Along the way, with a keen ear and sincere passion, A.C. has become a gifted entertainer and musician. His personal appearances have a ‘take no prisoners’ approach which; along with a healthy dose of humor, usually gets even the toughest audiences on his side.

In addition, ‘Reconsider Me’ features tracks by artists Myles has had the opportunity to share stages with in his career, including Elvin Bishop’s “Rock my Soul”, Roman Carter’s blues gem “Queen Bee”, and the Fillmore Slim funk arrangement of the Fats Domino R&B classic “Blue Monday”. The self-penned “Death Bed Blues”, which has a darker lyrical output and showcases his grasp and retention of blues traditions, while “What Is Love”, a cover of Oakland’s blues/mod/soul kings The Loved Ones, is an ode to the region of California that became adopted home territory for Myles and sprouted his musical growth and career.

Says Myles, “The album was recorded live in two days (sans a few keyboard and vocal overdubs) at Greaseland Studio headed by Kid Andersen in San Jose, CA. Very little was written ‘for the album’ as opposed to reaching into the vault and pulling from near dormant ideas. It was rewarding to complete them as well as some of our favorite live covers. Once the pre production demos were complete and we worked the kinks out we went in and cut the record.”

In support of ‘Reconsider Me’, AC Myles and his band have been touring throughout the summer with record release parties held in his home state of California in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Central California. Also added to AC’s official website is some great looking and sounding video of the live band. Festivals and club dates, as well as support to other acts, for 2015 for U.S. & Europe are currently being booked. AC also has begun to write the next untitled album, which should be ready for summer 2015 as well.

To purchase:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/acmyles1
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/reconsider-me/id884154347

For more information:
http://www.acmyles.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/AC-Myles/195018065989
http://www.reverbnation.com/acmyles

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in AC Myles, Press Release

2014/09/01

Soft Machine Legend Hugh Hopper 10-CD Set Of Unreleased Recordings To Be Released By Gonzo Multimedia

By glassonyonpr

Hugh Hopper Memories

For Immediate Release

Soft Machine Legend Hugh Hopper 10-CD Set Of Unreleased Recordings To Be Released By Gonzo Multimedia

London, UK – Hugh Hopper and Soft Machine fans worldwide are rejoicing to the news of the pending release of HUGH HOPPER – DEDICATED TO HUGH, a 10-CD Archival Celebration of the music of bass guitarist, composer, Hugh Hopper comprised of previously unreleased Hi-Fidelity recordings. Compiled by Michael King, a Canadian Hugh Hopper Scholar, the CDs will be released individually, beginning with Volume One, entitled ‘Memories’.

This ten part series is to compliment a heretofore large body of work (over sixty titles) by presenting previously unreleased concert and studio recordings, with a focus on Hugh’s compositions as performed by groups under his leadership. All proceeds are to benefit Hugh’s Hopper’s family.

HUGH HOPPER – DEDICATED TO HUGH 10-CD set features:

Volume 1 – Memories
Hugh introduces a selection of rare tracks from across his career

Volume 2 – Frangloband
Live at Triton Club, Paris 2004

Volume 3 – North & South
Co-credited with Scottish drummer Mike Travis (Gilgamesh)
Live in Aberdeen 1995

Volume 4 – Four by Hugh by Four
One-off quartet live at Bimhuis, Amsterdam, 2000

Volume 5 – Heart to Heart
Co-credited with guitarist Phil Miller (Hatfield/National Health/In Cahoots)
Studio duet performance, Amsterdam, 2007

Volume 6 – Special Friends
Rare concert recordings, 1992 through 1995, of Hugh’s project with Phil Miller, Didier Malherbe (Gong), Pip Pyle & Elton Dean – a.k.a. Short Wave.

Volume 7 – Soft Boundaries
Triton, Paris concert recordings with Elton Dean, Sophia Domanich & Simon Goubet 2005

Volume 8 – Bass On Top
Improvised studio session with pianist Slava Ganelin & drummer Aahron Kaminsky, Israel 2007

Volume 9 – Anatomy of Facelift
Five live performances of Hugh’s signature composition, Facelift, as performed by Soft Machine, 1969 through 1971. Includes extracts from Lois Frith’s University Thesis: Anatomy of Facelift

Volume 10 – Was A Friend
Various rare tracks, including duets with drummers Chris Cutler (Henry Cow) & Seb Rockford and concluding with Hugh’s final musical performance: Was A Friend, performed by Denis Colin Trio, 2008

—————————————————————————————————————————

Hugh Hopper began his musical career in 1963 as bass guitarist in the Daevid Allen Trio alongside drummer Robert Wyatt. In 1964 Hugh founded The Wilde Flowers with his elder brother, Brian Hopper. Passing through their ranks were fellow Canterbury legends Kevin Ayers, Richard Sinclair, Robert Wyatt, and also Pye Hastings & Richard Coughlin who went on to form Caravan. After dissolving the Wilde Flowers Hugh became the roadie for his friends, The Soft Machine, then a Avant-garden pop group and house band of London’s UFO Club, alongside The Pink Floyd.

In 1969 Hugh replaced Soft Machine’s original bassist Kevin Ayers, who left following two exhaustive American tours. Hugh’s trademark bass sound (often delivered through fuzz boxes) and his compositions raised the music of Soft Machine to heights unmatched by their contemporaries. With the addition of saxophonist Elton Dean the ‘classic quartet’ developed a massively successful following in England and continental Europe, headlining numerous Festival’s and producing the timeless and ground-breaking double album Soft Machine ‘Third’.

After leaving the Soft Machine in 1973 Hugh worked with many pillars of the jazz-rock fusion scene such as Gary Boyle’s Isotope, Alan Bowen’s Gilgamesh, Stomu Yamashita’s East Wind and Carla Bley’s celebrated big band. He also co-founded quartets with fellow Soft Machine member, saxophonist Elton Dean, namely Soft Head & Soft Heap. In the 1980’s, 90’s and into the 21st century Hugh composed a wealth of extraordinary music for his own groups and participated in countless improvisational settings and guest appearances.

The music Hugh Hopper is a wonder to behold, a player of high distinction with trademark sound by turns gritty and gorgeous. Gonzomultimedia is honored to present this superb series celebrating the musical legacy of Hugh Hopper, for fans, friends and first time discovers.

—————————————————————————————————————————

Vol. 1 – Memories – Now Available!

This is the first of a ten part series compiled by Michael King. He writes: “My first encounter with the music of Hugh Colin Hopper backdates to the summer of 1976. While visiting a friend I was intentional played a record titled Volume Two from a British rock group about whom I knew little, The Soft Machine. The experience was staggering and prompted a radical reappraisal for the conventions I had been conditioned to accept as ‘progressive’. Once smitten I undertook to follow and purchase a spate of seriously inventive record albums that Hugh Hopper released and appeared on, namely; Hoppertunity Box, Rogue Element, Soft Heap, Cruel But Fair and Two Rainbows Daily. Throughout these works I found Hugh’s textural bass guitar by turns anchored and animated the music with ample good taste. Here was a rarefied musician who avoided overplaying his instrument in favour of approaches reflecting his personal musical Zen”.

Technically, by processing his bass guitar with fuzz box, flanger, wha-wha, octave pedal effects, his use of tapes loops, and later on computer programming, Hugh constructed multilayer soundscapes with great attention to detail. His creative template embraced aesthetics well beyond the orthodox roles assigned to the bass guitar and its practitioner. As example, Hugh cleverly adapted the time altering effects of the repetitive tapes loops he was creating with two tape recorders in the early sixties – to his bass guitar – by playing such repeating patterns in real time. Furthermore, minimalist mutations and modularity often characterize the rhythmic, harmonic, melodic foundations of Hugh’s musical compositions (many displaying melody lines of uncommon length). These aspects, alongside a brilliant capacity to freely improvise, (dynamically from a whisper to a roar) distinguish Hugh Hopper as a consummate musician of great standing, one who thrived in myriad musical settings”.

This first volume has the strapline “Many Friends” and features a dazzling range of Hopper plus collaborators over a period of some thirty five years.

1. Memories – Hugh Hopper’s Demo with Soft Machine
Hugh Hopper, bass guitar/acoustic guitar;
Mike Ratledge, piano/organ; Robert Wyatt, drums/vocals
Recorded August 6th, 1969. Regent Studios, London, U.K

2. Was A Friend – Hugh Hopper Franglo Band
Patrice Meyer, electric guitar; Pierre Olivier-Govin, saxes;
Hugh Hopper, bass guitar; Francois Verly, drums
Recorded May 29th, 2004. St. Jean-aux-Bois, France

3. Shuffle Demons – North & South
Steve Kettley, tenor saxophone; Paul Flush, keyboards;
Hugh Hopper, bass guitar; Mike Travis, drums/percussion
Recorded August 23rd, 1995. Aberdeen, Scotland

4. Playtime – Hugh Hopper Interprets Alan Gowen
Hugh Hopper – computer programming
Recorded circa 2002. Whitstable, U.K.

5. Debonaire – Hugh Hopper Franglo Band
Patrice Meyer, electric guitar; Pierre Olivier-Govin, saxes;
Hugh Hopper, bass guitar; Francois Verly, drums
Recorded May 29th, 2004. St. Jean-aux-Boix, France

6. MGH – Hugh Hopper & Nigel Morris
Hugh Hopper, fuzz bass; Nigel Morris, drums/percussion
Recorded circa 2002. California and Whitstable, U.K.

7. Long Piece – Hugh Hopper Computer Collage
Hugh Hopper + Many Friends = Many Surprises
Recorded circa 2002. Whitstable, U.K.

For more information: http://www.hugh-hopper.com/

To purchse Hugh Hopper – Memories vol. 1: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15691/Hugh_Hopper-Memories.html

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Hugh Hopper, Press Release

2014/08/31

Classic Rock Ensemble Vespers Nine To Release Debut CD ‘True Story’

By glassonyonpr

Vespers Nine cover

For Immediate Release

Classic Rock Ensemble Vespers Nine To Release Debut CD ‘True Story’

Miami, FL – Much to the excitement of music fans worldwide, classic rock ensemble Vespers Nine will be releasing their eagerly awaited debut CD ‘True Story’ on September 27, 2014. Vespers Nine, a five member premier classic rock band based out of South Florida, launched in late 2012. Made up of well-seasoned musicians, the band is a versatile, high energy rock band, that also writes and performs it’s own original music. Musical influences include Foreigner, Journey, Heart, The Beatles, Queen, Van Halen, Styx, Rush, Metallica and Boston to name only a few.

The entire ‘True Story’ album was recorded at AfterHours Recording Studio, in North Miami, and all songs were produced by the accomplished and renowned music producer, Hal Batt. The recording of the album spanned over the course of several months, with sessions running sometimes as short as several hours, to well up to 12 to 14 hours straight, for several days in a row, in some cases.

Says bassist Gricel Julie Dosal, “There is no cumulative meaning or concept for the CD as a whole other than five musicians coming together for the love of rock music and the inspiration it brings. The desire to form an alliance built primarily as a vehicle that allowed for free creative expression; an outlet for creative energy that each member was searching for, and which made this band’s formation easy. A true labor of love that came together quite naturally. A very inspired and collaborative effort of five individuals with similar musical tastes and influences that lent itself to a seemingly effortless flow of ideas when it came to songwriting. Each song written became a story reflecting the band’s growth and evolution at the time it was written. So in essence, if one had to describe the concept behind the CD, it is essentially the True Story of the group’s desire to write, play and explore music as first and foremost, a labor of love.”

Along with the CD release, Vespers Nine has filmed a new video for the song “Forever Yours”, which is primarily a story of love and hope. It represents a similar theme as does the name of the band, Vespers Nine; that being, everlasting devotion. The video was completely shot in South Florida, by acclaimed filmmaker, David Liz, a native Floridian, as are all of the band members, but one. The storyline was conceptualized by lead singer, John Simon and bassist, Gricel Julie Dosal, with the help of Liz, who together formed a visual message of unending commitment, loyalty, devotion and love.

Watch the video here: http://vespersnine.com/Videos.html

Vespers Nine was recently featured in the PBS television debut episode of ‘The Gig’ – like a local version of VH1’s ‘Behind the Music’ docu-series but without the drama – which began as a four-minute web episode last spring and has evolved into a 30-minute TV program. WPBT is looking to make “The Gig” a full-fledged series next year. Cameras capture band members laying tracks in a North Miami recording studio, where they explain how Heart, Metallica and Toto became their musical influences. (If you’re wondering about the band’s name, members explain that it came from a poem by S.T. Coleridge.)

Gricel explains, “During one recording session, a local PBS television show titled ‘The Gig’ was filmed in studio, highlighting Vespers Nine, which was used to create the pilot for the series designed to showcase up and coming musical talent. The show featured Vespers Nine, with shots of the band laying down tracks to the songs ‘Heart Wide Open’ and ‘Waiting For You’, as well as interviews and a subsequent performance before a live studio audience shot at a later date.”

Vespers Nine features:

JOHN SIMON (Lead and background vocalist), a seasoned musician fronting the band’s lead vocals, offers an amazing full range voice and brings an ability to sing just about anything to the band. His versatility, vocal power and control allows the group to do a wide range of musical styles, while always maintaining a rock feel. John is also an accomplished drummer and percussionist.

JAMES MARTINEZ (Lead and rhythm guitarist, background vocalist), is also a well seasoned player who, with his wealth of live performance experience, adds his unique playing style that includes fierce solos, and everything from heavy crunch rhythm parts, to haunting clean sounds – running the gauntlet of guitar. All in all, James incorporates a dazzling array of guitar techniques and sheer intensity into the songs that he has written or collaborated on. His facility on the fretboard brings about piercing and emotive soloing that is nothing less than captivating. James also adds harmony vocals to Vespers Nine during live performances.

JESSE RIVAS (Lead and rhythm guitarist), also a well-seasoned guitarist, is known for his ability to blend heavy, intense guitars with melodically nuanced song structure. Well versed in music, through his formal musical education, Jesse’s playing is both intense and dramatic, with fast tempos and harmonized leads, but he can just as easily streamline to a more commercial and expressive range. This versatility shows in his broad writing and playing style that lends itself well to a band that enjoys covering many stylistic bases.

GRICEL JULIE DOSAL (Bass player, lead vocalist and background vocalist), brings years of live performance, writing and studio recording experience to the band. Gricel’s playing brings a groove, tightness and melody to the band with her emphasis on time and feel that helps bond the rhythm foundation. Her style locks easily in with the drums and always effectively bridges that gap between guitars and drums. Gricel’s playing locks in a solid groove helping to keep the band’s impeccable time and sets the foundation for the other melodic instruments. As a second lead vocalist, Gricel (younger sister to lead vocalist, John Simon) adds her own particular vocal style and range, along with her own distinct resonance when taking on the occasional lead vocals. However, being the younger sibling of the lead vocalist, it’s the background harmony vocals which are a highlight of the group. Due primarily to the fact that natural sibling compatibility works extremely well with vocals harmonies, Vespers Nine enjoys a genuine advantage with well-blended vocal harmonies.

GEORGE DOSAL (Drummer and percussionist), brings extensive knowledge from his many years in cover and original bands, along with much studio and live performance experience. His diverse and distinct style is formed from a variety of influences that range from rock, hard rock, progressive rock, jazz, Latin and everything in between. George is highly adaptable to any and all styles of rock, which allows for his ability to layer styles and add flavor to the band’s music; he is an integral part of the Vespers Nine sound.

In support of the ‘True Story’ CD release, Vespers Nine is currently writing new original material to record in-studio, in preparation for future shows. In closing Gricel has this to impart, “Very simply, we wish to remind people that although the world has its myriad of problems and there is no lack of negativity, our music generally strives to bring a message of hope, strength and inspiration. The underlying message always being to never cease the desire to search for the source of your ambitions and always keep the faith in whatever you do.”

Vespers Nine CD Release Party!

On Saturday, September 27th, 2014, Vespers Nine will be hosting a CD release party concert for ‘True Story’, which will feature Jack Russell’s Great White, Guest Star, Liverpool’s Phil Kenzie (Recording and Touring Artist From The Beatles, Eagles, Rod Stewart, Al Stewart etc. Credited to over 130 top charted albums). Plus, Special Guests Appearances!

Proceeds to benefit The Bicol Clinic Foundation Boca Raton, Florida. With two clinics in the Philippines, the BICOL CLINIC FOUNDATION founded by local physician, Dr. Mitchell Schuster, is dedicated to providing medical care and disaster relief services to villages and rural areas worldwide. In addition to the Philippines, Dr. Schuster and his disaster relief team through their missions have reached and served those in the Philippines, Nepal, Niger, Somalia and Sri Lanka.

Hosting the event is South Florida’s Classic Rock & Clear Channels own Andy Preston.

Tickets may be purchased at http://www.seasidemusicmgmt.com or at the door, day of event.
Where: Crest Theater, 51 N. Swinton Ave Delray Beach, Florida
When: Saturday, September 27th, 2014 from 8-11pm – After Party (Ocean Breeze Room) 11-12pm

To purchase Vesper Nine’s ‘True Story’ CD:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/vespersnine1

For more information: http://vespersnine.com/

Management:
SeaSide Music Management
http://www.seasidemusicmgmt.com
561-350-3867

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Vespers Nine