Author Archives: glassonyonpr

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!

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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

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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

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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

2014/08/30

UK Punk Legends The Vibrators Get Back To Their Roots With Their Newest Album Punk Mania!

By glassonyonpr

2009 Vibrators med res

For Immediate Release

UK Punk Legends The Vibrators Get Back To Their Roots With Their Newest Album Punk Mania!

Los Angeles, CA – The Vibrators, one of the only surviving UK punk bands from the class of 1977, make a storming return on fully charged batteries, bringing us Punk Mania – Back To The Roots, set to be released September 16th on Cleopatra Records! 14 killer reminders (plus 3 more on the CD) as to why Knox, Eddie & Co. have built a long, successful career on their razor sharp riffs and rousing hooks!

Check out the infectious rockers “Blackout,” “I Wish I Had A Gun,” and the neo-classic “Love Like Diamonds.” The CD version adds 3 bonus tracks including a rip roaring version of the Flamin’ Groovies classic “Slow Death” and lots more! Punk Mania – Back To The Roots stays true to its name. Expertly produced and mixed by original bassist Pat Collier, and featuring guest guitar on 5 tracks by Nicky Garratt of The UK Subs.

The band’s North American tour kicks off September 11th. Don’t miss them!

Punk Mania CD track list:
1. Retard
2. Blackout
3. Love Like Diamonds
4. No Sweat
5. Bleed To Death
6. The Ohio
7. She’s A Girl
8. Rats
9. Turn The Radio On
10. Harness
11. Just Be True
12. The Other Foot
13. I Wish I Had A Gun
14. Fix
BONUS TRACKS
15. Slow Death
16. Get Me A Beer
17. On My Way To Hell

The Vibrators 2014 USA Tour:

Thu. 11 Sept. POMONA (CA), Characters
Fri. 12 Sept. VENTURA (CA), Billy O’s
Sat. 13 Sept. LOS ANGELES (CA), Airliner
Sun. 14 Sept. SALENAS (CA), Casa Sorrento
Mon. 15 Sept. FRESNO (CA), Elverano
Wed. 17 Sept. SACRAMENTO (CA), Cafe Colonial
Thu. 18 Sept. SAN FRANCISCO (CA), Parkside
Fri. 19 Sept. RENO (NV), Ground Zero
Sat. 20 Sept. PORTLAND (OREGON), Flabtown
Sun. 21 Sept. SEATTLE (WA), Studio 7
Wed. 24 Sept. OMAHA (NE), Brothers
Thu. 25 Sept. MINNEAPOLIS (MN), The Cause
Fri. 26 Sept. LOMBARD (IL), Brauer House
Sat. 27 Sept. CHICAGO (IL), Red Line Tap
Sun. 28 Sept. MILWAUKE (WI), Charters
Mon. 29 Sept. DES MOINES (IA), Vaudeville Mews
Tue. 30 Sept. MISHAWAKA (IN), Smith’s Downtown
Wed. 1 Oct. PITTSBURG (PA), Belvedere’s
Thu. 2 Oct. CLEVELAND (OH), That’s Class
Fri. 3 Oct. LONG BRANCH (NJ), Brighton Bar
Sat. 4 Oct. BROOKLYN (NJ), Trash Bar
Sun. 5 Oct. BOSTON (MA), Midway Cafe
Mon. 6 Oct. PHILADELPHIA (PA), Dobb’s
Tue. 7 Oct. MURFSBORO (NC), Zakk’s
Thu. 9 Oct. BIRMINGHAM (AL), Zydeco
Fri. 10 Oct. ST. PETERSBURG (FL), Fubar
Sat. 11 Oct.MIAMI (FL), Churchill’s
Sun. 12 Oct. JACKSONVILLE (FL), Jack Rabbit’s
Wed. 15 Oct. NEW ORLEANS (LA), Siberia
Thu. 16 Oct. HOUSTON (TX), E. Downtown Warehouse
Fri. 17 Oct. DALLAS (TX), Three Links
Sat. 18 Oct. AUSTIN (TX), The Parlor
Sun. 19 Oct. TULSA (OK), The Yeti
Tue. 21 Oct. MIDLAND (TX), Blue Max
Thu. 23 Oct. PHOENIX (AZ), George + Dragon
Fri. 24 Oct. LAS VEGAS (NV), Double Down
Sat. 25 Oct. LONG BEACH (CA), Alex’s Bar
Sun. 26 Oct. LOS ANGELES (CA), Redwood Bar

To order the CD on Amazon: http://geni.us/1Sg0
To order the digital version on iTunes: http://geni.us/3P0P

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, The Vibrators

2014/08/29

Rolling Stone Interview with Terry Bozzio

By glassonyonpr

2014-TERRY-BOZZIO-Press-Photo-photo-by-André-OzgaDSC1193-1024x682
André Ogza

Zappa Drum Legend Terry Bozzio on Touring the World’s Largest Tuned Kit
The Missing Persons/Fantômas/Korn pounder hitting 40 American dates playing giant, melodic kit

BY CHRISTOPHER R. WEINGARTEN | August 26, 2014

Terry Bozzio — one of rock drumming’s most formidable and brain-circuiting forces — is currently touring America, playing solo dates on “the world’s largest tuned drum and percussion set.” Best known as the hurricane behind Frank Zappa’s late-Seventies and early-Eighties work, and the hit-maker behind new wave powerhouse Missing Persons, Bozzio, 63, is hoping to shed his reputation as technical solo shredder. Following successful tours in Europe and Japan, “An Evening With Terry Bozzio,” is the first time he’s touring a melodic solo percussion performance in North America — hitting 40 dates, playing on two-and-a-half octaves of tuned tom-toms and eight notes of bass drum. We caught up with him to ask the drumming legend exactly how he’s lugging this thing across America.

How are you doing?
Man, I’m in hell right now!

Do tell…
I’m on my way to San Diego for the first gig of the big tour here and we snapped a serpentine belt in my SUV, so we’re trying to find a garage to fix it in and make the gig on time.

So, wait, are you doing this tour in your own SUV?
Yeah, I always do that. We tow a trailer with my drums — it’s me, my wife, and my tech — and that’s how we do it.

So this is your first solo tour of America doing this?
Yeah. Essentially for me, personally, it’s like doing same thing, different day; it’s just packaging. My problem’s always been how to market myself, so now I have a booking agent and a press guy who’s come to bat for me and they believes in me. The idea of a solo drummer is a difficult thing to get across to people. They think of the thrashing and bashing of a typical rock-concert drum solo. And what I do is not that [laughs]. So, basically, I’ve been doing the same type of playing under the guise of a drum and cymbal commercial for 25 years — maybe 30 years now — for Sabian or Drum Workshop drums. And what I’m doing now is taking it to a more public level.

It certainly got our attention more than a drum clinic would…
So, what I do, is my drums are tuned to chromatic and diatonic pitches and I have, I guess, I have two and a half, three octaves or so of notes to play on the toms. And then I have the eight different white notes of the piano as my bass drums. So I’m able to accompany myself much the same way a pianist would — with his left hand playing the bass notes and the right hand soloing against it. And that’s how I approach the drum-set. It’s very melodic, it’s compositional — it’s also improvisational — but I improvise in a compositional matter, it’s not just patterns and shredding and crap that you go, “Man, this guy does that perfectly. If on only if it meant something, you know?” L.A., it seems, has a glut of those kind of players that are just really enviable in their technique but don’t really say much, or maybe they don’t want to something that would make a producer not hire them for a session. So, for myself, it’s a pretty much a complete musical statement on the drums, and it doesn’t lose the primitive and the bashing and that fiery rock stuff that happens on the drum set. Otherwise, I’d just be a pianist or a marimba player.

It’s kind of a neat thing that it’s happened this year in the States because this is the 50th anniversary of my first drum lesson. It’s kind of neat how life and fate all work together, and here I am sitting in a broken car, sweating, hoping I’ll make the first gig. [laughs]

For the rest of the interview, please visit the Rolling Stone website!

Leave a comment | posted in Interview, Terry Bozzio

2014/08/27

Virgil Guitars Makes Unprecedented Leap On Kickstarter

By glassonyonpr

Virgil guitar image 4

For Immediate Release

Virgil Guitars Makes Unprecedented Leap On Kickstarter

Tampa, FL – An artist and guitarist since the 1970’s, Virgil Mandanici set out to make guitars that would be exceptional in tone and playability first and foremost. After 35 years of playing guitar, he decided it was time to craft guitars that would feel, play and look better than anything anyone has ever played before – thus Virgil Guitars was born! As a master craftsman, Virgil has drawn his building career from several luthiers over the past several years to make these incredible guitars. The inlay and appointments on his guitars are simply a testament to his attention to detail.

Says Virgil, “After playing guitar for over 35 years, I knew what I was looking for in tone and how a neck should feel and had been willing to go to any length to achieve the ‘perfect’ guitar fit for myself, and ironically, other players. On certain models, they come with a DVD that shows the birth of my guitars starting out with a chunk of wood all the way to a music video – I do every step of this process by myself, in-house. Since they are “One-offs”, there will NEVER be two guitars alike, so all owners of a Virgil Guitar will have their own unique tone and feel. I also make different guitars to fit different budgets, since most players to not want too much ornamental appointments on their guitars”.

Virgil’s 1st guitar, the “Dueling Dragons” was featured in the September 2013 issue of Guitar World (http://www.guitarworld.com/it-might-get-weird-mandanici-s-best-friend-virgil-dueling-dragons-guitar ) and he did quite well selling the guitar to a collector in 2012 for $17,000.00 USD. Virgil has made 17 guitars to-date, making each one totally unique of the others.

Virgil had experienced a slowdown in sales over the past year as so many other builders have in the custom guitar building industry and decided to take a different approach. “I had spent my first few years as a builder developing my skills and spending most of my profits on state-of-the-art equipment, processes and supplies to build up an inventory but this year, things have slowed down so much, I wasn’t able to allocate any monies towards advertising.” says Virgil. In comes “Kickstarter”. Virgil saw an opportunity to get his name out there and get busy making at least something via a Kickstarter campaign.

Kickstarter is one of several “public funding” websites that is an all-or-nothing system to raise moneys to achieve a specific monetary goal and usually has people offering items for visitors to make “pledges”. Virgil launched his campaign on August 7th, 2014 and within the first 48 hours of the campaign he not only reached his goal, but jumped up to a whopping 210% of his goal of $5000. This was due to an anonymous person pledging to a $10,000.00 guitar that includes 12 frets of inlay and a round trip plane ticket to pick up the guitar next year. Says Virgil “We were ecstatic! I about fell over seeing things excel so early on in the campaign and we have had an overwhelming response to all of the things I am making for people with pledges starting at only $1 to help me reach my dreams and get these guitars known by the world. I am making wood guitar picks, fretboard key chains and my original ‘Fretboxes’, offering guitars that start at $2600 – oh, and 2- $10,000 guitar builds!”

Virgil’s Kickstarter campaign ends on September 6th, 2014 and he has been getting people to commit to his project because they believe in what he’s doing and agree that the guitars he builds really need to be seen by the world. As of the writing of this article, Virgil’s campaign was at 260% of goal and he’s still pushing for the stars.

Here is the link to his Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/virgilguitars/this-is-virgil-guitars

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

Contact info:
Virgil Mandanici
Virgil Guitars
813-695-3860
virgil@virgilguitars.com
http://www.virgilguitars.com
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/virgilguitars
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VirgilGuitars
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VirgilGuitar

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Virgil Guitars

2014/08/27

Rockshot Interview with Jon Anderson

By glassonyonpr

Jon Anderson by Tami Freed
Jon Anderson Press Photos. Images not for sale. (Tami Freed)

INTERVIEW: JON ANDERSON. CREATING NEW SPIRIT.
AUGUST 23, 2014 by TIM PRICE

On a cool English afternoon Tim Price, connected with the legendary Jon Anderson in a sunny California. We learn how a new project with violinist extraordinaire, Jean-Luc Ponty, became a Kickstarter campaign. We delve into the works of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, King Crimson and Yes and the historical content continues as two towns who helped to create history as founders of Association Football* in 1888 are discussed. We also hear about sport being the inspiration for a classic song. We may just have the answer to all those mysterious lyrics.

Jon, I am calling you at your home in LA from here in the Black Country, UK, heartlands and home of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club (Wolves).

Never heard of them! Hah, I think they used to have a goalkeeper called Farm in the 50’s

Wolves were one of the 12 founding members of the English Soccer League, as were Accrington Stanley where you were born in 1944. On a similar note Robert Plant is Vice President of Wolves; do you envisage involvement in the same way at ‘Stanley’?

I am with them in spirit all the time and I’ve got my Accrington Stanley Football Shirt in the closet which I wear now and again!

Unfortunately, Jon, Accrington are currently bottom of the English Football League right now and they even had their football boots nicked out of the dressing room after their last game, so it is a pretty bad state of affairs!

Well, it’s the story of my life!

Talking about sport, the song Going For The One which is solely an Anderson composition, didn’t the idea for the lyrics originally come from when you were watching the horse racing on Grandstand a BBC Sport TV show?

Yes Siree! It was about Horse Racing, Golf, all types of sport and how sport keeps us on edge, and going for it, you want your favourite team to win, every horse to win, every golfer to win, in their subconscious millions of people will watch one game in the hope that one team wins and the other team looses and all the collective energy that people put into watching sport, it is just so cool.

Going For The One, is probably one of Yes’s faster and most shrill tracks and difficult to do really, Steve Howe even said that, but I would imagine this is an ideal track for Jean-Luc Ponty to take on with his electric violin and your new band, what do you think?

I will definitely think about that one.

For the rest of the interview, please visit the Rockshot website!

Leave a comment | posted in Interview, Jon Anderson

2014/08/22

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Robert Levon Been Pays Tribute To Late Father’s Legendary Band The Call!

By glassonyonpr

The Call cover

For Immediate Release

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Robert Levon Been Pays Tribute To Late Father’s Legendary Band The Call!

Los Angeles, CA – Much to the excitement of music fans worldwide, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s Robert Levon Been pays tribute to his late father, Michael Been, with an unforgettable live performance fronting his father’s legendary band The Call in the upcoming live DVD / CD ‘The Call Live Tribute With Robert Levon Been’ (available September 2nd, 2014 via Label Records/Lightyear/Caroline).

“It’s difficult to sum up what this show meant to me, but it was also just such a natural primal reaction to wanting to share the music and the joy we felt playing these songs together with more than just the 4 of us. The very first time i played with Scott, Dickie, and Jim in rehearsal together there was such an overwhelming love for the songs and the spirit that it couldn’t just end there. We had to take it as far as we could go, to create an echo that would carry us all.’ – Robert Levon Been

“What a joy it has been to reconnect with the band and the fans. I don’t know how Robert pulled this off, but there were times during the show that I was not sure what year it was” – Jim Goodwin

Check out the premiere of the video for “I Still Believe”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzlNMBFEakg

While The Call (Michael Been, Tom Ferrier, Jim Goodwin and Scott Musick) got their official start in Santa Cruz, CA in 1979, its roots as a band go back to Michael Been’s childhood in Oklahoma City, where seeing Elvis Presley perform on television changed the course of his life. That early interest in musical performance inspired his career, from the very beginning performing at the age of seven on local radio and television programs, to his eventual move to Chicago at the age of 16, where he was drawn into the blues scene by Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Junior Parker. Been eventually made his way to California, where he connected with drummer Scott Musick, as well as Tom Ferrier (guitar, vocals) and Jim Goodwin (keyboards, vocals) to form The Call.

Despite having their initial demos rejected by all the major labels, the band found themselves in demand by nearly every major producer in America. The Call’s debut album was ultimately produced by Hugh Padgham (David Bowie, The Police) and the band were suddenly opening acts for major artists including Peter Gabriel and Simple Minds.

The Call were signed to Mercury, Elektra and MCA, and released seven critically acclaimed albums over the next eight years, featuring several iconic hit songs including “Let The Day Begin” and “I Still Believe (Great Design).” In 1997, after a seven year break, the band reformed to release the album Heaven & Back, before disbanding once more. Michael Been began serving as sound engineer for his son Robert Levon Been’s band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, but passed away from a heart attack while working backstage at the 2010 Pukkelpop festival in Belgium.

Now after twenty years, The Call reunited at legendary Los Angeles venue The Troubador and gave an incredible live performance with Robert Levon Been stepping into his father’s role and joining Musick, Ferrier and Goodwin for the one-of-a-kind event. For Robert – who grew up going out on the road with The Call anytime he had a break from school – the performance offered the chance to honor his musical legacy and perform nearly a dozen and a half songs from the band’s esteemed catalog. And for original members Musick, Ferrier and Goodwin, the show allowed them the opportunity to honor their friend and their own musical legacy while revisiting a bond they thought was gone forever.

“The Call was always about a deep spiritual connection and an examination of life from an intense personal perspective. Now, we have the son doing a tribute to his father that has taken it to a new level…a truly joyous noise after a 25 year silence.” – Jim Goodwin

‘The Call Live Tribute With Robert Levon Been’ will be available as a DVD+CD Deluxe Set on September 2nd 2014 and will also be available on CD, 180 gram double vinyl, and digitally (with 5 extra bonus tracks).

Preview the trailer for the release here: http://youtu.be/THtDzZY1ogs

http://www.the-call-band.com/

To purchase:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1q1psz3
iTunes: http://bit.ly/V8y526
Vinyl: http://amzn.to/1sFJPGL

Outside US & Canada:
http://smarturl.it/TheCallAmzn
https://itunes.apple.com/album/id901579778 (Deluxe)
https://itunes.apple.com/album/id902718374 (Standard)

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

Lightyear Entertainment
4011 Alcove Avenue
Studio City, CA 91604
ph: 818 855 1318
fx: 818 855 1320
mail@lightyear.com

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Robert Levon Been

2014/08/21

“Sin City – A Dame To Kill For” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack To Be Released

By glassonyonpr

Sin City 2 BkletCover

For Immediate Release

“Sin City – A Dame To Kill For” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack To Be Released

Camarillo, CA – Movie aficionados and soundtrack buffs are ecstatic with the release of “Sin City – A Dame to Kill For” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on CD by Marshall Blonstein’s Morada Music. “Sin City – A Dame To Kill For” is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2005 international smash, “Sin City”. “Sin City” grossed 74 million dollars in the U.S. and 158 million dollars worldwide. The new film is directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller and follows the neo-noir crime action that made “Sin City” a great success.

The soundtrack is produced, composed and performed by Robert Rodriguez and Carl Thiel with a special Bonus track titled “Skin City” with vocals by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.

The film stars Jessica Alba, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Ray Liotta, Josh Brolin, Powers Boothe, Rosario Dawson, Stacy Keach, Lady GaGa, Juno Temple, Crystal McCahill and Eva Green among others.

The CD booklet contains a stunning selection of movie stills and character photos including the now infamous Eva Green poster image that has been banned by the Motion Picture Association of America’s censors as inappropriate and “too racy” to be displayed in theaters.

Rodríguez has directed many groundbreaking film sagas and box office winners that have gone on to cult status beginning with “El Mariachi,” “Desperado,” “From Dusk ‘Til Dawn” and the “Spy Kids” movies.

Frank Miller is best known for his dark comic book stories and graphic novels.

TITLE: “Sin City – A Dame to Kill For” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
ARTIST: Robert Rodriguez & Carl Thiel including Steven Tyler on “Skin City”.
Street Date: August 19, 2014

For more information: http://www.audiofidelity.net/content/sin-city-dame-kill

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

Leave a comment | posted in Uncategorized