Guitar Legend Steve Hillage Releases ‘Live At The Rainbow 1977’ CD
London, UK – Steve Hillage is one of the most idiosyncratic and instantly recognizable guitarists in the world. Associated with the Canterbury scene, he has worked in experimental domains since the late 1960s. Besides his critically acclaimed solo recordings, along with prog legends Gong, Steve has been a member of the ensembles Khan and System 7. And now, much to the excitement of Steve Hillage fans worldwide, Gonzo MultiMedia UK has released ‘Steve Hillage – Live At The Rainbow 1977’ CD on June 23, 2014!
Says Steve, “I’m really happy to finally release this full live recording – it’s amazing how sharp and fresh it still sounds today!”
Steve Hillage first came to prominence as a member of the multi-national rock band Gong. Steve appeared on successful albums such as ‘Angels Egg’, ‘You’ and his final album with the band ‘Shamal’. Steve recorded his first solo album in 1975 entitled ‘Fish Rising’. This album was recorded whilst still a member of Gong. Shortly after however, Steve and his partner Miquette Giraudy left Gong embarking on a career that continues to this day under the name System 7.
In 1976 Steve recorded the album ‘L’, which was produced by Todd Rundgren. The album was a huge success and Steve subsequently formed the first Steve Hillage Band, which included former Jethro Tull drummer Clive Bunker and future Camel bassist Colin Bass. The band made its live debut at the Hyde Park concert staged by Queen in September 1976.
From 1976 to 1979, Steve Hillage released several critically acclaimed albums and toured the world. This album shows the guitar icon at the top of his game, playing a classic show at the Rainbow Theatre in London in 1977 featuring songs from the album ‘Motivation Radio’, which was the follow up to ‘L’, and an amazing American rhythm section. It contains glorious, life affirming music, which is as spiritual and uplifting now as it was when recorded nearly 40 years ago.
Tracks:
Octave Doctors
It’s All Too Much
Light In The Sky
Radio
Electrick Gypsies
The Salmon Song
Solar Musick Suite (Part 2)
Motivation
Saucer Surfing
Searching For The Spark
Hurdy Gurdy Man
Steve currently sees his System 7, Mirror System, and Steve Hillage Band entities as operating in parallel and has been writing some new rock-based material for a possible Steve Hillage Band album for release in 2014/15. System 7 and Japanese psychedelic progressive jam-band ROVO released a new CD in September 2013. To hear samples of the new album: http://rovoandsystem7.bandcamp.com/
Mike Ragogna: Edgar, there’s a new album, Superstars Of Classic Rock Honor The Music & Legacy Of The Doors, and you played on “The Crystal Ship” with Chris Spedding. How did you get invited and what do you think of this project?
Edgar Winter: I think The Doors are one of the classic groups, and I think we’re all tempted to feel like the time in which we grew up was somehow special, but I really do believe that there were two golden eras in music: The forties and fifties of big band, jazz and swing, and the sixties and seventies of rock. To me, they’re really unparalleled. I was not that familiar with The Doors on the east coast, they were more of a west coast band. I’m from Texas originally and I moved to New York right out of high school and lived there for twenty plus years until my wife Monique and I moved out here to California. So I’m a New York Texan living in Beverly Hills. When the Doors thing came along “Crystal Ship” was still available, and that was one of my favorites so I said, “Hey, I’m in.”
MR: How did this Chris Spedding collaboration happen?
EW: With the modern miracle of Pro Tools all of these things usually end up happening without the usual interaction between musicians. That track was already done and sent to me, I loaded it into Pro Tools and did it. It’s not as glamorous of a story as I’m sure you’d like to hear, but that is the truth of the matter.
New Tribute To Pink Floyd Founder Syd Barrett By Garden Music Project To Be Released July 7, 2014
‘Inspired By Syd Barrett’s Artwork’ – The New Debut Album By Garden Music Project
London, UK – Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd fans rejoice! On July 7, 2014 AR Garden Records, via Cherry Red will release the debut album by the Garden Music Project, which features music inspired by the paintings by PINK FLOYD founder SYD BARRETT. ‘Inspired By Syd Barrett’s Artwork’ is a unique masterpiece of 12 tracks that truly reflect the early artistic concept of Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett and his music legacy in modern times. The release will coincide with the eighth anniversary of Syd Barrett’s passing in 2006.
The music on this release can be best described as an epic interpretation of Syd Barrett’s paintings using Synesthesia perceptions. This music venture was created by Adriana Rubio. All the music was written by Adriana Rubio and Alexander Ditzend. The band features Alexander Ditzend (guitars & lead singing), Stefan Ditzend (bass guitar & saxophone), Nicolás Saganías (drums & percussion), and Fabrizio Gamba (keyboards & synthesizers).
Says Adriana, “I was born a Synesthete and for a long time I liked the idea of making a CD album using Synesthesia perceptions as a new way to compose music. Syd Barrett’s paintings are the key to this as he’s been the inspirational muse to make it happen.
“Syd was very sensitive of Synesthesia color-sound shifts onstage and in studio sessions, and it is mainly linked to his passion for painting. For the most part he was a visual artist, and I dare to say that even though he was retired from the music scene, he continued making music through painting as he had the ability to ‘hear colors’ and ‘see music notes’ through painting.
“As the project creator myself, I started digging into Syd’s colored paintings and even into black and white drawings to visualize the music notes and hear them through the intensity of their colors. To start with, I wrote the basic music lines of three songs which were discussed with the band members Alexander Ditzend (guitars & lead singing), Stefan Ditzend (bass & saxophone), Nicolás Saganías (drums & percussion) and Fabrizio Gamba (keyboards & synthesizers) to taste the waters. It worked out great!”
The full length album was recorded, mixed and mastered at Casa Frida Studios in March 2014 – a Tribute to Syd Barrett’s paintings and music legacy!
Track Listing:
1. GARDEN
2. SQUARES, LINES & POLYGONS
3. ISOLATION
4. TRANSFORMATION
5. BULLYING
6. MY LADIES
7. LEAVING HOME
8. CRIME SCENE (To the memory of Doctor Arthur Barrett)
9. COLISEUM
10. TOUR BUS
11. BRIDGE
12. SELF PORTRAIT
The Lost Album From Early ‘70s Prog-Fusion Band The Flock
Finally Sees Light Of Day!
Los Angeles, CA – Nearly lost to the sands of time, a recently discovered set of vintage ‘70s recordings from Chicago-based jazz-rock ensemble The Flock will finally be released as Heaven Bound – The Lost Album on July 22 through Cleopatra Records imprint Purple Pyramid! These never-before-released recordings feature founding Flock members Fred Glickstein (vocals, guitar), Ron Karpman (drums), and Jerry Smith (bass) on what could have been the band’s magnificent fourth album.
The Flock were one of the most adventurous bands in the jazz/fusion music scene of the ‘70s alongside Chicago and Blood Sweat & Tears, well known for featuring violin great Jerry Goodman (later of Mahavishnu Orchestra) on the band’s first two Columbia Records albums – 1969’s self-titled debut and 1970’s Dinosaur Swamps. After Goodman left, a reformed Flock released Inside Out on Mercury Records in 1975, and though the band was dropped from the label shortly thereafter, Glickstein and Karpman continued to write and record together, with Smith popping in every now and again, in anticipation of a new recording contract. No such deal ever materialized, however, and so those recordings were shelved away for safe keeping, never released…until now!
Glickstein, speaking on behalf of the entire Flock, offers these words in honor of this momentous release: “We are all very lucky to have had that happy musical trip and the chance to entertain people in the US and Europe. A special thanks to everyone at Cleopatra Records for helping this project become a reality and for keeping the spirit of the Flock alive.”
Featuring dynamic musicianship, rich vocal harmonies and the unmistakable warm fuzz of vintage ‘70s guitar on such standout tunes as “Heaven Bound,” “Don’t You Know (Who I Am),” and “Love Away,” this collection will not only keep the spirit of Flock alive but also the spirit of superbly crafted classic rock!
1. Heaven Bound
2. The Bells
3. Reasons
4. Crying Out / The Voice
5. Don’t You Know (Who I Am)
6. Makes It All Worthwhile
7. Noise Boys
8. Mama
9. Rolling With The Clones
10. Love Away
11. C’mon Let’s Walk
12. Be Strong and Survive
13. The Christos Jig
14. The Test
15. Outroduction
Audio Fidelity To Release Renaissance’s Legendary Prog Album ‘Scheherazade and other stories’ On Limited Numbered Hybrid SACD
“One of the signature albums of 1970’s progressive rock!”
Camarillo, CA – Prog fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement over the forthcoming release of Renaissance’s legendary Prog album ‘Scheherazade and other stories’ by Marshall Blonstein’s Audio Fidelity on limited numbered Hybrid SACD. 1975’s ‘Scheherazade and other stories’ is a beautifully crafted album, expertly sung and played by Renaissance. The recording is filled with lush, orchestral progressive pop-rock and considered by many music critics to be their best album. Unlike other prog-rock groups, Renaissance eschewed much of the technology in favor of acoustic instruments and orchestral arrangements. Electric guitars and synthesizers were seldom used, giving the band’s music more of a symphonic sweep.
“The group’s magnum opus – The music is absolutely stunning!”
Renaissance is a band that went through various permutations, the best known being the line up featured here and they shine throughout the album: Annie Haslam’s soaring, pure vocals, John Tout’s considerable piano prowess, Jon Camp’s imaginative bass, Michael Dunford on guitar and Terence Sullivan on drums.
The work is unique because it represents a rare example of musical collaboration between Dunford and the rest of the group. Dunford and lyricist Betty Thatcher wrote the three vocal sections, keyboard player John Tout wrote the opening fanfare and fugue sections, with bass player Jon Camp working with Dunford and Tout on the other sections. The orchestrations were arranged by Tony Cox.
There are only four pieces on the album: “Trip To The Fair” is a heavenly 11-minute dreamscape. “The Vultures Fly High” is a short but very effective prog-rocker. “Ocean Gypsy” is a gorgeous song, and one of the band’s all-time classics. And then, of course, there’s the 25-minute, nine-part epic, “Song Of Scheherazade,” one of the highlights of rock history featuring the prog icon’s unique interpretation of the Scheherazade legend accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra and a chorus. The classical tale is told about the Sultan and the magical woman, Scheherazade, who ultimately wins his heart.
Aficionados of classical music will also appreciate the album.
TRACKS:
1-Trip to the Fair – 10:51
2-The Vultures Fly High – 3:04
3-Ocean Gypsy – 7:05
4-Song of Scheherazade – 24:39
i. Fanfare
ii. The Betrayal
iii. The Sultan
iv. Love Theme
v. The Young Prince and Princess
as told by Scheherazade
vi. Festival Preparations
vii. Fugue for the Sultan
viii. The Festival
ix. Finale
Produced by Renaissance
Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio
Guitar Legend Carl Verheyen of Supertramp Releases New CD ‘Mustang Run’ Feat. Simon Phillips, Chad Wackerman, Jerry Goodman and Bill Evans
“Carl is known as a studio guitar player but he’s much more than that. His records have the great feel of a live player. He plays with a lot of feeling” – John Fogerty
Los Angeles, CA – Much to the excitement of guitar players and Supertramp fans worldwide, guitarist Carl Verheyen has released his new CD ‘Mustang Run’. In his 40-plus years of playing the instrument, Carl Verheyen has created a wildly successful, multi-faceted career. He is a critically-acclaimed musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer and educator with 11 CDs and two live DVDs released worldwide. Carl is commonly regarded as a guitar virtuoso capable of playing any style of music with remarkable mastery and conviction. He has been one of LA’s elite “first call” session players for the past 25 years, playing on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks and television shows. Carl has graced the pages of countless industry publications and been the subject of numerous articles chronicling his rise to the forefront of the modern day guitar scene.
Says Carl about his new CD release, “My goal was to break out of the mold of Carl Verheyen Band CDs and do a progressive instrumental album. I wanted the opportunity to weave thick textures of sound using dozens of instruments and tones. My motivation was the sheer joy of hearing those sounds in the air!”
“We’ve been friends for many years and Carl has always amazed me with his versatility and technique. He’s a fine player.” – Albert Lee
Carl has won numerous polls and musical honors in the US, Germany, France, Italy and the UK. A member of the smash hit British rock group Supertramp since 1985, Carl has played to millions of enthusiastic fans in sold out arenas worldwide. As the creative force behind The Carl Verheyen Band, he has released an impressive and eclectic discography that showcases his endless talents across a wide array of musical genres. Carl’s musical influences are just as diverse and range from George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Alvin Lee, Leslie West to Miles Davis, John Mclaughlin, Steve Morse, Chet Atkins and Andy Summers, among others.
“Every time I start to feel good about my playing and general overall knowledge of the guitar, I will get together with Carl and see truly how far I have to go. I am proud to call him my friend. A master of the guitar and a hellava nice guy to boot.” – Joe Bonamassa
‘Mustang Run’ features performances by some extraordinary musicians, which includes Simon Phillips, Chad Wackerman, Jerry Goodman, Bill Evans, Jimmy Johnson, Stuart Hamm, and Gregg Bissonette. In regards to the assortment of legendary music artists that grace his new release, Carl explains, “My previous CD called ‘Trading 8s’ was a collaboration with some of my guitar player friends. I had Robben Ford, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Morse, Scott Henderson, Albert Lee and Rick Vito trading solos with me. On ‘Mustang Run’ I wanted that inspiration to come from the rhythm section, so I called different bass players and drummers to suit the songs. I love to play with musicians that I have a deep musical relationship with, because the studio scene in LA breeds hundreds of ‘casual’ musical relationships. The great players on ‘Mustang Run’ are all friends that I’ve known and performed with for years.”
“Carl Verheyen is a REAL guitar player!” – Robben Ford
A much sought after studio musician, Carl plays on other artists’ CDs whenever his busy schedule permits. He has recorded and played with a virtual who’s who of the music industry. His vast collection of movie soundtrack and television credits are enviable. Carl was heard by 67, 000,000 people as a featured soloist at the 2009 Academy Awards. He will also be heavily featured in the forthcoming film documentary about the electric guitar, ‘Turn It UP!’
“Carl is a true pro and a great player/musician. He can do anything, and as one who is supposed to do this, me (ha-ha), Carl comes through with heart and soul and is really not only an awesome musician but a really good guy. That counts ALOT in this biz, especially these days.” – Steve Lukather
On the educational front, Carl has produced two instructional videos called ‘Intervallic Rock Guitar’ and ‘Forward Motion’ as well as various on-line lessons. He also has a book/CD detailing his unique “intervallic” style called ‘Improvising Without Scales’. Another book entitled ‘Studio City’ is a compilation of all the columns Carl wrote for Guitar Magazine between 1996 and 1999. He has written a monthly column for Chitarre, Italy’s #1 guitar publication as well as Guitar World and Guitar Jam Daily, a website devoted to serious guitarists. He currently writes a monthly column for Guitar Player, contributes to other guitar publications, and blogs regularly for GuitarPlayer.com and his own site. Carl also lectures and teaches at clinics and master classes regularly when not on the road.
“Carl is so overwhelming to sit in a room and jam with, let alone his playing on records and stage. You get the impression there is no style or territory he is unable to explore.” – Brad Paisley
Carl recently co-designed a signature guitar with LsL Instruments, the “CV Special,” combining the best elements Carl seeks in his ideal guitar; they are now available for purchase worldwide. As if that weren’t enough, working closely with Dean Markley, Carl developed a line of signature strings for the electric guitar that perfectly balance the tremolo bridge of the Fender Stratocaster, the Carl Verheyen Balanced Bridge Helix HD string set .
“Carl is one of those experienced, great players that you could put in any situation and get a wonderful guitar solo. I personally love the fact that he enjoys what he does and radiates positive energy whenever I have seen him.” – Steve Morse
In support of Carl’s new CD release, he will be touring Europe in the fall 2014. His band will feature bass virtuoso Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Ritchie Kotzen, Billy Sheehan, Jeff Berlin), who is featured on ‘Mustang Run’, and master drummer/percussionist John Mader (Joe Satriani, Booker T, Electronic Arts’ “The Sims”, Tony award winners “Rent”, “Lion King” and “Wicked”).
In closing Carl has this to impart, “Before I made ‘Mustang Run’ I pulled out about 10 CDs that I seem to listen to all the time. None of them were ‘shredders’ or heavy bombastic music, but none of them were ‘easy listening’ either. I realized they all had melodic qualities that made them endure the test of time. So my main goal: make a record the bears repeated listening. If you discover new things with each play I’ve done my job!”
“Fusioneers Disease” from the ‘Mustang Run’ CD, with Simon Phillips (Toto, Who, Protocol II), Cliff Hugo (Supertramp, Ray Charles) and Jim Cox (Albert Lee, Streisand, Ringo, Aerosmith, Knopfler):
“Spirit of Julia” from the ‘Mustang Run’ CD (same musicians):
Learn From The Best – Lang, Coleman, Garstka, Roddy, Borlai and Priester Featured On Drum Channel’s Exclusive, Daily, “Big Drum Bonanza Live” Webcasts, July 2-6, 2014
Special “Big Drum Bonanza” pricing on Drum Channel membership also available
Oxnard, CA – Six of the world’s top drummers will be featured on DrumChannel.com’s live, daily webcasts of Thomas Lang’s “Big Drum Bonanza” drum camp from July 2-6 at 5:30 PM (Pacific Time). The free, hour-long shows— which can be accessed from computers and mobile devices virtually anywhere on the planet— will include appearances by Thomas Lang (stOrk), Chris Coleman (Prince), Matt Garstka (Animals As Leaders), Aquiles Priester (Hangar), Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal) and Gergo Borlai (Tribal Tech) as well as special guest John Tempesta (The Cult). Each show will offer a wrap-up of the day’s educational activities as well as discussions and performances by the all-star faculty.
To celebrate the “Big Drum Bonanza”/Independence Day weekend, Drum Channel is also giving drummers a special, limited time opportunity to become members of the award-winning http://www.DrumChannel.com community. From July 1 through 7, unlimited access to hundreds of Drum Channel lessons and shows by drummers such as Thomas Lang, Gregg Bissonette, Terry Bozzio, Chad Smith, Stewart Copeland, Tony Royster, Jr., Peter Erskine, Dave Elitch, Luke Holland, Cobus Potgieter and many more is available for a full year at the reduced price of $49.90. The special “Big Drum Bonanza” deal not only provides 2 months of membership at no charge, it also includes a free $25 gift card good for downloads at Drum Channel’s online store. The gift card can be used independently or to augment Drum Channel’s online lessons with downloads of popular DVD content by Daniel Glass, Danny Seraphine, Buddy Rich, JR Robinson, Tony Royster, Jr. and Neil Peart, to name just a few.
Learn from the best and improve your drumming over the Fourth Of July weekend by tuning in to “The Big Drum Bonanza Live” shows and signing up for unlimited Drum Channel membership at a great price at http://www.DrumChannel.com. For more information on the Big Drum Bonanza or to purchase Guest Passes for the Big Drum Bonanza Live! at Drum Channel studios, please visit http://www.muso-mart.com
Drum Channel is a state-of-the-art provider of a wide variety of interactive drum education content, including http://www.drumchannel.com which features 100’s of lessons, lesson plans and live events as well as Drum Channel’s traditional DVDs and Digital Video Downloads (available at http://www.drumchannel.com/store).
Christian Vander’s Offering ‘Concert Triton 2013’ 2-CD/DVD Set Now Available!
Paris, France – Much to the excitement of Christian Vander and Magma fans worldwide, Seventh Records is releasing Offering ‘Concert Triton 2013’ 2-CD/DVD! In 1983, motivated by the strong artistic impulse to return to his “Coltrane” roots, with a sound that’s more flexible than MAGMA, Christian Vander created “Offering”; a new ensemble that focused on vocals, keyboards and percussion. More experimental, leaving a great part to improvisation, this group allowed musicians to explore new musical avenues.
Offering has remained out of the sight and hearing of the younger generations for the past 30 years. In order that they benefit, too, this wonderful “gift” that was “Offering”, Christian Vander and his musicians decided to celebrate this anniversary musically with candles glowing and a flame burning as bright as the first day. This initiative will delight all fans regardless of their ages…Galaxy Magma!
Guitar Virtuoso and Former Supertramp Member Marty Walsh Releases New CD Featuring Guest Appearances By Members of YES, Rufus and a Host of LA Studio Legends
Boston, MA – Much to the excitement of guitar aficionados across the globe, celebrated guitarist Marty Walsh released his eagerly awaited debut instrumental solo album ‘The Total Plan’ on June 16th 2014! Making the release even more thrilling is the array of guest artists appearing on the release – Billy Sherwood (YES/CIRCA:), John “JR” Robinson (Rufus, Eric Clapton, Mike Oldfield/Steve Winwood) and a multitude of LA Studio Legends.
Says Marty, “Everyone on the album are musicians that I have close personal and working relationships with. Billy and I did an album that was released in 1996 under the band name The Key. People like John Robinson, Abe Laboriel, Michael Ruff and everyone else on the album I have worked with for years. When I came up with this idea I asked all of these wonderful musicians if they would play on one track for me. Graciously they all accepted.”
Marty Walsh is an assistant professor in the Ensemble and Music Production departments at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. A veteran of the LA studio music scene, he has worked as a guitarist with some of the biggest names in the business. The early 1980s found him on the hits “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton, “She Works Hard For The Money” by Donna Summer, and “Heartlight” by Neil Diamond, to name a few. He also recorded with John Denver, Eddie Money, Kenny Rogers, Sheena Easton, and Julio Iglesias, among others. In 1985, Marty played guitar on the Supertramp album ‘Brother Where You Bound’ and then toured with the band in 1985-86 and again in 1988 after playing on their 1988 release ‘Free As A Bird’. Continuing to do recording sessions into the 1990s, he also was a part of the live band on the Nickelodeon Television show ‘Roundhouse’ which was critically acclaimed and ran from 1992 through 1994. In the late 90’s Marty played guitar on numerous Curb Records releases including three of Leann Rimes’ albums, ‘Sittin On Top Of The World’, ‘Leann Rimes’ and ‘I Need You’, whose title track set the record for weeks (54) in the top 40.
Most recently, he can be heard on the Freddie Jackson single “Until The End Of Time”, which reached the number 1 spot on Billboard’s R&B charts and stayed on the charts for 26 weeks. And now much to the anticipation of guitarists and musicians everywhere, Marty is releasing his first (instrumental) solo album ‘The Total Plan’!
Says Marty, “Being an instrumental album it is simply about the music. There are a few things conceptually that I was trying to achieve with this recording though. The first being the fact that I wanted to make an album of music that I felt would appeal to the masses. The album is not a Jazz album necessarily, it’s really more of a pop record. While there are improvised solos, the focus of the record is much more about the melodies and arrangements of the songs, which hopefully are memorable. The second thing that I wanted to achieve was making a record with many of the people that I’ve worked with over the years. I literally enlisted musicians for this project that I had worked with closely going way back to when I first started touring and doing recording sessions, and then also tapped into some of the faculty and also young musicians that I have worked closely with at the Berklee college of music. There are ten songs on the album and each song has different groupings of personnel. I also feel that stylistically the album is quite diverse, which actually came about from tapping into all of these various musicians who brought their own identity to the project.”
Marty’s new album showcases a variety of styles, which is a reflection of his vast musical influences. He explains, “While I am primarily a guitarist, and my guitar playing is the focus of the record, I don’t feel like my approach to the instrument is like a lot of other guitarists. As a young musician growing up, of course I was influenced by people like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, but then growing up in Los Angeles, guys like Larry Carlton, Jay Graydon, and all of the other LA studio guitar players that I had so much respect for certainly were extremely influential in my development. But even more influential than all of the great guitar players are a host of other musicians. I have always had the tendency not to focus on guitar players and their approach to the instrument. Music that has influenced me over the years has tended to be from piano players, songwriters, people that compose memorable music and also many of the great producer/arrangers that I have worked with. Guys like Michael Omartian, the late Michel Columbier, and the late Tom Dowd. I had the good fortune to actually work with these people closely in the recording environment and learned so much about composing and arranging. That’s the kind of thing that I feel is really so important in moving people emotionally with music. Hopefully that’s what this album will do, move people emotionally.”
“Marty Walsh has made a fine album, featuring some red-hot musicians beside his heartfelt guitar playing – the sounds he wrings from his guitars are strong, melodic and exciting.” – John Anthony Helliwell (Supertramp)
“Marty Walsh is an amazing guitarist and songwriter. I had the pleasure making a record with him called ‘The World Is Watching’ (the band was called The Key). We met in 1986 when he was on tour playing guitar with Supertramp for their ‘Brother Where You Bound’ record. My band Lodgic opened for them and so we hung out backstage and became fast friends and have been ever since. I’m very happy to see Marty going for it with his new record and was honored he asked me to be a part of it too!” – Billy Sherwood (YES/CIRCA:)
“Marty Walsh is one of the most soulful musicians I have known. His musicality shines through any band he has ever been in. This new solo CD reflects his funk, soul and rock roots. It’s a must have for all.” – John “JR” Robinson (Rufus/Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood/Mike Oldfield)
“I have been good friends with the near legendary Marty Walsh since our Glendale/Burbank, California days. He was always known as the ‘Boy Wonder’ on the guitar back then. And still is today. If you’re ever stuck for the next part of your song… don’t worry, Marty’s got it covered.” – Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy / Black Star Riders)
“Over the years I have had the good fortune to work with some of the greatest guitar players in the world. It runs the gamut. Rock, Funk, Jazz, Pop. There are a handful that can shred in all these fields. Marty is one of them! On ‘The Total Plan’ Marty went to ‘The Shed’, with a few friends, and came out with a real gem. It rocks, it inspires, it grooves, and Now is the Time, to check it out!” – Tommy Vicari (Grammy award winning engineer and producer)
In support of his new CD release Marty has been working with a videographer, trying to determine which songs would be good choices for music videos and how to approach that. He is also currently working on putting together the personnel for a live band. Although, since the record has so many different people on it, putting a band together that can play all of his music live is a bit of a challenge. The good news is that being in Boston and teaching at Berklee Marty have access to some unbelievable young talented musicians that will most likely be the members of this group. Also his son Ian played some keyboards on the record, and wrote a few of the pieces with Marty, so he is kind of a cornerstone to the live band.
In conclusion, Marty has this to relay to his fans and listeners, “Just sit back, relax and enjoy……put this album on when you have people over. I do feel that it is the kind of record that you can put a set of headphones on and listen intently to, as I feel that it has a real ‘flow’ to it in terms of taking you on a bit of a journey from song to song. But it’s also one that you can put on in the background and just let it be a ‘feel good’ record. Hopefully if people put this album on for friends in the background over casual conversation the question will be ‘What is this music that’s playing?’ and then ‘Where can I get it?’”
Drum Legend Corky Laing Is Presented The ‘Bonzo Bash Legend Award’ At John Bonham’s Bonzo Bash By Kiss’s Peter Criss!
“As the drummer for Mountain, Corky Laing shares the title as one of the best players of his genre. He’s also the same good guy he used to be.” – Levon Helm
NYC – Much to the excitement of drummers worldwide, one of rock’s icons, drum legend Corky Laing, recently received the prestigous ‘Bonzo Bash Legend Award’ at the Bergen PAC in New Jersey on May 31st. The award was presented by original Kiss drummer Peter Criss!
Corky says, “It was a tremendous honor and a total surprise when Peter Criss (from Kiss) presented the ‘Legend Award’ to me at the John Bonham ‘Bonzo Bash’. And to receive the award in front of all these brilliant drummers was a real rush. There seems to be a kind of ‘magical crazy glue’ that keeps the drumming community tightly wrapped. It’s not like the ‘Super Bowl of drumming’, there is no competition. Every drummer has his/her own uniqueness. We aspire to reach out while digging deep with a passion to become the very best. I humbly believe in receiving this award I’m being recognized for doing just that. Every day for me is another downbeat, and what a joy it is to live and breath it. It may sound a bit out there, but that’s exactly how I feel when I play. I am sincerely in love with my ‘all consuming mistress’, my beautiful drum kit!”
As well as Mountain, Laing has recorded with a long list of legendary artists including Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Bo Diddley and Ozzy Osbourne. He has performed with Meat Loaf, Gov’t Mule, the Allman Brothers, Voivod, Teenage Head and dozens of others. And according to Modern Drummer magazine, Corky Laing “has done as much as anyone in Western culture to turn the cowbell into a rock ’n roll staple”.
This prolific artist is busier than ever. His latest project, ‘Playing God’, a rock opera created with Matti Häyry and Tuija Takala from Finland, premiered in Basel, Switzerland, and Paris, France in 2013. Recently, in the early spring of 2014, the rock opera was performed in Helsinki, Finland. Laing wrote the music for the album, and is the Musical Director in the stage performances where he also performs a key role, LUKE, who plays drums and sings. The ‘Playing God’ CD was released on GONZO Multimedia on July 15, 2013.
Corky Laing “Under The Rock”
Friday June 27 2014 at 8pm
Guild Hall- East Hampton, NY
Corky Laing flies solo… recounting his rock ’n roll life in words and music.
Montreal native Corky Laing, co-founder of iconic supergroups Mountain and West, Bruce & Laing, comes out from behind the drums and spills all about the Golden Age of Rock, which wasn’t always quite so golden… An era when rock stars were bigger than life, in spite of the fact that many of their lives spun out of control.
Laing, who wrote the platinum-selling rock anthem, “Mississippi Queen”, chronicles his life from his innocent early days on the Montreal sock-hop circuit (Bartholomew Plus 3 and Energy) to the pinnacle of rock ‘n roll.
On June 27, 2014, Laing, whose skills on the skins are matched only by his wit and candour, will relate how he climbed up and fell down with some of the rock world’s most prominent luminaries… but it’s not all talk. Corky will show us exactly how and why he is one of the most acclaimed drummers in the music business. And he took it all in from UNDER THE ROCK!
When: June 27, 2014 Where: Guild Hall – East Hampton, NY (in The John Drew Theatre in the Dina Merrill Pavilion at Guild Hall)
158 Main Street
East Hampton, New York 11937
631-324-0806
Tickets online at GuildHall.org or at Box Office 631-324-4050; theatermania.com; or 866-811-4111
Glass Onyon PR 