Category Archives: Press Release

2013/06/20

The GrandMothers Of Invention Featuring Legendary Zappa Alumni Don Preston & Napoleon Murphy Brock To Embark On ‘One Size Fits All And More’ US Tour

By glassonyonpr

don preston napoleon murphy brock

For Immediate Release

The GrandMothers Of Invention Featuring Legendary Zappa Alumni
Don Preston & Napoleon Murphy Brock To Embark On ‘One Size Fits All And More’ US Tour

Los Angeles, CA – Having just completed a month long European tour of performances in the CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY, SLOVAKIA, AUSTRIA, GERMANY, HOLLAND, SWITZERLAND, the GrandMothers Of Invention, featuring legendary Frank Zappa alumni Napoleon Murphy Brock and special guest artist Don Preston, once again will tour America. This time around the ensemble will be performing the ONE SIZE FITS ALL album in its entirety, along with other MOI/FRANK ZAPPA favorites from BONGO FURY, OVERNITE SENSATION, ROXY & ELSEWHERE, UNCLE MEAT and WERE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY!

Says Napoleon, “If you liked last year’s tours of us performing the entire ‘Roxy & Elsewhere’ album, you will really have fun this tour, because we are doing ‘One Size Fits All’ in its entirety! (Which includes both German and English versions of “Sofa”) The difference between the GrandMothers Of Invention performing last year’s ‘Roxy’, and this year’s ‘One Size Fits All’, is that the original lead singer for both albums is the same lead singer performing these songs live on stage. This is NOT a tribute band! The GrandMothers Of Invention is the ONLY band currently playing the music of Frank Zappa with two of the original members of the Mothers Of Invention. Come on down and sing along if you know the words!”

Says Don, “This tour will be quite an adventure as we will be performing the entire ‘One Size Fits All’ CD. ‘Inca Roads’ is one of Zappa’s best efforts in music writing along with the other songs on that CD, and the band is ready. This band is the tightest ever! Of course that includes the songs that Napoleon recorded with Zappa like ‘Andy’, ‘Florentine Pogan’ and ‘Sofa #2’. Of course I will have some surprises that are just too weird to reveal here.”

The GrandMothers of Invention are the only Frank Zappa/Mothers of Invention alumni who have been consistently performing the music of the maestro since 2003. From the classic ‘Freak Out’, ‘Absolutely Free’, ‘We’re Only In It For The Money’, ‘Uncle Meat’, and ‘Burnt Weeny Sandwich’ and ‘Weasels Ripped My Flesh’, to ‘Apostrophe’, ‘The Grand Wazoo’, ‘Overnite Sensation’, ‘Roxy & Elsewhere’, ‘Bongo Fury’ and ‘One Size Fits All’ – they have performed on a very long list of classic Frank Zappa & the Mother’s of Invention’s albums, movies and other projects.

Says the press: “Rare are the musicians who can even play Zappa’s music, let alone make it live and breathe. So Thank the Lord for the GrandMothers of Invention.”…“With two different Zappa eras represented, the GrandMothers have a wide palette of material to choose from.”…“They served up vintage psychedelia – rock songs with surreal lyrics, jazz-like harmonies and melodic complexity, with flashes of wacky satire.”…“Amazing virtuoso musicians, fun and funny.”

The GrandMothers Of Invention are:

NAPOLEON MURPHY BROCK
(Mothers of Invention/Frank Zappa alumni from 1974 thru 1984), on vocals, tenor saxophone, flute, suavenicity, and dancing(!). Napoleon won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 2009!
http://www.napoleonmbrock.com/

DON PRESTON
(Mothers of Invention/Frank Zappa alumni from 1967 thru 1969,1970, 1971, and 1974 on keyboard synthesizers, electronics, IPOD, magic tricks(!), and vocals.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Preston
https://www.facebook.com/don.preston.54540

Also featuring
CHRISTOPHER GARCIA
on drums, percussion, marimba, and vocals
https://sites.google.com/site/christophergarciasmusic/

DAVE JOHNSEN
electric bass, vocals
https://www.facebook.com/davejohnsenbass?fref=ts
http://davejohnsen.com/

MAX KUTNER
electric guitar, vocals
http://www.maxkutner.com/index.html

The GrandMothers Of Invention Tour Dates:

06/23/13 – The Coach House – 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA
http://www.thecoachhouse.com/
06/24/13 – Club Congress – 311 East Congress Street, Tucson AZ
http://hotelcongress.com/calendar/category/music/
06/26/13 – Stubbs Bar-B-Que – 801 Red River, Austin TX
http://stubbsaustin.com/concert-listings/
6/27/13 – Kessler Theater – 1230 W. Davis St., Dallas TX
http://thekessler.org/
06/29/13 – The Hi-Tone – 1913 Poplar Ave, Memphis TN
http://www.hitonememphis.com/
06/30/13 – The Parish Room – HOB – 225 Decatur St., New Orleans LA
http://www.houseofblues.com/tickets/searchresults.php
mode=lview&venue=new+orleans&uuin=ConcertCalendar
07/02/13 – The Grey Eagle – 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville NC
http://thegreyeagle.com/
07/03/13 – Cat’s Cradle – 300 East Main St., Carrboro NC
http://www.catscradle.com/event/271815-grand-mothers-invention-carrboro/
http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/271815
07/05/13 – Syracuse Jazz Festival – Apulia Rd – Jamesville Beach Park, Syracuse NY
http://syracusejazzfest.com/
07/07/13 – Rams Head On Stage – 33 West St., Annapolis MD
http://www.ramsheadonstage.com/directions/
07/09/13 – IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB – 48 West 63rd St., NYC
http://theiridium.com/
07/11/13 – The Magic Bag – 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale MI
http://www.themagicbag.com/conta.htm
07/12/13 – Martyrs’ – 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL
http://www.martyrslive.com/
07/13/13 – Dakota Jazz Club – 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis MN
http://dakotacooks.com/
07/16/13 and 07/17/13 – Jazz Alley – 2033 Sixth Ave. #255, Seattle WA
http://www.jazzalley.com/artist.asp?artistid=1279
07/18/13 – Aladdin Theatre – 3116 S.E. 11Th, Portland OR
http://www.aladdin-theater.com/
http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/273423?utm_source=artist
07/19/13 – Humboldt Brews – 856 10th St., Arcata CA
http://humboldtbrews.com/
07/20/13 – Assembly – 1000 K St., Sacramento CA
http://www.assemblysacramento.com/
07/21/13 – Yoshi’s at Jack London Square – 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland CA
http://www.yoshis.com/oakland

For more information:

GRANDMOTHERS OF INVENTION OFFICIAL SITE
http://www.grandmothersofinvention.com/index.html

GRANDMOTHERS OF INVENTION ON FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/GRANDMOTHERSOFINVENTION?ref=tn_tnmn

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

Management: Robert Duffy Management: rduffey02236@roadrunner.com

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, The GrandMothers of Invention

2013/06/18

Ray Manzarek & Roy Rogers ‘Twisted Tales’ CD Now Available!

By glassonyonpr

Ray & Roy Twisted Tales

For Immediate Release

Ray Manzarek & Roy Rogers ‘Twisted Tales’ CD Now Available!

“In our last meeting together before his passing, Ray and I were both very excited about the upcoming release of ‘Twisted Tales’. We signed off on the artwork and agreed that it should be released sooner than later. So, honoring that decision, I have proceeded with the release. We both were proud of this recording and hope that people enjoy it. This recording is dedicated to Ray’s memory” – Roy Rogers

Nevada City, CA – Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers have received no shortage of kudos since they first recorded together five years ago. Ray Manzarek’s signature keyboard sound was a cornerstone of The Doors – one of the most iconic rock bands of the 60’s. An inductee into the R&R Hall of Fame – he certainly needs no introduction. In the pantheon of music, The Doors’ music continues to be one of the most revered rock song catalogs of any band. Slide guitarist Roy Rogers has been lauded not only for his own recordings but for his long-time collaboration with harmonica master Norton Buffalo as well as his producing of 4 CD projects for blues icon John Lee Hooker and folk legend Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. He is well known worldwide for his mastery of slide guitar and has received 8 Grammy nominations for his work as artist and producer.
http://www.manzarekrogersband.com
http://www.roy-rogers.com

In 2011 Manzarek-Rogers released ‘Translucent Blues’- a blues-rock collection of songs tinged with poetry and literary references. The project reached #1 on the Americana Roots chart and debuted at #6 on the Billboard blues chart. The lyrical contributions came from such diverse co-writers as Jim Carroll, Warren Zevon and poet Michael McClure, among others. ‘Twisted Tales’ draws from some of those same writers to tell very different stories. Featured musicians are Kevin Hayes on drums, formerly with the Robert Cray Band; Steve Evans on bass who has performed with the Elvin Bishop Band; and George Brooks on saxophones, who has performed with John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain.

The new release is a collaboration of keyboard and guitar sounds that merge with stories, images and art. These two amazing musicians create an intoxicating; plush sound that is – more than unique. Manzarek and Rogers are seemingly an odd pairing – but their new recording unleashes a stunning musical landscape for the listener – this music will ‘take you for a ride’… There is a full-length documentary film to be released examining their unique collaboration and friendship in depth this fall.

‘Twisted Tales’ is destined to become a classic, not only as Ray Manzarek’s last recording, but also as a definitive work of two great artists. Available at http://www.manzarek-rogersband.com/ Amazon and iTunes and retailers nationwide.

Media Contact: Billy James/ Glass Onyon PR, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
PH: 828.350.8158

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Ray Manzarek & Roy Rogers

2013/06/16

Hawkwind Legend Nik Turner Releases New Single & Video “Fallen Angel STS-51-L” From His Forthcoming New Album

By glassonyonpr

0654 Nik Turner Fallen Angel 5x5

For Immediate Release

Hawkwind Legend Nik Turner Releases New Single & Video
“Fallen Angel STS-51-L” From His Forthcoming New Album

Los Angeles, CA – In the spirit of such classic tracks as “Master Of The Universe” and “Silver Machine”, legendary Hawkwind member Nik Turner will be releasing a new single “Fallen Angel STS-51-L” digitally on July 2, 2013 and a limited edition 7-inch vinyl (only 500 pressed) on July 14th. Making this event even more exciting, a mind-bending video will accompany the single featuring footage from Nik’s recent performance at The Echoplex in Los Angeles! The single begins the countdown to the launch of Turner’s highly anticipated full-length album, Space Gypsy, which will feature guest appearances by Steve Hillage of Gong and former Hawkwind bandmate Simon House!

Nik Turner was a founding member of Hawkwind during what has been considered their most commercially successful and critically acclaimed period from 1970 to 1976. He wrote/co-wrote some of the group’s most popular songs such as “Brainstorm” and “Master Of The Universe”, which was recently used in an ad campaign for Ford’s new B-Max car. Turner also made a rare U.S. appearance at this year’s SXSW festival with his new band, which includes former UK Sub Nicky Garratt and Jürgen Engler of German industrial band Die Krupps. The band entered the studio to record the new full-length album shortly after.

Of the first offering from the new album, Nik Turner says, “This single is the epitome of epiphanic, orgasmic, cathartic embodiment of my space dreams, become one man’s reality, exploding into space. Expect lots more on this awesome album”.

Nick Deriso of Something Else Reviews says, “ ‘Fallen Angel STS-51-L’ is prog rock for those who want to go to the very edge of the universe, then peer so far out that you risk falling ass over teakettle into inky blackness.”

Fallen Angel STS-51-L video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OytZekcZst4&feature=youtu.be

iTunes pre-order: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fallen-angel-sts-51-l-single/id652712834
Nik Turner’s ‘Fallen Angel STS-51-L’ single will also be available as a limited edition hand-numbered 7-inch vinyl (only 500 pressed on special translucent colored vinyl!)

Nik Turner’s official website: http://nikturner.com/

Booking/Tour info: Nanotear Booking Agency http://knowwave.com/nanotear/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, 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 Nik Turner, Press Release

2013/06/14

Innovative French Music Artist Marcus To Release Debut Solo Album ‘Catch 22’ – June 18, 2013

By glassonyonpr

marcus catch 22

For Immediate Release

Innovative French Music Artist Marcus To Release Debut Solo Album ‘Catch 22’ – June 18, 2013

Passion, urgency, energy, gorgeous melodies and creative lyrics, served by a sharp voice reminiscent of Peter Hammill’s!

Paris, France – There’s magic in the music of songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Marcus Linon. Passion, urgency, energy, gorgeous melodies and creative lyrics, served by a sharp voice that sometimes reminds you of Peter Hammill’s. Here are some of the attributes of Marcus, a talented young musician from Paris, whose first album, ‘Catch 22’, is about to be released. Add to this the fact that Marcus plays all the instruments, great multi-layered drumming, incisive guitar riffs, melodic keyboards and you have the foundation for a serious talent to pay attention to.

Says Marcus, “At the time I did this record, the most important thing was to try and do something that’s special/different, the structures of the songs, the sound. I wanted to try and do something that’s ‘easy to listen’ for the majority of people, but when you go deeper, you realize it is much more complex than what it lets you hear the first time you listen to it.”

Growing up in a family of musicians, Marcus became a talented drummer before evolving into an instinctive guitarist. His sharp and precise voice perfectly complements songs deeply anchored in a solid rock foundation. Catch 22 has the energy of pure rock and incorporates complex melodic structures veering sometimes towards pop, folk, even east-Indian music. Son of legendary Stella Vander (Magma, Offering), Marcus directed the Magma ‘EPOK’ DVD series, and developed/executes the very sharp light design for Magma’s tours.

Marcus’s voice will grab you. His songs are not the kind that you easily forget. They will catch you off-guard, carry you into a passionate universe and sweep you off the floor. Don’t just take my word for it, listen to “We are life and love” with its burning urgency, “Skyzophrenia” or “A boxful of eyes” with their fantastic lyrics just to name 3 titles from an album that you will play again and again, every time an opportunity to discover something new.

Says Marcus about his new CD, “I often say that it’s a drummer’s album. Because everything is based on rhythms and all the inspiration for the arrangements came from the drum parts (which is my first instrument). At the time I played little guitar, but I had no idea how to write songs (in the traditional sense), I just tried to let out the melodies and rhythms that I had in my head as naturally as possible. And simply not try and control them, just played them as they came out. This was the key to make it different. For the lyrics, I had precise melodies but usually only a few words, sentences, or a general idea of what I wanted to sing about. And it’s my spiritual godmother and great writer Mary-Noelle Dana (Mano) who helped me put it together and wrote the majority of the lyrics.”

It is exciting to watch a new great talent on the musical scene. Marcus is one of a kind, the kind of artist who make our lives better and is here to remind us to live a passionate life, with the energy and urgency of youth!

To purchase Marcus ‘Catch 22’ CD: http://v2.seventhrecords.com/catalogue-ex-tension-33/marcus-and-the-music-catch-22–1128.html
The CD will also be available on iTunes, Deezer, Amazon and other online outlets.

For more information:
http://www.marcusandthemusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/MarcusNTheMusic

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

Leave a comment | posted in Marcus Linon, Press Release

2013/06/07

UK Prog Legends Nektar To Release Highly Anticipated New Studio Album ‘Time Machine’ – June 18 , 2013

By glassonyonpr

nektar time machine

For Immediate Release

UK Prog Legends Nektar To Release Highly Anticipated New Studio Album ‘Time Machine’ –
June 18 , 2013

Los Angeles, CA – Prog legends Nektar return with their triumphant 13th album ‘Time Machine’ on June 18, 2013 on Purple Pyramid Records – the first album of new material in over 4 years – that band leader and founding member Roye Albrighton is calling “The best album Nektar has ever made!” ‘Time Machine’ showcases a new depth of songwriting, melodic complexity and musical exploration that hearkens back to early Nektar releases such as ‘Remember The Future’ and ‘A Tab In The Ocean’.

Nektar, featuring Albrighton, founding drummer Ron Howden, keyboardist Klaus Hentasch and bassist Lux Vibratus, is British, but was formed in Hamburg, Germany in 1970. Their early albums featured a heady, exhilarating mix of progressive, experimental rock sounds that soon caught on worldwide at the height of the international prog-rock boom. Touring the world behind numerous album releases throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s helped to cement the band’s reputation as an influential prog-rock legend. Having undergone a variety of personnel changes over the past decade or so, the band now boasts its strongest lineup in years and is ready to prove so yet again to its many fans throughout North America. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the original release date of the band’s classic album, ‘Remember the Future’, Nektar is looking to perform in its entirety this most heralded release from its vast catalog, a rarity in that the band has not performed the entire album live in years.

Nektar ‘Time Machine’ CD is available for pre-order now at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Time-Machine-Nektar/dp/B00CGUSM16

Nektar / Son’s Of Hippies US Tour Dates:
June 20 – Sully’s – Chantilly, VA
June 21 – Altar Bar – Pittsburgh, PA
June 22 – Sellersville Theatre – Sellersville, PA
June 23 – B.B. King Blues Club & Grill – NYC
June 26 – The Winchester Music Hall – Cleveland, OH
June 26 – The RockPile Bar & Nightclub – Toronto, ON, Canada
June 28 – Shank Hall – Milwaukee, WI
June 29 – Viper Alley – Lincolnshire, IL
June 30 – Famous Dave’s Blues Club – Minneapolis, MN
July 02 – Rogue Pizza Co. – Fayetteville, AR
July 03 – Cheer Up Charlie’s – Austin, TX
July 04 – The Grotto – Fort Worth, TX

For more information visit Nektar’s official website: http://www.nektarsmusic.com

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 Nektar, Press Release

2013/06/01

Santana/Journey Legend Gregg Rolie To Play ‘Sandstock’ Virginia Beach Music Festival – June 22, 2013

By glassonyonpr

greggrolie

For Immediate Release

Santana/Journey Legend Gregg Rolie To Play ‘Sandstock’
Virginia Beach Music Festival – June 22, 2013

Houston, TX – Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Gregg Rolie, best known for his vocals and keyboard work with legendary music groups Santana and Journey, will be performing at ‘Sandstock’ Virginia Beach Music Festival on June 22, 2013. The Gregg Rolie Band will be playing electrifying versions of several Santana classics such as “Evil Ways”, “Black Magic Woman”, “Soul Sacrifice”, “Jingo” and “No One To Depend On” as well as tracks from Rolie’s previous studio effort ‘Roots’, along with new songs. The Gregg Rolie Band consists of Adrian Areas (son of original Santana percussionist Jose Chepito Areas) on Timbales, drummer Ron Wikso (The Storm/David Lee Roth/Richie Sambora), Elliot “Toby” Borrero on congas, Rocket Ritchotte on guitars, internationally acclaimed bassist Gary Brown and former Jean Luc Ponty keyboardist Wally Minko.

From his work with Santana and Journey, Gregg Rolie is no stranger to great musicianship. Given his experience and his desire to make the music the best it can be, he has chosen some of the best musicians in the world to bring his band and its music to life. Gregg was determined to resurrect the sound he helped shape and make famous as Santana’s original lead singer and keyboard player, while at the same time bringing it forward to the 21st century. To do that required finding just the right mix of experience, musicianship and chemistry. Having worked with some of the biggest names in music over the years and having toured the world many times over, these musicians have the skills to interpret this music in the way it is meant to be interpreted, as Gregg so intimately knows.

Says Gregg, “The band is great because we all really enjoy each other, and I think the sound reflects the fun we are having.” The Gregg Rolie Band will also be performing this summer at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on June 28th and the Bluesfest International Canada on July 13th.

In other news, after a successful tour with Ringo Starr’s All Star Band in the Pacific Rim, which included dates in Australia, New Zealand and Japan, Gregg Rolie will be touring with Ringo and the band again this fall! Gregg, along with Steve Lukather, Todd Rundgren, Richard Page, Mark Rivera, Gregg Bissonette and of course, Ringo Starr, will head to Latin America for 14 shows, with two dates in the US, at The Palms in Las Vegas just before Thanksgiving. Visit Gregg’s website for updated tour information: http://greggrolie.com/tour.html

Finally, check out the new CD by Gregg Rolie & Alan Haynes titled ‘Live At The Iridium’, which is exclusively available and can be purchased at Gregg Rolie’s website: http://www.bitvibe.com/products/gregg-rolie-live-at-the-iridium-cd. Taken from one of Gregg and Alan’s duo performances at the esteemed Iridium Club in New York City, this Live CD captures the essence of the duo in action, in an intimate setting. Gregg brings stories of the glory days of Santana, the early days of Journey, and great new arrangements of classics like “Look Into The Future”, “Evil Ways”, “Anytime” and “Black Magic Woman”. Also included, brilliant new material from his recent solo project, including the touching “If I Went Home”, a song 30 years in the making about his falling out with the band Journey. Armed with a Steinway grand, and Texas Strat-slinger Alan Haynes, Gregg Rolie transforms his stadium rockers into an exciting and personal night club show.

The Gregg Rolie Band performs live:
When: June 22, 2013
Where: Sandstock – Virginia Beach Music Festival – 17th Street Park, Virginia Beach, VA
For Ticket Info: http://www.beachstreetusa.com/festivals/sandstock-tribute-rock-roll

For more information: http://www.GreggRolie.com

Video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDwiZYL21To&

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

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2013/05/29

Hostages Frontman and Founder Ray Vaughn Readies New Album Featuring Some Name Brand Players and Produced By Grammy Winner Michael Rosen

By glassonyonpr

ray vaughn way down low

For Immediate Release

Hostages Frontman and Founder Ray Vaughn Readies New Album Featuring Some Name Brand Players and Produced By Grammy Winner Michael Rosen

San Francisco, CA – Ray Vaughn has written songs and performed in dives and on street corners for a very, very long time. He was a founding member of San Francisco based Punk/Art Rock band Hostages, then Die Bossa Nova, until disappearing in 1992. Ray Vaughn resurfaced in 2010 as a solo acoustic act. After traveling back and forth between New York City and San Francisco, road testing new material, and playing and writing new songs, Vaughn eventually headed back into the studio with Grammy award winning producer Michael Rosen (Tesla/Rancid/Papa Roach) in December of 2011. The result of their efforts is the new 10-track full-length album Way Down Low. Way Down Low features longtime friend and guitarist from the Hostages Ed Rawlings, Drummer Michael Urbano (Smash Mouth, Third Eye Blind, John Hiatt, Cracker, Paul Westerberg and Sheryl Crow), ex-Die Bossa Nova bassist Stephen Winkle, and keyboardist Phil Bennett on Hammond B3.

The album’s producer Michael Rosen commented “Sometimes if you are lucky life and art comes full circle. I began my career working with Ray Vaughn while he was in Hostages and I was a wet behind the ears aspiring Producer and Engineer. Now 25 years later, we finally got to make the record we were supposed to make. Working with Ray was a wonderful experience artistically and personally. I feel we were able to combine the heart and spirit of what we started back then with the wisdom and perspective of a lifetime. I ‘m very proud of Ray and this record.”

In the fall of 1979, Ray Vaughn formed the Hostages. Having previously spent 6 years in England, first in London and then Birmingham, Vaughn was broadsided and inspired by the exploding music scene around him in the UK at the time, and he brought those influences back home.

He moved back to his native San Francisco in late 1978. The music scene he stumbled into upon his return was the antithesis of the scene that drove him away years earlier. In its place were The Mabuhay Gardens, the Deaf Club, and later Club Foot, Valencia Tool and Die, Sound of Music, and the 181 Club, to name just a few of the new and repurposed venues. “What could a poor boy do” but play in a band? The band eventually moved into a 3500-square foot warehouse space in the South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood in late 1980 and created their own venue, throwing monthly rent parties to get by. The space was christened Crab Palace.

BAM Magazine said of Ray’s performance with Hostages… “Ray Vaughn’s lead vocals are powerful and crisp and he sang with deliberate emphasis on the lyrics, which were decidedly political, especially in songs like “Sucking the Life From the City” and Now. Vaughn moved onstage much like a Jellyfish with rhythmic jerks and a smooth underlying sexuality in his vocal tones and in his eyes.”

Hostages released their first 45 single, Inside Houses/Now in 1983, followed by the Inside Houses video. Hostages disbanded in 1984 with their final performance at Graffiti on Valencia Street in San Francisco. A live recording of that show remains in the Hostages vault.

Vaughn and guitarist Ed Rawlings continued as a duo playing under the name Part Two, then Human Condition, before settling on Die Bossa Nova. Die Bossa Nova added keyboardist Mitzi Johnson, who was later replaced by Scott Davies, bass player Stephen Winkle and drummer Mark V and continued playing and recording until their break up in June of 1991.

June 25th, 2013 marks the release of his new full-length album Way Down Low, which will be available in stores and online. For more information please visit http://www.rayosomusic.com or on Facebook and on Twitter at twitter.com/rayosomusic. Ray Vaughn will be performing in San Francisco at Bottom of the Hill on June 6th and in the New York Tri-State Area in July of 2013.

For Physical Distribution please contact Steffen Franz or Ben Lang at Independent Distribution Collective at 415-292-7007 or via e-mail sales@independentdistro.com

For Digital Distribution please contact Jerome Forney at IDCDigital at 415-292-7007 or via e-mailjerome@independentdistro.com

Press inquires contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Ray Vaughn

2013/05/25

Kinks Legend Dave Davies To Release New Album ‘I Will Be Me’ – June 4, 2013

By glassonyonpr

dave davies i will be me medium

For Immediate Release

Kinks Legend Dave Davies To Release New Album ‘I Will Be Me’ – June 4, 2013

Los Angeles, CA – The man who forever changed the sound of rock ‘n’ roll when he invented distortion, Kinks legend Dave Davies, has recorded a brand new solo album of all original material! To be released on Cleopatra Records on June 4th , ‘I Will Be Me’ features guest appearances by The Jayhawks, Anti-Flag, award winning UK blues guitarist Oli Brown, Chris Spedding, US stoner rock band Dead Meadow, Aussie rockers The Art, Geri X and others! In support of Dave’s new album release, a special engagement of Live performances in New York and Los Angeles are scheduled for the end of May to mid-June! (see below for complete list of shows)

Dave Davies founded the Kinks in the early 1960s and forever changed music after he sliced up the speaker cone of a little green amp and created a revolutionary, distorted guitar tone and frenetic solo on the song “You Really Got Me”. Musicologist Joe Harrington described the Kinks influence: ” ‘You Really Got Me’, ‘All Day And All Of The Night’ … were predecessors of the whole three-chord genre … The Kinks did a lot to help turn rock n roll into rock.” In 1998, writer Bill Crowley wrote, “As lead guitarist and founder of The Kinks, Dave Davies is one of the most unpredictable and original forces in rock, without whom guitar-rock styles including heavy metal and punk would have been inconceivable. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dave’s massive guitar sounds have inspired bands from Van Halen to Green Day.”

Dave’s new album ‘I Will Be Me’ is a return to his groundbreaking guitar sound and innovative songwriting. His classically English voice shows off a new depth but still hits his famous high notes in this collection. The hard rocking track “Livin’ In The Past”, takes a look at obsession with all things retro but, ever the Mod, Dave surprises with the lyric, “No matter what they do or say, the future’s here to stay!” He takes a look back with “Little Green Amp”, a playful, punk homage to days when his jagged, blues driven sound wave ripped ahead of the British Invasion through stereos the world over. “Cote du Rhone (I Will Be Me)”, an uncensored look at ugliness in the world today, is as angry and biting as any song in Dave’s repertoire with an innovative yet heavy slide guitar tone. Soothing lyrics and sounds of Jonathan Lea’s sitar playing on “Healing Boy” show Dave’s sensitive side. In a recent radio interview he said, “Rock music is a positive force for good.” This hopeful and optimistic vision manifests and bridges themes personal, social and universal in ‘I Will Be Me’.

Since the early days, Dave Davies has worked on a slew of critically acclaimed records, ranging from solo hit single “Death of a Clown”, to experimental Kinks records like ‘Village Green Preservation Society’ and ‘Arthur’ as well as the classic single “Lola” in the ’70s. In the ’80s Dave released experimentally prescient solo work like the eponymous album titled ‘Dave Davies’ or ‘AFL1-3603’ named after himself and/or the barcode symbol face cover art. His mainstream success continued in the 80s on hit Kinks albums ‘Low Budget’ and ‘State of Confusion’. In the ’90s he released more solo work such as ‘Bug’ and the compilation ‘Unfinished Business’. His songs have been featured in films by John Carpenter and on TV shows like ‘The Sopranos’, which used his tune “Living On A Thin Line”. His tell-all autobiographical book ‘Kink’ was well received in the late ’90s as well. In recent years, Dave has collaborated creatively with his sons. In 2010 he worked with son Russell Davies to create the hauntingly, beautiful rock electronica album, the Aschere Project. The film ‘Mystical Journey’, directed by son Martin Davies, narrates Dave’s longtime interest in the paranormal, Eastern philosophies and spirituality (the film inspired Julien Temple s BBC documentary ‘Kinkdom Kome’). No matter how diverse the ambition, Dave Davies puts his heart and soul in all of his projects.
Tracks include:
1. Little Green Amp
2. Livin’ In The Past
3. The Healing Boy
4. Midnight In L.A.
5. In The Mainframe
6. Energy Fields
7. When I First Saw You
8. The Actress
9. Erotic Neurotic
10. You Can Break My Heart
11. Walker Through The Worlds
12. Remember The Future
13. Cote Du Rhone (I Will Be Me)

Dave Davies tour dates:

May 27, 28 & 29 – City Winery – New York, NY
May 30 – The Bull Run – Shirley, MA
May 31 – Infinity Hall – Norfolk, CT
June 1 – Musikfest Cafe – Bethlehem, PA
June 2 – The Arcada Theatre – St. Charles, IL
June 6 – Sainte Rocke – Hermosa Beach, CA
June 7 – Coach House – San Juan Capistrano, CA
June 9 – The Canyon Club – Agoura Hills, CA
June 11- Del Mar Fairgrounds – Del Mar, CA
More dates to come!

To pre-order Dave Davies – ‘I Will Be Me’ CD: http://www.amazon.com/Dave-Davies-Will-Be-Me/dp/B00CA9VQBQ/ref=sr_1_17?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1366047104&sr=1-17&keywords=dave+davies

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

CLEOPATRA LABEL GROUP
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
http://www.CleopatraRecords.com

Leave a comment | posted in Dave Davies, Press Release

2013/05/21

Legendary ‘Dutch Woodstock’ Featuring Pink Floyd, Santana, T-Rex, The Byrds, Soft Machine, Jefferson Airplane and Others Now Available on Double CD/DVD Set

By glassonyonpr

0146 CD Front Inlay.indd

For Immediate Release

Legendary ‘Dutch Woodstock’ Featuring Pink Floyd, Santana, T-Rex, The Byrds, Soft Machine, Jefferson Airplane and Others Now Available on Double CD/DVD Set

Featuring performances by Pink Floyd, Santana, T.Rex, The Byrds, Canned Heat, Jefferson Airplane, Soft Machine, It’s A Beautiful Day, Family, Country Joe, Dr. John & the Night Trippers, Flock and Al Stewart

London, UK – One of the most historic concert events of the early ’70s, the Dutch Woodstock, also called the ‘Holland Pop Festival’, has now been released on a double CD/DVD set by UK’s Gonzo MultiMedia. Featuring rare and exciting performances by Pink Floyd, Santana, T.Rex, The Byrds, Canned Heat, Jefferson Airplane, Soft Machine, It’s A Beautiful Day, Family, Country Joe, Dr. John & The Night Trippers, Flock and Al Stewart, makes this extraordinary release a must for fans of music everywhere! The three-day festival was held in August 1970 at the Kralingse Bos (Kralingse Forest) in Rotterdam, and despite the rain, an estimated 100,000 people attended the astounding event!

Featuring…

Pink Floyd – Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun, A Saucerful Of Secrets
Santana – Gumbo, Savor, Jingo
The Byrds – Old Blue
Canned Heat – Human Condition, So Sad
T-Rex – Pavillions Of Sun
Jefferson Airplane – Saturday Afternoon, White Rabbit, Ballad Of You & Me & Pooneil plus interviews with Paul Kanter & Grace Slick
Soft Machine – Esther’s Nose Job
It’s A Beautiful Day – Wasted Union Blues, Open Up Your Hearts
Family – Drowned In Wine
Country Joe – Freedom Is A Constant
Dr. John & The Night Trippers – Mardi Gras Day
Flock – Big Bird
Al Stewart – Zero She Flies

The Dutch Woodstock double CD/DVD set will be released by GONZO MultiMedia UK on March 22, 2013

To Purchase The Dutch Woodstock double CD/DVD set: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15545

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Dutch Woodstock, Press Release

2013/05/19

Prog Legends Flash Featuring Ray Bennett & Colin Carter To Release New CD!

By glassonyonpr

FLASH-4p-CDbook-d medium

For Immediate Release

Prog Legends Flash Featuring Ray Bennett & Colin Carter To Release New CD!

Los Angeles, CA – British progressive rock legends Flash, featuring founding members Ray Bennett & Colin Carter, will be releasing their highly anticipated new CD on Purple Pyramid Records on May 21, 2013. Titled ‘Flash featuring Ray Bennett & Colin Carter’, it’s the first album by the group in 40 years, taking the band to a new level of creativity and virtuosity with this current set of progressive melodic rock tunes.

Founded by lead vocalist Colin Carter, original YES member, guitar legend Peter Banks, bassist Ray Bennett and drummer Mike Hough, Flash released three critically acclaimed albums in the 1970’s and undertook several successful tours of the US and Europe. In the USA, the single “Small Beginnings” reached #29 in the Billboard charts, and the first album ‘Flash’ made the top 50, propelling the band into major venues on their first tour. In the US, Flash went from intimate venues like the Whisky A Go Go, to large concert halls like New York’s Avery Fisher Hall, to the wild crowd of 300,000 music fans at the Soda Pop Festival in Indiana. Flash also made high profile performances on TV shows in Europe and the US, including ‘The Midnight Special’ and the Wolfman Jack hosted ‘Superstars Of Rock’.

The band’s new CD was recorded over a period of three years and it delivers a mixture of classic and modern progressive rock sure to please die-hard Flash fans and new listeners alike! Says Ray Bennett, “First and foremost, I think the new album turned out really well. No, that’s being somewhat modest… I think it’s brilliant. I wouldn’t be happy with anything less. The goal for me, and I think Colin would agree, is to put an album together that’s always a turn on. Not just in the beginning when you are all excited about the newness of it, but always. I realized somewhere back in time that it is possible to have that. It’s really just as the old saying goes… ‘a thing of beauty is a joy forever’. I think this CD is always going to shine.” Colin Carter adds, “It’s left brain / right brain rock. Enough skill, detail and finesse to tease the intellect, mixed with enough raw power to send you skidding out of control across the stage on your knees and crashing into amps. Watch out for the splinters!”

Along with Ray, now on lead guitar, and Colin, on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, keyboardist Rick Daugherty has been added to the line-up giving the band’s sound more warmth and depth. Mark Pardy on drums and Wayne Carver on bass make up the new rhythm section. The album includes five new songs penned by Ray and Colin, two new instrumental pieces, and a cover of NIN’s ‘Hurt’, which the band has performed in concert. There is also a new version of the classic Flash song “Manhattan Morning” from the band’s third studio album ‘Out Of Our Hands’.

Ray explains, “Colin and I did write a large chunk of the old Flash material, and our sensibilities as writers haven’t changed a huge amount. We still write all the time. But obviously we’ve developed, we’re more sophisticated, and we have a few more tricks up our sleeves. I think that all shows up on the new CD. I saw a lot of magic happen on this new album. As it grew into a finished thing, all kinds of excellent stuff popped up as we let it develop. A lot to be said for giving it time.”

“Iconic prog rockers Ray Bennett and Colin Carter have achieved the impossible: they’ve created complex contemporary rock boasting all the sonic hallmarks of Flash’s classic material. It’s all here: dynamic compositions, perfect vocal intonation and kick-ass guitar work.” – Will Romano, author of ‘Mountains Come Out of the Sky’, a history of prog rock

In closing Ray has this to impart, “I think that with the years passing you can get new growth and new inspiration if you are willing to try new things. Colin and I are up for that. However, in our case, oddly enough, trying new things led back to Flash.”

To pre-order Flash ‘Featuring Ray Bennett & Colin Carter’ CD: http://www.amazon.com/Featuring-Ray-Bennett-Colin-Carter/dp/B00BY8DLF8/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1367112562&sr=1-1&keywords=flash+featuring+ray+bennett

Flash Psychosync website: http://www.psychosync.info/
Flash information: http://www.myspace.com/flashbennettcarter
Flash ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/flashbennettcarter

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

CLEOPATRA LABEL GROUP
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
http://www.CleopatraRecords.com

Leave a comment | posted in Flash, Press Release