Monday, November 30, 2015

Ian Anderson Adds 2016 Dates For 'Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera' Shows

The Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera concert tour returns to the States starting April 2016, in which Ian Anderson celebrates the life and times of English agriculturalist Jethro Tull.

Ian Anderson is known as the legendary frontman for the classic rock band Jethro Tull and reimagines his namesake with a narrative set in the near future. The show presents some of the best known songs from the repertoire of Jethro Tull.

Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera,  written and performed by Ian Anderson, runs from April 1 through the 16, with shows in Waukegan IL, continuing through the Midwest in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin, and through the south in Tennessee, Alabama and Atlanta.

In the rock opera, Anderson touches on topical issues including including climate change, intensive food production and population growth. New material specially written for this show includes "Prosperous Pasture," "Fruits Of Frankenfield,” "And The World Feeds Me," "Stick, Twist, Bust," and "The Turnstile Gate."

The show features many Tull favorites, including "Heavy Horses," "Farm On The Freeway," "Songs From The Wood," "Aqualung," "Living In The Past," "Wind-Up," "A New Day Yesterday," "The Witch's Promise" and "Locomotive Breath," sometimes with slightly re-written lyrics to better tell the tale.

The tour has already played in the UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, Brazil and Argentina, recently finishing an eight day run in the North East U.S. to widely encouraging reviews.

In her review of the show for VintageRock.com, Donna Erichsen says Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera is a "night not to be missed."

Anderson is accompanied by David Goodier (bass), John O'Hara (keyboards), Florian Opahle (guitar), Scott Hammond (drums) and surprise virtual guests on screen including Ryan O’Donnell who shared the stage with Ian in recent tours for Homo Erraticus and Thick As A Brick 2 and Icelandic singer/violinist/actress Unnur Birna Björnsdóttir who appears on screen throughout the show.

In addition to U.S. dates in April and October 2016,  Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera will be performed in Czech Republic, Sweden and Germany plus more cities and countries to be announced.

Look out for tour dates and much more information at www.jethrotull.com.

2016 North America Tour Dates

4/1/16 - Genesee Theatre - Waukegan IL  
4/2/16 - Fox Cities Performing Arts Center - Appleton, WI
4/4/16 - Uptown Theater - Kansas City, MO
4/5/16 - Holland Performing Arts Center - Omaha, NE
4/7/16 - Embassy Theatre - Fort Wayne, IN
4/8/16 - Murat Theatre - Indianapolis, IN
4/9/16 - Devos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids, MI  
4/11/16 - Akron Civic Theatre - Akron, OH
4/12/16 -  Aronoff Center for the Arts - Cincinnati, OH
4/13/16 - Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN  
4/15/16  -Montgomery Performing Arts Center - Montgomery, AL
4/16/16 - Fox Theatre - Atlanta, GA

Monday, November 23, 2015

David Lee Roth's 'Eat 'Em And Smile' Band Reuniting In Hollywood Night Before Thanksgiving

Lucky Strike’s Ultimate Jam Night, a weekly award-winning music event produced by Quiet Riot bassist Chuck Wright, will present the 30th Anniversary of the Eat ‘Em And Smile Band.  

Eat ‘Em And Smile is Van Halen singer David Lee Roth’s multi-platinum debut album release that reached number 4 on the Billboard chart.

The performance will mark the first time in 30 years that guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Greg Bissonette have played together. With guest vocalist Ralph Saenz from Steel Panther out front, they will be performing some of the hits from Eat ‘Em And Smile.

Since those days, Vai has become recognized as one of the world’s great guitarists with a prolific solo career. Sheehan is currently pulling double duty with the Winery Dogs and Mr. Big, while Bissonette has played with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band since 2008.

Guitarist John 5 (Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson) is also scheduled to perform a set of his own.

Ultimate Jam Night takes place at Lucky Strike Lanes in Hollywood, at the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Ave.

This is a free, general seating event, so if you're planning on going, get there early.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Jon Anderson & Matt Malley's “Family Circle” Single Considered For Grammy Nomination

Original Yes singer/songwriter Jon Anderson and Counting Crows Matt Malley's recent critically acclaimed single for charity, “Family Circle,” has been entered for consideration for a Grammy nomination. 

The money received from the single has gone to the following charities: Anderson's Flutie Foundation,  Malley's Sahaja Yoga Meditation, and the National Autistic Society, backed by GONZO Multimedia president Rob Ayling.

“ 'Family Circle' came together when Matt sent me the beautiful music earlier this year, " Anderson says. "I sang the song and lyric idea and sent it back to Matt, thanking him for the great energy. Eventually, Matt added some more sounds and the haunting guitar solo. We decided to have all sale proceeds go to our respective charities. It's a pleasure to release this around Thanksgiving time, reminding us of our connection with our families and how our children keep us together, bonding our love of life.”

Malley adds: “Not only am I a fan of Jon's voice but I’m a fan of his fearless spiritual outlook which appears in all of his music. A mutual friend said we should meet and got us in touch and after talking a little, Jon said, 'So send some music!' - so I had a cup of my best Darjeeling tea, went into my studio and came up with the instrumental arrangement that you hear on 'Family Circle'. I sent the file up to Jon and it came back with his marvelous voice, lyrics…everything that brought the song to becoming fully realized.”

Since parting ways with Yes in 2008, Anderson has been a busy man, having recently released his solo album Survival and Other Stories, and teaming up with jazz violinist Jean-Luc Ponty to form the AndersonPonty Band. The ensemble is currently on tour promoting the newly released CD/DVD Better Late Than Never.

Malley is an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated songwriter best known for co-founding Counting Crows back in the early 90s. He left the band in 2004, so he could work from his studio at home and be with his family.

Check out "Family Circle" below:




Thursday, November 12, 2015

Nils Lofgren Receives Outstanding Contribution Award At Classic Rock Awards

The Classic Rock Roll Of Honour, an annual awards program established in 2005 by Classic Rock Magazine in the UK, took place on Wednesday, November 11, at The Roundhouse in London.  

Each year, the Outstanding Contribution award toasts the towering figures who have straddled their era, shaken the scene, left their fingermarks on a stellar catalog and safeguarded the spirit of rock as it rolls on through the decades.

This year they chose to bestow this honor on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame E Street Band Member Nils Lofgren, an artist whose rock ‘n’ roll résumé is second to none. Previous recipients of the Outstanding Contribution Award include Jeff Lynne, Bob Ezrin, John Paul Jones, Ronnie Wood, and Jeff Beck, amongst others.  

Lofgren was able to accept the award in person, as he is currently crisscrossing the UK on his second tour of the United Kingdom this year, promoting his new album, Face the Music Tour.

"So honored to receive Classic Rock Mag's Outstanding Contribution Award and share the night with Amy and so many great musicians and friends, especially Andy Newmark, my award presenter," Lofgren said. "The UK has always been a magical music community to me and a second home to perform in. Amazing night!”

Just prior to departing for the UK, the guitarist performed at the Bridge School Benefit, an annual event organized by Neil Young. Young and Lofgren performed the song "Believe," adding harmonica and sharing some vocals.

When Lofgren returns from his 21-day UK tour, he will embark on US dates, currently booked through mid-year 2016.

For more information, visit www.nilslofgren.com.

Remaining Nils Lofgren dates on UK tour:

11/13 - Scarborough Spa
11/14 - Edinburgh Queen's Hall
11/16 - Inverness Eden Court
11/17 - Aberdeen Music Hall
11/19 - Whitley Bay Playhouse
11/20 – Buxton Opera House
11/21 - New Brighton Floral Pavilion
11/22 - Watford Colosseum

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

David Bowie Shuts Down Danny Boyle-Directed Musical About Him

There was almost a David Bowie-themed film -- a musical, no less -- from one our generation’s most acclaimed directors. 

Danny Boyle was working on a Bowie musical before the musician himself shut down the project, according to Radio Times.

In the interview, Boyle stated the project was axed when Bowie would not grant him permission to use his music. In an opportune twist of fate -- for Boyle devotees, at least -- the director was left “in grief” and instead channeled his creative energy into making Steve Jobs. In Boyle’s words, he directed the 2015 film to “fill the space in my heart left by the abandoned Bowie script.”

Boyle had been working on the Bowie script with Frank Cottrell Boyce, who also wrote the Factory Records film 24 Hour Party People.

Still, Boyle said he is "very keen" to continue the film in the future.

In more positive Bowie news, he shared a two-minute sample of his chilling new song “Blackstar.” The track will appear on his 2016 album of the same name and soundtrack the opening credits of the new Canal+/Sky Atlantic television program, The Last Panthers.

Blackstar, the album, is due January 8, on Bowie’s 69th birthday.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Featured VintageRock.com Review: The Beatles - 1+ on Blu-ray Disc & CD

1+

The Beatles

When The Beatles 1 CD compilation first came out in 2000, I was suspicious and took a few hardy swings at it. I argued that there were better, more comprehensive compilations and that this single disc with 27 British and American Number One (1) hits was a calculated, convenient money grab. Of course, it was pitched as a nice and tidy way to introduce the band to a new generation, which, at the time, was feasting on Britney Spears and on the verge of trading in their CDs for digital downloads. At the same time, the Beatles' website has just launched and a television special called The Beatles Revolution highlighted the group's influence on trend-setters and celebrities of the day. EMI went on record, saying that would become the greatest selling record of all time (it isn't, although it has sold a respectable 30 million copies). Fifteen years later, 1+ comes along and adds restored videos of the band performing those same hits to the mix. Now we're getting somewhere.
This time, the 27 Number Ones (1) get visual with CD/DVD and CD/Blu-ray Disc configurations featuring videos for each song, along with new stereo and 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS HD surround audio mixes.  The Beatles 1+ is over 200 minutes of 50 TV appearances, promotional films and clips, which means that in addition to the 27 Number Ones (1), there are 23 more videos. A good majority of these clips have been around in one form or another, but questionable sources often resulted in low quality. Apple brought in an 18-person team of film and video technicians and restoration artists to clean things up. Frame by frame, they adjusted the color grading, added digital enhancements, and provided new edits. While many of the earliest black and white TV appearances still seem a bit washed out, the latter-day color promotional films the Beatles shot have been scrubbed up to high definition specs.
As to be expected, most of the clips are of the band lip syncing to the songs, either on a stage for a variety show or for the films they made to resolve the issue of being everywhere at once. In the process, they invented the abstract music video with footage shot behind "Rain," "Strawberry Field Forever" and "Penny Lane." Each video seems to have a great story, which you can get from the liner notes or Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr's audio commentary and filmed introductions for some of the clips. Normally, I don't bother with commentaries, but McCartney is hilarious when he throws in a few light and airy remarks about the crowd that surrounded the Beatles when they performed "Hey Jude" on the David Frost Show. Starr shares his dislike for riding horses during the filming for "Penny Lane" - apparently something he and the other Beatles had never done before. McCartney's insights into how the film for "Strawberry Fields Forever" was put together with Swedish director Peter Goldmann reveals a critical point at which the Beatles consciously began moving away from their mop-top image to the more psychedelic, surreal and hip stage of their career.
Sonically, The Beatles 1+ features new stereo and 5.1 surround audio remixes, produced from the original tapes by Giles Martin (son of George) with Sam Okell at Abbey Road Studios. The accompanying CD will likely replace your 2000 original issue or 2009 reissue. For anyone with a Blu-ray Disc player, you can hear some, if not all, the tracks in 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS HD surround (it's not broken down in the credits). Likely, those surround mixes would come from the newer videos created for the Love and Anthology releases, although closer listening may reveal more. Of course, the best thing about the DVDs and Blu-ray Discs are the videos, especially the dazzling colors in "Hello Goodbye," and the young fresh faces of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mike Nesmith, Patti Boyd and Donovan surrounding the Beatles at Abbey Road as the manic camera captures the chaotic, friend-filled studio session for "A Day In The Life." A handful of clips from the dormant Let It Be film may give hope to those waiting for its reissue. Put together with every else on 1+, there's more than plenty to savor until that day comes.
~ Shawn Perry
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Thursday, November 5, 2015

Current Yes Bassist Billy Sherwood Releases Three CDs

Billy Sherwood, who played second guitar for Yes in the 1990s and was rehired earlier this year as bassist in place of the late Chris Squire, has reissued his 2014 studio album Divided By One, along with a compilation called Collection, on CD.  

“I'm very excited to finally have Divided By One, my seventh solo release, come out on CD," Sherwood says. "I'm proud of the record and look forward to getting it out there. I had many requests to release it on CD as it was only for download till now."

Collection is the ideal introduction to Billy Sherwood's solo career. Sherwood says the set features songs from each of his previous solo records. There are also two bonus tracks — one is the previously unreleased "Dark To Light" and the other is a cover of Sting's "I Hung My Head."

Both CDs are available through all mainstream retailers and digital platforms.

If you purchase these discs directly from www.billysherwoodcollection.com, you will receive a special signed postcard.

Sherwood's newest solo effort, Citizen, drops on Friday, November 6. The album features an impressive list of guest stars, including Chris Squire, Tony Kaye, Steve Hackett, Geoff Downes, Colin Moulding, Steve Morse, Jerry Goodman, Alan Parsons, Rick Wakeman, Patrick Moraz, Jon Davison, Jordan Rudess and John Wesley.

Sherwood says the most special track on the record is "The Citizen," which sets the stage for the concept behind it all.

"This track is the last recording of Chris Squire and he's larger than life on it," Sherwood points out. " I recorded him not too long ago in a Holiday Inn when I went to visit with him just before he fell ill."

Sherwood will join Yes when they set sail from Miami on November 15 for the third annual Cruise To The Edge. The band will be joined by Marillion, Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Allan Holdsworth, Spock’s Beard, Nektar, and many others.

In the Spring of 2016, Yes will embark on a UK and European tour to play 1971's Fragile and 1980's Drama in their entirety.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Rhino Entertainment Unveils Holiday Gift Guide For 2015

From our friends at Rhino Entertainment...


LZ




Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti/In Through The Out Door/Coda
Street Date: 2/24/2015 & 7/31/2015
Super Deluxe Edition CD/LP Box/ Price: $159.98  each
Swan Song/ Atlantic

bee gees






Bee Gees - 1974-1979
Street Date: 3/23/2015
5-CD/ Price: $44.98
Reprise Records
Mats





The Replacements - The Complete Studio Albums: 1981-1990
Street Date: 4/14/2015
Price: $59.98 
Also Available: The Replacements - Twin Tone Years 4-LP Box
Rhino

Yes







Yes - Progeny: Seven Shows From Seventy-Two
Street Date: 5/26/2015
14-CD/ Price: $89.98
LP Boxed Set Also Available
Rhino
 



HerbieHancok_350x350






Air - virgin Suicides - 15th Anniversary Boxed Set
Street Date: 6/16/2015
Price: $119.98
Parlophone
Chicago 1






Chicago - The Studio Albums 1969-1978 (Vol. 1)
Street Date: 7/10/2015
10-CD/ Price: $79.98
Vol. 2 Also Available
Rhino





America






America - The Warner Bros. Years 1971-1977
Street Date: 7/17/2015
8-CD/ Price: $54.98
Warner Bros. Records
Doobie






The Doobie Brothers - The Warner Bros. Years 1971-1983
Street Date: 7/24/2015
10-CD/ Price: $79.98
Warner Bros. Records
SOM





The Sisters Of Mercy - First And Last And Always
Street Date: 7/24/2015
4-LP/ Price: $74.98
Elektra



Alice





Alice Cooper - The Studio Albums 1969-1983
Street Date: 7/31/2015
15-CD / Price: $99.98
Rhino
Faces






Faces - 1970-1975: You Can Make Me Dance, Sing Or Anything...
Street Date: 8/28/2015
4-CD & 4LP/ Price: $54.98 & 129.98
Warner Bros. 
A-ha






a-Ha - Hunting High & Low (30th Anniversary Super Deluxe
Street Date: 9/18/2015
5-CD/ Price: $59.98
Rhino
GD - 30






Grateful Dead - 30 Trips Around The Sun:
 The Definitive Live Story (1965-1995)
Street Date: 9/18/2015
4-CD/ Price: $59.98
Grateful Dead/Rhino
billy cobham






Billy Cobham - The Atlantic Years 1973-1978
Street Date: 9/25/2015
8-CD/ Price: $59.98
Atlantic
david boiwe 5 years






David Bowie - Five Years 1969-1973
Street Date: 9/25/2015
12-CD & 13-LP/ Price: $149.98 & $249.98
Parlophone
alanis






Alanis Morissette - Jagged Little Pill (Collectors Edition)
Street Date: 10/30/2015
4-CD/ Price: $49.98
Rhino
lou reed





Lou Reed - The Sire Years: Complete Albums Box
Street Date: 10/30/2015
10-CD/ Price: $59.98
Rhino
otis soul man






Otis Redding - Soul Manifesto: 1964-1970
Street Date: 10/30/2015
12-CD/ Price: $69.98
Rhino
velvet underground






The Velvet Underground - Loaded: Re-Loaded 45th Anniversary Edition
Street Date: 10/30/2015
6-CD/ Price: $79.98
Rhino
A-ha






Miles Davis-The Last Word: The Warner Bros. Years
Street Date: 11/27/2015
5-CD/ Price: $64.98
Warner Bros. Records
aretha






Aretha Franklin - The Atlantic Albums Collection
Street Date: 11/13/2015
19-CD/ Price: $105.98
Atlantic
paul butterfield






Paul Butterfield - Complete Albums 1965-1980
Street Date: 11/13/2015
14-CD/ Price: $59.98
Rhino
A-ha






Fare The Well: Celebrating 50 Years Of Grateful Dead
Street Date: 11/20/2015
12-CD/7-Blu-Ray &  12-CD/7-DVD/Price: $189.98 & $174.98
Grateful Dead/Rhino
jethro tull






Jethro Tull - Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll: Too Young to Die
Street Date: 11/27/2015
2-CD/2-DVD/ Price: $59.98
Also Available: Minstrel In The Gallery 2-CD/2-DVD
Chrysalis
jethro tull






Fleetwood Mac - Tusk Deluxe
Street Date: 12/4/2015
5-CD/2-LP/1-DVD-A/ Price: $119.98
Warner Bros. 
A-ha






Pantera - The Complete Studio Albums 1990-2000
Street Date: 12/18/2015
5-CD & 5-LP/ Price: $34.98 & $74.98
Rhino/Atlantic

Monday, November 2, 2015

David Crosby, Ginger Baker Headline Rock 'N Roll Fantasy Camp In Los Angeles

Singer and songwriter David Crosby (Crosby, Stills & Nash) and drummer Ginger Baker (Cream) will come together in Los Angeles to headline Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp on November 6 and 7, with a show at the Whisky A Go Go on Sunday, November 8.  

Many of the “campers” play well and even gave up careers as musicians to become CEOs and lawyers. Some campers can’t play well, but have dreamed of becoming a Rock Star. So, on November 6 and 7, they will rehearse with industry professionals in a fun, professional setting, then jam with Crosby and Baker. The culmination of camp is performing at the Whisky on November 8.

Rock Star Counselors include Danny Seraphine (Chicago), Alan White (Yes), Vinny Appice (Dio), Bruce Kulick (KISS, Grand Funk Railroad), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot), Ty Dennis (Kreiger-Manzarek Band), Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne), Teddy Andreadis (Gun N’ Roses), Buster Akrey (Iron Butterfly), Kane Roberts (Alice Cooper), and Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot),

For more information, go to http://www.rockcamp.com/fantasy-camp-with-ginger-baker.php.

Jeff Lynne's ELO Announces 2024 North American Fall Tour

  Jeff Lynne’s ELO is set to embark on the band’s final tour dubbed “The Over and Out Tour.” The 27-date trek, produced by Live Nation, will...