The Guitar Channel

Chad Wackerman's "Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations" Now Available for Pre-Order

Drummer/composer Chad Wackerman's new disc Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations is now available for preorder through Abstract Logix. The album begins shipping on February 15th. From the ABLX website:

"Four masters of musical improvisation collaborate on the latest release from esteemed drummer Chad Wackerman. Known for his work with Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth and James Taylor, Wackerman blurs the line between composed and improvised pieces on Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations. The featured musicians: guitar legend Allan Holdsworth, bassist Jimmy Johnson and keyboard player Jim Cox, have all developed a unique musical telepathy with Wackerman over decades, which is allowed to shine on this inventive, adventurous CD.

Ranging from atmospheric to edgy, the music on Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations showcases four creative musicians at the height of their musical powers. Wackerman has structured the CD so that the interplay between the performers is ever-present. Many of the improvised pieces sound like fully formed compositions, while the written pieces provide ample opportunities for spontaneous flow.

Wackerman’s history with these musicians goes back a long way. He has been playing with Jim Cox since their first gig together in 1979, backing trombonist Bill Watrous. Thanks to Peter Erskine, Wackerman met and started working with Jimmy Johnson in the early 1980’s, a continuing collaboration that both cherish. Wackerman began touring and recording with Allan Holdsworth in 1982, beginning with Holdworth’s well known Road Games release. Listen to the sparks fly as these musical bonds deepen on this incredible new CD."

Chad Wackerman - Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations

1. Glass Lullaby
2. A New Day
3. Bent Bayou
4. Star Gazing
5. Edith Street
6. The Fifth
7. Waterways
8. The Billows
9. Monsieur Vintage
10. Rapid Eeye Movement
11. Brain Funk
12. A Spontaneous Story
13. Two For Ya
14. Invisible

New Chad Wackerman Album To Feature Allan Holdsworth

Drummer Chad Wackerman's forthcoming album Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations will include Allan Holdsworh on guitar, Jimmy Johnson on bass, and Jim Cox on keys (the same lineup Wackerman used on his 1991 solo debut Forty Reasons). The release date has not yet been announced, but the band will be playing special CD launch shows at The Baked Potato in Studio City, CA on February 16th and 17th. Stay tuned for more details.

Videos: Alex Machacek, Terry Bozzio and Jimmy Johnson - Live at The Baked Potato

Alex Machacek (Guitar), Terry Bozzio (Drums), and Jimmy Johnson (Bass) from a recent performance at the Baked Potato.

"Yellow Pages"

"[sic]"

Favorite Releases of 2011

While pondering my favorite music releases of 2011, I was struck by two things; the abundance of originality and depth in the "my cup of tea" genre, and Geez Louise were there a lot of live albums this year. There were also some great DVDs, which is why I'm referring to this as a favorite "releases" list instead of an "album" list as I have in the past. So here they are - my favorite releases of 2011 in no particular order:

 

Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (CD / DVD) [CD Review]

Amazing live CD and DVD releases chronicling the 2010 New Universe Music Festival. Includes great performances by John McLaughlin, Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Jimmy Herring, and others. I was honored to help contribute to the DVD by conducting the backstage interviews which appear on disc 2.

Brett Garsed - Dark Matter [Review]

Fantastic writing and playing. Shows a stronger prog influence than Garsed’s earlier work. Bassist Ric Fierabracci make a big impact here as well.

Chris Taylor - Nocturnal [Review / Interview]

Taylor’s remarkable debut seamlessly blends modern jazz and electronica influences in one of the year’s most original and engaging releases. The all-star line up includes Ric Fierabracci, Steve Tavaglione, Dave Weckl, and other heavyweights.

Oz Noy - Twisted Blues Volume 1

Noy’s latest showcases his quirky originality and tones in a context that’s more bluesy than his previous work. Love the writing on this one.

The Aristocrats [Guthrie Govan Interview]

Killer heavy fusion album with Guthrie Govan on guitar, Bryan Beller on bass, and Marco Minnemann on drums. A great platform for Govan’s overall talents.

Derek Sherinian - Oceana

Awesome prog-fusion disc that may be Sherinian’s best solo release yet. Has a throwback 70s Jeff Beck vibe at times. Guests include Steve Lukather, Tony MacAlpine, and Joe Bonamassa.

Allen Hinds - Monkeys and Slides

Great writing and lines from one of the west coast’s coolest fusion guitarists. Includes two burning live tracks. Features Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Babko, and Dennis Hamm among others.

Bryan Beller - Wednesday Night Live

Killer live disc featuring a single set recorded at the Baked Potato, plus two additional tracks from other performances. Includes great contributions from Mike Keneally.

Other favorites from 2011:

Gerald Gradwohl Group - ABQ Live and Raw
Jeff Richman & Chatterbox - The Line Up [Interview]
Bryan Baker, Bob van Luijt & Sebastiaan Cornelissen - 011 Amsterdam
John Escreet - The Age We Live In
Johnny Hiland - All Fired Up
CAB - Live on Sunset
Human Element
Gannin Arnold - Five World Class Drummers DVD
Rudder - Live at Rockwell Music Hall NYC DVD (Not one note of guitar on this, but the band and DVD are super cool.)

See Also:

Favorite Albums of 2010
Favorite Albums of 2009
Favorite Albums of 2008
Favorite Albums of 2007
Favorite Albums of 2006

Video: Allan Holdsworth - More Footage from Houston, TX 11/15/11

Another clip from Allan Holdsworth's Nov 15th show in Houston TX. With Jimmy Johnson on bass, and Ronald Bruner Jr. on drums.

Videos: Allan Holdsworth - Live in Texas 11/15/11

Three videos of Allan Holdsworth in Houston Tx on November 15, 2011. With Jimmy Johnson on bass, and Ronald Bruner Jr. on drums.

Video: Alex Machacek, Terry Bozzio and Jimmy Johnson - Live at The Baked Potato

Alex Machacek (guitar), Terry Bozzio (drums) and Jimmy Johnson (bass) live at the Baked Potato on 11/4/11.

UPDATED: Allan Holdsworth 2012 Tour Dates

Here is an updated list of Allan Holdsworth tour dates for 2012. These gigs will feature Jimmy Johnson on bass, and Virgil Donati on drums. Stay tuned for further updates.

JAN 14 - Whittier, CA (TBC very soon)
JAN 22 - Studio City, Los Angeles, CA (Baked Potato)
MAR 11 - Sellersville, PA (Sellersville Theater ST94)
MAR 1- MAR 11 - Cities TBC
MAR 12 - Annapolis, MD (Ram's Head Tavern)
MAR 14 - Newton, NJ (Newton Theater)
MAR 15 - New York, NY (Iridium)
MAR 16 - New York, NY (Iridium)
MAR 17 - New York, NY (Iridium)
MAR 18 - Peekskil, NY (clinic, TBA)
MAR 20 - Piermont, NY (The Turning Point)
MAR 21 - Northampton, MA (The Iron Horse Music Hall)
MAR 22 - Somerville, Boston, MA (Johnny D's)
MAR 23 - Norfolk, CT (The Infinity Music Hall)
MAR 24 - Schenectady, NY (The Van Dyck)
MAR 26 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada (clinic, TBA)
MAR 27 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Cosmo)
MAR 28 - Buffalo, NY (The Tralf Music Hall)
MAR 30 - Dayton, OH (Gilly's Jazz)
MAR 31 - Detroit, MI (The Jazz Caffe)
APR 1 - Chicago, IL (Martyrs')

 

Current Listening (and Viewing)

Here is some of the great new music I've been digging lately.

 

The Aristocrats

Incredible rock fusion disc with Guthrie Govan on guitar, Bryan Beller on bass, and Marco Minnemann on drums. Killer writing, tones and playing.

Oz Noy - Twisted Blues Volume 1

Noy's bluesiest album to date has an amazing lineup that includes Vinnie Colaiuta, Eric Johnson, and other heavyweights. Noy's playing and tones are amazing. Releasing November 19th.

Derek Sherinian - Oceana

Arguably Sherinian's best solo album yet. Has a similar vibe to his 1999 debut, with strong shades of Jeff Beck's early fusion work. As always, the prog keyboard maestro brings along an impressive cast. Includes Steve Lukather, Tony MacAlpine, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Stevens, and others.

Jeff Richman & Chatterbox - The Line Up

Richman returns with Chatterbox for more jammy west coast jazz. Has a looser vibe than his solo releases.

Jarle H. Olsen - Quadrasonic

Super intricate prog metal with insane chops. Includes Alex Argento on keys.

Abstract Logix Live - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 DVD

I may be a bit biased here since I conducted the interviews for this 2-DVD set, but this is a killer collection of live jazz rock fusion. A great documentation of Abstract Logix's groundbreaking 2010 festival. Includes John McLaughlin (with Zakir Hussain), Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Jimmy Herring, Human Element, Ranjit Barot, and others.

More Allan Holdsworth Videos From The Baked Potato - 8/26/11

More footage of Allan Holdsworth at the Baked Potato last night with Jimmy Johnson (bass), and Ron Bruner Jr (drums).

Video: Allan Holdsworth - Live at The Baked Potato 8/26/11 "Fred"

Allan Holdsworth playing "Fred" at the Baked Potato last night. With Jimmy Johnson on bass, and Ron Bruner Jr on drums.

Derek Sherinian releases new solo album 'Oceana'

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release, London, England -

Derek Sherinian's new solo album 'Oceana' is released Monday September 5th by the Music Theories Recordings label via the Mascot Label Group.

If this were the 1970's, the heyday of such keyboard titans as Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and Jon Lord, Sherinian would be among that elite circle of players who were superstars back in the day when such talent was not only appreciated, but celebrated in popular music. This is, however, 2011, and in this age, Derek Sherinian is the premiere rock keyboardist of his generation, a member of the supergroup Black Country Communion, a former member of Dream Theater, and a solo artist in his own right.

Sherinian has played keyboards with artists including Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, Yngwie Malmsteen and KISS. In addition to being a former member of Dream Theater, Sherinian was also a member of the prog rock band Platypus, and the founder of the progressive fusion metal band Planet X.

'Oceana' is mixed by legendary drummer Simon Phillips (whose drumming credits include Toto, The Who, Jeff Beck, 10CC, Roxy Music). Phillips also plays drums on the entire album.

Steve Lukather collaborates with Sherinian on 'Mulholland', 'Euphoria' and 'Seven Sins', while former Planet X guitarist Tony MacAlpine performs on 'Five Elements' and 'Mercury 7'. Steve Stevens is featured on 'Ghost Runner' and the title track, while Black Country Communion band-mate Joe Bonamassa performs on 'I Heard That'. Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake) performs on 'El Camino Diablo', and Jimmy Johnson plays bass on all tracks with the exception of 'Ghost Runner' and 'Oceana', which both feature Tony Franklin.

Favouring a guitar heavy rock based approach to fusion ala Jeff Beck, Sherinian's music creates a certain energy that comes through the recordings, setting him apart from other jazz fusion artists.  His music also appeals to fans of technical heavy metal. Thanks to his relentless touring schedule with a wide range of well-known artists, Sherinian easily adapts to ever changing musical genres, while always maintaining his signature style.

Click here to download hi res photos and read the full press release announcement - www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/dereksherinian/oceana.htm.