The Guitar Channel

New Mike Portnoy Band With Steve Morse "Flying Colors" Announce Debut Album

For immediate release, London, UK –

Flying Colors, the spectacular new virtuoso prog/pop/rock band, featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater) and guitarist Steve Morse (Deep Purple), will release their eponymous debut album in the UK on Monday March 26^th, followed by a US release on Tuesday March 27^th.

Released by Music Theories Recordings, the debut album includes the talents of Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Dave LaRue (bass), Neal Morse (keyboards, vocals), Casey McPherson (lead vocals, guitar), and Steve Morse (lead guitar). "The album has bits and pieces of what you'd expect from each of us,” says Portnoy. “The sum of all its parts led to brand new, unchartered territory for everyone involved."  Click here to read the full web press release and download hi res photos - www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/mascot/flyingcolors.htm.

 The formation of Flying Colors began with a simple idea: virtuoso musicians and a pop singer joining together to make new-fashioned music the old fashioned way.  Refreshing, classic, old and new, the recordings are saturated with the many styles, tones and hues of the players who, in becoming a band, have delivered a unique fusion of vintage craftsmanship and contemporary music. 

Mike Portnoy was the co-founding member and drummer for one of the world’s biggest prog metal bands “Dream Theater”. Neal Morse is the co-founding member of the prog rock band Spock’s Beard and is currently the prog rock supergroup “Transatlantic”.  David LaRue plays bass for the Dixie Dregs and has also worked with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.  Steve Morse has been playing lead guitar for Deep Purple for the last 16 years. Founder and leader of “Alpha Rev”, Casey McPherson, has enjoyed major success in the US with multiple hits including the song “New Morning”.

"It was quite an experience,” recalls Dave LaRue. “The band moved at a fast pace, ideas flying around the room at all times. Sections of tunes were arranged, and then re-arranged. Ideas were tried every which way until we made them work, or, in some cases, discarded them altogether. Just keeping track of everything was a challenge!" The album is filled with trial and triumph. It's been an inspiring challenge melding folk, prog, pop, and metal all into one big recording."

Flying Colors "Making Of" Video

The Aristocrats (Guthrie Govan, Bryan Beller, Marco Minnemann) to Headline Wesest 7 Benefit Concert at the Roxy on March 4

PRESS RELEASE

BOSTON (November 22, 2011) – Rock/fusion supergroup The Aristocrats, comprised of guitarist Guthrie Govan (Asia/GPS, Dizzee Rascal, The Young Punx), bassist Bryan Beller (Steve Vai, Dethklok, Mike Keneally), and Marco Minnemann (Adrian Belew, Steven Wilson, UKZ, Necrophagist) will headline an all-star lineup for WesFest 7: A Concert to Benefit the Wes Wehmiller Endowed Scholarship at Berklee College Of Music at The Roxy in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 4, 2012. The event is sponsored by Gallien-Krueger Amplification, Mike Lull Custom Basses, D’Addario Strings, and DW Drums.

“The Aristocrats are an especially appropriate headliner for WesFest 7,” said Peter Gordon, director of the Berklee Center in Los Angeles. “not just because they recently played The Berklee Performance Center in Boston and connected with the student body there, but because Bryan Beller – a longstanding part of the WesFest organization and close friend of Wes – is a member of the band. Plus, Guthrie and Marco are unbelievable players, and many of tomorrow’s great musicians are studying their playing styles right now.”

The scholarship fund honors Wes Wehmiller (1971-2005), a Berklee graduate (’92) and highly accomplished bassist, athlete and photographer who died of thyroid cancer in January 2005. Established by his family and friends, the Wes Wehmiller Endowed Scholarship is awarded annually to a continuing student at Berklee who best exemplifies the excellence and grace Wehmiller showed as a bassist and as a human being. The WesFest concert series is the centerpiece of an annual fundraising drive for the scholarship fund, and that fund is projected this year to top $100,000 in total monies raised since its inception in 2006.

Formed unexpectedly after a wildly enthusiastic response to a single performance at The Anaheim Bass Bash during the Winter NAMM show in January 2011, WesFest 7′s headliner The Aristocrats were cleverly dubbed instrumental rock/fusion’s “rowdy new democracy” by Guitar Player Magazine in a recent cover story on guitarist Guthrie Govan. Their self-titled debut album – featuring three compositions from each band member – contains a uniquely explosive band chemistry, translating each individual’s well-known virtuosity into an aggressive, melodic, and sometimes even cheeky group dynamic in which anything goes. The resulting record became a melting pot of their respective influences, ranging from ’70s fusion (Return To Forever) to prog (King Crimson, UK) to instrumental rock (Vai, Satriani) to groove metal (Rage Against The Machine) to just plain absurdity (Frank Zappa). The Aristocrats garnered rave reviews worldwide (“…deserves to be in your record collection between [Jeff Beck’s] Blow by Blow, [Mahavishu Orchestra’s] Birds of Fire, and [Steve Vai’s] Passion & Warfare” – Guitar Extreme [FR]), and became one of the hottest and most lauded fusion releases of 2011. The internationally-minded Aristocrats are hitting Los Angeles just before launching a tour of the U.K., Western Europe, and the Middle East in March of 2012. Find out more at www.the-aristocrats-band.com.

The event will feature four additional acts: The Casualties Of Jazz, a jazz organ trio that exclusively plays Black Sabbath material, featuring keyboardist Matt Rohde (Jane’s Addiction, Christina Aguilera, Roger Daltrey, Kelly Clarkson), bassist Chris Golden (Carly Simon, Mick Fleetwood, Engelbert Humperdinck), and drummer Jimmy Paxson (Alanis Morrissette, Rod Stewart, Steve Vai, Ronnie Montrose); the WesFest All-Stars, featuring the music of previous WesFest performers Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa, Joe Satriani), Joe Brooks, Jackie Daum, and Colin Keenan; and Danny Mo and the Exciters, featuring Wehmiller’s Berklee bass professor and close friend Danny Morris, as well as 2011 Wehmiller Scholarship award winner Hayley Jane Batt and legendary drummer John “JR” Robinson.

From 1997 through 2001, Wehmiller toured worldwide with the multi-platinum pop band Duran Duran, and appeared on many TV shows with them as well, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show, VH-1’s Storytellers, and Hard Rock Live. He performed with Missing Persons and several other L.A. based bands, and his work appears on numerous recordings produced in the L.A. area and in Vancouver. He gained endorsement deals with SWR bass amplification systems and La Bella Strings.

WesFest 7 advance tickets are available through March 2 for $35 per pair of tickets or $20 per single ticket.

All tickets are $30 each at the door. Ticket orders and donations will be accepted via check or credit card.

Complete ordering instructions and procedures can be found online at: http://www.weswehmiller.net/wesfest/wesfest7.

For any questions about ordering tickets or donating to the fundraising drive, please contact Peter Gordon at 818.380.3041 or pgordon@berklee.edu. For additional biographical information on Wes Wehmiller, and more information on the WesFest concert series, as well as new details about WesFest 7 as they become available, please visit the official Wes Wehmiller Tribute Website at www.weswehmiller.net.

Berklee College of Music was founded on the revolutionary principle that the best way to prepare students for careers in music was through the study and practice of contemporary music. For over 60 years, the college has evolved constantly to reflect the state of the art of music and the music business. With over a dozen performance and nonperformance majors, a diverse and talented student body representing over 70 countries, and a music industry “who’s who” of alumni, Berklee is the world’s premier learning lab for the music of today – and tomorrow.

Jeff Kollman Update: Marco Mendoza, Pervadelics gigs; new Cosmoquad album; tribute to GARY MOORE

PRESS RELEASE

October 6, 2011 - Acclaimed guitarist Jeff Kollman (COSMOSQUAD, GLENN HUGHES, BOMBASTIC MEATBATS, MOGG/WAY) will be teaming up with bassist/vocalist Marco Mendoza (THIN LIZZY, TED NUGENT, WHITESNAKE) and drummer Joel Taylor (ALLAN HOLDSWORTH, AL DI MEOLA) for an exclusive show at Alva's Showroom in San Pedro, CA on October 7.

 

Kollman will support his latest release, PERVADELICS - 'Songs For Pervs', with a show  at Howl At The Moon at Universal City Walk in Universal City, CA on November 16.  Pervadelics features Kollman on guitar and lead vocals, along with co-guitarist Michael 'Fish' Herring,  bassist Jesse Stern, and drummer Jono Brown.

 

Kollman's long-running progressive metal/fusion triumvirate COSMOSQUAD is set to start tracking their fourth studio album in mid-November. The follow-up to 2007's 'Acid Test' will feature co-founding member Shane Gaalaas (B'Z, GLENN HUGHES, MSG, DIESEL MACHINE) on drums and mark the debut of bassist extraordinaire Ric Fierabracci (PLANET X, FRANK GAMBALE, CHICK COREA).  The album is slated for a spring 2012 release.

 

Last but not least, Kollman has been working on a tribute to Irish guitar legend GARY MOORE who passed away on February 6 of this year.  Titled 'Silence In The Corridor' in reference to Moore's classic 1982 solo album, 'Corridors Of Power', the track will be released as a digital single before the end of the year.

 

For more info visit: www.jeffkollman.com

Oz Noy's "Twisted Blues Volume 1" to be released November 19th

PRESS RELEASE

New York based plectorist extraordinaire Oz Noy makes his Abstract Logix debut with Twisted Blues, his most eclectic album to date that displays his signature guitar sounds as well as for the first time showcases his profound love of blues, featuring Chris Layton and Reese Wynans of the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughn Band.

Oz is a chopsmeister of the highest order with a wealth of weapons in his trick bag. A master manipulator of tones and effects, he can deftly switch from lacerating single note work to Leslie-imbued organ stylings (a la Charlie Hunter) to jaw-dropping wah-wah-inflected lines…sometimes within the same song (as he does so nonchalantly on the scintillating title track). And while he emigrated to New York City in 1996 from his native Israel, you’d swear he had a lengthy stopover in New Orleans by the sound of his authentic second line groover “Oh Really” featuring Allen Toussaint and his interpretation of The Meters’ funk anthem, “Cissy Strut.”

There’s a touch of Stevie Ray Vaughan in his shuffling “Whole Tone Blues” and the tough “Steroids,” and he brings a Hendrix-meets-Ry Cooder sensibility to his luminous ballad “You Are The State” with the help of Eric Johnson on second guitar. A fan of Thelonious Monk, Oz turns in highly impressionistic versions of the floating “Light Blue” and the chops-busting “Trinkle Tinkle,” the latter performed with unrelenting aggression as an uptempo Texas shuffle. And he strikes a calming accord on the soulful, “Two Centers,” which may remind SRV fans of Stevie’s “Riviera Paradise.” Like the title of a great Wes Montgomery album on Riverside from 1961, this stellar outing features So Much Guitar!

Twisted Blues which was recorded in one part in Austin featured the legendary Eric Johnson on guitar, Chris Layton on drums, Roscoe Beck on bass, Reese Wynans on the organ. The New York Sessions featured the amazing Vinnie Colaiuta and Anton Fig on drums, Will Lee on Bass, John Medeski and Jerry Z on organ, Allen Toussaint on the piano and Ralph McDonald on percussion. a stellar line up!

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Oz Noy - Twisted Blues Volume 1 (Abstract Logix)

Release date: November 19th, 2011

Tracklisting:

1. Twisted Blues
2. Oh Really?
3. You Are The State
4. Whole Tone Blues
5. Cissy Strut
6. Light Blue
7. Steroids
8. Two Centers
9. Trinkle Tinkle

Jazz-Fusion All-Star Trio Scott Henderson Jeff Berlin Mike Clark To Tour The US

PRESS RELEASE

8/26/2011 - Clearwater, FL - One of the most highly anticipated tours of 2011 featuring jazz-fusion legends Scott Henderson, Jeff Berlin and Mike Clark will commence on Sept 14th. The power trio promises to deliver an evening full of depth-defying virtuosic performances guaranteed to thrill and inspire all that attend. “Henderson-Berlin-Clark are the Clapton-Bruce-Baker of fusion music!” says Jeff Berlin

Scott Henderson is considered one of the premier jazz-fusion guitarists performing on the planet today. Although Henderson claims to be more of a blues-rock player, with influences like Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix and Ritchie Blackmore, it was the influence of jazz that led him to the style of playing and composing he is now famous for. Henderson has recorded and toured with such notable artists as Chick Corea's Elektric Band, Jean-Luc Ponty, Jeff Berlin and 'Players', and a four year stint with Weather Report legend Joe Zawinul. He formed the band Tribal Tech in 1984 with bassist Gary Willis, and recorded nine critically acclaimed albums. In 1991 Scott Henderson was named by Guitar World as the #1 Jazz Guitarist, and in January 1992 he was named #1 Jazz Guitarist in Guitar Player's Annual Reader's Poll. Henderson has also released three well-received solo albums as well as two releases with Vital Tech Tones, a trio collaboration with bassist Victor Wooten and ex-Journey/Vital Information leader Steve Smith on drums. As is often the case with a musician of Scott's caliber, the demand is great that he share his knowledge with the current generation of guitarists. He is on the faculty at Musician's Institute in Hollywood, and has written columns for Guitar Player, Guitar World and Guitar School magazines.

Jeff Berlin is a legend of the electric bass, considered by many to be the finest electric bass player in the world. A true master of the bass, Jeff Berlin has played with the likes of Bill Bruford, Alan Holdsworth, AWBH and George Benson. Jeff Berlin's resume reads like the who's who of the higher echelon of music artists. Jeff Berlin was even asked to join Van Halen, an invitation that he actually turned down. Not only is Jeff Berlin a innovator in the jazz field, but rock players are constantly siting him as their major influence. Carlos Santana called Jeff the “best bassist in the world”, while Rush’s Geddy Lee used the phrase “best bassist on the planet!” Jeff Berlin's innovative bass playing has influenced a generation of bass players world-wide. He was voted #1 Jazz Bassist by the readers of Guitar Player Magazine. Jeff also pioneered a technique called 'two handed tapping', when he performed this style on the track "Motherlode" from his 1985 debut solo album called 'Champion'. The founder of The Players School of Music in Clearwater, Florida, Jeff has also been at the forefront of music education for almost 30 years. His columns in Guitar Player and Bass Player magazines were the most read columns due to their controversial content of music education. Jeff single-handedly has re-vamped music education by dismissing popular methods of learning such as using electronic tuners, metronomes, handgrips, tablature, or any study method that does not include musical content.

What can be said about Mike Clark except that he is a true drum legend! Mike Clark gained worldwide recognition as one of America’s foremost jazz and funk drummers while playing with Herbie Hancock’s group in the early 1970’s. Mike became known as a major innovator through his incisive playing on Hancock’s 'Thrust' album, which garnered him an international cult following. While often referred to as the “Tony Williams of funk”, Mike considers himself a jazz drummer, and in fact has become one of the most vital to sit behind a set. He's performed with jazz greats such as Herbie Hancock, Chet Baker, Vince Guaraldi, Tony Bennett, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Eddie Henderson, Rob Dixon, Bobby Hutcherson, Woody Shaw, Donald Harrison, Larry Coryell, Jack Wilkins, Mike Wolff, Wallace Roney, Geri Allen, Billy Childs, James Genus, Bob Hurst, Chris Potter, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, Dave Liebman, Nat Adderly, Oscar Brown Jr., Bill Doggett, Nicholas Payton, Christian McBride, Mose Allison, Maxine Brown, Gil Evans and his orchestra and many illuminating etceteras too numerous to list.

And now, these three legends of jazz-fusion have come together to form a supergroup that will no less than amaze all who attend their dynamic performances.

Henderson Berlin Clark tour dates:

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
City: Sellersville, PA
Venue: Sellersville Theater ST94
Venue address: 24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, PA 18960-2342 * (215) 257-5808
Website: www.st94.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
City: Newton, NJ
Venue: Newton Theatre
Venue address: 234 Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16-19
City: New York, NY
Venue: Iridium
Show times: 8 & 10 pm
Venue address: 1650 Broadway, New York - (212) 582-2121
Website: www.theiridium.com
 
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
GUITAR CENTER
Jeff Berlin Clinic
25 W. 14th Street
Manhattan, NY 10011
(212) 463-7500
 
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
City: Northampton, MA
Venue: The Iron Horse
Venue address: 76 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060-3709 * (413) 586-5858
Website: www.iheg.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
City: Somerville/Boston, MA
Venue: Johnny D's
Venue address: 17 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144 * 617-776-2004
Website: www.johnnyds.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
City: Schenectady, NY
Venue: Van Dyck
Show times: 7:00 & 9:30pm
Venue address: 237 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12305 * (518) 348-7999
Website: www.vandycklounge.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
City: Buffalo, NY
Venue: Tralf Music Hall
Venue address: 622 Main Street #2, Buffalo, NY 14202-1914 * (716) 852-2860
Website: www.tralfmusichall.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
City: Ferndale, Detroit
Venue: Magic Bag
Venue address: 22920 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, MI 48220 * (248) 544-3030
Website: www.themagicbag.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
City: Cleveland, OH
Venue: The Winchester
Venue address: 12112 Madison Ave, Lakewood/Cleveland, Ohio 44107 * 216-226-5681
Website: www.thewinchester.net

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
City: Pittsburgh, PA
Venue: Diesel Club & Lounge
Venue address: 1601 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA - (412) 431-8800
Website: www.elkoconcerts.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
City: Dayton, OH
Venue: Gilly's Jazz
Venue address: 132 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH 45402 *  937-228-8414
Website: www.gillysjazz.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2
City: Chicago, IL
Venue: Martyr's
Venue address: 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60613 *  (773) 404-9869
Website: www.martyrslive.com

For more information:
www.ScottHenderson.net 
www.JeffBerlinMusic.com
www.MikeClarkMusic.com

Tour booked by Leonardo Pavkovic of MoonJune Records & Management

 

Jazz Guitarist Jeff Richman Announces New CD Release

PRESS RELEASE

Contemporary jazz guitarist Jeff Richman today announced the release date of his upcoming CD, Jeff Richman and Chatterbox: The Line Up for October 18. The Nefer Records release is Richman’s 16th solo project and features Mitchel Forman on keyboards, Joel Taylor on drums and Dean Taba on bass guitar. The new CD is distributed by City Hall Records and songs will be available online at iTunes, Amazon and other music websites.

The Line Up consists of 12 new tracks exploring and expanding the boundaries of contemporary jazz. Together, the odd metered time signatures, key changes, rhythm variations, polyphony, improvisation and tempos are overcome by the band as they weave in and out of these original compositions by Richman. On three of the tracks Richman, Forman, Taylor and Taba take artistic liberties into their own hands with their shared composition of jam tracks “It’s All One”,“Square Root” and “Right Here, Right Now”. While recording, Richman imposes challenges on himself and the band to grow and capture a bigger audience; to include them in on the musical journey. There is an inherent sense throughout the CD that gives the listener the impression that Richman and the band want the listener to experience the same fun, challenges, joy, conflict and sorrow as they do when performing. It’s not forced and it happens organically, as if each song is a conversation. The melody masquerades as the topic, ideas get passed around between the artists and the audience is allowed to eavesdrop; the invisible barrier between talent and audience being removed.

Guitarist Jeff Richman has enjoyed success on the jazz scene for nearly 35 years. His guitar playing is cited as tasteful and articulate, with room to breathe. He is recognized by and associated with the other luminaries of the fusion and contemporary jazz. His guitar is heard the world over. On this new release, his tone rises above with something unique that can’t quite be described. It is the impression of a barebones approach that has simplified his tone but made it gigantic. He uses his go to Fender Strats and Teles, a Jim Hall Sadowsky, a silver faced Marshall Jubilee but this time there is something else in the water.

Throughout his career, Richman has recorded and performed with the crème de la crème of talent. He has discovered and forged a solid rapport with each member of the band. Now he successfully brings them together to form one cohesive unit that seems untouchable on this recording. As Richman sums it up,“This is the band. This is what I’ve wanted to achieve. I know I can go anywhere in the world with these guys and it will be an amazing time for us and the fans. It feels good, it sounds good, and I can’t wait to take this show out on the road.”

To learn more about Jeff Richman and Chatterbox’s new release, The Line Up, please visit jeffrichman.net.

Jeff Richman and Chatterbox The Line Up track listing:

The Line Up (4:46)
Window to the Heart (3:30)
Rule of Thumb (4:24)
It’s All One (Jam #1) (5:45)
Hat Trick (5:16)
Cross My Heart (5:57)
Once More Twice (6:14)
Square Root (Jam #2) (4:23)
Smoke Ring (5:03)
Point of You (4:47)
Right Here, Right Now (Jam #3) (5:22)
Window to the Heart (reprise) (2:33)

Abstract Logix Live - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (2 DVD Set)

PRESS RELEASE

Abstract Logix to release New Universe Music Festival double-DVD compilation featuring John McLaughlin, Jimmy Herring, Lenny White, Wayne Krantz, Zakir Hussain and more on September 20, 2011

On November 20 and 21, 2010, maverick record label Abstract Logix hosted a series of spectacular performances, featuring an array of artists who handily defy genre categorization in favor of unbridled expression. The first New Universe Music Festival, primarily sponsored by Godin Guitars and DIY Music was a die-hard music lover's dream, defined by artists who seamlessly mingle compositional ingenuity and improvisational grace and fervor.

A 2 DVD Compilation featuring the music on the CD, along with over 60
minutes of the grand finale Jam tribute to John McLaughlin featuring all
the artists of the festival along with behind the scenes footage and
extensive interviews will be released on September 20, 2011.

The release features pioneering guitarist John McLaughlin and his
current band the 4th Dimension with special guest, world music legend
tabla maestro Zakir Hussain; Widespread Panic guitar hero Jimmy Herring
with his electric band; Return to Forever Drummer Lenny White; the
all-star quartet Human Element (keyboardist Scott Kinsey, bassist Matt
Garrison, percussionist Arto Tunçboyaciyan; fearless guitarist and
improviser Wayne Krantz appearing with the amazing Anthony Jackson on
bass; visionary Indian composer and drummer Ranjit Barot; and emerging
guitar visionary Alex Machacek.

A 2 CD Set of the festival featuring 131 minutes of music was released
on July 19, 2011 to rave reviews:

"The final guitarist on the album is the Mahavishnu himself, John
McLaughlin. His band, the Fourth Dimension, is a tight and nimble unit
that can change directions at will as if all the members are a single
organism. It will take most listeners some time to work through both
discs, but the chance to hear the evolution of jazz/rock guitar  in a
live setting is well worth the investment." - Premier Guitar

"For those who like their jazz hard, loud, filled with killer chops and
intricate writing, the 2010 New Universe Music Festival was like manna
from heaven. - All About Jazz

This thing is amazing!!!!  UNREAL!!!! - Voice of America

Here's praise for the event itself:

"The New Universe Music Festival brought together an astonishing roster
of legendary and upcoming jazz-fusion musicians-especially guitarists-in
an intimate setting charged with excitement. As might be expected, the
music was superb, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to fusion and world
music pioneer John McLaughlin. I look forward to attending the next
NUMF, though the first one will be very tough to top." -Barry Cleveland,
Guitar Player

JazzTimes editor Lee Mergner attended the festival, observing, "It was a
veritable smorgasbord of fusion, with many of the top-notch artists in
the genre coming together for a series of performances.  Jazz-rock fans
attending the inaugural event heard legends like John McLaughlin and
Lenny White, established names such as Wayne Krantz, Human Element and
Jimmy Herring, as well as up-and-comers like Alex Machacek and Ranjit
Barot.  From start to finish, the music was electric, even when it was
being played acoustically.  There was also a palpable sense of community
as artists generously participated in listening sessions and sat in with
each other throughout the event.  I highly recommend this festival and
look forward to seeing and hearing its second incarnation in 2012."

About DIY Media:
DIY Media is the leading platform in social commerce.  The company
provides the simplest and shortest means to sell digital content to
online customers.  From complete portable storefronts for single tracks,
albums, and entire music catalog shareable widgets to brilliantly
designed and built white label storefronts for entire music catalogs,
DIY Media empowers social commerce in the music industry.  The company's
innovative, all-in-one, direct to consumer digital e-commerce
distribution and marketing platform provides record labels, artists, and
digital distributors, with unparalleled reach and revenue opportunities
within the exploding viral marketplaces of Facebook, Twitter, email, and
mobile phones.

About Godin Guitars:
With its early beginnings in 1972, the Godin Guitar family now includes
6 lines of guitars. These include the renowned Godin electric line, as
well as the finely crafted acoustic lines such as Seagull, Simon&
Patrick, Norman, Art&   Lutherie and LaPatrie nylon stringed classical
guitars. Godin Guitars is also the manufacturer of the revolutionary
TRIC acoustic guitar case. Based in Montreal Quebec, this Canadian
company has 6 factories, 5 of which are located in the Eastern Townships
of Quebec and 1 located in Berlin New Hampshire.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was lucky enough to conduct the backstage interviews for this release which appear on disc two. Follow the link below to pre-order this epic two-DVD set.

Pre-Order Abstract Logix Live - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (2 DVD Set)

 

See Also:

Review: Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (2 CD)
Abstract Logix Live 2010 - The New Universe Music Festival Promo Video!

Three King Crimson members unite for exclusive Two of a Perfect Trio tour this fall

PRESS RELEASE

King Crimson members Adrian Belew, Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto have combined the forces of their trios, the Adrian Belew Power Trio and Stick Men, for the Two of a Perfect Trio tour.  This double trio will extensively tour the United States this fall with select Canadian dates.

“It's a rare treat, both for us in the band, and for the audience, for three King Crimson members to be together onstage,” says Levin.  “And the supporting cast are excellent players in their own right.”

The performance will feature two sets with an extended encore of music all featuring King Crimson material.  The show will kick off with sets by Stick Men, featuring Mastelotto on electronic and acoustic percussion, Markus Reuter on his self-designed Touch Guitar, and Levin on Chapman Stick; and the Adrian Belew Power Trio with Belew on guitar and vocals, bassist Julie Slick, and NYC drummer Tobias Ralph.

For the extended “Crim-centric” encore, fans will be treated to the three Crimson members Belew, Levin and Mastelotto, covering some of their favorite pieces from their work in King Crimson. 

“King Crimson is an elite club,” says Belew. “There have only been seven members in the last 30 years.  Having Tony, Pat and myself onstage, three legitimate Crimson players, will make this as close as currently possible to the actual thing.”

To make this concert even more colossal, the trios will combine to close out the show.

“Then the others will come out to join us as a double trio, fairly well covering what Crimson had in the 90's lineup,” says Levin. “It should be a big challenge, wild music, and great fun.”

I’m very excited at the sound I hear in my head of this particular ‘double trio,’" says Belew.  “It’s monstrous.”

Confirmed tour dates are:

Sept 19    Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse

Sept 20    Carrboro, NC / Arts Center

Sept 21    Knoxville, TN / Bijou

Sept 22    Annapolis, MD / Rams Head

Sept 23    Phoenixville, PA / Colonial Theater

Sept 24    Vienna, VA / Jammin Java

Sept 26    New York, NY / Iridium

Sept 27    Boston, MA / Royale

Sept 28    New York, NY / Iridium

Sept 29    New York, NY / Iridium

Sept 30    Fairfield, CT / Stage One

Oct 1      Northhampton, MA / Iron Horse

Oct 2      Montreal, QC / Corona

Oct 4      Toronto, ON / Mod Club

Oct 5      Buffalo, NY / Tralf

Oct 6      Covington, KY / Southgate House

Oct 7      Detroit, MI / Magic Bag

Oct 8      Chicago, IL / Old Town School of Folk

Oct 9      Minneapolis, MN / Cedar Cultural Center

Oct 11    Boulder, CO / Boulder Theater

Oct 12    Salt Lake City, UT / The Depot

Oct 14    Portland, OR / Aladdin

Oct 15    Seattle, WA / Triple Door

Oct 17    Sacramento, CA / Harlows

Oct 18    San Francisco, CA / Regency

Oct 19    Solana Beach, CA / Belly Up

Oct 21    Agoura Hills, CA / Canyon Club

Oct 22    Santa Ana, CA / Galaxy

Oct 23    Phoenix, AZ / The Foundry

Oct 26    St Louis, MO / Old Rockhouse

Oct 27    Indianapolis, IN / Birdys

Oct 28    Nashville, TN / Belcourt

Oct 29    Asheville, NC / Moogfest

 

Guitarists Join Forces to Salute Guitar Great Joe Diorio Aug. 7

PRESS RELEASE

Some of jazz's finest plectrists will gather to salute acclaimed guitarist Joe Diorio for his 75th birthday at New York's famed Birdland jazz club on August 7.

Among the well-wishers will be Pat Martino, Jimmy Bruno, Vic Juris, Paul Bollenback, Chris Robinson, David Becker and Gil Parris among others. Not to be missed! Showtimes are at 9pm and 11pm. For reservations or more information, call (212) 581-3080 or visit www.birdlandjazz.com.

Composer and guitarist Joe Diorio has been called "one of the most mature and uncompromising new plectrists to work the room since Joe Pass" by Leonard Feather and an "undervalued virtuoso" by Rolling Stone. With over 50 years experience as a performer and recording artist, Diorio has worked with such jazz luminaries as Sonny Stitt, Eddie Harris, Stan Getz, Horace Silver and Freddie Hubbard. He is featured on over 20 albums as both a leader and sideman with musicians such as Steve Bagby, Harvie Swartz, Sonny Stitt, Eddie Harris, Benny Green, Horace Silver, Anita O'Day, and Gijs Hendriks. He has toured and performed in jazz festivals throughout the U.S., Holland, Belgium, Italy and Argentina among others.

Highly respected as an educator, Joe Diorio taught at the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, CA (where he was one of the three founding instructors) and at the University of Southern California, and has conducted Jazz Guitar seminars throughout the U.S., Europe and Brazil. In addition to teaching, Diorio has released several instructional videos; written articles for Guitar Player Magazine and numerous instructional books.

Derek Sherinian releases new solo album 'Oceana'

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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.

New Leslie West album 'Unusual Suspects' includes Steve Lukather, Joe Bonamassa, Zakk Wylde, Billy Gibbons

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London, England - Legendary guitarist and Mountain founder Leslie West will release the new solo album, Unusual Suspects, on Monday September 19th. The album follows the recent news that West underwent life-saving surgery on June 17th, when his leg was amputated above the knee.  While an ordeal such as this would surely deter other artists, West insisted on honouring the Unusual Suspects album release date in September.

Released by Provogue Records, Unusual Suspects features West performing alongside an all-star hand-picked line-up of the world's finest guitar players, including Slash, blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa, Black Label Society front man and ex-Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons and Toto's Steve Lukather. Unusual Suspects is West's first album since 2006's 'Blue Me'.

"These guys don't just show up to play on everybody's albums," says West on his special guests and the album's title. "They're all stars in their own right, and fantastic players - everyone with their own sound and style, about as far from the usual suspects as it gets."

Leslie West - Unusual Suspects (Provogue Records)

Tracklisting:

01. One More Drink For The Road (ft. Steve Lukather)
02. Mudflap Mama (ft. Slash)
03. To The Moon
04. Standing On A Higher Ground (ft. Billy F. Gibbons)
05. Third Degree (ft. Joe Bonamassa)
06. Legend
07. Nothing's Changed (ft. Zakk Wylde)
08. I Feel Fine
09. Love You Forever
10. You & Me
11. Turn Out The Lights (ft. Slash & Zakk Wylde)
12. Beetle “I Don’t Know” [Bonustrack]

Jeff Beck Announces Canadian Tour Dates

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EIGHT-TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNER
JEFF BECK
ANNOUNCES CANADIAN TOUR DATES

WILL ALSO INCLUDE FOUR WEST COAST U.S. DATES

LOS ANGELES – Jeff Beck, guitarist extraordinaire and rock icon, who recently captured three more Grammy® Awards at the 2011 ceremony in Los Angeles, announces the launch of a fall Canadian tour starting on October 12th in Halifax, Nova Scotia and finishing on October 27th in Vancouver. In addition, four U.S. dates are scheduled for the great Northwest immediately following the Canadian portion, starting in Seattle on October 28th and wrapping up in the wine country of Napa on November 1st.

It has been quite a remarkable two years for the legendary artist, starting with his second induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2009 where Beck joined a very elite group of double inductees. Following in January 2010, Beck made a jaw-dropping Grammy appearance with the Irish singing sensation, Imelda May, in a duet of the Les Paul classic, “How High the Moon”, a tribute to Beck’s hero. In early February 2010, Beck joined Eric Clapton for an exclusive, limited string of co-headlining dates in the UK, New York and Canada.


In what is easily one of the most anticipated reunions of the current decade, Beck and Rod Stewart are currently working towards what hopes to become a new album.
As an 8-time Grammy Award winner, Jeff Beck is one of the UK’s leading artists and one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock history. His playing style continues to break new ground and
reflects the eclectic musical mix that is his trademark. His live shows and virtuoso solos have become something of legend and the list of musicians he plays with similarly reflects his commitment to the best of the best.

Throughout his career, Beck has been credited with finding and launching the careers of some of the most exciting new artists on the musical landscape. Adding to his early find of Rod Stewart as singer of the Jeff Beck Group in the 70’s, his recent multiple performances with Imelda May at The Grammy’s and the Tribute to Les Paul at the Iridium, with subsequent U.S. tour, have brought the singer to the U.S. public’s attention, front and center. He has collaborated with Grammy-Award winning singer Imogen Heap and UK sensation Joss Stone on various albums. Over the last few years he has performed alongside singers Kelly Clarkson and Joss Stone on the most-watched U.S. television series to date, American Idol. In an exciting recent development, Beck’s eye for new talent has brought him together in collaboration with New Orleans jazz-sensation Trombone Shorty, combining their talents for a roof raising performance at this year’s Jazz Festival and on a track to be featured on Shorty’s new album.

His latest studio album, Emotion & Commotion, was nominated for five Grammy awards last year, making him the most nominated rock artist of 2010. Beck went on to win Best Rock Instrumental Performance for “Hammerhead” and Best Pop Instrumental performance for “Nessun Dorma”, both from Emotion & Commotion, marking only the second time an artist has won Grammys in both of these categories in the same year. The first time was in 2006 by guitar legend and Beck mentor Les Paul. Beck also won for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for “Imagine,” his collaboration with Herbie Hancock, Pink, India.Arie, Seal, Konono No. 1 & Oumou Sangare.

In June 2010, Beck paid fitting tribute to his mentor, the great Les Paul, celebrating what would have been the pioneering guitarist’s 95th birthday, by playing his friend’s music, along with classic tunes from the era, in the same Times Square nightclub that Paul played every Monday for 14 years before his death in August 2009. During the celebration, Beck was joined on-stage at the Iridium Jazz Club by The Imelda May Band, along with other guest performers Brian Setzer, Gary “U.S.” Bonds, and Trombone Shorty.

In the Fall 2011, Jeff Beck and his band of Jason Rebello, Rhonda Smith and Narada Michael Walden will embark on a 15-date tour, with the first 11 shows in Canada.

October 12 Halifax, NS Halifax Metro Centre
October 13 Moncton, NB The Centre
October 15 Montreal, QC Place des Arts
October 16 Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
October 18 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
October 19 Kitchener, ON Centre in the Square
October 21 Thunder Bay, ON PAC
October 22 Winnipeg, MB Pantages Playhouse Theatre
October 24 Calgary, AB EPCOR CENTRE’s Jack Singer Concert Hall
October 25 Edmonton, AB Winspear Centre
October 27 Vancouver, BC The Centre
October 28 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre
October 29 Portland, OR Schnitzer Theatre
October 31 Santa Rosa, CA Wells Fargo
November 1 Napa, CA Uptown Theatre

For more information on Jeff Beck, please visit http://www.jeffbeck.com