The Guitar Channel

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: New Steve Lukather Interview for JazzRockTV

JazzrockTV #38 Steve Lukather from JazzrockTV on Vimeo.

Updated G3 2012 Tour Dates - Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Steve Lukather

Here is an updated list of dates for the 2012 G3 tour of Australia and New Zealand featuring Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Steve Lukather.

24 March 2012 Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, New Zealand

25 March 2012 Logan Campbell Centre, Greenlane Auckland, New Zealand

27 March 2012 Royal Theatre, Canberra, Australia

30 March 2012 Hordern Pavillion, Sydney, Australia

31 March 2012 Palais Theatre, St. Kilda, Victoria, Australia

03 April 2012 Festival Theatre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

05 April 2012 Convention Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

06 April 2012 Byron Bay Bluesfest, Byron Bay, Australia

 

Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Steve Lukather: G3 Tour 2012

Whoa! A new 2012 G3 Tour is in the works for Australia and New Zealand featiuring Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Steve Lukather(!). They are currently scheduled to perform on April 6th at Australia's Byron Bay Bluesfest. I'll post more details as they become available.

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.

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.

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

PRESS RELEASE

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]

Steve Lukather Europe and Africa Tour Dates

Here is a current list of Steve Lukather 2011 dates for Europe and Africa for his All's Well That Ends Well tour. Luke's band includes Renee Jones - bass and vocals, Steve Weingart - keyboards and vocals, and Eric Valentine - drums.

22 July 2011 Burg - Wilhelmstein , 52146 Wurselen (Germany)
23 July 2011 Zeltfest , Winterbach (Germany)
27 July 2011 Gru Village Blues Festival , Turin (Italy)
28 July 2011 Sconfinando Festival , re Genova (Italy)
30 July 2011 Festival Guitare en Scene , near Geneve (Switzerland)
03 August 2011 Rock On , Martirano Lombardo (Cz) (Italy)
04 August 2011 Guitar Legends Festival , Roma (Italy)
06 August 2011 Brienz Rock Festival , Brienz (Switzerland)
07 August 2011 Castello di San Giusto , Trieste (Italy)
11 August 2011 venue to be annonced , Mauritius (Republic of Mauritius)
12 August 2011 Theatre Luc Donat , Le Tampon (Island of Reunion, France)
13 August 2011 Kabardock , Le Port (Island of Reunion, France)
04 November 2011 Hirsch , Nurnburg (Germany)
05 November 2011 Live Music Hall , Köln (Germany)
06 November 2011 Substage , Karlsruhe (Germany)
09 November 2011 Backstage Werk , München (Germany)
10 November 2011 Colossaal , Aschaffenburg (Germany)
11 November 2011 Markthalle , Hamburg (Germany)
12 November 2011 Postbahnhof , Berlin (Germany)
13 November 2011 Tante Ju , Dresden (Germany)
15 November 2011 Stadtgarden , Erfurt (Germany)
16 November 2011 Arenberg , Antwerp (Belgium)
18 November 2011 Espace Horizon , Ozoir la Ferriere (Paris) (France)
19 November 2011 Les Arenes , Petite Foret (Valenciennes) (France)
20 November 2011 L'Atelier , Luxembourg (Luxembourg)
22 November 2011 Le Kursaal, Rue Guillaumie Maisier , Limbourg (Belgium)
23 November 2011 Sound Theatre , Wels (Austria)
24 November 2011 Millenaris , Budapest (Hungary)

Steve Lukather Interview for the Bill Murphy Show

Steve Lukather recently gave an extensive interview for the Bill Murphy Show. Luke talks about his studio days, tour stories, and much more. The audio has been posted on Muprhy's site for streaming or downloading.

Bill Murphy Show: Steve Lukather Interview

Steve Lukather to appear on Jimmy Fallon's show Jan 14th

Set your DVRs folks - Steve Lukather will be sitting in with the Roots on NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon show on Friday January 14th.

Favorite Albums of 2010

Looking back over this past year, I really believe 2010 has been the most incredible year in music I've ever experienced. It's certainly been the best year I've seen since I started The Guitar Channel in 2004. On one hand, I've never witnessed as much amazing live music as I have this year. There were the great Winter NAMM gigs (such as OHM w/ Mike Kenneally, Alex Machacek w/ Ric Fierabracci, the Bombastic Meatbats, and more), awesome Chicago gigs by Mike Stern, Allan Holdsworth, and others, and of course the festivals - starting with the incredible Baked Potato 40th Anniversary Jazz Festival in May, the legend-packed Crossroads Guitar Festival in June, and the capper: the amazing New Universe Music Festival last month.

Then of course, there were the great albums of 2010. And there were a lot of them. Here are my favorite albums that were released this year, in no particular order.

Alex Machacek featuring Marco Minnemann - 24 Tales (Review)

A remarkable disc featuring music Machacek composed over a 52-minute Minnemann drum solo.

Michael Landau, Robben Ford, Jimmy Haslip, Gary Novak - Renegade Creation (Review)

Awesome blues rock super group that brings together guitar legends Landau and Ford. Killer playing; amazing guitar tones.

Ray Riendeau - Atmospheres

This one came out of nowhere and really grabbed me. Great collection of fusion tunes with a killer guest list that includes Alex Machacek, Jeff Kollman, Greg Koch, Nat Janoff, and many others.

Lenny White - Anomaly

Fantastic old-school jazz rock album from the legendary drummer. Includes guests Jimmy Herring and David Gilmore.

Prashant Aswani - Sonically Speaking (Review)

Tasty, melodic instrumental rock disc with killer playing and writing. Includes guests Brett Garsed and Rob Caggiano.

Bombastic Meatbats featuring Chad Smith - More Meat

Awesome throwback fusion with great grooves. Features Jeff Kollman on guitar.

Charlie Hunter - Public Domain

This may seem like an out-of-left-field choice, but I can't get enough of this album. Features Hunter playing solo versions of old public domain classics chosen by his grandfather.

Other favorites from 2010:

Kirk Fletcher - My Turn
John McLaughlin - To The One (Review)
John Czajkowski and Marco Minnemann - West ZooOpolis
Steve Lukather - All's Well That Ends Well
Tetsuo Sakurai - Vital World (Review)
Ranjit Barot - Bada Boom
Michael Dolce - Everything Til Now
Jeff Richman - Like That (Interview)

See Also:

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

Toxic Monkey at the Blue Note: New All-Star Band featuring Bill Evans and Steve Lukather

Sax legend Bill Evans has formed a new all-star band called Toxic Monkey which includes Steve Lukather on guitar, Will Lee on bass, Keith Carlock on drums, and Steve Weingart on keys. The band will take reseidence at the Blue Note in New York from January 11th through the 16th, 2011 for two shows a night. Visit the official show info page at the Blue Note for more info.