The Guitar Channel

Current Listening

Listening to lots of great new stuff lately...

 

Prashant Aswani - Visions

Awesome melodic rock fusion disc. Loaded with Aswani's signature legato lines, smooth overdriven tones, and groove-heavy writing. Includes a guest appearance by Jeff Kollman.

Scott Henderson, Jeff Berlin, Dennis Chambers - HBC

Awesome, raw record with killer playing from all involved. Love the stripped-down trio arrangements of fusion classics such as "Actual Proof" and "Mysterious Traveller." A must-have for Scott Henderson fans.

John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension - Now Here This

Another great release from the godfather of fusion and his crack quartet, the 4th Dimension. Filled with deep improvisation and band interplay. Not to mention, McLaughlin's ripping runs on "Riff Raff" prove that he is still one of the greatest pickers ever.

Karizma - Perfect Harmony

New three-disc release from keyboardist David Garfield's classic west coast jazz band. Includes new music, plus demos and live tracks. Features Michael Landau, Tim Pierce, James Harrah, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Porcaro, and many others. Loaded with great playing.

Charlie Hunter and Scott Amendola - Not Getting Behind Is The New Getting Ahead

Love the vibe on this one. Loaded with deep grooves and subtle interplay between Hunter and Amendola.

The Fusion Syndicate

Cool collection of jazz-fusion originals from producer Billy Sherwood, performed by a lengthy roster of the genre's giants. Lineup includes Steve Morse, Larry Coryell, Steve Stevens, Scott Kinsey, Chad Wackerman, Billy Cobham, Jerry Goodman, Jordan Rudess, Derek Sherinian, Jimmy Haslip, Randy Brecker, Percy Jones, and many others.

Video: The Aristocrats - Live in Frankfurt 10/26/12 Full Show

The Aristocrats' entire 10/26/12 show from Frankfurt Germany. Guthrie Govan - guitar, Bryan Beller - bass, Marco Minnemann - drums.

Videos: Wayne Krantz Interview for Guitar Player

New 4-part interview with Wayne Krantz courtesy of Barry Cleveland from Guitar Player.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

 

Steve Lukather to release new solo album "Transition"

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release, London, England –

Mascot Label Group will release the highly anticipated seventh solo album “Transition” by guitarist, vocalist, composer/producer/arranger, Steve Lukather, on Monday 21st January 2013.  The album will be followed by an extensive European tour that will include two UK concerts at London’s Islington o2 Academy (March 29) and Bilston’s Robin 2 (March 30).

One of the original founding members of the multi-million selling rock band TOTO, Lukather will showcase his innate feel for rock and jazz guitar music, along with his impeccable song writing talents. Transition showcases extraordinary guitar playing performed across some of the most heartfelt songs of Steve’s career.  The album will be released in three formats including limited deluxe edition CD, jewel case CD, and vinyl.  Pre-order Transition album and merchandise HERE.

 

Track Listing

1. Judgement Day
2. Creep Motel
3. Once Again
4. Right The Wrong
5. Transition
6. Last Man Standing
7. Do I Stand Alone
8. Rest of the World
9. Smile

Over the previous decade a series of trials including divorce, the death of his mother and business hassles had dampened his joy in music making — a passion that drove Lukather to excel since seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan as a seven-year-old growing up in San Fernando Valley.  “Transition is a turning point for the album and a turning point for me,” Lukather explains. “As we were writing the songs, I was thinking about everything I’ve seen — all the people I’ve lost in my life, the great and the difficult experiences I’ve had, and how ultimately it was time to get it together and embrace things for what they are.  We’ve only got one life to live so we should make the most of it.”

In addition to his work with TOTO, Lukather has played on hundreds of albums with some of the biggest stars and legends in music including Van Halen, Whitney Houston, Alice Cooper, George Benson and Rod Stewart, he even played guitar on Michael Jackson’s multi-million selling milestone album ‘Thriller’.

Video: Chris Poland Gear Interview

New interview with Chris Poland discussing his gear, and answering questions from the OHM Facebook page.

More news from the Chris Poland camp... OHM:, the main project of guitarist Chris Poland plays the famed Iridium Jazz Club in NYC on Nov 23 (Black Friday). This will mark the debut of OHM: at the club, where Poland brought his side project, PolCat earlier this year.

OHM:, a band that some describe as jazz metal, is currently recording their 4th studio effort in Poland's Los Angeles-based studio, Glass House. Songtitles include "Columbus," "Fathers of Intention," "Sisters of the Agile," and "The Deep Blue."

Poland also keeps busy with studio sessions having recently contributed guitar solos to "Goodbye to Romance" and "Run to the Hills" for Ozzy and Iron Maiden tribute recordings on Versailles Records. There is talk of some other band projects in 2013 as well more session work planned.

Review and Photos: Wayne Krantz, Keith Carlock, Nate Wood - Live in Chicago, IL October 11th 2012

On October 11th 2012 at Martyrs' in Chicago, iconic guitarist Wayne Krantz demonstrated - as he has time and again - that he is easily one of the most forward-thinking, adventurous improvisers on the jazz-rock-whateveryoucallit scene today. Joining Krantz for this gig were drummer Keith Carlock - a frequent Krantz cohort, and double-duty Nate Wood on both bass AND drums (often at the same time!). Throughout the trio's lengthy set, they consistantly showcased an uncanny ability to utilize any song or riff as a launching point for fearless group improvisation. Their stirring version of Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke's "Black Swan" was a prime example. Krantz's interpretation involved delivering the song's simple, infectious melody over a busy Carlock and Wood groove, then using that head to bookend a fiery kinetic jam. Also of note was the way Krantz adapted some his own music from his latest disc Howie 61 for a live trio format. The band's takes on the album's title track and "U Strip It," for example, were nearly unrecognizable from the originals given their retooled grooves and vocal arrangements.

From the first tune to the last, the common thread of the evening was spontaneity. Every song had at least one "Wow" moment where the band's improvisational hive-mind came together on something that made your jaw drop. One of the coolest aspects of the night for me was how "on board" the crowd was with the band's explorations. An engaged listener reaps the most rewards from a Krantz live performance, and it was great to see such a high level of buy-in from the audience. This was especially heartening given that this was the first time Krantz had ever performed in Chicago with his own band. New York-area musos are used to Krantz's unique group improv stylings by now, but Chicagoans are not. Here's hoping the warm reception given to Krantz, Carlock and Wood last week will grease the skids for more Chicago appearances in the future.

Follow the link below for my photos from this amazing show.

Photos: Wayne Krantz, Keith Carlock, Nate Wood - Live at Martyrs' - Chicago, IL 10/11/12

Video: Michael Landau and Robben Ford Interview - Los Angeles Guitar Festival 2012

Michael Landau and Robben Ford discuss the new Renegade Creation album Bullet at the 2012 Los Angeles Guitar Festival for Xotic Reality Web Video.

New Karizma Album "Perfect Harmony" Includes Michael Landau, Tim Pierce, Vinnie Colaiuta

Kudos to Rob Garland for the tip on this: David Garfield has released a new 3-disc Karizma album entitled Perfect Harmony which includes Michael Landau, Tim Pierce, James Harrah, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jimmy Johnson and the late Jeff Porcaro among others. Garfield's Karizma has been around since the 70s, and has released many album's worth of killer west coast jazz (several of which feature Landau). The new album is currently available digitally on iTunes and Amazon, with physical CDs coming in November. See below for the Perfect Harmony tracklisting and lineup.

Karizma - Perfect Harmony

Tracklisting:

Disc 1
1) Tink
2) Oh Sweet Oso
3) Mujaka
4) Ratso
5) Still Waters Run Deep
6) Pontier
7) Mambos Café

Disc 2
1) Delicious Juices
2) Zigaboo
3) And Yelling All The Time
4) My Brother
5) Donna
6) Shelly
7) Wheat Toast

Disc 3 (Bonus: Demos and Live Tracks)
1) Heavy Resin
2) Aliens
3) Dream Come True
4) Kimbissa / Cuba
5) Sting
6) Toast For Eli
7) From Above
8) Sweet Pea
9) 716 Stepney St.
10) Kaptin' Koma

Personnel:

Keyboards - David Garfield

Guitar - Michael Landau, James Harrah, Tim Pierce

Drums - Vinnie Colauita, Jeff Porcaro, Carlos Vega, Oscar Seaton
 
Bass - Jimmy Johnson, Abraham Laboriel, Neil Stubenhaus, John Peña, Dean Cortez, Domenic Genova
 
Horns - Steve Tavaglione, Larry Klimas, Walt Fowler, Bruce Fowler, Nolan Shaheed, Thurman Green, Ralf Rickert
 
Percussion - Lenny Castro, Pat Murphy, Richard Tokatz

 

Jazz-Fusion And Prog Legends Join Together On New CD Release 'The Fusion Syndicate'

PRESS RELEASE

Los Angeles, CA - One of the most amazing collection of jazz-fusion and progressive rock legends ever to assemble on one CD has happened with the new release by The Fusion Syndicate, available October 16, 2012 on Purple Pyramid Records. Brought together by multi-instrumentalist, producer Billy Sherwood (Yes, CIRCA:), who gave us the fascinating release by the Prog Collective earlier this year. Now, Billy has produced, recorded and written tracks for a new jazz-rock-fusion supergroup of musical virtuosos – The Fusion Syndicate!

Featuring! Rick Wakeman, Jerry Goodman, Nik Turner, Jimmy Haslip, Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess, Mel Collins, Billy Cobham, Jay Beckenstein, Billy Sheehan, Gavin Harrison, David Sancious, Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian, Eric Marienthal, Chester Thompson, Steve Morse, Jim Beard, Randy Brecker, Percy Jones, John Etheridge, Tony Kaye, Chad Wackerman, Steve Hillage, Scott Kinsey, Theo Travis, Justin Chancellor and Asaf Sirkis – Produced by Billy Sherwood

“When I was asked to write/produce a fusion record I jumped at the chance. I've always had a deep love of Jazz and Fusion music having grown up listening to Weather Report, Return To Forever, the Mahavishnu Orchestra among many others in the genre. The record has become a musical dream team, including some of the world's most renowned players in the field. The music reflects a time when virtuosity was the standard and incredible musicianship was the order of the day. Each artist sharing their talent and skill, blending it all into a bigger musical picture, creating an amazing expression of unity and purpose. I'm honored to be a part of it all and I thank all the artists who joined me on this journey, they have all lifted the music to a higher level.” - Billy Sherwood, producer

Tracks include:
Random Acts Of Science – Rick Wakeman (Yes), Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Nik Turner (Hawkwind), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets/Alan Holdsworth)
Stone Cold Infusion – Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater/Liquid Tension Experiment), Mel Collins (King Crimson), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
Molecular Breakdown – Jay Beckenstein (Spyrogyra), Billy Sheehan (Steve Vai), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), David Sancious (The E Street Band)
Particle Accelerations – Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Black Country Communion), Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea Elektric Band), Chester Thompson (Genesis/Frank Zappa)
At The Edge Of The Middle – Steve Morse (Dixie Dreggs/Deep Purple), Jim Beard (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Randy Brecker (Blood, Sweat & Tears/Brecker Brothers), Percy Jones (Soft Machine/Brand X)
Atom Smashing – John Etheridge (Soft Machine), Tony Kaye (Yes), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa),
In The Spirit Of – Steve Hillage (Gong), Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech), Theo Travis (Steven Wilson Band), Justin Chancellor (Tool), Asaf Sirkis (The Orient House Ensemble)

"Always a pleasure to work with Billy Sherwood and all the other musicians he chooses. Add some great music and the combination is complete." - Rick Wakeman

“Fusion music gave me a way to relate to jazz. I liked the rock energy, and the unexpected twists, turns and rhythms that made it fun to play. So, it's a big influence on the direction I took.” - Steve Morse

The Fusion Syndicate is available from Purple Pyramid Records and can pre-ordered at:
http://cleorecs.com/store/shop/the-fusion-syndicate/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fusion-syndicate-feat.-rick/id564409590

For more information: http://cleorecs.com/store/

Rock Fusion Guitarist Prashant Aswani Announces Release of New Album

PRESS RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, CA OCTOBER 11, 2012 – Rock fusion guitarist, Prashant Aswani has announced December 18 as the release date for his upcoming album, Visions.  Incubus drummer, Jose Pasillas is featured on all 12 instrumental tracks along with bassist, Gabe Rosales.  Jeff Kollman makes a guest solo appearance on the song, “Left of Center.”  The CD will be available worldwide and songs will be available directly on iTunes and other digital outlets.

Recognized for his melodic playing, Aswani’s influences are diverse.  Artists from Metallica to Zakir Hussain color the style in which he plays.  Couple that diversity with extensive jazz studies at Berklee College of Music and prominent exposure to Indian classical music while growing up; and everything comes together to create a very unique fusion of sound.  Aswani’s passion and enthusiasm for the guitar shine through the recording. He weaves melodies gracefully over odd meter and demonstrates his command of the instrument with diverse rhythms, progressions and tones.

All tracks are written and arranged by Aswani who also produced and engineered the recording.  Mixing was shared by Aswani with John Cranfield.  

Prashant Aswani is a long time endorsing artist of ESP Guitars which produce his signature models, Bogner Amplifiers, DiMarzio Pickups, Maxon, Rupert Neve Designs, SE Electronics and Dean Markley strings.

Visions track listing:

    Your Call
    Boiling Point
    Trapped Crispy
    The Other Side
    Motivated to Run
    Brain Burn
    Nerve Dance
    Left of Center
    Jaya
    Another Chance
    Glimmer

To learn more about Prashant Aswani, please visit www.prashantaswani.com

Video: Dean Brown - "Unfinished Business" Behind The Scenes

JazzrockTV #55 Dean Brown's new CD release from JazzrockTV on Vimeo.

JazzrockTV talks with Dean Brown about his new album Unfinished Business.

Video: New Greg Howe Band - "Maragold"

Promo video for Greg Howe's new vocal band Maragold featuring Meghan Krauss, Kevin Vecchione, and Gianluca Palmieri. New album coming soon.