The Guitar Channel

2013 Special Edition eBook "Power, Passion and Beauty- The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra" officially released

PRESS RELEASE

2013 marks the 40th anniversary of the tumultuous break-up of the greatest band that ever was, the Mahavishnu Orchestra. The group, founded by British guitarist John McLaughlin, was the first to fuse jazz, rock and world music into critical and commercial success. In a remarkable feat, its strictly instrumental albums were able to find their way into the Top 20 of the Billboard rock charts. The Special Edition eBook “Power, Passion and Beauty - The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra” is the updated version of Walter Kolosky’s critically acclaimed work first published in 2006. Many have called that book “The Bible” of the Mahavishnu Orchestra and the jazz-rock fusion movement. The Special Edition eBook is brand new to those who have not read the original printed version of this riveting story. For those that have, however, many new anecdotes, insights, opinions, and an extra chapter updating the story of Mahavishnu have been added. The list of those exclusively sharing their views and memories of Mahavishnu for the original book was staggering. Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, Pat Metheny, Sir George Martin, Jeff Beck, all of the original Mahavishnu members and almost 150 other music giants helped tell the Mahavishnu tale. This time around, Carlos Santana, Chick Corea, Steve Howe, Carmine Appice, and many other noted artists, producers, audio engineers and spiritual travelers add to the legend that is the Mahavishnu Orchestra. The Special Edition eBook “Power, Passion and Beauty” also has dedicated web pages that will offer more rare images, news and information.

SOME EARLY COMMENTS AND REVIEWS:

“Thank you so much for doing this book!” - Carlos Santana

“This (“Power, Passion and Beauty”) is a great book!” - Chick Corea

“I was riveted by “Power, Passion and Beauty,” even though I knew the incendiary and brief history of the band, probably because it was so inspiring to hear how everyone who ever heard or was associated with the band was changed forever, not just by the power and originality of the music, but as if by something more spiritually fueled. This music was life-changing for all of us who heard it, and for all music which followed and continues to emerge from Mahavishnu's long shadow. Walter is to be eternally thanked for stoking the Flame.” - Christopher O’Riley, noted musician and host of America’s National Public Radio and Television’s “From The Top.”

"Walter Kolosky is clearly the foremost authority on the most important and powerful jazz-rock group of all time, the Mahavishnu Orchestra. With its enthralling interviews and insight, Kolosky's "Power, Passion and Beauty" details the storied history and influence of this epic band in a book that's as fun to read as it is fascinating. "Power, Passion and Beauty" is a must-have for music fans seeking a deeper understanding of the origins of the jazz-rock movement, and the greatest band the genre has ever known." - Rich Murray, The Guitar Channel

“Walter Kolosky has made the definitive tome on Mahavishnu Orchestra even more expansive and engaging. With fresh perspectives, sharper details, and new interviews, this eBook is a must-have for avid Mahavishnu and John McLaughlin fans. For those of you that were there, the book provides great insight into your fond memories. For those who know the band solely through recordings, this book gets you as close as you can to the alchemy that took place onstage and in the studio.” - Anil Prasad, Innerviews (The web’s first and longest-running music magazine)

Goto www.walterkolosky.com for more details.

 

Eric Clapton Announces Major U.S. Tour Culminating In 2013 Crossroads Guitar Festival Presented By Chase

PRESS RELEASE

OVER 30 OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST GUITARISTS PLAY SIDEMEN TO EACH OTHER OVER TWO NIGHTS AT THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS ARENA,

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, APRIL 12-13

 

Two-Night Festival To Feature Legendary Music And Collaborations Including: Allman Brothers Band, BB King, Brad Paisley, Eric Clapton, Gary Clark Jr., Jeff Beck John Mayer, Keith Urban, Vince Gill and many more

(November 19, 2012) – Widely considered one of the world’s all time greatest guitarists and known amongst his peers as a great collaborator, Eric Clapton announced today a major U.S. tour culminating in his fourth Crossroads Guitar Festival presented by Chase.  The Festival, which has become legendary in its own right for hosting performances and impromptu collaborations from the world’s most legendary guitar players, will take place April 12-13 for the first time at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden. See full listing below of artists performing.

Clapton and his band will visit more than a dozen cities across the U.S. beginning March 14, 2013 (see itinerary below). The tour will end with the two-night Festival where Clapton will gather the past, present and future of guitar music onto one stage for an unparalleled musical event. All profits from the Festival will benefit The Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a treatment and education facility founded by Clapton for chemically dependent persons. The Festival is presented by Chase.

Since its inception, Clapton’s vision for the Crossroads Guitar Festival has been to create an event where his friends and contemporaries can have fun and perform together for the benefit of a good cause. This year’s Festival will feature two-nights of musical performances with once-in-a-lifetime guitar collaborations. Known as pioneers in their field, the roster of artists spans old and new. The audience can expect unrivaled entertainment, brilliant guitar work, surprise guests and impromptu jams that are the hallmark of these performers.

The first Crossroads Guitar Festival, in June 2004 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, was an unprecedented collection of guitar icons from blues, rock and contemporary music. The sold-out show was chronicled in a 2-disc DVD that has since gone on to become one of the world’s top-selling music DVD’s. The Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007 and 2010 were the second and third such concerts by Clapton and were staged at Toyota Park in Chicago.  Both Festival were filmed for DVDs and met similar acclaim and achieved multi-platinum status.  This will be the Festival’s first-ever visit to New York and Madison Square Garden.

“The Crossroads Festival is the realization of a dream for me, to gather a group of amazingly talented musicians to perform on one stage,” said Clapton. “The Crossroads performers are all musicians I admire and respect.”

In addition to the concerts, the “Guitar Center Road to Crossroads Exhibition” will be featured on the Terrace level @ Madison Square Garden and will excite fans with an incredible guitar-centric celebration of past Crossroads Guitar Festivals.  This exhibition will feature the “Legends Guitar Walk”, with some of the most valuable guitars in the history of Rock and Blues, including historic guitars from Guitar Center’s Legends Collection featuring Eric Clapton’s two most famous Fender Stratocasters®, BLACKIE® and ‘Brownie,’ Gibson ES-335 as well as Stevie Ray Vaughan’s ‘Lenny’ Fender Stratocaster®, plus selections from Guitar Center, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Experience Music Project. Additionally, Fender, Gibson, Ernie Ball and Martin will host interactive exhibits where guitar lovers can plug in and play new products and classic favorites, while all visitors will be able to peruse memorabilia and watch archival footage of once-in-a-lifetime performances from prior Crossroads festivals on video walls throughout the exhibition. The “Road to Crossroads Exhibition” will open at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and 6:00 p.m. Saturday, and is free to all ticket holders.

Tickets for the Crossroads Guitar Festival Presented By Chase will be offered as an advance sale to Chase customers beginning Monday, November 26 at 12pm EST via www.ticketmaster.com through Thursday, November 29 at 10pm.

General Public On-Sale will begin Friday, November 30 at 12pm EST.

Tickets for the Clapton 2013 U.S. Tour will go on-sale beginning November 30, 2012.  Please check local venue listings for more detailed information.

For more information go to www.ericclapton.com or www.crossroadsguitarfestival.com

 

CURRENT CROSSROADS FESTIVAL ARTIST LISTING

(Note: Two Different Nights of Music. Not All Artists Will Perform Both Nights)

Albert Lee
Allan Holdsworth
Allman Brothers Band
Andy Fairweather Low
BB King
Blake Mills
Booker T
Brad Paisley
Buddy Guy
Citizen Cope
Dave Biller
Doyle Bramhall II
Earl Klugh
Eric Clapton
Gary Clark Jr.
Jeff Beck
Jimmie Vaughan
John Mayer
John Scofield
Jonny Lang
Keb Mo
Keith Urban
Kurt Rosenwinkle
Los Lobos
Quinn Sullivan
Robbie Robertson
Robert Cray
Robert Randolph
Sonny Landreth
Taj Mahal
Vince Gill

 

ERIC CLAPTON 2013 TOUR and ITINERARY

Clapton has assembled an impressive band for the 2013 U.S. dates which will consist of long-time touring partners: Doyle Bramhall II (guitar), Steve Jordan (drums), Chris Stainton (piano and keyboards), and Willie Weeks (bass), along with newcomers Paul Carrack (organ and keyboards) and Greg Leisz (pedal steel guitar). Michelle John and Sharon White will join the touring band again as backing vocalists. The tour will also feature special guests, The Wallflowers.  Please check local listings for ticketing information. 

Thursday, March 14               Phoenix, AZ               U.S. Airways Center

Saturday, March 16                Houston, TX              Toyota Center

Sunday, March 17                  Austin, TX                 Frank Erwin Center

Tuesday, March 19                 Dallas, TX                  American Airlines Center

Wednesday, March 20           Oklahoma City, OK       Chesapeake Energy Arena

Friday, March 22                    Nashville, TN               Bridgestone Arena

Saturday, March 23                New Orleans, LA         New Orleans Arena

Tuesday, March 26                 Jacksonville, FL           Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena

Wednesday, March 27           Atlanta, GA                  Gwinnett Arena

Friday, March 29                    Hollywood, FL              Seminole Hard Rock Live

Saturday, March 30                Hollywood, FL              Seminole Hard Rock Live

Tuesday, April 2                      Charlotte, NC             Time Warner Cable Arena

Wednesday, April 3                 Raleigh, NC                 PNC Arena

Friday, April 5                          Uncasville, CT             Mohegan Sun Arena

Saturday, April 6                     Pittsburgh, PA            Consol Energy Center

Friday, April 12                        New York, NY             Madison Square Garden

Saturday, April 13                   New York, NY             Madison Square Garden

 

The Crossroads Centre, Antigua
Founded in 1998, Crossroads Centre, Antigua was created to provide treatment and education to chemically dependent persons, those with other compulsive addictive behaviors, their families and their significant others. Treatment is provided through residential care, family and aftercare programs. The pathway to recovery is founded on the movement toward a change in lifestyle. Crossroads Centre, Antigua also operates a 16-bed halfway house in Antigua called the Bevon House (exclusively for Antigua residents) and facilitates a school-based education series, Breaking the Cycle, in all Antiguan schools. The Crossroads Centre has recently expanded its programme to offer transitional living for men, in line with the Crossroads Centre’s philosophy on recovery, at The Sanctuary in Delray Beach, Florida, for those who have completed a residential treatment programme.
www.crossroadsantigua.org

About Chase

Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.3 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries. Chase serves more than 50 million consumers and small businesses through more than 5,500 bank branches, 17,500 ATMs, credit cards, mortgage offices, and online and mobile banking as well as through relationships with auto dealerships. More information about Chase is available at www.chase.com.

Jeff Beck Announces Canadian Tour Dates

PRESS RELEASE

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

Video: Jeff Beck shows some of his favorite guitars

Jeff Beck shows off some favorites from his guitar collection.

And the winners are...

Lisa Petersen, Ken Polvino, Lee Wertman and Andrew Zakrzewski! These lucky folks have each won a copy of the new Jeff Beck album Rock n Roll Party Honoring Les Paul. Congratulations! Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway!

Win a copy of the new Jeff Beck album!

The Guitar Channel is giving away four (!) copies of the new Jeff Beck album Rock n Roll Party Honoring Les Paul. Recorded live at the Iridium Jazz Club in June 2010, this disc features Beck performing a great collection of rockabilly and Les Paul/Mary Ford classics with Darrel Higham and the Imelda May Band, and includes guests Brian Setzer, Gary U.S. Bonds, and Trombone Shorty.

For your chance to win, send an email to [email protected] with the subject Jeff Beck Giveaway. On Monday March 14th, I will choose 4 entries at random and announce the winners on the site. One entry per person please; past Guitar Channel contest winners are not eligible. Good Luck!

JEFF BECK’S CELEBRATION OF LES PAUL TO CONTINUE IN 2011

PRESS RELEASE

Rock ‘N’ Roll Party (Honoring Les Paul) To Be Released On Blu-Ray, DVD, And CD From Eagle Rock Entertainment And ATCO On February 22

 

LOS ANGELES – Jeff Beck paid fitting Tribute to Les Paul last summer, celebrating what would have been the pioneering guitarist’s 95^th birthday by playing his friend and mentor’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.

Sponsored by Gibson Guitar and billed as “A Celebration of Les Paul,” Beck was joined by The
Imelda May Band at the Iridium Jazz Club in June 2010.  Other guest performers, joining Beck onstage, included Brian Setzer, Gary “U.S.” Bonds, and Trombone Shorty. 

“Les was my inspiration,” says Beck. “For years I had always wanted to do something for Les to show him how much I respected and admired what he had done. Les used to play every week at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City, so for me it was the obvious and fitting place for a ‘Salute’ to him.”

ATCO will be offering a CD of this exclusive show, featuring 20 live tracks from the evening, on February 22nd.  This will be available at all retail outlets for $18.98.

Eagle Rock Entertainment will offer the Blu-Ray and DVD of this special one off show, to purchase at $19.98 and $14.98 respectively, also on February 22nd.  They will include seven extra live performances as well as bonus footage and interviews.

 

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Party (Honoring Les Paul)” Track Listing:

CD                                                             DVD

1.   Double Talking Baby                             1.   Baby Let’s Play House
2.   Cruisin’                                                2.   Double Talkin’ Baby
3.   The Train Kept A Rollin’                        3.   Crusin’
4.   Cry Me A River                                     4.   Train Kept A Rollin’
5.   How High The Moon                              5.   Poor Boy
6.   I’m Sitting On Top Of The World            6.   Cry Me A River
7.   Bye Bye Blues                                         7.   My Baby Left Me
8.   The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise     8.   How High The Moon
9.   Vaya Con Dios                                      9.   Sitting On Top Of The World
10.   Mockin’ Bird Hill                                 10. Bye Bye Blues
11.   I’m A Fool To Care                             11. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
12.   Tiger Rag                                           12. Vaya Con Dios
13.   Peter Gunn                                        13. Mockin’ Bird Hill
14.   Rockin’ Is Our Bizness                       14. I’m A Fool To Care
15.   Apache                                             15. Tiger Rag
16.   Sleep Walk                                       16. Peter Gunn
17.   New Orleans                                     17. Rocking Is Our Business
18.   (Remember) Walking In The Sand       18. Apache
19.   Please Mr. Jailer                               19. Sleep Walk
20.   Twenty Flight Rock                            20. New Orleans
                                                              21. Walking In The Sand
                                                              22. Please Mr. Jailer
                                                              23. Casting My Spell On You
                                                              24. Twenty Flight Rock
                                                              25. The Girl Can’t Help It
                                                             26. Rock Around The Clock
                                                             27. Shake, Rattle & Roll

                                                            Bonus Features

                                                            1. Interview with Jeff Beck
                                                            2. Behind The Scenes
                                                            3. At home with Jeff Beck & his guitars
                                                            4. Jeff Beck & Les Paul – Rock ‘n’ Roll Tonite
                                                            5. Les Paul & his little black box.

 

Jeff Beck 2011 Les Paul Tribute Tour and CD/DVD Release

Saw this on Jason Shadrick's site: Jeff Beck will be playing a series of Les Paul Tribute shows next March and April - See below for dates and venues. Also, highlights from Beck's recent Les Paul Tribute show at the Iridium in New York will be broadcast soon on PBS, and released on CD and DVD on February 22 2011 as Rock And Roll Party To Honor Les Paul. Go to Jambands.com for more info.

Jeff Beck’s 2011 Les Paul Tribute Shows

March 24 Washington, D.C.—9:30 Club
March 25 Philadelphia, PA—Keswick Theater
March 26 Boston, MA—The Wang Centre
March 28 New York, NY—Beacon Theatre
March 29 New Brunswick, NJ—State Theatre
March 31 Ann Arbor, MI—Michigan Theatre
April 1 Chicago, IL—Cadillac Palace Theatre
April 4 Grand Prairie, TX—Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
April 5 Austin, TX—Austin City Limits Live at Moody Theatre
April 8 Los Angeles, CA—Venue TBD

 

Jeff Beck Honors Les Paul at the Iriduim - How High the Moon

Great Jeff Beck Article: The Fusion Years

Jas Obrecht has written a great article covering Jeff Beck's fusion years of the 1970s. It's an extensive and great read for Beck and fusion fans alike.

Jas Obrecht Music Blog - Jeff Beck: The Fusion Years

Jeff Beck - "Live and Exclusive from the Grammy Museum" to be released Oct 25th

Jeff Beck's April 22nd performance at the Grammy Museum will be available for download through iTunes on Monday October 25th. The release is entitled Live and Exclusive from the Grammy Museum, and includes both audio and video of the show. You can listen to a streaming version of the album right now through the Rhino Entertainment website. See below for the full tracklisting, and iTunes pre-order purchase link.

iTunes: Jeff Beck - Live and Exclusive from the Grammy Museum

Jeff Beck - Live and Exclusive from the Grammy Museum 

Tracklisting:

1.   Corpus Christi Carol
2.   Hammerhead
3.   Over The Rainbow
4.   Brush With The Blues
5.   A Day In The Life
6.   Nessun Dorma
7.   How High The Moon
8.   People Get Ready

 

Jeff Beck Video Interview for Guitar Center

Saw these on Guitar Noize: Three video clips of a recent Jeff Beck Interview for Guitar Center TV.

Chasing the Treble

Genre Jumping

Page, Clapton and the Yardbirds

Video: Jeff Beck - Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010 "I Want To Take You Higher"

Some videos from yesterday's amazing Crossroads Guitar Festival are already popping up on YouTube. Here's a great one of Jeff Beck playing "I Want To Take You Higher" with his killer band. Check out the uploader's YouTube channel for more clips. I'll be posting my pics from the show soon. Stay tuned.