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.

 

“BOING, We’ll Do It Live! The Aristocrats At Alvas Showroom” Release Date Set For DECEMBER 10!

PRESS RELEASE

ROCK/FUSION POWER TRIO THE ARISTOCRATS

TO RELEASE FIRST LIVE CD/DVD

BOING, WE’LL DO IT LIVE! ON DECEMBER 10

Guitarist Guthrie Govan, bassist Bryan Beller, and drummer Marco Minnemann are captured live at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro, CA

 

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 8, 2012) – The rock/fusion power trio The Aristocrats – featuring Guthrie Govan on guitar, Bryan Beller on bass, and Marco Minnemann on drums – will release BOING, We’ll Do It Live! The Aristocrats At Alvas Showroom on December 10, 2012. The release will be in two formats: A standard-edition, 14-track, 2CD album, and a Deluxe EditionDVD + 2CD package featuring two additional bonus tracks, bonus audio from soundcheck, additional candid show footage, and bonus interviews with each band member. The 6-camera video was shot in high definition, and the 5.1 surround audio mix was done by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree. A 2-channel stereo mix is also available.

 

Formed practically by demand after a single raucously received set at the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA in January of 2011, the trio tracked their debut album The Aristocrats [BOING!] just four months later, and released it that September to universal acclaim. But the core energy of the band from the start was their preternatural live chemistry, which became even more explosive during a year’s worth of worldwide touring.

 

“We’re all definitely proud of the studio album,” says bassist Beller, “but we were just getting to know each other when we cut it. Now that we’ve traveled the world together, we really get each other musically and personally. Honestly, we spend a lot of time making each other laugh to the point of tears. I think that really comes through live, the sense that we’re friends walking a high wire together musically, but also that, sometimes, we just choose to be extremely silly. Somehow it all works.”

 

BOING, We’ll Do It Live! was captured over two nights in June of 2012 at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro,CA, and features the entire Aristocrats repertoire, plus select material from the trio’s individual back catalogs, and a brand new, previously unreleased song, “Dance Of The Aristocrats.”

 

TRACK LISTING

 

DISC ONE

1. Bad Asteroid

2. Greasy Wheel

3. Boing!…I’m In The Back

4. Flatlands

5. I Want A Parrot

6. Blues Fuckers/Drum Solo

7. Waves

 

DISC TWO

1. Get It Like That

2. Furtive Jack

3. Train Trax

4. Cave Dweller

5. Mr. Kempinski

6. See You Next Tuesday *

7. Dance Of The Aristocrats

8. A Very Metal Introduction

9. Sweaty Knockers

10. Erotic Cakes *

* on Deluxe Edition only

 

DVD FEATURES

 

* Complete show, including bonus tracks & additional between song footage

* 5.1 surround mix by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree (and 2-channel stereo mix)

* Bonus audio from soundcheck

* Interviews with each band member

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.

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’.

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

Kurt Rosenwinkel “Star of Jupiter” Announced

PRESS RELEASE

“What my music is about in general — and this album is no different — has to do with the relationship that we each have with the universe at large and how we use our intuition to listen to what it is telling us.”

It came to him in a dream. What guitarist and composer Kurt Rosenwinkel describes as an “understanding” of profound proportion, manifested as Star of Jupiter; the title of his tenth album as a leader, to be released November 6th on Wommusic. Not a literal entity but rather a philosophy, as it was revealed to him, “The ‘Star of Jupiter’ was given to me as a key to transcend the cycles of form, illusion and fear which exist on this earthly plane of existence. The dream was powerful and continued into real life. It became a tangible force in the making of this album.” A celestial collection of entirely original compositions, all but one previously unrecorded, Star of Jupiter transports listeners on a journey toward discovery, truth and ultimately peace.

On his first quartet album since the ground-breaking 2001 release The Next Step, he offers a variation of that ensemble make-up on Star of Jupiter, assembling a stellar band which includes pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Eric Revis, and the dynamic young drummer and fellow Philadelphia native, Justin Faulkner. Star of Jupiter is a departure from what has previously helped define Rosenwinkel’s prowess, yet is strikingly inclusive of the broad spectrum of his musical magnitude. Rosenwinkel’s brilliant use of space is paired with deeply affective melodies and sensual grooves that evolve slowly and steadily; a quality in the music Rosenwinkel fully identifies with and whole-heartedly embraces. “Being able to vamp on a simple progression for a long time…” he says, “I’ve never had a band that really wanted to do that and I really love the fact that that’s something we do… immerse into and experience that warmth of the groove. It’s something that we discovered as a band and definitely wanted to include on the record. That soulful groove feeling… it’s a quality the band naturally finds and brings out in the music, which makes me very happy because I feel it’s a true expression of who I am as an artist and a person; to be meditating on sensuality and transcendence even while things can be complex and intellectually demanding under the hood, ‘Under it All.’”
Rosenwinkel’s band came together as organically as their sound has.

He and Parks have been collaborating since 2006, playing each other’s compositions, and Parks joined on highly-anticipated live dates at the historical Village Vanguard in New York City. Revis, a longtime friend and one of the “spiritual foundations” of the group, who appeared on Rosenwinkel’s alluring 2009 trio album Reflections, recommended Faulkner to round out the band after working with him extensively in Branford Marsalis’ quartet. “It’s an exciting thing when all the chemistry works together,” reveals Rosenwinkel, “and you hit upon a magical combination where the sum is more than its parts.”

Current Listening

Some of the new stuff I've been digging...

Alex Machacek, Raphael Preuschl, Herbert Pirker - FAT

Tremendous new release from Machacek featuring his Fabulous Austrian Trio. Very adventurous in spots, yet more jazzy than much of his previous work. Love the variety of guitar tones on this one too.

Jimmy Herring - Subject to Change Without Notice

One of the standout records of the year. Highly musical with deep grooves; very textured and stylistically varied. Guests include Bela Fleck and Bill Evans. Look for my interview with Herring soon.

Paul Gilbert - Vibrato

Wow! Easily Gilbert's hippest album to date. Lots of "adult chords" - almost fusion-ish at times, and very dynamic (and funky!). Loaded with great tones as well.

Dean Brown - Unfinished Business

Cool jazz-funk record with killer grooves. Great writing. Includes Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Dennis Chambers, Hadrien Feruad, Jimmy Earl, and other heavyweights.

 

Jazz-Fusion All-Star Trio Scott Henderson Jeff Berlin Dennis Chambers To Release New CD 'HBC'

PRESS RELEASE

Sept. 17, 2012 - Asheville, NC – Much to the excitement of musicians and jazz aficiandos worldwide, the highly anticipated CD release by jazz-fusion legends Scott Henderson, Jeff Berlin and Dennis Chambers, will be released on Tone Center Records (a division of Shrapnel Records) on October 16, 2012. Considered one of the most phenomenal trios in the history of jazz-fusion, HBC's debut CD delivers a full dose of virtuosic performances guaranteed to thrill and inspire all who listen.

“The trio is all about interplay,” explains guitarist Scott Henderson. “Jeff and I have always had a very high level of communication when we play together, and putting Dennis in the mix notches it up even higher. He's an extremely musical drummer, but at the same time has the ability to bring the energy up to scary levels.” Bassist Jeff Berlin adds, “We pretty much have the same vision of how three strong players should sound together. We function well on many levels; we're friends and love to hang. We're also individually dedicated to high standards of playing.”

The music on the CD reflects the influences and spirit of HBC. Tracks include covers by Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham and originals penned by Henderson and Berlin individually. Says Jeff. “We all agreed to the repertoire but Scott picked most of the songs.” Scott explains, “I thought it would be cool if a guitar trio covered songs by keyboard players like Joe Zawinul and Herbie Hancock, though we did some Wayne Shorter tunes as well.”

Before recording their debut album, HBC hit the road first, refining their repertoire in front of thousands of elated fans. “We try to find new ways to play at every gig,” Jeff explains. “When we are gigging our motor is always set to high.” Scott adds, “Because the three of us have so much experience playing different styles of music, we're able to go from graceful straight-ahead jazz to heavy metal and just about everywhere in between, so it's an extremely versatile band, which makes it a lot of fun.”

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, 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 ten 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.

Dennis Chambers is a miracle in modern music; a formidable, ferocious and ultra-funky presence behind the drum kit in such celebrated ensembles as Parliament-Funkadelic, Steely Dan, Santana and the Brecker Brothers, as well as incendiary fusion outfits led by guitarists John Scofield, Steve Khan, Mike Stern and John McLaughlin. A remarkably versatile drummer who has shown limitless abilities to swing on a small kit in traditional jazz settings or flaunt his stylistic chops in rock-fusion super sessions, Dennis Chambers is one of the most recorded and sought after drummers in the world of Jazz-Fusion. In 2007, just before Led Zeppelin was scheduled to perform at the O2 Arena in London, John Bonham's son Jason was asked in an interview, if he was to give up the drum seat for the reunited Zeppelin, who would he recommend to fill the coveted drum throne. He replied, “I would probably want a jazz drummer with a strong swing feel. Dennis Chambers...I think he would 'get it', whereas other rock drummers wouldn't.”

And now, these three icons of jazz-fusion have come together to form a supergroup that has recorded a ground breaking debut CD! “I'm happy with it,” Scott says of the new CD, “and for me that's saying a lot because I'm very self critical. Being a big fan of the musicians we covered, I worked really hard to make the songs sound as huge and textural as they are on the original recordings, which meant doing a lot of layering.” Jeff concludes, “I coundn't be more pleased with the results.”

'HBC – Henderson, Berlin, Chambers' will be available on Amazon, iTunes, Shrapnel Records and local record stores on October 16, 2012.

To purchase 'HBC – Henderson, Berlin, Chambers': http://www.amazon.com/HBC-Berlin-Chambers-Henderson/dp/B00936A2SM/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1347392766&sr=1-1&keywords=hbc

For more information:

Scott Henderson: www.scotthenderson.net

Jeff Berlin: www.playerschool.com

Dennis Chambers: www.dennischambers.com

Shrapnel Records: www.shrapnelrecords.com

Paul Gilbert to release new album "Vibrato"

PRESS RELEASE

Music Theories Recordings, a division of Mascot Label Group, is pleased to announce the 15th October UK release of Paul Gilbert’s new and exciting 12th solo album Vibrato.

The album includes four new guitar and vocal compositionss, four instrumentals, plus three live cover songs from Gilbert’s 2010 “Fuzz” tour including Yes’ Roundabout, Muddy Waters’ I Want To Be Loved and AC/DC’s Go Down.

The album will follow Gilbert’s appearance at Marshall Amplification’s "50 Years Of Loud" concert at London Wembley Arena on Saturday 22nd September. The concert celebrates 50 years of Marshall Amplification’s musical innovation and the life of the late Jim Marshall. Get tickets here.

As a member of both the '80's premiere guitar band Racer X, and the million selling Mr. Big, Gilbert has gained the reputation as one of the most melodic and powerful guitarists in rock.

Determined not to be pigeon-holed as a guitar shredder, Gilbert's solo work has allowed him to exercise his deep appreciation for the more song-oriented side of rock music.

The "Fuzz" live tracks includes guitarist and singer Tony Spinner, who adds some amazing vocals, and some killer guitar battles and harmonies. Roundabout is especially impressive in that all the keyboard parts are played on guitar. Jeff Bowders (drums) and Craig Martini (bass) also perform on the live tracks.

One of the instrumental tracks on the album is Dave Brubeck’s Blue Rondo A La Turk. Its groundbreaking odd-time instrumental classic from the 60s is supercharged by Gilbert’s electric guitar playing the saxophone parts, backed by his ridiculously tight band.

Tracklisting:

01 – Enemies (In Jail)
02 – Rain And Thunder And Lightning
03 – Vibrato
04 – Put It On The Char
05 – Bivalve Blues
06 – Blue Rondo A La Turk
07 – Atmosphere on the Moon
08 – The Pronghorn
09 – Roundabout
10 – I Want To Be Loved
11 – Go Down

Mike Keneally Announces Wing Beat Fantastic Tour

PRESS RELEASE

Acclaimed recording artist and performer Mike Keneally is celebrating the release of his magical new album, Wing Beat Fantastic, by scheduling a series of intimate duo performances with musical compatriot Rick Musallam.

Wing Beat Fantastic is the highly anticipated result of a songwriting union between the famed rock experimentalist and legendary XTC tunesmith Andy Partridge. The smart and melodious album is garnering rave reviews worldwide.

 Of their successful partnership, Partridge remarked, “I didn’t know how any of the tunes we’d agreed to write together were going to come out, but I know one thing, SO musical is this man that him just sitting with a guitar across his lap or perched at a keyboard pulled things from me that I can honestly say ‘I don’t know where they came from.’”

“The chance to work with Andy was absolutely a mind-blower for me,” Keneally said. “His songwriting gift is still as strong as ever, and I’m fiercely grateful to be able to help bring new Andy Partridge music into the world.”

"This tour will be a good opportunity to take some songs from my past repertoire, and stack them next to these new songs I've written with Andy," mused Keneally. "We'll be focusing on a lot of my most melodic and accessible tunes -- hopefully with just enough of the fancy technique stuff to keep that portion of the audience satisfied!"

Long acclaimed as one of the world’s most creative and intense guitar and keyboard players, Keneally’s talents as a vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer and multi-instrumentalist are nearly unequalled in rock music. He has released over 20 albums of his original music since 1992, and has built a body of work of remarkable inventiveness and originality.

Keneally played in Frank Zappa’s last touring band, performing as a vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist. He’s appeared on many Zappa albums, is currently a touring member of Dethklok (as a guitarist) and the Joe Satriani Band (as a keyboardist), and has also recorded or performed with Steve Vai, Robert Fripp and many others.

All Music Guide calls Keneally "the leading progressive rock genius of the post-Zappa era." Known for his innovative, unpredictable live shows, Keneally has played extensively in the United States and Europe, in contexts ranging from solo and duo concerts to performances with large-scale orchestras.

Keneally's excited to team up with Rick Musallam again for this excursion. "He's played guitar alongside me in the Mike Keneally Band since the late '90s -- seriously one of the most soulful, beautiful guitar players I've ever heard. With just the two of us playing these songs, I look forward to getting to the essence of what I was thinking about when I wrote them. Guitar fans will have a field day at the show, but we'll be playing some bass and keyboard as well, and I'll have recorded backing tracks on just a couple of the songs for variety."

Several dates have been set, with more to come:

Thursday, September 6 in Atlanta at The Masquerade, 695 North Avenue NE

Friday, September 7 in Nashville at World Music Nashville, 7069 US 70 South

Saturday, September 8 in St. Louis at The Gramophone, 4243 Manchester Avenue

Monday, September 10 in Indianapolis at Birdy’s, 2131 East 71st Street

Tuesday, September 11 in Chicago at Reggie’s, 2109 South State Street

Wednesday, September 12 in Cleveland at Beachland Tavern 15711 Waterloo Rd.

Thursday, September 13 in Columbus at Rumba Café, 2507 Summit Street

Saturday, September 15 in Baltimore at Orion Sound Studios, 2903 Whittington Avenue #C

Sunday, September 16 in New York City at Iridium Jazz Club, 1650 Broadway

Monday, September 17 in Philadelphia at Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 North Front Street

Tuesday, September 18 in Dunellen, NJ at Roxy & Duke’s Roadhouse, 745 Bound Brook Road,

presented by the New Jersey Proghouse http://www.njproghouse.com

 

More info: http://www.keneally.com/promo/wing_beat_fantastic.html