Jimmy Herring's latest album Subject To Change Without Notice (Abstract Logix) was without question one of the truely great albums of 2012. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jimmy at length recently about the new disc, and a variety of other topics as well such as being a bandleader versus a sideman, his gear, playing outside, even his days as a GIT student (where he had a certain classmate named Paul Gilbert). Read on...
Jimmy Herring: The Guitar Channel Interview
2012 was a tremendous year for progressive guitar music. Here are my favorite releases of the year, in no particular order.
Michael Landau - Organic Instrumentals
Landau's first instrumental album since 1990's Tales From The Bulge is one of my favorite guitar records in many years, let alone this one. Awesome tones, dynamic playing, deep writing. A must-have for serious guitar geeks.
Krantz took a bold new step with this album, and the results are rich and engrossing. A fantastic production filled with heady writing, and an amazing lineup of musicians.
Jimmy Herring - Subject To Change Without Notice
Awesome follow-up to 2008's Lifeboat. Highly textured with killer playing and grooves.
Alex Machacek, Raphael Preuschl, Herbert Pirker - FAT
Adventurous and dynamic with a great variety of guitar tones. Further proof that Machacek is among the most forward-thinking modern jazz composers of his generation.
Kurt Rosenwinkel - Star of Jupiter
Can't get enough of this one. Uber-deep jazz record, filled with great writing and improvisation.
Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats - Live Meat And Potatoes
Funky, energetic live release with killer guitar work from Jeff Kollman. Nobody grooves like the Meatbats.
Stellar recording from the OHM-meets-Umphrey's McGee supergroup. Loaded with great riffs and playing. Everybody shines here, but the twin guitar attack of Chris Poland and Jake Cinninger is particularly awesome.
Scott Henderson, Jeff Berlin, Dennis Chambers - HBC
What a band. Killer disc packed with guitar-driven trio versions of fusion classics. Henderson is amazing as always.
A 3-disc smorgasbord from keyboardist/composer David Garfield's classic west coast jazz band. Features a who's-who of the genre's luminaries, including Michael Landau.
The Aristocrats - Boing, We'll Do It Live!
Amazing live CD/DVD release with insane playing and band interplay. Guthrie Govan's guitar work is both musical and mind-blowing.
Other favorites from 2012:
Prashant Aswani - Visions
Chris Poland, Frank Catalano, Sean O'Bryan Smith, Jim Gifford - Polcat
Tribal Tech - X
Tohpati Bertiga - Riot
John McLaughlin & the 4th Dimension - Now Here This
Paul Gilbert - Vibrato
Gary Husband - Dirty & Beautiful, Vol. 2
OHM - Tsunami Jams
Ed DeGenaro - Holiday In Madras
Flying Colors
Chad Wackerman - Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations
Chris Buck - 3 Crows
Jason Sadites - Broken
Renegade Creation - Bullet
Led Zeppelin - Celebration Day
Van Halen - A Different Kind of Truth (Ed note: \m/)
See Also:
Favorite Albums of 2011
Favorite Albums of 2010
Favorite Albums of 2009
Favorite Albums of 2008
Favorite Albums of 2007
Favorite Albums of 2006
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.
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.
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
Paul Gilbert will be doing a clinic tour this November in Italy, France and Slovenia. Here is the official announcement from Gilbert's website:
"I am happy to announce that I will be doing a 20-city clinic tour of Italy, France, and Slovenia this November.
I will be teaching my best new guitar secrets and ideas, as well as performing a brand new set of songs accompanied by my wife, Emi Gilbert, on keyboards, and some of the finest bass players and drummers from each city.
Please check out the dates, venues, and info below and I will see you there!"
NOV 8 - NICE (FRANCE) - B-SPOT - Info: [email protected]
NOV 9 - TORINO -LAPSUS - Info: www.lapsustorino.it
NOV 10 - TRENTO - LA PIETRA MUSIC PLANET - Info:
www.lapietramusicplanet.it
NOV 11 - CASTEGNATO (BS) - GASOLINE - Info: [email protected]
NOV 12 - SIRACUSA - CLUB MOLO 14 - Info: [email protected]
NOV 13 - CATTOLICA (RN) - CENTRO GIOVANI - Info:
[email protected]
NOV 14 - BOARA PISANI (PD) - MAXIDRUM - Info: www.maxidrum.com
NOV 15 - BOLOGNA - MUSIC ACADEMY - Info: www.musicacademyitaly.it
NOV 16 - Info coming soon
NOV 17 - ROCCAFORZATA (TA) GO WEST SALOON - Info:
www.myspace.com/gowestsaloon
NOV 18 - CASERTA - ODDLY SHED - Info: www.faremusica.net
NOV 19 - TERRACINA (LT) - STONEHENGE - Info: [email protected]
NOV 20 - MORROVALLE (MC) - APOLOGIZE MUSIC CLUB - Info:
[email protected]
NOV 21 - UDINE - BLACK STUFF - Info: www.myspace.com/joeblackstuff
NOV 22 - CELJE (SLOVENIA) - BAM GUITAR CENTER - Info:
www.bamguitar.si/lm/sl
NOV 23 - LEGNANO (MI) - LAND OF LIVE - Info: www.landoflive.it
NOV 24 - Info Coming Soon.
NOV 25 - CREMONA - MIDIAN PUB - Info: [email protected]
NOV 26 - PISA - BORDERLINE - Info: www.myspace.com/borderlineclub
NOV 27 - SELARGIUS (CA) - ACCADEMIA VOICE POWER - Info:
www.voicepower.it
One More Night in New York City from drummer Mike Portnoy's amazing Beatles tribute band Yellow Matter Custard is now available on CD and DVD. This release was recorded live at B.B. King's in New York City on February 28th, 2011 - the final show of a three show run that brought the band back together for the first time in 8 years. YMC includes Paul Gilbert on guitar, Neal Morse on keys and guitar, Kasim Sulton on bass, and Portnoy on drums. See below for purchase links and the DVD tracklisting.
Purchase One More Night in New York City on CD
Purchase One More Night in New York City on DVD
Yellow Matter Custard - One More Night In New York City
DVD Track Listing:
Intro
Back In The USSR
I Got A Feeling
And Your Bird Can Sing
Day Tripper
Getting Better
Taxman
It Won't Be Long
You Really Got A Hold On Me
Lady Madonna
We Can Work It Out
I'm A Loser
I Don't Want To Spoil The Party
Penny Lane
The Fool On The Hill
You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
Things We Said Today
If I Needed Someone
Its Only Love
Request Time/Too Many People
She's A Woman
The Word
Any Time At All
Paperback Writer
Don't Let Me Down
I'm So Tired
Savoy Truffle
Glass Onion
Yer Blues
Helter Skelter
Flying
Because
You Never Give Me Your Money
Sun King
Mean Mr. Mustard
Her Majesty
Polythene Pam
She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
Golden Slumbers
Carry That Weight
The End
Bonus Features:
Interview with Mike Portnoy and Paul Gilbert
Rehearsal footage
See Also:
Photos: Yellow Matter Custard - Live at Durty Nellies February 27th 2011
Some cool stuff I've been listening to lately.
Striking debut from the killer modern jazz quartet of keyboardist Scott Kinsey, bassist Matt Garrison, drummer Gary Novak, and vocalist/percussionist/secret weapon Arto Tuncboyacian. Imagine a neo-Weather Report sound with a strong 'world music' vibe. Great record. John McLaughlin guests on one track.
CAB's latest is a great heavy fusion disc recorded live in November 2010. With Tony MacAlpine on guitar, Bunny Brunel on bass, Virgil Donati on drums, and Dennis Hamm on keys.
Highly eclectic, almost cinematic jazz and fusion recording from the Chicago-based duo of Dani Rabin on guitar, and Danny Markovitch on sax. Cool stuff if you are looking for something different.
Mr. Big's first new album in 8 years features the return of the original lineup (with Paul Gilbert back on guitar). Great all-out rock record. Killer playing.
Here are my photos from the amazing Yellow Matter Custard show at Durty Nellie's in Palatine IL on 2/27/11. This incredible Beatles tribute band featured Paul Gilbert on guitar, Mike Portnoy on drums, Neal Morse on keys and guitar, Kasim Sulton on bass, and everyone on vocals.
Photo Gallery: Yellow Matter Custard - Live at Durty Nellie's February 27th 2011
Spotted this on Mark McGuigan's site: Premier Guitar has posted a great interview with Paul Gilbert. Gilbert discusses his new album Fuzz Universe.
Premier Guitar: Paul Gilbert Interview
Paul Gilbert has announced the following European Tour Dates for 2010. Joining Gilbert for these dates will be Tony Spinner on guitar and vocals, Craig Martini on bass and vocals, and Jeff Bowders on drums. VIP tickets can be purchased for these dates as well. The VIP package includes a 90-minute guitar lesson with Gilbert, soundcheck access, and much more. Check Gilbert's website for more details.
A quick roundup of the albums I've been listening to lately...
Really cool jazz-prog-funk-fusion album from bassist Riendeau. Killer guest list includes Jeff Kollman, Alex Machacek, Marco Sfogli, Greg Koch, and many others.
Gilbert's 3rd instrumental album is loaded with over-the-top tones and playing. Includes a cool cover of Todd Rundgren's "Blue Orpheus."
Great Holdsworthian fusion. The double bass adds a cool, straight-ahead vibe.
Fantastic disc that is essentially a tribute to the guitar. Guests include Steve Lukather, John Scofield, B.B. King, Mike Stern, Joe Bonamassa, Guthrie Govan, Slash, and many others. Win a copy of the album here!
This is about 5 years old, but I still listen to it a lot. Awesome funky jazz album with Charlie Hunter on guitar.
