The Guitar Channel

Favorite Albums of 2012

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.

Wayne Krantz - Howie 61

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.

OHMPhrey - Posthaste

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.

Karizma - Perfect Harmony

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

Video: Renegade Creation - Live at the San Javier Jazz Festival (60 Min)

15º Festival de Jazz de San Javier - Renegade Creation

• 15º Festival de Jazz de San Javier - Renegade Creation

A little birdie tipped me off to this one. Broadcast on Spanish television last night - Renegade Creation at the San Javier Jazz Festival in Spain on July 6th 2012. With Robben Ford and Michael Landau - guitars and vocals, Jimmy Haslip - bass and Gary Novak - drums.

Current Listening

Frequency (Prashant Aswani)

A collection of great rock instrumentals written and recorded by Prashant Aswani for television and film soundtrack licensing. Aswani's playing is killer as always. Includes drummers Joey Heredia and Jose Pasillas.

Return To Forever - The Mothership Returns

Double Live RTFIV release with bonus DVD featuring a documentary, live performances, and more. Loaded with great Frank Gambale moments.

Renegade Creation - Bullet

Follow-up to the band's killer 2010 debut. More great writing, playing, and to-die-for guitar tones from Michael Landau and Robben Ford.

Spectrum Road

Tribute to legendary drummer Tony Williams' classic Lifetime bands. Features Vernon Reid, Jack Bruce, Cindy Blackman and John Medeski. Awesome throwback fusion. This album has turned me into a big Vernon Reid fan.

Bruce Forman Trio - Formanism

Great straight-ahead jazz disc. Guitarist Forman is fun and lyrical throughout.

Mike Stern - All Over The Place

Stern's latest is loaded with great writing, killer lines, and a who's-who list of top bass players that includes Anthony Jackson, Will Lee, Victor Wooten, Esperanza Spalding and others.

Video: Renegade Creation - Live 7/4/12 Full Show

Full Renegade Creation show (!) from July 4th 2012 at Luxor Live in Arnhem Holland. With Robben Ford and Michael Landau - guitars and vocals, Jimmy Haslip - bass and Gary Novak - drums.

Video: Renegade Creation - "Spoonful" Live 7/3/12

Renegade Creation playing "Spoonful" live in The Netherlands on July 3rd, 2012. With Robben Ford and Michael Landau - guitars and vocals, Jimmy Haslip - bass and Gary Novak - drums.

Renegade Creation 2012 European Tour Dates

Here is a list of upcoming European tour dates for Renegade Creation (Robben Ford and Michael Landau - guitars and vocals, Jimmy Haslip - bass and Gary Novak - drums).

UPDATE 7/4/12: added additional dates.

June 29th 2012 SANDVIKEN, Sweden - BANGEN JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL 
July 2nd 2012 ZOETERMEER, Holland - DE BOERDERIJ  
July 3rd 2012 BREDA, Holland - MEZZ 
July 4th 2012 ARNHEM, Holland - LUXOR LIVE 
July 6th 2012 S. JAVIER, Spain - AUDITORIO FESTIVAL S. JAVIER
July 8th 2012 Rotterdam, Netherlands - North Sea Jazz Festival
July 9th 2012 Copenhagen, Denmark - Copenhagen Jazz Festival
July 10th 2012 CORDOBA, Spain - CORDOBA GUITAR FESTIVAL 
July 11th 2012 ASCHAFFENBURG, Germany - COLOS SAAL
July 12th 2012 Monforte D’Alba, Italy - MonfortinJazz 2012
July 13th 2012 S. CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Spain - PLAZA DEL AUDITORIO 
July 14th 2012 LAS PALMAS DE G. CANARIA - PLAZA DE STA. ANA
July 16th 2012 Valencia, Spain Palau de la Musica Valencia (Robben Ford w/ Miles Smiles)
July 17th 2012 Trieste, Italy Trieste Loves Jazz (Robben Ford w/ Miles Smiles)
July 20th 2012 Pori, Finland Pori Jazz Festival (Robben Ford w/ Miles Smiles)
July 23rd 2012 San Sebastian, Spain, Heineken Jazzaldia, ­ Festival de Jazz de San Sebastian (Robben Ford w/ Miles Smiles)

New Renegade Creation Album 'Bullet' Coming June 6th

PRESS RELEASE

With engineering and production legend Ed Cherney (Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan) at the helm, Renegade Creation, featuring guitar greats Robben Ford and Michael Landau, bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer Gary Novak, re-entered the studio to record Bullet, the super-charged follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2010 debut. Delivering a set of rootsy, blues/rock vocal tunes, the band draws on the unique guitar interplay between guitar giants Robben Ford and Michael Landau who inspire each other to new personal bests. Bullet is a guitar tour de force riding on the fierce rhythmic foundation of bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer Gary Novak - one of the finest rhythm sections around. Renegade Creation brings to mind the essence of classic Blues Rock crossed with hypnotic vocal melodies and a touch of the adventurous sophistication of fusion, allowing each player’s phenomenal abilities to shine. The well-arranged compositions on Bullet, while brimming with fantastic soloing, exhibit a synergy rarely heard in music today. Demanding repeated listening, Bullet is guaranteed to remain on heavy rotation in any fans playlist.

Michael Landau is a renowned session guitarist and solo artist who has played on albums since the early 1980s by such notable artists as Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Richard Marx, Joni Mitchell, Steve Perry, Seal, James Taylor, Laura Branigan and many others. Robben Ford began his recording career in the ‘70’s with the Charles Ford Band, a blues band with his highly musical siblings.

As Robben progressed more as a player he delved deeper into Jazz, joining Tom Scott’s band in 1974. After more than 30 years as a solo artist, Ford is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in the world.

Jimmy Haslip is an in demand bassist and record producer, known by many fusion fans as a founding member of the pioneering fusion group, “Yellowjackets.” He was one of the first high profile players to routinely use a 5-string electric bass. Haslip has worked with many notable artists, including Tommy Bolin, Marty Friedman, Bruce Hornsby, Gino Vannelli, Allan Holdsworth, Chaka Khan, Donald Fagen and Anita Baker. He continues to be one of the most in demand bassists in the industry.

Gary Novak was born into a musical household and began drumming at age eight. After years of studying and working as a drummer he landed a gig with George Benson and subsequently joined Chick Corea’s band. He has also toured with many highly acclaimed musicians including Bob Berg and Allan Holdsworth. In 1998 he joined Canadian pop star Alanis Morissette’s band, recording and touring with her for over a year.

Renegade Creation - Bullet (Releasing June 6th)

1.     All Over Again
2.     Bullet
3.     On a Mountain
4.     Nazareth
5.     People Like Me
6.     Too Much of Nothin'
7.     Greedy Life
8.     High and Low
9.     Older Today
10.   Saint and Satan

Michael Landau and Robben Ford: New Renegade Creation Song Available For Free Download

Renegade Creation (which features Robben Ford and Michael Landau - guitars and vocals, Jimmy Haslip - bass and Gary Novak - drums) will release their next album in March 2012. As a gift for the Holidays, the band has made one of the new tracks, entitled "High And Low," available as a free download! Check out Mike Landau's website for more information, or download the song via the link below.

Free Download: Renegade Creation - "High And Low"

Videos: Renegade Creation - Live in Europe

Some cool videos from Renegade Creation's current European tour. (RC features Robben Ford and Michael Landau - guitars and vocals, Jimmy Haslip - bass and Gary Novak - drums).

The Darkness

Renegade Destruction

Peace On My Mind

Win a Jam with Robben Ford and Renegade Creation in Australia!

Allan’s Music + Billy Hyde is sponsoring a contest to win a chance to jam with Robben Ford and Renegade Creation during their upcoming Australia tour. Here is the official announcement:

"Allan’s Music + Billy Hyde is giving YOU the chance of a lifetime to jam LIVE on stage with one of the world’s greatest guitar hero’s!

Get creative and record a one minute YouTube video of you playing the guitar. Introduce yourself to Robben and let him know what state you’re from. Play along to your favourite track, take a solo or even share some guitar tips and tricks! Then simply visit AMBH on facebook and upload your video link to the Allans Music Billy Hyde wall!

http://www.facebook.com/allansmusicbillyhyde

The top 3 ‘liked’ videos for each participating state (VIC, NSW, SA, QLD & WA) will be judged by Allans Music + Billy Hyde.

One winner in each state will receive a FREE double pass to see Robben Ford and Renegade Creation, personally meet Robben at sound check and play a 12 bar blues LIVE ON STAGE with Robben and Renegade Creation!

Entries close 5pm AEST 26^th September 2011. Winners will be notified!"

 

Michael Landau & Robben Ford: Renegade Creation Australia Tour Dates

Saw this on I Heart Guitar - Dates and venues have been announced for the October 2011 Renegade Creation Australia Tour. Details are below. See the Allans Music + Billy Hyde website for more information.

Renegade Creation 2011 Australian Tour Dates

Robben Ford & Michael Landau - guitars, Jimmy Haslip - bass, Gary Novak - drums

Oct 6th  The Corner Hotel - Victoria
Oct 7th  The Corner Hotel - Victoria
Oct 8th  The Factory - Sydney
Oct 9th  The Hifi - Brisbane
Oct 11th The Gov - Adelaide
Oct 12th TheMETROCity - Perth

See also:

Tour Dates: Robben Ford and Michael Landau

Tour Dates: Michael Landau and Robben Ford

Here is a list of upcoming 2011 tour dates for Robben Ford, Ford with Michael Landau, and Renegade Creation. I've also read that Renegade Creation will be heading into the studio in August to record a follow up to their killer debut album. Stay tuned!

Robben Ford   with Andy Hess - bass, and Toss Panos - drums

July 7th      Edizione Narcao Blues Festival  -  Sassari/Sardinia, Italy
July 8th      Brianza Blues Festival - Monza, Italy
July 9th      Pistoia Blues Festival - Pistoia, Italy
July 11th    Pordenone Festival - Pordenone, Italy
July 12th    Casa del Jazz Festival - Rome, Italy
July 13th     Guitar Festival - Genova, Italy
July 14th     Vallemaggia Magic Blues - Giumaglio, Switzerland            
July 17th     Deltablues - Rovigo, Italy

Ruthie Davies' Blues Night w/ Robben Ford

July 24th      Stanford, CA - Dinkelspiel Auditorium
July 25th?    Stanford, CA - Dinkelspiel Auditorium (Ford has this listed on his site but I can't find confirmation)

Robben Ford and Michael Landau   with Andy Hess - bass, and Gary Novak drums

August 6th     Shaw Millennium Park - Calgary, Alberta
August 7th     Iridium Jazz Club - New York, NY (The Iridium has this listed as a Renegade Creation show)
August 8th     Iridium Jazz Club - New York, NY (w/ Les Paul Trio)
August 11th    Infinity Hall - Norfolk, CT
August 12th    Truro Raceway - Truro, Nova Scotia

Renegade Creation   Robben Ford & Michael Landau - guitars, Jimmy Haslip - bass, Gary Novak - drums

August 18th    Teatro de la Ciudad - Del. Cuauhtemoc, Mexico
August 19th    The Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CA
August 20th    The Canyon Club - Agoura Hilla, CA
October 3rd - 13th   Australian Tour
October 26th - November 5th    European Tour

Michael Landau Group   with Reggie Hamilton - bass, and Gary Novak drums

September 17th   Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center - Livermore, CA (Opening for Sonny Landreth and Eric Gales)
September 18th   Moe's Alley - Santa Cruz, CA (Opening for Sonny Landreth)