The Guitar Channel

Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan, Tony MacAlpine and Derek Sherinian to Tour Europe and Asia

Saw this on Blabbermouth: Following their well-recieved performances at this year's Winter NAMM show, drummer Mike Portnoy, bassist Billy Sheehan, guitarist Tony MacAlpine and keyboardist Derek Sherinian will unite once again to tour Europe and Asia this fall. Per the Blabbermouth post: "The virtuoso band will play an all-instrumental set consisting of material from each of their solo records and their previous collaborations as well as classic instrumental covers and extended solo spots." See dates and locations below.

Oct. 17 - [to be announced] - Opole, Poland
Oct. 18 - [to be announced] - Wroclaw, Poland
Oct. 20 - Jukebox Club - Bucarest, Romania
Oct. 21 - Boerderij - Zoetermeer, Holland
Oct. 25 - Reading 3 - Tel Aviv, Israel
Oct. 26 - Bingo Club - Kiev, Ukraine
Oct. 27 - Izvestia Hall - Moscow, Russia
Oct. 28 - Glav Club - St. Petersburg, Russia
Oct. 31 - [to be announced] - Beijing, China
Nov. 02 - [to be announced] - Shanghai, China
Nov. 04 - [to be announced] - Taipei, Taiwan
Nov. 06 - [to be announced] - Manila, Philippines
Nov. 08 - [to be announced] - Bangkok, Thailand

Favorite Releases of 2011

While pondering my favorite music releases of 2011, I was struck by two things; the abundance of originality and depth in the "my cup of tea" genre, and Geez Louise were there a lot of live albums this year. There were also some great DVDs, which is why I'm referring to this as a favorite "releases" list instead of an "album" list as I have in the past. So here they are - my favorite releases of 2011 in no particular order:

 

Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (CD / DVD) [CD Review]

Amazing live CD and DVD releases chronicling the 2010 New Universe Music Festival. Includes great performances by John McLaughlin, Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Jimmy Herring, and others. I was honored to help contribute to the DVD by conducting the backstage interviews which appear on disc 2.

Brett Garsed - Dark Matter [Review]

Fantastic writing and playing. Shows a stronger prog influence than Garsed’s earlier work. Bassist Ric Fierabracci make a big impact here as well.

Chris Taylor - Nocturnal [Review / Interview]

Taylor’s remarkable debut seamlessly blends modern jazz and electronica influences in one of the year’s most original and engaging releases. The all-star line up includes Ric Fierabracci, Steve Tavaglione, Dave Weckl, and other heavyweights.

Oz Noy - Twisted Blues Volume 1

Noy’s latest showcases his quirky originality and tones in a context that’s more bluesy than his previous work. Love the writing on this one.

The Aristocrats [Guthrie Govan Interview]

Killer heavy fusion album with Guthrie Govan on guitar, Bryan Beller on bass, and Marco Minnemann on drums. A great platform for Govan’s overall talents.

Derek Sherinian - Oceana

Awesome prog-fusion disc that may be Sherinian’s best solo release yet. Has a throwback 70s Jeff Beck vibe at times. Guests include Steve Lukather, Tony MacAlpine, and Joe Bonamassa.

Allen Hinds - Monkeys and Slides

Great writing and lines from one of the west coast’s coolest fusion guitarists. Includes two burning live tracks. Features Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Babko, and Dennis Hamm among others.

Bryan Beller - Wednesday Night Live

Killer live disc featuring a single set recorded at the Baked Potato, plus two additional tracks from other performances. Includes great contributions from Mike Keneally.

Other favorites from 2011:

Gerald Gradwohl Group - ABQ Live and Raw
Jeff Richman & Chatterbox - The Line Up [Interview]
Bryan Baker, Bob van Luijt & Sebastiaan Cornelissen - 011 Amsterdam
John Escreet - The Age We Live In
Johnny Hiland - All Fired Up
CAB - Live on Sunset
Human Element
Gannin Arnold - Five World Class Drummers DVD
Rudder - Live at Rockwell Music Hall NYC DVD (Not one note of guitar on this, but the band and DVD are super cool.)

See Also:

Favorite Albums of 2010
Favorite Albums of 2009
Favorite Albums of 2008
Favorite Albums of 2007
Favorite Albums of 2006

Current Listening (and Viewing)

Here is some of the great new music I've been digging lately.

 

The Aristocrats

Incredible rock fusion disc with Guthrie Govan on guitar, Bryan Beller on bass, and Marco Minnemann on drums. Killer writing, tones and playing.

Oz Noy - Twisted Blues Volume 1

Noy's bluesiest album to date has an amazing lineup that includes Vinnie Colaiuta, Eric Johnson, and other heavyweights. Noy's playing and tones are amazing. Releasing November 19th.

Derek Sherinian - Oceana

Arguably Sherinian's best solo album yet. Has a similar vibe to his 1999 debut, with strong shades of Jeff Beck's early fusion work. As always, the prog keyboard maestro brings along an impressive cast. Includes Steve Lukather, Tony MacAlpine, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Stevens, and others.

Jeff Richman & Chatterbox - The Line Up

Richman returns with Chatterbox for more jammy west coast jazz. Has a looser vibe than his solo releases.

Jarle H. Olsen - Quadrasonic

Super intricate prog metal with insane chops. Includes Alex Argento on keys.

Abstract Logix Live - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 DVD

I may be a bit biased here since I conducted the interviews for this 2-DVD set, but this is a killer collection of live jazz rock fusion. A great documentation of Abstract Logix's groundbreaking 2010 festival. Includes John McLaughlin (with Zakir Hussain), Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Jimmy Herring, Human Element, Ranjit Barot, and others.

Derek Sherinian releases new solo album 'Oceana'

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release, London, England -

Derek Sherinian's new solo album 'Oceana' is released Monday September 5th by the Music Theories Recordings label via the Mascot Label Group.

If this were the 1970's, the heyday of such keyboard titans as Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and Jon Lord, Sherinian would be among that elite circle of players who were superstars back in the day when such talent was not only appreciated, but celebrated in popular music. This is, however, 2011, and in this age, Derek Sherinian is the premiere rock keyboardist of his generation, a member of the supergroup Black Country Communion, a former member of Dream Theater, and a solo artist in his own right.

Sherinian has played keyboards with artists including Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, Yngwie Malmsteen and KISS. In addition to being a former member of Dream Theater, Sherinian was also a member of the prog rock band Platypus, and the founder of the progressive fusion metal band Planet X.

'Oceana' is mixed by legendary drummer Simon Phillips (whose drumming credits include Toto, The Who, Jeff Beck, 10CC, Roxy Music). Phillips also plays drums on the entire album.

Steve Lukather collaborates with Sherinian on 'Mulholland', 'Euphoria' and 'Seven Sins', while former Planet X guitarist Tony MacAlpine performs on 'Five Elements' and 'Mercury 7'. Steve Stevens is featured on 'Ghost Runner' and the title track, while Black Country Communion band-mate Joe Bonamassa performs on 'I Heard That'. Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake) performs on 'El Camino Diablo', and Jimmy Johnson plays bass on all tracks with the exception of 'Ghost Runner' and 'Oceana', which both feature Tony Franklin.

Favouring a guitar heavy rock based approach to fusion ala Jeff Beck, Sherinian's music creates a certain energy that comes through the recordings, setting him apart from other jazz fusion artists.  His music also appeals to fans of technical heavy metal. Thanks to his relentless touring schedule with a wide range of well-known artists, Sherinian easily adapts to ever changing musical genres, while always maintaining his signature style.

Click here to download hi res photos and read the full press release announcement - www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/dereksherinian/oceana.htm.

Current Listening

Some cool stuff I've been listening to lately.

Human Element

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 - Live On Sunset

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.

Marbin - Breaking The Cycle

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 - What If...

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.

New CAB Album "Live on Sunset" Now Available

CAB has a new album entitled Live on Sunset which is now available at Abstract Logix. The disc was recorded live on November 14, 2010 at SIR in Hollywood. The band's lineup for this album includes Bunny Brunel on bass, Tony MacAlpine on guitar, Virgil Donati on drums, and Dennis Hamm on keys. See tracklisting below.

CAB - Live on Sunset

Track 1     Atamanashi
Track 2     Cloud Ten
Track 3     Katputli
Track 4     Purple Mars
Track 5     One for the Road
Track 6     The Quiet One
Track 7     The Pub
Track 8     Song for My Friend
Track 9     The Prankster
Track 10     New Blues

Seven The Hard Way: New prog-rock band featuring Tony MacAlpine and Virgil Donati

Spotted this on Truth In Shredding - Planet X and Devil's Slingshot bandmates Virgil Donati (drums) and Tony MacAlpine (guitar) have a new band called Seven The Hard Way. Here is an official announcement from Donati's website:

"Seven the Hardway is a 5-piece progressive rock/metal band based in Southern California and formed in 2009 by guitar virtuoso Tony MacAlpine (Steve Vai, Planet X, CAB), drum master Virgil Donati  (Planet X) and renowned vocalist Mark Boals (Uli Jon Roth, Royal Hunt, Yngwie Malmsteen).

The band’s highly anticipated 10-track eponymous debut will be released in September 2010 on Mascot/Provogue Records, and their fall European tour kicks off soon after the album’s release.

The band’s live show will consist of their entire album, a jaw-dropping drum solo from Donati, along with select covers of Tony MacAlpine’s well-known instrumentals.

Joining MacAlpine, Donati and Boals on the album are bass player Doug Shreeve and Argentinian newcomer Estefania Daniel on guitar.

A music video for the band’s first single “Guilty” (music and lyrics by Virgil) will premiere on YouTube in June."

Planet X Euro Tour Cancelled

Saw this on Truth In Shredding: Planet X have cancelled their Fall 2009 European tour. From guitarist Tony MacAlpine's official site:

"It is with much regret, that due to unfortunate personal circumstances, Planet X are forced to postpone their upcoming European Tour until the first half of 2010. Stay tuned for information on tickets and rescheduled dates."

See also: the official Planet X message boards.

CAB to re-release Live at The Baked Potato Double CD

Fusion uber-group CAB will re-release their 2006 album Live at The Baked Potato next month. This excellent 2-CD set includes all of the bands staples, plus a killer version of Billy Cobham's "Stratus." The lineup on this release includes band mainstays Bunny Brunel on bass, Tony MacAlpine on guitar, and Virgil Donati on drums, with David Hirshfelder playing keyboards. I've had this one for awhile now; definitely worth picking up if you want to hear some great live jazz fusion.

CAB: Live at The Baked Potato

via No Treble

Planet X tour dates with Tony MacAlpine

Saw this on Truth in Shredding: Planet X have scheduled the following European tour dates for the coming fall. Band members include founders Derek Sherinian on keys and Virgil Donati on drums, Planet X alum Tony MacAlpine back on guitar, and new bassist Doug Shreeve.

September
26 - Zoetermeer, Netherlands
27 - Weert, Netherlands
28 - London, UK
29 - Paris, France

October
1 - Lubeck, Germany
2 - Aschaffenburg, Germany
3 - Cologne, Germany
4 - Lorsch, Germany
5 - Munich, Germany
5 - Vienna, Austria
7 - Basel, Switzerland
9 - Poland
10 - Poland 

Bass Legend BILLY SHEEHAN Releases Third Solo Album on Mascot Records U.S.A

PRESS RELEASE

HOLLYWOOD, CA (April 15, 2009) – Legendary Bass Master Bill Sheehan has released his much anticipated third solo album entitled “Holy Cow!” on Mascot Records U.S.A. April 14^th, 2009. The albums tracks showcase Sheehan’s immense talents as both a singer/songwriter and instrumentalist. 

Billy Sheehan’s new release HOLY COW will has three mystery bonus tracks added only for the U.S.A. album version. These three exclusive tracks on the disc cannot be found anywhere else.

 

Sheehan pulled in top-notch arsenal with guest performances by Billy Gibbons on “A Lit’l Bit’l Do It To Ya Ev’ry Time”, Paul Gilbert (who played with Sheehan in Mr Big) on “Dynamic Exhilarator”, Dug Pinnick (Kings-X) on the song “Turning Point” as well as Ray Luzier on drums and shred master Tony MacAlpine.

Sheehan continues to stretch the boundaries of the bass guitar while showcasing his immense talent as a guitarist (Baritone 12 string and 6 string guitars) and singer.  Look for a Billy Sheehan solo tour to promote this album in the very near future.      

"Holy Cow" track listing:

01. In A Week Or Two (I'll Give It Back To You)
02. Dynamic Exhilarator
03. A Lit'l Bit'l Do It To 'Ya Ev'ry Time
04. A Bloodless Casualty
05. Make It To Another Day (I Keep Rolling On My Way)
06. Another Broken Promise
07. Just Another Humanoid
08. Turning Point
09. Two People Can Keep A Secret (If One Of Them Is Dead)
10. Theme From An Imaginary Science Fiction
11. Cell Towers

12. ?

13. ?

14. ?

 

For more information go to www.billysheehan.com or www.myspace.com/billysheehan

CAB releases new album in India

CAB's new album THEATRE DE MARIONNETTES has been released in India. The album features Bunny Brunel on bass, Tony MacApline on guitar, Virgil Donati on drums, plus three keyboardists - Patrice Rushen, Brian Auger, and special guest Chick Corea. Two of the album's tracks were written by Indian composer/producer Sandeep Chowta. It appears the album has only been released in India thus far - check out this Facebook group for more info including store locations where the album can be purchased. If I find an online retailer offering the album I'll post an update.

12/14/08: I've added some full-size pics of the CD packaging above.

12/23/08: Good news! The album can now be purchased online through Abstract Logix!