Back Door Slam released Roll Away about a year ago. That said, the problem with new rock music, especially material reminiscent of a classic '70s sound, is that its lucky to get any recognition at all these days. Though this one almost slipped by me, a friend and colleague informed me of it about a month ago, and I must say, Im truly grateful to have been alerted to it. Labeling rock music as classic, or 70s in style, can give people the wrong impression at times, because those definitions are often synonymous with old-fashioned, or even passé. The thing is, classic rock has become a genre of its own over the past few years, and much of the music put into that category is as innovative and contemporary as '70s rock music was and still is. Moreover, although it possesses the energy aspect of classic rock, its always extremely melodic, an attribute thats often lacking in todays rock. Most of all, the musicianship really kicks ass, with guitar playing thats abundant in addictive licks, interesting chord arrangements, and soaring lead solos...
With a title that possesses ostentatious significance, Michael Burks Iron Man is potent blues by a powerful performer. Hes the real deal as a guitar player, vocalist, and composer. Although it may seem as though the ghost of Albert King had taken over his body and jammed a Gibson Flying V into his hands, Burks is quite unique in most respects. Moreover, its exciting to hear a modern day performer embellish the blues with such enthusiasm and power these days...
Pat Metheny Group recently released Imaginary Day Live on DVD. Essentially a rerelease from Eagle Rock Entertainment, it was filmed live at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California, on July 21-23, 1998. Its a magnificent concert presentation, not only of the Pat Metheny six-string prowess, but of the skill of the entire band. Theyre a jazz super group for sure. Being the Imaginary Day Tour, of course, most of the music is from that particular 1997 Metheny Group release, with a few other additions to make it a complete concert experience. Pat walks out onstage to a warm introduction and acknowledges the crowd with his familiar, friendly smile. He then engages his 42-stringed Pikasso guitar for a mind blowing rendition of Into The Dream. A world music extravaganza of many modes soon transpires, of many guitars as well, as the Metheny concert experience becomes a magnificent journey and tour-de-force spectacle...
Jeff Healeys latest release, Mess Of Blues, is slated for an April 22nd release on Ruf Records (internationally) and Stoney Plain Records (in Canada). His first blues-rock release in eight years, it's split between recent studio recordings, a couple recorded live at his Roadhouse club in Toronto, and a couple recorded live at the Islington Academy in London. Though some like to think that great musicians are elevated to the status of eminent legend once theyre deceased, that announcement would be redundant in Jeff Healeys case. He was already an authentic legend before the fact. Back in 1988, when he released his debut album, See the Light, listeners knew immediately that they were hearing greatness for the first time...
The Black Crowes have finally gotten around to releasing Warpaint, their first studio effort in seven years. It has certainly been a rocky road for the brothers Robinson, and for the other band members throughout each interval along the path as well. However, lets talk about the music here, as their member instability issues and internal problems can be read just about anywhere else...
Dream Theater will soon release a 2-CD set entitled Greatest Hit ( and 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs) on Rhino Records. And it truly is a wonderful 22-song compilation. The title is definitely appropriate, as it lays emphasis on their only top 10 radio hit, Pull Me Under, in a humorous manner. Its good when a progressive rock band gives their best-of compilation a witty title, one with kind of a facetious intent. Other examples, like Pink Floyds A Collection of Great Dance Songs and Zappas blatant mockery, Worst of the Mothers, come to mind, also Joni Mitchells Hits and Misses (the misses being my preferred choice to listen to usually). After all, album oriented performers and rock bands, especially prog bands, are admired more for their all-encompassing projects than for individual songs. Its such a tedious endeavor to create an album perching certain songs on a pedestal above others, especially when the band has such a vast discography of music to choose from...
Seven Moons is the latest collaborative effort from Jack Bruce and Robin Trower. Certainly anticipated by fans, its their first release since the '80s, as well as their first with Gary Husband on the drum kit. Proof that both iconic performers still have what it takes to create good music, it also confirms that age hasnt mellowed or slowed them down much, especially when it comes to exerting a potent sound. Many of the songs contain a '70s ambiance, not lacking of the imaginative tone, creativity, and vision the era is known for. A melding of the well-suited, Bruce brings Cream-esque bass playing brilliance and vocal melody to the table, while Trower touts his familiar Stratocaster into Marshall sonic muscle. He wrote the lyrics to all of the compositions as well...
Toolin Around Woodstock, by guitarist Arlen Roth and special guest Levon Helm, also featuring Sonny Landreth, Bill Kirchen, and others, is a fine collection of contemporary American roots songs and two originals. Celebrated guitar teacher and originator of the "Hot Licks" videos, the upper state New York "Master of the Telecaster" doesnt release CDs all that often, so those familiar with his incredible talent and vast knowledge of the instrument know it to be a delightful and long-awaited event. Though the albums vocals are basically split between Roth, Helm, and Kirchen, daughters Lexie Roth and Amy Helm add nice touches to some of the tunes, in both a lead and background capacity. A wonderful supplement to the special edition CD is the added DVD of takes from the session process, recorded at Levon Helms studio in Woodstock, New York....
Drummer Doyle Bramhall, known as Big-D to his friends, has released Is It News on Yep Roc Records. Though often mistaken for his axe-slinging son, this Texas bluesman has garnered deserved respect among Texas peers and blues fans everywhere. Only his third solo album since the acclaimed Bird Nest on the Ground, released in 1994, Is It News is a diverse and thoroughly enjoyable batch of songs. Deeply rooted in the blues, this Texas icon and longtime friend of both Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan may give the impression that hes more traditional than the younger Bramhall. However, this effort may surprise those who think along that line. Bramhalls sound, though born of tradition, is really very unique and innovative, and the songs arent always soft and laid back. The fact that Bramhall has produced critically acclaimed albums for the likes of Chris Duarte, Indigenous, and Marcia Ball is an indication of the diversity of his taste. Also a renowned Texas singer/songwriter (he penned "Change It" and "Lookin Out The Window" for Stevie Ray Vaughan, whom he also collaborated with), this unique musician was a member of the Chessman, a Dallas band that opened for Jimi Hendrix back in the late '60s...
Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters latest release, Hope Radio, his fourth release on Stony Plain Records, is an effort with a healing-power message. Since Ronnie doesnt tour much anymore, the endeavor is his way of informing fans that he and the band are alive and well. Recorded live in a studio packed with friends and family, a DVD of the incredible performance is scheduled for release as well. Keep in mind that although he may never do another major tour, the Massachusetts bluesman is still a blazing guitarist. Realizing the need for hope in a world of pain and violence, a desire augmented by a restrained bout with substance abuse and other personal issues, Hope Radio is a unique display of the musical mind of the man they call Mr. Earl. The album consists of eleven instrumental originals and one sleek favorite, "Blues for the West Side." The exemplary Earl cover possesses much of the taking it up and taking it back down emotion hes known for. And once again, he proves how diverse and satisfying instrumental blues can be...
Some may remember an earlier version of this concert, entitled, We Will Rock You. Originally launched at the Cannes Film Festival in May 1983, it was later released in North America in September of 1984. Actually the first commercially available concert footage of Queen, the picture has been digitally restored from the original 35mm negative. It also contains bonus footage of the bands complete Live Aid set from the summer of 1985, plus originally unreleased rehearsal and interview footage. An audio commentary by Brian May and Roger Taylor pertaining to the Montreal show is the icing on the cake for collectors and fans. Though I havent viewed the earlier releases of this concert, supposedly Brian May made certain that the PCM stereo remix outshined the earlier DTS format, which he was never truly happy with. He speaks of this in more detail in the added commentary. That said, the sound quality here is positively stunning, and Im truly amazed that they were able to make a show recorded in 1981 sound so high-quality...
The latest release from Chicagos own Nick Moss and the Flip Tops is a dual CD set, entitled, Play It Til Tomorrow. The title suits it admirably, because, especially for fans of this amplified delta sound, the titles implied act is effortless. The 28 songs, over two hours of brilliant music, can be played repeatedly right into the next day. Take my word for it; Ive done it. Many of Chicagos well-known players are getting up there in age, or have already left this world, making way for some of the younger players to obtain due praise. Recognized as a rising star by Buddy Guy, the late Jimmy Rogers as well, Nick is perceived by many to be one of the present torchbearers of the Chicago blues sound, as well as an exciting performer and an extremely inspired guitarist...
Omar Kent Dykes and Jimmie Vaughan, two renowned Austin Texas-based bluesmen, have put together a fine collection of Jimmy Reed material and other related songs for a 2007 collaborative release, On The Jimmy Reed Highway. A performer who often went unrecognized for honing a definitive blues sound that assisted in what eventually became known as rock n roll, Jimmy Reed's style was very innovative for its time, and extremely intense and rhythmic. Though his technique has early Chuck Berry written all over it, many references furtively neglect to list the preceding bluesman as an inspiration of the infamous pop rock pioneer. Though Reeds impact may go unmentioned in the case of other early rockers as well, his style and rhythmic drive is easily recognized as evident in the ears of any enlightened blues-rock aficionado...
Revival has been touted as a return to Creedence Clearwater Revival roots for John Fogerty, the former lead guitarist, lead singer, and core songwriter of the classic rock outfit. CCR no longer exists, so theres certainly nothing wrong with Fogerty laying claim to a sound that was basically his anyway. From a fan standpoint, its great to hear some fresh, new songs done in that evocative fashion. The fact that it was released on the Fantasy label is a "return" of sorts in its own right. The last time Fogerty recorded for them was 34 years ago...
Rory Gallagher was no stranger to Rockpalast, the German television program that highlighted many a great artist over the years. His live shows were highly energized and packed with raw emotion and gut force in a way thats rarely done anymore. The astounding concerts on this three DVD set amount to a little less than ten hours of music, squeezing in eighty-four songs recorded live in different German venues from 1976 thru 1990. The included footage is an all-encompassing historical presentation of the onstage persona of Rory Gallagher, and without a doubt some of the best electric and acoustic performances caught on tape of the Irish blues-rocker.