News From Vintage Guitar

Gov't Mule to Release Mulennium

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

December 31, 1999 ushered in a new century and millennium and called for something truly magical - and that night's Gov't Mule show at Atlanta's historic Roxy Theatre delivered it. What made this New Years Eve show so extraordinary? For starters, Little Milton, one of Warren Haynes' most important influences, joins Gov't Mule for six songs including "I Can't Quit You Baby" and "It Hurts Me Too." Mulennium also marks the 10th anniversary of Allen Woody's death and is the first official release featuring the original Gov't Mule trio issued since his passing. Mulennium features Gov't Mule's original lineup - Warren Haynes on guitar, Matt Abts on drums and the late Allen Woody on bass and contains many Mule covers played for the first time including The Black Crowes' "Sometimes Salvation" and King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man." Blues legend Little Milton and The Black Crowes' Audley Freed join Mule for a spirited second set that blazes into the wee hours of the new millennium. "Friends seen and unseen, I find myself, again, trying to conjure up what to say about a show-in this case a memorable, dare I even say magical show. New Year's shows, as everyone in Muleland knows, are very special to us. The show was never intended to be an official release but we knew it should be recorded and, thanks to our friend Doug Oade, it was. Finally after all this time we have re-mixed it and are happy to share it with you." - Warren Haynes The collection was remixed and mastered from the original master tapes. Mulennium is out August 3 via Evil Teen. Tracks are: Disc 1: 1. Bad Little Doggie 2. Lay Your Burden Down 3. Blind Man In The Dark 4. Life Before Insanity 5. Larger Than Life 6. Towering Fool 7. Countdown Jam 8. 21st Century Schizoid Man 9. We're Not Gonna Take It 10. Dazed And Confused Disc 2: 1. When The Blues Comes Knockin'* 2. My Dog And Me 3. Lump On Your Stump * 4. I Can't Quit You Baby * 5. It Hurts Me Too * 6. Blues Is Alright * 7. Is It My Body? ** 8. Power Of Soul ** Disc 3: 1. Helter Skelter ** 2. Sometimes Salvation ** 3. 30 Days In The Hole *** 4. End Of The Line ** 5. Out Of The Rain **** 6. I Shall Be Released ***** 7. Simple Man ****** 8. Crowd *with Little Milton **with Audley Freed ***with Audley Freed & Robert Kearns ****with Audley Freed, Johnny Mosier & Mark Van Allen *****with Barry Richman, Robert Kearns, Johnny Mosier & Mark Van Allen ****** with Audley Freed & Mark Van Allen Learn more at mule.net.

People You'd Like To Know Photo Book Set for Release

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new collection of exclusive, highly personal photographs of music's most enduring personages People You'd Like To Know, will be released October 1 by Omnibus Press. Beautifully captured in never-before-seen black and white photos, People You'd Like to Know offers an intimate glance into the working lives of legendary artists from the '60s, '70s and '80s including Bob Dylan, David Bowie, John Lee Hooker, Ray Charles, Frank Zappa, Blondie, New York Dolls, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Taj Mahal and Steve Winwood, among many others. In celebration of the release of People You'd Like To Know, there will be a book launch event at Morrison Hotel in New York City on October 28, where prints from the book will be on display. Photographer Herb Wise travelled extensively over three decades, attending dozens of music festivals across the country, where he developed palpable camaraderie among musicians. Wise, who learned his craft from friend David Gahr, the revered photographer of American folk music performers, was president of Oak Publications working on books about folk musicians. In order to aid his regular need for musicians' photos he began travelling with Gahr, who showed him how to shoot and what to look for in a portrait. In vivid portraits and powerful performance shots, Wise seized moments with some of the best-known artists in the folk, pop, rock, jazz and blues worlds. He manages to capture distinctly personal images of these artists, many of whom were in the very beginnings of their storied careers-a youthful New York Dolls in rare individual portraits and a warmly casual Jackson Browne strumming a guitar backstage as a guest of Joni Mitchell's at Mariposa '72. Wise even took captivating shots of lesser-known regional artists like Ann Arbor's Shaky Jake Woods, whose eccentric style is encapsulated in a close-up photo of his ring-laden fingers and snapshot-covered guitar. Wise says, "You'd like many of these people. They are good friends, even to know them through a brief glance along the way." This collection transmits that feeling of camaraderie while letting us share Wise's brief glances into the early working lives of some great musicians of our time.

Big Lou Guitars - For Big Hands

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Big Lou Guitars' Wide Nut guitar has an extra wide fretboard with .315" (8mm) string spacing, and a 1 7/8"-wide nut to accommodate bigger hands and fingers. A slotted groove in the pickguard is designed to improve picking accuracy and provide a point of reference for the player's picking hand. The guitar has a basswood body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard, floating vibrato, one humbucking pickup, two single-coil pickups, a five-way selector switch, and foil shielding on all electrical components. Learn more at biglouguitar.com.

Frontier Record Celebrates 30 Years

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Frontier Records, the independent Los Angeles-based record label founded in 1980, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with their 100th release, YES L.A., scheduled for later this year. Owned and operated by Lisa Fancher, Frontier is instrumental in releasing classic punk, alternative country, paisley underground, goth and pop records that are considered classic 'must-haves' to critics and serious music collectors alike. Among the first to tap into the Los Angeles punk scene, Frontier Records' initial success was releasing the classic Circle Jerks record Group Sex. This was later followed by Orange County's Adolescents' debut known as the Blue Album TSOL's Dance with Me and Christian Death's Only Theatre of Pain. However, it was the eponymous debut LP from Suicidal Tendencies that spawned the unexpected MTV smash "Institutionalized" that put Frontier on the map. If you caught the Don Johnson vehicle Miami Vice episode featuring Suicidal, you'd know the mainstream finally caught up with the underground. In light of these early successes in punk rock, it is easy to overlook the fact that Frontier has also released well-known records from bands from a variety of genres: The Long Ryders, Thin White Rope, The Three O'Clock, Young Fresh Fellows, American Music Club and Heatmiser, Elliott Smith's first band. All of these groups and more released full-length-albums on Frontier Records that were as important to the labels evolution as any punk rock angst the label is best known for. Perhaps most importantly, a woman starting her own independent record label in an overwhelmingly male dominated music industry in 1980 was key in shattering the notion that 'chicks can't rock'. Simply put, women didn't start their own record labels then, especially in the testosterone-drenched L.A. punk rock scene. For founder Lisa Fancher to have survived as an indie label for thirty solid years on, having seen her fair share of record distributors go belly up and put her label in financial jeopardy, makes its survival almost as impressive as its inception. "When I founded Frontier Records in 1980, I had no idea what running a record label entailed, I just wanted to turn other people onto the local bands I loved," said Frontier Records founder Lisa Fancher. "It's pretty cool to have outlasted so many independent - and major - labels thirty years later but what really still makes me want to continue is to continue to release great music that still needs to be heard. Especially now!" Having begun her music career as a teenage clerk at the Bomp Records store on Magnolia Blvd in North Hollywood- concurrently fan club president for L.A.'s The Dickies and publisher of Biff!Bang!Pow! fanzine- Lisa learned the ropes on how to jumpstart an indie label from the best possible mentors a person could have, Greg and Suzy Shaw at Bomp Records. While her first success came from releasing soon-to-be classic punk titles by new bands, Fancher gradually delved into the world of reissuing out-of-print catalog as well, including Born Innocent from Redd Kross, two legendary slabs of punk vinyl from The Weirdos: Weird World Vol. 1 & 2, Dangerhouse Vols 1 & 2 featuring crucial 45s by X, The Avengers, Weirdos, Black Randy, et al.), the Adolescents' Complete Demos 1980 - 1996 and The Middle Class' compilation Out of Vogue. In late 2010, Frontier will re-release the digitally remastered Christian Death classic Only Theater of Pain with Rozz Williams' original artwork as well as Dangerhouse's Yes L.A. compilation and other nuggets soon to be announced. Additionally, Frontier has always been a vinyl-oriented label, which considers the limited edition colored vinyl LP their calling card - so expect more colored wax reissues in the coming months. Visit frontierrecords.com.

Lynch Mob Embarks On A Summer Tour

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Lynch Mob is getting ready to embark on a summer tour in support of their current release "Smoke and Mirrors" on Frontiers Records. The band line-up for this tour consists of George Lynch (shred master), Oni Logan (vox), Michael Devin (bassologist) and Brian Tichy (time-keeper). After seventeen long years singer Oni Logan and guitar wizard George Lynch found their way back together and again show their amazing abilities in some killer new Hard Rock songs." I would say this new record "Smoke and Mirrors", is the record we should have put out as a follow up to "Wicked Sensation"...better late than never I guess...", says Lynch presenting the new record. For more, visit www.georgelynch.com.

Alfred Offers The Complete Idiot's Guide for Guitar and Ukelele

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Alfred Music Publishing is publishing The Complete Idiot's Guide to Acoustic Guitar Hits, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Rock Guitar Hits, and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Rock Hits for Ukulele. The Complete Idiot's Guide series will have music makers strumming and fingerpicking to their favorite songs in no time! Written in full music notation and TAB, these one-of-a-kind arrangements sound just like the album versions and are easy to play. Each song begins with a lesson that teaches style and technique-offering important tips to help you play the song perfectly! In addition, the books begin with a short refresher course on the basics of music theory to bring musicians of any level up to speed. Using Alfred's exclusive Tone 'N' Tempo software on the included CDs, these fun and educational books provide customized learning by allowing the user to easily loop sections for practice, slow tracks down or speed them up without changing the pitch, switch back and forth between the full-performance and play-along tracks, and even change keys! Three versions of each song are included on the CD: full performance with vocals, full performance without vocals, and full performance without guitar/ukulele for play-along. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Acoustic Guitar Hits offers 25 simple, authentic arrangements of the hugely popular acoustic hits of our time. Featuring legendary artists such as Led Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell, Eagles, Pink Floyd, Harry Chapin, Plain White Ts, Green Day, Van Morrison, The Allman Brothers, and Fleetwood Mac, this book will have you strumming and fingerpicking your favorite songs immediately! Titles: Babe I'm Gonna Leave You * Cat's in the Cradle * Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) * Hey There Delilah * How Can You Mend a Broken Heart * Margaritaville * Moondance * Never Going Back Again* Take It Easy * and many more. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Rock Guitar Hits presents 25 of the greatest rock hits ever, featuring rock 'n' roll legends such as Creed, Santana, Green Day, Pink Floyd, Nickelback, The Allman Brothers, Cream, and Derek & the Dominos. Through authentic arrangements that are accessible even to beginners, this book will have you playing those world-famous, classic guitar parts in no time! Titles: Bad to the Bone * Boulevard of Broken Dreams * Creep * Hotel California * How You Remind Me * Immigrant Song * Paralyzer * Smooth * Soul Man * Sunshine of Your Love * and many more. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Rock Hits for Ukulele is the ultimate guide to learning your favorite rock hits on the ukulele, the instrument craze sweeping the country! Featuring Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole's famous rendition of "Over the Rainbow," this book includes 25 simple, but authentic arrangements of rock hits by hugely popular artists such as Pink Floyd, Green Day, Radio Head, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Journey, Cream, and more. Titles: Another Brick in the Wall (Part II) * Bad to the Bone * Do You Want to Know a Secret * Don't Stop Belevin' *Gimme Some Lovin' * If You Could Read My Mind * Stairway to Heaven * Sunshine of Your Love* Wild Night * and many more.

Country Music HoF All For The Hall Fundraiser Returns

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's All for the Hall fundraiser will return to Los Angeles for a second consecutive year. The event, which will take place on Thursday, September 23, at Club Nokia, will again follow a "guitar pull" format featuring performances by Country Music Hall of Fame members Emmylou Harris and Kris Kristofferson, superstar Taylor Swift, and a very special fourth chair that must remain anonymous. The evening offers a unique opportunity to see these acclaimed singer-songwriters interact with one another as they take turns swapping songs, stories and personal recollections. The "guitar pull" is a Nashville specialty; it originated in the homes of Nashville songwriters who gathered to try out new compositions for their peers. Nashville's most storied guitar pulls were hosted by Johnny and June Carter Cash. The hallmarks of a great guitar pull are spontaneity and camaraderie. The Museum launched All for the Hall, its first-ever non-bricks-and-mortar fundraising campaign, in 2005. The campaign addresses the Museum's need for long-term financial security and will provide a safety net for the institution and its work. This is the fourth year the Museum has taken its "annual giving" event on the road, hosting previous All for the Hall events in New York in 2007 and 2008 and in Los Angeles in 2009. "This year especially, the event will provide much needed support as Nashville works to recover from the devastating impact of a once-every-500-years flood," said Director Kyle Young. "While our exhibits and collections are all on upper floors and never in danger, flood waters did reach 'five feet high and rising' in our ground-floor Ford Theater." Last year's event, also held at Club Nokia, featured performances by Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam and Melissa Etheridge; special guests included Chris Isaak, who also acted as host, Kara DioGuardi and Michael McDonald. "Our All for the Hall Los Angeles debut gave us an opportunity to focus on West Coast country music history and remind our guests that these artists and executives and their songs are a part of the story we both preserve and teach at the Museum," said Young. "By design, guitar-pull content is unplanned and unrehearsed. It was very exciting to see West Coast country spontaneously become the theme of the 2009 performances, which included musical salutes to Gram Parsons, Buck Owens and Cindy Walker, among others," he said. "We are grateful for our warm welcome last year and look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones in September." Describing last year's event, Ann Powers of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "Any visitor to the [Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum] realizes that music also can take the form of a joke, a nursery rhyme, a prayer, a come-on or a campfire tale...Harris, Yoakam, Melissa Etheridge and Vince Gill touched upon all those forms, showing the flexibility of 'country' as they did so..." (10/2/09). Guests at the 2009 event included legendary producer (and former Elvis Presley and Emmylou Harris pianist) Tony Brown; recording artist and songwriter Sarah Buxton; Desperate Housewives actor James Denton; eclectic singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones; renowned western tailor Manuel; actress-writer-director Marianna Palka; actress Mary Kay Place, star of television's Big Love; and film-theater-television actor Jason Ritter, son of the late actor John Ritter and grandson of Country Music Hall of Fame member Tex Ritter. For more, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.

Manson's Launches John Paul Jones Signature Bass

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Manson John Paul Jones E-Bass model is a replica of the bass that Hugh Manson made for Jones in the early '90s and has become John's first call four-string ever since. Featuring a maple through-neck construction, figured maple top, Aged Cherry Sunburst high gloss lacquer, ebony fingerboard, EMG pickups and active circuit, Hipshot D-Tuner, Schaller machineheads and Badass bridge, the specs reflect exactly the current upgraded hardware of the bass John is currently using on tour with Them Crooked Vultures. Visit mansons.co.uk.

Ozzy, Iommi Settle Differences in Ownership of Black Sabbath

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi of the legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath have amicably resolved their problems over the ownership of the Black Sabbath name and court proceedings in New York have been discontinued. Both parties are glad to put this behind them and to cooperate together for the future and would like it to be known that the issue was never personal, it was always business.

Coney Island Rockabilly Festival Set to Roll

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The 2010 Coney Island Cockabilly Roadshow features, "...the trashiest, dirtiest rock and roll, the most mind-bending and bizarre sideshow and the most sultry and seductive burlesque that Coney Island has to offer." The traveling roadshow will play clubs and bars across the United States, concluding over Labor Day Weekend on the boardwalk in Coney Island, New York. Check it out cockabillyrecords.com.

Electro-Harmonix Releases Two Pedals

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Very Best of Free and Bad Company Goes Gold

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

New Mini-Coil Cable From Lava

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Lava Mini Coil cable has a 99.99 percent pure oxygen-free low-strand count copper conductor, right angle G&H Show Saver Plugs, and low noise due special layering and a proprietary outer jacket. The Mini Coil can stretch to between one and 12 inches. It is offered in a variety of colors including black, white, purple, metallic green, metallic red, and orange.Learn more at lavacable.com.

Take A Stand Launches Custom Guitar Stands

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Take a Stand guitar stands are designed to be structurally sound, aesthetically beautiful, and flattering to your guitar and its surroundings. They are handcrafted using fine hardwoods with wood trim accents, machined metal and genuine leather. Designed and patented by Stuart Mono, the stands provide a balanced, low center of gravity for maximum stability. Minimal contact with the guitar's finish is an essential feature. The contact points are surgical rubber covered with genuine leather, thus protecting the guitar's finish. The supports are secured to the neck of the stand using internal hardened stainless-steel pins. The two models available can accommodate virtually all guitars including unique shaped guitars like Gibson Flying Vs and Explorers. For more, go to TakeaStandInc.com.

Michael Schenker Group Sets 30th Anniversary Tour Dates

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

While in the midst of its 30th Anniversary tour, The Michael Schenker Group will release Live In Tokyo: 30th Anniversary Japan Tour on DVD this October 19. Recorded in January, 2010, the group consists of Michael Schenker, Gary Barden, Simon Phillips, Wayne Findlay, and Neil Murray. The band blasts through a track list highlighting all stages of Schenker's career, from UFO and Scorpions hits through MSG classic tracks, to his solo compositions. The tour is ongoing.

Hank Cochran Passes

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Hank Cochran, the legendary songwriter who penned country-music classics like "I Fall To Pieces," "Make The World Go Away," "Ocean Front Property," "The Chair" and "Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me," passed away July 15 at his home Hendersonville, Tennessee, after suffering a long illness. Cochran was inducted to the Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall of Fame in 1974, and honored by B.M.I. in June '09 for his six-decade career. He is survived by his wife, Suzi, daughter Booth Calder, and three sons - Garland Perry Cochran Jr., James Lee Cochran, and Daniel Cochran.

John Jorgenson Goes to Iraq on a Mission of Music

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Guitarist John Jorgenson recently returned from a musical tour of Iraq sponsored by Lone Wolf Productions, to entertain the troops. The band included members of the band Orleans and also featured Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult on bass and vocalists Jimi Jamison of Survivor, Skip Martin of Kool & the Gang), and Alex Ligertwood of Santana. Billed as "Rock and Pop Masters," the band also featured John playing his Gladiator solid-body electric guitar; which was recently introduced by Saga Musical Instruments. At the end of the tour, this guitar was donated to the troops on behalf of John and Saga. To no one's surprise, the show was a huge hit with this super group of players making many new friends and playing to appreciative audiences of servicemen and servicewomen wherever they went. "Of course, we rocked all the classics from all of the bands including the crowd favorite, 'Don't Fear the Reaper,' where Serviceman Kyle McKnight joined in on cowbell," said Jorgenson. "Naturally the crowd enthusiastically cried out for 'More!' The entire tour was certainly a once in a lifetime experience and we had a wonderful time entertaining the brave men and women out there protecting our country!"

JW Jones Preps Midnight Memphis Sun

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ruf Records announces an August 10 U.S. release date for the label debut from blues guitarist/singer JW-Jones, Midnight Memphis Sun. Recorded primarily at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Midnight Memphis Sun features special guest appearances by two iconic blues performers: guitarist Hubert Sumlin and harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite. Ruf Records is distributed in the U.S. by the Allegro Corporation. Considered Canada's top touring blues artist, Maple Blues award-winner JW-Jones wrote or co-wrote eight of the dozen tracks on the new CD, which also includes exquisite covers of songs from Lowell Fulson ("Love Grows Cold"), Bryan Adams ("Cuts Like a Knife"), Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee ("Burnt Child") and Jimmy Reed ("I Don't Go for That"). His original songs demonstrate a special affinity for the feel of blues, R&B and other roots music forms, while adding topical lyrics that reference everything from the global recession ("Off the Market') to the Bernie Madoff scandal ("Born Operator"). His incendiary guitar playing showcases a variety of styles and influences: from Magic Sam on "Born Operator" and B.B. King on "Right on Time;" to Buddy Guy on "Make a Move" and Peter Green on the appropriately-titled "Howlin' with Hubert," wherein Jones and the great Hubert Sumlin engage in some wonderful guitar interplay. The legendary Sumlin, whose signature guitar work graced the music of Howlin' Wolf for over 20 years and was named in the list of "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" by Rolling Stone, clearly had a ball recording his three tracks on Midnight Memphis Sun. "JW's got it down! So much soul, and nice material. You can't beat it. I am telling the truth," he said after the sessions. Another blues legend, harmonica master Charlie Musselwhite, also adds his trademark harmonica work on three tracks, including the soon-to-be-classic original tune, "Kissin' in Memphis," as Jones throws down some funky Texas guitar licks on a song extolling the sights and sounds of The Bluff City. And on "I Don't Go for That," Jones, Musselwhite and company conjure up classic Chicago '50s blues from the South Side. Seven tracks on the new CD were recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis, featuring a band including all-stars Larry Taylor (Canned Heat) on bass and Richard Innes (Kim Wilson) on drums. Throughout, regular touring band member Jesse Whiteley adds funky and soulful touches on Hammond organ and piano. Learn more at .jw-jones.com.

Nick Lowe Announces Tour

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Iconic British songwriter Nick Lowe will bring a full band this side of the Atlantic for a national tour for the first time this millennium. Droves of U.S. fans have watched enraptured, as Nick has perfected his now legendary solo performances over the past ten years, culminating in his awe-inspiring Austin City Limits performance from season XX. Constant clamoring for full band renditions of his new and classic material has finally paid off, resulting in a national tour this fall. The U.S. line-up will feature Geraint Watkins (keyboards), Robert Trehern (drums), Johnny Scott (guitar) and Matt Radford (bass). An architect of pub rock with Brinsley Schwartz and Rockpile, then later emerging as the co-founder of Stiff Records, Lowe debuted as a solo artist with pop monolith Jesus of Cool/Pure Pop for Now People in 1978. In recent years, Lowe has continued to produce some of his most critically-acclaimed solo albums with The Impossible Bird, Dig My Mood, The Convincer and most recently, the amazing At My Age. Considered by Nick to be a "trilogy" of sorts, the three albums immediately preceding At My Age - The Impossible Bird, Dig My Mood and The Convincer - will be pressed on vinyl for the first time ever, hitting stores September 21. Learn more at yeproc.com.

Riot Fest 2010 Announces Lineup

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Riot Fest announces the largest punk festival yet, set for October 6-10, 2010 in Chicago. Bad Religion, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Circle Jerks, Articles of Faith, Snapcase, Less Than Jake, The Lawrence Arms, Bouncing Souls, High On Fire, Corrosion of Conformity, Riverboat Gamblers, Red Oktoberfest presented by Red Scare, "Busted at Oz" Reunion, Cro-Mags, FUN., Negative Approach, Smoking Popes, Bhopal Stiffs, The Meatmen, Agnostic Front, Off With Their Heads, Brendan Kelly, The Toasters, Roy Ellis a.k.a. Mr. Symarip, Righteous Fool and many more. A full listing of announced bands is available at www.riotfest.org. Fans should be ready for new announcements of another batch of heavyweight bands in the coming weeks - Riot Fest is by no means done announcing major additions to this hoard of punk stars. Riot Fest is revered for reuniting classic bands from years past (last year the UK's Cock Sparrer electrified audiences in two sold out shows). This year is no exception. Snapcase plays their first show outside their hometown of Buffalo in years, Articles of Faith play with their original line-up for the first time in 25 years, Bhopal Stiffs reunite for one Riot Fest show only, New York crossover giants Cro-mags return and Negative Approach play a rare show. Corrosion of Conformity will return for their first show with the original three-piece "Animosity"-era line up of Mike Dean, Reed Mullin and Woody Weatherman, performing songs from "Animosity" and "Technocracy". An extraordinary array of punk bands will take the stages at Congress Theater, Metro, House of Blues, Double Door and Subterranean. There will 17 shows over five venues (not including secret shows), making 5 day passes extraordinarily economical. With more headliners than ever before, Riot Fest saw the need to make traversing the city easier and answered the call - 2010 will find shuttle buses running from Cobra Lounge (there is ample free parking nearby) to each venue and back, where rumor has it that late-night free shows will be going down. A series of official Riot Fest secret shows will be announced via RiotFest.org; they'll take place undisclosed locations over the summer and fall. Now in its sixth year, Riot Fest has come a long way in a very short time. When Mike Petryshyn launched Riot Fest in 2005, only two of the bands he really wanted to play agreed to do so. In the first five years, 25,000 fans have attended to see over 200 bands. Learn more at riotfest.org.

Alejandro Escovedo Scores Highest Chart Debut

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Alejandro Escovedo's 10th album, Street Songs Of Love, was released last week and made the highest chart debut of the Texas troubadour's career at #93 on Billboard's Top 200 Album chart. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Heatseeker chart. The new record, out on Fantasy Records/Concord Music Group, features Bruce Springsteen, Ian Hunter, and was produced by Tony Visconti. Alejandro's summer tour continues and he will perform on "The Late Show with David Letterman" July 21. Learn more at alejandroescovedo.com.

Steve Earle Garners Emmy Nomination

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Steve Earle has received an Emmy Award Nomination for his song, "This City" in the Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics Category. The new song closed the season finale of HBO's series "Treme." Produced by T Bone Burnett and featuring arrangements by Allen Toussaint, "This City" was written specifically for the series. From David Simon (creator of The Wire) and Eric Overmyer (writer/producer of Law & Order), "Treme" begins in the fall of 2005, three months after Hurricane Katrina's devastation on the city of New Orleans. The series title refers to one of New Orleans' oldest neighborhoods and a historically important source of music and culture. The 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards telecast, which will be hosted by Jimmy Fallon, will air on August 29th on NBC. This is Steve Earle's first Emmy Award Nomination. As he appeared in the critically acclaimed David Simon series, "The Wire"/, Steve Earle played a recurring character, Harley, a street musician, in three episodes of "Treme". When speaking about the brand new song, Steve Earle stated, "David Simon came on the set one day and asked me to write a song that my character would have written in '05. The next morning I woke up and wrote it." Steve Earle has also announced summer tour dates with Electric Hot Tuna in addition to multiple nights, which begin this evening, in his adoptive hometown of New York City at the City Winery. Each night will feature his wife, critically acclaimed singer songwriter Allison Moorer and special guests. Among those announced are Roseanne Cash, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Greg Trooper, and Steve Earle's son, the critically acclaimed singer songwriter, Justin Townes Earle. To read more, go to steveearle.com.

Tony Joe White Gets Raw

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
One of the most distinctive and respected songwriters of the Deep South, Tony Joe White, gets raw and real on his new record, The Shine, set for September 28 release on his own Swamp Records. The Shine is a stripped-down collection of ten new White-penned songs that beautifully lays bare his rich, nuanced baritone, and distinctive brand of swampy southern soul. While White's last record, the critically acclaimed 'Uncovered,' featured a slew of special guests including Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Michael McDonald and J.J. Cale, 'The Shine' is all about White. He produced and recorded the album himself in his home studio outside Nashville. From the first whispery notes of "Season Man," in which he recounts an ominous dream, to the record's closing track, "A Place to Watch the Sun Go Down," The Shine is an album of understated beauty and beguiling mystery. Over the past five decades, Tony Joe White a.k.a. the Swamp Fox, has scored major hits of his own, and seen some immortal artists turn his compositions into signature songs--from Elvis Presley's version of "Polk Salad Annie" to Ray Charles' take on "Rainy Night In Georgia." Tony Joe has also written for Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Kenny Chesney, Hank Williams Jr. and Dusty Springfield to name but a few. White will tour extensively this fall. Learn more at tonyjoewhite.com.

Grascals Shoot "Last Train To Clarksville" Video

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The Grascals kept their cool as a 100-plus degree heat wave hovered over the mid-state during an all-day video shoot for their current country and bluegrass radio single, "Last Train To Clarksville." Directed by Marcel Chagnon (Clay Walker's "She Won't Be Lonely Long"), the piece was filmed at several locations, including Cummins Station/The Gulch, Lower Broadway and at Franklin, Tennessee's Riverstone Farm. A bright orange 1966 Dodge van co-stars with the band and is featured throughout the video. Quick close-ups of each Grascal, mixed with fast-frame action, keep the tempo pumping. Director Marcel's choice of the 12 frames-per-second shooting technique gives the clip an intentional, stop-motion feel reminiscent of 1960s and '70s home movies. The video gives a strong, original "shout-out" to The Monkees and their 1966 #1 hit with "Last Train." The single, the first release from their newest CD, THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S, has just shipped to country radio, but is already a proven hit on the bluegrass charts. "Last Train To Clarksville" currently holds the #2 spot on the Bluegrass Music Profiles July Chart and is #20, on the July Bluegrass Unlimited Chart. THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S is currently #3 on the BILLBOARD Top Bluegrass Albums Chart, # 2 on the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart and #1 on the Bluegrass Music Profiles Top 10 National Bluegrass CD Chart. Learn more at www.grascals.com.

Slash, Myles Kennedy at Sunset Strip Music Fest

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The third annual SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL (SSMF), set for Aug. 26-28, 2010, has announced 2010 honoree Slash will perform with FERGIE and MYLES KENNEDY--two of the vocalists on Slash's self-titled album, which topped the charts as the #1 rock album and #3 on the Billboard Top 200 list in its first week of release--during the Saturday, August 28 outdoor street festival. Organizers also announced COMMON, SEMI PRECIOUS WEAPONS, NEON TREES, BIG B, and STEEL PANTHER have been added to the street festival lineup that is being headlined by the previously announced Smashing Pumpkins. The boulevard is closed to traffic between Doheny Drive and San Vicente Boulevard and will be transformed into a premier concert destination with outdoor stages, beer gardens, a VIP lounge, food trucks, interactive experiences and live performances within the venues during the day. Multi-Grammy Award-winning musician and noted actor Common, who has spent his career pushing boundaries and taking listeners out of their comfort zones with his socially conscious words, will close the East outdoor stage. The street fest will also feature Semi Precious Weapons (whose appearance marks a break in their tour with Lady Gaga and a return to their Sunset Strip roots); Neon Trees (who "are excited to share the stage with such an amazing eclectic group of artists as well as have the time to become fans for the day"); Big B with special guests (known for his high caliber collaborations with guest performers, Big B will preview songs from his upcoming fifth studio album); and a larger than life performance by The Sunset Strip's resident heavy metal band Steel Panther. For more, visit www.ssmf.com.

Hendrix, Fullerton, to Enter Fender HoF

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Fender Musical Instruments Corp. (FMIC) is proud to announce that it will honor rock legend Jimi Hendrix and founding employee George Fullerton at its fourth annual Fender Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony August 13 at the Tempe Center of the Arts in Tempe, Arizona. The Fender Hall of Fame was created in 2007 as an annual celebration of Fender founders, artists, leaders, innovators and other historically significant figures, and as an institution in which their contributions to the company's legacy are permanently commemorated. Special guests at the 2010 induction ceremony will include Janie Hendrix, Eddie Kramer, Geoff Fullerton, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Chris Layton. Janie Hendrix, CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC, is the central figure in preserving and protecting the ongoing legacy of her legendary stepbrother, Jimi Hendrix. As the head of the Hendrix estate for nearly a decade, she will be present at the induction ceremony that afternoon to accept the honor on behalf of Jimi Hendrix and the Hendrix family. Over a career spanning nearly half a century, world-famous recording producer and engineer Eddie Kramer is well known as the man who recorded Jimi Hendrix; playing an integral role in recording every seminal Hendrix album from the 1967 debut Are You Experienced to 1971's The Cry of Love. Kramer is unquestionably one of the most renowned and well-respected producer/engineers in rock history; his work has also included famous albums for the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Peter Frampton and many other artists. Fender's own Geoff Fullerton is the son of George Fullerton, one of Leo Fender's best friends, first employees and key right-hand men during Fender's original 1940s-1960s golden age. A generation later, Geoff Fullerton has lent his own talents as a builder to the Fender Custom Shop in Corona, Calif.; he remains there today and will be on hand at the induction ceremony to accept the honor on behalf of his father and family. The fourth annual Fender Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will also feature a musical performance by noted blues guitarist/singer/songwriter Kenny Wayne Shepherd, ably backed by premier electric blues drummer Chris Layton, formerly of Double Trouble and also known for his work with a variety of artists including Storyville, Arc Angels, Doyle Bramhall II and many others. James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (1942-1970) is universally hailed as the greatest electric guitarist in the history of rock and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. In the annals of rock history-and especially in Fender history-he towers above all others as an artist whose life and work were as phenomenal as the era which he helped to define and personify. Innovative, enigmatic and astoundingly talented, Hendrix pioneered an explosive new role for the electric guitar in the latter 1960s over the course of a meteoric career that was as musically adventurous as it was all too brief. Indeed, one can only speculate on the even greater musical heights he would have achieved had he lived beyond the age of 27. With bands the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Band of Gypsys, he recorded groundbreaking hit singles and albums, including Are You Experienced and Axis: Bold as Love (1967), Electric Ladyland (1968) and Band of Gypsys (1970), all of which are as acclaimed and influential today as when first released. A mesmerizing performer, Hendrix also turned in unforgettable concert moments, including his literally fiery performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival and his immortal appearance at the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair. With his Stratocaster guitar slung upside down and his artful and inventive use of distortion, feedback, and other effects, Jimi Hendrix bequeathed to the world an artistic legacy so powerful that he has transcended mere stardom to become a worldwide cultural phenomenon that endures to this day. George William Fullerton (1923-2009) played a pivotal role during Fender's original 1940s-1960s golden age. In the mid-1940s, as a gifted artist and working musician with a keen interest in electronics, George became friends with Leo Fender. The two men eventually became business associates after Leo personally enlisted George to sign on with the fledgling guitar and amplifier company. With his artistic sense and natural ability to translate ideas into practical processes and machinery on the shop floor, Fullerton contributed to the creation of several of the most important musical instruments of the 20th century, including the Telecaster®, Stratocaster, Precision Bass and Jazz Bass® guitars. George Fullerton reported to work at Fender on Feb. 2, 1948, after performing several years of side work for Leo. He ran the small shop and supervised the crew during those first formative years, bringing a congenial, family-like atmosphere to the feisty young company. He became vice president in charge of production in April 1959, and from that early era through the 1960s, he remained both well liked by everyone at Fender and steadfastly loyal to Leo, with whom he remained a lifelong friend and business partner long after both men retired from Fender in 1970. For more, visit www.fender.com.

Larry Thomas Appointed CEO of Fender

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announced the appointment of Larry Thomas to Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of long-time Chairman and CEO Bill Mendello. The announcement is part of a corporate succession plan that has been in place for nearly a year and officially positions Thomas in his new role, effective Aug. 1, 2010. Thomas was appointed to the FMIC Board of Directors in 2009 and brings nearly 40 years of music industry experience to FMIC, including his successful tenure (1996-2004) as Chairman and CEO of Guitar Center, Inc. The organizational move also names current FMIC Board members, Mark Fukunaga and Michael Lazarus as Co-Chairmen, effective Aug. 1, 2010. Mark Fukunaga has served as a member of the FMIC Board of Directors since July 1993 and is currently the Chairman and CEO of Servco Pacific Inc. Michael Lazarus has served as a member of the FMIC Board of Directors since December 2001. Lazarus co‑founded Weston Presidio, a private equity firm and FMIC's largest shareholder, in 1991, where he currently serves as Managing Partner. "Larry Thomas is a proven entrepreneur and seasoned professional manager with an impressive record of success throughout his entire career," said Lazarus. "We are very excited about our opportunity to work closely with Larry as he continues to build the FMIC culture and lead the FMIC team into the future," said Fukunaga. "I am delighted to be able to pass the leadership of FMIC into the very capable hands of Larry Thomas," said Mendello. "Larry is a widely-respected person with an incredible amount of experience and valuable insight about music companies and music retailers, large and small. He is one of the true legends in the industry and brings the credentials that will help lead FMIC to even greater future success." "It is an incredible honor and responsibility to be chosen to lead Fender Musical Instruments Corporation," said Thomas. "As one of the world's best known and most respected companies, there continues to be great potential in the FMIC brands, and I look forward to contributing to future success while growing the company's powerful musical legacy." Thomas began his career in 1971 with instrument wholesaler/importer Buegeleisen and Jacobson, Inc. He joined Guitar Center in 1977 as a salesperson, subsequently rising through increasingly responsible roles including store manager, regional manager, general manager, president and ultimately chairman and CEO. At Guitar Center, he played an integral role in the company's continued growth, acquisitions and subsequent public offerings, and eventual status as the largest, most popular music chain in North America.

Lava Cable Intros Soar Cable

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The Lava Soar uses dual 22 AWG 99.99-percent pure OFC solid-copper conductors in a unique configuration, dual layers of tailored shielding, and a rugged outer braid. It comes with highly conductive Lava Silver Wire plugs standard as part of a complete matched plugs-to-cable design. Durability over flexibility was chosen in the solid-core design and as a result the cable is slightly stiffer than an average stranded cable, but the Lava Soar still retains a nice lay and feel. Our goal with this cable is to provide same results at nearly half the price of other high end cables in this category. With low capacitance of 29 pF/ft in the sweet spot zone, it provides outstanding detailed frequency response so you can hear your guitar the way it was meant to be heard. Your tone will reach new heights with the Lava Soar. For more.lavacable.com.

Former Members of Yes, Toto Return wtih YOSO

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The term "Super-Group" describes a band rising out of two of the most creative bands of the past 30 years: YOSO is formed out of TOTO's brilliant lead vocalist Bobby Kimball and the creative force of former YES members, Tony Kaye and Billy Sherwood, thus equalling the magic of YES with the voice of TOTO. However, YOSO is much more than a combination of two classic rock groups. The band's debut album "Elements" will debut July 2nd in Europe and July 23rd in the USA on Frontiers Records. This long awaited release comes with a bonus live CD where the band plays some old and new classics. This musical blend presents a fascinating combination of the sound of YES ("90125"/"Big Generator" era) and TOTO, with a very interesting and original sound that truly encompasses the styles. Even with the band's two diverse heritages, YOSO intends to become its own identifiable entity in a very short time. YOSO's mission is to make the next decade one where their music will stand the test of time holding up alongside their classic rock roots. "YOSO was started when I suggested to Bobby Kimball we should write some new music and form a band," recalls Sherwood. "We had been working together on various tribute projects that I was producing and one thing lead to another. Before too long we had 5 songs in the can and were well on our way to making a record. That is when we started thinking seriously about taking it to the next level. Once there was a few songs underway the concept grew into the band we now have, " YOSO ". YOSO line-up was later rounded out with two amazingly gifted musicians: Johnny Bruhns as the guitarist and background vocalist and Scott Conner on drums, percussion and background vocals. For more, visit myspace.com/yosohq, www.frontiers.it .

Paul Gilbert Set to Release Instrumental CD

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Paul Gilbert unleashes his third instrumental masterpiece on Shrapnel Records, August 3. Fuzz Universe is my third guitar instrumental album," explains Gilbert. "Being a fan of pop music and rock bands, I am a reluctant convert into the art of instrumental rock music. But after touring with Joe Satriani's G3, I witnessed firsthand the power of the electric guitar to take center stage and rock the audience. Playing my guitar-driven songs live was a blast! This discovery led to a huge increase in my touring as a solo artist. In the last couple of years, I've played nearly 150 shows all over the world, with my guitar leading the way." Fuzz Universe title is inspired by Gilbert being so immersed in the world of guitar it made him realize that he lives in a Fuzz Universe. "Every generation of guitar players has their own terminology for the rock guitar sound: Distortion, Overdrive, Gain, Crunch, Saturation, Drive etc. For me, the word is 'fuzz.'" Gilbert's talent of arranging/composing lends to the new music's fresh melodies for songs that shows his true diversity. "As always, my influences are diverse and not what you might expect from a "heavy metal" artist. While I was writing the songs for Fuzz Universe, I was immersing myself in Bulgarian Female Choir music, Baroque lute and violin pieces, Johnny Cash songs about trains, cows, mules, and mining coal, the Bee Gees, and Ronnie James Dio. I mix all this into my head, and out came endless new ideas for my guitar to chew on. "After several months of being locked in my writing room, I gathered my touring band together and headed to the studio. Jeff Bowders played drums. Craig Martini played bass. Emi Gilbert (my wife) played keyboards. And I bent the guitar strings until I couldn't play anymore. "As usual, there are no dramatic stories here. No heroin overdoses, motorcycle accidents, celebrity divorces, or band-member boxing matches. The emotion, drama, and power are all in the music. That is the universe that I want to live in." Gilbert started his career with Shrapnel Records as a teenager in the late '80s, and is one of the most active guitarists from the original shred-guitar scene. His resume includes a number one song with Mister Big and cult status as founding member of the legendary and highly successful underground progressive metal band Racer X. For more, visit paulgilbert.com.

Black Crowes Prep Album, Set Tour Dates

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The Black Crowes are preparing to release a double album of all-acoustic material titled Croweology. Due August 3, it features new arrangements of the band's best-loved songs and catalogue picks. The band will celebrate the album's release that evening with a performance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and perform the next night, Wednesday, August 4, on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." Next, they'll kick off a four-month North American tour August 13. It will wrap Dec 19 with a six-night stand in San Francisco at The Fillmore, after which Chris Robinson (vocals/guitar), Rich Robinson (guitar), Steve Gorman (drums), Sven Pipien (bass), Luther Dickinson (guitar) and Adam McDougall (keyboards) will go on a lengthy hiatus to catch their collective breaths and spend time with their families. Croweology spans The Black Crowes revered catalog with acoustic renditions of 20 songs from their two decades of cosmic rock 'n' roll. Commemorating the 20th anniversary of their landmark multi-platinum debut, 1990's Shake Your Moneymaker, Croweology gives listeners an intimate retrospective, stripping away these fan and band favorites like "Jealous Again," "Remedy," "She Talks To Angels" and "Wiser Time" to their very essence through brand new recordings, captured in 2009 at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles. Given its scope and bright approach, the Paul Stacey-produced Croweology is worth studying for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. In order to thank fans for 20 years of support, Croweology will be priced at the cost of a single album. In addition, it will be available on vinyl and as an iTunes LP. Listeners will get their first taste of Croweology when "Jealous Again" and "Morning Song" hit radio this week. Following the album's release, The Black Crowes will hit the road--with multiple nights in many key markets--on their "Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys" tour. In most cities, the band will perform for three hours: a 90-minute "Acoustic Hors D'oeuvres" set, followed by a 90-minute "Electric Reception with The Black Crowes." While on tour, The Black Crowes will be inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame on September 11 at the 32nd Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Show. The official induction will feature a live performance by The Black Crowes. Presented by Friends of Georgia Music Festival, Inc, the evening will take place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in North Atlanta. The event marks the third decade that the non-profit organization has recognized Georgia's accomplished artists and musicians for outstanding achievements. Learn more at blackcrowes.com.

Ritenour's 6 String Theory Hits Streets

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Guitarist Lee Ritenour's new album, 6 String Theory, is now available. Produced by Lee and John Burk of the Concord Music Group, 6 String Theory, marks Lee's 50th year playing the guitar and features 20 world-class guitarists, including George Benson, B.B. King, Slash, Steve Lukather, John Scofield, Vince Gill, Keb' Mo', Taj Majal, Joe Bonamassa, Jonny Lang, and others. 2010 marks 50 years since Lee Ritenour starting playing the guitar, setting in motion a career that legends are made of. A career that has earned him 19 Grammy nominations, a Grammy Award, numerous #1 spots on guitar polls, A Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian SJ Awards, and the prestigious "Alumnus of the Year" award from USC. During his illustrious career, he has recorded over 40 albums, with 35 chart songs and was a founding member of the group Fourplay, considered the most successful group in contemporary jazz. As a young guitarist his diverse musical style became the foundation of over 3,000 sessions, covering a broad spectrum of artists ranging from his first session at 16 with the Mamas and Papas, to Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Simon & Garfunkel and Frank Sinatra. On his latest endeavor, 6 String Theory, Ritenour celebrates the instrument that has allowed him this blessing, the guitar; - by producing and assembling a star-studded tribute.

National Guitar Workshop Releases Beginner's Guide to Electric Guitar

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
National Guitar Workshop has released Beginner's Guide to Electric Guitar by Burgess Speed. The book provides an easy-to-understand and down-to-earth tone, this book gets to the important stuff first and doesn't bog you down with all the details. Learn all about the different types of electric guitars, amplifiers, and effects, all while learning how to play like your favorite bands such as Led Zeppelin, The White Stripes, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Green Day, Metallica, Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC, Alice in Chains, and more. To keep things simple, the music examples are written in TAB only and are designed to get you playing quickly-from riffs on a single string to power chords, pentatonic scales, and tunes in drop-D tuning. The accompanying CD features full band play-along tracks, allowing you to jam to your favorite hits instantly. Learn more at alfred.com.

Johnny Winter Live Through the '80s on DVD

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Johnny Winter Live Through the '80s on DVD will be released August 24. Hi Res Cover ArtIt includes an incredible collection of official archival performance footage from around the world compiled from the original masters. It features 18 performances from various locations such as MTV Rock Influences '84 "Guitar Greats", Massey Hall (Toronto '83), Roskilde DRTV (Roskilde, Denmark '84), New Hampshire ('84), Sonet Studio (Bromma, Sweden '87), Piazza Duomo (Pistoia, Italy '88), and more. Intermixed with the live content is interview footage from various locations. This program is the definitive document of Johnny's career in the '80s, and is also the perfect companion to 2007's live DVD compilation, Live Through the '70s. The program kicks off in grand style with four performances culled from Johnny's long-sought-after 1983 appearance at Canada's Massey Hall. Leading his high-energy trio -- Jon Paris (bass, harmonica) and Bobby T. Torello (drums) -- with laser-like focus and fire-breathing intensity, the DVD opens with a blistering rendition of the Sonny Boy Williamson blues classic, "Unseen Eye." Johnny would later release a studio version of this track on 1985's Serious Business [Alligator]. Next up is Johnny's original mid-tempo ballad, "Stranger," for which he plays a solo that is nothing short of a textbook of his virtuoso capabilities: with blazing speed and razor-sharp execution, Johnny's ideas flow from one to the next with his one-of-a-kind unrelenting drive and inspired, passionate execution. The Massey Hall segment rounds out with Johnny's original fingerpicked Delta-style blues workout, "Sweet Papa John," and the rock 'n' roll classic, "I Used to Love Her." The next two tracks come from Johnny's 1984 performance at the Capital Theater in Passaic, NJ, featuring the hard-driving shuffle "Mad Dog" (released on that year's Guitar Slinger [Alligator]) and the slow blues workout, "Good Times Woman." With his newly acquired headstock-less Lazer guitar, Johnny plays with mind-boggling speed and flawless precision. Later that same year, Johnny performed in front of 100,000 people at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark, with Paris and new drummer Tom Compton. Four tracks are included from this outstanding performance: "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Boot Hill," plus incendiary versions of two of Winter's signature tunes, Bob Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited" and Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode." Shirtless and with his screamin' demon tattoo in full view, Johnny prowls the stage like a possessed madman. The fast rock 'n' roller "Lights Out [Guitar Slinger] and Johnny's old favorite, "Please Come Home for Christmas," filmed in 1984 in New Hampshire, are succeeded by two videos shot for Alligator Records: the Guitar Slinger version of "Don't Take Advantage of Me"-which was, at the time, shown in high rotation on MTV--and a very rare and candid interview with Johnny, during which he plays unaccompanied electric guitar. This DVD also includes rarely seen archival footage of Johnny riding his tour bus, talking candidly about his deep feelings for blues music, and relaxing backstage prior to a Swedish television appearance in 1987. Two songs are included from that performance: a rock-solid rendition of "Sound the Bell" (featuring subtle quotes from Freddie King's "Sen-Sa-Shun" and "San-Ho-Zay") and the hard-rocking shuffle that has become one of Johnny signature songs, "Mojo Boogie." The final segment of the DVD features two absolutely scorching performances from the 1988 Pistoia Blues Festival in Italy: the extended slow blues, "Early in the Morning," and a lightening fast version of "Serious as a Heart Attack."

Bachman, Turner Prep New Album

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
the two men at the heart of legendary band Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Canadian rock n' roll stars Randy Bachman and Fred Turner, have reunited for the first time in nearly 20 years. The pair's first gig as Bachman & Turner was a recent intimate club show on their hometown stage at Winnipeg's renowned Pyramid Cabaret, and the band's official global return was in front of tens of thousands of attendees of the Sweden Rock Festival earlier this month, alongside Aerosmith, Guns N' Roses and Billy Idol. A self-titled new studio album will be released on E1 Music (Canada), and RBE Music/Fontana (U.S.) September 7, with a world tour to follow. Bachman & Turner's upcoming album will be stocked with all original new tracks penned by the pair. Songs including "Rock and Roll Is the Only Way Out, " "Slave to the Rhythm" and ten others feature a heavy sound that seamlessly fits alongside the band's renowned classic rock anthems "Takin' Care of Business" and "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet." Bachman & Turner's first single "Rollin' Along" is currently being spun on rock radio stations on both sides of the border, and is available now as a digital single. In the mid-'70s, Randy Bachman earned his first colossal success with Winnipeg rock band The Guess Who, with their hit "American Woman" scoring the #1 spot on the Billboard charts, a first for any Canadian act. Together with Fred Turner in Bachman-Turner Overdrive, he soared even higher as the band became a musical phenomenon with extraordinary global success. Over the course of a four-year run, BTO sold in excess of 30 million records, earning a staggering 120 platinum, gold and silver discs, and notching up hits in more than 20 countries. The band reached #1 on Billboard's singles chart ("You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet") and album chart (Not Fragile), as well as scoring another handful of hits including "Taking Care of Business," "Hey You," "My Wheels Won't Turn" and "Looking Out for #1." For more, visit bachmanandturner.com.

Helmet Preps Seeing Eye Dog, U.S. Tour

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
HELMET return September 7 with a new full-length album SEEING EYE DOG--their first since 2006's critically acclaimed Monochrome-and will tour the U.S. immediately upon its release and then Europe (dates TBA). Marking their first release on the indie Work Song label (with physical distribution by Redeye and direct-to-fan digital delivery by Topspin), SEEING EYE DOG is their seventh album overall and was produced by band leader, vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Page Hamilton, with additional production by Toshi Kasai and vocal production by Mark Renk. On songs that consistently cut deep, Hamilton's guitar is on fire as always and his vocals are as wicked as ever. The album's 10 tracks include the title cut, "Welcome To Algiers," White City," the mostly instrumental "Morphing" and a cover of the Beatles' "And Your Bird Can Sing." HAMILTON is joined by drummer KYLE STEVENSON, guitarist DAN BEEMAN and bassist CHRIS TRAYNOR; Helmet's live bassist is DAVE CASE. "The Helmet musical vocabulary is well established at this point, but I continue to work on a variety of musical projects that inevitably influence the Helmet songs," says PAGE. "I've been working on movies with Elliott Goldenthal and co. for 17 years now and had never really experimented with incorporating these soundscapes (or shit sculpting as I prefer to call it) into Helmet songs. We had a much better recording situation in which I felt much less time pressure and was working with an engineer who was patient and very creative (Toshi Kasai) so away we went. I started layering upper parts of the chords and was digging the sound so I went with it." He adds: "It's so important to have great musicians in this band as we track the music with my guitar and the drummer and then overdub the 2nd guitar and bass. I can't stand the sound and anti-human feel of edited rock music. People have always commented that we sound like our albums live. This has a lot to do with it. Humans playing music will always be better than chop shop rock so one has to find the right players." SEEING EYE DOG-as bracing as anything released by "a band that made important connections between indie-rock and metal..." (New York Times, September 12, 2004)--is being issued in five formats (see below), each of which will include a bonus live album recorded in 2006 in San Francisco. --Digital Only (new album plus 1 live album) --Two-disc CD (new album plus 1 live album) + digital --Limited Edition Double 180g Vinyl (New album plus 1 live album) + digital --Limited Edition Deluxe: New album and 1 live album on two-disc CD, New album and 1 live album on double 180g Vinyl, custom HELMET USB key with four more live albums, signed package + digital of new album + 1 live album --Super Deluxe: Same as Deluxe but includes gold laminate/tour access component Meanwhile, HELMET has just released a digital-only deluxe version of their third and much beloved 1994 album BETTY. It includes 14 original album tracks plus 5 bonus tracks ("Flushing, "Thick," "Pariah," "Biscuits for Smut [Pooch Mix]," and "Biscuits for Smut [Mutt Mix]"), all available through the helmetmusic.com website. The additional tracks were originally only available on the 10" double gatefold LP and 12" single for "Biscuits for Smut," released by Interscope in 1994. Read more at helmetmusic.com.

Deftones Set U.S. Tour

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
DEFTONES have just completed a triumphant European tour in support of their sixth full-length studio album, DIAMOND EYES, which crash-landed its way into the Billboard Top 10 in early May. While their American fans impatiently await this fall's highly anticipated BLACKDIAMONDSKYE (also featuring Alice In Chains and Mastodon), DEFTONES are pleased to announce their own headline tour slated to begin this August on the West Coast, which will work its way across the Midwest. See more at deftones.com.

New Stan Ridgway Album includes Dave Alvin and others

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
"You never really have a choice about the tone and subject matter of the records you make," confides veteran L.A. singer-songwriter Stan Ridgway about his new album, Neon Mirage. "At least I don't. They're obsessions, really. Things happen, good and bad. And for most people, the passing of a parent or a close friend has an impact. It's really about the music, and how it heals the mind. The records I grew up with still inform me, and the best were like an inner journey - mixing up blues, jazz, pop and country to make something fresh and, in the end, positive. But you can't ignore the darker side of things, either." Stan Ridgway's Neon Mirage, due for August 24, 2010 release, is arguably the most emotionally revealing, musically far-ranging - dare we say mature? - album of the L.A. singer-songwriter's accomplished career. Yet it's also a project whose troubled circumstances might tempt Stan to paraphrase John Lennon's familiar wisdom: Life is what happens when you're busy making another album. Indeed, in many ways Neon Mirage can't help but feel like an elegy to the colleague and family Stan lost in the midst of writing and recording its dozen, typically eclectic songs: gifted Texas-born violinist/session player Amy Farris; a beloved uncle; and the man who helped forge the very foundations of Ridgway's unique outlook on life and music, his own father. "Events like that can't help but have an impact on the music you're making at the time," Stan admits. "You'd be lying to yourself - and your listeners - if you thought otherwise." Ridgway quickly sets the album's tone with a warm, accomplished recasting of "Big Green Tree" from Black Diamond (his forceful 1996 debut as an independent) produced by Dave Alvin. The L.A. roots rock legend reinvents it here in a gentler, more hopeful ethos around Ridgway and his longtime keyboardist/collaborator Pietra Wexstun, with Brett Simmons on upright bass and Amy Farris, then a member of Alvin's own Guilty Women ensemble, on violin. Alvin had heard Stan perform the song solo at a special show for mutual friend and fellow songwriting legend Peter Case, and early sessions also yielded Neon Mirage's memorable, Alvin-produced cover of Bob Dylan's elegy to his own fallen hero, "Lenny Bruce." It's an album in which Ridgway's familiar wise-guy wit and cinematic lyricism are further tempered by an ever-inquisitive mindset that ranges from the haunting, candid introspection of "Behind the Mask" to an effusive, wistful tribute to lost friends and the Nashville of record producer Owen Bradley, "Wandering Star." Elsewhere, Neon Mirage centers around more impressionistic takes on the toll patriotism extracts from its warriors ("Flag Up On a Pole"), the reality of being closer to the end of life's rich pageant than its beginning ("Halfway There") and the human propensity for myopia in the face of looming catastrophe ("Turn a Blind a Eye"). Yet, as the foreboding and darkly loping guitar lines of "This Town Called Fate" and the album's infectious instrumental title track attest, Ridgway's new songs are also graced by the inventive musicality and unique viewpoint his fans have become well acquainted with since his early days as the driving force behind L.A.'s favorite '80s experimentalists, Wall of Voodoo. But while the album's expressive baritone and deft harmonica flourishes are instantly familiar, Stan employs them here on an ever-restless musical odyssey. Ridgway expands an already impressive musical palette via Wexstun's always intriguing keyboard melodies and textures, the masterful sax, flute and woodwind work of Ralph Carney, the deft acoustic and electric guitar lines of longtime band mate Rick King and the rich symphonic string orchestrations of Amy Farris. "I've probably confused people with my music, my choices, the albums and the changes in direction from year to year," Ridgway admits. "But I can't help it. That term 'eclectic' fits me perfectly and there are just too many musical styles and songwriters and singers I enjoy to just involve myself in only one type of music. I try to bring all the things I love into the sound. There's a weird old American jukebox in my head and it still plays everything that's ever got under my skin." Stan is quick to note where his often-mischievous musical curiosity came from: "Your parents' record collection can be a big influence growing up. Something you thought was corny has a way of hangin' on if it's good to begin with. My dad was a big fan of country & western music, comedy records, hi-fi playboy stereo lounge stuff. Hank Williams, Dean Martin, Ernest Tubb, Sinatra, Johnny Cash of course, Allan Sherman, Charlie Rich, Patsy Cline, and Marty Robbins - all of the great originals. I learned to love the singing, the stories, and even when my tastes in music grew far too weird for my dad, we could still come together on those old records we loved and listened to together. The old western myths of heroes and villains and storytelling of Marty Robbins' Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs was an important one. And I never would have thought of covering 'Ring of Fire' with Wall of Voodoo without my dad' s influence in the beginning." Ridgway also credits his father with informing much of the wry personal/musical viewpoint that's always been central to his songwriting. "A sense of humor is important in handling the disappointments in life," Stan notes. "My father taught me that, too. Along with a strong work ethic. A certain type of 'black humor' helps put a light on the darker realities of living and let's you get above them by making a joke about it. But it wasn't a cynic's view, more of a frustrated romantic's perspective over a developed sarcasm about the way things really are and not how they seem to appear." Stan explains: "In the last few years in his 80s, he always knew my mother and all of us right up until the end. But memory could sometimes be sketchy for Dad. Even so, he never lost who he was or his love, loyalty and dedication to family and working hard in life to achieve results. Or the hard won values of his generation and what they'd sacrificed to achieve for a greater good. All the great adventures he'd had, the global travel and work, the grand victories he'd experienced along the way were never lost to him. And he recalled them all in great detail with pride and a singular sense of humor. And us there with him." Ridgway's father passed in December 2009. But while Ridgway had long girded himself for his father's passing, he admits the suicidal death of brilliant violinist Amy Farris in the midst of Neon Mirage's sessions felt "abrupt and brutal." When Amy phoned him to cancel an upcoming appearance with his band because she wasn't feeling well, Ridgway assured her it was no problem, saying, "'health is everything.' But that weekend she took her life," he recalls sadly. "Possibly even the night we were on stage at McCabe's. Dave (Alvin) called me Monday morning with the news and I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. But mental illness and depression are like any other illness, and Amy struggled from childhood with them." Despite the troubled times it was recorded in, Ridgway insists Neon Mirage represents something even more personal than the sum of its songs to him. "It's as much a journey as a destination," Stan says of his music. "If I don't try and create something of my own, I just feel that I'm hangin' on a corner waiting for someone to tell me what to think and do. It's a mad society. But the best therapy for me is always creativity and invention. And a dedication to the people and things you love. Most people live their lives upside down and backwards, only jumping in when the consensus says it's safe. That's just human nature - who doesn't want to be safe? But is that really possible?"

Lynch Mob Embarks On Tour

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Lynch Mob is getting ready to embark on a summer tour in support of their current release "Smoke and Mirrors" on Frontiers Records. The band line-up for this tour consists of George Lynch (shred master), Oni Logan (vox), Michael Devin (bassologist) and Brian Tichy (time-keeper). After seventeen long years singer Oni Logan and guitar wizard George Lynch found their way back together and again show their amazing abilities in some killer new Hard Rock songs." I would say this new record "Smoke and Mirrors", is the record we should have put out as a follow up to "Wicked Sensation"...better late than never I guess...", says Lynch presenting the new record. Lynch Mob was formed by George Lynch, one of the few genuine guitar heroes of substance to emerge from the Los Angeles scene, after DOKKEN split up in 1989. The band's first album" Wicked Sensation" went on to sell over 500,000 units in the US and featured the talents of singer Oni Logan, Anthony Esposito on bass and another former DOKKEN member Mick Brown on drums. After a tour in support of Queensryche, Logan opted out, with Robert Mason taking his place on the follow up self titled release. However Lynch and Brown eventually returned to Dokken releasing 2 studio albums until he left again in late 1997 putting together a several new incarnations of Lynch Mob and exploring new sounds with different projects. For more, go to georgelynch.com.

Maroon 5 Announce New Dates for Hands All Over Tour

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Maroon 5 has added new dates to their 2010 'Hands All Over' tour. The second leg, which will kick off on October 6th will follow the release of the band's third studio album, Hands All Over (A&M/Octone), out September 21st. Produced by rock studio legendRobert John "Mutt" Lange (AC/DC, Def Leppard, The Cars), Hands All Over is a killer hybrid of rock, pop, funk and R&B. In addition, the band's first single"Misery," which was released last week on June 22nd, will impact radio airwaves today, June 28th with the video's world premiere, July 1st on MTVand VH1. The guys will debut the track live on "Toyota Concert Series on Today" this Friday, July 2nd. To kick off the summer tour, the band just announced they will take the stage at New York City's Beacon Theatre for "Fuse Presents: Maroon 5 Live From the Beacon Theatre," airing live in HD, Tuesday, July 27th at 9pm ET on Fuse. This concert will be held in support of The Garden of Dreams Foundation and Maroon 5's charity of choice. Tickets will not be sold to the public, all seats will be reserved for those involved in the organizations. Joining Maroon 5 for the first leg of their nationwide tour is an exciting group of rotating special guests, including:Owl City, Guster, Kris Allen, V.V. Brown and Ry Cuming. For the second leg of the tour, Bruno Mars and Ry Cuming will share the run of dates with pop rockers OneRepublic (see routing below). Tickets for select dates of the tour will go on sale the weekend of July 10th, 2010. Maroon 5 began writing the songs that appear on Hands All Over after winding down from a world tour in support of their 2007 studio release It Won't Be Soon Before Long. Several months later, the band received a phone call from Lange, who had heard the band were beginning to write a new album, and expressed an interest in producing it. The result is Hands All Over, a monumental record chock full of buoyant, unforgettable melodies. Recorded at Lange's Switzerland studio, the members of Maroon 5 locked themselves in the mountains to patiently craft their latest effort. Starting with the hard-rocking title track, the album's 15 tracks take several intoxicating twists and turns including such compositions as "Out of Goodbyes," a stunning country ballad infused with musical and vocal contributions from Nashville chart-toppers Lady Antebellum. Long-time fans will get a thrill out of the single "Misery," with its funky guitars and high-stepping melody, as well as the propulsive "Stutter,"melody rich "Give A Little More" and "Don't Know Much About That," which professes a classic soulful vibe. Check www.maroon5.com for more info.

Kinks Co-Founder Quaife Passes

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
A founding member of the Kinks, bassist Pete Quaife recently died from kidney failure. Forty-six years ago, the Kinks were part of the rising British Invasion, signed to Pye Records by noted record producer Shel Talmy. Quaife played bass on the band's classic early singles, such as the breakthrough hit "You Really Got Me," "All Day and All of the Night," and the 1965 classic, "See My Friends," one of the earliest rock and roll songs to incorporate Indian musical influences. He also sang backup on the single "Waterloo Sunset" and was an early proponent of Rickenbacker 4000-series basses Quaife was seriously injured in a 1966 car accident which resulted in him temporarily leaving the band. He rejoined later that year and worked with the Kinks on records such as Something Else By The Kinks and The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society, the latter of which Quaife regarded as the best thing he ever recorded with the band. Tired of the ignominious in-fighting between the Davies brothers, however, Quaife left the band in 1969. He briefly worked in an unsuccessful country-rock band called Maple Oak before retiring from the music business entirely. Quaife later worked as a graphic artist and cartoonist, living in Canada and Denmark, but his role as a member of the Kinks during their early years remains an indelible image of '60s British rock. - Pete Prown

Justin Townes Earle to release Harlem River Blues

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Harlem River Blues, the third full-length from Justin Townes Earle, is schedled for release September 14. Woody Guthrie once said, "Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple." On Harlem River Blues, Justin Townes Earle takes that lesson to heart, making a statement without making a wall of sound. Compared to the much-lauded Midnight at the Movies, Harlem River Blues is more mature and increasingly nuanced, while still embracing the raw voice and clean sound of previous standout tracks like "Mama's Eyes." Featuring guest appearances from Jason Isbell, Bryn Davies and Calexico's Paul Niehaus, it's rockin' and reelin' at times, sweet and slow at others - and it's great. Like good fried chicken, a well-cut suit and a hand made guitar, there's heaven to be found in the beautifully crafted simpler things. Sporting some of those well-cut suits, Justin Townes Earle spent 2009 pounding the proverbial pavement, touring constantly and wowing audiences worldwide. That hard working earnestness has paid off, to say the least. Justin won the Best New and Emerging Artist at the 2009 Americana Music Awards. at the Movies was named one of the best records of last year by Amazon, got four stars in Rolling Stone and found a sweet spot in the blackened hearts of fans and critics alike. GQ magazine named him one of the 25 best dressed men in the world in 2010. He also appeared on HBO's Treme with his dad, troubadour Steve Earle, on whose Grammy Award winning Townes record Justin also guests. As versed in Mance Lipscomb as he is in M. Ward and sporting Marc Jacobs suspenders, Justin Townes Earle is a man beyond eras. With Harlem River Blues, a record that's perfect for late Indian summer nights on either the front porch or fire escape, Justin's found yet another way to be a timeless original.

Rogers/Evans Museum Collection to be Auctioned

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Christie's will host a sale featuring the collection from the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum on July 14 and 15 in association with High Noon Western Americana. The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum closed their doors last fall after over four decades of celebrating one of the most popular cowboys and cowgirls the world has ever known. The auction with no reserve will include over 300 iconic lots from suits by Nudie the Rodeo Tailor, saddles, personal photos, awards, the famous Nellybelle jeep from the 1950s TV Show, to arguably, the most famous horse of all time, Trigger. This historic sale will pay tribute to Roy Rogers and Dale Evans who will always remain renowned for their wholesome and caring treatment of their family, friends, and fans.

Gretsch Foundation Supports AthFest

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
A bright red Gretsch Brian Setzer Nashville model guitar autographed by Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush-better known as Atlanta-based country music super-duo Sugarland-will be auctioned on eBay between June 23 through June 30. The proceeds will go to support educational music programs sponsored by AthFest, Athens, Georgia's long-running music festival. The guitar was donated to AthFest by The Gretsch Foundation, an organization chartered by Savannah's Fred and Dinah Gretsch to help promote music and arts education programs. Says Fred Gretsch, "When folks who understand the value of music as a way to enrich people's lives work together, amazing things can be accomplished." The Gretsch Foundation donates Gretsch guitars to programs like AthFestAfterSchool, AthFest InSchool, and Keys For Kids. The guitars are decorated by major artists and/or signed by prominent musicians, and then auctioned off on eBay to raise funds. Over the past two years The Foundation has donated guitars signed by the members of R.E.M., Widespread Panic, and The Drive By Truckers. Gretsch's Nashville model guitar was first built in 1954 in collaboration with Chet Atkins. It's been offered in many deluxe versions over the succeeding years. Current prices on Gretsch Brian Setzer Nashville models start at $4,100. The auction will commence at 8 p.m. PDT/11 p.m. EDT June 23. For more information go to athfest.com and gretschguitars.com.

Gregg Allman Undergoes Liver Transplant

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
As part of his continued recovery from Hepatitis C,Gregg Allman recently underwent a successful liver transplant operation at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. The singer, keyboardist, songwriter, and guitarist had been on a waiting list for the transplant and is looking forward to a speedy recovery. "I feel pretty good, considering everything that's happened," says Allman, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band in 1969. "Everybody involved - my doctors and nurses in the hospital and all the Allman Brothers fans - they've just all been great." The surgery the morning of June 23, after Allman was notified that an appropriate liver had been donated. The transplant comes as a result of the artist's previous battle with Hepatitis C, a liver disease. In late 2007, Allman began a series of treatments, but chronic damage of his liver led to doctors recommending a transplant. "I changed my ways years ago, but we can't turn back time," Allman said. " Every day is a gift, and I can't wait to get back on the road making music with my friends." Updates on his recovery will be posted on greggallman.com and allmanbrothersband.com.

Backbeat Releases New Gruhn's Guide

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Backbeat Books is proud to present three new titles from vintage-instrument authorities George Gruhn and Walter Carter! Over the years the Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars has come to be the bible for collectors, retailers, and guitar enthusiasts alike. Originally published in 1990 and revised in 1999 this updated and expanded third edition includes a wealth of key info not included in the previous editions. The book is the most extensive and detailed list of specifications ever published on guitars and is the last word with regard to identifying, dating, and establishing an instrument's authenticity. The book's coverage extends to all major collectable brands including but certainly not limited to Gibson, Fender, Martin, Rickenbacker, Mosrite, and Dobro as well as vintage and highly sought after amplifiers. And for the first time ever Backbeat is pleased to offer a pocket-sized field guide edition packed with the same info as the full-sized with detailed specs on every model's frets, wood type, body shape and size, pickups, serial numbers, date of manufacture, and other significant features. Also due out from Backbeat is a revised and expanded edition of Gruhn and Carter's Electric Guitars and Bases: A Photographic History. Both Gruhn and Carter have lived and worked inside the guitar universe for many years and this lavishly illustrated volume offers a unique insider's look into the rich history of countless rare and iconic makes and models. Gruhn and Carter trace the evolution of the instrument from a couple of copper wire wrapped magnets nailed onto a wooden plank to the beautiful sunbursts, goldtops, Korinas, and hollowbodys beloved by players and collectors alike.

Alfred, Foley Releasing Guitar Woman DVD

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Alfred Music Publishing, the leader in educational music publishing since 1922 and the exclusive print publisher of thousands of popular artists, is excited to announce the release of Sue Foley: Guitar Woman, the latest DVD from Alfred's Artist Series. Join award-winning guitarist Sue Foley as she shares her influences and teaches the techniques behind her unique blues sound. Sue Foley: Guitar Woman explores the history of women in blues music, told through Sue's live performances and candid stories. Discover Texas blues, Piedmont blues, Hill Country blues, and even flamenco guitar, and find out about great female artists like Memphis Minnie, Jessie Mae Hemphill, and many others. Learn how to play six of Sue's songs, including "Goin' Down the Road Again," "Two Trains," "Doggie Treats," "Let Me Drive," "New Used Car," and "Mediterranean Breakfast." Whether you want to play the blues or enjoy learning about the journey of the female guitarist in blues history, you'll get it all in this video.

Buckcherry to Help Support Spill Victims

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Buckcherry are taking their desire to help raise awareness for the tragedy in the Gulf Coast one step further: as of today, a new version of the track "Our World," from the forthcoming album All Night Long, will be available for purchase as an iTunes exclusive with all of the band proceeds from the sales to go to charities devoted to helping victims of the oil spill - both human and animal. To download the new version of "Our World," fans can visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/our-world-gulf-spill-awareness/id378504791. Last week, the band posted the album version of "Our World" as a free download on buckcherry.com as their offering of support, but decided that they wanted to do more. "Our World" was originally written as an anthemic cry out to help right the social, environmental, economic and other wrongs of this world. The band reworked the lyrics to represent their commitment to expose the BP disaster and to bring awareness and support to the crisis and its victims. The track was just rewritten and recorded for this unique and unfortunate situation. Please see below for the new lyrics to "Our World." Buckcherry's new album, All Night Long is set for an August 3rd release via original independent label, Eleven Seven Music. The title track has been called "The top down anthem" by Billboard. In their more than decade-long career, multi-platinum artists Buckcherry have established themselves as a definitive hard rock band with a massive presence at radio. Hits such as "Lit Up," "Crazy Bitch," and "Sorry" have propelled the band's sales to more than 3 million albums worldwide and have garnered Buckcherry two Grammynominations. For more information, visit buckcherry.com.

Seeger Releases Tomorrow's Children

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
On his latest studio album, Tomorrow's Children out July 27 on Appleseed Recordings, the indomitable Pete Seeger continues his life's work of communication and inspiration to action. The new album is the first new studio recordings by the iconic folksinger and political activist since his 2008 Grammy-winning album At 89, and it's like a joyful town picnic. It features 91-year-old Pete as a (global) village elder, assembling his neighbors to appreciate their past and present, to celebrate their triumphs against environmental threats, to swap old and new stories, to appreciate the natural glories surrounding them and to make sure that the following generations "carry it on." When Beacon, NY, fourth-grade teacher Tery Udell began teaching her students about the Hudson River, class sessions became songfests, and where there are songs, there's Pete Seeger. He became a regular visitor to the kids' classroom in 2007. The classroom gatherings and performances inevitably led to a series of recordings by Pete, Clearwater educator and singer Dan Einbender, musician and CD co-producer (with Dan) David Bernz, the children (known as "The Rivertown Kids"), as well as adult musicians, high schoolers and even 14 grammar school percussion students. The 19 newly recorded songs on Tomorrow's Children, testify to Seeger's long-held credo, "Think globally, act locally." Pete is on every track of the CD, singing, storytelling, playing banjo and 12-string guitar, but he shares the studio spotlight with all of his guests. Their voices, instruments and the songs they have adopted or adapted are woven into a colorful quilt depicting our nation's history ("Take It from Dr. King," the tribute to Pete's fellow civil rights warrior performed on the "Late Night with David Letterman" show; "I See Freedom," the true story of a runaway slave who settled in Beacon); the possibilities of an ecologically clean world (the newly co-written Seeger song "Solartopia" featuring guest vocalist Dar Williams), and the natural beauty worth preserving ("Down by the River," "The River that Flows Both Ways," and others). Perhaps most importantly, Tomorrow's Children contains songs of empowerment and cooperation adapted or written by the kids themselves such as "We Sing Out" ("...so our voices can be heard," with a melody borrowed from Tom Paxton), an updated version of the old gospel and union song, "We Shall Not Be Moved," and a set of new verses to Seeger's Biblically-inspired standard, "Turn, Turn, Turn," added for the children by Pete's wife of more than 60 years, Toshi.

Slash Announces U.S. Tour

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Slash, the iconic musician consistently referenced as one of the best living guitarists, announced today a summer U.S. tour that comes after the artist blazed a trail across Europe performing at some of the largest outdoor Festivals. Slash recently landed on the top of the charts with his first true solo album, SLASH, which debuted as #1 Rock Album and #3 overall on Billboard's coveted Top 200 charts, in addition to going #1 in more than 13 countries. The album features an all-star roster of guest musicians including Ian Astbury, Chris Cornell, Rocco DeLuca, Fergie, Dave Grohl, Myles Kennedy, Kid Rock, Lemmy Kilmister, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Duff McKagan, M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold, Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, and Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother. Slash's U.S. dates will feature vocalist Myles Kennedy who was also part of the European tour and received strong critical praise at shows like the Download Festival which had over 100,000 fans and Rock-Am Ring which had more than 70,000 concert-goers. Audiences in Europe were treated to a career-spanning Slash set list of songs from the new album which Kennedy provides vocals for two songs, along with Slash classics from Guns N Roses like "Sweet Child O' Mine", "Paradise City" and numerous Velvet Revolver, and Slash's Snakepit favorites. Full tour routing listed below, additional dates/cities to be announced shortly. Check local ticketing agencies for on-sale dates and locations. In addition to a long career filled with prestigious awards and accolades, Slash was just honored this week by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce who named him as an official selection for 2011 to receive a star on Hollywood's iconic Walk of Fame. A date for the ceremony has yet to be determined. For more, go to www.slashonline.com.

Smashing Pumpkins to Headline Sunset Strip Fest

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Organizers of the SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL have confirmed that THE SMASHING PUMPKINS will headline the street festival on Saturday, August 28, with a live performance on the legendary Strip, which is being closed to traffic for the second time in its history. The iconic band will wrap up the third annual SSMF, set to include a special tribute event for SLASH at House of Blues on August 26; live performances in The Roxy Theatre, the Whisky A Go-Go, Viper Room, Key Club, Cat Club and House of Blues on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; plus more than 50 bands, two outdoor stages and a full day of music in the venues on Saturday, August 28. THE SMASHING PUMPKINS--who have created one of the most acclaimed bodies of work in musical history and sold more than 30 million albums--are touring this summer in conjunction with their TEARGARDEN BY KALEIDYSCOPE project. It's a collection of 44 songs being released online for free one at a time as well as in installments of specially packaged four-song EPs for sale in record stores. In late May, the Pumpkins released the project's first EP TEARGARDEN BY KALEIDYSCOPE VOL.1: SONGS FOR A SAILOR (Martha's Music/Rocket Science Ventures) to critical acclaim, with Jerry Shriver of USA Today hailing the music as "a delicious swirl of howling psychedelic rock and melodic ballads (5/25/10)." Look for leader Billy Corgan and his band mates--guitarist Jeff Schroeder, drummer Mike Byrne and new bassist Nicole Fiorentino--to hit the road for an array of intimate shows across the U.S. beginning July 6 in Cleveland, to be followed in August by two headline festival appearances in Tokyo and Osaka. As in year's past, the SSMF will honor a figure who is synonymous with The Sunset Strip for their contribution to the history of The Strip as well as the music industry. This year's honoree: SLASH. Previous recipients of this honor have been Ozzy Osbourne (2009) and Sunset Strip club owners Lou Adler, Mario Maglieri and Elmer Valentine (2008). Last year's street fair drew 10,000 people to The Strip, which was closed between San Vicente Boulevard and Doheny Drive and filled with two full-scale stages, fans, food vendors and a VIP beer garden. "We are ecstatic to be able to bring this caliber of talent to the street and create what will undoubtedly become the ultimate end-of-summer music festival experience for our attendees," says SSMF Festival Managing Director Karmen Beck. Following the Smashing Pumpkins' show, bands will continue to play into the night in venues within the street closure, all of which will be free of charge to SSMF attendees.Learn more at .sunsetstripmusicfestival.com.

Steve Vai Planning Monthly Song Releases

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
It's not uncommon for a musician to record more work than they release. In Vai's case, the Grammy® award-winning guitarist has a digital ocean of snippets in various degrees of completion. Some are leftovers from assorted sessions, projects that were never completed, soundcheck jams, or songs that were specific to a particular venture. "There are enough lonely, unreleased notes in my world to fill an infinity shelf," says Vai. In between composing new scores for his upcoming performance with the North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, Vai has transformed these snippets into full, lush songs and these rarities are being released as a series of single digital downloads called VaiTunes. Each release comes with a PDF booklet containing detailed notes about the creation of the song, the story behind the recording, and gear involved. The latest release from the series, "The Moon and I" evolved from a soundcheck jam in Athens, Greece in the spring of 2000. The PDF liner notes allow the listener to follow Vai as he birthed the chord changes in Greece and subsequently watered and fertilized the song ten years later half way around the world in his Encino studio. Equally fascinating is the story of the guitar used to finish "The Moon and I." Under unique circumstances, Vai recently purchased an original Desert Yellow Ibanez JEM 777DY guitar, a guitar he designed in 1987, from a local pawnshop and named the guitar "Moon." Vai plans to offer one track every month or so, each one representing a unique moment in his personal musical history. The releases can be purchased via iTunes and other digital music providers worldwide through www.vai.com/vaitunes.

Martin Guitar unveils CFMIV 1955 D-18

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Like the recent CFM IV 1955 D-28, the CFM IV 1955 D-18 commemorates the 55th birthday and ongoing contribution of Christian Frederick "Chris" Martin IV to the company that bears his name. But this is not just the mahogany version of the CFM IV D-28. Since its introduction in 1935, the D-18 has been one of the major stalwarts of the Martin line, and for many years outsold the more costly D-28. In 1955, the year of Chris Martin's birth, Martin sold 1,103 D-18s versus 806 D-28s. Prized for its bright treble, crisp midrange and clear bass, the D-18 is a favorite of many bluegrass, folk and country musicians. Its strong, loud voice is meant to be heard and hold its own over banjoes, mandolins, steel guitars - and, yes, raucous rock n' roll. It's also excellent recording guitar offering exceptional balance and distinct articulation. Elvis Presley played a 1942 D-18 during his early career (it can be heard in on all of his Sun recordings, including the classic "That's Alright Mama"). Hank Williams also played a D-18 that he rotated with his D-28 (Hank's 1947 D-18 is now owned by the Martin company and is on permanent display in the Martin Museum). Oh, and you remember that great rockin' guitar intro on Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues"? That's a D-18, too. In creating the CFM IV 1955 D-18, we carefully replicated D-18 specs in place during 1955. This includes Sitka top with non-scalloped top braces, small maple bridgeplate, elegant old style 18 rosette and tortoise body binding & pickguard, cedar ribbons, cloth reinforcement strips, ebony bridge (with long bone saddle) and fingerboard, bone saddle, rounded headstock (from template wear) with old style C. F Martin & Co. scroll decal and other authentic 1955-specific details.So choosing the D-18 as the other half of the CFM IV 1955 celebration set was a natural. Special features including back and sides of rare quilted Mmogany (dark stain), adjustable 14-fret neck (with two-way truss rod), old style "waffleback" tuners, figured Madagascar rosewood back strip and head plate veneer (similar in look to the original Brazilian rosewood headplate), and a small paper label specially designed by Dick Boak and signed by C.F. Martin IV in numbered sequence. The guitar is finished in premium high-gloss polished lacquer.Only 55 of these superb instruments will be offered, delivered in our highest grade Cabernet plush, 5-ply, hard shell case. And if you already own the CFM IV 1955 D-28, the CFM IV 1955 D-18 will make a perfect matched set. The CFM IV 1955 D-18. Another extraordinary Martin collectable - 55 years in the making.

Lick Library Releases Hank Marvin DVDs

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Lick Library is offering a new collection of guitar tutorial DVD sets demonstrating how to get the sound of Hank Marvin and The Shadows. Lee Hodgson, a studio musician and stage performer, conducts the lessons. The Shadows were pioneers of the four-member rock-group format (consisting of lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass guitar and drums) in the UK. Their playing had a rhythmic bite and variety of tone which is distinctly their own. Hank Marvin has an individual guitar sound and appearance, primarily using a clean sound with very distinctive echo and vibrato giving a dreamy effect. His expressive use of the tremolo arm has made him one of the most distinctive guitarists ever Learn to Play Hank Marvin breaks into manageable pieces five classic Shadows tracks; "Apache", "Wonderful Land", "F.B.I.", "Man Of Mystery and Guitar Tango". Lee takes you through these tracks at three different tempos; Dead Slow - so you can learn the notes; Medium Tempo- to help you practice, then Up To Tempo - so you can play along to the backing track. He covers topics like scales, muting and single and twin note walk ups whilst sharing with you clever tricks to help you remember the phrases and rhythms he is teaching you such as little rhymes and use of a metronome. Learn to Play Hank Marvin is a double-DVD looking at the five more classic tracks: "Geronimo", "Kon Tiki", "Riders in the Sky", "Sleepwalk" and "Foot Tapper". Lee's through, careful, clear explanations and demonstrations will soon have you performing in the same melodic way as Hank Marvin. Lee shares with you the version of the track he his teaching you the chords and use of reverdb and vibrato techniques, so you can go and listen to the original, then explores variations you can use to make these tunes your own. Learn to Play Cliff Richard and The Shadows takes you through, note for note, five tracks: "The Young Ones", "Fall In Love With You", "Living Doll", "Dance On", "Please Don't Tease". Lick Library's characteristic split screen ensures that you can see what Lee is doing with both hands while he is teaching you how to perform these enduring songs. Learn more at licklibrary.com.

Martin 00-15M revives the '30s

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
In response to suggestions from Martin Owners Club members, the new 00-15M offers an authentic blues-type guitar reminiscent of small bodied Martins of the 1930's. Favored by legions of blues players, these mahogany bodied guitars have a warm tone and clear voice all their own. The 00-15M is further enhanced tonally by Martin's A-frame Sitka bracing. A single ring wood rosette is used in keeping with the old 30s tradition. The genuine mahogany 14-fret neck has the classic solid headstock with vintage-style Gotoh tuners. Fingerboard and "belly" bridge are East Indian rosewood. Nut and compensated saddle are bone. This beautiful, soulful guitar is finished in satin lacquer over a rich dark-stained body. All you need to add the blues.

Megadeth Marks 20th Anniversary of Rust In Peace

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The final night of Megadeth's historic month-long Rust In Peace 20th anniversary tour has been captured for the upcoming Rust In Peace Live Blu-ray, DVD and CD, due out September 7 on Shout! Factory. On March 31, 2010, at this incredibly special show at the legendary Hollywood Palladium, not far from where Dave Mustaine formed the band in 1983, Megadeth played their landmark, genre-defining 1990 Rust In Peace album in its entirety, in addition to other Megadeth favorites. Rust In Peace Live also marks the return of original bassist David Ellefson (Megadeth 1983-2002) to the iconic multi-platinum group after eight years. Ellefson (bass), joins Mustaine (lead vocals, guitar), Shawn Drover (drums) and Chris Broderick (guitar). Rust In Peace Live features the entire Rust In Peace track listing, including all-time classics "Holy Wars...The Punishment Due" and "Hangar 18" along with bonus fan favorites from various other Megadeth releases such as "Symphony For Destruction," "Peace Sells," and "Skin O' My Teeth." Megadeth founder/frontman/guitarist Dave Mustaine explains, "We are pumped to be able to share the RIP Live concert with you all around the world. The anniversary and David Ellefson coming back was better than a facelift and a bottle of Viagra for old Vic." The 80-minute Rust In Peace Live DVD (5.1 Dolby Surround 16:9 Widescreen) and Blu-ray (5.1 DTS Master Audio 1080p High Definition) were directed by Kerry Asmussen (Green Day, Jay-Z, Coachella). The DVD and Blu-ray will also include behind-the-scenes footage, including a rare glimpse of the band rehearsing in their dressing room as they prepare to take the stage. Rust In Peace is considered one of the best metal albums of all time by fans and critics and debuted at #23 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart in the U.S. and #8 in the U.K. The album showcased a much tighter sound, with Mustaine's writing style adopting a rhythmically complex progressive edge, prompting All Music Guide to cite Rust In Peace as "Megadeth's strongest musical effort." The album received Grammy nominations in 1990 and 1991 for "Best Metal Performance." Emphasizing the massive impact of Rust In Peace in the July 2010 issue of Guitar World, writer Richard Bienstock calls it "one of the pinnacles of the first wave of thrash metal." He continues, "A defining quality of Megadeth's sound-and the one that perhaps most sets them apart from their 'Big Four' thrash brethren, Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax-has always been the band's fiery mix of speed-metal ferocity and progressive instrumental virtuosity...nowhere has this combination been displayed better than on Rust In Peace."

New Software That Teaches Fretboard Theory to Guitarists

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Guitar Notes Master is a new software application that promises to help guitarists rapidly learn essential fretboard theory, scales, arpeggios and chords in an enjoyable way. Guitar Notes Master takes the student from the very basics of the guitar fretboard, through learning to find notes and to build scales, arpeggios and chords. Lessons go from the most basic chords and scales up to many of the more complex chords and scales in common usage. Guitar Notes Master incorporates interactive lessons, building knowledge of guitar fretboard theory from the ground-up rather than relying simply on rote learning of chords and scale patterns. Thousands of practice questions are included so that students can practice the topics learned in the lessons using a virtual fretboard - so users can practice without a guitar! Finally, customisable and printable guitar exercises can be generated for the patterns to help the user to get the patterns they've learned "under their fingers". Graham Pett of Pett Software comments "As a guitarist, I found that the books that aim to teach guitar fretboard theory tended to be very dry and confusing, and lacking in information on how to incorporate building the knowledge into your practice routine. Existing software tools seemed to concentrate only on rote memorisation of the position of notes on the fretboard rather than true understanding of the fretboard. I wanted to build something that would give guitarists the fretboard knowledge they really need and do it in an enjoyable way, so Guitar Notes Master was born." Guitar Notes Master includes lessons and practice exercises covering the following topics: Open Strings Root Shapes Note Names and Finding Notes on the Fretboard Diatonic Scales (Major and Minor Scales) Pentatonic Scales Pentatonic Lead Patterns Intervals Triads - Arpeggios and Chords Seventh Arpeggios and Chords Other Chord Types - Extended (e.g. 9th, 11th), Suspended Chords, 6, 6/9, Add9, Slash Chords and Power Chords Modes - Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Locrian Other Scales - Blues Scales, Harmonic and Melodic Minor, Phrygian Dominant Mode, Whole Tone and Diminished Scale No previous knowledge is assumed, so it is suitable for beginners, but the lessons progress to advanced topics so nearly all guitarists will find valuable information in the lessons. Guitar Notes Master also provides MIDI playback of examples, customisable display and support for left-handed guitarists. Learn more at guitarnotesmaster.com.

McVey to Release Solo Disc

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
It's been 10 years since John McVey released his second solo album, Jigsaw, but the singer/songwriter has been plenty busy during that time, working as a producer and engineer at Coupe Studios in Boulder, Colorado, while volunteering his time and music to both local and national charities. He never stopped writing, though, and now the Princeton, New Jersey, native is set to release his new album, Unpredictable, on July 20. "I like taking time with my songs," McVey says of the span between Unpredictable and Jigsaw. "My process includes a lot of thinking and a lot of free writing. But when I get an idea that I really want to chase down, I'm relentless. I'll fill pads with all of the writing that isn't the song -- like Michelangelo chipping away all of the stone that wasn't the David." The end result of all of that chipping is Unpredictable, an album McVey is especially excited about because he's donating a portion of every album sale to Kids Food Basket, a charity that provides bag lunches to underfunded kids and schools in Grand Rapids, MI. "I want this CD to be about something other than my own ego," he says. "It's fun to watch sales when I know it'll go toward something other than me." Once named The National Academy of Songwriters' "Artist of the Year," McVey has also won the Kerrville "New Folk" contest while taking home top honors in the Best of Boston's Singer/Songwriter showcase. Meanwhile, Jigsaw and his debut album, Circle of Friends, have impressed fans and critics alike. "Combining well-crafted originals with well-considered covers, Circle demonstrates McVey's writing, arranging and performance talents," writes Matthew S. Robinson from the Boston Globe. "A native of New Jersey, it is no surprise that McVey is often compared to the Philly Soul sound of artists such as Daryl Hall." For as much as McVey enjoys the writing process, Unpredictable offered an entirely new challenge. "I've been working as a producer/engineer for the last dozen years, and I wanted to try and do this for my own songs," says McVey, who's worked on hundreds of albums during his time with Coupe Studios. Producing Unpredictable, though, was a unique experience that McVey won't soon forget. "I had the luxury of doing this CD completely on my own time, with no one to please, no one to answer to and no expectations on it at all. It was a work of complete art and passion." For more, visit johnmcvey.com.

Scorpions Launch U.S Tour

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The Scorpions kicked off the North American leg of the "Get Your Sting and Blackout" farewell tour June 18 in Holmdel, NJ. Throughout their 40-plus-year career the band has brought the enthusiasm, passion and in-your-face energy and Friday night was no different. They performed new songs off their latest album Sting in the Tail including "Raised on Rock" and title track and new single, "Sting in the Tail," which has just impacted radio this week. In addition, the band reached into their vast catalog of hits with "Wind of Change," "Send Me An Angel," and capped off the unforgettable night with the classic rock anthem "Rock You Like A Hurricane." Full set list is below. Sting in the Tail brought the band a #1 hit at classic rock radio with the anthemic first single "Raised on Rock" and landed the highest Billboard Top 200 chart debut in over 20 years at #23. Adding to their already impressive reputation for their powerful and full-energy live arena performances and having sold over 100 million records worldwide, KLAUS MEINE (vocals), MATTHIAS JABS (lead guitar), RUDOLF SCHENKER (guitar), JAMES KOTTAK (drums) and PAWEL MACIWODA (bass) were recently honored at the World Music Awards and Hollywood's "Rock Walk" for their positive impact and contribution to rock music across the globe. The "Get Your Sting and Blackout" farewell tour continues onto major cities across the U.S. including Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver and many more as the SCORPIONS celebrate their career accomplishments as the ambassadors of rock. Special guests on the tour will include Vince Neil, Cinderella, Great White, Dokken, Ratt and Tesla. Learn more at the-scorpions.com.

EVH Intros Wolfgang Special Guitar

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The new EVH Wolfgang Special guitar based on the U.S.-made EVH Wolfgang guitar designed by Eddie Van Halen. The Wolfgang Special is a pro-level signature guitar, handmade in Japan, featuring many of the same exclusive custom appointments as its U.S.-made counterpart for less than half the price. Some of these unique features include a basswood body with maple veneer flat top and single ply body binding, and a quartersawn maple neck complete with an AA birdseye maple compound radius fretboard and 22 vintage-style stainless steel frets. Additional features it shares with its U.S.-made counterpart include custom-designed "EVH Wolfgang" humbucking pickups, an EVH branded Floyd Rose locking tremolo system with D-Tuna, a 3-position toggle switch, two Bourns® low-friction controls (1 x 250k, 1 x 500k), EVH tuning machines, and a custom SKB molded striped case. Available in Vintage White, Tobacco Burst and Black polyurethane finishes. For more, go to evhgear.com.

Fender Launches New Acoustics

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Fender has introduced two new acoustics - the Dirty Donny Franken-Bucket and T-Bucket 400CE. Fender has now upgraded all of its acoustic guitar preamp systems to Fishman, the leading U.S. manufacturer of acoustic pickups and preamps. Among these instruments, the Sonoran SCE models now have preamps with built-in tuners thanks to their new Fender Fishman Isys III™ systems. Frankenstein's monster himself glowers from the custom-pinstriped top of the green-sparkle "Dirty Donny Franken-Bucket" guitar, straight from the twisted but talented psyche of San Francisco hot rod artist extraordinaire "Dirty" Donny Gillies. Fender recently invited Gillies, who is well known for his graphics work with cars and skateboards, to work his monster magic on a single-cutaway dreadnought, and the resulting guitar was dubbed the "Franken-Bucket." It's not only cool looking, but also solidly built. The Dirty Donny Franken-Bucket features a laminated spruce top with scalloped X bracing, laminated mahogany back and sides, ivory neck and body binding, a laminated mahogany neck with a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard and dual-action truss rod, pinstripe inlay motif on headstock and rosette, a Fender Fishman® Presys™ preamp with a built in-tuner, rosewood bridge with compensated saddle, black bridge pins with white dots, chrome hardware, die-cast tuners and a green-sparkle gloss polyurethane finish. The new Hot Rod Design series T-Bucket 400CE model boasts some of the most beautiful touches yet seen on a Fender acoustic guitar. Most notably, the T-Bucket 400CE features a gorgeous natural finish flame maple top, back and sides. A closer look reveals an inlaid Fender "F" and pinstriping motif at the 12th fret, designed by noted graphic artist and rockabilly musician Vince Ray. Fender fans will note that Ray was the creative force behind the 2008 "Unlucky 13" limited edition acoustic guitar model. The T-Bucket 400CE also features an elegantly inlaid pinstriping motif on the headstock and rosette, and ivory neck and body binding. Structurally, the guitar features scalloped X bracing, a dual-action truss rod, all-solid rosewood bridge with compensated saddle, side dot position inlays, factory-mounted forward strap button with internal block reinforcement, chrome end pin, white bridge pins with black dots, and a Fender Fishman Isys III preamp with built-in tuner. See more at fender.com.

Taylor Introduces the GS Mini Guitar

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Taylor Guitars new GS Mini is a scaled-down version of the company's Grand Symphony body shape and has new Taylor-designed pickup accessories. It has a scale length of 23½" and a deeper body than the Baby Taylor, especially in the lower bout. To add to the guitar's "pick up and perform" appeal, Taylor also wanted to offer an acoustic pickup for the Mini, but one that could be purchased after-market and easily installed by anyone. Designed exclusively for the Mini, the ES-Go is a proprietary magnetic soundhole pickup inspired by Taylor's award-winning Expression System. Part of the ES-Go's design simplicity is that each Mini is pre-fitted for easy installation of the pickup, and can be plugged in with the guitar's discrete, snap-in interior clip. Another accessory that was designed to make it easy to plug in and play is the Taylor V-Cable: a quarter-inch cable with a built-in master volume control. Because the Mini was designed without tone or volume knobs, The V-Cable gives players a volume control where it plugs into the guitar, putting volume control at every player's fingertips any time they plug in. "It's brilliant and simple," shares Bob. "It allows anyone with a guitar but no volume knob to add volume control. You can find it in the dark, you can turn your cable off to unplug noiselessly, and you can use it on any guitar you have." The GS Mini has a solid Sitka top, a back and sides of sapele laminate, an ebony fretboard and bridge, and a tortoise shell pickguard. The Mini comes ready to go anywhere in a specially engineered Taylor GS Mini Hardbag and will be available at domestic Taylor dealers starting in late July. Go to taylorguitars.com.

HardWire Adds TR-7 Tremolo/Rotary Pedal

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
HardWire's new TR-7 Tremolo/Rotary Pedal offers effects ranging from traditional tremolo to a highly detailed rotary cabinet simulator. It also features true stereo I/O, allowing for complex connections and sounds with extreme flexibility. The TR-7 features seven effects including; Tremolo, Opto-Tremolo, Bias Tremolo, Duo Tremolo, Rotary, Vibrato, and VibroPan. The TR-7 also includes HardWire's standard extreme performance features like true bypass and high-voltage rails. Each HardWire pedal also features an assortment of tour-worthy accessories, including green gaffer tape common to pro pedalboards, Stomplock knob guards to maintain pedal settings and a hook & loop pad to fasten the pedal to a pedalboard. Learn more at harman.com.

Skynyrd Honored by Congress

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Lynyrd Skynyrd was honored this week by the U.S. Congress by Florida Congressman Connie Mack, and Alabama Congressman Spencer Bachus along with recognizing the achievements of the band during a reception at the U.S. Capitol. The congressional honor for the group, who are performing in Birmingham tonight, came during a visit to Washington including stops at both the Capitol and the White House. "The Lynyrd Skynyrd band is a true voice of the South and a legend in the music world. 'Sweet Home Alabama' is one of the best advertisements for my state and we now even proudly display the words on our license plates. We deeply appreciate the fact that the band does a lot to entertain our troops and support military families. They bring enjoyment to their many fans and it's a pleasure to welcome them to our nation's capital," said Bachus, who is dean of the Alabama House delegation. After a hosted tour of the Capitol by Bachus' staff, Representatives Bachus and Mack presented a Congressional Record tribute to the band members, including Johnny Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Rickey Medlocke, recognizing the band's career and successes.

Smashing Pumpkins to Headline Sunset Strip Fest

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Organizers of the Sunset Strip Music Festival have confirmed that The Smashing Pumpkinsf will headline the street festival on Saturday, August 28, with a live performance on the legendary Strip, which is being closed to traffic for the second time in its history. The iconic band will wrap up the third annual SSMF, set to include a special tribute event for SLASH at House of Blues on August 26; live performances in The Roxy Theatre, the Whisky A Go-Go, Viper Room, Key Club, Cat Club and House of Blues on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; plus more than 50 bands, two outdoor stages and a full day of music in the venues on Saturday, August 28. The Smashing Pumpkins -- who have created one of the most acclaimed bodies of work in musical history and sold more than 30 million albums--are touring this summer in conjunction with their Teargarden by Kaleidyscope project. It's a collection of 44 songs being released online for free one at a time as well as in installments of specially packaged four-song EPs for sale in record stores. In late May, the Pumpkins released the project's first EP Teargarden by Kaleidyscope VOL.1: Songs for a Sailor (Martha's Music/Rocket Science Ventures) to critical acclaim, with Jerry Shriver of hailing the music as "a delicious swirl of howling psychedelic rock and melodic ballads (5/25/10)." Look for leader Billy Corgan and his band mates--guitarist Jeff Schroeder, drummer Mike Byrne and new bassist Nicole Fiorentino--to hit the road for an array of intimate shows across the U.S. beginning July 6 in Cleveland, to be followed in August by two headline festival appearances in Tokyo and Osaka. As in year's past, the SSMF will honor a figure who is synonymous with The Sunset Strip for their contribution to the history of The Strip as well as the music industry. This year's honoree: Slash. Previous recipients of this honor have been Ozzy Osbourne (2009) and Sunset Strip club owners Lou Adler, Mario Maglieri and Elmer Valentine (2008). Last year's street fair drew 10,000 people to The Strip, which was closed between San Vicente Boulevard and Doheny Drive and filled with two full-scale stages, fans, food vendors and a VIP beer garden. "We are ecstatic to be able to bring this caliber of talent to the street and create what will undoubtedly become the ultimate end-of-summer music festival experience for our attendees," says SSMF Festival Managing Director Karmen Beck. Following the Smashing Pumpkins' show, bands will continue to play into the night in venues within the street closure, all of which will be free of charge to SSMF attendees.Learn more at .sunsetstripmusicfestival.com.

Steve Miller Band to Perform on "Crossroads" With Kenny Chesney

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Legendary rock icon Steve Miller will celebrate the release of the highly anticipated new album BINGO! by sharing the stage with longtime friend Kenny Chesney on CMT's hit show "Crossroads." Performing each other's songs and sharing stories on the popular series, the two icons filmed the show in Nashville at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The show will air Friday, July 9 at 10pm/9pm central. Songs featured in the hour long episode will include Miller's classics such as "The Joker" and "Abracadabra," as well as "You Got Me Dizzy" from the new album Bingo!. The performance will also include Chesney hits "Living In Fast Forward and "I Go Back." "From the first time Kenny invited me to play with him in San Francisco at AT&T Park, until this minute he has been a refreshing and wonderful friend," Miller said. "I love the way he conducts himself, treats his band, crew, fans, and friends. Artists this busy barely have time for saying hello, yet Kenny takes the time to get to know you and shares himself. That is a very rare and endearing quality. He is a great performer, a great writer, and a great guy to roll with. He's the real deal." Fans can also expect to see Miller on NBC's "Weekend Today Show" as the show follows the band on their U.S. tour. Miller will show anchor Lester Holt the rules of the road and they will chat about his new album. The Today Show will also get to see an exciting new set design by acclaimed Broadway director Rob Roth. Released on Miller's new label Space Cowboy Records in partnership with Roadrunner/Loud & Proud Records, Bingo! is in stores now. Bingo! was recorded at film producer George Lucas' infamous studios at Skywalker Ranch. A true return to Miller's roots, Bingo! echoes his early years in the Chicago music scene and features carefully chosen and crafted tracks performed in distinctive Steve Miller Band fashion. Rolling Stone magazine calls BINGO! "a return to his blues roots with the slick party pop vibe of his classics The Joker and Fly Like an Eagle." Miller is also gracing the covers of Guitar Player and Vintage Guitar magazines talking about BINGO! and the upcoming summer tour. He also showcases his new set and extensive guitar collection. Fans can hear Steve Miller discuss his new album on syndicated radio specials, Rockline, Nights With Alice Cooper, Greg Kihn and In The Studio. The album is co-produced by Miller and engineer Andy Johns (Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix). The sessions introduced new band member Sonny Charles, a veteran vocalist of the Checkmates, who will join Miller on the road this summer. These were the final sessions by harmonica player and vocalist Norton Buffalo, Miller's "partner in harmony" for 33 years, who died of cancer in October 2009. Having sold more than 30 million records, The Steve Miller Band's trademark sound is a mainstay of rock radio. His yearly summer tour extravaganza has become an anticipated annual event for millions of rock fans playing 60 or more shows every year. He is the Gangster of Love. Some people call him Maurice, the Midnight Toker or the Space Cowboy. And with BINGO!, a masterpiece album by one of the greats, Steve Miller shows he still speaks of the "pompitus" of love. Read more at stevemillerband.com.

Elixir Joins Nashville Recovery Effort

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Elixir Strings announces that it is joining the Nashville Musicians Association (NMA) in the ongoing Nashville flood relief efforts. Like many of its peers at this year's Summer NAMM show, Elixir Strings (Booth 728) is doing its part to help restore the Nashville music scene after the recent flood, believed to have caused nearly $1 billion in damage throughout the city. Efforts by Elixir Strings include a direct donation of one thousand 15-foot instrument cables to the NMA's flood relief fund, which will be provided to musicians who lost gear in the flood. The company is also providing additional motivation for its fellow retailers and other Summer NAMM attendees to join in the relief efforts. Hoping to raise funds for the NMA, Elixir Strings will be offering a free cable to anyone who provides a suggested donation of $20 or more to the organization. Donations will be collected at the Elixir Strings booth and presented to the NMA at the close of the show. "We appreciate the efforts of Elixir Strings to help our brother and sister musicians try to recover from this devastating event," says Craig Krampf, secretary and treasurer of the NMA, American Federation of Musicians Local 257. "We are glad that we could find our small way to help restore the great musical community in Nashville," says Craig Theorin, Elixir Strings product manager. "We hope that our combined efforts with the NMA, and all of our friends in the industry, will enable the city and its musicians to experience a quick recovery."

Mountain Jam VI Sees Record Crowd

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Mountain Jam, the three-day music festival held at the base of Hunter Mountain in Upstate New York, co-promoted by Warren Haynes (Gov't Mule, Allman Brothers Band, The Dead) and local radio station WDST, came to a close on Sunday with Levon's Helm's 70th Birthday Celebration, a nearly 3 hour set of music which included guests such as Haynes, Steely Dan's Donald Fagan, Ray LaMontagne, Alison Krauss, Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan's band), Patterson Hood from Drive-By Truckers and his dad, bassist for the legendary Muscle Schoals rhythm section, David Hood, Steve Earle and Jackie Greene joining the legendary Band drummer and local Woodstock icon and his Ramble on the Road band. Record numbers made their way to Hunter Mountain for the festivities, making Mountain Jam VI the most attended edition of the festival yet. Highlights of the weekend included Gov't Mule's two powerful, epic headlining shows. The band dove deep into their catalog and welcomed guests such as Les Claypool, Derek Trucks, Grace Potter, Matisyahu and many more to the stage on Friday and Saturday night. Both shows are now available for download through the band's Mule Tracks site http://www.muletracks.com Alison Krauss & Union Station, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Avett Brothers, The Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals were among the 40+ acts who performed over the weekend.

Jakob Dylan Announces New Tour Dates

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Jakob Dylan has announced plans to extend his current nation-wide tour into the summer with this band Jakob Dylan and Three Legs. The band, which will feature new member Nora O'Connor as well as veteran Kelly Hogan on vocals, will be back on the road starting June 19th in Morton, Illinois, with dates running through July. Dylan's US tour kicked off in April and is happening in support of his critically acclaimed sophomore album Women and Country. The album debuted at #12 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, marking his highest chart debut to date. Striking and ripe with sublime beauty, Jakob reaches new majestic heights on this release with his distinct voice and unparalleled songwriting. Recorded in Los Angeles, CA, Women and Country finds Jakob reuniting with acclaimed Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe winning producer T Bone Burnett (Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Crazy Heart), who produced the Wallflowers' 1996 breakthrough album Bringing Down the Horse. Jakob is also joined by Neko Case and Kelly Hogan on the release, who provide back-up vocals on 8 of the album's 11 tracks.

Mike Campese Releases Disc

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Electric City is the 7th solo release from guitar virtuoso Mike Campese. The 14 song, over 76 minute Cd is filled with some of the most blistering guitar work Mike has ever recorded. The CD kicks off with a bang with the tune "Eleventh Degree" featuring some intense melodic shredding and jazzy harmonies. Just when you thought you heard some crazy guitar playing, Campese takes it up another notch with "Shred Machine", which is just pure non stop shredding done very tastefully. This is defiantly Mike Campese's most heaviest CD to date, with the down tuned song "Heavy Thing" and the in your face progressive vocal tune"LandShark". Mike Campese really shows off his versatility with the indian inspired tunes like"Cruisin Across the Mojave" and "Camelryde". Like each Mike Campese CD there is something for everyone, Campese does some pretty intense over the top guitar work, especially on the demonic arpeggio blistering tune "Over The Top", which Paganini fans would love and the face melting tune "Napali Coast". Mike does sing on a few tracks on this disc like on the epic tune "Kauai Blue", which is loaded with lush harmonies. Mike can really shred but he has a strong sense of melody that he is known for which can be heard on his catchy ballad "Closer To The Sun" that has some beautiful haunting melodies. Campese even gets a little funky on the tunes "Butterfingers" and "Punk Ass", featuring some hip sassy melodies. The Mike Campese fans are going to love this CD and it should bring him over the top.

Scorpions To Launch U.S. Tour 6/18

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
As one of the most successful rock bands in the world with over 100 million records sold, the Scorpions announced this year that they will leave it ALL on the stage after 40+ years of entertaining fans worldwide. The band is currently out on their "GET YOUR STING AND BLACKOUT" farewell world tour and will hit the states Friday, June 18 to kick off the North American leg in Holmdel, NJ. The German rockers will be bring their heavy, full-on, electrically charged energy to major cities across the U.S. including Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver and many more as they celebrate the success of their latest and final album Sting in the Tail. Special guests on the tour will include Vince Neil, Cinderella, Great White, Dokken, Ratt and Tesla supporting along the way. The full tour itinerary is below. Released March 23 via Universal Music Enterprises, Sting in the Tail entered the Billboard Top 200 charts at #23, marking the band's highest chart debut in over 20 years. In their home country of Germany the album has reached Gold status. "Raised on Rock"--the album's anthemic first single--claimed the #1 spot at classic rock radio for weeks and adds to their remarkable list of hits including "Rock You Like A Hurricane," "Wind of Change" and "No One Like You." The band's next single "Sting in the Tail"--going to radio June 21--is all about attitude. Lead singer KLAUS MEINE wails "I'm driving out of town, just follow my heart/I think I'm gonna be a rock 'n' roll star/The girls would go mad, I'd give 'em all I can give/If I had a cheap guitar and one dirty riff." Thus far the Scorpions--MEINE (vocals), MATTHIAS JABS (lead guitar), RUDOLF SCHENKER (guitar), JAMES KOTTAK (drums) and PAWEL MACIWODA (bass)--have taken the "Get Your Sting and Blackout" farewell world tour to Germany, Switzerland and France and received rave reviews. Of the in-progress European tour, the German daily paper Bild said, "Farewell Scorpions-you were sensational!...Why do they want to call it quits? The Scorpions rocked the sold-out arena...there were elaborate video animations, fantastic light effects and a perfect sound--it was a show of superlatives!" Munich's paper TZ said, "It was very emotional early on: 45 minutes after the Scorpions took the stage in the fully sold out Olympia Halle and sang their opener 'Sting in the Tail' from their final, hit album, the five musicians approach the forestage, while the crowd renders homage. The band then begins to play a marvelous acoustic version of their Nineties ballad 'Send me an Angel.' It seems as if the fans do not want to stop applauding -pure emotions...A brilliant, two-hour long, rock show. The musicians illustrate why they rank among the most successful German bands in the world: they are a momentum on stage." Frankfurt, Germany's Frankfurtonline said of Meine's voice: "It still sounds just as young and fresh and easy-going as it did from day one: powerful and flexible." In other exciting news, the rockers were honored at the World Music Awards at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club on May 18th, in presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco. Back in 1992 and again in 1994, the band proudly accepted the award for "Best International Selling Artist from Germany." This time, the Scorpions were awarded with the World Music "Rock Legend Award" for their outstanding contribution to rock music. The show aired in over 160 countries around the world to more than 100 million viewers. And earlier this year the group were honored in Los Angeles at Guitar Center's "Rock Walk," where they were inducted alongside other artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution of Rock 'n' Roll, Blues and R&B. MEINE continues to thank their loyal fans and invite them out to the biggest party of the year. "We are so incredibly happy about the fantastic feedback we have been receiving from around the world on Sting in the Tail. We can't wait to see our fans soon!" See more at the-scorpions.com.

New Video Game Uses Real Guitar Interface

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews Band, and Kid Rock have entered into agreements with Seven45 Studios to provide songs for Power Gig: Rise of the SixString, a new video game for which the guitar peripheral is a functioning six-string electric. Power Gig: Rise of the SixString uses a real six-string guitar as controller. The guitar features Seven45's proprietary technology that can distinguish and recognize gamers' input all along the guitar, making the guitars as easy to pick up and play as any other band-game button controllers. They also include all the guts of an electric guitar so players can plug it into any standard amp. In addition to traditional beat-matching that will be familiar to fans of the band game genre, Power Gig also introduces the option to switch on chording, which presents the added challenge of playing the game using chords that require specific finger placement on the strings. As players progress through the game, becoming more comfortable with a genuine guitar and potentially choosing to play real power chords, they will find that the byproduct of playing the game is coming away from it with an understanding of real guitar fundamentals. The game will be available for the PlayStation and Xbox 360 this October. Learn more at powergig.com.

Beck Performs Tribute to Les Paul

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Jeff Beck performed last night at New York's Iridium Jazz Club in a tribute to the late Les Paul on what would have been his 95th birthday. Beck performed with Imelda May for invited guests, as well as celebrity friends. Brian Setzer joined Beck onstage.

New Models from Daisy Rock

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Daisy Rock Girl Guitars continues to celebrate its 10-year anniversary with seven new guitar models and finishes, including the redesigned Rebel Rockit Supernova, the Rock Candy, the Rock Candy Xtreme, and the Atomic Green and Platinum Sparkle Rock Candy Classic electric guitars. The Rebel Rockit Supernova has a 22-fret 24.75"maple neck and a fixed bridge. The sycamore body is five percent smaller than previous Supernovas and the rosewood fingerboard featuring dot inlays sports a 9.5" radius to facilitate easier rhythm and lead playing. The Rock Candy guitar has a pair of Daisy Rock humbuckers controlled by a three-way selector and a master Tone control, Daisy custom tuners, and an adjustable tune-o-matic-style bridge with stop bar tailpiece. The Rock Candy Xtreme has a mahogany body, 16" fretboard radius, Floyd-Rose-licensed vibrato, Daisy Custom tuners, EMG H4/A4 pickups, master Volume and Tone controls, and a three-way pickup selector. For more, visit daisyrock.com.

The Stanley Clarke Band Set for Release June 15

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Renowned bassist Stanley Clarke's new CD, The Stanley Clarke Band, is scheduled for release June 15 on Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group, and the Roxboro Entertainment Group. Clarke is joined on the recording by keyboardists Hiromi Uehara and Ruslan Sirota, and drummer Ronald Bruner, Jr.. Following 2009's highly-acclaimed Jazz In the Garden, this is Hiromi's second Clarke collaboration.

Minnesota Man Wins Team Josie Guitar

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Tim Sipprell, Edina, Minnesota, was the lucky winner in the Team Josie guitar raffle, held prior to Saturday's American Cancer Society Relay for Life event in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Tim's was one of 164 entries for the guitar, which was custom-built by Jason at Schroeder Guitars, Redding, California. Team Josie, founded by the family of VG publisher Alan Greenwood, raised $12,000 this year for the Cancer Society, bringing its three-year total to more than $25,000. This was the first year the group raffled a guitar.

Marvin Isley Passes

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Marvin Isley, bassist for the R&B/funk-infused group the Isley Brothers, died June 6 in Chicago. He was 56. Isley joined his older brothers in the group in the early 1970s, and started working on 3+3, the group's first gold album. His playing helped usher in a funkier side of the group, with well-known staples such as "Fight the Power," "That Lady" and "For the Love of You." Marvin split from the Isley Brothers for a brief time, forming the Isley-Jasper-Isley trio, which scored a hit with "Caravan of Love" in 1985. The Isley Brothers were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and Marvin retired in '97 due to complications stemming from diabetes.

Los Lobos Announces Summer Tour Plans

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Los Lobos is on tour this summer in support of a brand new studio album. The new release, titled Tin Can Trust will hit streets on August 3, 2010. The band's summer schedule brings them coast to coast, including a run of select shows with John Hiatt & The Combo. A complete list of currently confirmed dates is included below. With Tin Can Trust, Los Lobos' first release for Shout! Factory and first collection of new original material in four years- the venerable quintet once again redefines itself and expands its scope, while never losing sight of where they come from. And, like so much of Los Lobos' previous work, Tin Can Trust is an album that speaks to the time and place in which it was conceived; the album's title can be traced back more than a century, but for the band, it's apt for the rickety state in which so many of us find ourselves-and our world-today. The 11 tracks on Tin Can Trust offer the perfect balance of Los Lobos' parts: the band's lineup has remained uninterrupted since 1984, when saxophonist/keyboardist Steve Berlin joined original members Louie Pérez (guitar, drums, vocals), David Hidalgo (guitar, violin, accordion, percussion, vocals), Cesar Rosas (guitar, vocals) and Conrad Lozano (bass, vocals), each of whom had been there since the beginning in 1973. Seven songs on the album are distinguished and genius Hidalgo-Pérez collaborations, including the opening track "I'll Burn It Down," which features a guest vocal harmony from blues-rocker Susan Tedeschi. Three others were written in whole or in part by Rosas - including the album's two Spanish-language numbers: the cumbia "Yo Canto" and the norteño "Mujer Ingrata" - and display Los Lobos' signature seamless infusion of Mexican folk songs into rock music. Also included in Tin Can Trust - a cover of the Grateful Dead's "West L.A. Fadeaway" - offering a nod to the bands' shared history that extends back into the 1980s when the Angelenos befriended and opened shows for their northern peers. As with every new recording Los Lobos makes, Tin Can Trust moves Los Lobos into yet another new dimension while simultaneously sounding like no one else in the world but Los Lobos. Los Lobos' unified vision and strong work ethic are evident throughout the self-produced album, but so is something even greater: "an intuitiveness," says Los Lobos songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Louie Pérez, "that happens only from being in a band for so long." As Rolling Stone once wrote, "This is what happens when five guys create a magical sound, then stick together for 30 years to see how far it can take them." Stay tuned to www.loslobos.org for up-to-minute information.

Goo Goo Dolls to Release Something for the Rest of Us

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
One of rock's most beloved and enduring bands, Goo Goo Dolls, have announced that they will release their ninth studio album, Something for the Rest of Us, on August 31st, 2010. The album features the band's new single, "Home", which is already being embraced at radio. In advance of the album's release, "Home" will become available on the iTunes Store and all other digital retailers starting on June 8th. The album was produced by Tim Palmer (U2, Pearl Jam, David Bowie) with additional production by Butch Vig (Green Day, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, etc.) John Fields (Paul Westerberg, Jimmy Eat World) and the Goo Goo Dolls. The result showcases more of the well-crafted songs and timeless lyrics that have been such an integral part of the Goo Goo Dolls' continuing success. Written and recorded over the past couple of years, Something for the Rest of Us delivers another dose of emotionally-charged, well-crafted rock songs such as "Sweetest Lie," "One Night," and "Soldier." With his songwriting, Rzeznik confronts some of the issues that have become part of many people's everyday lives:. "I wanted some of the material on this album to address the disillusionment of the difficult period we live in; I wanted to give a voice to the emotional uncertainty that accompanies hard times. "So many people are struggling to keep it together through tough economic conditions and two wars that seem to have no end in sight. The ones who bear the brunt of these burdens are everyday people. That's who I want to speak to." Something for the Rest of Us is the follow up to 2006's Let Love In, which marked the Goo Goo Dolls' 20th anniversary as a band. The album spawned several Top 10 singles, including "Better Days," "Stay With You," and the title track, which gave them their record-breaking twelfth Top 10 hit. Their thirteenth, "Before It's Too Late," appeared on the blockbuster Transformers soundtrack. Goo Goo Dolls have racked up four Grammy nominations and sold more than 10 million albums. Rzeznik has also been the recipient of the Hal David Starlight Songwriter Award. See more, including a track list and tour dates, at googoodolls.com.

New Verythin Range from Höfner

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Influenced by the 1960s Verythin, Höfner's new Verythins combine '60s style with modern playability. Specs include all-nickel German hardware, Höfner Diamond mini humbucking pickups, ebony fingerboards, clay-dot inlays, spruce tops, flame maple back and sides, and a spruce center block. Three models will be available. The Verythin Special has two pickups, individual Volume and Tone controls with master volume, and a three-way pickup selector. It's available in Antique brown sunburst or dark cherry finish. The Verythin Custom three pickups controlled by Höfner's Blend System wiring, master volume with two tone controls, and three-way pick-up selector. It is available in Antique brown sunburst finish. And the Verythin Single Cutaway has two pickups, individual Volume and Tone controls, and a Bigsby vibrato. It's available in Light blue or black finish. Learn more at hofner.com.

Soul House Sound Releases Guitar Player Wanted: Vocals a Plus DVD

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Karan Andrea, President of Soul House Sound, announces the debut of her instructional DVD Guitar Player Wanted: Vocals a Plus. The DVD contains a 110-minute instructional DVD, a 79-minute vocal training CD, and a booklet summary of the materials. Guitarists can finally have a voice of their own with instruction geared specifically for their needs - for the first time. This DVD links a guitar player's musical skills with his or her undeveloped singing voice. The instruction is a straightforward, concrete, step-by-step method. Players realize that being able to sing adds enormous marketability to any musical career, but the availability of quality vocal instruction is heavily geared toward lead or back-up singers... Until now. Guitar Player Wanted invites even the most resistant guitarist to sing. Karan Andrea makes fundamental vocal skills interesting and accessible as she breaks down the misperception of singing as "some sort of mystical gift." Instead, Karan gives you a way to learn to use this "fretless instrument" with confidence. The instruction is a no-nonsense focus on what a guitarist (or any other musician) needs to learn. This approach will allow any individual to learn privately, at his or her own pace. The CD included in this package contains three sets of vocal exercises that everyone - from the absolute beginner, to more experienced singers - can use to develop their own "muscle memory" and improve tone, intonation and range. Also featured in this package is a booklet containing a quick reference summary of the information presented in the DVD. Watch the DVD trailer at SoulHouseSound.com.

Ruf Announces Release Dates forGuitarslingers Jimmy Bowskill & Oli Brown

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Ruf Records announces the release dates of new CDs by young blues guitarslingers Jimmy Bowskill's Live on June 8, and Oli Brown's Heads I Win, Tails You Lose on July 13. Both CDs will be distributed in the U.S. by the Allegro Corporation. Already a veteran at the age of 19, Canadian singer/guitarist Jimmy Bowskill was first discovered by the legendary Jeff Healey at the age of 11 playing guitar outside of his nightclub in Toronto. Since then, he's opened shows for such artists as ZZ Top, Dickey Betts, Garth Hudson and Deep Purple, while touring in Canada and internationally in Germany, France, Mexico, Ukraine, and at the World Expo in Japan, among others. He's also received a Juno Award nomination (Canada's Grammy). On Live, Jimmy Bowskill demonstrates his amazing mastery of guitar, with one foot firmly planted in the blues and the other in rock. The album's dozen songs include his takes on several of the artists who've influenced him, including Free ("Walk in My Shadow" and "Ride My Pony"), Peter Green ("Rattlesnake Shake") and B.B. King ("Three O'clock in the Morning"). Within the trio format, Bowskill dazzles the live audience with a combination of his searing guitar work and soulful, rockin' vocals The eye-catching cover of Live features art by one of Canada's most-celebrated graphic artists, Bob Masse, whose work since the 1960s has included posters of Bob Dylan, The Doors, Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and The Yardbirds. Also 19 years old, Oli Brown is releasing the eagerly awaited follow-up to his critically-acclaimed 2008 release, Open Road, his debut album for Ruf Records. On Heads I Win, Tails You Lose, Oli showcases his enormous growth as a songwriter, while giving audiences more of his blistering guitar work and vocals that have endeared him to audiences around the world. Heads I Win, Tails You Lose was produced by the legendary Mike Vernon, whose resume includes seminal blues albums from John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers (featuring Eric Clapton), Fleetwood Mac, Ten Years After and Freddie King, among others. Vernon literally came out of retirement to work with Oli Brown on this new album, having done so after hearing his first CD and being excited by the prospects of the youngster's potential. The album's 12 tracks also include his exciting take on the Little Willie John classic, "Fever." Oli Brown has had a big year touring Europe, including as part of the "New Generation Blues Tour" with labelmate Joanne Shaw Taylor in the UK, as well as making his debut at England's prestigious Glastonbury Festival. Plans for later this year include more European touring, as well as dates in the U.S. Besides headlining his own shows, Oli has been the supporting act of choice for UK tours by Johnny Winter, Walter Trout and Robben Ford. Already released in Europe, Heads I Win, Tails You Lose is generating the kind of rave reviews that have become the norm for Brown. "Oli joins the ranks of a new generation being forged by Joe Bonamassa's example that kills the myth that the young can't play the blues," said influential UK magazine, Blues Matters. "If this CD is anything to go by, not only can Oli play the blues, he's one who can help to keep it alive, move it forward, and most of all, touch yet another generation with blues magic." Visit .rufrecords.de.

Southpaw Guitars Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Southpaw Guitars, a family-run shop that has sold more than 100,000 guitars to left-handed players around the nation and world, celebrates its 30th anniversary in July. "We are celebrating 30 years selling lefty guitars and we are doing great," said owner Jim Duncan, a left-handed player who founded the shop with friend Bill Townsend in 1980. "Thanks to thousands of loyal customers, we have grown to become one of the top niche marketers in the industry, for which we are sincerely grateful and proud." The shop's official 30th anniversary is July 11. For more on the shop and how it is marking the anniversary, go to southpawguitars.com.

Fred Gretsch Visits Museum Display

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Fred Gretsch, president of Fred W. Gretsch Enterprises Ltd., recently visited a special Gretsch guitar at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Savannah, Ga. The museum, which is devoted to the history of the U.S. Eighth Air Force, is two blocks from Gretsch headquarters and counts Fred Gretsch as a lifetime member and enthusiastic supporter. While at the museum, Fred Gretsch made it a point to revisit a display with which he had significant personal involvement. At a musical instrument show in Nashville in 2004, he'd seen a highly unusual Gretsch 6120 guitar custom made by craftsman Chris Fleming and painted by noted California artist and World War II history buff Sara Ray. This distinctive instrument was named the Gretsch 6120 Victory Guitar, and as soon as Fred Gretsch saw it, he knew he had to bring it to Georgia for display in the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. The 6120's shape reminded Ray of the bombers she'd become so familiar with from studying the history of the Eighth Air Force in World War II. She thought it looked "as though it should have wings on it" and was inspired to create a graphic work honoring those who served during the war. She chose the guitar as her canvas, saying, "The Gretsch gives my art a voice." The front of the guitar depicts an airborne eagle holding the shield of freedom, and a winged number eight that honors the unit's numeric designation. The back depicts a B-17 Flying Fortress and a rivet gun-wielding pin-up girl who represents U.S. women who served during World War II. The guitar's volume knobs are made from Air Force coat buttons donated by a friend of Ray who flew many missions during the war. Fred Gretsch bought the guitar shortly after Ray finished it on June 6, 2004 - the 60th anniversary of D-Day. Later that year he donated it to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, where it has been proudly displayed in the building's rotunda ever since. "I'm proud to have the Gretsch family name associated with such a beautiful tribute to those who served so valiantly in the Mighty Eighth Air Force," Gretsch said. For more info, visit mightyeighth.org and gretsch.com.

Smashing Pumpkins to Tour Small Venues

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The SMASHING PUMPKINS have announced a 14-show run of intimate venues beginning July 6 in Cleveland and wrapping July 24 in Memphis. This marks the iconic band's first tour since December 2008 and will feature, says leader and founder BILLY CORGAN, "a balance of classics, a few obscure ones, and new 'Teargarden' material." Last week, the Pumpkins released the four-song TEARGARDEN BY KALEIDYSCOPE VOL.1: SONGS FOR A SAILOR EP (Martha's Music/Rocket Science Ventures). This is the first of an eventual 11 specially packaged EPs--taken from the in-progress 44-song work TEARGARDEN BY KALEIDYSCOPE--to be sold in record stores. Notably, all the music is being is released online, for free, with no strings attached. CORGAN and his band mates--guitarist JEFF SCHROEDER, drummer MIKE BYRNE and new bassist NICOLE FIORENTINO-are planning to invite select fans to attend their sound checks (details TBA). "We are going to do something unique, which is play an invite-only set during sound check of almost all new, unreleased songs," says Billy. "We're still figuring out a way to make it possible for some of the fans who'll be in the line outside waiting to get in for that." Learn more at smashingpumpkins.com

Aerosmith To Tour U.S.

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Aerosmith is hitting the road for an 18-city U.S. tour this summer beginning July 23 in Oakland, California. The recently announced hometown Fenway Park date scheduled for August 14 sold out in 23 minutes. Aerosmith will be joined at the Fenway show by The J.Geils Band. "I thought it was time to get my mojo back, by rockin South America and Europe with a little home run at Boston's Fenway Park thrown in and then off to the rest of America to do what we do best!" said Steven Tyler. "We're gonna rock you into the middle of next week!" "This is a perfect time for us to tour North America as we are just completing a very successful tour of South America. We are looking forward to our European tour next month and then bringing our show back to our home soil. We are running on all cylinders and are cocked, locked and ready to rock!" added Joe Perry. "We're having a blast tearing up South America. I can't stop thinking about how great it's going to feel bringing it home this summer" said Tom Hamilton. "The band's tighter than ever, America we're coming to rock your World" said Joey Kramer. Sammy Hagar and the Wabos will open eleven of the 16 shows. Support in other markets will be announced shortly. Aerosmith are Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, recipients of countless awards including four Grammys, eight American Music Awards, six Billboard Awards, 12 MTV Video Music Awards. They have sold over 150 million albums, earned scores of multi platinum albums and maintain a large army of millions of fans. For details, go to AeroForceOne.com.

Lauderdale Enters Charts With Patchwork River

Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Two-time Grammy Award winner, singer, songwriter and Americana music icon Jim Lauderdale has returned to the charts with his latest album Patchwork River (Thirty Tigers). A collaboration with longtime Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, the May 11 release is receiving critical acclaim and landed on both the Country and Americana charts. Filled with such highlights as "Alligator Alley," "Louisville Roll" and "Patchwork River," it's currently at #8 on the overall Americana radio chart, entered at #38 on Billboard's "Heatseekers" chart and at #47 on the Country Albums chart. In an "A"-graded review, the Philadelphia Daily News Jonathan Takiff said, "Hunter is serving his muse and keeping us amused in collaborations with rootsy singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale--the latest example being a beaut of a Lauderdale album called 'Patchwork River (5/11/1/0)," while Elmore Magazine's Tom Hallett hailed it as "A true classic (May 2010)." Lauderdale--who has collaborated with or written hits for the likes of George Strait, Ralph Stanley, Dixie Chicks, George Jones, Patty Loveless, Vince Gill and countless others--is currently touring the U.S. on his own, with upcoming shows in New York (June 15, opening for Suzy Bogguss at City Winery) and Los Angeles (June 18, solo show at McCabe's Guitar Shop). Lauderdale has also received praise for his work as guitarist and back up singer in Elvis Costello's band, the Sugarcanes, who recently toured the U.S. and will head to Europe beginning with a June 28 show in Liverpool, England. American Songwriter's Davis Inman summed it up by calling Lauderdale "a true American Renaissance man (5/12/10)." On the radio front, Jim has been hosting a weekly show on Nashville station WSM, where on Wednesdays from 2-3:00 PM he plays a free-form selection of music that he likes and wants to share with fans (http://www.wsmradio.com/home). He has also recently hosted the station's "Music City Roots" program, where artists perform live from Nashville's Loveless Café. Learn more at jimlauderdale.com.

Cheap Trick Slates "Sgt Pepper" Tribute

Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
power pop progenitors Cheap Trick will bring their own interpretation of "Sgt Pepper Live" to Paris Las Vegas for a limited engagement beginning June 11. A Bill Edwards Presents Inc. production, the show is Cheap Trick's live celebration of the iconic and beloved Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. Geoff Emerick, the renowned engineer of The Beatles' classic album, will supervise the audio production of "Sgt. Pepper Live." Emmy-award winning production designer René Lagler designed the sets that are evocative of the vivid rock 'n' roll era of the 1960s and include a 60'-wide by 12'-high elevated orchestra stage and three turn-table entranceways. "We have created an energetic and spectacular interpretation of an album that was absolutely groundbreaking when it was released 43 years ago," said producer Bill Edwards. "These songs are known and loved by millions of people and Cheap Trick has captured the essence of 'Sgt Pepper' in their unique style and recreated one of the most beloved and timeless musical works of modern times." Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was the eighth studio album released by The Beatles. It took them 129 days to record. The album incorporated musical genres of jazz, rock 'n' roll, western classical and traditional Indian music, including the sitar. The Beatles never performed the album in its entirety due to the complex studio technology that was employed in the making of the album. "Forty-three years ago today we released Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, a very special and now iconic album. Ten days from today the album will come to life in its entirety as never before presented in "Sgt Pepper Live" at Paris Las Vegas," said Geoff Emerick, producer and engineer of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and audio supervisor for "Sgt. Pepper Live." "I'm happy to be a part of this event and to revisit this celebrated music once again." "Sgt. Pepper Live" allows Cheap Trick to incorporate their brand of power pop into the classic songs in a celebration of The Beatles' influential album. In addition to Cheap Trick, the show features an orchestra, an authentic Indian sitar band and a captivating experience of light and sound. Cheap Trick performs the entire album live as well as select Cheap Trick songs that lend themselves to orchestral arrangements. For more, go to sgtpepperlive.com.

Fryette Intros Memphis 30

Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The Fryette Memphis 30 incorporates SFD design technology, top notch components, precision engineered transformers and legendary Fryette build quality, the Memphis 30 is absolutely without peer in the guitar amplifier industry. Features: Two independent channels with separate tone controls Three-Position PRE EQ VOICING switch for each channel allowing custom tailored tone shaping Foot Switchable Boost Tube Driven Three Spring Reverb Series/Parallel Variable Foot Switchable Effects Loop Compensated Line/Recording Output One 16 ohm output jack for connection to a 16 ohm cabinet and two parallel jacks with a two position 8/4 ohm selector switch Oversized Birch Cabinet Elephant Hide Charcoal Vinyl Covering 12" Proprietary Speaker by Eminence POWER SHIFT feature, a single mini toggle switch on each channel enables channel assignable 30W/18W output power selection Specifications: Output power: 30 Watts RMS max - 18 Watts RMS, lower power mode Size: 23½ W x 19½ H x 10½ D Weight: 52 pounds Tube compliment: 1-12AX7 Tung-Sol (Russia) 4-12AX7AC (China Selected) 1-12AT7 4-Premium Matched Sovtek EL84 Power Tubes For more, visit fryette.com.

Slim Bryant Passes

Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Slim Bryant, country guitar innovator, vocalist, songwriter and bandleader, died May 28 at an extended-care facility near Pittsburgh. He was 101. The first country guitarist known to have formal musical training, he was the last living musical link to Jimmie Rodgers, father of modern country music. Born in Atlanta in 1908, Bryant was an aspiring electrical engineer in 1928, when he began 16 months studying with famed Atlanta guitarist Perry Bechtel. In 1931, as a member of Atlanta old-time fiddler Clayton McMichen's eclectic band the Georgia Wildcats, Slim pioneered the use of jazz chords in country music. McMichen and Bryant accompanied Rodgers on a 1932 recording session that included Slim's ballad "Mother, the Queen of My Heart," which became one of Rodgers' standards. The Wildcats worked radio stations in the Northeast, Midwest and South in the 30's. During their 1933 stay in Chicago, Slim became a musical hero to teenage Chicago guitarist Les Paul. In 1940, after an amicable split with McMichen, Slim and the Wildcats settled in Pittsburgh. Their stardom on KDKA Radio's early morning "Farm Hour" made them a top regional stage act, versatile enough to entertain both rural and city audiences with a wide range of tunes. They'd later host a weekly local TV show. "Slim was really established. He was big stuff," says Pittsburgh jazz guitarist and lifelong friend Joe Negri. In the 1950s, when the "Farm Hour" moved to recorded music and demand for the Wildcats began tapering off, Slim and his wife opened a card and gift shop in the suburb of Dormont where they lived. A single request for guitar lessons led to 40 years teaching the Mel Bay method to Pittsburgh area guitarists of all ages. Son Tom Bryant recalls his dad's expectation of four students a week growing to more than ten times that at one point. Along with Slim's impact on country music, generations of his students, some of whom turned pro, carry on his influence. Negri calls him "one hell of a guy." - Rich Kienzle

River Concert Series Music Festival Starts June 18

Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
The St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM) River Concert Series is right around the corner! The 12th year of the weekly world-class music celebration begins Friday, June 18, and continues every Friday through July 30. Enjoy outstanding music and delicious food from local vendors. Gates open at 5 p.m. and concerts start at 7 p.m. Renowned guest artists join music director Jeffrey Silberschlag and the Chesapeake Orchestra, with a fireworks display over the St. Mary's River July 2. These outdoor concerts are free and open to the public, and picnic baskets are welcome. The seven-week River Concert Series festival is expected to draw about 40,000 fans. The event has entertained more than 400,000 during its 11-year history. Broadway star and Tony Award-nominated singer Kate Baldwin will join our stage for the season finale on July 30 just after a performance of Beethoven's monumental Fifth Symphony. For the night of June 18, accomplished jazz and classical pianist Jeffrey Chappell joins Silberschlag and the Chesapeake Orchestra for Samuel Barber's Piano Concerto; the program also features Robert Schumann's First Symphony "Spring" in celebration of both composers' birthdays. The night of June 25 will feature Giuseppe Nova, internationally acclaimed flutist from Italy and faculty member in the college's program in Alba, as well as renowned guitarist and SMCM faculty member Orlando Roman. Fireworks will fill the sky over the St. Mary's River July 2 as both the college's own Brian Ganz and the Sax Quartet from the "President's Own Marine Band" perform with the Chesapeake Orchestra. The concert features the works of John Williams, Gershwin, and the Sousa Marches. Larry Vote, St. Mary's College provost and a Helen Hayes Award winner, will guest conduct the Chesapeake Orchestra July 9 in an evening of opera aria favorites featuring Michelle Johnson, soprano; Olivia Vote, mezzo soprano; and Brian Major, baritone. The July 16 concert will welcome the first annual Young Artist Concerto Competition winners. The orchestra will also perform the world premiere of William Kleinssaser's "Many Rivers" and Prokofiev's "Symphony No. 5." St. Mary's faculty artist and internationally renowned violinist José Cueto will perform Lalo's "Symphony espagnole." The evening will also feature a celebration of Mahler's 150th birthday anniversary with a performance of his powerful seventh symphony. More than 2,000 students attend the college, which has the highest graduation rate for all Maryland public colleges and universities. The school's waterfront campus along the St. Mary's River in Southern Maryland is home to the 2009 National Intercollegiate Sailing Association Co-ed champions. For more, visit riverconcertseries.com.

Buddy Blaze Launches Generator Model

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Buddy Blaze Fine Stringed Instruments has teamed up with Sugarland guitarist Scott Patton to unveil its new signature model, the Generator. With custom graphics by Stephen Jensen, its artwork complements Sugarland's "The Incredible Machine" tour. The guitar will be part of the handmade ALII Series. Specifications: • Alder Body • Mahogany Set Neck with Ebony Fingerboard • Custom Inlay • 24 5/8" Scale Length • 24 Fret Two Octave Neck • Jumbo Frets • Dual Action / Stainless Steel Truss Rod • Deluxe Buddy Blaze Hard Shell Case Included • Handmade, Signed And Dated By Buddy Blaze in Kailua Kona, Hawai'i USA See more at buddyblaze.com.

Low Notes For Nashville Slate Benefit Show

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Low Notes For Nashville, a charity created by Nashville bassists Sean O'Bryan Smith and Lane Baldwin announced today it will host a benefit concert to raise funds for their relief efforts. Iconic bassist Steve Bailey will headline the event, which will also include performances by many top bassists from around the world. The concert will take place 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 17, at Douglas Corner (2106 8th Ave. South). The charity has gathered a team of professional bassists from around the world to offer relief to fellow musicians devastated by the recent Nashville flood. While their website offers numerous ways for visitors to get involved, the benefit concert is the organization's highest-profile event to date. The show will be hosted by Smith, Baldwin, and Dave Pomeroy, bassist, writer, and current president of the Nashville Musicians Association, and will feature performances by numerous top bassists including Vail Johnson, Roy Vogt, Bryan Beller, Adam Nitti, Doug Johns, and the legendary Bob Babbitt. "You can expect to hear more top bassists on this bill than almost anywhere else," said Smith. "We're reaching out to everyone we know to invite their participation." Those interested can keep up-to-date on Low Notes For Nashville activities by visiting the group's website. The charity also has a pair of official Twitter streams and a Facebook Fan Page. More than fifty top bassists and over a dozen music industry manufacturers have joined the cause, making monetary and gear donations to help Nashville musicians in need. "For Sean and I, this is an excellent opportunity to combine our call to serve others with our desire to strengthen the bonds in the bass community," said Baldwin. "We're thrilled that so many top players and companies have joined our efforts, and the concert is going to be one huge bass-centric party." Tickets for the concert are $15 and will be available at the door. For more about the event and the charity, visit LowNotesForNashville.org.

Cropper, Cavaliere Prep Midnight Flyer

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Steve Cropper, guitarist for Booker T. and the MGs and one of the primary architects of the unmistakable Stax sound of the 1960s, and vocalist/keyboardist Felix Cavaliere, the voice of the Rascals and the pivotal figure in the blue-eyed soul movement of that same era, have reconvened for their second collaborative recording. Sparks fly at the crossroads of Memphis soul and East Coast R&B when Stax Records releases Midnight Flyer June 15. Midnight Flyer, recorded in Nashville and mixed by David Z, shows the Stax legacy is alive. An album that again showcases the songwriting prowess of two figures from one of the most seminal periods in the history of American pop music, the two are assisted in songwriting throughout most of the album's 12 tracks is drummer/percussionist/vocalist Tom Hambridge, who also lent a hand with the crafting of the previous album. "Felix and I come from pretty much the same musical school - but from different geographical locations," says Cropper. "He's a Jersey boy at heart, and I grew up in Memphis, but when soul meets soul, what can you say? There are no borders. There are no boundaries." But geography does play a role in the making of great songs, says Cavaliere. "Steve has that Southern vernacular, which is something I really like," he says. "It's almost like another language to those of us from the East Coast. It has a certain folky quality to it. Some of those idioms are part of the hit songs that Steve has written and recorded over the years, and they're part of this record as well." The impact of both of these musicians and songwriters on pop music is nearly impossible to quantify. As part of Booker T. & the MGs - the house band for the Stax label in its original incarnation during the 1960s - Cropper co-wrote and produced classics by artists like Eddie Floyd ("Knock On Wood"), Wilson Pickett ("In the Midnight Hour") and Otis Redding ("Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay"). In subsequent decades, he lent his instrumental and production skills to a range of artists including Jeff Beck, the Blues Brothers, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and many others. Cavaliere came to prominence in the mid-'60s as vocalist/keyboardist/songwriter for the Rascals (initially known as the Young Rascals). Cavaliere wrote and/or sang several of the band's biggest hits, including "Good Lovin'" (1966), "Groovin'" (1967), "It's a Beautiful Morning" (1968) and "People Got To Be Free" (1968). The phrase "blue-eyed soul" was coined during the Rascals' heyday, due in large part to the group's highly successful forays into R&B and soul - styles that had been developed and previously dominated by African-American artists. Co-produced by Cropper, Cavaliere and Hambridge, Midnight Flyer captures the synergy and brilliance that can only emerge when two powerful forces of nature come together. The result is a range of styles and shades, from heartfelt ballads like "When You're With Me" to the soul-charged "I Can't Stand It," a churning vocal duet featuring Cavaliere and his daughter Aria. "Sexy Lady" harkens back to the soul stylings of the '70s, while the funky instrumental "Do It Like This" digs into a tight groove and makes plenty of room for Cropper's tasty riff work to close out the set. "The main thing we both take away from this record is how much fun we had making it," says Cavaliere. "We may have used a lot of new technology that didn't even exist when Steve and I were recording back in the day, but the songs themselves are still the most important part of the process, and we just had a blast writing and recording them. I think that spirit comes through on the record." Cropper notes a timelessness about Cavaliere that serves as a metaphor for the music itself. "Felix is ageless," he says. "Sure, you can look at him and see that he's gotten older since those early days, just like we all have. But if you close your eyes, he sounds as young and energetic as he did when he was making records back in the '60s . . . Working together on records like this reminds us of the kinds of things that go into the making of a good song. We're still doing that, and we're still having fun doing it." Learn more at playitsteve.com and felixcavaliere.com.

Gibson Releases LP Standard 2010 Limited

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Gibson's new Les Paul Standard 2010 Limited uses the company's Robot Guitar automated tuning system, two different but seminal magnetic pickups, a piezo-loaded bridge, and Chameleon Tone Technology courtesy of its Master Control Knob. From the raw, biting crunch of a hot, chrome-covered, hum-canceling P-90H in the neck position and the sizzling wail and punch of an overwound BurstBucker 3 in the bridge, to the subtle acoustic response of its piezo bridges saddles - and any conceivable blend of the three, accessed instantly from the MCK - the Les Paul Standard 2010 Limited really does pack all the tonal colors of the rainbow. And to keep it all sounding true, Gibson's exclusive Robot Technology puts you perfectly into tune in seconds at the push of a button, or shifts you into any of a countless number of open and alternate tunings, all accessed at your command. Constructed with a flamed maple top, chambered mahogany back, and one-piece mahogany neck, the Les Paul Standard 2010 Limited offers classic Les Paul tonewoods, combined with a look exclusive to only 400 guitars. A unique new Fireball finish with dark 'burst edges graces its top, while its back, neck and sides are dressed in a deep Vintage Sunburst with a dark cherry center and dark edges. Like several of Gibson USA's models of years past, the Les Paul Standard 2010 Limited's fast, slim '60s profiled neck carries a dark Grade-A ebony fingerboard with block inlays, while its headstock wears a chrome truss rod cover and a Les Paul designation. Quite simply, there has never been a Les Paul like it - and once they are gone, there never will be again. For more, go to gibson.com

Recording King Ships RK-Elite

Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Recording King's RK-Elite is modeled after the original Mastertone banjos of the 1930s. Components like a classic Mastertone-style tone ring, true steam-bent three-ply maple rim and nitrocellulose lacquer finish are combined with a vintage-style double-cut Recording King peghead and custom Flying Eagle-style peghead and fretboard inlay. With a one-piece mahogany resonator, one-piece slim profile mahogany neck, and Mastertone-style tone ring, the RK-Elite is a professional-level banjo. Check it out at recordingking.com.

Verheyen Announces Summer Schedule

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Guitarist Carl Verheyen will play another benefit concert in Santa Barbara, CA for The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP) on June 13, with the Carl Verheyen Band and special guests. TRAP is an educational program for people with disabilities. Employing drums and percussion, the program teaches and enhances basic life skills such as maintaining focus, using memory, taking turns, developing leadership, using numbers, using prepositional concepts, following instructions and modeling. The June 3 CVB date is open to both students and the public, at the Musician's Institute (MI) of Hollywood. The show will be shot for a possible commercial DVD release, the first featuring the current line-up of Verheyen, bassist Dave Marotta and drummer Walfredo Reyes, Jr. Verheyen will fly alone to Vienna, Austria, to be a guest at Karl Ratzer's 60th Birthday Concert on July 2-3 at European jazz venue Porgy & Bess. In 2001, Verheyen and Ratzer collaborated on Verheyen's Real to Reel. Recorded in just two days, it consists of extended jams and musical sparring. The CVB play the 2010 Jackson Hole (Wyoming) Music Experience Concert on July 12. Verheyen and Walfredo will teach the week of July 12 at the Jackson Hole Rock & Roll Camp. In addition, Carl will be out on the Supertramp 70-10 The Greatest Hits Tour this autumn, covering Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Great Britain, Ireland, Belgium, France and Switzerland. Joining Supertramp's founder, lead singer and keyboardist, Rick Davies, are legendary Supertramp members John Anthony Helliwell, saxophones and woodwinds, and Bob Siebenberg, drums. Veterans of past Supertramp tours, Jesse Siebenberg, lead vocals, guitars and percussion, Cliff Hugo, bass, and Lee Thornburg, horns, will round out the line-up. During the two hour-plus show, the band will perform a plethora of classics from their forty-year history, including "Bloody Well Right," " Dreamer," " From Now On," "Goodbye Stranger," " The Logical Song," "Rudy" and more. Get more details, including tour dates, at carlverheyen.com.

Slipknot Bassist Paul Gray Found Dead

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Paul Dedrick Gray, 38, bassist for the Iowa-based heavy metal band Slipknot, was found Monday morning by an employee at TownePlace Suites in suburban Des Moines. There was no evidence of foul play, police said, but an investigation is ongoing. Gray was a co-founder of the Grammy-winning band. Born in Los Angeles, he was one of two Slipknot members not born in Iowa. Unofficial reports say Gray and his wife, Brenna, were expecting a child.

Gibson Unveils 50th Anniversary ES-335

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
In the late 1950s, Gibson was boldly pushing the envelope on electric guitar design. The effort resulted in several models that were just too far ahead of their time to sink in with players of the day-the Flying V and Explorer being cases in point - and were gone from the catalogue by 1960. The ES-335 however was an instant classic, embraced by blues, rock, country and jazz players the world over. By 1960, this model was really hitting its stride though it was certainly a year of transition for the iconic model. In the beginning of 1960, the ES-335TDs were built to the same specs as the 1959 versions and were offered in only Natural and Sunburst finishes. By about midyear, neck specs began to change to a thinner and more elliptical feel and ultimately, production of the Natural ES-335TD would cease and the Cherry finish would take its place in the latter part of the year. It is this later version that many argue the 1960 ES-335TD's features had settled into their optimum form. With a fast new neck profile, striking new "insert" or "reflector" tone and volume knobs, the ES-335TD still retained early-spec details such as the dot fingerboard inlays, a kind of "Mickey Mouse" double cutaway profile, full-length maple centerblock, and nickel-plated hardware that players have long seen as indicative of the model's zenith. All these and more are brought back to life in the Custom Shop 50th Anniversary 1960 ES-335TD, a reincarnation of one of the most legendary semi-hollow electric guitar of all time, handcrafted by Gibson Custom's Memphis division to celebrate the model's "golden anniversary". For this celebration, Gibson Custom is offering the later 1960 "fast neck profile" version, the most unique of the year, and is available in Antique Vintage Sunburst, Antique Faded Cherry or Antique Natural finish, all aged in Gibson's acclaimed VOS (Vintage Original Specs) process, and loaded with period-correct hardware including "insert" volume and tone knobs, double band tuners and a pair of accurate PAF-style 57 Classic humbucking pickups. Additionally the neck features a holly head veneer, tortoise shell side dot material and has been completely re-tooled with accurate truss rod channel depth and profile based on scans by the Gibson Custom Shop Engineering Team. The Custom Shop 50th Anniversary 1960 ES-335TD is the closest today's player can come to obtaining the look, feel and tone of an original dot-neck 1960 ES-335TD, short of remortgaging the house and sinking the kids' college fund on the venture. With its historically accurate tonewoods, electronics, and hardware, the Custom Shop 50th Anniversary 1960 ES-335TD packs all the tonal versatility of the original, and proves once again why the design has remained a favorite of guitarists from every genre of music since its introduction half a century ago. All Custom Shop 50th Anniversary 1960 ES-335TDs come with a silkscreened Gibson Custom Shop hardshell case, a Certificate of Authenticity and a full complement of "how to" literature. For more, go to gibson.com.

Victoria Introduces Ivy League amp

Sat, 22 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT
Victoria Amplifier's new Ivy League is a recreation of the classic 5F10 Fender Harvard, with triple inputs, 6AT6 7-pin preamp tube, twin 6V6 power tubes and a single 10" speaker. Like all Victorias, the Ivy League features all U,S.-made components including resistors, capacitors, transformers, wire and hardware! (USA made vacuum tubes included when available.) Read more details at victoriaamp.com.

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