The Beatles - Complete

Well it's took the best part of three years, but this festive season saw me finally complete the set.

So based on the previous post I have started to check out Lindsey Buckingham's previous releases. "Gift Of Screws" drew me in just like "Seeds We Sow" did. He is one of the few artists that can use 'space' to great effect. This allows the listener (me) to really appreciate the varied tones of his fret work.
It's clear to see why Mick Fleetwood was keen to secure the services of Lindsey Buckingham way back in the seventies, and now the true talent in that band shines through.
I am probably way behind in singing this guys praises as he has for a long time been revered by guitarists through out the world, but this is one party I am happy to be late for as I have so much of his other solo work to look forward to.
"Under The Skin" next.........

I have always been a big fan of Lindsey's work with Fleetwood Mac, but for some reason always steered clear of his solo work. Well after deciding to 'take the plunge' with his new album I shall be addressing his back catalogue.
Maybe something changes as you get older and you start to appreciate musicians for their outstanding ability and total control of their chosen instrument. Steve Lukather, Victor Wooten are two artists that I have given repeated listens too and benefited from the joy of their music.
When I first listened to Lindsey's album I had it on in the background whilst I was working in my studio. In no time at all I was staring at the speakers in amazement at what a great guitarist this man is.
It's not even going to register on many peoples wish list, but for me it is always a pleasure when music makes me stop what I am doing and draws me in.
I have nothing but the highest regard for any musician who can can effect me in this way.

Two 'Works Of Art'

"Work Of Art" are one of those European band's whose influences include Journey, Toto etc.
Obviously sharing their love of these iconic bands I had to check them out.
Both albums, Artworks (2008) and In Progress (2011) owe a great debt to Toto circa Isolation and Fahrenheit, but if to bi-pass the obvious sound-a-like tracks you will be rewarded with some of the finest AOR in years.
From a bass players point of view there is'nt one named on the albums. The band comprises of guitarist Robert Sall, singer Lars Safsund and drummer Herman Furin. So no bass permanent bass player.... maybe they need one!!

I definitely recommend you give them a listen.

Night Ranger Takes Over As Album of 2011 (so far....)

There has been some great music released recently in the wake of the resurgence of AOR (mainly thanks to GLEE!!). New offerings from Sunstorm (Joe Lynn Turner), Blanc Faces, Terry Brock, Two Fires and Shinning Line have all joined Journey in releasing quality material in recent months. So when I heard that Night Ranger were jumping on the 'band waggon' I was curious to see what Jack Blades (bass & Lead vocals) and the (old farts) band would come up with. 'Midnight Madness' (1983) and 'Big Life' (1987) were de-rigour in the 80's, then they went bland and dull with 'Man In Motion' (1988). Time to get a proper job and settle down.
So what of 'Somewhere In California'....
Forget winding the windows down; just rip the whole roof off and turn it up!! Sod the rain; put your Ray Bans on and (if you have any left) let the wind fly through your hair.
Remind your kids that you used to be young once in this is what great music can make you feel like.
There are so many reasons why this album has jumped to the top of my personal 'Best of 2011' list. On Journeys last album I felt they lost their anthemic style that they were renowned for. Fortunately Night Ranger found it and sprinkled this album with anthems a plenty.
"Growing Up In California" kicks the whole thing off with a corking guitar/keyboard harmony intro then you are transported back to a time when music meant something to you and your mates.
"Lay It On Me" has got a riff to die for. They are guilty of stealing from Metallica and Bon Jovi but as Blades sings "we don't even care",  you quickly forgive them as you will find yourself with a smile on your face trying to remember where you put your old cowboy boots, and cursing your pot belly.
"Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight)" will have you raising one hand in the air as count the beat on the steering wheel. OK, so your going to get some strange looks from the people in the car next to you, but just make sure your drowning out their "Now 78" CD.
"Time Of Our Lives" is Sister Christian circa 2011. Big power ballad, big vocals, big guitar solo.
"No Time Top Loose Ya" is a classic Major/Minor/Major chorus with a chugging guitar verse. Yes its been done a million times before, but no-one does it today!! And a harmony guitar solo ...oh yeah!!!
"It's Not Over" is Air Guitar Heaven, and it will have you singing 'goodbye' at the top of your voice at the end of every chorus.
"Rock n' Roll Tonite" does what it says on the tin, so make sure yours peakers  can handle this one. I harks back to the days when record companies used to let musicians go into the studio and have some fun.
"Say It With Love" closes the album, and if you've got this far you are richly rewarded with some awesome interplay between keyboards and guitar. This song is full of light and shade and by the time you listen to the last piano triplet at the end of the outro you will be wanting to share the experience with someone else...as I have done.

Rehearsal Madness

Frantically searching for 'my dots' during a recent Greyhounds rehearsal. My wife thinks I look studious in this pic. Actually I'm fanning the keyboard player after he passed out having taken the full force of one of my world famous "ring burners".......:)

Country Music Rocks \m/

This track proves beyond all reasonable doubt that Country Music Rocks. Check out the guitar trade off towards the end of this track. Brad Paisley is one of my favourite artists and on this track, "Start A Band", he shares the guitar-limelight with Keith Urban. Taken from the album Play. 

Greyhound rehearsals

Taken during rehearsals for my début as 'front-man' for the newly re-formed Greyhounds.
I'm using my trusty Peavey Cirrus through my GK12 Backline amp. We were going through "Redemption Song" taken off Michael McDonald's last album Soul Speak.

Brad Paisley & Alabama

Taken off Brad Paisley's new album "This Is Country Music" this track "Ol' Alabama" features Brad and the legendary band Alamaba. I was listening to the CD for the first time last night in the car and this came on.....the volume went up, the steering wheel became a snare drum. Now I have to convince the 'Storms to do this one.

The Greyhounds photo shoot

Probably one of the most memorable photo shoots I have ever been a part of. The guitarist was unavailable so a 'stand-in' was used. Steve (front/right) and I appear to have given up on trying to re-create the 'serious muso pose'.

victor wooten - Awesome!!!

Sit back and watch this mind blowing solo.
It's enough to want to make me put all of my bass guitars on ebay!!

Stampede - New Album

Check out this album by the re-formed band Stampede. OK so it features two of my closest musical brothers (Stevie 'G' on drums and Chris Clowsley on guitar), but that aside, it is a tour-de-force in rock. Reuben Archer's vocals shine through songs that bring the spirit of  N.W.O.B.H.M to a relevant position in rock music for the 21st Century. Stand-out track for me is "Flaming Gold".

BV's to die for..

Here is one of the greatest little gadgets I have ever used. It's a TC Helicon H1 vocal harmoniser. Makes my backing vocals sound awesome. Can take the key from my bass (has to be a major key though as it's really designed for our 6 string friends) but you can dial in the relative harmonies. I have been working through the J2T set but I'm going to be adding it to all of my BV's.

Storms 'up North'

That's me waiting for the 'tour bus' to arrive:) First gig in many years that I have done without having to drive. Marty (Arizona Storms' guitarist) was 'my driver' for the day, and what a refreshing change to sit back and take in the sites of .... well nothing really as the back of the van didn't have any windows. Still I got in some quality ipod time. The gig was a major success and thanks to everyone who came to RAOB in Durham. Visit  http://www.facebook.com/ArizonaStorm to read the wonderful feedback from our new freinds 'up North'.

Wolverhampton Band Wants Keyboard Player - Musolist.com

Wolverhampton Band Wants Keyboard Player - Musolist.com

New Journey CD

Just listening to my copy of Journey's new CD "Eclipse". Much of the album lives in a minor key, so I was a little disappointed at first listen. I like Journey when they are switching through the major keys. "Anything Is Possible" come close but on the whole they have gone for a more guitar based offering. "She's A Mystery" is the stand-out track for me with Ross Valory delivering some lovely bass. It's wall-to-wall acoustic guitars peppered with some nice percussion. "Ritual" and "Someone" may be lifted for 'JOURNEY2TOTO".  Both tracks tread a more positive path and will probably be in the band's live set this summer. The comparisons will  continue as you listen to Arnel Pinedas' vocal delivery. He has clearly graduated from the Steve Perry singing academy with distinction.

Peavey Cirrus

Here is my chosen 'weapon of bass destruction'. Its a Peavey Cirrus with a Bubinga top. It has on-board, active three-band EQ with bass/variable mid/treble boost and cut, two internally active VFL pickups, dual-compression finger bridge, 18 Volt low impedance output and 24 frets. This is my tour bass for Journey 2 Toto.

JOURNEY & TOTO

Coincidence or what? The first and second editions
of Classic Rock Presents AOR have chosen two
bands very close to my heart. If only someone
would put a tribute band together for these two..

My album of the year (so far)

I have been a fan of Mike & The Mechanics since day one. Over the years they have always delivered (with the exception of the previous album 'Rewired', which only had one stand out track, "Perfect Child", on it).  As with Genesis Mike Rutherford takes on both guitar and bass duties. The bass lines are never overpowering  and sit well in the mix. Overall this is a 'song' driven album with "Background Noise" being my favourite. OK so there is no Paul Carrack, and they will never achieve the same popularity as they did with "The Living Years", but I start this album on my ipod and I never feel compelled to use the 'skip' button. Now there's not may albums you can say that about in the 21st Century!