Yeah, yeah, this review isn’t timely. This show was over a month ago. Frankly, there were more pressing and impressive things for me to write about. Sam Llanas for one. I’m still choked up over the news Random Touch is … Continue reading
Category Archives: Editorial/Opinion Post
DESPITE THE RUMOURS, JON ANDERSON SAYS NO TO YES, AND YES TO A SOLO TOUR.
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There has been much speculation regarding the lead vocalist position with the band YES. Let’s get the story straight. In case you had not heard, original replacement singer Benoit David has left the group. Before the official announcement that Glass … Continue reading
FALLING OUT OF LOVE OVER TORI AMOS AT THE BEACON THEATER, 12-3-11
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Now that my recording studio consignment obligation is over, it’s time to get back to blogging!!! Maybe there needs to be some clarification with regard to that headline. I have been head over heels with Tori Amos since I first … Continue reading
BASS LEGEND JEFF BERLIN RECORDS AN ASTONISHING NEW CD
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1/9/2012 – Clearwater, FL – Insiders who have heard bass legend Jeff Berlin’s newest CD are buzzing about the forthcoming release – a release that they are saying could possibly be among the greatest bass album of all time! The … Continue reading
FORMER YES LEAD SINGER JON ANDERSON PROVIDES SOUNDTRACK FOR CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY OF PHILADELPHIA’S HOLIDAY E-CARD
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) Jon Anderson, the voice of the rock group Yes for many years, has once again stepped up to help the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia (CSCP) by providing the soundtrack for the organization’s 2011 electronic holiday card. The e-card, designed by … Continue reading
LET’S GET LOCAL! DANCE YOUR NIGHT AWAY, NJ, THEN FILL UP ON TURKEY THE NEXT DAY!!
It would seem this blog has gotten big for its britches. We started with our loyalty to a certain artist-who-will-never-be-named-in-this-blog-again, we had brushes with greatness (Jeff Berlin, Bill Bruford, Jon Anderson, Rick Wakeman, so on) we forget what time of year it is, and what we have to be thankful for.
I remember some of the things I have to be thankful for now that I am back in an area where even I made an impression on the local musical scene. Imagine my surprise when I returned after 18 years away to find that the little band I was a part of was historic in that it was one of the first area local bands to make a splash. The band made news doing MTV basement video contest, local radio airplay, local television appearances, etc. Yeah, we were original before original was cool.
I have the scars and road rash to prove it. Long before Breaking Benjamin broke up.
CLASSIC ROCK LEGENDS WISHBONE ASH CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF ‘ELEGANT STEALTH’
New tunes from Wishbone Ash! Photo courtesy of Glass Onyon
Danbury, CT - Elegant Stealth represents a benchmark in the evolution of Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock. Signature twin-lead melodies and a powerhouse rhythm section frame 11 new tracks that reflect a diverse realm of styles and moods. Elegant Stealth will be released on ZXY Music on November 25th.
Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash has more than 20 original studio recordings and several live albums to their credit. On Elegant Stealth, the group coalesces around strong songwriting and serious chops. Founding member Andy Powell handles lead vocals and trades licks with Finland’s guitar wizard Muddy Manninen. Bassist Bob Skeat, a 14-year veteran of the band and in-demand studio musician, sets the pace with Joe Crabtree, one of the best of Britain’s new breed of drummers, having played with Pendragon and David Cross of King Crimson.
The band demonstrates its versatility on Elegant Stealth, from the pop/rocker “Reason to Believe” to the gentler vibe of “Give it Up” to tunes like “Warm Tears” and “Big Issues,” where the band gets to stretch out and flex its musical muscles.
JON ANDERSON AND RICK WAKEMAN AT THE SHERMAN THEATER, STROUDSBURG, 11-05-11. COME FOR THE MUSIC, STAY FOR THE COMEDY!
Wakeman ( r ) and Anderson test drive some new material from their new collaborative LP The Living Tree as well as cruise some classic YES tunes in the Poconos. Photo by Lynn Vala
This blog has exposed me to a lot of new music. It has also brought me close to many artists, opened many musical doors for me, and I learn something new every time I write something. This review is unique in that while I was fortunate enough to work with the promoter for Jon Anderson, and his subsequent projects, I got to experience what many say is the heart and soul of progressive rock mainstays YES, Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman live playing songs from the YES catalog that we all know and love, but also songs from Anderson/Wakeman’s new album The Living Tree. While this is a review of the live act, I will make a quickie commentary on the album The Living Tree: I am going to get the disc based on the performances I saw at the Sherman Theater.
The Sherman Theater is an old venue in the heart of Stroudsburg, which is undergoing a touch of a renaissance lately. The Sherman, I would say is undergoing it’s own renaissance, with some new elements and some signs of age. Will call got our order confused, but such associations with promoters, press agents, etc., usually leads to snafu situations. Unless person A talks directly to person B, and when I get there I talk to person B, then the situation usually devolves to Situation Normal, All Fouled Up.
While I most likely will recognize the YES tunes, the new pieces from The Living Tree and if Anderson does anything from his new disc Open, I may need help naming them. Thanks to a cooperative soundman and an equally cooperative stage manager named Neil (if memory serves, no chance of that happening), we managed to take pictures of Jon’s personal set lists.
Ask and you shall receive…
The Tubes Terrorized By Technology Yet Reach Pinnacle At Penn’s Peak, 10-28-11
Promoting the expanded re-release of Completion Backward Principle, the Tubes bring their "La Dolce Vida" tour to Jim Thorpe, PA. Photo by Lynn Vala
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Jim Thorpe PA – I function in a lot of different environments. Theaters, clubs, halls… But usually these are, at the most extreme, in the suburbs of some metropolis. This venue is up in the mountains of North East PA.
This up-high-rural-stuff ain’t for me.
Many of these venues often feature restaurants adjacent or within the structure. This venue’s restaurant, Roadies, was particularly good. I may be a tad biased. You see, that night, I was craving a big, sloppy, juicy cheeseburger. I was thrilled when I saw it on the menu. But the burger itself was so huge, juicy and sloppy, it met my craving head on and was most satisfying. The fries were great too. Thankfully, my doctor doesn’t read this column.
But I have found that many of these “experience” reviews contain comments and opinions about food. I am beginning to feel like a restaurant critic. There are enough Gordon Ramsey’s in the world…
Let’s talk about MUSIC!
Yes Legends Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman To Release ‘Anderson / Wakeman -The Living Tree In Concert Part One’
Fresh off the burner, the new CD from Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman. They do indeed deliver the goods, right through customs and into the United States. Cover courtesy of Glass Onyon
So, apparently, my question last time, “can Anderson/Wakeman deliver the goods” has been answered! Some of the East Coast US reviews are starting to surface, and, let’s just say I am thrilled we got our tickets!! This is promising to be a trip down Yes memory lane with nods to brand new music composed by the duo. Not wanting to speak out of turn, I am going to wait for the show to make any decisions about the new material. The good news is, I won’t be waiting long as Anderson and Wakeman are coming to my “hood” tomorrow and I will have pen in hand, trusty photographer armed with photo pass, and I will be happily passing on all the dish about the show!!!
But let’s give a look at what Anderson/Wakeman’s PR folks have to say about this latest release and corresponding tour”:
11/5/2011 – London, UK – As a follow-up to their critically acclaimed CD ‘The Living Tree’ from 2010, YES legends Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman prepare to release ‘Anderson / Wakeman – The Living Tree In Concert Part One’ on Gonzo Multimedia on November 28th. The CD was recorded during the duo’s British tour in 2010 and comes housed in a sleeve design by Mark Wilkinson who was also responsible for the design of the artwork for ‘The Living Tree’.
YES Legends Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman To Tour North America Fall 2011
Founding members of the Yes Former Bandmate Mutual Admiration Society, Rick Wakeman (L) and Jon Anderson (R). Photo courtesy of Glass Onyon
9/17/2011 – Asheville, NC – Much to the delight of fortunate music fans in the Eastern part of North America, music legends and former YES members Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman will be playing a select number of engagements this coming Fall 2011. The legendary duo performed a series of successful concerts in the UK in 2010 in support of their critically acclaimed CD release ‘The Living Tree’, and are now bringing their highly anticipated show to America!
Having worked together on and off since 1971′s groundbreaking YES masterwork ‘Fragile’, Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman have traveled similar musical paths that have eventually and happily led their careers back together again! Now once again, the duo promise a magical evening of music and humor for all who attend! “Expect a night of music, full of YES classics and new adventures in song from ‘The Living Tree’ album and moments of brilliance, humor and affection borne from a friendship and musical partnership that has lasted 40 years”, says Jon. “We knew from the responses on the last YES tour that the acoustic section was extremely popular and that many of the pieces could be re-arranged and adapted to make very interesting and hopefully enjoyable new ways of playing YES music and our own music,” adds Rick.
The tour is being produced by Metropolitan Talent Presents and is booked by Keith Naisbitt of Los Angeles based Agency for the Performing Arts. John Scher co-CEO of Metropolitan says, “We are incredibly proud to be presenting the North American debut of this legendary duo! Jon and Rick ARE the voice and sound of YES, as well as famously successful solo performers! This tour will be areal treat for their legions of fans.”
JULIE SLICK, BAREFOOT AND ON HER OWN!! CHALK ONE UP FOR THE YOUTH OF AMERICA!
Once again, nothing like that personalized, autographed CD cover.
If you caught my last post, I went on about a talented young bassist by the name of Julie Slick who plays bass in the Adrian Belew Power Trio. For this young lady to be able to handle parts by bassists of such renown as Tony Levin, Les Claypool and others, as well as converting parts played on the Chapman Stick and Warr Guitar, is an ambitious feat in itself. So it was of little surprise to me that she could conjure up a series of songs to compile a solo disc. What was surprising was the depth and imaginativeness as well as the maturity and depth of composition this young artist has displayed. Again, if you are looking for Katy Perry, Lada Yada, or other pop divas of that ilk, this ain’t it. This is the direction of progressive music of the female gender. Artists like Tori Amos, Nina Hagen, even some instrumental Laurie Anderson come to mind. Slick professes not to be a vocalist, but I’d love to comprise this line-up: Amos on keyboards and vocals, Anderson on keyboards, violin, electronics and vocals, Slick on bass and electronics, and Maureen Tucker of Velvet Underground (Anderson’s husband Lou Reed’s former bandmate) on percussion and anything else she wants.
GoGo’s my gluteus maximus (and at my age, it is maximus)…
ADRIAN BELEW POWER TRIO LIVE IN GERMANY DVD, THE GENESIS OF AN AMAZING MUSIC MACHINE
Nothing like a personalized, autographed DVD case of the Adrian Belew Power Trio Live In Germany.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: I’d like to take a minute or two to express some heartfelt emotions. Yup, first entry back and I’m getting all mushy. But I’d like to thank all of my faithful followers who contacted me on my Facebook page and relayed their concerns regarding my absence from these sites. I have been, and to a lesser extent, still am, under the weather. I will remain classified as such until an exam later this month. I also want to thank a couple of new Facebook friends who convinced me that regardless of negative feedback, my opinion of the art form is the only one that should matter in my forum. Thank you Steve and Elliott.
I have a lot of catching up to do, so let’s get to it!
Music Legend Jon Anderson To Tour The US In Support Of Forthcoming CD Release: “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson”
Say YES to acoustic versions from your favorite progressive band's lead singer. Photo courtesy of Glass Onyon.
4/5/2011 – Asheville, NC – Much to the excitement of fans across the country, Music icon Jon Anderson, best known for his work with Yes, Vangelis, Kitaro and other notable music artists, as well as his innovative solo efforts, is preparing to tour the US in support of his forthcoming CD release ‘Survival and Other Stories‘. Jon recently completed a successful European tour with former Yes member and keyboard virtuoso Rick Wakeman on the heels of their critically acclaimed debut album ‘The Living Tree‘. The upcoming Spring tour “An Acoustic Evening With Jon Anderson” touts an exciting mixture of material from Jon Anderson’s prolific solo career, collaborations with Vangelis and classic Yes songs, along with new compositions from his pending CD, and promises a magical and memorable evening of enchanting music for all who attend!
HISTORIC RECORDINGS OF FAIRPORT CONVENTION WITH SANDY DENNY LIVE AT EBBETS FIELD 1974 SEES CD RELEASE
Unearthed recordings of Fairport Convention with Sandy Denny surface on CD.
3/16/2011 – Philadelphia, PA – Much to the excitement of Fairport Convention and Sandy Denny fans around the globe, Philadelphia’s ItsAboutMusic.comwill release ultra rare recordings of the famed UK group recorded live at Ebbets Field in Denver, Colorado May 23/24, 1974. Produced and digitally remastered by Fairport Convention’s Jerry Donahue for ItsAboutMusic.com, the 1974 line-up of Fairport Convention on these recordings feature Sandy Denny (Vocals, Piano), Dave Mattacks (Drums), Jerry Donahue (Lead Guitar, Vocals), Dave Pegg (Bass,Vocals), Trevor Lucas (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar) and Dave Swarbrick (Vocals, Violin). This historical audio documentation catches the band at the height of their career performing to an ecstatic audience.
Fairport Convention are an English folk rock band formed in 1967, who are still recording and touring today, and are considered “the most important group in the English folk rock movement”. Their critically acclaimed album Liege and Lief helped launch the English folk rock movement. The vast number of personnel who have passed through band’s revolving door are amongst the most highly regarded and influential musicians of their era, and have gone on to work with many significant bands. Since 1979 the group has hosted the Cropredy Festival, a large annual event held in England. Individually and collectively the members of Fairport Convention have garnered numerous awards recognizing their contribution to music and culture.Fairport Convention was formed around 1967, and originally played a ”harmony-and guitar-based folk-rock style” strongly influenced by Californian groups of the day like the Byrds. The line-up that recorded their self-titled debut album in 1968 featured Richard Thompson, Ian Matthews, and Simon Nicol on guitars; Ashley Hutchings on bass; Judy Dyble on vocals; and Martin Lamble on drums. Fairport Convention didn’t reach their peak until Dyble was replaced after the first album in 1968 by Sandy Denny, who had previously recorded both as a solo act and with the Strawbs. Denny has been touted as the best British folk-rock singer of all time. This incarnation of the band would record two well-received albums. When Ian Matthews left the band in early 1969, and Martin Lamble (still in his teens) died in an accident involving the group’s equipment van in mid-1969, Fairport regrouped, replacing Lamble with Dave Mattacks, and adding Dave Swarbrick on fiddle. Their repertoire became much more traditional, and electrified traditional folk numbers would dominate their next album, Liege and Lief (1969).
This line-up didn’t last long and by the end of the ’60s Ashley Hutchings had left to join Steeleye Span (he was replaced by Dave Pegg). Sandy Denny also left the group to form Fotheringay with Jerry Donahue. Richard Thompson remained for Full House (1970), but by the beginning of 1971 he too had departed, leaving Nicol as the only original member. Sandy Denny would actually return to the group for about a year and a half in the 1970s, prior to her death in 1978. Fairport Convention have continued on and off for the last 25 years, touring and performing frequently. To this day, the band is supported by a devoted fan base. Now with the release of Fairport Convention with Sandy Denny – Ebbets Field 1974, one important chapter of the band’s history is preserved for generations to enjoy. Here’s a magic recording of Sandy Denny, Jerry Donahue, Trevor Lucas, Dave Swarbrick, Dave Pegg and Dave Mattacks captured live!
CD and Download Release March 22, 2011
For song samples: http://www.itsaboutmusic.com/fairport.html
Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@cs.com
BOULE IS BACK, FASTER THAN EVER WITH THE NEW AND IMPROVED TOP TEN MUSICIAN’S LIST FOR 2010
I know, I know… I said I would be posting more regularly, but I had severe difficulties with my Internet Service Provider, Enter.Net. For all you readers in my former hometown, Allentown PA, you must know that Enter.Net is a substandard provider and has no regard for customers outside it’s immediate geographic region. The internet is global. Since I was unable to access the internet for many weeks with dependability, posting was a problem. I have switched to a new provider, Comcast, and upgraded to a T1 connection. So I should be able to upload those boatloads of photos faster.
I extend my sympathies to my webmasters.
KILLING JOKE GATHER AT THE IRVING PLAZA, 12-03-10
Killing Joke onstage at the Fillmore at Irving Plaza, NYC. Photo by Lynn Vala
Killing Joke finally played the Irving Plaza after postponing this show from earlier in the year. They were amazing. I told you it was going to be awesome. You should have been there.
© 2011 Coming Age and this website unless otherwise noted. Please note: The views and opinions expressed in this blog do not necessarily represent those of the sponsoring or publishing entities.
TODD RUNDGREN BRINGS HEALING PSYCHEDELIA TO THE KESWICK THEATER, 9-14-10 PART TWO
The Carnival Cruise mom isn't the only one catching air... Photo by Lynn Vala
Glenside PA – Picking up from where we left off with our last entry, we are in intermission of the Todd/Healing show at the Keswick Theater in Glenside PA. Whilst waiting for part two of the show, I manage to talk to some fans, as well as Doug Ford, Steve the usher who tells me that some of the more raucous songs are not only not for him, but at the back of the theater, sound like mud. THAT’S a shame. I am fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of Tim Luciano, who, through his brother Pete (‘Lucky’) is friends with and grew up with Rundgren’s brother Robin Rundgren, who is here at the show along with Rundgren’s mother Ruth. Mrs. Rundgren attends many of Rundgren’s east coast shows and is a heavy contributor to Rundgren biographer Billy James’ two editions of ‘A Dream Goes On Forever, The Continuing Story Of Todd Rundgren’.
As the second half nears, we see under the curtain the movement of feet, we hear Rundgren talking and errant notes here and there. The house lights die as album 2,Healing begins. From behind closed curtain we hear Rundgren vocally proclaim ‘My child…’
2010 – A Great Year for Music
I was talking to one of my friends down at Looney Tunes the other day and I was saying what a good year it was for music, maybe not the popular hit crap, but music in general. John went so far as to say that the past few years have made the past decade one of the best ever. Being an Oldrockr from back in the day I don’t know if I can go that far, but these past years have seen some great music being released, predominantly by independent labels and artists.
I love putting together these year end lists. Like any true music geek I am constantly arranging lists in my mind. Those characters in Hi Fidelity are just composites of all of us and our idiosyncrasies. We organize and we make lists. So here goes my year end Best of 2010 list. These are in no particular order but all have become staples on the turntable or in my iPod. Sorry record labels I don’t even want CD’s anymore. So for better or worse here we go….
Joe Pug – Messenger
A great album of modern folk by one of the up and coming young singer songwriters. He reminds me a bit of Bob Dylan in the vocal department but there are worse comparisons that one can make. I’ve been playing this quite often lately Not So Sure, The Sharpest Crown and Bury Me Far (From My Uniform) are several standouts among many.
Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More
Young English guys pick up assorted Americana instruments and make a great big wonderful sound. The album sounds so familiar and at the same time fresh and exciting. Little Lion Man may be the “hit” but the rest of the album, especially Caves, is just as good. Banjos, mandolins, and acoustic guitars haven’t sounded this good in years.
The Gaslight Anthem – American Slang
The older I get the more bored I am by the Rock & Roll that is being released. These boys from Jersey have made a classic. A great album to crank up in the car from start to finish. I hear the Springsteen influences (a good thing) but this is so much more. I can’t recommend it enough.
Mat D. – Plank Road Drag
The internet has become the place for me to find new music. I saw a video of Mat D singing Forty Watt Moon (one of favorite songs of the year) on another blog and immediately tracked down this album. I think it was $1.88 on Aimie Street (I miss this site) and I would easily pay 10 times that. A great, great record.
The SteelDrivers – Reckless
This is not only the best bluegrass release of 2010, it might be the best album of the year. You can check my review out here.
The Fox Hunt – Long Way To Go
The Infamous Stringdusters – Things That Fly
Modern bluegrass has stretched the genre far beyond the traditional sounds. This may piss off the traditionalists but it works so well for me. I hope to see both of these acts at Grey Fox in July!
Otis Gibbs – Joe Hill’s Ashes
For the second year in a row Otis Gibbs lands on my year end best of list. Think Billy Bragg if he came from the midwest.
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings – I Learned The Hard Way
Real soul music that sounds just like it should. A fine update for a genre that doesn’t often fire me up. This one does.
Randy Rogers Band – Burning the Day
The best country music isn’t coming out of Nashville folks. Texas is a might fine place to start looking for some quality country and the Randy Rogers Band delivers the goods once again.
Peter Wolf – Midnight Souvenirs
If this was only a 45 with the excellent Tragedy (featuring Shelby Lynne) it would be on this list. Lucky for you and me it is so much more than that. An excellent album by an oft overlooked talent.
Mavis Staples – You Are Not Alone
Working with alt-country pioneer and Wilco front man Jeff Tweedy, Mavis Staples makes on of the best recordings of her career. A unique voice and true talent.
Black Country Communion – Black Country Communion
All the excess of the 70′s hard rock scene which in this case is a good thing. Killer guitars, pounding drums and some great vocals. I hate me for liking it but I can’t help myself.
Kid Rock – Born Free
Kid Rock finally ditches his old persona and releases his inner Bob Seger. Pure 70′s retro good time music. I love it. Hipsters need not apply. As for me I’ll be playing this one all summer long…
Bruce Springsteen – The Promise
Bruce released the right album in 1978. Darkness on the Edge of Town is his best work. Period. That said most artists would kill to release this much good music in the career. And these are leftovers! Buy the box set, it’s worth it.
Best release of new versions of old songs: The Black Crowes – Croweology
Best Concert: Sam Bush (BB Kings) and The Subdudes (BB Kings) a tie!
Best Box Set: Bruce Springsteen – The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story
Best Reissue: The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main Street
Here’s to a Happy and Healthy 2011 that brings us all more great music!
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY AT LOONEY TUNES
GET $25 FREE FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS TODAY ONLY!
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY AT LOONEY TUNES
Today is Small Business Saturday, a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. If you are an American Express cardholder you can register your card with the AmEx Small Business Saturday site and get $25 credit back on your statement when you shop at Looney Tunes or other small businesses on Saturday, 11/27.
Thank you for supporting small businesses!
Reasons to shop on small business Saturday It’s the latest movement to get you to spend cash at your local mom and pop stores, who’ve been hit hard in this tough economy. Ken Chenault, the chairman and CEO of American Express, talks about this new initiative.
