80's Rock/Blues Guitar Summits Set to Rock Englewood

Fans of 80's rock and blues guitar take note - two important events are coming to the BergenPAC theater in Englewood, New Jersey over the next few weeks!

Eddie Money and John Waite
Fri Oct 23
$99, $49, $49, $39, $29
Eddie Money set the bar high for rock hits starting in the 70s! Eddie Money charted high with such hits as "Baby Hold On" "Two tickets to Paradise," "Shakin," "I think I'm In Love" and "Take Me Home Tonight"! John Waite, lead singer of The Babys and Bad Enough, will perform hits such as "Change", "Missing You" and "When I See You Smile". Don't miss your chance to see both Eddie Money and John Waite in one night.
http://www.bergenpac.org/generation-gap/eddie-money-and-john-waite/

Jonny Lang & Robert Cray
Wed Nov 11
$99, $69, $54, $42, $29
Blues Guitar Summit - Grammy Winner, Jonny Lang made his bones as one of the hot, young blues guitar slingers of the '90s, playing alongside such legends as Buddy Guy and B.B. King. These days, Lang still gets out on the road to grind out all his hits with artists ranging from Herbie Hancock to Joss Stone. Eric Clapton regularly tours with Robert Cray, so if that endorsement isn't enough, check out any number of Cray's Grammy-winning albums beginning with "Strong Persuader" and hits including "Smoking Gun", "Right Next Door" and "I Guess I Showed Her". This is blues that's sure to get you into a groove.
http://www.bergenpac.org/generation-gap/jonny-lang-robert-cray/

BLACKMORE’S NIGHT CONJOURS UP A FALL EAST COAST TOUR

Peasants and knights, jesters and kings, gypsys and princesses dance side by side down the city streets. This isnt a scene from yesteryear...the year is 2009 - the place - a concert hall near you. This is the world of Blackmore's Night and their eclectic musical blend of folk renaissance rock music.

Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night and their talented band of Minstrels (Earl Grey of Chimay, Gypsy Rose, Bard David of Larchmont, Squire Malcolm of Lumley and Die Geyer Albert) present a fascinating combination of soft rock music and European folk melodies often fusing instruments of the Renaissance era with those of the modern day. Ritchie has coined the term for this newly created category of music "Renaissance Rock". Much of their inspiration is their love for nature - and the pageantry and romance of the beautiful music of the Renaissance time.

Blackmore's Night and their 7 piece band weaves the mystical music of another time into their own sound with acoustic and electric guitars, strings, eclectic instruments like hurdy-gurdy and bagpipe entwined with Candice Night's ethereal voice.

MORE INFO AT:

www.blackmoresnight.com
www.candicenight.com

Les Paul Will Live on Through His Instruments and Innovations

Les Paul’s Memorial Weekend begins today as - following a Wednesday funeral service in New York City - Paul will be buried at a private ceremony on Friday, August 21, at the Prairie Home Cemetery in his hometown of Waukesha , WI.

Kweevak had the honor of covering the late great Les Paul twice - with one report from a 2006 Iridium show - and one write-up from his 90th birthday celebration at Carnegie Hall.

Although Les Paul was more of a jazz musician, Les is considered by many to be the grandfather of rock and roll. It was Paul's innovations to the electric guitar that now bares his name that revolutionized the instrument and its impact.

Les Paul is also credited with creating multi-track recording, without which classic records such as Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (The Beatles) and Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd) could not have been made in the late 60's and early 70's.

Many of his innovations to amplification are the standards of today. In addition to his musical inventions Paul was also a popular and successful composer and player, often remembered for his work with his wife Mary Ford.

Mr. Paul has jammed with many of rock's royal line. Rockers who can trace their lineage and love of music back to Les and their first signature Les Paul guitars. For years, Paul played two shows every Monday night at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City. Often guest musicians would stop by and perform with the master. For anyone who had the privilege of seeing Les live, you know that he still played beautifully even with arthritis. Paul was joyful and joked as he gently grazed the strings of his guitars. His music and his muse were magical.

Les Paul will be sorely missed but he will live on forever through the gadgets, guitars, innovations and impacts that are his legacy.

Award-Winning Blues Vocalist Nicole Hart To Perform Live and Online August 11th - Free Concert Will Be Recorded For Live DVD Release

Also, Will Be Featured Guest on XM Sirius Radio's BB King's Bluesville August 13th In Support of Acclaimed CD, "Treasure"

On the heels of her acclaimed new CD Treasure (Blues Leaf Records) award-winning blues artist Nicole Hart (www.nicolehart.com) will perform live at the Ridgewood, NJ performance venue, Blend, on Tuesday, August 11th. The show will be streamed live via webcast on RVibe-Live (www.RVibe-Live.com) and will be recorded for an upcoming live DVD release.

Keeping the momentum going, Hart will follow that event two days later with a guest appearance on the airwaves of XM Sirius Satellite Radio's BB King's Bluesville with host Bill Wax on August 13 at (12PM-2PM). Her most recent CD, "Treasure," is a smash on the station, which reaches an estimated 1.5 million subscribers (20 million subscribers overall), climbing to Number 3 this month on the XM/Sirius Blues charts.

"Blend" is a wonderful venue to perform and, now thanks to RVibe-Live, fans from around the globe can be there with me, live and in concert!" Hart says. "And to also be invited by national DJ Bill Wax as a guest on a show as respected in the blues community as XM Sirius's BB King's Bluesville is my dream come true."

The Atlanta, Georgia native has been experiencing a flood of positive press and reviews since releasing her debut CD "Treasure" on April 14th of this year. The CD is still going strong 15 Weeks on the Roots Music Report "Blues Weekly Charts"; debuting at #14 On the Living Blues Charts; and is currently in rotation on Music Choice America's syndicated blues channel. In May 2009, Hart was awarded "Female Vocalist of the Year" at the 5th Annual Los Angeles South Bay Music Awards, and is now poised to reach an even wider audience thanks to these two national performance events.

Renowned for her mesmerizing, riveting and sensual live shows, Hart has been in non-stop performance mode, completing three highly successful tours with stops at the Springing The Blues festival in Jacksonville, FL, where she performed for an estimated audience of 300,000; a headlining slot at Laconia, New Hampshire's Big Three Motorcycle Week, as well as the Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival, the Riverhead Blues Festival, and a slew of prominent festivals and club venues on the national circuit.

"I have been singing and interested in music since I was a toddler," Hart said describing how she has been working for this moment all her life. Indeed, she started her career in second grade with her church choir and became a classically trained singer as a young adult. She then went on to sing a wide range of styles with session work while also honing her songwriting skills. "It's been a fascinating and never-ending journey to get to know myself as an artist."

More than a great singer, Hart is also an accomplished songwriter and member of ASCAP and BMI with her own music publishing company, "Hart/Ong Songs." She penned the title track on "Treasure," a record that Keys & Chords Magazine said featured "A wonderful, sultry voice...with beautiful phrasing, effortlessly competing with Winehouse and Duffy."

As a modern day Blues woman, Nicole straddles a diverse musical terrain defined by such icons as Koko Taylor, Susan Tedeschi, Janiva Magness, & Bonnie Raitt. Hart's impressive resume also includes work in television, film & live performance outside the realm of Blues.

"As an artist, I am influenced by all great music, and inspired by many of the greatest artists of our time. I aspire to create a feeling & a depth of integrity representing those influences, while also conveying a viewpoint toward the world of my own."

Soon, even more listeners will get to know Nicole Hart as an artist when they tune in to the web and radio this week. When they do, they'll find that her voice, her songs and her new CD are a Treasure well worth discovering.

For more information about Nicole Hart check out her website at http://www.nicolehart.com her MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/nicolehartband; www.facebook.com/nicolehart8808; www.reverbnation.com/nicolehartband;
Or contact Mark Meding at FM Management International at http://fmmanagement.org or (917)797-8462.

Media Contact: Right Word Media
Ray Ecke
p. 973.726.3797
f. 973.726.3798
c. 201.741.1092
e. ray@rightwordmedia.com

Don’t Miss Joe Bonamassa at BergenPAC

Wed Aug 12 at 8:00
$69, $49, $49, $39, $29
Following in the footsteps of rock's greatest guitarists, and a contender to the throne vacated by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Bonamassa is steeped in the kind of blues-rock that truly electrifies --- with Special Guest STRETCH - featuring Glenn Alexander, Guitar; Dave LaRue, Bass and Bill Elder, Drums.

WEB: http://www.bergenpac.org/generation-gap/joe-bonamassa/

Kweevak Music Magazine "CD Review" Dispatch: Issue #0002

DAVY KNOWLES & BACK DOOR SLAM - COMING UP FOR AIR: When fresh-faced and uber-talented guitarist Davy Knowles broke out in 2008 with his band Back Door Slam the poor kid hardly got a break. Him and his trio made multiple exhausting trips to the States from their home base in the Isle of Man to play festivals, media events and opening slots for whoever would have them. But, all the work paid off and many important people in the biz took notice - most notably none other than Peter Frampton (a heralded guitar phenom in his own day) who has stepped up to produce the follow-up Coming Up For Air out now on Blix Street Records. Knowles' fiery licks ignite on "Tear Down The Walls" which starts off with some smoldering B3 from Heartbreaker Benmont Tench - a guest on several of the CD's tracks. "Hear Me Lord" is an intense cover of the George Harrison spiritual with more transcendent six-string work. A bonus track titled "Taste of Danger" with Jonatha Brooke appears on both artist's recent albums and is a smart marketing move to help listeners get a taste of each individual's flavorful talent. While Davy Knowles is rooted in the blues and cites Irish export Rory Gallagher as his biggest influence the artist has the voice, looks and chops for mass crossover appeal - think Mayer, Clapton, and Winwood - that's where DK is headed as he grows his fan base in 2009 touring with acts like Jeff Beck and the monstrous Chickenfoot. Knowles often checks with fans on his Twitter page and he has relayed the fact that while on tour he's watching instructional videos by other axe masters like Eric Johnson and more. This is cool because with two heralded full-length albums already under his belt the 22-year-old shows an inspiring commitment to his craft and a willingness to keep learning - and although he's Coming Up For Air - Davy Knowles ain't taking a breather.
• Info: [USA/TN 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Richard J. Lynch for Kweevak.com)

DREAM THEATER - BLACK CLOUDS & SILVER LININGS: Dream Theater lightens things up a bit and looks on the bright side with Black Clouds and Silver Linings - their tenth studio album out now on Roadrunner Records. That is, as light as a CD about a car wreck, wasting away, secret societies and the passing of a parent can be. Still, with a nod to 80's-era Rush sprinkled through the album's 80-minutes this material is more accessible than the batch of brooding tunes found on 2007's Systematic Chaos. The six originals on Black Clouds & Silver Linings spans a full spectrum of sights, sounds and styles. "A Nightmare To Remember" opens with the sound of an approaching storm colliding into orchestrated instrumentation and thunderous drumming. The song runs the gamut from manic to melodic including a hazy hospital scene after the car crash which is the story line of the song. "A Rite Of Passage" speaks about secret societies and melds middle eastern tones with metal. Varied vocals meander through a mysterious maze of meters and measures. "Wither" is wistfully and wishful enhanced by LaBrie's breathy vocals. "The Shattered Fortress" is jagged like a broken glass bringing together the pieces of Portnoy's previous 12-Step songs. It is a hard hitting hodge podge of past and present dialogue and musical digressions. In contrast to the chaos is the beautiful "Best Of Times" written and dedicated in memory to Mike's father Howard Portnoy. The song ranges from pensive to peppy starting with a pretty piano part by Jordan enhanced by subtle strings. The pace picks up with vibrant visual lyrics of life moments shared with Dad. John's solo on the song is spectacular and literally soars to heaven. The CD closes with the epic "The Count Of Tuscany". It is a thematic and highly technical tune. Countless changes and haunting hooks adds to the intricacy and intrigue of the song. Dream Theater's new storm of progressive rock metal music appears to have brought forth an abundant crop of good reviews and new fans while landing the release in Billboard's Top 10 Overall Albums (#6) on the week of its release. Perhaps Dream Theater is utilizing the chaos principle to finally put things in order as far as their career goes. Perhaps, as progressive rock music is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, there's been a method to their musical madness all along. Either way, signs point to brighter days ahead for the quality quintet hailing from New York and Canada - proving that the dream is still alive 20 years on from their first release.
• Info: [USA/NY 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Richard J. Lynch and Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)

LINQ - RX AND THE SIDE EFFECTS: As a former professional pharmacist turned prolific indie artist Boston's Linq offers a musical manifesto on the current hotbed societal issue of fixing the health care industry. Anyone who has been watching the debate unfold but is yet to grasp the breadth and depth of the problem and dire circumstances that often occur when patients seek medical attention in the United States - well, Rx and The Side Effects, the fourth full-length album from the modern folk rocker - is as good of a place to start as any to get a clear-eyed offering into all that has gone wrong with health care in America. By raising the clarion call on issues such as over-prescriptions, the uninsured, post-care poverty, the burden of coverage and a variety of drug related crimes - the ten songs on Linq's sixth overall release reveal an intelligent and insightful artist with a conscience who speaks out on the issues. Presented in singer-songwriter format Linq will often mix it up to include Blues, R&B and techno strains with her dominant folk delivery and the results are most effective on the anthemic "Prescription Chaos" and the rockin' "Side Effects". While Linq may not have a solution or a cure for the ills of the health care industry - she does have a diagnosis - and it doesn't look too good. Maybe a dose of these good songs from the Linq are the only injection the industry needs to get itself healed once and for all.
• Info: [USA/MA 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Richard J. Lynch for Kweevak.com)

NEIL YOUNG - FORK IN THE ROAD: Neil Young's latest release Fork In The Road is an enigmatic embrace of his own new car technology and a discordant diatribe against the modern day dysfunctional auto industry. At the same time the album is a celebration of every American's birthright to ride the country from coast to coast if they so please - and the songs narrate an anticipatory theme about a world where a new generation will be hitting the road on alternative energy. Thus, we've come to the fork and Neil points us in the direction we should go - and that's far away from our reliance on fossil fuels and oil. LincVolt is Neil's new venture that aims to inspire a generation by creating a clean automobile propulsion technology that serves the needs of the 21st Century and delivers performance that is a reflection of the driver's spirit (in other words, this is no "smart" car they're building - think big!). In fact, the project centers around a 1959 Lincoln Continental that Young has converted to hybrid technology and which he plans to drive to Washington, D.C. By creating this new power technology they hope to reduce the demand for petro-fuels enough to eliminate the need for war over energy supplies, thereby enhancing the security of the USA and other nations throughout the world. And the new CD serves as an infomercial for this bold and innovative undertaking. "Fuel Line" praises the "awesome power of electricity" while chiding adherents of the old ways to keep "filling that old fuel line (fill 'er up)". On "Just Singing A Song" Neil points out how he's at the forefront of taking action to drive opinion on electric vehicles to a favorable place - and he invites his listeners to do the same as well because "just singing a song won't change the world." "Get Behind The Wheel" is aggressive and fast and could be a hit for its anthemic relevance to day to day life. "Light A Candle" is the only acoustic track here and it is a plaintive prayer to recognize the seriousness of the moment and of our responsibility to act now for our own good. With plenty of guitar licks and signature Neil chord patterns with slightly altered progressions Young gets more mileage from his proven design. The 10 tracks roll on efficiently and feature plenty of car and technology references to keep the eco-techs and auto buffs happy. If Detroit could have only taken the cue from Neil Young, who has been consistently prolific through the decades, and pumped out quality vehicles that changed with the times -- perhaps we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place - but then, what would Mr. Young do for new material?
• Info: [USA/CA 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Richard J. Lynch for Kweevak.com)

TOMAS MICHAUD - BEAUTY AND FIRE: Have you ever wondered what Santana and the Gipsy Kings would sound like jamming with the house band in a Moroccan Cafe after having a Turkish bath and massage? That's one way to describe the eclectic and appealing instrumental offerings on Beauty and Fire - the seventh CD from Michaud. This is music that lifts your spirit, and inspires your soul and we can tell you that the production is lovely and the songs are refined to a high level of purity. Tomas Michaud is a master guitarist, composer and producer who was possessed by the muse of music early in childhood. Tomas developed his musical technique with the trumpet, electric bass and mandolin before he discovered his first love, guitar, at the age of fourteen. Soon he was performing throughout the San Francisco Bay Area developing a popular following which now numbers in the thousands. On Beauty and Fire's twelve tracks Michaud excels on lengthy excursions to warm the heart and ignite passion in the mind of the listener. The title track is bouncy and expressively warm with clear notes and a fluid fretless bass guiding the opener. "Tango In Paradise" is a five-minute trip to Spain and a moment of musical bliss. "Gipsy Heart" and "Two Hearts Into One" point out the theme of the fiery nature of love and both tracks smolder as Michaud and band fan the flames. Tomas uses a palette of Flamenco and Spanish guitar techniques to paint a fusion of New Age, smooth jazz and world music portraits that reaches the soul and elevates the mind through a mystical and sensual sound experience that will send a tingle up your spine.
• Info: [USA/CA 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Richard J. Lynch for Kweevak.com)

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Kweevak.com CAN'T STOP ROCKIN' - Rock Reports

VH1 Classic and Rock Band present the CAN'T STOP ROCKIN' 2009 Tour featuring REO Speedwagon, STYX and 38 Special, three of the hardest working bands in rock n roll. CAN'T STOP ROCKIN' features hit-packed sets spanning the course of these three unparalleled rock legacies. The tour has been geared to give the ultimate classic rock experience at a fan friendly ticket price. The much-heralded online music magazine on the East Coast - KWEEVAK.COM - recently covered the event when they made their stop at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey. Check out our rock reports from each of the three acts at the links below:
* STYX Rock Report

* REO SPEEDWAGON Rock Report

* 38 SPECIAL Rock Report

Kweevak Music Magazine "CD Review" Dispatch: Issue #0001

ABUSED ROMANCE - NAKED FACES: From L.A. to Tel Aviv to Portland to New York and back to Los Angeles these modern rockers have earned their wings and frequent flier miles while honing their take on the melodic music genre. Stylistically the band are often compared to the reigning acts like Incubus, Linkin Park & Nickelback – and on their debut Naked Faces the dynamic quartet are exposed as potential threats to the throne. The opener "Hit and Run" strikes hard with a punchy chorus and a crunchy guitar attack. "Overcome" is another boisterous jolt that’ll try to knock the listener out. Things pick up even more steam by track three - and on "Silent Call" it’s clear this band have found a fortuitous formula of loud melody meets earnest and urgent execution in a transmission of punky power pop. "Shine" rounds out the opening four numbers with a bright offering about the search for enlightenment. On the debut from Abused Romance the only abuse should come from the repeated plays the disc is bound to receive in your player - and you might fall in love with these guys while you’re at it.
• Info: [USA/CA 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Richard J. Lynch for Kweevak.com)

ASSEMBLY OF DUST - SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Assembly of Dust are kicking up a storm on their new CD with a lot of help from their friends. Assembly of Dust (AOD) was founded in 2002 by Reid Genauer and since then AOD has performed at a number of major music festivals including Bonnaroo, Gathering of the Vibes and the Newport Folk Festival. Their first album was described as a "1920's dust bowl kind of blue-collar Americana". Some Assembly Required is their sophomore release and deals with more contemporary themes and textures. Some Assembly Required is spirited but there is a sad undercurrent that flows through many of the songs. AOD are obviously well respected based on the impressive list of guest players who appear on each of the thirteen tracks. "All That I Am Now" is vibrant and enriched by the robust vocals of Richie Havens. "Pedal Down" is an up-tempo piece about being down trodden and features Zach and Andrew Gabbard. "Cold Coffee" has a bit of a blue grass feel and David Grisman's mandolin adds to the melancholy mood of the tune. "Arc of the sun" with Mike Gordon is dreamy and spacy in sections. "Second Song" is a creative collaboration with Keller Williams. "Light Blue Lover" has a colorful lilt enhanced by Grace Potter and Tony Rice. "Edges" is buoyant with Bela Flecks' beguiling banjo followed by the sassy storytelling of "Leadbelly" with Jerry Douglas. "Borrowed Feet" dances with bold base lines and gushing guitar grooves from John Scofield. "Revelry" with Martin Sexton and Tony Rice is rousing. "Straight" featuring Theresa Anderson is textured and thoughtful followed by the tantalizing "High Brow" with Al Schnier punctuating points about the ebony temptress. "You Lay The Dust" has Jeff Pevar on triple duty (dorbo, mandolin and fretless bass). It is a subtle, mostly acoustic number with religious references sprinkled throughout the song. Some Assembly Required is a versatile record that is chromatic and filled with curious lyrics. AOD (Reid Genauer - lead vocals & guitar, Adam Terrell - lead guitar & vocals, Andy Herrick - drums and John Leccese bass & vocals) are polished players but the additional musicians add to the diversity and drama of Assembly of Dust's latest assemblage of songs.
• Info: [USA/NY 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)

CROSBY LOGGINS - TIME TO MOVE: When your father is Kenny Loggins you have an opportunity to learn the family business - that is catchy songcraft filled with melody and pop supported by vocal self assurance. On Time To Move, Crosby Loggins' debut solo release on Jive Records, the younger Loggins shows he can get a little footloose as well by moving his feet in the direction of a successful musical career of his own. Crosby had many mentors growing up - not only his father, but his dad's friends were the likes of Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, and Michael McDonald - so he was constantly in the presence of rock royalty who served as role models to the aspiring musician. The disc begins with a fabulous four pack including the sturdy and strong opener "Good Enough" which proves Crosby has the goods to make it on his own. The title track features a signature lead by John Mayer and moves on the conviction that it's time to take action to confront one's own destiny. "Radio Heart" is a catchy uptempo rocker about being tuned in to relationship frequencies that should get some auspicious airplay for the talented singer-songwriter. "Heaven Help Me" is a song and prayer for guidance as Loggins begins his journey. A transcendent musical break rides the track's jazzy undertones through to the end with hints of jam. Crosby's impressive debut confirms that his win on MTV's reality show Rock the Cradle was no fluke. Now he'll face the reality of following up this release with the always difficult sophomore album - but, it appears a new star has been born - and, for Crosby Loggins, it's time to shine.
• Info: [USA/CA 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Richard J. Lynch for Kweevak.com)

KEITH MILES - BEYOND THE HEADLIGHTS: Award-winning songwriter and POCO bass player returns to the production chair for the sophomore effort by his friend and sometimes writing partner, Keith Miles. The results go beyond expectations and enlightens on a diversity of styles from Americana folk, big band, olde time swing and country crooner. The results are as eclectic as they are enjoyable. The CD leads off with a determined "Road I'm On" and displays an artist confident in the direction he's heading in. The cover of the classic "Samson and Delilah" might be the strongest track here bolstered by a powerful dose of blues harp. "Iola" - originally recorded by Sundrud's Great Plains co-written by him, Miles and another associate - is a plaintive homage to the fragility of the heartland and the life of the family farmer. Another co-write with Jack is "The South" which explores just how deep the roots go when one is raised below the Mason-Dixon line. Beyond The Headlights is a fine second effort from the talented Miles that's loaded with artistry, Hammond organ, fiddles & horns - that should help him get a few mores miles down the road in style.
• Info: [USA/TN 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Richard J. Lynch for Kweevak.com)

MARK KARAN - WALK THROUGH THE FIRE: Mark Karan is a composer, guitarist, singer and writer. Mark has worked with an impressive list of popular players including Dave Mason, Huey Lewis and Trey Anastasio. He heads his own band Jemimah Puddleduck but since 1998, Karan is best known for his role in Bob Weir's Ratdog. Mark has the challenging lead guitar spot, which requires him to play many licks made legendary by the late Jerry Garcia. Having had the pleasure of seeing Ratdog live on a number of occasions, we know Karan aptly emulates Garcia's signature style yet Mark brings his own artistry to the music. Walk Through The Fire is a solo project with Mark handling production and playing an array of instruments. The CD also features many guest musicians who add textures and tones to this personal and passionate record. Mark penned a number of the twelve tracks and the last song "Easy Wind" was written by Robert Hunter. Walk Through The Fire features solid, straight-forward songs. The CD is seasoned with styles ranging from bayou, blues, reggae and rock. Several tracks have light, lilting vibes reminiscent of The Dead and flavored with Little Feat. Other songs are more serious. The production is clean allowing chords, codas and jams to stand out. Mark's voice has an earthy quality, which works well in the rootsy rock format that makes this record real and relevant. Mark Karan is a multi-talented musician and Walk Through The Fire is a great opportunity for him to shine and demonstrate his individual skills. Throughout, 2009 Mark will be touring with Ratdog.
• Info: [USA/CA 2009 - web] (2009 Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)

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New Deep Purple DVD Digs Deep and Finds a Colorful History

Deep Purple has had a colorful and conflict filled career but they have a lasting legacy as one of hard rock's most influential bands. Deep Purple runs the gamut from classical, blues, pop, progressive and rock.

Deep Purple enjoyed early recognition in 1968 with their now historical cover of Joe South's "Hush". 1968-1976 are considered to be the epic eras of Deep Purple who still tours today. The various line-up from that period are often labeled Mark I, II, III and IV. The second featuring Ian Gillan (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), Roger Glover (bass guitar) and Ian Paice (drums) was the most commercially successful.



Deep Purple History, Hits & Highlights 68-76 (Eagle Rock Entertainment) is a 2 DVD set with live performances, rare releases, interviews and studio/television footage. The DVD spans the four pivotal periods with extra emphasis on Mark II.



The first disk opens with clips of concerts and commentary and than full videos of live performances with lengthy solos and spirited showmanship. "Mandrake Root" was manic and menacing with its mood swings. "Child In Time" was tentative yet tense with innovative instrumentation and tempo changes.



In contrast was the black and white footage filmed at a castle for "Strange Kind of Woman". The "Highway Star" video is a bit dated with its graphics but the tune is timeless and Blackmore's axe antics are amusing.



Disk 2 starts with the band performing on Playboy TV followed by a black and white clip that appeared on German TV featuring extensive jamming and Ritchie drawing dark, diverse sounds from the strings of his guitar. The disks progresses through concerts, rehearsal sessions, interviews and a New Zealand TV documentary.



The title of the DVD Deep Purple History, Hits & Highlights 68-76 says it all and the 2 disk set will give fans a greater appreciation for Deep Purples' depth, drama and their impact and influence on rock music.



(Review by Laura Turner Lynch for www.kweevak.com)

YES THEY CAN! LEGENDARY BAND BEGINS 24-DATE U.S. TOUR JUNE 26 IN INDIO, THROUGH AUGUST 2 IN BETHLEHEM, PA, WITH SPECIAL GUEST ASIA

North American Tour Will See YES' Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Alan White joined by singer Benoit David and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman, with Howe doing double duty in both bands

LOS ANGELES - It's a prog-rock fan's dream come true, with two of the legendary British bands of all time on the same stage, playing hits like "I've Seen All Good People," "Roundabout" and "Heat of the Moment." (Recent concert reviews here - YES 2008, ASIA 2008, ASIA 2006)

Acclaimed British band YES launch their 24-city U.S. tour on June 26 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA, featuring the classic line-up of guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White with new vocalist Benoit David and keyboardist Oliver Wakeman, son of the group's Rick Wakeman. The tour runs through August 2 at Bethlehem, PA and includes stops at San Francisco's Warfield Theatre (July 2), L.A.'s Gibson Amphitheatre at City Walk (July 7) and Philadelphia's Tower Theater (July 28). The new dates come after this year's West Coast tour was postponed when Chris Squire was hospitalized for leg surgery.

For this tour, YES will be joined by Special Guest Asia, with Howe, a cornerstone member of both groups, performing as part of each band's set, alongside original Asia members, including ex-YES and Buggles keyboardist Geoff Downes, ELP's Carl Palmer on drums and former King Crimson and UK bassist/guitarist/vocalist John Wetton.

Said Howe: "This is a monumental event and even though it will be a challenge, I am up for it." Rolling Stone raved that YES' performance at New York City's Hammersmith Ballroom last year "sounded as majestic as ever," adding that the band's stand-in vocalist Benoit David was able to "expertly mimic the impossibly high-pitched vocals of original singer Jon Anderson." This may not be exactly the traditional YES line-up... "But it's close enough," the magazine declared.

YES concerts have always been very special events, and this spring's U.S. jaunt will be no different. The group will perform selections from hit albums like Fragile, Close to the Edge, Tales from Topographic Oceans and 90125 along with audience favorites like "Roundabout," "Owner of a Lonely Heart," "I've Seen All Good People" and "Yours Is No Disgrace," just some of the enduring classics that have made YES one of the most influential and groundbreaking groups in rock & roll.

This time around, Howe, Squire and White are also pulling out some rarely performed chestnuts, like 1980's "Machine Messiah" and "Siberian Khatru," expertly sung by David, a Montreal, Quebec, native and vocalist in several YES tribute groups, discovered by the band on the Internet. His ability to channel Anderson's distinctive singing voice has added an extra treat for true fans.

Asia's performance will feature many songs from their historic first album, the world's best-selling release of 1982. The supergroup's debut effort was #1 at Billboard for nine weeks and included such smashes as "Heat of the Moment," "Only Time Will Tell" and "Sole Survivor." The original line-up of ASIA reformed after 23 years apart in 2006, and has since conducted four successful world tours. In addition, the band released the critically acclaimed Phoenix album on EMI Records. Collectively and individually, the four original members of ASIA have sold over 120 million records.

"People have been waiting for this for decades," adds Asia's John Wetton. "Since America was so important to the success of both bands, we feel it was the right time and place to launch it."
Over the course of a remarkable 40-year career that has continually redefined the boundaries of rock, YES has become renowned for their live performances since being formed in 1968 by Chris Squire and Jon Anderson. With drummer Bill Bruford, guitarist Peter Banks and keyboardist Tony Kaye, they metamorphosed into YES, earning a residency at the famed London venue The Marquee Club, where they played with Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, releasing their self-titled debut album in July 1969.

Guitarist Steve Howe, who continues to release acclaimed solo albums and tour, brought an experimental cutting edge to YES for 1970's The Yes Album, their first to top the UK charts. Drummer Alan White, who had been hand-picked to play on John Lennon's Imagine and George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, came aboard in 1972. YES then went on to conquer America and played at some of the largest paid attendance concerts of all time, including JFK Stadium in Philadelphia in 1976 to a crowd of over 130,000 people.

As a dominant force for more than four decades, YES has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, stretching the boundaries of progressive art-rock with their dynamic instrumental contrasts and abstract lyrics. Their symphonic use of sound and innovative musical styles continues to make them one of the most successful and long-standing groups in rock history as they continue to add new, young fans to their following.

Added Squire: "This has turned out to be one of the best performing line-ups in YES' storied history. It feels like we're rediscovering these songs all over again."

Confirmed Dates:
June 26: Indio, CA (Fantasy Springs Casino)
June 27: Las Vegas, NV (Thomas & Mack Center)
June 30: Snoqualmie, WA (Snoqualmie Casino)
July 2: San Francisco, CA (Warfield)
July 3: Saratoga, CA (The Mountain Winery)
July 7: Los Angeles (Gibson Amphitheatre at City Walk)
July 8: San Diego (Humphrey's)
July 9: Phoenix (Dodge)
July 12: Denver (Paramount Theatre)
July 14: Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)
July 15: Ft. Worth, TX (Bass Music Center)
July 16: Muskegee, OK (Civic Center)
July 18: Walker, MN (Moondance Jam)
July 20: Detroit (DTE Energy Music Theatre)
July 21: Pittsburgh (Chevrolet Amphitheatre)
July 22: Glen Allen, VA (Insbrook Pavilion)
July 23: National Harbour, MD (Sunset Concerts)
July 25: Cohassett, MA (South Shore Music Circus)
July 26: Jackson, NJ (Great Adventure Amphitheatre)
July 28: Philadelphia (Tower Theatre)
July 29: Montclair, NJ (Wellmont Theatre)
July 31: Westbury, NY (Theatre at Westbury)
Aug. 1: Jamestown, NY (Savings Bank Arena)
Aug. 2: Bethlehem, PA (Muskfest)