The Boys Are Back In Town

Website: http://www.marcomendoza.com
Website: http://www.thinlizzyband.com/
Audio  Interview: http://youtu.be/uD1Aw5xyUBE

THIN LIZZY bassist Marco Mendoza Skyped into BraveWords.com headquarters on October 17th, 2011 to talk about how he joined the band …

For Immediate Release – (Hollywood, CA.) THIN LIZZY bassist Marco Mendoza Skyped into BraveWords.com headquarters recently to talk about how he joined the band, touring with the metal gods JUDAS PRIEST and working with a plethora of hired-hand guitarists including DEF LEPPARD’s Vivian Campbell, GUNS N’ ROSES’ Richard Fortus and former ALICE COOPER/BROTHER CANE guitarist Damon Johnson. 

Audio  Interview: http://youtu.be/uD1Aw5xyUBE

Marco also talks about his 2 cds “Live for Tomorrow” and his newest release to date “Casa Mendoza”. Through the years, Marco has played bass in legendary bands such as Thin Lizzy, Ted Nugent, Blue Murder, Neil Schon and Whitesnake. On his new solo album ‘Casa Mendoza’ you will find some new Marco Mendoza originals along with a few covers. Great melodic rock/hard rock with a Latin flavor to it. The musicianship is top notch. Songs like Suzy Q, You, Circle of Life, Betty Joe or Get Ready all are ready to infect the masses with their commercial sound.  As for his first solo album “Live for Tomorrow”, Bass master Marco Mendoza allies with ex- “Mr. Big” guitarist Ritchie Kotzen and “Whitesnake” drummer Tommy Aldridge while Marco is in charge of bass and lead vocals. While Marco sings almost all leads, Richie helps out on a couple of songs, even duets on the track “I Want You”. Richie also handles 90 % of the guitar, and all production duties. Overall, a good album, quality songwriting, playing, and production. You can get both of these fine CDs on Amazon.com and iTunes.

Thin Lizzy Tour Dates

10/29/2011 Seattle, WA. WaMu Theater *
10/30/2011 Vancouver, BC. Rogers Arena *
11/01/2011 Edmonton, AB. Shaw Conference Center Get Tickets
11/02/2011 Calgary, AB. Scotiabank Saddledome *
11/04/2011 Salt Lake City, UT. Maverik Center. Get Tickets
11/05/2011 Denver, CO. 1STBANK Center Get Tickets
11/06/2011 Omaha, NE Slowdown Get Tickets
11/08/2011 Cincinnati, OH US Bank Arena *
11/09/2011 Springfield, IL. Prairie Capital Convention Center *
11/10/2011 St. Charles MO The Family Arena *
11/11/2011 Milwaukee, WI Potawatomi Casino *
11/12/2011 Chicago, IL. The Venue at Horseshoe Casino Get Tickets
11/13/2011 Detroit, MI.  Joe Louis Arena Get Tickets
11/15/2011 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena *
11/16/2011 Rochester, NY The Armory Get Tickets
11/18/2011 East Rutherford, NJ. Izod Center *
11/19/2011 Johnstown , PA Cambria Co. War Memorial Arena *
11/20/2011 Lowell, MA. Paul E Tsongas Arena *
11/22/2011 Toronto ONT Air Canada Centre Get Tickets
11/23/2011 Quebec City, QC Colisee Pepsi Arena *
11/24/2011 Montreal, QC Bell Centre *
11/26/2011 Reading, PA Sovereign Center Arena *
11/27/2011 Winston Salem , NC. Lawrence Joel Veteran’s Memorial Get Tickets
11/29/2011 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Ponte Vedra Concert Hall *
11/30/2011 Tampa, FL 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre *
12/01/2011 Miami, FL Klipsch Amphitheatre at Bayfront Park * 

* Check venue website or local ticket agent

Press Information for USA please contact:
Scott Thomas  - Online Promotions 

512.523.8333 

Please remember to leave feedback. 

Thanks a lot!

Sincerely,
Scott                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Duarte’s new ALBUM “Blues in the Afterburner” Album Review

Date: 2011

Artist Name: Chris Duarte Group

Genre: Blues, Rock, Heavy psychedelia, Alt-Country, Rockabilly,

Title: “Blues In The Afterburner”

Record Company: Blues Bureau International

 

I’m sitting here listening to blues recording artist and exciting virtuoso guitarist Chris Duarte’s new ALBUM “Blue in the Afterburner” and I must say I’m very impressed with everything… The song writing, song styles and selections… And, Chris’s heartfelt vocals make for a great production here too.

 Blues in the Afterburner by Chris Duarte http://amzn.to/prfN9w  via @amazon 

Chris Duarte on itunes: http://bit.ly/pnAT1V 

The Chris Duarte Group continues to improve and refine its craft with each successive release. One thing I notice is brotherDuartekeeps growing vocally and of course expanding and crossing over into different blues rock genres to include doses of heavy psychedelia and a few other surprises throughout (to include rockabilly and alt-country).  You can hear some very impressive guitar sounds, new licks and arrangements on this CD. This is more of a listening CD for taking a journey into the Blues Rock guitar universe. Producer Mike Varney has a way of getting the best out of the recording artists he works with on his Blues Bureau Intentional Record Label which has brought me this fine CD to review.

If you are into Hendrix, Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Gales, Joe Bonamassa and katz of that breed, then Chris needs to be in your collection without a doubt. Blues In The Afterburner contains a heavy load ofDuarte’s legendary blues guitar chops over a diverse set of grooves and lyrical themes.

Track Listing:

1. ANOTHER MAN
2. MAKE ME FEEL SO RIGHT
3.  BOTTLE BLUES
4. MILWAUKIE BLUES
5. HOLD BACK THE TEARS
6. SUMMER’S CHILD
7. SEARCHING FOR YOU
8. BLACK CLOUDS ROLLING
9. DONTCHA DRIVE ME CRAZY
10. BORN TO RACE
11. I’VE BEEN A FOOL
12. PRAIRIE JELLY

I highly recommend this CD… I love a good blues guitar player who can go in a few other directions with the same intensity and beyond. Blues Maestro Chris Duarte fits that marquee. 

Author: Scott Thomas

=> GUITAR VIRTUOSO BILLY CONNALLY >>> NEW MUSIC >>> “THE SILENT CANVAS”

“Click here to hear some of Billy Connally’s Guitar Drivin’ Music.“

***  http://bit.ly/p3n6QV ***

   

PRESS RELEASE >>>  Guitar Virtuoso Billy Connally  >>> NEW MUSIC >>>  “The Silent Canvas”

 For Immediate Release –

 “If you like heavy propelling riffs, astral chord progressions, cosmic lead-guitar harmonies, and melodic writing arrangement with an instrumental rock / metal flair… then I highly recommend guitar virtuoso Billy Connally’s NEW CD  “The Silent Canvas” “   Scott Thomas – Guitarz Forever.com  

 *** http://www.reverbnation.com/bcgtr  ***

 Since the age of fourteen, like all great musicians, Billy has striven for development of his style and virtuosity, which has resulted in being poised to explode onto the world stage from his well established west coast environs. Having opened to serious accolades for the likes of Pat Travers, Jason Bonham, Yngwie Malmsteen, Gary Hoey, L.A. Guns, and Quiet Riot, Billy’s commitment to songwriting and playing leave the listener begging for more. He creates with his high-end tonalities and intricate arpeggiating spread across the canvas. All the while, he clearly states that musicality is more important than speed. Beyond proficient, Billy is in the small world of the elite guitarist, most definitely a gift to our ears. This brief overview may not convince you, but Billy’s playing certainly will! Please take the time to explore “the hand that rocks the guitar,” the wonderfully creative world of the edgy Billy Connally!

 …and what a rock guitar extravaganza we have here…

 The music is huge and dreamy sounding and the guitar playing is exquisite indeed! Bending and forging sound seems to be William’s specialty here”… He takes big heavy riffs and creates little motifs of azure around the underlying musical theme. I really like ace guitarist Connally’s well-versed wah-pedal usage and the soulfully played warm lead tones jumping off the guitar strings at my tingling ear drums.

 “The Silent Canvas is a quite monumental collection of swirling and eclectic compositions – from an almost grunge-like “back to basics” onus on songwriting, to almost psychedelic delay and wah-drenched rock stylings, to more esoteric offerings of intricately layered guitars and boisterous, tramping riffs….not to mention the fact that it contains 13 songs which would comfortably serve many artists for 2 albums…..and of course it’s all the work of one man.”

—  Shred Reviews

 Billy’s music takes you on ride through some of the finest melodic shred-guitar in the styles of Steve Vai to Michael Schenker, and then on to Yngwie Malmsteen… The carnival ride type music is fast and furious and will have you pulling some heavy g-forces on the tight but super sharp melodious turns. Williams’s takes no prisoners; always probing the outer-realms in help’n you sonically find your tickle spot.

 Currently, Maestro Connally’s plate is full and he is riding at full-throttle on all 8-cylinders. He and his very talented live band have several shows scheduled in the next few months to include playing the infamous Whiskey a Go Go! on Sunset Strip in Hollywood on Oct. 29^th, 2011. In addition, Billy is always in the studio working on his next musical endeavor.

 Guitarist Connally is a first rate guitar player with all the skills and soul needed to be a big contender in the instrumental guitar arena.

 •        Music :      http://bit.ly/p6EwQi  

•        Official Website : http://bit.ly/p6EwQi   

•        Facebook : http://on.fb.me/nQ6UUa

•        Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/billyconnally  

•        Myspace :  http://www.myspace.com/bcgtr  

 

•        Tour Schedule : http://www.billyconnally.com/fr_welcome.cfm

 Please remember to leave feedback. Thanks a lot!

 Sincerely,

Scott

 Press Information please contact:

Scott Thomas – Online Promotions
sthomas9@austin.rr.com
USA: 512-523-8333 

Eric Gales Transformation Album Review

 

Eric Gales Transformation Album Review

Brother Eric Gales – NEW CD “Transformation”

“Eric takes these other influences, throws ‘em all together and offers back a tasty, hot and spicy voodoo-blackened gumbo stew of refreshing songs.

Transformation by Eric Gales on Amazon via @amazon

Date: 2011

Artist Name: Eric Gales

Genre: Blues / Rock

Title: “Transformation”

Record Company: Shrapnel Records

Author: Scott Thomas

Well school starts soon e’nuff… So from Austin, Texas I took my wonderful daughter to Fiesta Gardens Six Flags Amusement Park down in San Antonio last week with my good friend Adrian and his nephew who happens to be about the same age as my 13 year old. We all wanted to get that one last fun blast day trip in before back to school started. On the way there we all got to listen to Eric Gales NEW CD “Transformation” all the way through from beginning to end. And let me tell ya… Can I get a witness over here…? I mean !!!

This CD has Tejas Hot Sauce all over it and then some!!! They say “Remember the Alamo” … I say Remember “Transformation” by Blues Rock Guitarist Extraordinaire Eric Gales. This is electrified blues music at its best without a doubt … Eric’s incredible blues licks, memorable phrasing, and lighting fast roller-coaster tickle-me runs, just light up the fret board like 4th of July fireworks. No kid’n either… His tones are biting sharp, and stinging hot with a lot of wah-wah cry-baby induced madness swirling to and fro in the mix like a devil wind look’n for a new victim to strike down. The songwriting on this is infectious, smartly played, and written from the heart. Eric is working and playing well on all fronts and on all circuits. The 50-watt fuses are riding high with exhilaration on every note of each meticulously recorded track.

With the aid of Mike Varney as co-writer, Eric’s musical focus, lyrics, music and vocals have gotten stronger with each new enjoyable sounding album from The Shrapnel-Label Group’s Blues Bureau International Label. As I listen to the tracks, the late great Albert Collins keeps coming to mind… I also hear other influence too… Strat Master Buddy Guy is another one. There are other modern greats of which this record is reminiscent such as Eric Johnson and Joe Bonamassa. However, Eric takes these other influences, throws ‘em all together and offers back a tasty, hot and spicy voodoo-blackened gumbo stew of refreshing songs.

I highly recommend this CD for Blues Rock Guitar Hero Aficionados… You know who you are… We want to know who you are too. So get online and order / download your copy Today!!!

String Skipping Pentatonic Style

A Vai Gilbert combination : Guitarist Jostein Odland ‘s “extremeskipping lessons” part 1

Glen Drover’s NEW Album Review for Metalusion

Metalusion

Date=2011
Artist Name= Glen Drover
Genre= Prog / Rock / Metal / Insrumental
Title=Metalusion
Record Company=Magna Carta Records

Review=Hi folks out there in musica-land once again… I just received this awesome instrumental CD from Magna Carta Records called “Metalusion” from progressive shred-guitarist Glen Drover, best known for his precision and power playing with the award-winning metal band Megadeth and Eidolon. Mister Drover’s incredible guitar playing is very diverse and overlaps both genres of extreme instrumental music with progressive fusionistic music. He uses ambient sounds to aurally transport you to and from each harmonic galaxy at the flick of a fast arppegiated lick.

Question: Have you ever seen those art galleries that have air-brush painting of very colorful planets and their landscapes in outer-space? Or paintings of other cosmic worlds that may have several moons on its horizons and incredible but colorful landscapes of desolation, etc.? Yeah, U got it… Sci-Fi paintings and the likes.. Anyway, while I lie here listening to this energetic and thought provoking music w/ my eyes closed, I feel as I’m floating in time and visiting these far off mysterious places. I remember seeing a Pink Floyd lazer light show at New York City’s Planetarium years ago and I’m telling you now, this music moves me the same way but w/o all the laser lights and other bellz and whistle they were using to try to blow mind mind. I can definitely see an awesome light show to this music in my mindz-eye w/o and outside apparatuses.

Some folks call this music modern progressive metal and others call it fusion-jazz-rock… Call it what U will… I call it inspirational and timeless. The instrumental, 10-track album features five original compositions w/ metallic- edged interpretations of material composed by musical giants Frank Zappa, Al DiMeola and Jean-Luc Ponty. And Glen covers these demanding tunes with his own twists and turns and creates 3 new technically and musically challenging masterpieces.

Metalusion shows a musical side to Drover that most metal-headz haven’t heard yet and this album will help set the musical community straight with what this young kat can really do on the guitar and in the studio. U would think playing in Megadeth would be enuff of a great musical challenge… Well, let me tell ya… You ain’t heard or seen nuthin’ yet. No wonder why Dave Mustaine sought Glen out to play and create music w/ him…

The songs flow smoothly from one to the other and in good fashion. The production and engineering are 2nd to none. The Ian Hammer progressive-type keyboards just get me high everytime I hear them. Assisting Drover are a number of special guests, including Nevermore’s power metal/prog metal guitarist Jeff Loomis, Opeth’s and Talisman’s axe man Fredrik Åkesson, veteran Steve Smyth of the Bay Area’s Forbidden, Ohm’s guitar hero, Chris Poland (Megadeth) and classical metal master Vinnie Moore of UFO. Glen’s tones and guitar soundz are some of the best I’ve heard in awhile too.

Here’s the track listing for “Metalusion”:

1. Ground Zero Special Guests – Chris Poland and Vinnie Moore
2. Frozen Dream Special Guest – Steve Smyth
3. Egyptian Danza [Al DiMeola Cover]
4. Colors Of Infinity
5. Illusions Of Starlight
6. Don’t Let The World Pass You By [Jean-Luc Ponty Cover] – Special Guest – Fredrik Akesson
7. Mirage [Jean-Luc Ponty Cover] – Special Guest – Jeff Loomis
8. Ascension
9. The Purple Lagoon [Frank Zappa Cover]
10. Filthy Habits [Frank Zappa Cover]

With the release of his solo debut, “Metalusion” (due out April 5th), I suspect the Instrumental-Guitar Music World is going to be blown away with the exciting and soaring soundz of what this disc is going to offer and deliver… Believe me when I tell ya !!!

Author=Scott Thomas

Stars=5 out of 5 stars

 

 

GO TO : http://www.magnacarta.net for more … >>>

Stoney Curtis Band CD Review for Cosmic Conn3ction

 

Stoney’s Music here to listen to while U read >>> CLICK HERE

“Blues fans, guitar-oriented music lovers , and the increasing audience for psychedelic rock are always looking for the next guitar hero. The strength of Stoney Curtis Band’s third Blues Bureau release portends a great response from these loyal music lovers as bands of this quality and intensity are few and far between. “ – Smokestack Lightnin’

Date=2011
Artist Name=Stoney Curtis Band
Genre=Blues / Rock
Title=Cosmic Conn3ction
Record Company=Shrapnel Records

I’m sitting here w/ my new the Sennheiser HD 280 pro headphones (retail $100 smackerz). I got them as a gift from a good friend of mine who knew I did CD reviews and knows how passionate I am about music. So here we go with my first Album review using them….

The NEW Album I am reviewing is from blues guitar maestro mister Stoney Curtis I presume… Yes! Stoney Curtis is the real dealio too … And pleeze let me tell ya all ‘bout it… I was fit’n to anyways… lol !!!

Blues and Rock N Roll – Wow!!! What a way to start a blues rock album… Just give it to ‘em straight and up front. This song is soooo in your face. “I’ll do it all again for blues and rock and roll” my brother Stoney laments. What an awesome anthem for us blues-rock loverz out there. This song can really get you going so be careful at stop lights if you’re driving and listening to this. U don’t want folks seeing U playing air guitar and bangin’ your head like a foolio. The muzak is that gewd !!! Pat Travers fanz and the like will surely jive on this blazin’ track.

The name Stoney Curtis came from the cartoon character of the same name on the Flintstones. The early version of the band played mostly blues covers in the San Fernando Valley and West LA. As of late, The Stoney Curtis Band have been working the Los Angeles and Las Vegas clubs making their own brand of psychedelic blues rock, readying their show for the road ahead. Heavily driven in 60’s/70’s psychedelia, the Stoney Curtis Band have been said to have translated the energy of their phenomenal live show into the grooves of “Cosmic Conn3ction”…

When the Sweet Turns To Sour – Now here’s a a slow to medium blues vamp in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughan., Buddy Guy, Howlin’ Wolf, and Muddy Waters –The story line is pretty kool and I like the way Stoney tellz it too… My man singz it with such heartfelt conviction. Tell it like it is brother Stoney Curtis… Takes us all to the Mountian Top !

Mouthful of Honey – Now here is another rock song that that bringz a blast from the past – This rockin’ tune bringz the late 70’s style to ya like it never left your palette. This song has a southern rock flavour to it and brings to mind high profile bands such as .38 Special, Skynard, and the Johnny Van Zant Band… May the south rise again!!! And it does on this fine tune…

Stoney Curtis (guitars and vocals) describes his latest effort as something like Robin Trower meets Ace Frehley. All tracks are originals (no covers). He was joined in the studio with Aaron Haggerty on drums and Steve Evans on bass. They both tour with Eric Gales BTW. Jesse Bradman appears on some tracks (keyboards and back up vocals).

Headin’ for the City – Up-tempo Blues Shuffle in the style of SRV and Double Trouble. Now here is where U can find some blazing guitar-work… The vocalz on this tune are spot-on and the drivin’ bass and drumz grab U and lock U into their groove. Sorry, U can get off the ride ‘til it comez to a complete stop. So keep holdin’ on to your hats and or loved ones.

Soul Flower – Oh no… The Ghosts of Robin Trower and Ernie Eisley have infused themselves into Stoney’s fingerz… This has got to be the most wah-wah induced guitar track I’ve heard in awhile. Not since the dayz of good ol’ Ian Moore have I heard such killa fuzz soundz and tones. This psychedelic track maybe one of the best tracks on this rockin’ CD.

Guiding the sessions is Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records fame. Mike has worked with insanely talented individuals such as Eric Gales, Tony MacAlpine, Greg Howe, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Michael Schenker. To add to that, Stoney Curtis certainly holds his own among these heavy hitters of the guitar world. Not to be overlooked is Jason D’Ottavio (Eric Gales, Chris Duarte) at the board bringing out the gold in every note, lick, and riff.

Good Lovin’ Done Right – Here is another tight blues shuffle and once again this tune is spot on… When I first heard it, I instantly thought of another fine blues recording artist named Chris Duarte. The vocalz and git-box playin’ on this makes U want to get up and shake dat money maker… I still can’t get my foot to stop tappin’…

Big Beautiful Women – Stoney says the Craig’s List ads wrote this song. Another awesome high-voltage rocker for sure… Do you like 70’s Icons like Rick Derringer, Leslie West and the likes? This tune could have been in the sound track for the movie “Road House” w/ Patrick Swayze and Jeff Healey. Then I know this will have U putting thingz into high gear… The vocals on this were done so well and the arrangements are perfect.

Mary Jayne – Oh yeah baby !!! Another wah-induced highly vertigo-driven masterpiece. This one will make your parents want to run to the hillz. The lyrics on this are very catchy and once again please don’t get caught being to high n dry after a listening to this… Is that Stoney Curtis or Stoner Curtis ? lol !!!

Infatuation Blues – A real slow bluez-vibe on this one… Remember how to slow dance? This is the one were U ‘get your back off the wall’ and go ask someone enticing to dance with ya… Makes me think of my ol’ high-school dances with the disco ball. A song like this would give me that courage to go ask for a dance. The sound has a little Santana-vibe goin’ on in there… Stoney’s guitar playing turns this into a love story w/o being sappy. I’m telling’ ya… If you like rock n roll, U need to get this album.

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead – This is probably the heaviest rocker on the album. I like the rhythm-rock meetz Vegas funk James Brown vibe in the solo section on this… I lean heavily on this one too as one of my favz.

Rise Up – Ace Frehley power rock meetz Stoney Curtis meetz Jimi Hendrix… Very kool muse indeed! The percussions on this are huge sounding and very tight. The lead solo fallz in the Robin Trower vein makin’ this one serious rock song. Same goes with the bottom-end w/ the bass. Rise up ! Time to hear your voice. Rise up! You have got no choice… Please don’t bury your head in the sand… People come together now it’s time to take a stand… These words are so true with what is going on in the world right now… The keyboards just blow me a way on this too… U gooooo Jesse Bradman !!!

The Letter – I heard thru the grapevine that this is Stoney’s favorite tune on the album. Another slow rock ballad w/ some soulfully played blues lead-guitar work. Stoney’s vocalz are right on the money here. His vocals and lyrics dig-in deep on this one. Cry in your beer music if you will… Kinda has that ‘Every Rose has its Thorn’ by Poison vibe goin’ on… If U like Great White, and April Wine’s music, u may find this in your musical neighborhood worthy of a listen. Again, do you want to slow dance ???

I highly recommend this CD for people who like real Rock and Blues fused together with the past and present. I can’t pick a favorite song because they are all just that good. I’ve changed my mind so many timez I just said screw it !!! Stoney’s music is like going to the store and buying your favorite BBQ sauce. U know and are assured before U buy it that it’s gonna be good just the way U like it. Well, in a nut-shell, that’s is how I feel ‘bout master Curtis’ music.

Scott Thomas

I truly give this CD 5 stars out of 5

LE REVERIE – Truth & Lies

LE REVERIE

Date=2010
Artist Name= LE REVERIE

Genre= Goth Prog Rock Metal
Title=Truth & Lies

Record Company=Self-Titled

Review=Hey everybody out there in musica land… I hope all is well and that U are having a banner 2011. As I alwayz start, here I sit again listening to a really neat prog-rock metal band in the style of ala Dream Theater and as far reaching as the challenging music of veteran rockerz Marillion.

This music is euro-metal worth checkin’ out. Le Reverie front-woman Allie Jorgen dishes out some strong and highly versatile vocalz and melody lines. The band is very tight and musicianship top-notch. The instrumentation is huge and wide open. If U like synth and piano oriented rock w/ some awesome string sections, then I know you’ll like this…

I have to say that the percussions and electric guitarz are right on the money. And Yes, U do have mucho high-energy cuttin’ edge prog-guitar playing. Some of the guitar work reminds me of early Dokken and QueensRyche. I’m definitely groove’n to the smartly played and highly-drivin’ rhythm sections w/ the exceedingly technical and sharply executed lead lines. Theze git-box slingerz know how to play for the song too. And once again the instrumentation in all its aural elements are beautifully woven together with Allie’s wonderful and radio friendly singing. So yeah! I highly recommend U checking out their NEW Release.

Best Song: Ghost of You

Author=Scott Thomas

Stars=I give Le Reverie’s NEW 3 song Debut EP >>> 4 stars out of 5

Stoney Curtis Band – Cosmic Connection Album Review

this CD has legs…legs ready to run, ready to pedal, ready to wrap themselves around you…

STONEY CURTIS BAND
BLINDED BY SOUND…

http://blindedbysound.com/

Review: Stoney Curtis Band – Cosmic Conn3ction

Blues rock, rockin’ blues… call it what you will, I love it, but I’m also really picky about how it’s done. The good news for me is that one of the best blues rockers to be …released in a long time is from none other than the Stoney Curtis Band. Cosmic Conn3ction is that perfect blend of anthem rock and gritty blues.

With a release date of March 8, 2011, from Shrapnel Records’ Blues Bureau division, Cosmic Conn3ction does not disappoint. As a Stoney Curtis Band fan for a number of years, I’ve come to know and love his work and it’s not unusual for me to be calling out favorites during a show. Now, well that list just got a lot longer and a lot stronger. You see, as good as Stoney’s previous releases were, there’s new depth to his writing, playing, and vocals. It’s evident in every note played and sung. He’s also led admirably in the studio by producer Mike Varney. Varney gives Stoney room to rock and doesn’t attempt to turn him into some slick soundin’ hack. Thank God! There’s just enough shine here to show you how brilliant the album is without losing sight of the grit and grease that make good music ring true.

Kickin’ off the party is the call for “Blues and Rock & Roll.” Tight, rockin’, and man, do I ever love the drum intro, quickly followed by some blazin’ guitar work, causing me to throw horns and rock out (like someone my age probably shouldn’t really do in public). I don’t care. If I embarrass anyone, it’s their problem, not mine. I want to have fun and this party’s startin’ off perfectly. So how does Stoney follow up a kick ass rocker? With smoldering blues, baby, in the form of “When The Sweet Turns To Sour.” Love gone wrong, a long-held blues complaint turns from a simmering conversation to an outright sizzler that burns right through the anger and the lies, leaving nothing but ashes.

“Mouthful of Honey” brings to mind everything that was good about 70s rock ‘n’ roll. Rollin’ keys from Jesse Bradman nudge this into classic rock boogie territory, especially as it’s layered in with exceptional guitar leads. If you want to rock out a bit harder, check out “Mary Jayne.” There’s no holding back the power on this tune and the backing vocals are icing on the cake for me. I don’t know why the combination of killer guitar and sweet harmonies get to me quite the way they do, but Stoney seems to understand. Beautiful, man.

How can one not appreciate the sweet shuffle open on “Headin’ For The City”? Who can resist trippin’ out a little during the psychedelic “Soul Flower”? The energy and killer effects complement one another beautifully and they entice you into another dimension. “Rise Up” also falls into the same category, albeit a bit differently, but with great effect.

“Good Lovin’ Done Right” and “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” are two instant and constant favorites. For different reasons, both songs have distinct energy and are easily the two most motivational when it comes time for me to get my ass in gear. Then there’s “Big Beautiful Women,” a song about, of all things, Craigslist. Hey, if you’ve never cruised the personal ads there, you’re gonna have to now just to see how real the lyrics are!

Slowing things down, “Infatuation Blues” digs into new love without going to sappy and sweet, well, except for the guitar work, which ranges from bright, sweet notes on down in to the gritty, heavy “I’m fallin’ for you, baby” range. When I hear a song like this, hear how it’s constructed, it reads as easily and perfectly as any classic romance. This is how you play a love story, people. Take the words away and the guitar tells the story just as easily as anything sung. The gentle pleading, the building hunger, the absolute insatiable need to be together… it’s all there.

At this point I should just give up trying to pick a favorite track, but each time I pop this disc in for a listen, I find myself kind of falling in love with each one. “Infatuation Blues” pretty much nails it, though, through the guitar work alone.

Of course, the song that really lays bare the heart is “The Letter,” which I’ve had the privilege to hear live more than a few times prior to getting the CD. It’s personal, it’s raw, it’s real. And anyone who offers up a song like “The Letter,” well, you know they’re digging deep into their soul when they sing it. It’s a fitting closer for a disc that takes you on a musical journey that, alone, is worth the ride, but is even better because of the great payoff at the end.

I don’t normally include bonus tracks that are only available on imports, but for “Movin’ To Vegas,” I rather feel compelled to discuss it at least a little. It’s fast, harp-enhanced, partly humorous, partly serious, and damn if it doesn’t tell you exactly what to expect when you move to Sin City. The promise of riches is here, but there are no guarantees. Not in this town. Except for one: if you do come to Vegas? You gotta come visit when Stoney Curtis is playing because I do guarantee a damn fine show.

As much as I’ve loved Stoney’s work in the past, Cosmic Conn3ction brings everything to a whole new level. From the songwriting on down to production (which is nicely unobtrusive, as I mentioned before), this CD has legs…legs ready to run, ready to pedal, ready to wrap themselves around you…whatever it takes to draw you in and get on board. Europe has long known and appreciated the Stoney Curtis Band. With Cosmic Conn3ction, I dare say America’s gonna have to step up and get the love fest going, too.

Review from Blinded By Sound…

 

 

Stoney is NOW ON REVERBNATION >>> http://www.reverbnation.com/thestoneycurtisband

 

This all brought to You by Mike Varney over @ The Shrapnel Records-Group >>>

• http://www.shrapnelrecords.com/itunes.jsp

Michael Olivieri – “good bye rain” – Album Review by Scott Thomas

Michael Olivieri "good bye rain"

Olivieri states, “I felt I needed to get back to the roots of where I came from musically. ‘Goodbye Rain’ is musically what I’m really all about.”

I just received Michael Olivieri’s New CD “goodbye rain”… The first song right out of the head phones come to me very cool and swampy sounding with a great melodic-hook and chorus… With Michael’s passionate vocals, K.K. Martin’s ingenious lead guitar work, and Patrick Knowles’ (R.I.P.) deep slide playin’, this track definitely keeps the vibe movin’ right along very nicely… Now you have a tune that will get ya chillin’ and willin’ by the end of it and  all the while, opening your mind to more of Olivieri’s muse… The innovative and kick’n percussions will surely put a ‘pep’ in your step. Michael’s blend of rock, country, and soul can be found throughout this Album… His passion for playing multiple instruments stands out on this modern take on classic rock! Using such instruments as the Wurlitzer Organ, the Mellotron, banjos, saxes, pedal steel, ac & el guitars, mandolins and more. Nothing speared here…

Michael Olivieri was born and raised in Huntington Beach, the youngest of 7 kids in a musical family. His two older brothers both sang and played guitar. Michael being left-handed was at a little bit of a disadvantage because he really wanted to play but the only guitars that were lying around were for righties. He had to force himself to play right handed. Both brothers were very patient teaching him to play. They would spend hours jamming, singing and working out three part harmonies, fascinating Michael with the whole concept of harmony and how it worked. He was usually assigned the highest vocal part, giving him a great foundation for a singer.

…And warm harmonies are what you will fine an abundance of on this musical collaboration. One thing I noticed right away was the smart production work all the way around… The vocals, instruments and guitarz all had perfect tones and were mixed very well. So thumbz up to Marco Forcone for not letting the little things get lost in the mix… I also like the album-cover’s inviting theme and photography… It goes w/ the music clip on YouTube…

It was in the seventh grade talent show when he and some of his closest friends played “Stairway to Heaven” that he got his first taste of live “ROCK”. The light went on! He had to get an electric guitar. It was those early times in his life that were the basis for his passion for music. In his friend’s garage the sound of LEATHERWOLF was formed; with three shredding guitarists, they took guitar harmonies to a new level. His early days were now playing a big part in developing intricate harmonies.

Well, as this CD rounds out… I really like all the songs on this nicely put together album. My favorite songz are “”Good Bye Rain”, “Freedom”, “Back to Start” (really showz off Michaels vocals) and of course his clever rendition of “Brick in the Wall” by Roger Waters.

I give this masterpiece 4.5 stars out of 5 – Keep up the good music Michael Olivieri !!!

Scott Thomas

http://www.myspace.com/michaelolivieri