ALASTAIR GREENE’s NEW ALBUM “THROUGH THE RAIN” >>>

“Alastair should be out playing with the biggest bands in the world. I believe it’s just a matter of time.” -Alan Parsons

“I’ve known Alastair since we were kids and he’s always been a ripping guitarist. Glad to hear he’s still going strong.” Chris Shiflett – Foo Fighters 

As a guitarist Alastair Greene has been compared to some of the greatest players of all time. This record, while featuring some of his most impressive and extended guitar work to date, also reveals him to be a strong singer/songwriter in the blues/rock genre. Between Alastair’s rock solid song writing, husky vintage blues voice and stellar guitar playing you won’t be disappointed.   
http://bit.ly/uC6bl6
- Guitarz Forever 

Southland Blues Review Jan 2012 Issue 

ALASTAIR GREENE

Through The Rain

LeRoi Records

 

Hard rock and blues go together. Somtimes. With this latest CD from singer/guitarist Alastair Greene, comes a dozen self-penned songs that lean heavily on the hard rock side of his music. Jimi Hendrix is paid homage. Edge-of-the-genre blues bands such as Canned Heat, Cream, The Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, and The Grateful Dead cab be felt in Greene’s music.

 

He’s always felt the pull of blues/rock in his work, and Greene’s guitar work has been described as “nuclear.” So, it’s no wonder that he’s decided to push this session along hard rock tracks. “All Of This Time” carries a blues connection through its storyline and through the powerful electric guitar thrills that Greene and his band pursue. Harmony vocals from band members, a driving bass and drums, and plenty of guitar muscle surround his vocals tales.

 

The acoustic instrumental “Dearly Departed”, although brief, provides a mellow association with blues; and “Take Me With You” follows with a pure blues selection that returns Greene and company to what they do best. When spinning country-infused blues, this band makes a convincing argument that sastisfies. Here, they’re clear, wholesome, and in the groove. “Stoneroller” and “The Real You” bring out a smokin’ contemporary blues flavor that also raises the bar. Elsewhere, Greene is fixed in a pattern of hard rock authority, and he’s good at it.

 

-Jim Santella

 

THROUGH THE RAIN CD released on LeRoi Records 11/11/11
Recent press and accolades

ONE OF THE TOP 10 CDs of 2011 by Blues Underground NetworkBest Male Artist nomination Rockwired Radio”Greene’s guitar work has been described as nuclear!”  Jim Santella – Southland Blues Magazine  Jan 2012There is absolutely nothing here not to love, the tracks are all outstanding, vocals all strong, band always spot on, and Greene’s playing and singing world class.” Tom Branson – bluesrockers.ws Feb 2012

“Another good blues rock CD has come my way. Right from the start I dig the guitar playing of Alastair Greene.”
Mike Cavanaugh – All Access Magazine Jan 2012

“This record (Through The Rain), while featuring some of his most impressive and extended guitar work to date, also reveals him to be a strong singer/songwriter in the blues/rock genre.” Scott Thomas – shredknowledge.com Dec 2011

“I wish I had a higher rating to give it (Through The Rain), cause it certainly would deserve it” John Vermilyea – Blues Underground Network Dec 2011

“With ‘Through the Rain’, Alastair Greene applies his daredevil blues guitar work to his hard rock influences. The result is some blistering rock, with fiery fret work. Recommended.” Craig Hartranft – Dangerdog Music Reviews Dec 2011

“This (Through The Rain) is definitely not your daddy’s blues recording.”  Bman’s Blues Report Nov 2011

Recent Interviews and Blogs
Seynour Duncan Blues rocking guitarist Alastair Greene has the right tone for the Alan Parsons Live Project Dec 2011

Rockwired.com interview with Brian Lush Dec 2011
Ventura County Star’s  Bill Locey talks to Alastair about playing with Alan Parsons, the new CD Through The Rain, and more Dec 2011
Greek Blues Website interview Feb 2012
Interview with Alastair for Bman’s Blues Report Nov 2011
Alastair’s tribute to the late Gary Moore that was posted on the American Blues News Website. Feb 2011THROUGH THE RAIN radio campaign 2012
KTUH Honolulu
KMEC 8 to the bar w Tarr
WWSP Wisconsin
WCON Durham, NC
Blues Deluxe – Nationally syndicated
KYUH Honolulu
KTYD 99.9 FM Santa Barbara, CA
Juke Joint Blues RadioWUCF, 89.9FM,Smokestack Lightnin’ on  Orlando, FL
KSJS 90.5 FM San Jose, CA
KCSB 91.9 FM Santa Barbara, CA
WECS 90.1 Fm Willimantic Ct. (Top 25 December 2011)ALASTAIR GREENE live performance highlights.

Lead Guitarist for ALAN PARSONS LIVE PROJECT 2010-Present 
Tours of United States, Holland, Eastern Europe, South America, Mexico

ALASTAIR GREENE and the ALASTAIR GREENE BAND have appeared on these show bills:
NAMM jam at Seymour Duncan booth with Eric Gales January 2012
Mannish Boys, Kirk Fletcher Band @ Simi Blues Festival 2011 (AG as part of Mitch Kashmar Band)
Headliner @ Avocado Festival in Carpinteria 2011
Co-Headliner @ Kern River Blues Fest 2011
Co-headliner @ 2nd Annual Real Blues Festival of Orange County 2011
Tommy Castro, Roy Rogers, Michael Burks, Nick Moss @ Sonora Blues Festival 2010
Headliner Old Spanish Days Festival in Santa Barbara 2010
Co-headliner 2nd Annual Real Blues Festival of Orange County 2010
Co- headliner Harvest Music Festival in Santa Barbara 2009
Co-headliner Avocado Festival in Carpinteria 2009
Joe Bonamassa – 2009 Brixton in Hermosa Beach, CA (with Shari Puorto)
Robin Trower @ Ventura Theater 2008
Biker Fest in Las Vegas Nevada 2008 (with Shari Puorto)
Blues, Brew, BBQ Festival 2007 Stevenson, WA (AG with Frank Goldwasser)
Co-headliner @ Old Spanish Days Festival in Santa Barbara 2007
Co-headliner Avocado Festival in Carpinteria 2005
Jonny Lang @ Santa Barbara Bowl 2004
Lucky Petersen @ Spring Blues Fest (Belgium) 2004 (AG w Franck Goldwasser and Mitch Kashmar)
Mike Campbell’s Dirty Knobs @ Old Spanish Days Festival in Santa Barbara 2002
John Mayall @ Ventura Theater 2000
Fabulous Thunderbirds @ Coach House Santa Barbara 1999ALASTAIR GREENE BAND venues and cities
House Of Blues – Hollywood, CA
B.B. King’s  - Universal City Walk, CA
Biscuits and Blues – San Francisco, CA
Poor House – San Jose, CA
Bluedog – Long Beach, CA
Duffs Garage – Portland, OR
Old Shippe – Santa Ana, CA
Soho – Santa Barbara, CA
Ventura Theater – Ventura, CA
El Dorado – Long Beach, CA
Shooters – Fresno, CA
Jawbone Canyon – Cantil, CA
Pyrenees – Bakersfield, CA
Goobers – Pismo Beach
Savoy Theater – Santa Barbara, CA
Old Dubin – Oxnard, CA
Watermark – Ventura, CA
Brewhouse – Santa Barbara, CA
Creekside – Goleta, CA
Carr Winery – Santa Barbara, CA
Smokin’ Jacks – Carpinteria
Whiskey Richards – Santa Barbara, CA
Wine Lovers – Ventura, CA
Bombay – Ventura, CA

ALASTAIR GREENE albums

2011 Through The Rain – LeRoi Records

2009 Walking In Circles – riatsala music

2007 Frank Goldwasser with The Alastair Greene Band - riatsala music

2003 Official Bootleg: Live In L.A. - riatsala music

2002 A Little Wiser - riatsala music

Notable musical guest appearances by Alastair

Alan Parsons – A Valid Path 2004

Alan Parsons – Alpha Centauri iTunes single 2010

Alan Parsons – Sirius – remake 2009

Aynsley Dunbar – Mutiny 2007

Frank Goldwasser – Bluju 2008

Mitch Kashmar – Wake Up And Worry 2005

Shari Puorto – Real 2011

Shari Puroto – Down the Road – 2009

The Boys Are Back In Town

Website:
http://www.marcomendoza.com

Website:
http://www.thinlizzyband.com/

Audio  Interview:

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:

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 … >>>