John Corabi Set To Release Debut Solo Album On Nov. 13th

 

 

 

 

John Corabi has announced the release date of his upcoming solo debut, simply titled "Unplugged".  It will be released on November 13, 2012 by Rat Pak Records.  His debut solo offering veers a lil' left of center being it is an acoustic album.  It features all-new versions of several tunes from his time with The Scream, Mötley Crüe, and Union.  Rounding out his debut will be five new tunes and an interview.  One of the songs, "Open Your Eyes" was demoed as far back as 2002 when John formed the short lived project 'Zen Lunatic'. 

 

While it is a ballsy move to release an acoustic album for your debut solo effort, anyone who has followed John's career shouldn't be shocked.  John has always released acoustic-based tunes with all of his previous bands.  I'm especially interested in the new recordings for "Love (I Don't Need It Anymore)", "Man In The Moon", "I Never Loved Her Anyway" after hearing how he re-worked the Corabi era Mötley Crüe classic "Hooligan's Holiday", which you can hear below, courtesy of Rat Pak Records. 

 

John Corabi "Hooligan's Holiday" - from the forthcoming CD "Unplugged"

 

John is currently touring overseas ahead of this albums release.  Hopefully there will be a US tour at the beginning of 2013!!!

 

Check out John's new website for tour info, music, video and more by going to http://www.johncorabi.com. 

 

When you're done over there, head over and pre-order John Corabi's debut solo album.  He is offering several different "bundles" to choose from featuring t-shirts, pick paks, signed promo photos and more!!!  Pre-order the album from http://www.ratpakrecordsamerica.com/johncorabi  

 

TRACK LISTING

 

LOVE (I DON’T NEED IT ANYMORE)
IF I NEVER GET TO SAY GOODBYE
ARE YOU WAITING?
CRASH
EVERYTHING’S ALL RIGHT
FATHER, MOTHER, SON
HOOLIGANS HOLIDAY
IF I HAD A DIME
LOVESHINE
MAN IN THE MOON
OPEN YOUR EYES
I NEVER LOVED HER ANYWAY
2012 INTERVIEW (BONUS TRACK)



**********ALL PHOTOS/PROMO MATERIALS COURTESY OF THE FINE FOLKS AT RAT PAK RECORDS ***********

Blackberry Smoke 'The Whippoorwill' CD Review

Blackberry Smoke 'The Whippoorwill' CD Review

TRACK LISTING:

01. Six Ways to Sunday

02. Pretty Little Lie

03. Everybody Knows She's Mine

04. One Horse Town

05. Ain't Much Left of Me

06. The Whippoorwill 
07. Lucky Seven

08. Leave A Scar

09. Crimson Moon

10. Ain't Got the Blues

11. Sleeping Dogs

12. Shakin' Hands with the Holy Ghost

13. Up the Road

BAND:

Charlie Starr - Vocals, Guitar, Pedal Steel, and Banjo

Richard Turner - Bass Guitar & Vocals

Paul Jackson - Guitar & Vocals

Brandon Still - Piano & Organ

Brit Turner - Drums & Percussion

PRODUCTION:

Blackberry Smoke, Clay Cook, Matt Mangano and Zac Brown

Blackberry Smoke have returned with their third full length album, 'The Whippoorwill'.  A diverse album consisting of thirteen songs ranging from straight-up boogie rockers, a heartfelt "ballad", a southern fried AC/DC-esque rocker and all emotions in between.  The production is top notch and the new label, Zac Brown's Southern Ground has allowed their personalities to shine through whereas they seemed a bit handcuffed by the production and label on their last album, "Little Piece Of Dixie".  

The last album seemed overproduced and the band seemed censored for the sake of radio play.  This album is masterfully produced but isn't so glossy where the spirit of the players doesn't shine through.  Also, if you have ever been to a Blackberry Smoke live show than you know these guys have a great sense of humor!  That comes through on this album as well.  

All the elements of the band that longtime fans love are all here and if this album doesn't bring in many many more fans then there is no hope for the music industry.  After a few false starts with now defunct labels, it appears the band has finally found a home where they can create what they want without a label pushing them in one direction and the label is more than happy to deliver the music to the masses.  In the past few years, the band has shared stages with the likes of the Zac Brown Band, Jamey Johnson, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cross Canadian Ragweed and ZZ Top.  They've also been visible in mainstream media having appeared in numerous publications and on CMT!!

Blackberry Smoke write from their heart and experience.  There isn't anything fake or contrived in the music.  Find those qualities watching American Idol or The Voice, I DARE YOU!!!  Blackberry Smoke is a band for the masses yet would never be too big-headed to go out and have a beer or shoot pool with their fans.  They've busted their asses playing all over the USA & Europe for over ten years, from small clubs to sold out arenas and everything in between.  This album is so strong and has a little something for everyone be it a lil' rock n' roll or a lil' bit country, whatever your mood, it is just great music, period!!  Well done guys, well done!!

Track-by-Track:

Six Ways To Sunday (3:27) A lustful honky tonker that kicks the album off on a rockin' note.  Charlie sings of a sinful seductress that he fancies while Brandon lays down some major ivory on this cut.  His playing here channels some of the greats, Billy Powell, Gregg Allman, Mike Finnegan, among others.  This galloping rocker should be in the live set for years to come!

Pretty Little Lie (3:34) A mid-tempo tune that every man can relate to.  To me, it seems to be about a woman you know is doing you wrong yet you just can't kick her ass to the curb where she belongs.  

Everybody Knows She's Mine (3:49)  This song is just locked down into a sweet little groove and is about as feel-good as you can get.  I've been digging on this song for a few years since I saw a live video of it on YouTube and it also appears on their 2011 "Live At The Georgia Theatre" DVD.  It is definitely a highlight on the album for me.  The guitar/piano solo spot and female background singers add a nice touch.  

One Horse Town (4:16)  Another tune I discovered through YouTube.  A song about growing up, wanting to leave yet remaining in a small town for the duration of ones life.  Acoustically driven with some sweet pedal steel throughout.  I could see this doing well at Country radio and CMT!

Ain't Much Left Of Me (4:58)  FINALLY!!!  I've seen this song performed live several times over the years and have bootlegs dating back to 2006 with this song.  So glad it has finally been put on an album.  A mid-tempo rocker where anyone who has been through a divorce could definitely relate to this song!!  

The Whippoorwill (5:31)  A gorgeous ballad that was written by Charlie about the memories of his Grandmother.  He discusses the song in depth on their DVD, "Live At The Georgie Theatre".  This is one of those songs where you could close your eyes and envision exactly what he is singing about.  


Lucky Seven (4:17)  One of the great things about music is that there always seems to be a song that you can relate to.  A song where you feel it was written about you, this is that song for me.  The song starts out mellow, kicks in at the chorus then backs off til the chorus comes back around and the song closes out with some beautiful guitar over sparse piano.    

Leave A Scar (3:34)  This tune is pure energy and attitude.  This should be a hellraiser live.  Really digg the banjo lines throughout it.  Can't wait to hear this one live!!!  

Crimson Moon (4:00)  Another rocker that was written with Zac Brown & Matt Mangano.  Lyrically about being teenagers in love growing up in a small town and wanting nothing more than to get the hell outta town.  This one should strike a nerve with anyone who hears it.

Ain't Got The Blues (4:03)  Starts out like your spinning a 78 on an old phonograph.  Has a real vintage quality about the recording method used on it.  A nice change of pace with its bluesy acoustic shuffle.  It will definitely get your feet to tappin or dancin if you have someone with you.    

Sleeping Dogs (3:22)  Another song that has been played live for ages alas "Ain't Much Left Of Me".  It is great to finally have a studio version.  A mellow groove that kicks in at the chorus and speaks of standing your ground when somebody pushes you over the edge.  Love the line "Make no mistake let there be no doubt. Paint me in a corner, I'll fight my way out.  The moral of the story brother, this is it. I'll be all over you like stink on shit!!!"

Shakin' Hands With The Holy Ghost (3:45)  The guitars on this track remind me of some major southern fried AC/DC riffage!!  This just locks into one of those power grooves and kicks major ass.  This is definitely going to be a must for any party & will get the ladies out dancing!!!

Up the Road (5:53)  A bluesy ballad to the end the record.  Lyrically it seems to be about a couple sticking through the hard times and coming out the other side together.  It is very laid back, tastefully played, even the solo yet builds momentum towards the end.  This will be one of those songs live where it lets a band stretch out and just jam. The only thing that really describes this tune is EPIC.  


In concluding,  I've listened to this album at least a dozen times and the band really hit the nail on the head with this one.  I think this will be the album that breaks the band into the mainstream.  They deserve it as I can't think of a nicer bunch of guys who truly love what they do as much as this band.  I've been fortunate enough to know them since 2002.  They are not scared to get out there and play.  


They've really jelled together since the addition of Brandon Still in 2009.  His abilities on the keys really bring the songs to a bigger place.  The rhythm section of the Brit & Richard lay down a solid foundation, Paul and Charlie really compliment each others styles very well while Charlie does his thing on the mic.  The finally were captured on tape how you see them live!!!  GREAT JOB GUYS!!!


Do yourselves a favor and go see this band L-I-V-E!!!!  For one, that is the only place you can get this album until it is released to stores on August 14th & besides that, LIVE IS WHERE IT IS AT WITH THESE CATS!!!

Blackberry Smoke is (L to R)

Paul Jackson, Brandon Still, Richard Turner, Charlie Starr and Brit Turner!!!

Anthony Gomes 'Up 2 Zero' CD Review

Anthony Gomes

Up 2 Zero

Released March 6, 2012  (Up 2 Zero Entertainment)

Track List:

1. Back To The Start
2. One Last Time
3. Love Sweet Love
4. Fly Away
5. Darkest Before The Dawn
6. Room 414
7. Voodoo Moon
8. Anywhere You Run
9. Last Bluesman Gone
10. Up 2 Zero
11. N’Abandonne Pas

Band:

Anthony Gomes - Vocals/Guitar

Scot Sutherland - Bass/Vocals (Touring Band Only)

Roger Femali - Drums (Touring Band Only)

Additional Musicians:

Michael Rhodes - Bass

Greg Morrow - Drums

Reese Wynans - Keyboards

Glen Caruba - Percussion

Vicki Hampton - Background Vocals

Wendy Moten  - Background Vocals

Trez Gregory  - Background Vocals

Tania Hancheroff - French Background Vocals

Eve Paradis - French Background Vocals

Chris Carmichael - Strings arrangement and performance

Chris Leuzinger - Rhythm Guitar 

Production:

Produced by Anthony Gomes & Peter Carson

How appropriate that the album kicks off with a song entitled "Back To The Start".  It is an omen for things to come because as Anthony Gomes proclaimed in 2010, he was going "Back To The Blues".  He has done just that with the past two years of touring and now with this album.  His first release since branching out into a more Southern Rock feel with his New Soul Cowboys band and self-titled album in 2009.  While the New Soul Cowboys band and album weren't bad by any means, I thought it lacked the "Spirit" of his previous albums and tours!  Blues/Blues Rock is where Anthony belongs because The Blues is his HOME!!  Welcome Home Anthony……Welcome Home!!

Judging by the first twenty seconds of  Back To The Start, Anthony isn't wasting any time embracing his true calling!  His tone and playing on this track is undoubtedly making Stevie smile from the Heavens.  It is pure Blues, full of emotion that makes you FEEL every note!!  Lyrically speaking of getting back to a love left behind.  One can sense that it is all a metaphor for going back to his bluesy roots.  One Last Time finds Anthony bringing forth the influence of B.B. King.  I'm really digging his vocal approach on these first couple tunes.  He is singing more from the gut and allowing the emotional delivery of the lyrics to be as raw as can be without polishing them up in the studio or layering AutoTune on his vocals.

Love Sweet Love was the first single released prior to the album.  While talking with my friend Rodney about the single, he said the song had a Eric Clapton feel to it.  It wasn't til I downloaded the album off of iTunes and played it through my home stereo that I got what Rodney was saying.  This cut could have easily been on one of Eric's album in the 1970's or 1980's.  A great lead-off single.  Fly Away is the track that I was more than a tad leery of checking out because it is a re-written/re-arranged version of 'Bluebird' that appeared on his 2006 release "Music Is The Medicine'.  'Bluebird' has become a favorite among his legions of fans & a staple of his live show, it IS my all-time favorite track from Anthony.    I caught Anthony live on February 10th & was impressed with how he had re-worked the song.  I was a bit worried that I wouldn't like it but after hearing the new version live, as well as hearing it a couple of times on my iPod & a few spins on the home stereo I've come to love it as a completely different song.  Musically, it doesn't have the same gospel approach the original had and the riff is alot heavier & overall, the song has more of a groove to it. 

Uh-oh, a double shot of re-working Anthony Gomes "classics".  Here, Anthony has re-arranged Darkest Before The Dawn from his 2002 album "Unity".  He has slowed the tempo down, added rhythm guitars done by Chris Leuzinger, added some female background vocals straight from a Gospel Choir and accented the song with a string section.  All that has taken the already amazing song to a whole other level.  EPIC seems to be a word that would fit!!  Room 414 kicks the album back into high gear with a nice bar-room boogie.  My hats off to Richard Dodd who mixed the album especially when he pans the guitar solo from left to right during a section of the solo, giving it the feeling of dueling guitars.  The keyboard stabs add a lil' "sumthin-sumthin" to the song!

Voodoo Moon instantly became a favorite of mine because of the haunting vibe of the music and the intense story told by the lyrics.  The story is based in Clarksdale Mississippi on Highway 49.  The lyrics evoke a vision of what it must be like sitting under the moon at midnight down in the Delta. The mood is accented by some subtle Dobro parts, tasteful slide playing, atmospheric keys and raspy almost-spoken parts by Anthony.  I would love to see this made into a music video.  Robert Johnson and The Devil are no-doubt digging this tune!  Anywhere You Run is the song on the album that I relate to the most, lyric-wise.  I couldn't have expressed what I have been feeling as of late any better than Anthony did on this song. Last Bluesman Gone gives me chills to say the least.  Clocking in at just two minutes and ten seconds long, Anthony packed a lot of emotion into that timeframe.  A somber acoustic driven melody with an eerie chant-like gospel hymn that gives the track almost a funeral dirge feel to what you are hearing.  It ranks up there with Voodoo Moon as my favorite tracks on this album.  The subject matter is sad, touching on some of the Blues greats we have lost over the last few years.  However, the likes of Anthony, Eric Sardinas & Big Motor, Joe Bonamassa and Moreland & Arbuckle are carrying the torch for The Blues.  In my opinion, as a Blues lover, it is heartbreaking to see so many legends pass on but with the likes of the aforementioned, The Blues is in GREAT hands!

Shifting back into high gear with the title track, Up 2 Zero has long been a part of Anthony's live show having appeared on his 2008 "Live" album.  Listeners finally get a proper studio version and it doesn't disappoint his longtime fans.  The guitar solo simply smokes!  We come to the end of this audio journey with the eleventh track which is version of 'Darkest Before The Dawn' sang entirely in French entitled "N'Abandonne Pas".  I'd bet my paycheck that his Mother is extremely proud of this rendition as she is French-Canadian. 

Overall, this album has more of a raw feel to it than his past releases but DO NOT get me wrong, it is one of his best to date.  This is as straight-ahead Blues as you can get whereas his previous releases had equal parts soul, funk and gospel.  Those elements are still present, they're just toned down a lot.  Anthony has stripped away the fancy production tricks and delivered an album of pure emotion be it vocally or musically!

OFFICIAL SITE:                

http://www.anthonygomes.com

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/gomesmusic


ORDER ALBUM FROM:

ITUNES:                              

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/up-2-zero/id506728960

AMAZON:                           

http://www.amazon.com/up2zero-anthony-gomes/dp/B007C8RZGK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1331003375&sr=8-2

EMUSIC:

http://www.emusic.com/listen/#/album/anthony-gomes/up-2-zero/13191660/:

Blackberry Smoke Live At The Georgia Theatre DVD Review

Track Listing:

(Photo of Back Cover provided by Brit Turner)

Blackberry Smoke was formed in 2000 in Atlanta Georgia by Charlie Starr (Vocals & Guitars), Richard Turner (Bass & Vocals), Paul Jackson (Guitars & Vocals) and Brit Turner (Drums). Originally a four piece, the band welcomed pianist Brandon Still to the band a few years ago. In that time they have released two full length albums as well as two E.P.'s!! The band has been on the road non-stop ever since forming and have toured with the likes of ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Zac Brown Band and Jackyl.  Blackberry Smoke was recently invited to be special guests on select dates on the newly announced 2012 “The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour” featuring Eric Church alongside Brantley Gilbert!

Released just in time for Christmas is the spectacular new live DVD from Blackberry Smoke.  This 15 song DVD was filmed LIVE in Athens Georgia at the historic Georgia Theatre on August 5th 2011.  The DVD was filmed in High Definition.  You can order it along with signed posters or a t-shirt that commemorate this special show at Blackberry Smoke's website.   The DVD is ONLY available at their website or at one of the bands live shows.  Onto to meat and potatoes of this DVD......

This 15 song (16 if you count the 'Intro') is one of the best DVDs I've seen in years.  Shot in HD, the picture is crystal clear and the audio is superb.  I have to give major kudos to Kjersten Rossi who edited the DVD.  The edits are smooth and don't jump around between members like it was edited by someone with A.D.H.D. who is all jacked up on Red Bull!!  The edits give ample time to each shot and capture each band member doing what they do best.

If you're looking for a live show full of pyrotechnics, choreography, canned vocals, samples, dancing girls and all that jazz, I suggest you invest in a Mötley Crüe DVD.  However, if you like a band that delivers a high energy set of well crafted songs, church choir-esque harmonies and top-of-the-line musicianship then this Blackberry Smoke DVD is for you!!!  Charlie's down home sense of melody on the microphone is second-to-none and he plays a mean slide guitar, Paul is one of the best all-round guitarists in music today, be it lead or rhythm playing, the brothers Turner are always right in the pocket as a rhythm section and Brandon gives Gregg Allman a run for his money on the ivories. 

As an added bonus they've included footage of the recording sessions for their upcoming album and the band filmed interview segments exclusively for this release. You get a little history of the band and each member, a taste of life on the bus, and backstage footage! I dug Paul's tour of the bus and the reason why they keep a personalized baseball bat handy in the front lounge of the bus! HINT:DO NOT yell 'Freebird' at one of their shows!!

 

The band draws on their wide range of influences throughout this show.  You will FEEL healthy doses of Rock N' Roll, Country, and Blues topped with a dash of comedy thanks to Lead Vocalist Charlie Starr's off-beat sense of humor.  Zac Brown & Clay Cook of the Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie lend their talents on several songs.  The set features a nice blend of original material with a few classics thrown in that even the casual viewer should recognize.

A highlight for me was Charlie's dedication to "that group of Navy Seals that was over there not long ago. Blackberry Smoke just has one thing to say, ATTABOY!!" (obviously referring to their eradication of Osama Bin Laden a few months prior to this show) before kicking into 'Freedom Song'!!  A few of the other highlights for me are their performances of 'Son Of A Bourbon' & 'Shake Your Magnolia' off of their 'Little Piece Of Dixie' album, the performances of a few songs that have yet to see the light of day on one of their albums including a touching song entitled 'The Whippoorwill', and their covers of a 'Man Of Constant Sorrow'; a song made famous in the 200 hit film 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' and their romp of a tradition song covered by the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis & The Grateful Dead entitled 'Deep Elem Blues'.  Jimmy Hall (of Wet Willie) & Clay Cook (of Zac Brown) lend their talents to the latter.

I'd highly recommend this DVD for anyone who is a fan of real music played by real people! Also, do yourself a favor & go see these cats in concert, they are ALWAYS on the road in a town near you!!  Tell em 'Crash' sent ya!!

As Charlie Starr says "Play One......Drink One.....Hot Damn!!!!"

Trailer for Blackberry Smoke's "Live At Georgia Theatre" DVD!  OUT NOW!!

Click here to visit the bands website

Black Stone Cherry "Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea" Review

TRACK LISTING:
01) White Trash Millionaire
02) Killing Floor
03) In My Blood
04) Such A Shame
05) Won't Let Go
06) Blame It On The Boom Boom
07) Like I Roll
08) Can't You See [Marshall Tucker Band cover]
09) Shake
10) Stay
11) Change
12) All I'm Dreaming Of
~~~~~iTunes Bonus Tracks~~~~~
13) Staring At The Mirror
14) Fade Away
15) Die For You

Band:
Chris Robertson - guitar and lead vocals
Ben Wells - guitar and vocals
Jon Lawhon - bass and vocals
John Fred Young - drums and vocals

Production:
Howard Benson

Engineer:
Mike Plotnikoff


Review:

Black Stone Cherry are back! That's right, returning with their fourth album (that is counting their independently released 2003 offering "Rock N' Roll Tape") are those young ass kickin' Southern rockers!! It has been two and a half years since their last album was released. In the meantime the band have spent the majority of that time touring the world one their own and supporting some of the biggest acts in Rock. In the fall of 2010 the band left the comforts of home in Kentucky and entered the studio in Los Angeles with Howard Benson to record the new album due May 31st on Roadrunner Records. This album marks the first time the band has recorded away from their southern comforts.

Listeners are greeted with an earful of distorted amplifier feedback leading into a slammin' wah-wah and talk box laced riff that starts off the new album and their first radio single "White Trash Millionaire." Lyrically the tune is a middle finger to those who look down upon the band members. It definitely gets the album off to a slamming start and continues on into "Killing Floor". This cut is very reminiscent of Alice In Chains in the verses than kicking into a vocally wide open chorus and also musically it also has an AIC feel. The guitars reeks of Jerry Cantrell! "In My Blood" slows the pace down just a bit but not too much. I can envision this mid-tempo number as a future single. It borders on a ballad lyrically but musically has the balls it doesn't get watered down into Bon Jovi territory!!

The band has progressed in all areas from songwriting, musicianship and their harmonies are definitely a notch above what they've delivered in the past. It is scary how much talent these guys have and how they continue to get better. While they may not be the biggest thing in rock, what they have going for them is that they won't be going away anytime soon!

Continuing their tradition of storytelling within their tunes. "Such A Shame" dives into the subject of a young girl from a broken home becoming mixed up in the seedier side of life only to end up dead. Dig the subtle fading female background vocal after the title of the song is sang. This cut could make a really powerful video to show teens there is an alternative to a life of drugs and living on the streets! I don't think that the band gets as much credit as they deserve for their musicianship but the acoustic fretwork displayed during "Won't Let Go" is on par with some of the best. I was surprised to learn that Lizzy Hale of Halestorm makes an appearance on background vocals, she adds a nice haunting touch to this mid-tempo rocker! "Blame It On The Boom Boom" has been around for a while as it was offered up as a free download from Kentucky-based bourbon company Evan Williams in December 2010!! It is a nasty groove rocker that should go over big-time live!

"Like I Roll" is my pick for favorite song of the album! It is just a feelgood uptempo song with a catchy chorus. I can see this crossing over on VH-1 & CMT with the proper video treatment. I CANNOT BRAG ON "LIKE I ROLL" ENOUGH!! A MASTERPIECE OF A TUNE!! It easily could have been a John Mellencamp or Bob Seger anthem back in the day!! The next cut will be the most scrutinized song on the album as it is a cover of The Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See." They did the track justice however having seen them cover it live, I feel the production stripped some of the magick of the live version away. Still not a bad rendition unlike Poison's butchering of it from 2007. Fans of Southern Rock should be pleased with Black Stone Cherry's take on this classic!

"Shake" is a hypnotic groove rocker perfect to listen to while sitting in your favorite whiskey soaked strip joint while some hottie shakes her tail feather for ya!! Felt like I was in the 80's when Chris fired off the lyric "She squeezed my lemon just to drink the juice!".....nice touch on the lust laden track! The band heads into the anthemic mid-tempo ballad territory with "Stay." I can see the ladies loving this track while it features one of the better guitar solos on the record, just a tad short in duration though. Somebody wake me up cause I'm having a case of déjà vu hearing "Change", it sure sounds eerily like "Lonely Train" from the bands self-titled 2006 album! That IS NOT a bad thang though. The vocal breakdown over the solo section is an especially nice touch. John Fred channels his inner John Bonham with some sledgehammer-esque drumming!

Paddle faster, I hear banjos!! GOTCHA!! Stand down, just some badass banjo and mandolin pickin' nothing to fear with the last track of the album "All I'm Dreaming Of." This track could easily be titled "Peace Is Free II" as it continues with the theme (or dream) that "Peace Is Free" drove home!! I also hear touches of my favorite stringed instrument, THE DOBRO. Minus the subtle orchestration and a few sparse electric guitar parts, the song is all acoustic and hand-drumming NICE! One day, I hope Black Stone Cherry releases an acoustic live cd/dvd in the vein of Tesla's "Five Man Acoustical Jam". They're one of the few 'newer' bands who have the talent to pull it off!! Definitely an interesting way to close out an album.

I will have to wait till the album's release on iTunes to get the three bonus tracks (Staring At The Mirror, Fade Away, Die For You) to review them. Overall, I feel, as stated before in this review, that Black Stone Cherry has progressed in all areas possible without turning into a "radio only band"! They still groove n' rock with the best but are not afraid to pick up an acoustic and show a lil' Southern fried soul!! The production on this album is stellar without glossing over the final product and the band is sounding better and better with each passing gig and album!!



Video for "White Trash Millionaire"

Richie Kotzen-24 Hours Album Review

RICHIE KOTZEN
24 HOURS
Released November 11, 2011 (Headroom Inc.)

Track listing::
01. 24 Hours
02. Help Me
03. OMG [What’s Your Name?]
04. Get It On
05. Love is Blind
06. Stop Me
07. Bad Situation
08. I Don’t Know Why
09. Tell Me That It’s Easy
10. Twist of Fate


Richie Kotzen: Written, Produced, Performed & Recorded by Richie Kotzen at "The House'


Additional Musicians:
August Kotzen: Wurlitzer Piano, Additional Vocals & Co-writer track #6 and
Additional Vocals on tracks # 5 & # 9
Jerry Cantrell: Additional Vocals on track #5
Bret Domrose: Additional Vocals on track #5
Mike Bennett: Percussion on track # 3


'24 Hours' marks Richie Kotzen's 23rd album since 1989 including a live album, an album under the banner of 'Wilson Hawk', one with 'Forty Deuce' and two collaborations with Greg Howe. Throw in all the albums he did with Mr. Big, Poison, Vertu, an acoustic album, three 'Best Of' compilations, all the guest appearances & the tribute albums he has appeared on and the number exceeds 125........EASILY!!


Beyond sheer numbers, his catalog of recorded material runs the gamut from Hard Rock, Pop, Blues, Soul, Funk, R&B and even Country! Yes, I said Country......Google "Kent Stanfield Jesus In The Way"!!! I must admit, ol' "Kent" is mighty wicked on that there Banjo & I hope he releases an entire album someday!! Back to Richie Kotzen.......


*****WARNING:SELF PLAGERISM FOR THE NEXT PARAGRAPH (This was included in a review of I did of Richie's 2007 album Return Of The Mother Head's Family Reunion & I felt it was appropriate to include here to segue into the rest of the review.)*****


"First off, I must warn everyone that when it comes to anything that has Richie Kotzen's name attached to it I am 100% biased, I will admit! I've been a devoted fan of all things Kotzen since I got his Fever Dream cassette in 1990. I am not so "blinded" as a fan that I won't admit when something isn't up to par with Richie's talent. Case in point, his 1999 release Break It All Down. That disc sonically was flat and sadly the writing and playing seem very un-inspired with the exception of the song "It Burns". "


With Richie, it is hard to predict what is coming next album wise. His influences are diverse. One year you may get a hard rock flavored album and then next year he throws you a curveball with a soulful R&B flavored gem. There is no cookie cutter approach to Richie and his music. That is what keeps me coming back for more, year after year and album after album! I will do a track-by-track rundown of '24 Hours'.....here we go!!


24 HOURS (4:14) Richie released the title track as a single and video back in September. My first impression of the title track was mixed at the beginning due to the usage of autotune over his vocals in parts of the song. Over time I got past that and now dig the tune for what it is, a furious romp and one helluva pyrotechnics show on the fret board!! The video is just as fast paced with some stellar camera work and editing!! In the past few years Richie has ceased using a plectrum and went the Jeff Beck route, finger picking. How his fingers aren't shredded after playing this tune is beyond me!


HELP ME (4:35) 'Help Me' kicks off with a funky lil' guitar run before the vocals come in. This songs just reeks of a tasty groove. The bass and drums are right in the pocket. Richie's vocals are in a higher register than usual on most of this track as well as on most of the album. My only gripe is about that buzzing bass synth part that comes in on the choruses starting at the one minute mark and returns periodically throughout. It took me a while to realize that my stereo wasn't screwing up or that there wasn't a glitch in the mastering of the album but that buzzing was intentional. Don't let the buzzing deter you, the track is a sweet funky lil ditty!


OMG [WHAT'S YOUR NAME?] (4:22) I'm sensing that Richie has been jamming a lot of Sly & The Family Stone in along with his daily doses of The Spinners and James Brown because this track heads down that familiar funky road!! Trust me, that's a good thing! A slammin' drum groove and hypnotic bass lines are accented with splashes of synthesizer all the way to a first for Richie, a full-on synth solo!!


GET IT ON (3:10) Kicking off on the mellow side with sparse guitar licks before picking up the tempo, 'Get It On' sounds like it could have been on his 1996 album Wave Of Emotion. That album is where Richie really started incorporating his R&B, Soul and Funk chops into his music and going beyond being pigeonholed primarily as a shredder. Over the years he has always added a touch of those influences to his tunes and this cut is no different. I feel his bass playing is often overlooked because of his reputation on the guitar but he always lays down some tasty grooves. Many don't realize that Richie often plays all the instruments on his albums in addition to his singing and guitar playing.


LOVE IS BLIND (5:37) This song is probably my favorite on this album, it may be tied with the final track on this album. It is hard to choose. If I was an A&R man at Headroom Inc., I would advise Richie to release this to radio and definitely make a video for it. Absolutely love the slide guitar playing on this track and Richie flat sings his ass off on a melodic gem that should resonate with the casual listener! I feel like going all 'Wayne's World' in his presence and proclaiming "I'M NOT WORTHY"!!!!


The song also features his daughter August, Bret Domrose of Keanu Reeve's 'Dogstar' and Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains fame as additional vocalists!! Richie has worked with Bret in the past having appeared with Dogstar as a 2nd guitarist on several talk shows back at the start of the decade & August has really blossomed into a seasoned singer.....probably doesn't hurt that both her parents are exceptional vocalists in their own right! She has even begun singing back-up at his live shows and takes the lead on a version of on the Dorothy Moore classic "I Don't Want To Be With Nobody But You" & The Yardbirds classic "Shapes Of Things". Richie has to be proud!! Jerry really shines through with his "lead vocal ad-lib" during the final chorus beginning at the 5:04 mark. AN INSTANT CLASSIC IN MY OPINION!!


STOP ME (2:58) Another catchy mid-tempo tune that was co-written & features his daughter August on Wurlitzer Piano and additional vocals. I hope they will release a duet album in the near future. The guitar solo is classic Richie, full on frenzy on the fretboard!!


BAD SITUATION (3:51) Eerily reminiscent of the vibe on his 1999 album Bi Polar Blues. That isn't a bad thing since I've wished for another blues oriented album over the past 11 years! Vocally he uses his range from one end of its ability to the other. There are some choice B.B. King inspired licks and phrasing in his guitar playing.


Dig this one big time & I really connect with the lyrical content. It feels like he wrote this song about a prior relationship I was in. When a song touches you in a way that you feel that they wrote it about a time in your life or you wished you wrote it because it was exactly how you feel about something, that is the mark of a true artist!!! Richie has done that many times since I began following his career 21 years ago & that is why he is my all-time favorite singer/songwriter/musician!!


I DON'T KNOW WHY (3:51) Vocally soulful and in the ballad realm. This is one of the most brilliant vocal performances I've ever heard Richie turn in. The music is subtle & laid back and allows the vocal performance to take the forefront. Richie really lays his emotions out for the world to hear here. His sense of melody is in a class by its own.


TELL ME THAT IT'S EASY (4:46) Another mid tempo R&B song bordering on a ballad that again features August Kotzen adding her soulful vocals to the mix. The guitar fills sit back in the mix and add a classy touch to a beautiful song.


TWIST OF FATE (5:12) Now we have come to the end of an emotional journey and to my other favorite song on the album. Starting off with some classical acoustic guitar before he comes in with his soulful vocal styling's. The lyrics tell a story that takes the listener on a journey as he sings to the one he loves. You get a sense that the person Richie is singing to has given off the vibe of being unsure as to their relationship and that he is trying to convince her to put her guard down, as the lyrics allude to.


The guitar has a 'Maggie May' feel to them before he comes in on piano at the 3:20 mark. I can close my eyes and see Floyd Cramer playing the ivories on this track, but he has long passed. Another example of what a world class musician Richie is. The song picks up steam at that point with bluesy guitar runs over a subtle groove and the piano. While I feel this song is perfect as it is, I can envision Richie writing parts from a female perspective and having someone sing almost a point-counterpoint duet with him.


In concluding, it took a few listens to the album as a whole to get it but I GOT IT! There were no full on rockers or instant pop radio hits that grabbed you. Instead you have to sit back and immerse yourself in the passion and soul for which is coming into your ears!


This album is a look inside Richie's heart and life since his last album. While at points melancholy, you come away with a renewed sense of hope and love thanks to the audio journey you have just taken. In a few years, this album will be looked upon by his legions of fans the same way his 1998 album "What Is...."  his 2005 album "Into The Black" are these days. It is a beautiful artistic look into his soul and shows another step in his musical evolution. Well done Richie, well done!!


24 Hours Promo Video.......

The Michael Olivieri Band Releases New Video and Single

The Michael Olivieri Band, also known as The M.O.B. have released their debut single entitled "Broken Glass" on iTunes as well as a video for the single. The video was directed by Karl Leslie Willis.


The Michael Olivieri Band will release their debut album "M.O.B." on December 21st via iTunes and pre-orders for their debut album will be taken in the coming days. The album was Produced by Michael Olivieri and Mixed by Kevin Beamish (produced acts such as Foreigner, Saxon, Keel, Leatherwolf, and the supergroup Contraband).


The Michael Olivieri Band is:
Michael Olivieri (Leatherwolf)
K.K. Martin (A La Carte, Shark Island)
Buzzy James (Laidlaw)
Tom Croucier (Vanilla Fudge & the brother of ex-Ratt bassist Juan Croucier)
Paul Wilson
Dan Lucett
Eric Von Herzen





iTunes Single available at:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/broken ... d483706873

Band website:
https://www.facebook.com/MichaelOlivieriBand