Kaseke

Kaseke - Poletus & Sonum - 2000 - Boheme Music

Nine years after the restoration of Estonia's independence, most of the best progressive rock and fusion works of its past saw the digital light of day with either their re-release on CD or availability in a compilation CD. However, the most notable omission is the country's progressive fusion masters, Kaseke. Finally, in 2000, this gap has been filled. During the early 1980s, when Soviet censors were on the prowl, Kaseke gained a strong and loyal audience for its aggressive yet understandable instrumental tracks. Several of its members were with the punk band Propeller (in fact, Kaseke is basically the last configuration of the punk band sans vocals), which Soviet authorities banned for causing youth to rise up against totalitarianism. However, music spoke loudest at the time, and the fusion supergroup — of which Kaseke certainly is, putting together members of topnotch progressive rock bands like In Spe, Ruja, Mess — became a classic. The two Kaseke releases have been long sought-after collectors’ items throughout the world (though often mistakenly labelled as 'Latvian' due to the vinyl being pressed in Riga, Latvia!). Kaseke began in 1980, though after changing some members and getting rid of vocal performers, the band immediately dominated the fusion scene. Led by the well-known jazz keyboardist Tont' Naissoo, pieces such as the title track on its 1981 debut EP “Sõnum”. (The News) took on the cool flavour of the world jazz/fusion scene at the time. The slick keyboard playing of Naissoo is certainly counterbalanced by the twin guitar attack of Riho Sibul (who also played at the time with the budding In Spe) and Ain Varts (from Propeller), which brought an extra dimension into the pieces. The guitars are well complemented by the delicate flute of Peeter Malkov (also from Propeller), bringing a touch of exoticness and left-field to the pieces. The rhythm section serves as a strong backbone, with bassist Priit Kuulberg (of Ruja fame) as steady as ever and drummer Andrus Vaht (of both Ruja and Mess fame) showing off his amazing dexterity and creativity behind the kit. The bluesy “Kala Jälg Vees”, (A Fish's Trail in the Water) is a highlight, showing off guitarist Sibul's emotional best, while “Laupäeval Koos Isaga” (Saturday Together with Dad) shows the melodic playing of Varts. However, it was the 1983 release of the only full length album by Kaseke, "Põletus" (Burning), that really put the band on top. Now with diverse influences and writers for the nine pieces on the LP, the music took on a more adventurous feel. Some pieces were still jazzy, but some pushed fully into the realm of progressive rock. The twin guitar attack of Sibul and Varts played a strong role in the music, which can be distinctly recognised and appreciated. The flute served as a wonderful balancing tool alongside the ever-strong rhythm section — with drummer Vaht showing some of his best stuff throughout the LP. One reason for the diverse feel in the LP is the use of several keyboard players, who in turn penned many of the different tracks on the album. This is a great example of the camaraderie among Estonian musicians, as they see each other more as colleagues than competitors. For this reason, the music community remains tight today. Former keyboardist Naissoo contributed the jazzy “Pikk Päevatee” (Long Way to Go), while In Spe frontman (and one of the best-known classical composers in the world today) Erkki-Sven Thar brought his progressive rock masterpiece “Põlenud Maa”, (Burnt Land). Another well- known pianist, Olav Ehala, contributes the quirky but fun “Elevantsi Hirmulaul” (Little Elephant's Song of Fear), while prog master Margus Kappel (instrumental in bringing Ruja into the progressive rock forefront) brought his keyboard skills in the opening “Elevant” (Elephant). The other keyboards is played by the fantastic Mart Metsala (also of In Spe), who brought a more progressive rock feel to the previously jazzy Kaseke. The most fantastic track on the LP is the aggressive “Näotused” (Unsightlinesses), written by guitarist Sibul. This piece shows off the amazing skills of the musicians — especially of the two guitarists. You can really hear how their two styles, although quite different, complement each other perfectly. Having heard live recordings of this and other pieces played to absolute perfection, it shows how truly talented these musicians are.Sadly, the band all but dissolved into different projects, as do many other supergroups, in 1984. However, the music lives on in its two vinyl releases, which with this re-release, finally takes its rightful place alongside other great progressive fusion CDs. Today, nearly 20 years later, several of the members of Kaseke are still breaking ground in music. Guitarist Riho Sibul remains the top guitarist in Estonia, and his progressive blues band Ultima Thule has merged some difficult elements — such as blues, prog rock, fusion — together into a fine product. Ain Varts is also continuing the exploration of guitar sounds, recently collaborating on a project with world- famous church organist Andres Uibo. Tiinu Naissoo is one of the most sought-after jazz pianists in Estonia. Overall, Kaseke is one of the best progressive fusion projects to ever come out of Northern Europe. It was truly a phenomenon of the early 1980s, to play as technically difficult but sonically fluid material that one can push themselves to doing. An absolute gem, a must for any fan of jazz, fusion, and/or progressive rock. – from “Kaseke — Estonia's Progressive Fusion Masters” © Mel Huang, Battles Editor, Central Europe Review (http://www.ce-review.org) Also, Owner, Estonian Progressive Rock Website (http://www.uninet.ee/—mel/estprog) June 2000 - From the album’s liner notes

KASEKE is considered Estonia's finest progressive-fusion band. They started playing around 1980, and released their only full-length album in 1983 (which quickly became a collector's item). Their style of fusion is clean, and influenced mostly by the late-seventies American-fusion scene. In fact, many tracks here have a radio-friendly sound. Yet the music has a subtle complexity to it that will appeal to prog fans more so than the casual jazz listener. The thing that struck me, while listening to Kaseke, was that the band sounded incredibly modern. I would have never guessed that most of the music came out in 1983. Even the keyboards sound like that came out of the factory around 1998. And the keyboardists (there are several that play on the album) remind me a bit of Jordan Rudess's work on the LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT albums. The keyboard playing is not as complex, of course, but the choice of notes are similar to Jordan's. The listener will also notice the nice dual-guitar work by Ain Varts, and Riho Sibul who are known in Europe for their skills. Overall, this CD will please most progressive-fusion/jazz fans. Don't expect Iceberg #2, but the music here is of high quality. Review by & © Steve Hegede PROG REVIEWER ****/5 Posted Sunday, March 21, 2004 © Prog Archives, All rights reserved http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=4944

Two albums on one CD from the great 1980’s Estonian fusion band, Kaseke. Adam Garrie in his article on music in the Soviet Union and the Soviet Estonia, @ http://estonianworld.com/culture/when-tallinn-first-rocked-the-world/ says that “In the 1970s, it is fair to say that after Britain, Holland and Italy, Estonia probably produced the most authentic progressive rock bands in the world.” The problem is that in the ‘70’s progressive rock music in these regions was not being heard globally. It is absolutely fantastic that albums like “Poletus” and “Sonum” are being re-issued on CD over the last 15 years or so, and prog. music fans are now noticing what they had been missing when bands like Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, ELP and many more were in the spotlight. You don’t have to be a jazz or progressive rock fan to enjoy this album. “Poletus & Sonum” is a top-notch instrumental progressive jazz rock/fusion album and HR by A.O.O.F.C. Listen to more of this album @ http://www.melodig.com/release/13602818/ and read a good article about progressive rock music under the old Soviet regime @ http://estonianworld.com/culture/when-tallinn-first-rocked-the-world/ [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 133 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS / ORIGINAL ALBUM

1 Elevant/Elephant - Margus Kappel 4:17 [Põletus]
2 Valhalla/Valhalla - Ain Varts 4:14 [Põletus]
3 Elevantsi Hirmulaul/Little Elephant's Song Of Fear - Olav Ehala 3:43 [Põletus]
4 Salajane Rõõm/Secret Joy - Mart Metsala 3:46 [Põletus]
5 Põletaja/Con Fuoco - Ain Varts 3:36 [Põletus]
6 Tantsija/Dancer - Mart Metsala 5:48 [Põletus]
7 Näotused/Unsightliness - Riho Sibul 4:47 [Põletus]
8 Pikk Päevatee/Long Way To Go - Tõnu Naissoo 4:45 [Põletus]
9 Põlenud Maa/Burnt Land - Erkki-Sven Tüür 3:42 [Põletus]
10 Introduktsioon/Introduction - Tõnu Naissoo 2:05 [Sõnum]
11 Sõnum/The News - Tõnu Naissoo 4:35 [Sõnum]
12 Kala Jälg Vees/Fish's Trace In The Water - Riho Sibul 3:30 [Sõnum]
13 Laupäeval Koos Isaga/Together With Dad On Saturday - Ain Varts - 4:45 [Sõnum]

N.B: Tracks 10-13 originally appeared on Kaseke's 1981 "Sõnum" EP: Tracks 1-9 originally appeared on Kaseke's 1983 "Põletus" LP

MUSICIANS

Ain Varts, Riho Sibul - Guitar [Sõnum & Põletus]
Priit Kuulberg - Bass [Sõnum & Põletus]
Tõnu Naissoo - Electric Piano, Keyboards [Sõnum], [Keyboards on Track 8 on Põletus]
Mart Metsala - [Keyboards on Track 1 on Põletus]
Olav Ehala - [Keyboards on Track 3 on Põletus]
Erkki-Sven Tüür - [Keyboards on Track 9 on Põletus]
Andrus Vaht - Drums [Sõnum & Põletus]
Peeter Malkov - Flute [Sõnum & Põletus]

BIO

Kaseke is one of the best known Estonian progressive rock bands outside of its borders. For one thing, its two vinyl releases are valued collectors items around the world. However, the rare collector that had the vinyls also knew that Kaseke was among the best prog-fusion bands during the early 1980s anywhere in the world. The root of the band actually came out of the punk movement of the turn of the decade into the 1980s. The popular punk band Propeller, which featured some of the best prog musicians from bands like Ruja and others, became the voice of teenage angst in Estonia -- which obviously made Soviet authorities nervous. Propeller played a form of punk that was very national and quite interesting. However, authorities soon caught up to the band and banned it. In essence, Kaseke sprung from the ashes of Propeller, as members of its late formation formed Kaseke in the autumn of 1980. Bassist Priit Kuulberg (also of Ruja fame), guitarist Ain Varts, drummer Ivo Varts (also of Ruja fame), and flautist Peeter Malkov made up the early formation of Kaseke (which, essentially, was Propeller sans vocalist Peeter Volkonski). The line-up was very short-lived, as drummer Ivo Varts was drafted into the Soviet army. However, a new line-up, led by jazz keyboardist Tõnu Naissoo, soon emerged as one of the best fusion projects in the country. Naissoo brought a jazzy feel to the band's music, which was augmented with the fabulous drumming of ex-Ruja and ex-Mess drummer Andrus Vaht. Rounding out the first big line-up was former Propeller and In Spe guitarist, the fabulous Riho Sibul. The twin guitar attack of Sibul and Ain Varts soon became a Kaseke trademark. The band's popularity grew, resulting in the release of an EP Sõnum in 1981. The excellent four-song EP featured the excellent title track and "Laupäeval koos isaga" among others. The tracks are catchy in an early '80s fusion way, and featured some excellent playing by everyone involved. The line-up changed at the end of the year, as the driving force of the music, keyboardist Tõnu Naissoo, left the band. In came In Spe keyboard whiz Mart Metsala, and the direction of the band turned further towards prog and away from jazz. However, the sound remained that of a prog-fusion, led by the unique twin guitar attack of Sibul and Varts. The band became more and more popular with gigs, and this led to the release of the collectors item Põletus in 1983. This full-length LP features a wide assortment of tracks, some featuring guest keyboardists as well: In Spe's Erkki-Sven Tüür (for the fabulously proggy "Põlenud maa"), ex-keys player Tõnu Naissoo (for the jazzy "Pikk päevatee"), and Olav Ehala (for the catchy "Elevanti hirmulaul"). Two of the most interesting and aggressive songs -- "Põletaja" and "Näotused" -- feature the two guitarists at their very best, with driving lines and frantic duels. Absolutely fabulous playing by everyone. The band gigged frequently, including the large Tartu Rock Festival every summer in Estonia's second city. However, the band ran its course in 1984 and split up. Many of the band's members remained active in the music scene, taking part in bands like In Spe and VSP Projekt. However, to its legion of fans -- especially in south Estonia - Kaseke remains an institution. One bit of good news recently. In 2000 Czech/Russian record company Boheme Music released a compilation of all of the band's material, taken from both Sõnum and Põletus. Finally, the world can hear how truly talented these musicians are, and how powerful these pieces from some two decade ago are still today. © http://home.uninet.ee/~mel/estprog/proge/kaseke.html

Coco Montoya

Coco Montoya ‎- Gotta Mind To Travel - 1995 - Blind Pig

Years of apprenticeship with Albert Collins and John Mayall paid off handsomely for Montoya on this debut effort. Even with help from some famous friends (Debbie Davies, Al Kooper, Richie Hayward [Little Feat], and both former employers), Montoya asserts himself as the focal point. Sadly, this was one of Collins' last studio appearances before his death, playing on the Lowell Fulson-penned "Talking Woman Blues" (commonly known as "Honey Hush"). Although Montoya showcases his massive guitar muscle, it is merely a fraction of the power of his live performances. © Char Ham © 2013 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/gotta-mind-to-travel-mw0000173327

With the release of Gotta Mind to Travel, Coco Montoya's debut album, it's tempting to call this talented guitarist/vocalist a "new name." However, those who follow the blues scene know better. Montoya's long working relationships with John Mayall and the late Albert Collins have given him vast experience in the blues, and plenty of time to develop his own personal voice. And that voice comes through loud and clear on Gotta Mind to Travel. Montoya has assembled a terrific party band to compliment his bouncy delta-blues style and tasty guitar leads, including Debbie Davies on rhythm guitar, Albert Molinaro on bass, Joe Yuele on drums, and Mike Finnegan on Hammond B-3 organ. Though Montoya grew up playing in rock 'n roll bands, his blues career started in 1972 when Albert Collins discovered him playing drums at a little bar in Culver City. A few months later, Collins asked Montoya to join his touring band. After several years of touring with Collins, Montoya hooked up with John Mayall's Blues Breakers. Montoya soon advanced to lead guitarist in the Blues Breakers (following in the footsteps of such greats as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor), and spent ten years touring the world with Mayall. Montoya's solid musical education is evident on Gotta Mind to Travel, which features a classic blues sound and B.B. King-style vocals. From party cuts like "Too Much Water" and "Talkin' Woman Blues" to slow-down numbers like "Someday After Awhile," Montoya delivers the goods. Gotta Mind to Travel is also benefitted by guest appearances from Richie Hayward of Little Feat, Al Kooper, and his mentors - Albert Collins and John Mayall. Says Montoya, "I'm dedicating the album to Albert Collins because he gave me freely, as a father would give a son." Fans of the blues take note. Coco Montoya is ready to grab your ear. © Randy Krbechek - from Randy Krbechek's Metronews, Music Reviews http://www.cdshakedown.com/080295.htm

A great debut album from a great guitarist, a modern day blues, soul/R&B master, and easily one of the best blues rock albums of the 1990’s. In 1995, The Hard Report (a radio trade publication) called “Gotta Mind To Travel”, "one of the best blues albums this year and sets the stakes incredibly high for any other releases the rest of the year. Montoya's passionate vocals and expressive guitar are the foundation for what will surely be an album that stands well in the test of time." The album also contributed towards Coco’s award for Best New Blues Artist at the W.C. Handy Awards in 1996. The album is HR by A.O.O.F.C and features musicians that include the late Albert Collins, Al Kooper, John Mayall, Debbie Davies, and the late, great Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward. Buy Coco’s great “Can't Look Back” album and support real music. Coco’s “Dirty Deal” was produced by another Little Feat member, Paul Barrere and is worth checking out [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 94 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1 Too Much Water - Coco Montoya, Doug MacLeod 4:00
2 Gotta Mind To Travel - Albert Collins 3:50
3 Talkin' Woman Blues - Ferdinand Washington, Lowell Fulson, Fats Washington 3:58
4 Someday After Awhile - Freddie King, Sonny Thompson 5:03
5 Top Of The Hill - John Mayall 4:30
6 Same Dog - Coco Montoya, Doug MacLeod 4:46
7 Love Jail - Coco Montoya 3:43
8 You Don't Love Me - Coco Montoya 5:09
9 Nothin' In The Streets - S.Taylor 5:00
10 Am I Losing You - Coco Montoya 6:41

MUSICIANS

Coco Montoya - Lead Guitar, Vocals on Tracks 1-8, 10: Guitar, Vocals on Track 9
Debbie Davies - Lead Guitar, Vocals on Track 9: Rhythm Guitar on Tracks 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10: Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals on Tracks 1, 3
Albert Collins - Lead Guitar on Track 3
Albert Molinaro - Bass on Tracks 1-10
Mike Finnegan - Organ on Tracks 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9
Benny Yee - Organ, Piano on Track 10
Al Kooper - Organ on Track 4
Rob Rio - Piano on Track 8
John Mayall - Piano, Harmonica, Vocals on Track 5
Joe Yuele - Drums on Tracks 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9
Mark T. Williams - Drums on Track 4: Drums, Percussion on Track 10
Richie Hayward - Drums on Track 5
Darryl Leonard, Joe Sublett - Horns on Tracks 2, 9
Kellie Rucker - Backing Vocals on Track 1

BIO

Though he grew up as a drummer and was raised on rock & roll, Coco Montoya became an outstanding blues guitarist after stints in the bands of Albert Collins and John Mayall. Montoya debuted as a leader in 1995 with the Blind Pig album Gotta Mind to Travel and garnered an award for Best New Blues Artist at the following year's W.C. Handy Awards ceremonies. Born in Santa Monica, Montoya played drums for a local rock band that toured the region during the mid-'70s, playing in area clubs. Although he had recently been turned on to blues at an Albert King show, he was somewhat unprepared to sit in with another blues legend -- "the Iceman" Albert Collins -- when a bar-owner friend of Montoya invited the bluesman to play at his nightclub. Though his inexperience showed, the young drummer impressed Collins enough to hire him for a Pacific Northwest tour three months later. The tour soon ended, but the pair's affiliation remained for more than five years, while Montoya learned much about the handling of blues guitar from "the Master of the Telecaster." By the early '80s, Coco Montoya was back in the small-time nightclub business, playing guitar with several regional bands. At one night's show, he realized that John Mayall was in the audience, so he dedicated a cover of "All Your Love" to the British blues maestro. The song prompted Mayall to hire Montoya as lead guitarist for a new version of the Bluesbreakers he had formed. Despite the enormous pressure of filling a spot once held by Eric Clapton and Peter Green, Montoya jumped at the opportunity. His first album with the Bluesbreakers came in 1985. Mayall had not released an album in five years at that point and the Bluesbreakers had been dead for more than 15, but the live album Behind the Iron Curtain proved Mayall's viability thanks mostly to the fiery work of Montoya. The guitarist appeared on three studio albums with Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, but then struck out on his own by the mid-'90s. Signed to Blind Pig, Montoya released Gotta Mind to Travel in 1995 with help from Mayall and another former Bluesbreaker compatriot, rhythm guitarist Debbie Davies. After years of toil under Collins and Mayall, Montoya was finally in the spotlight and his award as Best New Blues Artist of 1996 proved quite ironic, given his years of experience. His second album, Ya Think I'd Know Better, was followed by 1997's Just Let Go. At that point, Montoya and Blind Pig parted company and he signed with Alligator Records. Suspicion was released in 2000, followed two years later by Can't Look Back and by Dirty Deal in 2007. All three discs incorporated a definitive soul/R&B approach. I Want It All Back, produced by Keb' Mo' and Jeff Paris, appeared in 2010. © Richard Skelly © 2013 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/artist/coco-montoya-mn0000164970/biography

Chico Hamilton

Chico Hamilton - Trio! Live @ Artpark - 2008 - Joyous Shout!

Chico Hamilton, a subtle and creative drummer, will probably always be better known for the series of quintets that he led during 1955-1965 and for his ability as a talent scout than for his fine drumming. Hamilton first played drums while in high school with the many fine young players (including Dexter Gordon, Illinois Jacquet, and Charles Mingus) who were in Los Angeles at the time. He made his recording debut with Slim Gaillard, was house drummer at Billy Berg's, toured with Lionel Hampton, and served in the military (1942-1946). In 1946, Hamilton worked briefly with Jimmy Mundy, Count Basie, and Lester Young (recording with Young). He toured as Lena Horne's drummer (on and off during 1948-1955), and gained recognition for his work with the original Gerry Mulligan piano-less quartet (1952-1953). In 1955, Hamilton put together his first quintet, a chamber jazz group with the reeds of Buddy Collette, guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Carson Smith, and cellist Fred Katz. One of the last important West Coast jazz bands, the Chico Hamilton Quintet was immediately popular and appeared in a memorable sequence in 1958's Jazz on a Summmer's Day and the Hollywood film The Sweet Smell of Success. The personnel changed over the next few years (with Paul Horn and Eric Dolphy heard on reeds, cellist Nate Gersham, guitarists John Pisano and Dennis Budimir, and several bassists passing through the group) but it retained its unusual sound. By 1961, Charles Lloyd was on tenor and flute, Gabor Szabo was the new guitarist, and soon the cello was dropped in favor of trombone (Garnett Brown and later George Bohanon), giving the group an advanced-hard bop style. In 1966, Chico Hamilton started composing for commercials and the studios and he broke up his quintet. However, he continued leading various groups, playing music that ranged from the avant-garde to erratic fusion and advanced hard bop. Such up-and-coming musicians as Larry Coryell (1966), Steve Potts (1967), Arthur Blythe, Steve Turre (on bass, surprisingly), and Eric Person (who played in Hamilton's '90s group Euphoria) were among the younger players he helped discover. In 1989, Chico Hamilton had a recorded reunion with the original members of his 1955 quintet (with Pisano in Hall's place), and in the 1990s he made a number of records for Soul Note. © Scott Yanow © 2013 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/artist/chico-hamilton-mn0000776301/biography

In some ways a throwback to his bands of the early to mid-50s, the guitar-bass-drums format is not foreign to Chico Hamilton, but his old band sounded tame compared to this. Released in 2008 when Hamilton turned 87 years of age, the 1994 Art Park Festival concert at Lewiston, N.Y. was done when the drummer was a resurgent bandleader of 73. The band was electrically charged due to guitarist Cary DeNigris and a young bass guitarist emerging on the scene, Matthew Garrison, the son of the late bassist for John Coltrane's bands Jimmy Garrison. Though Hamilton was using a saxophonist at the time (Eric Person) he is out on this date, and the trio stands alone. The loud, steely guitar of DeNigris is up front and in your face throughout, starting with the retro-fusion tune "Ain't Nobody Calling Me," accented by the pounding stick and brush work of Hamilton and Garrison's funky fingerpopping bass. A ringing guitar informs the loose swinging but hard edged "A Little After Twelve," while the free flowing "Sculpture" displays how snippets falling together can congeal in a discourse, where acute listening skills held together with wit and synapses are more prevalent than charted arrangements. Hamilton employs vocal scat on the lightning fast version of Lester Young's "Tickle Toe," while "C & C" is based on a two-note riff borrowed from "Salt Peanuts," both tunes reflecting a love of Cab Calloway, Babs Gonzales, and Dizzy Gillespie. The quick "First Light" (not Freddie Hubbard's) is a workout for Garrison, and the funky blues shuffle "These Are the Dues" with wah-wah inflections is simply a fun jam. Reflecting his longtime love for Latin music, the stripped down melody of "Denise" is an expertly played bossa nova, something he has always included. Of the many recordings Hamilton has issued in the decade of the 2000s, this is one previously left on a dusty basement shelf that Hamilton felt compelled to issue. While long removed from his initial trio recordings of the '50s on Pacific Jazz, it is a telling reminder not only of how far Hamilton's music has advanced into modern times, but also how he has not at all forgotten his roots. © Michael G. Nastos © 2013 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/trio%21-live--artpark-mw0000798209

“Trio! Live @ Artpark” was recorded live at the Artpark Festival, Lewiston, near Buffalo New York on September 3, 1994 by the great jazz musician and composer Chico Hamilton. Chico plays with his long-time sideman, guitarist Cary DeNigris and also the electric bass virtuoso Matthew Garrison. The trio play a dynamic, and blazing series of electrified Chico originals as well as a spirited and intoxicating version of Lester Young’s "Tickle Toe". There is a remarkable synergy and energy between the three musicians. In the album's liner notes, Bill Milkowski says that "Chico's always got one foot solidly planted in the jazz tradition and yet he simultaneously strides forward with open ears and an open mind. On this live outing he mixes it up in volatile fashion with cats less than half his age, and he's right there with them, bringing the funk, slamming with authority and swinging his ass off. Whatever the music calls for, Chico is fully committed, always dealing, strictly in the moment. And the results on this live outing are positively scintillating." This album is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Chico will be 92 next September (2013) and is still grooving away. Listen to his brilliant “The Chico Hamilton Special”, Cary DeNigris’ great “Between The Lines” album, and Jim Beard’s “Advocate” album featuring Matt Garrison on bass. Please don’t be put off listening to music, especially jazz or jazz fusion because some people label it as avant garde, experimental, or progressive. K Girl @ http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070603232701AAoLdOS said “I love Jazz!!! Thank God it’s not too popular otherwise it would become raped, packaged and insincere”. Muskrat Ramble on http://forums.allaboutjazz.com said, “As for what makes jazz so appealing, I could describe a lot of different things (openness to the spirit of the moment, textural clarity, urbanity, musical interplay, harmonic and rhythmic sophistication, etc.), but for me I think it ultimately boils down to a very fundamental, powerful biological response to the swung rhythms. Simple as that”. Duke Ellington said, “There are two kinds of music. Good music, and the other kind”. Slightly biased comment as we all know what music he liked! (lol)! He also said, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing”! And that’s really what music is about. Try and be a “musical omnivore”. Listen to as much music as you can. Where there's muck there's gold. In the music scene today, there’s a hell of a lot more muck than gold and it’s easy to spot the fool’s gold! [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 145 Mb]

TRACKS

1 Ain’t Nobody Calling Me 5:33
2 A Little After Twelve 7:51
3 First Light 11:33
4 These Are The Dues 8:53
5 Denise 7:55
6 Tickle Toe 4:21
7 Sculpture 10:41
8 C & C 7:43

All tracks composed by Chico Hamilton except Track 2 by Cary DeNigris, and Track 6 by Jon Hendricks & Lester Young

MUSICIANS

Cary DeNigris - Guitar
Mathew Garrison - Electric Bass
Chico Hamilton - Drums, Vocals

BIO

Born on September 20, 1921 in Los Angeles, California, legendary jazz drummer and bandleader, Foreststorn "Chico" Hamilton, had a fast track musical education in a band with his schoolmates Charles Mingus, Illinois Jacquet, Ernie Royal, Dexter Gordon, Buddy Collette and Jack Kelso. Engagements with Lionel Hampton, Slim & Slam, T-Bone Walker, Lester Young, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Barnett, Billy Eckstine, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., Billie Holiday, Gerry Mulligan and six years with Lena Horne established this young West Coast prodigy as a jazz drummer on the rise, before striking out on his own as a bandleader in 1955. Chico’s impact upon jazz includes the introduction of two unique and distinct sounds: first in 1955 with his Original Quintet which combined the sounds of his drums, the bass of Carson Smith, the guitar of Jim Hall, the cello of Fred Katz, and the flute of Buddy Collette; and the second in 1962 with his own drums, the bass of Albert Stinson, the guitar of Gabor Szabo, the tenor sax of Charles Lloyd, and the trombone of George Bohanon. In 1997, Chico received the New School University Jazz & Contemporary Music Programs Beacons in Jazz Award in recognition for his "significant contribution to the evolution of Jazz". In 2002, Chico was awarded the WLIU-FM Radio Lifetime Achievement Award. At the IAJE in NYC January 2004, Hamilton was awarded a NEA Jazz Master Fellowship, presented to him by Roy Haynes. In December 2006, Congress confirmed the President’s nomination of Chico to the Presidents Council on the Arts. And in 2007, Chico received a Living Legacy Jazz Award as part of The Kennedy Centers Jazz in Our Time Festival, as well as receiving a Doctor of Fine Arts from The New School. Dynamic as ever at the age of 89, Chico Hamilton has a resume that includes scores for film, original compositions, commercial jingles, 50 + albums as a leader, and countless international tours. In 2006, Chico released four CD’s on Joyous Shout! in celebration of his 85th birthday: Juniflip featuring guest appearances from- legendary Love front-man Arthur Lee, criminally under-rated vocalist (and successful actor) Bill Henderson, and former Hamilton band members trombonist George Bohanon and bass trombonist Jimmy Cheatham; Believe with Special Guest appearances from vocalist and R & B Diva Fontella Bass and trombonist George Bohanon; 6th Avenue Romp featuring Special Guest appearances from guitarist Shuggie Otis, trumpeter Jon Faddis, trombonist George Bohanon, vocalist Brenna Bavis and percussionist Jaimoe of the Allman Brothers Band; and Heritage with Special Guest appearances from vocalist Marya Lawrence and tromboist George Bohanon. September 2007, Chico released "Hamiltonia" sampling his original compositions from the four albums released in 2006. Hamiltonia is an impassioned statement of purpose- an emphatic endorsement of writing and performing THIS music in the NOW, the way the GREATS did in their time, and confirms Hamilton's status as one of the most important living jazz artists and composers. 2008 saw four releases from Chico on Joyous Shout!, two EP’s and two previously unreleased recordings, each of which provide a different perspective on the Chico Hamilton experience. Paying homage to Chico's past, the It's About Time! EP revisits his first ever recording project as band leader/percussionist. In 1955, Chico recorded a trio album for Pacific Jazz with George Duvivier and Howard Roberts; fast-forward 53 years, and Chico has recast it with his long time collaborators Cary DeNigris on guitar and Paul Ramsey on bass. Chico's distinctive grooves have been rediscovered and refused on the The Alternate Dimensions of El Chico EP, a collection of dance/remix tracks and collaborative works with some of today's hottest turntablists including Fertile Ground, SoulFeast (Joe Claussell and Brian Michel Bacchus), Mark de Clive-Lowe, and Blaze. On Dreams Come True, recorded in 1993, NEA Jazz Masters Andrew Hill and Chico Hamilton deliver a masterpiece of modern improvised music. The two giants are repositories of the history of this music, and here they create a document containing more than is stored in all the history books, sharing and preserving ancient stories and traditions thru their mutual song. And Trio! Live at Artpark, recorded in 1994, documents a blazing performance from a power trio led by Hamilton, with guitarist Cary DeNigris and bassist Matthew Garrison — the son of the late Jimmy Garrison. Witness the remarkable synergy and energy between the three as Hamilton leads his steeds thru a series of originals and a heady romp on "Tickle Toe". Over the years, Chico has had a series of dance floor successes, including his signature song "Conquistadors" from his 60's Impulse album El Chico, and the Brazilian influenced song "Strut" from Chico's 1979 outing on Elektra Nomad, which became so successful on the Northern Soul Scene in the U.K. that it had its own dance!! "Conquistadors" also was the signature track for E-man when he rocked the dance floor at Frank's Cocktail Lounge in Brooklyn. In 2002 a track titled "For Mods Only" from Chico's 1968 Impulse album The Dealer, was included on the Thievery Corporations SOUNDS FROM THE VERVE HI-FI. Fall of 2005, Rong Music released the 12" vinyl "Kerry's Caravan" from Mudd & Chico Hamilton, a moody yet stunning slice of modern music and a molten melting pot ready made for filling the dance floor with remixes from long-term Idjut Boys collaborator and Fiasco imprint boss Ray Mang. The IMPULSIVE! Remix Project features Mark De Clive Lowe’s take on Chico’s classic 60s track "El Toro". OUT NOW is the limited edition 12" 180 gram vinyl from SoulFeast (Brian Michel Bacchus & Joaquin "Joe" Claussell) with their reworking of "Mysterious Maiden" from Chico's 1980 Nomad release, as well as the 12" double vinyl edition of The Alternate Dimensions of El Chico CD EP. Available thru www.dopejams.net. April 14th, 2009 Chico HITS with TWELVE TONES OF LOVE on Joyous Shout!. From Maxwell Chandler's liner notes: "Chico Hamilton looks back not as a summation but with the past as a jumping off point to where he is now; the foundation to build off of what he has to say in the here and now. This album has Chico writing for and playing with an enlarged ensemble, offering us a glimpse of his life’s journey and some of those he has shared it with. It speaks greatly of all the musicians’ skills that they are performing Chico’s compositions yet their interplay becomes another color on his palette, which allows him to further embellish the picture he is painting. This is one of the appealing aspects to all of Chico’s music, an always-organic sense of tension and release. Guest spots include trombonist George Bohanon, who was in one of Chico’s classic sixties ensembles; vocalist Jose James, who studied under Chico at The New School’s Jazz and Contemporary Music program; and multi-reedist Jack Kelso, Chico’s lifelong friend. This album is a celebration of a lifelong romance Chico has had with music and the relationships that came into his life both past and present through his service to the muse. Those who forge their own way may travel a harder road but their art loses none of its power with the passage of time because of these trials. TWELVE TONES OF LOVE is proof of that aphorism to continuously enjoy." On September 27, 2011, marking the legendary drummer/bandleader's 90th birthday (September 20th), Chico released a 22-track CD entitled, Revelation — a visceral journey that oscillates from a melodic point of view to a rhythmic one and is bookended by Chico on drum kit. Works include: the up-tempo Latin groove of "Evanly", funk of "Black Eyed Peas", Lunceford-like band vocals on "Stompin @ The Savoy"; the mid tempo swing of "No Way LA", and the pastoral melodic beauty of "You're Not Alone," to name a few. Chico Hamilton is presently teaching at New School University Jazz Program; touring extensively in North America with "Euphoria" group which includes Nick Demopoulos on guitar, Paul Ramsey on bass, Evan Schwam on flute, tenor and soprano saxes and Jeremy Carlstedt on percussion; recording with his "Euphoria" group and special guests; composing and performing music for film; and working on autobiography. © 1996-2013 Drummer Cafe. All Rights Reserved http://www.drummercafe.com/featured-musician/drummer-percussionist/chico-hamilton.html

Eliza Gilkyson

Eliza Gilkyson - Beautiful World - 2008 - Red House

Eliza Gilkyson has always been a socially and spiritually conscious, if not overtly political, songwriter, and 2004's pre-election Land of Milk and Honey and 2005's post-election lament Paradise Hotel were meditations on hope, change, and righteous anger. Beautiful World appears in an election year, but the viewpoint is different: Gilkyson rises from the place of disappointment and grief to equanimity. With her road band and guests who include John Inmon, Cindy Cashdollar, David Grissom, Julie Wolf, and her brother Tony, Gilkyson pursues a path that is alternately confessional, grieving, hopeful (rather than optimistic), confused, broken, and compassionate. She invokes a diverse array of sounds, styles, and textures that move this set out from the predictable tropes of contemporary folk-jazz, roots rock, and even slinky keyboard affected ballads. Her new songs find beauty in some of the most unlikely places. What better way to begin a "political" album than with a love song? It's not ironic; it's revolutionary. Led by a fingerpicked National Steel, she sings above her band: "...Whole world's goin' up in smoke/Hard times comin', I ain't jokin'/Just tryin' to keep my heart wide open/...Feel like a kid from the inside out/All because I'm in love...." Horns walk the line between mariachi and Memphis soul, and accompany Gilkyson's delicate yet grainy voice. The song's radical notion is that love is always possible, and can survive anything. The poetic "Wildewood Spring" reflects weariness and the desire for rest along with its "urban survivors," "West Texas grads," "rednecks," and "hippies." She finds herself coming away with the courage of love rather than relaxation: "I remember the first time I knew I could love him/And this would be more than a vow and a ring/With the last rays of hope and the blue sky above him/He flung himself into the Wildewood Spring...." "The Party's Over" is a soft-rocking dirge: a true lament for the end of America as we know it, the song reflects the bleak dawn of morning at the Hotel California -- after Iraq and Hurricane Katrina. Frustration is at the center of acoustic guitars, bass, and Cashdollar's pedal steel on "Great Correction." The song's setting is at the corner of "ruin and grace." Though it spells out the karmic consequences of our behavior, it is also a paean with a glimmer of hope: "...It's the bitter end we've come down to/The eye of the needle that we gotta get through/But the end could be the start of something new...." The hardest rocking tune here is the scathing "Dream Lover." A dark and angry song about the truth of male desire, it's sung from the point of view of the abused -- but the protagonist is not going down; she's speaking the truth to her abuser instead. The theme of romantic love returns in "He Waits for Me." It's tender, full of gratitude in acknowledging the risk involved in loving another. The protagonist is on the receiving end of a love that expects nothing in return except that she be true to herself. It is the most exquisite piece here. Its power is subtle and gentle, but undeniable in the weave of acoustic guitars, atmospheric pedal steel, and sparse strings. Gilkyson's love songs have always been something to reckon with, but this one sets a new high watermark. When it's over, the listener will have confusing, conflicted feelings. The songwriter has done her job well. She doesn't place her songs above her listeners; she's down inside them; she stubbornly clings to the notion that hard-won compassion provides the eye of the needle that redemption slips through. © Thom Jurek © 2013 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/beautiful-world-mw0000787060

An exceptional collection of folk based songs from the Southern Californian folk singer/songwriter Eliza Gilkyson. All Eliza’s songs are about optimism and love and about the everyday emotions we all have to deal with. Her songs evoke feelings that everybody can relate to. She is a hugely underrated songwriter. Her melodies and lyrics are beautiful, but never “sugary” or “manufactured”. She is also a beautiful vocalist and excellent musician. All Music Guide called this album Eliza Gilkyson’s masterpiece and the free-thinking Utne Reader publication called it “one of the best folk albums of 2008”. Pop Matters said "Beautiful World should become a benchmark record for contemporary folk. Displaying humour, wit, and a winning charm. Gilkyson commands our attention. Listen”. Folk music on this blog is rare, but any music with real merit is always worth hearing, and this album is VHR by A.O.O.F.C. Listen to her “Pilgrims” and Hard Times In Babylon” albums. It’s a joy to hear this brand of intelligent and meaningful music which is written from the heart and is a million miles away from the plastic commercial trash masquerading as music today. BTW, never judge a book or music album by the cover! [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 114 Mb]

TRACKS / CREDITS

1 Emerald Street 3:45

eliza gilkyson: national steel guitar, vocal, whistling
mike hardwick: electric guitar
tony gilkyson: electric guitar
glenn fukunaga: bass
cisco ryder: drums, percussion
john mills: saxophone
patrick murray: saxophone
michael mordecai: trumpet
john mills: horn arrangement

2 Wildewood Spring 4:28

eliza gilkyson: acoustic guitar, vocal
mike hardwick: electric guitar
glenn fukunaga: upright bass
rich brotherton: cittern
elana james: fiddle
julie wolf: background vocal
mark hallman: background vocal

3 The Party's Over 4:22

eliza gilkyson: acoustic guitar, vocal
tony gilkyson: electric guitar
mark hallman: electric guitar
glenn fukunaga: bass
cisco ryder: drums, background vocal
julie wolf: hammond organ, background vocal

4 Great Correction 5:02

eliza gilkyson: acoustic guitar, vocal
mike hardwick: dobro
glenn fukunaga: bass
cisco ryder: drums
tony gilkyson: electric guitar
julie wolf: hammond organ

5 Clever Disguise 4:01

eliza gilkyson: acoustic guitar, vocal
mike hardwick: 12-string guitar
glenn fukunaga: bass
cisco ryder: suitcase, percussion
tony gilkyson: electric guitar
mark hallman: background vocal
julie wolf: hammond organ, accordion

6 Dream Lover 3:29

eliza gilkyson: acoustic guitar, vocal
glenn fukunaga: bass
cisco ryder: drums
robbie gjersoe: slide guitar
mark hallman: bouzouki, background vocal

7 He Waits For Me 4:33

eliza gilkyson: electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocal
mike hardwick: electric guitar
cisco ryder: percussion
julie wolf: plucked piano strings
mark hallman: keyboards, acoustic guitar

8 Runaway Train 4:20

eliza gilkyson: acoustic guitar, vocal
mike hardwick: electric guitar
glenn fukunaga: bass
cisco ryder: drums
david grissom: electric guitar, baritone guitar

9 Beautiful World 6:25

eliza gilkyson: rhodes piano, grand piano
robert mcentee: electric guitar
julie wolf: keyboards
cordelia castillo: background vocal

10 Rare Bird 4:53

eliza gilkyson: electric guitar
cisco ryder: percussion, background vocal
mark hallman: nylon string guitar
robert mcentee: electric guitar
julie wolf: hammond organ
cordelia castillo: background vocal

11 Unsustainable 3:33

eliza gilkyson: vocal
john inmon: electric guitar
cindy cashdollar: pedal steel guitar
chris maresh: upright bass

All songs composed by Eliza Gilkyson

BIO

Folk singer/songwriter Eliza Gilkyson was born in Hollywood, California, the daughter of folk-pop singer/songwriter Terry Gilkyson (1916-1999). Her father wrote and recorded "The Cry of the Wild Goose," which Frankie Laine covered for a number one hit in 1950, as well as the 1953 Top Ten hit "Tell Me a Story," recorded by Jimmy Boyd and Laine. As a performer, he was co-credited with the Weavers on the 1951 Top Ten hit "On Top of Old Smoky." With Richard Dehr and Frank Miller, he was a member of the Easy Riders. The three wrote the 1953 Top Ten hit "Mister Tap Toe" recorded by Doris Day, and they wrote and provided backing vocals on the 1957 number one hit "Memories Are Made of This" recorded by Dean Martin. The same year, as Terry Gilkyson and the Easy Riders, they scored their own Top Ten hit with the self-written "Marianne," and they wrote Laine's Top Ten hit "Love Is a Golden Ring." They also wrote the 1960 Top Ten hit "Greenfields" recorded by the Brothers Four. Terry later was employed by the Walt Disney company to write songs for and sing in its films and television programs, and his composition "The Bare Necessities" from the 1967 movie The Jungle Book earned him an Academy Award nomination. Growing up in Hollywood, Eliza sometimes sang on her father's demos and soundtracks, along with her brother Tony Gilkyson, who later became a member of the rock bands Lone Justice and X and performed on her records. Though uncredited, she can be heard singing with her father in the Disney TV movies The Secret of Romney Marsh (1964) and The Legend of Young Dick Turpin (1965). (She also had a sister, Nancy Gilkyson, who became an executive at Warner Bros. Records and sang on her records.) In her late teens, she moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she raised a family and released her first album, Eliza '69, on Mont Clare Records. (Her son Cisco Gilliland [aka Cisco Ryder and Cisco Gilkyson] later became the percussionist in her backup band, and she also had a daughter, Cordelia Castillo [aka Delia Gilkyson], who later sang on her records.) Her second foray into recording was her 1979 LP Love from the Heart, released under the name Lisa Gilkyson by Helios Records. Over the next several years, she moved to Austin, Texas, then back to Los Angeles, then to Taos, New Mexico. Again as Eliza Gilkyson, she signed to Gold Castle Records and released Pilgrims in 1987. The label marketed the album as a new age recording, a tag Gilkyson later rejected. She followed Pilgrims with Legends of Rainmaker (1989), which featured her cover of "Greenfields," and a duet with Bonnie Raitt on her own composition "Rosie Strike Back," a rock & roll song decrying spousal abuse, which had already been recorded by Rosanne Cash on her 1987 album King's Record Shop. Unfortunately, Gold Castle went bankrupt, and Gilkyson was without a record label for several years. In 1993, she was signed to Private Music, which issued Through the Looking Glass that summer. She next co-wrote eight of 14 songs and sang and played on harpist Andreas Vollenweider's album Eolian Minstrel, released in November, then toured with him. She moved to Europe and got divorced from her husband of 14 years, leaving her American career behind. In 1994, she released an album called Undressed overseas on Revelizations Records. She returned to the U.S., settling again in Austin, and reintroduced herself to her homeland with Redemption Road, released in September 1997 on Silver Ware. "Prayer 2000," a song from the album that she co-wrote with Mark Andes (formerly of Spirit, Jo Jo Gunne, Firefall, and Heart), was later covered by Priscilla Herdman. In 1999, Gilkyson formed her own Realiza label and issued Misfits, a collection of previously unreleased archival recordings. She then signed to the independent folk label Red House Records for a new album, Hard Times in Babylon, released in October 2000. The opening song, "The Beauty Way," co-written with Andes, was later covered by Ray Wylie Hubbard. Lost and Found followed in April 2002. Three months later, she teamed up with Ian Matthews and Ad Vanderveen for the trio album More Than a Song, released by Perfect Pitch. Her next Red House solo album was the politically oriented Land of Milk and Honey (March 2004), featuring the previously unrecorded Woody Guthrie song "Peace Call," with backup vocals by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Patty Griffin, and Iris DeMent, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Album. In July 2005, she self-released RetroSpecto, a collection of rare and out of print material. Paradise Hotel, her fourth Red House release, appeared the following month. Your Town Tonight, Gilkyson's first live disc, was released two years later, followed by Beautiful World in May, 2008. In 2011, Gilkyson joined labelmates John Gorka and Lucy Kaplansky under the banner Red Horse and released an eponymous album. © William Ruhlmann © 2013 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/artist/eliza-gilkyson-mn0000796833/biography

Melvin Taylor & The Slack Band

Melvin Taylor & The Slack Band ‎- Bang That Bell - 2000 - Evidence

b. 13 March 1959, Jackson, Mississippi, USA. At three years old Taylor moved with his family to Chicago, and began playing guitar around the age of six, inspired by an uncle who played blues. He was influenced by a variety of guitarists, including B.B. King, Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, and particularly Wes Montgomery. In the early 70s Taylor played on Maxwell Street, Chicago’s open-air street market, and in his mid-teens was with a group call the Transistors. He has worked with Carey Bell (and son Lurrie Bell), and was a member of Eddie Shaw’s group (with whom he also recorded) and the Legendary Blues Band. Taylor, who has always been more popular in Europe than his native America, made his recording debut in 1982 for the independent French label Isabel Records. A follow-up appeared in 1984. He later recorded on Alligator Records’ New Bluebloods anthology before signing a recording contract with Evidence Records in 1995. He has recorded several excellent releases for the label, backed by the Slack Band. Taylor is a fleet-fingered player who plays with feel and technique, and remains one of America’s finest blues and jazz guitarists. © 2013 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/artist/melvin-taylor-the-slack-band-mn0000871602

"...Taylor creatively incorporates pronounced stylistic elements from far beyond the blues world in his explosive guitar solos..." - Down Beat (9/00, p.64) - 3 stars out of 5

"...For sheer guitar heroics and fretboard flash, it's hard to beat Melvin Taylor... “ - JazzTimes (12/00, p.98)

“Bang That Bell” is an album with strong blues influences but also encompasses soul, jazz, R&B, funk, and rock. Melvin has an eclectic taste in music. He is as much a jazzman as a bluesman, and these tracks may not suit every blues fan's taste. Some of the covers on the album were penned by artists that include Victor Wooten, Mose Allison, and Earl King but the music here is great and you may enjoy this album from a truly great and very underrated guitarist. The album is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Listen to Melvin Taylor & The Slack Band’s great “Dirty Pool” album [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 108 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1 Bang That Bell - Eugene Gales, Jack Ponti 3:41
2 Love Is A Gamble - Ray Agee 3:22
3 Another Bad Day - Larry Garner 5:23
4 It's Later Than You Think - John Tiven, Sally Tiven, Troy Turner 4:33
5 My Life - Victor Wooten 4:19
6 Trick Bag - Earl King 5:37
7 If You're Goin' To The City - Mose Allison 4:14
8 Don't Cloud Up On Me - James Boylston, Robert Greenlee 4:58
9 A Quitter Never Wins - Margaret Sampson, Tinsley Ellis 6:15
10 Even Trolls Love Rock & Roll - Tony Joe White 5:57

MUSICIANS

Melvin Taylor - Lead Guitar, Vocals
Eric Gales - Guitar on Tracks 1, 10
Matt Tutor - Rhythm Guitar
Dave Smith - Bass
Norris Johnson - Keyboards
Steve Potts - Drums
Sugar Blue - Harmonica on Tracks 4, 7

BIO

Chicago-based guitarist Melvin Taylor is a star in Europe, but it may take some time for U.S. audiences to catch on to just how phenomenally talented a bluesman he is. Part of the problem for Taylor may be his own natural eclecticism. He's equally adept playing jazz or blues, but in the last few years, he's forged a name for himself as a blues guitarist with a slew of releases for Evidence Music. Taylor may well be the most talented new guitarist to come along since Stevie Ray Vaughan. Taylor was born in Mississippi but raised in Chicago after the family moved there in 1962. He learned guitar from his mother's brother, Uncle Floyd Vaughan, who jammed to tunes by Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, and Howlin' Wolf with his buddies. By the time Taylor was 12, he was sitting in with his uncle and other grown-ups at those sessions. Almost entirely self-taught, the young Taylor learned slide playing, fingerpicking, and flat-picking styles from his favorite recordings by B.B. King, Albert King, and Jimi Hendrix. In his teens, Taylor joined the Transistors, a group managed by his future father-in-law, and they made their mark playing popular music of the '70s at talent shows and night clubs. After the Transistors broke up in the early '80s, Taylor again devoted his full attention to playing blues in the Windy City's West Side clubs. Shortly after, pianist Joe Willie "Pinetop" Perkins came looking for a guitarist for a string of European dates. Taylor joined the Legendary Blues Band for a year and made such an impact in Europe that several club and festival bookers wanted him back with his own group. Since the late '80s, he's been making regular tours of Europe, often backed by former members of the Transistors, where they opened for the likes of B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Santana, George Benson, and Canned Heat. Aside from taking his musical inspiration from guitar heroes like Albert King, B.B. King, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Taylor also became enamoured with the jazz stylings of George Benson and Wes Montgomery, incorporating their styles into his playing. Taylor's recordings include two he first recorded for a French label that have since been reissued on the Pennsylvania-based Evidence Music: Blues on the Run, originally recorded in 1982, and 1984's Melvin Taylor Plays the Blues for You. Back in the U.S., Taylor continued to build a buzz around the strength of his marathon live shows at Rosa's Lounge and other venues in Chicago. Several small labels tried to sign Taylor, but they weren't successful. In 1995, Taylor was signed to Evidence Music and entered the studio with blues impresario John Snyder to record his debut for the label, Melvin Taylor and the Slack Band, which showcased his original songwriting. He returned in late 1996 to record his second U.S. album, Dirty Pool. Taylor's debut remains the Evidence label's best-selling release ever. Both records showcase Taylor's awe-inspiring guitar playing and original renderings of classic Chicago blues tunes. Bang the Bell followed in 2000, featuring racy cover art and a somewhat funk-influenced sound, but it was his teaming with Lucky Peterson and Mato Nanji on 2002's Rendezvous with the Blues that cemented his reputation as a mainstay in the American blues and roots rock scene. © Richard Skelly © 2013 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/artist/melvin-taylor-mn0000351304/biography

Lucian S. Tu

Lucian S. Tu - Oblique Effect - 2002 - Severe Recordings

Lucian Tu, (Co-Founder and Principal, Origin Guitars) is a Musical Instruments Industry professional with over 13 years of experience. Tu has a broad background in product design, product marketing, manufacturing, and business operations. Prior to creating Origin Guitars, Tu worked for Hoshino USA as Manager of Ibanez Electric Guitars. Tu established Lucian Tu Design (LTD) in 2004 and has provided Product Design and Product Marketing services to many of the Industry’s top corporations including: Universal Audio, Hoshino/Ibanez Guitars, Digidesign, Zoom, Fishman, Solid State Logic, Ultimate Support, and others. Tu also co-founded guitar effects company Damage Control in the same year. Tu started in the MI industry in 1998, joining Line 6 as the first and principal in-house Industrial designer. Ultimately, as Manager of the Visual Design Group at Line 6, Tu was responsible for establishing the original design style of many of the company’s most successful products. Tu’s considerable history and expertise in the Musical Instruments and Pro-Audio Industry has resulted in some of the Industry’s most striking and trend-setting product designs. Tu is also a guitar player and producer and has produced several albums including Oblique Effect released in 2001 and most recently Oblidian, released 2010. Tu holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Product Design with Honors from Art Center College of Design. © 2010-2013 ORIGIN GUITARS LLC. All rights reserved. http://originguitars.com/About.html

A new class of progressive metal!!! Oblique Effect sets a new standard for progressive music. This album is a masterpiece of unique song writing, jam-packed with driving emotion. Five stars all the way! If you are craving the absolute best in new metal, Oblique Effect is for you. © Billy Weston © cdbaby.com/cd/luciantu

Debut solo album from progressive metal guitarist Lucian S. Tu. The album contains thirteen potent instrumental progressive metal tracks with exceptional musicianship. Lucian plays some explosive grinding guitar riffs and soaring leads backed by a relentless rhythm section of drums and bass. The album features a number of guest guitar soloists including Jim Williams, Jeff Slingluff, Eric Kirkland. It is worth mentioning the exceptional guest soloing from Erik Norlander (Lana Lane) and Jimmy Williams (Steel Prophet). It should be said that these are mostly instrumental guitar albums in the progressive and shred metal vein. The sometimes mind blowing but truly brilliant guitar pyrotechnics on many of these kind of albums usually take precedence over the quality and innovativeness of the compositions. It depends on what you are looking for. "Oblique Effect" is an outstanding example of virtuosic guitar solos and techniques. If you are happy with that, then by all means give this album a listen. If you are looking for both quality in instrumentation and composition, then you would probably prefer albums like Wishbone Ash's "Argus" or Television's "Marquee Moon". "Oblique Effect" is on this blog for the quality of Lucian Tu's amazing guitar proficiency. Check out Lucian’s "Oblidian" album [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 123 Mb]

TRACKS

1 Intro (00:52)
2 Bifurcation (6:40)
3 Mirrored (5:20)
4 Cantankerous (4:37)
5 Piano Interlude (2:37)
6 Grey to Gey (5:06)
7 The Little Drone (2:17)
8 The Biomechanicals (6:17)
9 Deconstructive (3:37)
10 Zero Hour (5:48)
11 Home World (4:09)
12 Simulated Stimulation (5:11)
13 Armada (7:38)

All tracks composed by Lucian Tu

MUSICIANS

Lucian Tu - Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Programming
Dan Bombassei, Dan Cohen, Eric Kirkland, Jeff Slingluff, Jim Williams - Guitar
Ryan Perkofski - Bass
Dave Fournier, Erik Norlander- Keyboards

Tom Principato

Tom Principato - Blues Over The Years - 1998 - Voodoo Records

The great and underrated guitarist Tom Principato has a rich blues background, and a genuine love of the blues. He is long known to guitar aficionados for his beautiful fluid playing technique. The legendary Pat Metheny once said of Tom, “He has an enormous talent at telling stories in his solos; he doesn't play 'standard' licks". Tom's albums cover everything from blues, jazz, country and high-energy rock to Latin and Eastern influenced neo-classical music”.“Blues Over The Years” covers many styles including blues, soul, funk and rock played with genuine passion. This album is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Try and listen to the East Coast band, Powerhouse’s "Night Life" album featuring Tom Principato. Buy his terrific instrumental "Not One Word" album and support real music [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 148 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1 Never Make Your Move Too Soon - Stix Hooper / Will Jennings 5:21
2 I Know What You're Thinkin' - Steve Wolf 3:52
3 Blue Mood - Tom Principato 3:58
4 Try to Reach You - Tom Principato 2:57
5 I Only Have Love - W.Mitchell, E. Randle, T.Hodges, L.Seymour 5:21
6 Congo Square - Sonny Landreth 6:09
7 Blue Lights - Tom Principato 6:12
8 My Baby Worships Me - Steve Earle 2:46
9 Sweet Little Thing - Tom Principato 5:29
10 Slipped, Tripped, Fell in Love - George Jackson 4:50
11 Deep in the Heart of Texas - Geraint Watkins 4:13
12 It All Went Down the Drain - Earl King 5:39
13 Call the Law - Tom Principato 3:47
14 Goodbye for Now - Tom Principato 3:54

MUSICIANS

Tom Principato - Guitar, Vocals
Steve Wolf - Bass on Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10
Steve Riggs - Bass on Tracks 5, 12, 13
Scott Ambush - Bass on Track 9
Jeff Sarli - Upright Bass on Track 11
Kevin McKendree - Piano on Tracks 4, 11, 12, 13: Hammond B-3 Organ on Track 9: Harmony Vocal on Track 5
Tom Lepson - Hammond B-3 Organ on Tracks 2, 3, 7, 10: Vocal Harmony on Track 10
Chuck Leavell - Hammond B-3 Organ on Track 12
Clark Matthews - Drums on Tracks 1, 4, 7
Robbie Magruder - Drums on Tracks 3, 8, 10
Conrad Drennon - Drums on Tracks 5, 12, 13
Big Joe Maher - Drums on Track 11: Vocal Harmony on Track 4
Dave Palamar - Percussion on Tracks 1, 6: Drums on Tracks 2, 6, 9
Gali Sanchez - Percussion on Track 12
Dave Brink - Baritone Sax on Track 3
Scott Young - Tenor Sax on Tracks 3, 6
Bill Moore - Trumpet on Track 3
Gary More - Trumpet on Track 3
Mike Crotty - Trumpet on Track 11
Ken Hedberg - Trombone on Track 3
Kim Wilson - Harmonica, Vocals on Track 8

BIO

Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Tom Principato has long been a regional star in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. He has toured nationally around the U.S., Canada, and Europe, but often the venues are clubs. His particular blend of blues-rock is highly specific; jazz guitar master Pat Metheny said of Principato, "he has an enormous talent at telling stories in his solos; he doesn't play 'standard' licks." Raised in suburban Washington, D.C. his early guitar playing heroes included Roy Buchanan and Danny Gatton. He listened to his parents' recordings by the likes of Chet Atkins and the Benny Goodman Sextet with Charlie Christian, and like a lot of kids, discovered the power of Chicago blues in his high school years. Earlier in his professional career, Principato divided his time between two still-great cities for blues, Washington, D.C. and Boston. Principato was the leader of a band, Powerhouse, whose only album but lively shows made them a major club attraction in the late '70s. In 1980, Principato also joined guitarist Geoff Muldaur on the road and recorded an album with him as a member of his band. Back home in D.C. in 1981, he sought out and hooked up with a number of musicians, including Big Mama Thornton, Billy Price, and Sunnyland Slim and the Assassins, a band that included Nighthawks guitarist Jimmy Thackery. Principato recorded two albums with the Assassins, No Previous Record (1986) and Partners in Crime (1987). By 1987, Principato had launched his own solo career, playing at various nightclubs in and around D.C. and northern Virginia with varying trios. He made a live recording with his early mentor, Danny Gatton, Blazing Telecasters, which was later released in 1990. Since 1984, Principato has recorded many solo albums featuring his own varying groups. They include Smokin! (1986) I Know What You're Thinkin (1988) Blazing Telecasters with Danny Gatton, In Orbit (1990) Tip of the Iceberg (1992), In the Clouds (1995), and Really Blue (1998). He released Blues Over the Years in 1999, Not One Word in 2000, Live in Europe in 2001, Fingers on Fire with Pete Kennedy (now of the folk-rock duo the Kennedys) in 2002, House on Fire in 2003, Oh No! More Blazing Telecasters in 2005, and Guitar Gumbo, released that same year. His most recent recording, Raising the Roof, was released in 2008. Through the years, Principato has released records on his own Powerhouse Records label, as well as with the now-defunct, Atlanta-based Ichiban label. His live shows, often accompanied by just a bassist and drummer, are exciting, with lots of guitar pyrotechnics and great playing from the other members of his ensemble. Since the 1990s, Principato has enjoyed ongoing endorsement deals with Fender guitars, DR String Co., Seymour Duncan pickups, and Roger Mayer effects pedals. (The London-based Mayer made a variety of effects pedals and electronic gadgets for Jimi Hendrix.) Based in Falls Church, VA., when he's not out delivering his powerful live shows to crowds in clubs and theaters, Principato is like lot of unheralded blues and roots rock performers; he spends a lot of time in Europe, where the crowds in general seem to be much more appreciative of indigenous American styles. Other than a brief flirtation with Island Records, he has never been signed to a major label. © Richard Skelly 2013 © AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved

Tetsuo Sakurai featuring Greg Howe & Dennis Chambers

Tetsuo Sakurai featuring Greg Howe & Dennis Chambers - Gentle Hearts - 2001 - Victor Entertainment

Tetsuo Sakurai born 13/11/1957 is a Japanese bassist. To date, (2 March 2013) he has released a total of 37 albums as a member of Casiopea and Jimsaku and solo artist, and has also made 3 bass instructional videos. Tetsuo started playing bass when he was 13 years old. In 1976, Sakurai, with Issei Noro, founded jazz fusion band Casiopea in 1976. He released 19 albums while in Casiopea but later left the band with Akira Jimbo in 1989 over musical differences. Both of them then went on to form a new jazz fusion supergroup, Jimsaku. Jimsaku was active for nine years, until 1998, when it was disbanded and both Sakurai and Jimbo went on to pursue individual solo careers. Sakurai's third solo album TLM20, released in 2000, was recorded live in a concert with Casiopea members Issei Noro and Minoru Mukaiya, Akira Jimbo, and Kazuki Katsuta of Dimension. The fourth solo album Gentle Hearts, released in 2001, was recorded with Greg Howe & Dennis Chambers. The fifth solo album Cartas do Brasil was released in 2003 and was a vocal ballad cover album recorded in Rio de Janeiro with Djavan, Ivan Lins, Rosa Passos and other artists. In 2004, Tetsuo toured with Greg & Dennis. The following year, the tour live performances was released on DVD titled Gentle Hearts Tour 2004. Sakurai is currently composing and playing his own music as a solo artist with domestic and foreign musicians. – WIKI

Dont let the title kid you. There's little gentleness on this critically acclaimed instrumental rock fusion album by the great Japanese bassist Tetsuo Sakurai, best known for his work with Casiopea and Jimsaku. The album features killer guitar work from the phenomenal Greg Howe, with drums supplied by the amazingly talented and dynamic drum legend Dennis Chambers. The power trio also toured and later released the CD/DVD album "Gentle Hearts Tour 2004" in 2005. Great fusion and HR by A.O.O.F.C [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 102 Mb]

TRACKS

1. Samurai Faith 4:52
2. Brain Storm 6:05
3. Punk Jazz 5:54
4. Gentle Hearts 3:59
5. The Invisible Way 6:15
6. Maximum 5:16
7. Wonderland In the Sky 7:36
8. Dandelion 4:37

All tracks composed by Tetsuo Sakurai except "Punk Jazz" by Jaco Pastorius

MUSICIANS

Greg Howe - Guitars
Testsuo Sakurai - Bass
Masatake Ohsato - Synthesizer
Dennis Chambers - Drums

Robben Ford

Robben Ford - Sunrise - 1999 - Avenue Jazz

Joseph F. Laredo writes in the liner notes, ""Sunrise" is the perfect title track for this collection of live performances by Robben Ford, because these early recordings capture his special wizardry at a point in time when the music world was just beginning to sit up and take notice. The elements of jazz and rock-influenced fusion that flavor his burly, blues-based guitar style were there from the beginning, and it is this versatility that has allowed him to thrive in so many different settings over the course of an enduring and influential career. Ford's light has always shone brightest as leader of his own combos, particularly in live settings, where there is a palpable energy that invaribly brings out his best work. The title track, with its religious and mystical overtones, and "Miss Miss" are two Robben Ford originals that make for riveting listening." "Sunrise" includes three instrumental tracks, "Oh Gee", "Eighty One" (with Ford on sax!) and "Miss Miss". The legendary Jimmy Witherspoon provides guest vocals on two tracks. © 1996-2013 Guitar Nine All Rights Reserved http://www.guitar9.com/sunrise.html

It's ironic that some of the people who swear up and down that they don't like jazz will get into Robben Ford, whose career has as much to do with jazz as it does with blues, pop, soul and rock. Though Ford was never a "jazz snob," his jazz credentials are quite solid. Jazz, blues and rock are all primary ingredients of Sunrise, a CD that was released in 1999 and contains live performances at Los Angeles and London venues in 1972. Back then, the singer/guitarist was in his early twenties and hadn't yet become famous, but those who were hip to Ford knew that he was a unique young talent who had considerable promise. This unpredictable and highly enjoyable collection ranges from the hardcore instrumental jazz of Miles Davis' "Eighty One" (which finds Ford playing the sax) and jazz-rock fusion of "Miss Miss" to spirited performances of Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster" and Peter Chatman's "Every Day I Have the Blues." The latter finds Ford performing a vocal duet with blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon, who is the only vocalist on "Ain't Nobody's Business." The late Witherspoon thought the world of Ford, and it's easy to see why they got along so well -- like Ford, Witherspoon was an eclectic, unpredictable artist who held jazz and the blues in equally high regard. Whether you're into jazz, blues or rock - or all of the above - Sunrise is a CD to savour. © Alex Henderson © 2013 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/sunrise-mw0000047995

"Sunrise is aptly named, for this 1972 recording captures Robben Ford's stinging blues guitar at the dawn of his career. It contains the hallmarks of Ford's now long-familiar style: non-stop solos of brisk funk logic; clean and exquisitely formed lines; and a monster groove. There's also quite a bit of vocal work on this one: by Ford himself on Willie Dixon's "Red Rooster," Miles Davis' "Eighty One," and Ford's own "Sunrise." The one and only Jimmy Witherspoon shows up too on "Ain't Nobody's Business" and, with Ford, on "Every Day I Have the Blues." The key word on this Ford outing is businesslike. Pulling no punches, taking no detours, making no excuses, Ford confronts these numbers head on and extracts from them the maximum of blues feeling. In the liner notes he says, "I have a tendency toward simple music, but it has to be a real, authentic, artistic statement, and it's never done without complete sincerity." Evidence to the truth of his statement is all over this disc: on his impassioned vocal on "Red Rooster"; on his otherworldly tenor sax solo on "Eighty One" (played with spare and ringing force); and on the inimitable sparring matches with Witherspoon. Most of all it's in his guitar solos, which with overpowering speed and power match and exceed the emotional intensity of a hundred solos from the shallow Hendrix imitators who never learned that often less is more. Ford knows, and knows when to deliver more and when to deliver less with unerring precision. Don't miss this one”. © Robert Spencer writing in allaboutjazz on August 1, 1999 © http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php id=4072#.UmlPN_lwqqg

Robben Ford’s “Sunrise” album contains eight tracks recorded live in 1972 at the Ash Grove, Hollywood, California; The Golden Bear, Huntington Beach, California; and The Marquee Club, London, England, clubs noted at that time for introducing promising new artists to the music scene. Although Robben’s music encompasses jazz, fusion, blues and rock, the tracks here are mostly a blend of electric blues and jazz fusion, despite most of the songs being originally recorded by blues artists. Robben plays saxophone as well as guitar on the album, and the late Jimmy Witherspoon sings lead vocals on Track 4 and with Robben on Track 8. Even before he was 20 years old, Robben knew all there was to know about the blues pentatonic scale. The late Jimmy Witherspoon once described Robben Ford as "The greatest guitarist in the world". Hundreds of artists have been granted that title, but in the case of Robben Ford, it is easy to see why Mr. Witherspoon made that comment. Musician magazine named him as one of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century." Not bad considering the number of guitarists who have played over that period of time! He is most definitely one of the most talented guitarists of the the 21st century. Robben’s list of credits and achievements is breathtaking. Although he has been playing since the early ‘70’s, and played with almost everybody of any stature in the music business, he may be best known as a founding member of the great jazz rock/fusion band, The Yellowjackets. “Sunrise” is a great early Robben Ford album. Over 40 years later, Robben is even better and the music scene needs a good shot of this kind of music. The album is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Listen to Robben’s jazz fusion “Schizophonic” album and his great blues album, “Handful of Blues”. Support real music [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 139 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1 Oh Gee - Matthew Gee 6:31
2 Red Rooster - Willie Dixon 4:25
3 Eighty One - Miles Davis, Ron Carter 8:08
4 Ain't Nobody's Business - Jimmy Witherspoon, C. Williams, G.R. Prince, P. Granger 3:50
5 Sunrise - Robben Ford 11:28
6 Blue & Lonesome - Little Walter Jacobs 8:23
7 Miss Miss - Robben Ford 8:58
8 Everyday I Have the Blues - P. Chatman 5:26

MUSICIANS

Robben Ford - Guitar, Saxophone, Vocals
Stan Poplin - Bass, Guitar
Paul Nagle - Keyboards
Jim Baum - Drums
Jimmy Witherspoon - Lead Vocal on Track 4: Lead Vocals with Robben Ford on Track 8

SHORT BIO

Robben Ford has had a diverse career. He taught himself guitar when he was 13 and considered his first influence to be Mike Bloomfield. At 18 he moved to San Francisco to form the Charles Ford Band (named after his father, who was also a guitarist) and was soon hired to play with Charlie Musselwhite for nine months. In 1971, the Charles Ford Blues Band was re-formed and recorded for Arhoolie in early 1972. Ford played with Jimmy Witherspoon (1972-1973), the L.A. Express with Tom Scott (1974), George Harrison, and Joni Mitchell. In 1977 he was a founding member of the Yellowjackets, which he stayed with until 1983, simultaneously having a solo career and working as a session guitarist. In 1986, Ford toured with Miles Davis and had two separate periods (1985 and 1987) with Sadao Watanabe, but he really seemed to find himself in 1992 when he returned to his roots: the blues. Ford formed a new group, the Blue Line, and subsequently recorded a couple of blues-rock dates for Stretch that are among the finest of his career. In 1999, he released Sunrise on Rhino and Supernatural on Blue Thumb. Ford signed to the Concord Jazz label in 2002 and released Blue Moon that same year, followed by Keep on Running in 2003 and Truth in 2007. That same year, he was a billed special guest on Larry Carlton's Live in Tokyo. He followed this with the predominantly live Soul on Ten in 2009. In 2013, Ford began his label association with Provogue, and issued the studio album Bringing It Back Home, comprised mostly of blues and R&B covers played by an all-star band. © Scott Yanow © 2013 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved

Michael Harris

Michael Harris - Defense Mechanizms - 1999 - Imminent Music Force

Guitarist Michael Harris from Dayton Ohio, has been amazing audiences for over twenty years with his breathtaking axe-work. He is not a household name, but has performed and/or recorded with musicians that include Yngwie Malmsteen, Robert Fripp, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, and David Chastain among others. During the 90s, Michael’s band, Arch Rival, obtained record deals in Europe and Japan for three albums, with all the compositions mainly credited to Michael. Since then, he has released seven solo albums globally and has played on many more collaborative albums, including keyboard maestro, Vitalij Kuprij’s “Revenge” and “Glacial Inferno” albums. “Defense Mechanizms” is really a showcase for Michael Harris’ masterly guitar chops. There are many other guitar albums with more original compositions but inferior guitar. If you like great guitar, and are not too bothered about listening to more innovative song structures, you will probably get a lot from this album. Listen to some sound snippets from this album @ http://connect.pure.com/p#!/it/flow/store/release/172731-Defense-Mechanism and listen to Michael’s “Orchestrate” album. If you haven't heard the guitarists Guthrie Govan, and /or Shaun Baxter, please check out their work. [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 119 Mb]

TRACKS

1 Defense Mechanizms 4:36
2 Tranz-Orbital Schizophrenia 4:54
3 Mind Or Heart? 3:48
4 Psychotic Biorhythms 4:46
5 Classical Conditioning 1:32
6 Eminent Domain 5:59
7 Collision Course 3:54
8 Tarantula 4:59
9 Call To Arms 2:32
10 Octavian: Heir To The Conqueror 4:36
11 Wolfgang Lives! 4:12
12 Through The Eyes Of Eternity 5:50

All tracks composed by Michael Harris except Track 11 by W.A. Mozart. Tracks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 12 recorded @ Midtown Studio, Nashville during May - Nov. 1990: Tracks 4, 7, 9, 10, 11 recorded @ Refraze Studio, Dayton, OH during Aug. - Nov. 1989

MUSICIANS

Electric & Acoustic Guitar - Michael Harris
Gary Rigmaiden - Bass
Greg Martin - Drums

BIO (WIKI)

Michael Harris born in Dayton, Ohio is an American guitarist and composer. He is most noted for his work as founder and guitarist for rock band Arch Rival and for his primarily instrumental progressive guitar work. His later music is a fusion of progressive metal and a hint of classical music. He cites the influence of his father (a jazz musician) and mother (a classical musician) for his unique style. Harris formed the band Arch Rival in 1986 with Gary Rigmaiden (bass), Greg Martin (drums), and several other musicians. After hiring many vocalists unsuccessfully, the band found their niche in Michigan vocalist Steve Snyder. The group found a measure of commercial success, particularly in Europe and Japan via its first full-length album, 'In the Face of Danger' (1991). The band went on to release two more albums: 'Wake Up Your Mind' (1993) and 'Third Degree Burns' (1997), and a self titled EP in 2008. As Arch Rival's first album was released, Harris began to become more heavily involved in personal explorations of neoclassical and progressive metal instrumental work. These were primarily solo works, although sometimes backed with additional talent. His first solo album, 'Defense Mechanizms' (1991), was released to critical acclaim. Later albums include 'Ego Decimation Profile' (1996), 'Distorted Views' (1999), 'Sketches from the Thought Chamber' (2001), 'Words Collide' (2003) and 'Orchestrate' (2006). 'Orchestrate' is an exploration of a more purely neoclassical style than on previous albums. Progressive metal guitar heavyweight David T. Chastain partnered with Harris in 1992 to create a live guitar duo album, 'Live! Wild and Truly Diminished!!'. Harris formed a heavy metal band, Surgeon in 1995 to perform extreme heavy metal. Surgeon released its sole album, 'Encyclopedia of the Insane' (1996). The Michael Harris Tranz-Fusion evolved from The Michael Harris Project, and has officially been Michael's live band since 2001. Currently Harris continues to develop his neoclassical and progressive metal career in solo projects. Harris has also lent his guitar skills to Ukrainian keyboard virtuoso, Vitalij Kuprij. He performs on Kuprij's albums 'Forward and Beyond' (2004), 'Revenge' (2005) and 'Glacial Inferno' in 2007. Harris recently formed a new progressive group, Thought Chamber. The band's debut release 'Angular Perceptions' was released worldwide to critical acclaim on Inside Out Music in April 2007, followed up in 2013 with a concept record entitled "Psykerion". Michael also formed a new metal band, Darkology, whose debut disc, "Altered Reflections" was released on RAH Records on November 16, 2009. Their 2nd record, "Fated to Burn", is slated for an early 2014 release on Prime Eon Media.

Café Jacques

Café Jacques - International - 1978 - Epic

The underrated Scottish band, Cafe Jacques was originally formed in 1973 by guitarist Chris Thomson and the late keyboard player Peter Veitch. They signed to CBS Records in 1976. In 1977, with drummer Mike Ogletree they recorded their debut album, "Round The Back". It was never easy to categorize this band's music. They have been called a "New Wave" band, and their music has often been classified as Prog-Rock, and Art Rock. "International" has a slight edge of Canterbury Rock, and at times the prog. rock sounds of Camel, Caravan, Genesis, and even the jazz rock sound of Steely Dan can be heard along with many more influences. Two of Cafe Jacques’ members John G. Perry played bass and sang with Caravan and Geoff Richardson played viola and flute with the same band. The album’s producer Rupert Hine also produced some work for the great progressive rock band, Camel, and the Thompson Twins. Phil Collins was a member of the great Genesis, so naturally, some of these guys’ musical influences carried over to Café Jacques. However, if you are looking for a more progressive Genesis or Caravan inspired sound, this is probably not the album to listen to. Regardless of definitions Café Jacques had a very distinctive sound and “International” is a very good album in the progressive jazz pop vein. It could be argued that the band's "Round The Back" album is a stronger album but both albums contain excellent songs, great musicianship, and are very different to the music of the times in which they were released. The group split in 1978. The played a reunion concert in August 2010 in North Berwick, Scotland. It would be great to see another recording from the outfit. Try and listen to the band’s "Round The Back" album [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 107 Mb]

TRACKS

1 Boulevard Of Broken Dreams 3:06
2 How Easy 3:49
3 Waiting 3:42
4 Station Of Dreams 4:15
5 Chanting And Raving 4:57
6 Can't Stand Still 2:58
7 Man In The Meadow 4:26
8 Knife Edge 3:08
9 This Way Up 2:56
10 The Medley 6:10

All tracks composed by Mike Ogletree, Chris Thomson, & Peter Veitch except Track 1 by H.Warren & A.Dubin

BAND

Chris Thomson – Guitar, Lead Vocals
Geoff Richardson – Acoustic Guitar, 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Fretless Bass, Mandolin, Clarinet, Viola, Flute, Bass Flute, Claps, Cheeks, Sink and Richardsonics
Mike Ogletree – Acoustic Guitar on Track 2: Drums, Vibraslap, Tambourine, Claps, Brushes
Colin Nelson - Bass
John G. Perry – Wal Bass
Peter Veitch – Keyboards, Accordion, Backing Vocals
Phil Collins, Rupert Hine - Percussion
“The Three Bears assisted by Two Shouting Doctors” – Backing Vocals on Track 10
The Little Chalfont Swamp Choir – Backing Vocals on Track 7
Pogi, Jim, Margi, Colin K., Jane Murray, Geoffrey, Neil, Neil’s Dog, Alan – Backing Vocals

BIO

CAFE JACQUES...The name derived from a coffee that had a little eastern additive, kindly provided to the band by a friend called Jim in an Edinburgh student flat...The band formed in Edinburgh, December 1973 by CHRIS THOMSON (guitar, vocals) and PETE VEITCH (keyboards, violin). Gathering around them an assortment of players and singers that grew to a seven piece, they soon had a considerable local following! After a partially successful joke entry in the MM Folk Rock Contest of 1975 (They came 2nd to Deaf School), Chris & Pete decided to turn fully professional. They broke up the social seven piece and replaced them with drummer MICHAEL OGLETREE and bassist GORDON HASTIE (who left not long later). Around Christmas 1975 the revised band entered negotiations with CBS and finally signed in April 1976. After a lot of demoralising let downs and false starts in pre-production due to CBS not understanding or appreciating what the band were about, Cafe Jacques finally made 2 albums (Produced by RUPERT HINES) ROUND THE BACK - 1977 (with US chart success & had PHIL COLLINS on drums and encouragement) and INTERNATIONAL – 1978. They have toured with the likes of PAT TRAVERS, THE KINKS, STEVE GIBBONS BAND & SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY and made an excellent name for themselves as a "Live Band" going against the flow of the "New Wave of Punk". But around 1978 and due to many reasons (mostly record company related), the band called it a day! Original members MICHAEL OGLETREE now lives & works in America. CHRIS THOMSON is still based in and around Edinburgh, but tragically PETER VEITCH sadly passed away in 1990! But remember Cafe Jacques demand respect, not just for being true to themselves, at a time when musically they were out of kilt with the punk revolution that was going on all around them.......But for making quality music that has endured the test of time and is now being re-discovered by a whole new generation! ......So much so, that in 2010 CHRIS THOMSON has recruited bass legend CHRIS GLEN from the SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND / MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP/JOHN MARTYN to help update the band’s sound. So along with Mr STUART CLYDE (Keys) & DAVIE (HOO-HA) HALLEY (Drums) CAFE JACQUES have resurfaced, and in July 2010 Cafe Jacques started rehearsals for the FRINGE BY THE SEA festival, which was a terrific success. And now with new recordings and gigs, it’s an exciting time for the band! © CAFE JACQUES 2011 http://www.cafejacques.co.uk/about.html

BAND MEMBERS IN 2011

CHRIS THOMSON - Guitar / Vocals
Chris is the only original member of Cafe Jacques who Formed the band in 1973 with original keyboard player Peter Veitch....They signed to CBS Records in 1976.And with drummer Mike Ogletree they recorded 2 albums (Produced by Rupert Hines) "Round The Back" 1977 and had US chart success with Phil Collins guesting, and "International" 1978, But later that year and due to many reasons the band called it a day!...But In 2010 and sparked by renewed interest with the reissue of both albums,Chris has returned to the Cafe Jacques project....with the aim of updating things.......Just A little bit!

CHRIS GLEN - Bass - B Voc
Best known for being the quintessential bass player in Sensational Alex Harvey Band and The Michael Schenker Group as well as The Ian Gillan Band & John Martyn (among many others)..Chris has been in the music business for well 0ver 45 years,and is a long time pal of CT. The musical collaboration is intended to entertain as well as impress ... Chris also has his own project "Chris Glen and the Outfit"...Chis is affectionately known as "The Boss Of Bass" and when it comes to the bass he is indeed the boss...If you don't believe me?....Then just ask him!

STUART CLYDE - Keys - B Voc
Studied at Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama...And has been in several bands over the last 20 years inc. Emergency Exit - Tequila Masque - Glasgow - Abel Ganz - Scandal...Keep a look out for Stuart doing his keytar solo.....well worth the cost of a ticket!

DAVIE "Hoo-Ha" HALLEY - Drums - B Voc
A well known face in the Glasgow music scene...Davie has been in involved with many bands inc Gallus Cooper - Glasgow - Passionate Friends...Davie has just made his acting debut in the movie "McGruder and the Loch Ness Bone" along with fellow band members Chris Thomson & Chris Glen.....Don't ask..Its a long story!

© CAFE JACQUES 2011 http://www.cafejacques.co.uk/about.html