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22.12.14

Wayne Krantz


Wayne Krantz - Good Piranha / Bad Piranha - 2014 - Abstract Logix

Wayne Krantz, the muscular, funky New York guitarist, might be approximately parcelled into a John Scofield category – except that this exciting artist goes further than Scofield, and loves nothing more than hell-for-leather jams with mates. Krantz’s trio, with bassist Nate Wood and drummer Keith Carlock, display a relish for ferociously loose covers of leftfield pop. Along with long-time bassist Tim Lefebvre and the ethereal, contrasting background singer, Gabriela Anders, they rocket through four themes – including Thom Yorke’s Black Swan and MC Hammer’s U Can’t Touch This – and then play them all again, totally differently. Anders’s fragile lilt prefaces the splintering chordwork and pounding funk on Black Swan, and Comprachicos swerves and skids on Krantz’s taut, whippy phrasing. U Can’t Touch This, meanwhile, has a vivacious, bouncing groove, fresh and long-lined guitar phrasing, and wacky, Ed Wood flying saucer-like whirrs. It’s all uncompromisingly raw, and maybe something of a guitar buff’s set, but it never stops rocking. © John Fordham Thursday 6 November 2014 20.00 GMT © 2014 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/nov/06/wayne-krantz-good-piranha-bad-piranha-review

Since the late 1980's, guitarist Wayne Krantz has been regarded as one of the world’s great musicians. He has worked with artists that include the exalted Steely Dan (both as a band member and on solo albums by Donald Fagen), the legendary jazz saxophonists Michael Brecker, Chris Potter and David Binney, composer Carla Bley and the incomparable drummer Billy Cobham. As well as Wayne's incredible inventive studio albums, he has released several influential recordings of his amazing live trio performances, mostly recorded at the 55 Bar in Greenwich Village, New York. Wayne has also played major global concert events attracting many lovers of powerful, innovative and amazingly skilled improvised music. It has been said that Wayne Krantz "has invented a guitar genre of his own". G. T. Gusdorf reviewing this album on amazon.com said that, "I like jazz fusion, and this album is great. It makes me realize that the question "is jazz dead?" debate is for people who don't like jazz, and don't know how to say it". This album is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Check out Wayne's "Howie 61" album [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 99.9 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1. Black Swan - Thom Yorke 6:04
2. My Skin Is My Sin - Ice Cube 5:05
3. Comprachicos - Gareth McGrillen 7:42
4. U Can't Touch This - MC Hammer 4:22
5. Black Swan - Thom Yorke 6:56
6. My Skin Is My Sin - Ice Cube 3:47
7. Comprachicos - Gareth McGrillen 2:43
8. U Can't Touch This - MC Hammer 4:54

MUSICIANS

Wayne Krantz - Guitar
Tim Lefebvre - Bass
Nate Wood - Bass, Drums
Keith Carlock - Drums
Gabriela Anders - Occasional Vocals

ABOUT WAYNE KRANTZ

Born 26th July 26 1956, WAYNE KRANTZ was raised in Corvalis, Oregon, Krantz. He discovered the Beatles at 14, and soon after started playing guitar. Having previously been subjected to piano tuition and hated it, KRANTZ found with the guitar he enjoyed not being told to practice. Early musical development included playing in rock and country groups. Shortly before leaving high school he discovered jazz in his father's record collection, in particular guitarist BARNEY KESSEL: this music became his main interest. To quote from KRANTZ's own web biography: "My first musically important job was with a band in Boston, the D SHARP GROUP - which also had guitarist BILL FRISELL. Afterwards I went on the road with CARL BLEY and that's where I really learned how to play chord changes. LENI STERN heard me playing at a club with CARLA and started hiring me to play gigs around town and later I went to Europe with LENI for several tours, clubs and festivals. Guitar-wise I guess I have been influenced one way or another by all the guys I respect. In that long list have to be TERRY HAGGERTY (The SONS OF CHAMPLIN), MICK GOODRICK, PAT METHENY, MIKE STERN, BILL FRISELL, KEVIN EUBANKS and JOHN SCOFIELD. Way off in the distance, the mountains that inspire all of us are JOHN MCLAUGHLIN and GEORGE BENSON; those are the guys that have taken their own the farthest. The immediate goal for me is to fulfill the promise of making my own music". In 1991 WAYNE KRANTZ released his first solo album, 'Signals', which included a number of well known session jazz musicians. He then formed his own trio with LINCOLN GOINES (bass) and ZACH DANZIGER (drums), recording 'Long To Be Loose' (1993), and the first of several live albums the excellent '2 Drink Minimum', (1995). During this period through to the mid noughties, WAYNE KRANTZ gained the reputation of being a New York guitar-fusionist, playing periodically at the 55 Bar jazz club in New York City. In 1996, KRANTZ released an acoustic album with LENI STERN, 'Separate Cages' (1996). WAYNE KRANTZ formed a new trio in 1997, which further demonstrated his outstanding guitar abilities complimented with a huge bag of jazz and rock riffs, allowing attractive improv to be played live night after night. In fact to use the term 'riffs' is far from precise when KRANTZ has outlined in his book, 'An Improviser's Operating System', his approach to improvisation, which relies not on licks or memorised fretboard patterns but an awareness of 'musical formulae' using the guitar. In doing so KRANTZ was producing new sounds that have changed his musical style drastically. His electric bass-player and drummer, respectively TIM LEFEBVRE and KEITH CARLOCK, contributed well the immediate inspiration and fluidity so that such live improv to be generated in many of KRANTZ's later albums well illustrate this type of jazz fusion. (It should be noted that TIM LEFEBVRE and ZACH DANZIGER, formed the innovative jazz drum'n'bass group BOOMISH as a side project in the late 90's - their second album 'Clearance Sale' includes contributions from KRANTZ and FRISELL. With some growing disillusionment and impatience with the mainstream record industry, KRANTZ's next three albums were produced and sold independently: 'Greenwich Mean' (1999), 'Your Basic Live' (2003), and 'Your Basic Live '06' (2007), being only available for sale at gigs or mail order via KRANTZ's website. During this time WAYNE KRANTZ cemented a well earned reputation worldwide, through tours (for instance appearing several times at Wales' Brecon Jazz Festival. In addition he has been in demand as a touring sidesman and session guitarist, working with STEELY DAN, MICHAEL BRECKER, DONALD FAGEN ('Morph The Cat', released 2006), CHRIS POTTER ('Underground', also in 2006), TAL WILKENFELD ('Tranformation' 2007) with perhaps the earliest session appearance on JASPER VAN'T HOF's 'Blue Corner'(1993). In June, 2007, KRANTZ played his last regular gig at the 55 Bar (at least for the time being), announcing ?he had a desire to move towards a louder thing requiring bigger rooms, with stages and sound systems to pull it off.?? However, the most recent announcement tells us of a August 2009 release 'Krantz, Lefevbre, Carlock', the first studio album recording in 13 years. (Biography compiled from various sources, quotes from Wayne Krantz). © Prog Archives, All rights reserved http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=4613

21.12.14

Al Joseph


 Al Joseph - Out In the Open - 2013 - JTC Records

JTC Records proudly presents the debut album from the incredible Al Joseph. 9 heavy rock tracks full of drive, emotion, charisma, riffs to die for and licks that will get stuck in your head for weeks on end. This is the way to launch your record career... © 2013 JamTrackCentral Ltd https://jamtrackcentral.com/store/series/out-in-the-open-album-backings/

A very good blend of classic rock/blues, metal, and progressive compositions with a classical and modern touch. Great melodic lines throughout. Al is influenced by artists like John Petrucci and Marco Sfogli. Al has said that, "Out In The Open" is a theme built on the unknowns of life. I believe we've been given all we need to face the pirates, whirlwinds, emptiness, and rejections of life. A lot of time and heart went into this project from everyone involved. I had always dreamed the emerging of my career in so many different ways, but I'm so thankful it was through JTC. I hope OITO is an inspiration to all of you who show your support! Thank you...AJ. - Buy this album and support good modern rock. Read more @ http://network.online.berklee.edu/public_profile/Albert_Joseph and https://www.facebook.com/aljosephguitar
[All tracks @ 160 Kbps: File size = 62.4 Mb]

TRACKS

1. Return
2. Desperate Times
3. Sun Devils
4. Exile
5. The Missing You
6. Out in the Open
7. The Tribal Decks
8. Desperate Measures
9. The Father Land

All tracks composed by Al Joseph

BAND

Al Joseph (guitars), Juan Luqui (guitars)
Manny Tiegnon, Mauricio Morales (bass)
Abidan Perry (percussion)

ABOUT AL JOSEPH

Al Joseph has proven to be one of the worlds most exciting new virtuosos to hit the scene to date. Now a proud Alumni of Berklee College Of Music, Al presses on to an already promising career as both a guitar player and songwriter. Expect to see more exciting things over the coming years. You can expect to hear quite a bit of Joe Satriani's lyrical texture, John Petrucci's technical power, Vinnie Moore's stinging licks, and Andy Timmons' sense of feel and dynamic presence in Al's playing . As far as songwriting goes Al has a never-ending list of band influences in his arsenal. From Creed, Rage Against The Machine, P.O.D, to Pillar, Pantera, Sevendust, and many more. If you can dig on any or all of these artists get ready to add another new player to your list. "Out In The Open" is Al's debut solo instrumental record which was released through JTC Records in October 2013. It's a story of emotion, new beginnings, unknowns, and all the new challenges Al has faced throughout his life. Let's not forget about an hour of world class shredding as well. If you enjoy the workings of guitar legends Joe Satriani and Andy Timmons, look no further. This record has it all wrapped up in a nice basket for you with a kick of fusion as well. Out In the Open is a wild ride for sure! Check out Al's music on Jamtrackcentral.com, iTunes, Spotify, and ReverbNation. Here's what JTC Records has to say about it: There is no question of Al's ability on the guitar. Still a young player he brings some great classic ideas and makes them extremely accessible, whilst surrounding them with well produced tracks. Expect to see a lot more from Al over the coming years....he has an exciting career ahead of him. Jonny Carpenter, Jam Track Central Records © 2014 Al Joseph Official Guitar Page http://www.aljosephofficial.com/#!al-joseph-bio-page/c9nv

10.12.14

Keith Thompson And Strange Brew


Keith Thompson And Strange Brew - Keith Thompson And Strange Brew - 2000 - Brambus

"Keith Thompson's Strange Brew" are a classic British Blues/Rock band - In the style of blues heros such as Gary Moore, Eric Clapton and Rory Gallagher.Keith Thompson, is a professional musician with many years performing experience. He has worked in several bands, and as a solo artist. He has travelled extensively in the UK. and in European countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Holland and Norway. Recently Keith also did a promotional tour in USA. When not touring or playing "live", Keith has been in demand as a session musician in the studio. His guitar work has cropped up on several albums and on television "incidental" music. A sample of Keith's guitar work can also be heard as the soundtrack for the best selling computer game, "Grand-Prix 2". Keith combines his experience as a guitarist with his skills as a successful songwriter to come up with a blend of UK Blues/Rock that really cooks! - Album Notes © http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/strangebrewuk

Worcester, England born Keith Thompson is a professional musician with many years of performing experience. He has worked in several bands and as a solo artist and is an in demand session guitarist. With his band he consistently travels extensively and performs in mainland Europe and the UK in clubs and has played prestigious festivals including Postonja Blues Festival, Slovenia, Umag Festival, Croatia, Suwalki, Poland, Colne R&B festival and Gloucester Blues Festival UK. On This album Keith demonstrates how British blues rock is alive and thriving. This self titled album received a lot of critical acclaim. 14 solid studio and live tracks played in a style reminiscent of greats like Gary Moore, Rory Gallagher, and Eric Clapton. The raunchy horn/brass section by The Little Big Horns and the thundering bass lines and solid drums of Lee Hunter and Alleyn Menzies respectively make this a great album. Keith Thompson is a very accomplished but underrated musician and this album is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Try and listen to Keith Thompson And Strange Brew's even better "Independence" album [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 145 Mb]

TRACKS

1. Cat Scratch Crazy (3:53)
2. You Don't Know Me (2:52)
3. I'm Tore Down (4:11)
4. Reduce Me To Tears (6:42)
5. Little Boy (5:34)
6. Road To Recovery (3:26)
7. I'm Not Your Victim (4:43)
8. Heart and Soul (3:48)
9. Got My Mind Made Up (4:17)
10. Count On You (2:57)
11. Blues Don't Love You (3:37)
12. Be Good To Yourself (3:36)
13. Crossroads (3:45)
14. Higher Ground (4:33)

All tracks composed by Keith Thompson except Track 3 by Sonny Thompson, Track 12 by A.Fraser, & Track 13 by Robert Johnson

MUSICIANS

Keith Thompson - Guitars, Keyboards, Blues Harp, Lead & Backing Vocals
Lee Hunter - Bass Guitar
John Broomhall - Piano, Hammond on Track 14
Alleyn Menzies - Drums
Patsy Gamble - Tenor Saxophone
Frank Abrams - Tenor Sax on Tracks - 6,14
Steve Trigg - Trumpet
Andy Gilliams - Trombone
Mark Cole - Accordion on Track 8
Nick John, Gary Hunt - Backing Vocals

Jeff Beck


Jeff Beck - You Had It Coming - 2001 - Epic

Sure, they've got lightning moves and thundering power, but guitar gods live by the same laws that govern lesser mortals: Only the most adaptable shall prevail. So now that old masters like Clapton and Santana are enjoying pop-propelled career rebirths, it's fair to ask, what about Jeff Beck? You Had It Coming, Beck's second solo album in two years, makes this the busiest stretch for the one-time Yardbird since his memorable mid-1970s run of Blow by Blow and Wired. Working in the comfortable techno-funk rock vein he's been tinkering with for the last few years, Beck is as agile and muscular a craftsman as he's ever been — firing off ragged buckshot-blast chords on the rotgut-blues classic "Rollin' and Tumblin'" (aided by Imogen Heap's soulful vocal) and unwinding long, curvaceous notes that give the surprising raga-flavored "Nadia" exceptional charm. Beck remains enthralled, in a slightly anachronistic sort of way, by the multiple voices he can squeeze from the throat of his Stratocaster, delivering screams, wails and growls as he traverses this record. What's missing is the modern edge that would give Beck's fiery playing a better context. Too often, the techno-funk rhythm driving the action here sounds stiffly electronic, like a Chemical Brothers castoff from the Nineties. It's not that it's bad, it's just that Beck deserves so much more. © DAVID THIGPEN | January 23, 2001 © 2014 Rolling Stone http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/you-had-it-coming-20010123

Jeff Beck returns two years after the ten-years-in-the-making Who Else?, and You Had It Coming isn't surprising just for its rapidity, but for its music. From the moment the electronicized, post-rave beats of "Earthquake" kick off the record, it's clear that Beck isn't content to stay in place -- he's trying to adapt to the modern world. To a certain extent, this isn't an entirely new phenomenon, since each of his records is clearly, inextricably of its time, from the crunching metal of Truth through the breezy jazz fusion of Blow By Blow to the modernized album rock of Guitar Shop. This is just another side of that, as Beck works with electronic music, both noisy and new age introspective. It's a bit clever, actually, since Beck's playing has always been otherworldly, dipping, bending, and sounding like anything other than a normal guitar. The problem is, when he's surrounded by lockstep, processed beats and gurgling synths, his guitar doesn't leap to the forefront and capture attention the way it does on his best recordings. Still, there's something to be said for the effort, because even if it doesn't sound like a Beck record, it isn't a bad record, and it's certainly a helluva lot more successful than Clapton's similar forays into these waters. Besides, knowing that he knocked this out so quickly makes it a little endearing. © Stephen Thomas Erlewine © 2014 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved

Guitar legend and musical chameleon Jeff Beck met the 21st century head on with a new sound to match the new millennium: part techno grunge, part industrial electronica, but without ever sacrificing the patented lyricism of his distinctive guitar style. The album is only 36 minutes long, but packs a lot into its all-too brief length. Most of it is instrumental, ranging from the aptly titled opening salvo "Earthquake" (having lived through a few during my childhood in Northern California, I can vouch for the song's unsettling sense of power) to the lush ambient chillout of the album closer, "Suspension". In between is the aggressive Harley-Davidson hip-hop of "Roy's Toy"; some gorgeous East Indian motifs (in "Nadia"); and lots of raw, effects-heavy soloing (I'm thinking in particular of the rocket-fueled instrumental "Loose Cannon", a personal favorite). And before you accuse Beck of completely abandoning his musical roots, lend an ear to the more traditional blues of "Rollin' and Tumblin'". The song dates back to the days of Hambone Willie Newbern, and has since been covered by (I'm sure among many others) Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, and The Grateful Dead. But here it's updated with enough testosterone to fuel a small sports car, and graced by the appropriately soulful vocals of Imogen Heap (recorded in a single take, I'm told). Fans of the guitarist's older blues and fusion recordings might not be ready to appreciate his latest change in direction. But the album (and his self-titled 2003 follow-up) should appeal to the same forward-thinking listeners who applauded the V-drum improvisations of the more recent KING CRIMSON. Personally speaking, here's one old dog ready to roll over for music like this any day. - from ****/5 "Who says an old dog can't be taught new tricks?" Review by & © Neu!mann © Prog Archives, All rights reserved http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=15053

“You Had It Coming” is the eighth studio album by legendary guitarist Jeff Beck. The album reached No. 17 and 110 on the Billboard Top Internet Albums and Billboard 200 charts respectively, as well as No. 96 and 123 on the German and French albums chart. "Dirty Mind", went on to win the award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance at the 2002 Grammys; this being Jeff’s third such award, after the albums Flash (1985) and Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop (1989). Singer Imogen Heap is featured on "Dirty Mind" and "Rollin' and Tumblin'", and would later tour with Jeff in 2004. Mostly an instrumental album, and a wonderful example of why Jeff Beck is so highly regarded in the rock world. [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 74.2 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1 Earthquake - Jennifer Batten 3:17
2 Roy's Toy - Aiden Love, Andy Wright, Jeff Beck 3:35
3 Dirty Mind - Aiden Love, Andy Wright, Jeff Beck 3:50
4 Rollin' And Tumblin - M. Morganfield (Muddy Waters) 3:10
5 Nadia - Nitin Sawhney 3:51
6 Loose Cannon - Andy Wright, Jeff Beck, Jennifer Batten 5:17
7 Rosebud - Andy Wright, Jeff Beck, Randy Hope-Taylor 3:44
8 Left Hook - Andy Wright, Jeff Beck, Steve Alexander 4:20
9 Blackbird - Jeff Beck 1:27
10 Suspension - Andy Wright, Jeff Beck 3:21

MUSICIANS

Jeff Beck - Guitar
Jennifer Batten - Guitar
Randy Hope-Taylor - Bass
Steve Alexander - Drums
Aiden Love - Programming
Imogen Heap - Vocals on Tracks 3, 4

JEFF BECK BIO

While he was as innovative as Jimmy Page, as tasteful as Eric Clapton, and nearly as visionary as Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck never achieved the same commercial success as any of his contemporaries, primarily because of the haphazard way he approached his career. After Rod Stewart left the Jeff Beck Group in 1971, Beck never worked with a charismatic lead singer who could have helped sell his music to a wide audience. Furthermore, he was simply too idiosyncratic, moving from heavy metal to jazz fusion within a blink of an eye. As his career progressed, he became more fascinated by automobiles than guitars, releasing only one album during the course of the '90s. All the while, Beck retained the respect of fellow guitarists, who found his reclusiveness all the more alluring. Beck began his musical career following a short stint at London's Wimbledon Art College. He earned a reputation by supporting Lord Sutch, which helped him land the job as the Yardbirds' lead guitarist following the departure of Eric Clapton. Beck stayed with the Yardbirds for nearly two years, leaving in late in 1966 with the pretense that he was retiring from music. He returned several months later with "Love Is Blue," a single he played poorly because he detested the song. Later in 1967, he formed the Jeff Beck Group with vocalist Rod Stewart, bassist Ron Wood, and drummer Aynsley Dunbar, who was quickly replaced by Mickey Waller; keyboardist Nicky Hopkins joined in early 1968. With their crushingly loud reworkings of blues songs and vocal and guitar interplay, the Jeff Beck Group established the template for heavy metal. Neither of the band's records, Truth (1968) or Beck-Ola (a 1969 album that was recorded with new drummer Tony Newman), was particularly successful, and the band tended to fight regularly, especially on their frequent tours of the U.S. In 1970, Stewart and Wood left to join the Faces, and Beck broke up the group. Beck had intended to form a power trio with Vanilla Fudge members Carmine Appice (drums) and Tim Bogert (bass), but those plans were derailed when he suffered a serious car crash in 1970. By the time he recuperated in 1971, Bogart and Appice were playing in Cactus, so the guitarist formed a new version of the Jeff Beck Group. Featuring keyboardist Max Middleton, drummer Cozy Powell, bassist Clive Chaman, and vocalist Bobby Tench, the new band recorded Rough and Ready (1971) and Jeff Beck Group (1972). Neither album attracted much attention. Cactus dissolved in late 1972, and Beck, Bogert, and Appice formed a power trio the following year. The group's lone studio album -- a live record was released in Japan but never in the U.K. or U.S. -- was widely panned due to its plodding arrangements and weak vocals, and the group disbanded the following year. For about 18 months, Beck remained quiet, re-emerging in 1975 with Blow by Blow. Produced by George Martin, Blow by Blow was an all-instrumental jazz fusion album that received strong reviews. Beck collaborated with Jan Hammer, a former keyboardist for Mahavishnu Orchestra, for 1976's Wired, and supported the album with a co-headlining tour with Hammer's band. The tour was documented on the 1977 album Jeff Beck with the Jan Hammer Group -- Live. After the Hammer tour, Beck retired to his estate outside of London and remained quiet for three years. He returned in 1980 with There and Back, which featured contributions from Hammer. Following the tour for There and Back, Beck retired again, returning five years later with the slick, Nile Rodgers-produced Flash. A pop/rock album recorded with a variety of vocalists, Flash featured Beck's only hit single, the Stewart-sung "People Get Ready," and also boasted "Escape," which won the Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental. During 1987, he played lead guitar on Mick Jagger's second solo album, Primitive Cool. There was another long wait between Flash and 1989's Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop with Terry Bozzio and Tony Hymas. Though the album sold only moderately well, Guitar Shop received uniformly strong reviews and won the Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental. Beck supported the album with a tour, this time co-headlining with guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. Again, Beck entered semi-retirement upon the completion of the tour. In 1992, Beck played lead guitar on Roger Waters' comeback album, Amused to Death. A year later, he released Crazy Legs, a tribute to Gene Vincent and his lead guitarist, Cliff Gallup, which was recorded with Big Town Playboys. Beck remained quiet after the album's release prior to resurfacing in 1999 with Who Else! You Had It Coming followed in 2001 and his 14th release, Jeff, was issued on Epic two years later. An excellent live set, Performing This Week: Live at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, was released in 2008 by Eagle Records. Emotion & Commotion, Beck's first new studio album in seven years, appeared in the spring of 2010. © Stephen Thomas Erlewine © 2010 Rovi Corporation. All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/artist/jeff-beck-p3650/biography

3.12.14

The Henry McCullough Band


The Henry McCullough Band - [FBI Live] - 2007 - Mundell

You may or may not have heard of Henry McCullough - although it s more likely you will have - but it s almost certain you ll have heard him play. After cutting his teeth with various bands in his native Ireland, McCullough headed for the bright lights of London just as the British blues boom exploded. A meeting with a young Sheffield singer led to a stint in Joe Cocker s Grease Band, which included their legendary Woodstock performance. After leaving the Grease Band, McCullough joined a little known outfit called Wings, headed by a certain ex-Beatle and his wife. Musical differences between McCullough and McCartney saw a parting of the ways and he - McCullough not Macca - went on to play with a veritable musical who s who, including Donovan, Marianne Faithful, Spooky Tooth, Eric Burdon and Roy Harper. An accident with a knife on a trip home in the 1980s saw a career re-evaluation and that path led all the way to The Famous Bein Inn, Glenfarg and the latest in the FBI (Famous Bein Inn) Live series. Whilst wildest Perthshire may not have the status of some of the Wings gigs, what is certain is that McCullough is where he wants to be and where he undoubtedly belongs, on stage, any stage. When I read the track listing and saw that after a seven-minute opening of Same Damned Thing, there was House Of The Rising Sun weighing in at over ten minutes. Henry McCullough is not a guitarist to do things by half and both are a glorious throwback to a time when songs were fully explored and McCullough shows himself to be a master of his craft. As good as it is on CD, live it must have been a magical experience. A true genius holds you in the palm of his hand wherever you may be and Henry McCullough is as close to genius as you ll get. He teases and caresses a classic until it too falls under his spell. But in a way, even House Of The Rising Sun is eclipsed by what follows, Locked In, Can t Get Out may not be as well known, but it fits Henry McCullough like a second skin. This real, honest-to-goodness British blues, which is raw and earthy, celebrates its blemishes and imperfections but never loses its sense of joy. The pull of Henry McCullough s folk roots is obviously still strong and he immerses himself in the simple beauty of Belfast To Boston. Until a final flourish there are no guitar pyrotechnics to break the hold, just a man playing from his heart and you really need nothing more, its nine minutes pass in a heartbeat. McCullough s comfort with the music is obvious but comfort doesn t breed contempt in this case, he grooves his way through Mess With The Blues before launching in to the title track of his album Failed Christian. Perhaps for the first time on the night McCullough bares his teeth. FBI is quite simply the complete performance as Henry McCullough leads the Bein Inn audience gently by the hand through a blues wonderland. © Michael Mee. © 2014 Mundell Music Shop http://shop.mundellmusic.com/the-henry-mccullough-band-fbi-live/

Legendary Irish Blues Guitarist Henry McCullough makes history by appearing on the first album recorded by Perthshires own Famous Bein Inn. Recorded at Henry's GIG at the Glenfarg Venue in 2006 it has been captured on the new disc, which boasts six epic tracks clocking in at a complete running time of one hour. The former lead guitarist from Joe Cockers Band and Paul McCartneys Wings is nothing if not experienced and the benefits of a lifetime conected to music pay dividends here. Sounding every inch the grizzeled rocker he looks, McCullough's rasping vocals overlay a compelling R 'n' B sound that hinges on his own mind blowing six string virtuosity and sound. With backing from Roe Butcher (Bass), Percy Robinson(Guitar/Pedal Steel), Stephen Quinn(Drums), and Shaun McCarron (Sax) the big H generates a sound so clear and strong it could have been laid down in the most expensive of Caribbean Studios. Standout tracks in an engrossing set include 'Same damn thing' a poignant 10 minute version of 'House of the rising sun', the McCullough penned 'Failed Christian', and his signature piece, 'I cant remember, I was drunk at the time.' The sheer audio quality of the fare on offer here is a huge testament to the ability of the Bein Inn's concert room to bring out the best in visiting Artists. Recorded up close and personal infront of just 60 fans, the set must surely rank among the highlights of McCullough's lenghty and diverse carrer- one that has taken in the Woodstock Festival, an appearence on Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side Of The Moon' and stints with the likes of Marianne Faithfull and Frankie Miller. At Times laid back at others edgy, the veteran's astonishing performance proves that age is no barrier and bodes well for future releases on the new 'Mundell Music' Record Label. - Posted by & © mundellmusic at 12:23 http://rockingatthestables.blogspot.ie/2009/06/henry-mccullough-fbi-live.html

At the beginning of the 1970’s after the Beatles split, Paul McCartney could have had any guitar player in the world and yet he chose the legendary Irish blues guitarist Henry McCullough to be lead guitarist for Wings. This album is a great live performance at Perthshire's Famous Bein Inn in 2006 by a very tight band led by the late Henry McCullough one of Ireland’s most successful and quietly revered musicians. [Tracks @ 201-224 Kbps: File Size = 78.2 Mb] Check out Henry McCulloughs “Blue Sunset” album

TRACKS

1 Same Damned Thing 7:11
2 House Of The Rising Sun 10:07
3 Locked In Can't Get Out 6:11
4 Belfast To Boston 9:22
5 Mess With The Blues 8:53
6 Failed Christian 9:17
7 I Can't Remember, I Was Drunk At The Time 0:24

MUSICIANS

Henry McCullough - Guitar, Vocals
Percy Robinson - Guitar/Pedal Steel
Roe Butcher - Bass
Stephen Quinn- Drums
Shaun McCarron – Saxophone

BIO (WIKI)

Henry Campbell Liken McCullough (born 21 July 1943, Portstewart) is a Northern Irish guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, who has played guitar in such bands as Sweeney's Men, Spooky Tooth, Paul McCartney & Wings, andThe Grease Band. He turned up in many different places as sideman or a performer in his own right. In 2008, he recorded Poor Man's Moon, featuring the single, "Too Late to Worry." McCullough first came to prominence in the early 1960s as the teenage lead guitarist with The Skyrockets showband from Enniskillen. In 1964, with three other members of The Skyrockets, he left and formed a new showband fronted by South African born vocalist Gene Chetty, which they named Gene and The Gents. In 1967 McCullough moved to Belfast where he joined Chris Stewart (bass), Ernie Graham (vocals) and Dave Lutton (drums) to form the psychedelic band The People. Later that year the band moved to London and were signed by Chas Chandler's management team, who changed the group’s name to Éire Apparent. Under Chandler's guidance, despite only having one single released, they toured with groups such as Pink Floyd, Soft Machine, The Move and The Jimi Hendrix Experience, as well as Eric Burdon and the Animals. Things went well until, in Vancouver, Canada in mid February 1968, while the band was touring with The Animals, McCullough was busted for possession of marijuana and sent back to The United Kingdom (officially because of 'visa problems'), and Mick Cox flew out to take his place in the band. Back in Ireland McCullough joined what was primarily a folk group called Sweeney's Men, by May 1968. Under his influence, however, they soon began to mix folk and rock, and are often regarded as the innovators of the folk/rock genre. After a year in Ireland, McCullough returned to London to work with Joe Cocker as a member of his backing group, the Grease Band. With Cocker he toured the U.S. and performed at the Woodstock Festival. McCullough played on The Grease Band's eponymous album after splitting with Cocker, and during his time with the band he also appeared as lead guitarist on the original 1970 recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar and on the progressive Spooky Tooth album The Last Puff. In 1971 Paul McCartney asked McCullough to join his new band, Wings, alongside Denny Laine and Denny Seiwell. His guitar solo on "My Love" has been described as one of rock music’s greatest solos. Musical differences with McCartney, however, saw McCullough move on the eve of the Band on the Run sessions. He spent two years in the band, playing lead guitar on "Hi, Hi, Hi", "Live and Let Die" as well as "My Love". McCullough's spoken words "I don't know; I was really drunk at the time" can be heard on the Pink Floyd album The Dark Side of the Moon, at the end of the song "Money". He was recalling a fight he had the night before with his wife. McCullough landed from his Wings experience into another two year gig alongside his friend Chris Stewart, keyboard player Mick "Wynder K. Frog" Weaver and drummer Stu Perry into the ironically very Joe Cocker sounding Frankie Miller Band. Miller's "Ain't Got No Money" featuring McCullough's guitar work inspired Bob Seger to write and record "The Fire Down Below". (cited Frankie Miller Band, "The Rock", Chrysalis Records 1975), Bob Seger (countless interviews, Capitol Records Publicity Department 1977-1979) In 1975, McCullough released Mind Your Own Business, his only album on George Harrison's Dark Horse label. McCullough then did some session work, and played concerts with Roy Harper, Frankie Miller, Eric Burdon, Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Lane and Donovan. In 1977 he temporarily joined Dr. Feelgood, following the departure of Wilko Johnson. Recovering from an injury to his hand while visiting his family in 1980, McCullough decided to stay in Ireland. He began to sit in with some old friends, The Fleadh Cowboys, at their Sunday afternoon residency in The Lower Deck in Dublin, and soon decided to move back to Portstewart and put a new band together. He was joined by Percy Robinson on pedal steel guitar, Roe Butcher on bass and Liam Bradley on drums. In 1998 McCullough went to Poland, where he rehearsed with a band of Polish musicians for an upcoming tour. After the tour, they went into a recording studio and recorded a 'live' album which was released as Blue Sunset. This was followed by a further Polish tour. On returning home, McCullough recorded and released "Failed Christian", a song that has since been covered by Nick Lowe on his album, Dig My Mood. McCullough continued to record and perform and released solo material, including Belfast To Boston (2001) and Unfinished Business (2003). The latter contained his 1998 single, "Failed Christian". McCullough performed at concerts in Northern Ireland and Scotland, playing with a backing band (featuring Stephen Quinn on drums and Sean McCarron on saxophone). McCullough contributed guitar on and organized the band for the Alaskan musician, The Rev Neil Down's, 2003 release, When A Wrong Turns Right. The Henry McCullough Band - FBI Live was released in 2007 on Mundell music, from a recording at The Famous Bein Inn in 2006.In 2007, Over the Rhine covered "Failed Christian" on their album, Live from Nowhere, Vol. II. In late 2007, McCullough teamed up with Dave Sharp (ex Alarm) and together they enlisted Zoot Money on keyboards; Gary Fletcher on bass guitar; and Colin Allen on drums. In January 2008 The Hard Travelers performed their debut gig at The Cellars, Portsmouth. In 2008 McCullough recorded Poor Man's Moon at Amberville Studios and it was released in Ireland only on 5 September 2008. It featured new McCullough compositions, and a number of songs co-written with poet Eamon Carr (of Horslips) including the single, "Too Late to Worry". Among the musicians featured on the album were James Delaney on keyboards; Roe Butcher on electric bass guitar; Nicky Scott on double bass and electric bass guitar; Enda Walsh on keyboards; Adie McIlduff on drums; Percy Robinson on dobro and pedal steel guitar and Peter McKinney on drums/sequencing. In 2007/8 Henry teamed up with USA/Ireland Singer Songwriter and friend Jeff Greene of Acashic/Aurora Records to Record Greene's "Dark Nite of the Soul" album and other musical collaborations at Wind-Mill Lane Studios Dublin Metropolis Studios London and The Sound Kitchen Nashville. McCullough attended Paul McCartney's concert at the O2 in Dublin on 20 December 2009. McCartney publicly acknowledged McCullough's contribution to Wings. On 13 March 2010, McCullough played the Fifestock Festival at the Inn at Lathones, Scotland. This festival was the last one undertaken at that venue, and McCullough's band headlined the event. Henry McCullough was active in the European music scene. He played regular live gigs with artists such as Ed Deane, James Delaney, Noel Bridgeman, and John Quearney, among others. In 2011 Henry collaborated with songwriter Paul Doherty and The Vals on the track 'Look to the One'. The song was a success, gaining much airplay worldwide. Henry contributed backing vocals and his signature guitar sound. Henry suffered a heart attack in November 2012 leaving him in a critical condition. His death was mistakenly reported on Ronan Collins's RTÉ Radio 1 show on 7 November. The BBC was forced to apologise after prematurely reporting his death. In an interview with website Something Else Denny Seiwell a former Wings drummer who played with McCullough in the Paul McCartney-led group, says it's doubtful McCullough will make a complete recovery.

2.12.14

Henry McCullough


Henry McCullough - Poor Man's Moon - 2008 - Silverwolf

Our old friend Henry McCullough is at it again with his 2008 album Poor Man's Moon, just released in the U.S. The subtle electric guitar master — best known for being the infamous lead on Paul McCartney & Wing's "My Love" — has released a spectacular 11-song electric blues-based rock album that features perfect playing, subtle intricate songwriting and McCullough's truly inspired guitar playing. The album opens with "Burial Ground," a slow dirge-like song with a double great bass from Nicky Scott, McCullough's snappy vocals and super sad slide and Enda Walsh's perfect piano. As Henry told me about this opener: "I have had people sit in me own house and know of people who sit in their own house and listen to Burial Ground and even before the end of it they were in tears." "Big Old River" follows with some chunky electric guitar and rockabilly-like snare; this one is so fun that it almost sounds like Henry McCullough is laughing at times during the vocal. "I've Got A Secret" has some great tickling piano, with McCullough channeling his inner Keith Richards on the vocals with the full complement of Peter McKinney's drums and Roe Butcher's bass. The slower "Walk With Me" features a great lived-in lyric (I so appreciate guys writing from their experience and age), plus a beautiful Percy Robinson steel. The best of the lot as far as middle-rolling solid electric blues is "Belfast Train" with its biting layback feel featuring the players as best they sound throughout the entire CD. With Aidey McIlduff on drums, James Delaney on piano, Roe Butcher on bass and lyrics from McCullough — "I got a suitcase full of nothing except memories and regrets" — how can you really go wrong? Enjoy some great acoustic picking from McCullough in "All Gone Crazy," a sprite-y swirling almost-instrumental tune. It's the perfect length with a spot-on track placement, followed by the great blues rumbling "Time To Put The Snakes To Bed," which sees a great use of slide guitar on acoustic and Henry's players flipping along nicely behind him. The title track (which appears as track 12 here) is commercially snappy, knocking up against John Fogerty territory even. A great overall album, what I can really appreciate about Poor Man's Moon is that McCullough plays as much lead himself as he sits back and lets his fantastic players. ~ Ralph Greco, Jr. © Copyright 1997, 2014 Vintage Rock http://www.vintagerock.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1323:henry-mccullough-poor-mans-moon-cd-review&catid=8:new-studio-releases&Itemid=38

Henry McCullough is the legendary guitarist who played in the Grease Band with Joe Cocker at Woodstock and picked the stellar solo on "My Love" during his tenure with Paul McCartney's Wings. Henry returned to Ireland after leaving Wings and now plays all over Europe with his band. He is also a songwriter, and wrote the song "Failed Christian" which has been recorded by Nick Lowe among others. Poor Man's Moon shows the gentler side of Henry's music, with an easy rolling JJ Cale feel. There are Celtic and country tinges to the music, but the prevailing atmosphere is soulful and bluesy. On "Fix Me Up Jesus", Henry softens his arguments with the Church on the earlier classic and stinging "Failed Christian". "Sometimes I wonder what I've become, It's not what I thought when I was young, Tear it all down and start again, You say the word and I'll say Amen". There ia a lived in feel to this music that comes with a lifetime of experience. The songs are beautifully crafted little gems that repay repeated listening and improve every time you hear them. I have had this album in my truck for weeks and it just gets better. Henry's guitar is mostly tastefully restrained within the song structures, but when he lets his Gibson 335 off the leash, he still has some devastating chops. But Henry doesn't show off, he's an old master, a Rembrandt glowing deep shades of gold and silver, a treasure to discover. – from ***** “Celtic guitar god & true master musician” By & © Michael C. Stephens on November 12, 2012 © 1996-2014, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates http://www.amazon.com/Poor-Mans-Moon-Henry-Mccullough/dp/B007FQUHOG

During the fade - out of Pink Floyd's Money, a voice nonchalantly states, "I don't know; I was really drunk at the time". These words were spoken by the late, great Irish musician, Henry McCullough, one-time member of Paul McCartney's Wings, and session guitarist to artists that include Joe Cocker, Jimi Hendrix, Marianne Faithful, Leon Russell and many, many more. “Poor Man's Moon” is a relatively obscure but beautifully constructed album of rock, and blues rock with a nice Celtic touch. Check out Henry’s great “Get In The Hole” album. [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 93.5 Mb]

TRACKS

1 Burial Ground 4:42
2 Big Old River 2:36
3 I've Got a Secret 4:22
4 Too Late to Worry 2:18
5 Poor Man's Moon 5:27
6 Walk With Me 3:55
7 Belfast Train 5:25
8 Skin & Bone 3:06
9 Fix Me Up Jesus 4:32
10 All Gone Crazy 1:37
11 Time To Put the Snakes To Bed 3:01
12 Poor Man's Moon (Reprise) 1:53

All tracks composed by Henry McCullough except Track 6

MUSICIANS

Henry McCullough - Guitars, Vocals
Declan Murphy, Paddy Goodwin - Electric Guitar
Percy Robinson - Dobro, Pedal Steel Guitar, Dobro
Nicky Scott - Double Bass, Bass (electric)
Roe Butcher - Bass
James Delaney, Enda Walsh - Keyboards
Aidey McIlduff - Drums
Peter McKinney - Drums, Sequencing

BIO (WIKI)

Henry Campbell Liken McCullough (born 21 July 1943, Portstewart) is a Northern Irish guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, who has played guitar in such bands as Sweeney's Men, Spooky Tooth, Paul McCartney & Wings, andThe Grease Band. He turned up in many different places as sideman or a performer in his own right. In 2008, he recorded Poor Man's Moon, featuring the single, "Too Late to Worry." McCullough first came to prominence in the early 1960s as the teenage lead guitarist with The Skyrockets showband from Enniskillen. In 1964, with three other members of The Skyrockets, he left and formed a new showband fronted by South African born vocalist Gene Chetty, which they named Gene and The Gents. In 1967 McCullough moved to Belfast where he joined Chris Stewart (bass), Ernie Graham (vocals) and Dave Lutton (drums) to form the psychedelic band The People. Later that year the band moved to London and were signed by Chas Chandler's management team, who changed the group’s name to Éire Apparent. Under Chandler's guidance, despite only having one single released, they toured with groups such as Pink Floyd, Soft Machine, The Move and The Jimi Hendrix Experience, as well as Eric Burdon and the Animals. Things went well until, in Vancouver, Canada in mid February 1968, while the band was touring with The Animals, McCullough was busted for possession of marijuana and sent back to The United Kingdom (officially because of 'visa problems'), and Mick Cox flew out to take his place in the band. Back in Ireland McCullough joined what was primarily a folk group called Sweeney's Men, by May 1968. Under his influence, however, they soon began to mix folk and rock, and are often regarded as the innovators of the folk/rock genre. After a year in Ireland, McCullough returned to London to work with Joe Cocker as a member of his backing group, the Grease Band. With Cocker he toured the U.S. and performed at the Woodstock Festival. McCullough played on The Grease Band's eponymous album after splitting with Cocker, and during his time with the band he also appeared as lead guitarist on the original 1970 recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar and on the progressive Spooky Tooth album The Last Puff. In 1971 Paul McCartney asked McCullough to join his new band, Wings, alongside Denny Laine and Denny Seiwell. His guitar solo on "My Love" has been described as one of rock music’s greatest solos. Musical differences with McCartney, however, saw McCullough move on the eve of the Band on the Run sessions. He spent two years in the band, playing lead guitar on "Hi, Hi, Hi", "Live and Let Die" as well as "My Love". McCullough's spoken words "I don't know; I was really drunk at the time" can be heard on the Pink Floyd album The Dark Side of the Moon, at the end of the song "Money". He was recalling a fight he had the night before with his wife. McCullough landed from his Wings experience into another two year gig alongside his friend Chris Stewart, keyboard player Mick "Wynder K. Frog" Weaver and drummer Stu Perry into the ironically very Joe Cocker sounding Frankie Miller Band. Miller's "Ain't Got No Money" featuring McCullough's guitar work inspired Bob Seger to write and record "The Fire Down Below". (cited Frankie Miller Band, "The Rock", Chrysalis Records 1975), Bob Seger (countless interviews, Capitol Records Publicity Department 1977-1979) In 1975, McCullough released Mind Your Own Business, his only album on George Harrison's Dark Horse label. McCullough then did some session work, and played concerts with Roy Harper, Frankie Miller, Eric Burdon, Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Lane and Donovan. In 1977 he temporarily joined Dr. Feelgood, following the departure of Wilko Johnson. Recovering from an injury to his hand while visiting his family in 1980, McCullough decided to stay in Ireland. He began to sit in with some old friends, The Fleadh Cowboys, at their Sunday afternoon residency in The Lower Deck in Dublin, and soon decided to move back to Portstewart and put a new band together. He was joined by Percy Robinson on pedal steel guitar, Roe Butcher on bass and Liam Bradley on drums. In 1998 McCullough went to Poland, where he rehearsed with a band of Polish musicians for an upcoming tour. After the tour, they went into a recording studio and recorded a 'live' album which was released as Blue Sunset. This was followed by a further Polish tour. On returning home, McCullough recorded and released "Failed Christian", a song that has since been covered by Nick Lowe on his album, Dig My Mood. McCullough continued to record and perform and released solo material, including Belfast To Boston (2001) and Unfinished Business (2003). The latter contained his 1998 single, "Failed Christian". McCullough performed at concerts in Northern Ireland and Scotland, playing with a backing band (featuring Stephen Quinn on drums and Sean McCarron on saxophone). McCullough contributed guitar on and organized the band for the Alaskan musician, The Rev Neil Down's, 2003 release, When A Wrong Turns Right. The Henry McCullough Band - FBI Live was released in 2007 on Mundell music, from a recording at The Famous Bein Inn in 2006.In 2007, Over the Rhine covered "Failed Christian" on their album, Live from Nowhere, Vol. II. In late 2007, McCullough teamed up with Dave Sharp (ex Alarm) and together they enlisted Zoot Money on keyboards; Gary Fletcher on bass guitar; and Colin Allen on drums. In January 2008 The Hard Travelers performed their debut gig at The Cellars, Portsmouth. In 2008 McCullough recorded Poor Man's Moon at Amberville Studios and it was released in Ireland only on 5 September 2008. It featured new McCullough compositions, and a number of songs co-written with poet Eamon Carr (of Horslips) including the single, "Too Late to Worry". Among the musicians featured on the album were James Delaney on keyboards; Roe Butcher on electric bass guitar; Nicky Scott on double bass and electric bass guitar; Enda Walsh on keyboards; Adie McIlduff on drums; Percy Robinson on dobro and pedal steel guitar and Peter McKinney on drums/sequencing. In 2007/8 Henry teamed up with USA/Ireland Singer Songwriter and friend Jeff Greene of Acashic/Aurora Records to Record Greene's "Dark Nite of the Soul" album and other musical collaborations at Wind-Mill Lane Studios Dublin Metropolis Studios London and The Sound Kitchen Nashville. McCullough attended Paul McCartney's concert at the O2 in Dublin on 20 December 2009. McCartney publicly acknowledged McCullough's contribution to Wings. On 13 March 2010, McCullough played the Fifestock Festival at the Inn at Lathones, Scotland. This festival was the last one undertaken at that venue, and McCullough's band headlined the event. Henry McCullough was active in the European music scene. He played regular live gigs with artists such as Ed Deane, James Delaney, Noel Bridgeman, and John Quearney, among others. In 2011 Henry collaborated with songwriter Paul Doherty and The Vals on the track 'Look to the One'. The song was a success, gaining much airplay worldwide. Henry contributed backing vocals and his signature guitar sound. Henry suffered a heart attack in November 2012 leaving him in a critical condition. His death was mistakenly reported on Ronan Collins's RTÉ Radio 1 show on 7 November. The BBC was forced to apologise after prematurely reporting his death. In an interview with website Something Else Denny Seiwell a former Wings drummer who played with McCullough in the Paul McCartney-led group, says it's doubtful McCullough will make a complete recovery.