If you’ve ever played in a classic rock cover band, chances are you had a Greg Kihn song strategically placed somewhere in your set list. In my own experience, that song was “The Breakup Song”. I called it “Old Reliable” not only because it was a staple in our arsenal, but because it was a song we could quickly pull out on a whim whenever the ladies came within striking distance of the dance floor.
Kihn, who has spent the better part of the last sixteen years as a published author and radio fixture in San Francisco, was recently relieved of his morning radio duties and has since discovered a new burst of creative energy. He’s releasing digital remasters of his classic albums from his Bersekley days and is considering a Greg Kihn Band summer tour that will include his hits and possibly some new material as well. With another brand new novel on the way and a chance to wear the rock star moniker again, 2013 will be a big year for Kihn.
I spoke with Kihn about his “breakup” from radio as well as his new book, music and plans for the summer. Read it here.
They’ve been called the greatest singing band in the world by a member of the Eagles. They’ve sold more than 30 million albums and their songs “Man on Your Mind”, “Reminiscing”, “Take it Easy On Me” and “Night Owls” (among others) have become staples on classic rock radio. If you grew up during the 70’s or 80’s, chances are a Little River Band album was part of your record collection.
Bassist Wayne Nelson has been with the band for more than thirty years keeping the Little River Band fire burning and continuing to tour and perform their arsenal of hits. With a recently released Christmas album and a future that includes an album of all new material, Little River Band shows no signs of ever slowing down.
I spoke with Nelson about his bass, his band and about being in the right place at the right time.
Since their debut EP thirty years ago, Great White has achieved worldwide success; including sales of over six million records and even a Grammy nomination for their version of the Ian Hunter song, “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”. During those same thirty years, members of the band have also suffered through great adversity as well. Most notably, The Station nightclub tragedy and the confusion/departure of singer Jack Russell from the band (there was even a time when Jani Lane filled in on vocals). But through it all, the band has persevered and continues to record and tour.
To celebrate the band’s pearl anniversary, Great White has gone back to its roots with “30 Years – Live From the Sunset Strip”; a live album recorded on the same hallowed grounds where bands like The Doors and Van-Halen cut their teeth performing.
The current line-up of Great White is: Mark Kendall (lead guitar), Terry Ilous (vocals), Michael Lardie (guitar/keyboards), Scott Snyder (bass) and Audie Desbrow (drums).
I spoke with Kendall about the band’s new live album as well as the Great White legacy and more. Read the interview here.
On his new album, “Transition” Steve Lukather paints a rich tapestry of sonic art and blends his brush (in this case, guitar) into a refreshing blend of blues, jazz, pop, rock and standard from his colorful musical palette.
Lukather is a five-time Grammy Winner and a personal guitar hero of mine. He’s worked with Eddie Van Halen, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton. He’s also co-led Toto through every twist and turn of the band’s platinum lined history and has played on albums by Michael Jackson, Warren Zevon, Aretha Franklin, Roger Waters, Cheap Trick and other rock and pop royalty.
In addition to preparing dates to support the new CD, Lukather is also set to embark on an Australian tour with Ringo Starr and his All-Star band as well as scheduling dates for a Toto 35th Anniversary Tour.
Lukather sees ‘Transition’ as a turning point for himself. “As we were writing the songs” he says, “I was thinking about everything I’ve seen: all the people I’ve lost in my life, the great and the difficult experiences I’ve had, and how ultimately it was time to get it together and embrace things for what they are, because we’ve only got one life to live and we’ve got to make the most of it. I’ve got a lot to be thankful for, and now is a perfect time for me to take stock of that, which is part of what ‘Transition’ is about.”
Written with long time friend and keyboardist CJ Vanston, “Transition” is an album that delves deep into the psyche of the human persona, with contributions from artists that run the full spectrum of music. Among them: Gregg Bissonette, Fee Waybill (The Tubes), Nathan East (Fourplay), Richard Page (Mister Mister), and Phil Collen (Def Leppard). Expect nothing less than Luke’s tasty guitar wizardy combined with strong vocals and thought-provoking lyrics.
Highlights for me:
“Judgement Day”, a song that emphasizes the tabloid world we live in:
We can read the lies you write for all the world to see. The reflection in the mirror shows it’s you, but you blame me. — Judgement Day
“Right The Wrong”; a haunting song (and my personal favorite) that also brings with it a message of hope. Because when you think about it, we really are the future and the past. We’ve got to make it last.
I’m tired of waiting for the world to end. We can’t let it disappear. — Right The Wrong
“Do I Stand Alone” has a catchy country flair to it and a song that is radio ready.
Don’t Try To Take Away My Freedom
Don’t Try To Take Away My Voice — Do I Stand Alone
The final track, “Smile” is Luke’s take on a Charlie Chaplin standard from 1936 and a song dedicated to his Mother. A fitting end and apropos title if you ask me, as it was something I found myself doing quite a bit of when the album was over.
Some have called him a future guitar god, and with good reason. At the age of 21, Tyler Bryant’s resume already reads like a guitarist who’s been performing for a long time. Before he had even reached the legal age to vote, Bryant was awarded the Robert Johnson Foundation’s “New Generation Award” and was also chosen by Eric Clapton to play at his Crossroads Festival. He was also recruited by the legendary Jeff Beck to be the opener for his 2011 tour and invited to play alongside him during his encore set each night. An almost unheard of event that put the young Bryant in the elite company of Stevie Ray Vaughn (the last opener Beck invited to play with him on-stage, in 1989).
Bryant and his band, The Shakedown have drawn comparisons to the emerging sound coming out of Nashville that includes bands like Cage The Elephant and the Black Keys. Comprised of Caleb Crosby (drums), Noah Denney (bass) and Graham Whitford, the son of Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford (guitar), the band’s album “Wild Child” is a 12-cut culmination of intense musical bonding, soulful writing and tasty licks.
I sat down with Bryant and asked him about his music, as well as his time sharing the stage with the legendary Jeff Beck.
I can remember it like it was yesterday. Well, a yesterday thirty-six years ago.
Sometime during he mid 1970’s, I stumbled upon a bunch of old record albums that had been accumulating under my grandparents large stereo system. My family and I had lived with my grandparents at the time, and their house and property was used by aunts, uncles and cousins as a repository for such things as old records, books, hand me down clothing and the occasional automobile that did not run anymore. Every once in a while, especially when there was nothing else to do on a rainy day, it was always cool to take stock of the things relatives had dumped off with no intention of ever taking back.
It was during one of these rainy days, while picking my way through the Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow and Carpenters albums, that I discovered it. The picture on the album was both creepy and cool. There they were, four dudes standing on some street corner against a pole; perhaps waiting for a bus (or an ambulance to take them all to the loony bin). They were all dressed in suits and ties; wearing the highest of high water pants the seventies had to offer. Big white shoes and the coolest make-up I had ever seen in the seven years that I had been alive.
The album was KISS’ Dressed To Kill, and unless my grandmother was a closeted guitar shredder and told none of us kids, I still to this day have no idea how the album wound up with all of those other relics. But I was so glad I did. Thanks Nan!
I quickly fired up the turntable and placed needle on vinyl (for those of you born after 1995 or so, that means I played the record). At the time, I remember not being all that much interested in most of what I heard. Sure, songs like “Two Timer”, “Rock Bottom” and “She” were kind of catchy, but nothing that really did anything for me on a first listen.
Then it happened.
The final song on the album was played and a spark went off. The cool little drum intro, the crunch guitars, the catchy lyrics! When I heard “Rock and Roll All Nite” for the very first time, I had an epiphany. Something snapped inside of me and I knew I would be changed forever. Yes Gene, Paul, Peter and Ace, I did wanna rock and roll all night AND party EH-VER-EEE Day!
Over the next several years, I couldn’t get enough of KISS. The “Alive”, “Alive II” and “Destroyer” albums were soon added to my collection (yes, I took ownership of “Dressed To Kill”). Each a masterpiece of music and mystery. I signed up as a member in good standing of the KISS Army and whenever the band appeared on TV, I just had to watch. I even remember there were times I was bummed out when I saw that a “Jean Simmons” movie was coming on and only found out (after watching most of it) that they really didn’t spell Gene’s name wrong. Whether it was the music, watching Ace Frehley’s guitar catch fire or Gene Simmons’ spitting up blood (always a fan favorite), I was obsessed with these “unknown” guys.
In retrospect, I suppose it was the combination of everything that made KISS appeal to me so much. But little did I know at the time, the band (and particularly the song, “Rock and Roll All Nite”) planted the seed that made me want to become a rock star.
Chris “Breeze” Barczynski is a true success story. Born and raised in small rural Pennsylvania towns, he aspired to one day play professional football, but fate had other intentions.
In the early 90’s (following a devastating football injury while playing in London) he returned home to discover his true calling did not lie on the grid iron but rather with a microphone and a guitar.
For the next twenty years, Breeze would sing lead vocals and perform with a variety of bands like “The Honey Buzzards”, “Sweet Brother Rush” and “Citizens of Contrary Knowledge”. During that time, he not only opened up for some of the biggest names in music, but also licensed his songs to hit television shows, became a semi-finalist on Star Search and even sang as a regular on the hit TV show, The Singing Bee.
Now, after spending the last dozen years honing his craft in the New York City area, the former Lehigh Valley, PA resident is ready for another change. He’ll soon be making the move to California in search of new adventures and inspiration. He’s also in the process of finishing a book about his life experiences thus far.
I spoke with Breeze about his days performing in the local music scene as well as his forthcoming book chronicling the life of a music man.
Tell me a little about your upbringing.
CB: I was born in Reading, PA and went to grade school in and around the Hershey area. I came up playing trumpet and drums and when I was in 6th grade, we moved to the Lehigh Valley. I knew that in order to get to college, I was going to have to pay my own way, so I played sports. I played football, ran track and wound up going to college on an academic scholarship with every intention of having a professional football career.
When did music become your main focus?
CB: I played professionally for two years in England in the Budweiser League (before it became the World League) and suffered a severe knee injury that ended my childhood dream. I returned to the U.S. and sank into a deep depression. I was 23 years old and beginning to think that I had nothing to live for.
Then one night, I went to an open mic blues jam in Dayton, Ohio and sang a Muddy Waters song. That experience rekindled my love of music; which literally saved my life. I came back to the Lehigh Valley in 1991 and auditioned for a blues band. Soon after that, I started The Honey Buzzards and we played the area from 1994-2000.
What are some of the best moments you remember from that time?
CB: We got to open for a lot of great acts like Green Day, Collective Soul, Blue Öyster Cult and Kansas. We opened up for Sugar Ray in front of 12,000 people. We also opened for Hootie and The Blowfish on the same day that the video for their song “Hold My Hand” had its world premiere. I remember standing with Darius Rucker staring at the television screen and watching it for the very first time. That was a cool experience. We wound up signing with a management group who had worked with bands like LIVE and Fuel. We had some success with a song called “Fighting Gravity” and almost won a record deal through Garage Band.
What did you find most difficult about those days?
CB: We were trying to be an original band but were playing in cover rooms. That was the catch 22. With our management, you had to either be cover or original. Trying to do both was difficult. We were always walking the fine line between original and cover band and it was really confusing people. So, we decided to change the name of the band to “Sweet Brother Rush” to try to secure a deal. We came close, but it didn’t work out.
Why did you eventually make the move to New York City?
CB: I really wanted to put together the band that I had always dreamed of. A band where everyone respected each other as both men and musicians. One without ego and a band that just made great music: Citizens of Contrary Knowledge. We’ve had great success; licensing songs to things like Showtime’s “The Tudors” and a few indie films as well. Nickelodeon also licensed our entire CD for two of their kid shows: “Drake and Josh” and “Zoey 101”.
Tell me about how you wound up on The Singing Bee.
CB: In addition to Citizens of Contrary Knowledge, I was also been performing with a 22-piece big band that did a lot of corporate events around the country. Through that band, I met a keyboard player named Russ Graham who ended up becoming the Assistant Music Director on The Singing Bee. They were in LA trying to audition singers for the show, but it just wasn’t working out. So, Russ called me up one day and told me that the gig would be perfect for me. He said, “Do whatever you can to get here. We need you!” [laughs]
From all of my years playing cover music, I have about 2,000 songs running in my head that I know the lyrics to and can sing along with. Because of knowing so many, I just knocked it out of the park. I met with music director Ray Chew, who I’ve also worked with on several other projects since. When I get to LA, I’m going to reconnect with him and also look at putting together another band on the west coast.
Photo: Gary Junker
Have you ever taken vocal lessons?
CB: I haven’t. I came up singing a lot of rhythm and blues and my voice blended well for that genre. There was a time though where I did reach out to a vocal coach to learn proper technique and taking care of the voice. I remember there were situations where I was playing 6-7 nights a week with The Honey Buzzards and at one point, I did 12 one night shows in a row. It was a lot of driving around and singing and that put a lot of strain on my voice.
How about your guitar playing?
CB: That’s a work in progress. I picked it up a long time ago when I first started playing in the Valley. I consider myself a singer who plays guitar. It’s the only instrument that I write with.
What’s your songwriting process like?
CB: There’s no real formula for it. Some songs I’ve written in ten minutes and others, I’m still writing ten years later. I’m more into being a lyricist and writing melodies and find it easier to write with a co-writer who plays piano or guitar. I love collaborating.
Tell me a little about your new book.
CB: It’s called “The Chronicles of the Music Man“. I grew up in the small towns of Pennsylvania and was taught certain things by my parents and teachers, as well as by government and idols. I’ve gotten to a point in my life now where I know most of what I was told or learned about was just bullshit. The book is my attempt at taking people through the “Forrest Gump” stories of my life. Explaining what I thought before, what I went through and learned and why I may not necessarily believe what I did before. I want to take people through that process and maybe get them to think a little differently about the world. It contains surreal stories of my life and the lessons I’ve learned from them as well as lyrics and poetry. I’m also recording a CD of music inspired by the stories to accompany the book. I’m editing it now, and hope to have it out in the next few months.
Since taking their name from a caption on a W.C. Fields photo and signing a record deal more than twenty years ago, Gin Blossoms have been synonymous with catchy melodies and jangle pop. But it was their breakout 1992 album, “New Miserable Experience” that solidified them on the charts for nearly three years and threw the band into the mainstream. With singles like “Hey Jealousy,” “Allison Road,” “Until I Fall Away,” and “Found Out About You”, New Miserable Experience went on to sell over 4 million copies and made the band a 90’s radio mainstay.
After a four year hiatus that began in 1997, the band reunited in 2001 and continues to record and tour, performing as many as 120 shows a year. In 2010, Gin Blossoms: Robin Wilson (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Jesse Valenzuela (Vocals & Guitar), Scott Johnson (Guitar) and Bill Leen (Bass) released “No Chocolate Cake”, an album which shot straight to # 1 on Amazon, hitting Billboard’s top 200 at # 73 and the Indie chart at #14 and landing them back on the singles chart again with the single, “Miss Disarray”.
2013 will once again bring the band to over 100 cities, as well as a five-artist rock cruise, international shows and perhaps even another new album. The band is also partnering with Fretlight Guitars to give fans a chance to win an autographed Fretlight FG-421 at several stops during the Northeastern winter tour.
I had the chance to speak with guitarist Jesse Valenzuela and get his thoughts on the origin, music and future plans of Gin Blossoms.
Aside from the fact that she already has a gold record in her arsenal and performed on some of the biggest stages in country music, Julie Roberts is the epitome of what a true artist should be. She loves her faith, her family and her fans.
She’s also involved in nearly every aspect of her music. From writing songs and recording new music to building her brand and physically taking autographed CDs to the post office to mail, the beautiful songstress totally believes in her purpose. Now, Julie’s about to celebrate her birthday by doing something she’s never done before.
On Friday, February 1st at 10pm EST, Julie will be broadcasting an intimate concert performance via the Internet on StageIt.
Think of StageIt as an online concert venue. One where artists broadcast LIVE interactive performances directly from a laptop or computer to fans all over the world; offering a totally unique concert experience that you can’t get anywhere else. Fans can log on and tune in from the comfort of their own home from anywhere in the world and see Julie perform her signature hits as well as new music she’s currently working on.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Julie and getting more info about her upcoming StageIt show as well as her new music and plans for 2013!
How will the StageIt show be different from other ones you’ve done?
The show is done via the Internet and is very intimate. I’ll be performing the show at a really cool venue I discovered right before Christmas called The Music Loft. I’ll be there with my guitar player. The cost is $5 and people can sign in from anywhere.
It will also be on my birthday, February 1st. I’d want nothing more for my birthday than to be playing shows everywhere. Since I don’t have one booked right now, I decided to book one myself! [laughs]
What can fans expect to hear at the show?
I’ll be playing some new music that I’ve been working on as well as performing some of the songs everyone knows and loves. There will also be a live chat as well. I’ll have someone there monitoring the session to let me know what everyone is saying and what songs people would like to hear. It will be fun. This will be my first time doing one of these shows, so I’ll learn a lot from it. I may even try doing them on a regular basis. Even from the studio or from my home.
You’re also working on new material for an album?
I am. I have about half of a new album completed. I have a lot to say and I’m really excited to get it out. I’ve also started a new series on my website called ‘Naked Series’. These are songs that I’ve written or loved that are stripped down with just one or two instruments and my voice.
What is your process for writing songs?
Every song is a little bit different for me. A lot of the songs I write are based on what I’m going through in life at that moment. Sometimes, late at night I’ll come up with a melody line or an idea. It might be something that I’ve been thinking about for a long time that would make for a great song.
What else do you have planned for 2013?
I plan to release the new album project I’m working on and perform as much as possible. I’m really excited about getting back out on the road. I’ll also be involved in the National MS Society this year. I want to help bring awareness to it. I’ve had MS since 2005 and feel that raising awareness is part of my journey. There are so many people who don’t even know about MS or have misconceptions about it, and the Society helps so many people. These things all mean a lot to me.
You’re such an emotional, soulful singer. Is there a secret to how you bring life to the songs you sing?
I have to detach myself from life and become that song. For me, that’s what I think an artist does. You take the song and make it art. I feel most comfortable and “right there” when I can get inside of the lyric and become the song.
It just comes naturally for you.
I know that it’s my purpose in life. To be on this Earth, singing and connecting with people every night with my music. I love what I do.
For more information on Julie Roberts’ Birthday Bash show on StageIt – Click Here!
Dave Rose runs Deep South Entertainment, a successful business and artist management company that’s been around since 1995.
Over the years, he’s worked with some big names, including Michael Sweet, Bruce Hornsby, Marcy Playground and Allison Moorer, to name just a few.
Rose’s own musical journey began as others often do: with a guitar and a dream. But shortly after he began regularly performing in bands, he discovered his true calling relied less on the art of making music and more on the act of helping others learn from the experiences he’s had. Thankfully, he’s shared that knowledge in an amazing new book.
Everything I Know About The Music Business I Learned From My Cousin Rick: The Musician’s Practical Guide To Success is a mouthful of a title, but it’s also one of the best books a musician can read on how to really become successful in their craft and enjoy the moments along the way.
Based upon the epiphany he had when his cousin (Rick) played him the first Boston album, Rose’s book is part “biography” and part “how-to.” It’s also a valuable resource for musicians of all levels.
If it’s something a band is going through now — or has done in the past, Rose has been through it. From writing songs and booking gigs to recording albums and creating a fan base, Rose shows you how to achieve real success in music. Success that’s not measured by the number of albums sold or the money earned from gigs, but rather from the goal that anyone who’s ever picked up an instrument should have in the first place: the desire to make great music.
Novice musicians will find plenty of informative information on things to avoid when building up their band; while those with more experience may find themselves looking into a mirror at times as they turn the pages. In either case, Dave’s book is a fast, fun read.
I had the chance to speak with Dave about his new book and some of the lessons he’s learned along the way. – Read the complete article here.
If you’ve ever played in a classic rock cover band, chances are you had a Greg Kihn song strategically placed somewhere in your set list. In my own experience, that song was “The Breakup Song”. I called it “Old Reliable” not only because it was a staple in our arsenal, but because it was a song we could quickly pull out on a whim whenever the ladies came within striking distance of the dance floor.
Since their debut EP thirty years ago, Great White has achieved worldwide success; including sales of over six million records and even a Grammy nomination for their version of the Ian Hunter song, “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”. During those same thirty years, members of the band have also suffered through great adversity as well. Most notably, The Station nightclub tragedy and the confusion/departure of singer Jack Russell from the band (there was even a time when Jani Lane filled in on vocals). But through it all, the band has persevered and continues to record and tour.
On his new album, “
Some have called him a future guitar god, and with good reason. At the age of 21, Tyler Bryant’s resume already reads like a guitarist who’s been performing for a long time. Before he had even reached the legal age to vote, Bryant was awarded the Robert Johnson Foundation’s “New Generation Award” and was also chosen by Eric Clapton to play at his Crossroads Festival. He was also recruited by the legendary Jeff Beck to be the opener for his 2011 tour and invited to play alongside him during his encore set each night. An almost unheard of event that put the young Bryant in the elite company of Stevie Ray Vaughn (the last opener Beck invited to play with him on-stage, in 1989).
go.Jimmy.go 