Guitar World Interviews, Music

Guitar World Interview: Firehouse Guitarist Bill Leverty Discusses New Album of Classic Cover Songs

DriveCover_Hi ResListeners of Bill Leverty’s new covers album, “Drive” will find that it’s more like a time machine. One that transports you back to the carefree days of the 1970’s, when riding in the backseat of your parent’s car and listening to rock radio was the norm. It didn’t even matter where you were going at the time; all that mattered was the music.

The Firehouse guitarist has released several solo albums over the course of his career, but this effort is one that pays tribute to the most sacred music of all: songs that inspired him as a youth. In addition to a blistering guitar attack on tracks like CCR’s “Fortunate Son”, “Drive” also contains tasteful renditions of Steely Dan’s “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” and The Guess Who’s “No Time”. Leverty also puts his own spin on such classics as “Free Ride” (Edgar Winter Group), “I Shot the Sheriff” (Eric Clapton) and “Spanish Moon” (Little Feat). Contributing the brunt of the vocal work himself, Leverty keeps the essence of the original songs intact and yet, adds something excitingly fresh and new to the musical equation as well.

I sat down with Leverty to discuss “Drive” as well as his playing and songwriting. During the course of our trip back in time, we also discuss how Firehouse was born. Fans may recall that Firehouse beat out Nirvana and Alice in Chains for the AMA “Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock New Artist” award but as Leverty points out, there’s another band honor he’s even more proud of.

Read the rest of my Guitar World interview with Bill Leverty Here.

Life, Thought and Opinion

How Do You See Me?

oldmanDid something happen while I slept? Since when did I wake up and everyone else got old? Last night while trolling around Facebook, I came across someone I haven’t seen in years and it started to make me worry a bit.

The person I saw is a year older than me and a good friend of my brother; who lived next door to us growing up. I recall standing on the corner with him at the bus stop every morning during school years, waiting for the big yellow taxi to carry us off to education. I also remember all of the Sunday afternoons where he and my brother would get a gaggle of kids together from the neighborhood for a game of tackle football. Good times.

But, as what typically happens in life, once school is over people tend to go their own separate ways, and ours was no exception. I went to West Chester to study music and he wound up moving to Florida to take on a construction job. It was the late 1980′s and we were young; ready to take on the world. It was a time when life’s possibilities seemed endless.

The thing is, once I saw the profile picture he used on Facebook, I began to reconsider that last sentence. For although I’d often see him over the years when he’d make his pilgrimages back north to visit my brother, the person I now saw in the photograph sure didn’t resemble the same dude I remember.

He was sitting on a couch, wearing a t-shirt and worn out blue jeans. A Ford Racing baseball cap adorned his noggin, much the same way as I remember him. He didn’t look sickly or unhealthy at all. For all I knew, he was the healthiest man alive. The only difference was for the first time, to me he just looked…well:

Old.

I saw an old man sitting on the couch. A forty-five year “old” man. A man who is only twenty months older than me.

Now, this is not to be meant as a knock on him. After all, it’s life. But it did make me begin to wonder how people really see me. As much as I’d like to forget about it, every morning I see the grays in my beard; have to deal with the trick knee acting up and the fact that my daughter is growing up way too fast. I’m constantly being reminded about my own mortality. Where did those endless possibilities and Sunday football games go? Sure, I can still pass by the places where we used to play and picture everything in my mind. But in my vision, we’re always kids.

I’m sure that if I were to see my brother’s friend today it would probably be just like old times. We’d probably joke around and laugh about the great games we used to have on the grid iron, or the days standing on the corner in the freezing cold waiting for the school bus. Although this time we’d probably be laughing about them over an adult beverage rather than the Kool-Aid Fruit Punch we had to drink back then. But I like to think the effects of the beer would help soften the blow that we were now the same age our parents were when we enjoyed such reverie.

I was always able to see people as they were in the past, and not as they are in the present. Oh sure, visually I still see the age mass and the gray hairs on the head that indicate years of life lived, but I was always able to look beyond that. I was always the forty-four year old, still being that fifteen year old teenager waiting for the bus. But now, in a strange way and for the very first time, I’m beginning to see the future.

Music, Thought and Opinion

When Music Is Just ‘Business’

slayerI was never a big fan of Slayer, but when I saw this letter by their (presumably now former) drummer Dave Lombardo, I had to post. Not because he had some concerns that there may be some shenanigans going on with the band’s finances, but rather to pose this question:

When did the music take a back seat to this nonsense?

Whether you’re into this kind of music or not yourself, take a minute to read Dave’s note and let me know what you think. For those not aware, Dave is a founding member of Slayer, a Grammy award-winning band with sales estimates in excess of twenty million records and also credited as being one of the “Big Four” thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax.

Statement From Dave Lombardo Regarding Slayer Australian Tour 2013

I want to personally apologize to all of our fans in Australia who have bought tickets for the tour expecting to see me in my usual place on the drums.

So that you all know the truth, as of the end of the business day on February 14th, I was notified that I would not be drumming for the tour in Australia. I’m saddened, and to be honest I am shocked by the situation.

Last year, I discovered 90% of Slayer’s tour income was being deducted as expenses including the professional fees paid to management, costing the band millions of dollars and leaving 10% or less to split amongst the four of us. In my opinion, this is not the way a band’s business should operate. I tried rectifying it by letting my band mates know, and Tom and I hired auditors to figure out what happened, but I was denied access to detailed information and the necessary back up documents.

I spent the Christmas and New Year holidays realizing I had toured all over the world in 2012, but yet, had not been paid (except a small advance) or provided a proper accounting for a full year’s sweat and blood. On top of this, I was told that I would not be paid until I signed a long form contract which gave me no written assurance of how much or on what basis management would deduct commissions, nor did it provide me access to the financial budgets or records for review. It also forbade me to do interviews or make statements having to do with the band, in effect a gagging order.

Last Monday, I sat down with Kerry and Tom to rehearse for Australia and to propose a new business model that I felt was the best way forward for Slayer to confidently protect itself so we could do what we do best . . . play for the fans. Kerry made it clear he wasn’t interested in making changes and said if I wanted to argue the point, he would find another drummer. On Thursday, I arrived at rehearsals at 1 pm as scheduled, but Kerry did not show. Rather, at 6:24 pm I received an email from the lawyers saying I was being replaced for the Australian dates.

I remain hopeful that we can resolve our issues. But once again, I sincerely apologize to all of our fans in Australia who spent their money expecting to see the 3 of us original Slayer members.

I look forward to seeing you in the future.

Sincerely,
Dave Lombardo

Guitar World Interviews, Music

Guitar World Interview: Taddy Porter’s New Album A Welcome Homage to The British Invasion

TaddyPorter“There’s gonna be some changes made around here.”The opening line to the song “Changes” on Taddy Porter’s new album couldn’t be more apropos. Co-produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Cornell, Shooter Jennings) and Mark Neill (The Black Keys), “Stay Golden” is an eleven-song collection that marks a newly expanded sound for the band. One where British Invasion meets Motown soul; with a healthy dose of Southern blues thrown in for good measure.

“Stay Golden” is an album that clocks in at just over thirty-one minutes, but it does something not many albums released these days can do: yearn for repeated listenings. A true testament to the songwriting, performances and production skills and a welcome throwback to the sound of the 60′s.Taddy Porter is: Andy Brewer (Vocals/Guitar), Joe Selby (Lead Guitar), Kevin Jones (Bass) and Doug Jones (Drums).

We spoke with Selby about the “Stay Golden” album (Release date: Feb 26th) and also received some good practice advice.

Read the rest of my Guitar World Article Here

Childhood Memories, Interview, Music

Jim Brickman To Celebrate the 70’s In A One Night Only Event

JimBrickman

Since the release of his debut album in 1994, Jim Brickman’s romantic piano sound has made him the best-selling solo piano artist of our time. Jim’s best-known compositions include the chart-toppers “Valentine,” “The Gift,” “Love of My Life,” and “Peace.” He’s established a reputation for his collaborations with artists like Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Kenny Loggins and Michael W. Smith. His signature style has brought him six gold and platinum albums as well as two Grammy nominations, and he’s also received international acclaim as both a songwriter and concert performer, taking his live shows to more than 125 cities each year.

Now, Brickman is paying homage to the decade of music that influenced his own musical style. Jim Brickman’s Celebration of the 70’s will be held Saturday, March 2nd at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT. Scheduled to appear with Brickman on stage include platinum selling artist and 1970’s heart-throb, David Cassidy; two-time Grammy award winner Rita Coolidge; Billboard Hot 100 chart topper Stephen Bishop; Motown legend Thelma Houston and 70’s pop-icon Yvonne Elliman.

In addition to this one of a kind performance, the show will also be filmed and released later this spring as a part of an exclusive broadcast for Xfinity TV customers across New England through its popular On Demand service.

I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Jim and getting more information on this one of a kind event.

Photo Credit: Rob Waymen
Photo Credit: Rob Waymen

What made you decide to do a show celebrating this decade of music?

As a songwriter, I began to look back and wonder how I become the musician I am. I asked myself “What shaped my direction and path to write songs in this inspirational, romantic style?” I realized that a lot of my writing comes from being influenced by the great artists and songs from the 1970′s and thought it would be fun to do a show that would pay tribute to it and have a little bit of nostalgia as well.

 

What do you think was the best thing about that decade?

The environment. So much of what came after the 60′s and that revolution made such a big difference in the 70′s. It was after flower power and politically, we were in a different time. It was a very turbulent time too in many ways, but the music (much like today) was more pop in nature. In the 70′s, you had such a wide variety of music. There were the singer/songwriters like Carole King and Joni Mitchell. Then you also had bands like Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and The Carpenters. Then at the other end of the spectrum, you had Disco and rock and roll with bands like Aerosmith and Three Dog Night.

What can fans expect from this Celebration of the 70′s?

A little bit of everything. We’ve got Yvonne Elliman, who was on the biggest soundtrack of all time (Saturday Night Fever); David Cassidy (“I Think I Love You”) and Stephen Bishop (“On and On”, “It Might Be You”). Thelma Houston is doing “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and a Donna Summer tribute, and David Pack will be performing Ambrosia (“How Much I Feel”). These songs are iconic in so many ways.

I’m also going to be a doing a lot of my music as well, but as it relates to being influenced by these other songs. A lot of them (like “Valentine” or “Destiny”) were influenced by Carole King, Burt Bacharach and other people I loved growing up.

You’re also going to be filming the show for TV?

Yes, we’re going to be filming it for XFinity On Demand as well as for PBS.

Tell me a little about your background.

I started playing piano when I was five. I didn’t come from a musical family, but was drawn to piano and melody and anything that was emotional or connected to a feeling. I played for the feeling more than the music. I still feel that way. Growing up, I loved listening to singers who knew what the lyrics meant and what they were singing about.

In addition to touring, what else have you got planned for this year?

We have an event coming up on July 18th called the “Brickman Nash Bash”. It’s a three-day, Nashville-centric fan event. We’re going to be getting together with many of my country friends and singer/songwriters for a concert, workshop and tours of Nashville landmarks. Much like the 70′s show, it’s curating with the artists I collaborate with and bringing them together to share with fans. I like to call it, “Brickman-Palooza.” [laughs]

I’m so thankful to have had so many hit songs over the years, and it’s an honor for me to be able to do these shows with the people I admire. I learn so much from them and then in turn, I’m able to share that with others.

Jim Brickman’s Celebration of the 70’s is Saturday, March 2nd. 2013 at the
Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT.

For More information Click Here

Guitar World Interviews, Music

Guitar World Interview: Greg Kihn Discusses New Music, Book and Tour Plans

gregkihnIf 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.

Guitar World Interviews, Music

Guitar World Interview: Reminiscing With Little River Band’s Wayne Nelson

LRBThey’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.

Read my Guitar World Interview Here.

Movie Reviews

“Mimesis” Pays Homage To Zombie Classic

mimesisIt was English cleric Charles Caleb Colton who once said, “Imitation is the sincerest of flattery”. Truer words could not be spoken, especially when it comes to horror films.

In “Mimesis”, a group of die-hard horror fans attend a horror convention and are subsequently lured to an “exclusive party” at a remote farm.  While there, the group is drugged and upon awakening find themselves smack dab in the middle of a reenactment of one of the greatest genre films of all time: a real life version of the classic 1968 George Romero film, “Night of The Living Dead”.

As the “movie” plays on, a group of psycho villains (dressed up as the walking dead) keep the seven unwilling participants terrorized inside of the farmhouse and kill them if they try to escape.While the original black and white version of the film plays in a non-stop loop on a small television set, it quickly becomes a battle of survival as the group tries to plot their escape. Mimesis stars Allen Maldonado, Lauren Mae Shafer, Taylor Piedmonte and Jana Thompson. Directed by Douglas Schulze, the film also contains original music composed by Diego Navarro.

As a “mid-tier” horror fan myself, I especially enjoyed the fact that the film also featured genre favorites Courtney Gains (Children of the Corn) and Sid Haig (Rob Zombie’s The Devil’s Rejects, House of 1000 Corpses). Both actors have small roles in this film but none the less bring “street cred” with their performances. In fact, it’s Haig himself who actually explains to us the definition of Mimesis (“imitation, mimicry”).

The film also contains a cameo by original “Night of the Living Dead” star, Bill Hinzman bringing the elements of the past and present together nearly forty-five years after the original film.

“Mimesis” may be an odd title for a horror film, but it’s a fun ride that pays homage to a classic, and that makes it a ride worth taking.

“Mimesis” releases February 12th, 2013. Bonus features include audio commentary with Director/Co-Writer Douglas Schulze and Co-Writer Joshua Wagner.

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World Interview: Mark Kendall Discusses 30 Years of Great White and New Live Album

greatwihiteSince 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.

Things I Think

Four Things I Think: The 4 Greatest Inventions Ever

thingsithinkAside from the thumb (and having sex for fun instead of just procreation), it’s the one thing that separates us humans from the rest of the animal kingdom: the ability to use our brains to create things that make our lives easier. And thank God for engineers with PhD’s because about the only thing I can create (besides a blog article) is a bowl of cereal and maybe toast.

Now, I’m not just talking about smart phones, TVs, CD players or microwave ovens (although those are all noble inventions). I’m talking about inventions that REALLY make our lives easier. Things that if you took them away (even though I could adjust) I’d be a complete wreck.

So, without further ado, here are my choices for the 4 Greatest Inventions EVER:

4. Electricity. Thank you Mr. Franklin and your kite experiment. Even though it’s a no brainer, I decided to include one of the most obvious discoveries on the list. I suppose a case could be made for a car (it’s much cooler to pick up a girl for a date in a Mustang rather than riding on a donkey) or a candle (can you imagine coming home from work every day and spending the next six hours sitting in the dark?)

3. The Internet. Another no brainer really. Something that’s been around for longer than you think, but didn’t really gain traction until the mid 1990’s. Every answer to any question you’ve ever wanted to know about is somewhere easily accessible.

The Internet is a phone, music player, television, library and pretty much anything else you can think of. Normally, this would blow my top two choices out of the water. Although I do appreciate not having to drive to the library and use big reference books or microfiche anymore to find information, the next two are inventions are ones that have made my “physical” life better.

2. Air Conditioning. I don’t care who you are, if you’re buying a home, this is a MUST. I cannot even imagine how people lived through heat waves during the turn of the century without it. And central air conditioning improved upon an already great invention.

For me, growing up in a home where there was no central air and having to lug ginormous units and place them into small open window frames was a pain. Finding a place to store them once winter rolled around was an even bigger problem.

Speaking of winter, here’s the number 1 Greatest Invention Ever:

1. The Snow Blower. Without question, the greatest contraption ever invented. Case in point: Here in the Northeast, we are bracing for a huge snowstorm. Years ago, this would have meant that I would have to spend HOURS and HOURS shoveling my driveway and sidewalk; back breaking work (especially if it was that wet, packed snow).

Now, I just look out my window and say to Old Man Winter “Is this all you’ve got?” From the time I decide to go out and snow blow until the time I am once again resting on my comfy couch in my stocking feet it’s thirty minutes max. And unlike fancy cars and some other luxuries, use it just one time and you quickly discover it’s a machine that’s worth every single penny you pay for it. Just make sure you remember to fill the gas tank the night before the snowstorm.

Your turn: What are some of your choices for greatest inventions ever?