Tag: Entertainment

Movie Reviews

Movie Review: The Hobbit

hobbitI need to let you know ahead of time that there may be a bit of bias in this review. I will try to be as objective as possible but I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t already a huge fan of The Lord of the Rings. It’s fair to say that Peter Jackson’s three prior films were the best telling of the trilogy that I’ve ever seen. Just the mere fact that The Return of The King garnered the Oscar for Best Picture tells you that I’m not alone in my way of thinking.

So needless to say, when it was FINALLY decided that Jackson would be directing The Hobbit the little boy inside of me was overjoyed. All of my days of playing Dungeons and Dragons were coming back again! YAY! And when Ian McKellen signed on to reprise his role as Gandalf The Grey well, this movie immediately became a must see for me.

The Hobbit tells the tale of Bilbo Baggins, a halfling who gets recruited to go fight a dragon and reclaim a lost treasure. A simple story yes, but one that also prefaces one of the greatest trilogies in literature.

If you’ve never seen nor read any of Tolkien’s books, I’d urge you to watch the Lord of The Rings trilogy before seeing The Hobbit. Not only will you have a better understanding of this film, but you owe it to yourself to see (in my opinion) three of the best movies ever made.

I’ve decided to start this review by first telling you what I didn’t like about it. Yes, there were a few things that bothered me. But nothing that should keep you from seeing it.

It’s been nearly ten years since Peter Jackson last took me to Middle Earth. After watching The Hobbit, I now want to dust off my old twenty-sided dice and go on a own quest for gold myself again! So, as I light up my pipe and blow smoke rings,  I salute you Mr. Jackson for once again bringing me back to a world I loved as a child.

Please be advised that there may be spoilers so read on at your own peril.

What I didn’t like

1. The first thing I didn’t like actually has nothing to do with this film. It’s the fact that earlier this year Jackson decided to tell the entire story in three parts rather than two. I see this more as a money grab and not relevant to telling the story of Bilbo and company. Considering the fact that each LOTR book was much longer than The Hobbit (and were fully told in each individual movie), making a trilogy out of this story wasn’t something I wanted.

2. It’s easy to get lost: For those of you who are being exposed to Tolkien for the first time and haven’t seen any of the prior films, The Hobbit may be an undertaking as the movie hints at things to come in The Lord of The Rings. For fans of the genre (like me), this made sense. But if you’re seeing this freshly, it may be confusing.

3. Battle scenes can be a bit overwhelming: Particularly when the party encounters the Goblin King and tries to escape. What happens seems almost unbelievable. But then again, if I can believe a bunch of dwarves and a hobbit can escape a pair of stone giants and go into a goblin lair, then why wouldn’t I believe they could jump over huge chasms without falling hundreds of feet to their deaths? Got to love fantasy.

What I did like

1. The “unexpected party” scene where all of the dwarves gathered in Bilbo’s home to speak of their mission. When I first read the book, I completely skipped over the parts where the dwarves sang songs and read poems. Those italicized printed words were boring and vague to me. The eeriness of hearing the singing really brings the book to life and emphasizes the mission.

2. The dragon: I was leery going in just hoping they would show a glimpse of Smaug, the dragon. In the beginning they teased with it a bit but, if you are looking for a dragon in this movie, you will be satisfied.

3. Some people may not appreciate this but I did. I liked the idea of mixing in LOTR characters.Seeing my old friend Frodo again was a treat. And who could not love another visit by some of the other characters as well.

4. The Best is Yet To Come: The Hobbit : An Unexpected Journey leaves you wanting more. The only thing I really lament is having to wait a whole year before I can get my fix again.

Guitar World Interviews, Music

Never Too Late: Erik Martensson Discusses Jimi Jamison, Eclipse Albums

erik_kramerGuitarist Erik Martensson once aspired to have a career in motocross. But after being involved in a crash and during his subsequent recovery, he began focusing his time on guitar and soon discovered his true calling.

Today, Martensson not only splits his time between his own hard rock band Eclipse and the “super-group” W.E.T; a project which also features Robert Säll (Work of Art) and Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman), but he’s also written and produced songs for a variety of artists.

After providing material for a Jimi Jamison (Survivor) and Bobby Kimball (Toto) project, Martensson was asked to write songs for a Jamison solo album. The result of which, “Never Too Late” has received critical acclaim both here and abroad. With catchy hooks and melodies that not only emphasize Jamison’s vocal prowess, it’s also an album that sounds fresh and new.

I spoke with Martensson from his home in Sweden about “Never Too Late” as well as his guitar laden new Eclipse album, “Bleed and Scream”.

How did this collaboration with Jamison take place?

I had originally written a few songs for the Bobby Kimball / Jimi Jamison duet album. Following the success of that, Frontiers records asked me to work on a solo record with Jimi.

NeverTooLate

When you approach a project with Jimi Jamison, what kind of writing process do you go through?

I had Jimi’s vocal range in mind when we started. I knew the sound that would fit him and also suit the fans. That was something that was really important to me.  I have the Survivor ‘Vital Signs’ and ‘Too Hot To Sleep’ albums so I know the style. But I didn’t want to just re-make an album from the 80’s. I wanted it to sound fresh. I wanted it to have one foot in the 80’s and one foot in the now.

 

Read the rest of my Guitar World Interview with Erik by clicking here.

Interview, Movies and TV

Director Paul Morrell Discusses Latest Horror/Thriller ‘HUFF’

paulMOnce upon a time there was a cool director named Paul Morrell who had a vision to direct a horror/thriller based upon the story of The Three Little Pigs. Together with a talented cast and crew, his vision of creating a twisted version of the classic fairy tale exceeds all expectations. The result of his efforts, “HUFF” contains all of the scares, screams and sexiness that make for great thrill ride.

“HUFF” stars Charlie O’Connell as Huff, an abusive stepfather to three teenage girls living in poverty in California. While on the verge of making a lucrative drug deal that will give him the money he needs to escape to Mexico with his sexy mistress, Laci (Natasha Alam), Huff’s plans unravel when his battered wife Lorelei (Elina Madison) secretly gives the money intended for the deal to her daughters and tells them to run away and seek better lives. The events that follow triggers a chain of rage-induced asthma attacks, as Huff attempts to locate the three runaways and recover his money.

HUFF also stars Marie Bollinger, Jenna Stone and Clint Howard and will be released in April. The film will also be released internationally under the title, “Big Bad Wolf”.

I spoke with Paul and got the inside scoop on “HUFF” as well as his next film project, “Casket County Massacre”.

How did the project for HUFF begin?

Paul Morrell (PM): We really wanted to write something that would hold up, so we came up with the concept of using The Three Little Pigs; an age old story.  It was also great timing. I had done a film called ‘Filth To Ashes’ that had received quite a bit of press, including a mention in The New York Times. The film even had a better opening weekend than ‘Paranormal Activity’.  From that, we were able to sign some really great actors.

There are quite a few innuendos with The Three Little Pigs.

PM: Some of the innuendos are quite blatant, like the use of the inhaler and Charlie’s character’s name (Huffington). In our research, the story kind of got neutered over the years. In the original story, the wolf actually eats all of the pigs. [laughs]

Tell me a little about the cast: Charlie O’Connell.

Charlie is known for comedic roles so this role was a bit of a challenge, but he came with great input. His comedic chops really shine without taking away from the story line. We ended up with a villain who’s both likeable and hate able at the same time.

Natahsa Alam.

PM: Natasha was extremely comfortable on set. She’s not just a model.  She’s super professional and her acting chops are top notch.

Elina Madison.

I wish we had her on set for longer. She was fantastic. We had originally written an enormously longer scene but the way she executed the scene was great with her eyes and her emotion was perfect.

Isn’t there a story behind how you got in touch with Marie Bollinger for the role of Brixi?

I have a really close friend, Sarah Zurell, who was in a movie with Marie called ‘Pelt’. When I sat down to watch the movie, I was immediately distracted by her. There was just something about Marie that was perfect. We wound up connecting with each other through Facebook.

What was the filming process like?

PM: When we were shooting some of the night scenes it was very cold and windy. It was abnormally cold for southern California. Jenna Stone (Styx) sat in the side car with that “bloody” face for almost three days. All night long while shooting, it was freezing cold.  I was all bundled up in boots and heavy jackets and was still cold. The girls were out in the cold in little bitty tops wearing a blanket in between takes. They were troopers.

Any funny stories you can remember while filming?

In the opening scene, when Charlie is reading to the little girls, we had him actually reading a nursery rhyme to them while we were shooting their faces to get laughs out of them.  Then, right in the middle of telling Goldie Locks and The Three Bears he goes into HUFF dialog, changing his voice and everything to “They were raped!!…”  It was incredibly funny. [laughs]

What are some of your favorite scenes?

PM: I really love the opening scene where Charlie is out chopping wood and then goes inside to read a bible story to the girls. I love how that turned out.  So creepy. I also love the fight scene with Elina when she and Charlie are sitting on the couch.

Another one of my favorite shots is where Charlie is holding Marie’s character down and pressing that knife into her chest. They were both so into the moment, she’s screaming and he’s holding her down. That scene was great.

huff_bbw

What project are you working on now?

PM: We’re working on an horror/icon film called ‘Casket County Massacre‘.  We’ve got Kane Hodder (Jason Friday The 13th) and Tyler Mane (X-Men, Halloween). We’re also working with Charlie and Clint Howard again.  The plan is to start shooting in January. We’re excited about it.

What’s the story of ‘Casket County Massacre’?

The legend of Casket County is, there were three brothers (The Garlock Family) who took over the town and slaughtered everyone in it while looking for gold. When they couldn’t find any, their ghosts were stuck there forever. An all-girl rock band cruises into town with plans to shoot a music video. When they get there, the ghosts are there and all hell ensues.

Article first published as Director Paul Morrell Discusses Latest Horror/Thriller HUFF on Technorati.

Guitar World Interviews, Interview

Guitar World Interview:Adler’s Jacob Bunton and Lonny Paul Discuss New Album, ‘Back From the Dead’

adler

Steven Adler has battled many demons over the course of his tenure with Guns N’ Roses and the various versions of Adler’s Appetite.

Now the author and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has finally put the past behind him. Together with Jacob Bunton (vocals/guitars), Lonny Paul (guitars) and Johnny Martin (bass), the new project Adler has released what is easily one of the best hard rock albums in years: Back From The Dead.

Produced by Jeff Pilson (T&N, Foreigner, Dokken) and mixed by Jay Ruston, the new album features guest appearances by Adler’s fellow GnR band mate Slash as well as a blistering solo by John 5.

You can check out my Guitar World interview with Jacob Bunton and Lonny Paul by clicking here.

Interview, Music, Women Who Rock

Out For ‘Blood’: Maria Brink Of In This Moment

MariaBrinkWhen it comes to women who rock, there are few who do it better or rock harder than Maria Brink. The feisty blonde singer of the band In This Moment is the Queen of Hardcore Metal. Brink is also one of the most charismatic and endearing women in music today. Believe it.

Last year, following the one-two punch of being dropped by their management and losing two band members, Brink and guitarist Chris Howorth found themselves in a bit of a quagmire. But rather than wallowing in the negative, the duo instead armed themselves with a new-found sense of direction and channeled that energy into Blood, an album that has become their most successful to date.

Reunited once again with producer Kevin Churko (The Dream, A Star-Crossed Wasteland) the combination of Howorth’s guitars and Brink’s infectious vocal lines make Blood a must have album for both die-hard and new fans alike.

The video for the album’s title track features haunting innuendos of both strength and vulnerability and showcases Brink’s seductive nature and vocal prowess.

In This Moment plans to continue to tour extensively in 2013, giving fans more than enough opportunity to pay homage to the Queen.

I had the chance to speak with Maria about “Blood”, her upbringing and where she finds her own inspiration in this exclusive interview.

What was the spark that ignited the new album?

Everything just kind of hit rock bottom and everyone had thought the band was finished. The idea that everyone had given up on us is what lit this fire. The truth is, we haven’t even touched on many of the things we want to accomplish so we couldn’t let go.

In the studio, how do you develop the melodies for your songs?

What I like to do is go into the vocal booth, listen to music and start feeling it and then seeing what comes out. Then we’ll go back and listen to all of the different takes and find the one that’s most exciting. Sometimes, that’s the most organic way of doing things.

Do you find it difficult at times being a female lead singer in a primarily “male dominated” genre?

I don’t think it matters if you’re a woman or a man as long as you’re confident and know exactly what you’re there to do. When I go out there, I control that crowd. I see myself as a queen, commanding and strong. I don’t let anything pull me down or let anyone take that away from me.  We’ve opened up for Megadeth, DevilDriver and some of the heaviest, underground metal bands. Those crowds can be a little bit challenging, but I don’t think that it’s because I’m a girl. From my perspective, We’re a metal band at heart.

Did you always aspire to be a singer?

Ever since I was a little girl it was always a dream. I used to pull all of the kids together from the neighborhood and put on plays where I was the singer. But it wasn’t until I was around 22 that I  started to really believe that I could do this. I realized that I could create this if I really wanted to.

There’s so much power and range in your voice. Have you ever taken vocal lessons?

I’ve never taken lessons, but I’ve been singing for so long that I’ve learned to grow and know how to push my voice. I’m fortunate that I can go from being emotional, raspy and intense to the softer, more feminine sound.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love to paint, visit underground coffee shops and of course, the spa. That’s probably my favorite thing. I love just going to a spa and shutting off. For eight hours straight if possible. [laughs]

Which of your tattoos is your favorite?

I’d have to say it’s my knuckles because they say “Believe”. It continuously inspires me to realize that we can all create our own destiny and manifest whatever it is we truly want and desire. If we just believe, we can make it happen.

In This Moment (Photo by: Robert John Kley)
In This Moment (Photo by: Robert John Kley)

What does In This Moment have planned tour wise for 2013?

We’re working on a bunch of things that we can’t announce just yet. But one thing’s for sure, great things are going to happen.

Article first published as Out For Blood: Maria Brink Of In This Moment on Technorati.

Interview, Music, Women Who Rock

Nothing Like The S.U.N: Sass Jordan Discusses New Album

sassjordanSass Jordan’s new project, Something Unto Nothing (S.U.N.) is a much welcome relief from the force fed blandness that’s currently being marketed as “music” these days. With a raw vibe and groovy goodness to it, the 13 track opus is reminiscent of the epic rock albums that ruled the charts in the 1970′s. Together with guitarist Brian Tichy, bassist Michael Devin and drummer Tommy Stewart, Jordan and S.U.N take the listener on a rock and roll journey of honest songwriting and cool hooks.

S.U.N is infused with a variety of Jordan and Tichy’s influences. From the opening lines of ‘Burned’ to  songs like ‘Nomad’, ‘Mobile Again, ‘I’m the One’ and the title track, it’s a sound music fans have been jonesin for a long time.

S.U.N isn’t just a record. Something Unto Nothing is an experience. One that brings back the days when wearing huge headphones, listening to new vinyl and becoming immersed in music was all the rage. And that’s no jive.

Jordan, the beautiful blonde, vocal dynamo, is one of the best singers in rock. With a bluesy tone and power that commands an audience’s attention, perhaps it’s no surprise that same command may have been a reason why she was chosen to become an Honorary Colonel in the Royal Canadian Air Force; a title bestowed upon her this year while touring with the Canadian Forces.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Sass about the new album. We also discuss the day she realized she wanted to become a singer, her stint with the Canadian Forces as well as the origin of one of her biggest hits, “Make You A Believer”. With an infectious new album and spirit about music, she’s certainly made one out of me.

goJimmygo (gJg): Congratulations on the new album! How did the release event go?

Sass Jordan (SJ): It was amazing! We held it at the Key Club in Hollywood. I’m very happy.

Brian (Tichy) is known primarily for his drumming but in this band, when you play live, he’s the guitarist!

He’s an incredible drummer but also a great guitar player as well. He played both instruments on our album.

gJg: You guys were also recently joined onstage by another amazing guitarist – Jake E. Lee! How did that experience come about?

SJ: Jake is a bad ass! Still an amazing player and a lovely human being as well!  He knew we were playing and texted me ‘What am I coming up to play?’ It was so cool.  He also asked me to sing on a new record he’s currently working on. I’ll be singing a song that I co-wrote with him, Ron Mancuso and Derek Sharp.

SUNLogoWhat was the spark that ignited S.U.N.?

Tichy had played on a 1993 record of mine called ‘Rats’, but over the years we had lost touch with each other. We somehow got back together again through MySpace back in 2010 and we decided to get together and write some songs. So, we got together and started writing and instantly it was a fountain of creativity. One of the most creative relationships I’ve ever had. After we’d written 4 or 5 songs over the course of the year, we decided we needed to be a band. Being an equal part of a band is something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time.

What would your songwriting process be like?

We would write in the loft at his house. First, we’d write and arrange a song and then he’d go downstairs and get on the drum kit and record the drum part from his head. Then we’d start putting on the guitars, bass and vocals. We recorded the entire album in his house, up at Tish Rock Ranch, in the California Canyons. There’s something about the light and space in the Canyons that inspires this kind of big rock sound. We wanted to make a record of songs that sound like you’ve heard them before, but not quite – so that it would be familiar but still fresh!

One of my favorite songs from the album is the title track, Something Unto Nothing. It reminds me of the days of big headphones, putting a song on the turntable and being taken to another plane of existence.

SJ: It’s so cool that you say that because that’s exactly what we were trying to achieve. It’s like early Styx or Kansas; or even Genesis – those epic songs that they used to play on the radio. FM radio back in the seventies was so great. Back then, they’d play everything, and it was up to the disk jockey’s what they would play on their own shows. Before radio became a corporate entity designed to sell things other than music.

When did you realize that you wanted to become a singer?

When I was young, my parents only listened to classical music. Then one day, my brother and I discovered that if you changed the dial on the radio, a different sound would come out. [laughs] That’s when I first started to hear pop/rock music. In fact, the very first song I ever heard was “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” by The Band. That changed my life. I remember my Mom came home from grocery shopping and I went running up to her and said “MOM! I know what I want to do. I want to be a singer!”

When I was 14, I started singing in Westmount Park, Montreal, with my friends. We’d just sit in the park, play acoustic guitars and sing songs of the day: The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young … that’s how I started. My last two solo records are rootsy like that: ‘Get What You Give’ and ‘From Dusk til Dawn’. I recorded ‘Get What You Give’ in Nashville and there are a lot of amazing players on it. Colin Linden, the great blues/roots guitarist and Audley Freed from ‘Cry of Love’. Richard Bell from the Band (keyboards) and Bob Babbit (bass) from The Funk Brothers both played on it as well. That was one of the last recordings that Bob and Richard played on, as both of them are no longer with us, unfortunately. They were two of the greats, and I am honored to have had the chance to work with them.

Are there any other projects you’re currently working on?

SJ: I’m an honorary Colonel in the Canadian Forces. My squadron is up at 4 Wing in Cold Lake, Alberta, 417 Combat Support Squadron. We’re working on a TV show about my experiences with them, but the show is mostly about the men and women who serve, and what fascinating and incredible people they are – it’s a chance to get to know them, and maybe get a feel for their lives and lifestyle.

How did you get involved with them?

I was doing a Canadian Northern Entertainment Show Tour (similar to a USO Tour) and we were up at the North Pole, CF Alert, on Ellesmere Island, Nunavut. While we were there, it was 24-hour darkness. The sun never came up. I ran into the station warrant officer, MWO Rob Dumelie, and he said to me, “My squadron in Cold Lake, Alberta would like to have someone like you as our Honorary Colonel. Would you ever consider it?” And I said, “Absolutely!”

What duties does your job entail?

I’m a liaison (or public face) for my squadron and get to go out into the world and talk about them. I’m also a big part of morale and get to hang out with the families. It’s truly an amazing honor, because these men and women are performing such a huge service for us. It’s good to acknowledge them and let them know that people care.

One of my favorite Sass songs is “Make You A Believer”.  How did that song come to be?

Rick Neigher and I were at his writing studio in Hollywood, and I wanted to write a song that sounded like the Faces mixed with a southern rock kind of vibe. So he just started playing that chord progression and I just started singing… “I’ve been sitting here all night, tryin’ to make this thing work out right…” and it just flowed from there. At that moment, we pretty much knew we had something!

What are you most looking forward to with S.U.N and this new music?

We really want to tour and we know that we have to build this person by person. The good thing is, when people see the band they love it. This type of music and attitude seems to be something that people are really hungry for, if all the comments and reviews we’ve been getting are any indication. We aren’t neophytes – we’re veterans – we’ve been working our whole lives to be this good at what we do, and we are the real deal. We don’t use auto tune, we don’t use click tracks we don’t use any studio trickery. What you hear on the record is what you get live. This music is genuine and it comes from our hearts and souls. And if we can provide what’s missing in that little niche gap, that’s the greatest thing on Earth!

For more on S.U.N. (Something Unto Nothing), visit their Official Website and Facebook

Article first published as Nothing Like The S.U.N: Sass Jordan Discusses New Album on Technorati.

Movie Reviews, Movies and TV

Movie Review: ‘Silent Night’ Brings Horror Home For The Holidays

SilentNightYou better watch out! Santa Claus is coming to town, and he knows who’s been bad!

One of the tag lines for the new horror/thriller “Silent Night” is a bit foretelling as to the carnage about to be unleashed on the small town of Cryer, WI.

Directed by Steven C. Miller (The Aggression Scale), ‘Silent Night‘ is a loosely based remake of the cult horror classic ‘Silent Night, Deadly Night’, a controversial 1984 film that fell victim to mass protests due to the fact that the serial killer dressed up like Santa Claus. In a world where real-life death and destruction is shown round the clock on every news network, it’s almost laughable how a fictional horror film could have caused such a stir.

In ‘Silent Night’ veteran actor Malcolm McDowell (Rob Zombie’s Halloween) and the beautiful Jaime King (Mother’s Day) star as a small-town sheriff and deputy on the hunt for a murderous Santa Claus taking out people who are doing wrong on Christmas Eve. The film also stars Donal Logue (Shark Night 3D, Blade), Lisa Marie (Sleepy Hollow), Brendan Fehr (Final Destination), Ellen Wong (Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World) and Cortney Palm (Sushi Girl).

McDowell is somewhat ornery in his role as Sheriff Cooper, but appears to have the town’s best intentions at heart. And King, who was amazing in her role of Beth Sohapi in the ‘Mother’s Day’ reboot, is equally as good here as emotionally troubled Officer Aubrey Bradimore.

‘Silent Night’ contains all of the essential ingredients that were paramount in 80’s horror films: Strong characters, a sense of not knowing what’s coming next, the gratuitous nudity/sexuality and of course, the recreational drug use. (Naughty! Naughty!)

And whereas the original ‘Silent Night / Deadly Night’ fell victim to picketing for using a serial killer dressed like the guy in the big red suit, ‘Silent Night’, does its own little bit of envelope pushing by utilizing something else normally considered taboo in serial killer horror: the death of a child (albeit a bratty, potty-mouthed one).

Miller though, isn’t worried about any backlash that may result from the scene.”People may be concerned about it, but it actually sets the tone of the movie”, he says. “Once you see it, you realize that at this point all bets are off and anything can happen!”

Aside from some really cool weapons, ‘Silent Night‘ breaks no new ground in terms of what’s already been done in horror but really, who cares? The movie is a fun ride of terror and carnage with perhaps one of the best kill scenes in recent memory involving a topless woman and a wood chipper. Need I say more?

When asked to describe what makes for the perfect horror movie, Miller is quick to respond. “Atmosphere and tone. If you can get the atmosphere right for whatever time and place you’re in, the audience is automatically drawn in.”

It’s hard to argue that point because the film looks and feels like it belongs on a big theatrical screen; with a tone and quality that rivals many of the classic 80’s slasher films. The real strength of ‘Silent Night’ lies in its use of cinematography and credit should be given to both Miller and cinematographer Joseph White for taking a small budget film and making it appear larger than life.

The best horror balances the suspense with the scares and mixes in a little bit of humor to release the tension and in both cases, ‘Silent Night’ succeeds. Horror fans who’ve been longing for something other than the typical “found-footage” style format of recent films may want to consider asking Santa for ‘Silent Night’ in their stocking this holiday season. It sure beats a visit from the big guy in person carrying a flame thrower.

Or as Miller himself is quick to point out, “We need these kinds of holiday slasher movies. There aren’t enough of them.”

Article first published as Movie Review: ‘Silent Night’ Brings Horror Home for the Holidays on Technorati.

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World Interview: Bassist Nathan East Discusses New Album and Days With Eric Clapton

With more than twenty years together and a dozen records under their belts, Nathan East and the members of Fourplay show no signs of slowing down.

The quartet’s latest release, ‘Esprit De Four’ continues the trend of exceptional musicianship and songwriting prowess that’s become a staple of the smooth jazz super group. With amazing groves and melodies from songs like ‘Firefly’, ‘All I Wanna Do’ and the beautiful track, ‘Put Our Hearts Together’; a song written as a tribute for the people of Japan following the devastating Tsunami. Alongside Chuck Loeb (guitar), Bob James (keyboards) and Harvey Mason (drums), East shows why he’s one of the most in demand bassists in music today.

East is also no stranger to music royalty. He’s performed alongside Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Barry White, and Kenny Loggins among many others. He was part of the “Bad” sessions with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, played for presidents and the Pope, performed at Live Aid, toured all over the world dozens of times and even co-wrote the #1 song “Easy Lover” with Phillip Bailey and Phil Collins. Not bad for a guy who started out playing cello in the orchestra.

I had the pleasure of speaking with East about ‘Esprit De Four’ as well as his early years and tenure with Slowhand. We also discuss an encounter with the divine and more in this exclusive interview. His life and journey in music is a story worth telling.

You can read my complete Guitar World interview with Nathan East by Clicking Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World Interview Rising of the S.U.N. – Brian Tichy Discusses New Project With Sass Jordan

Brian Tichy has built an impressive resume of recording, touring and/or writing with artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Whitesnake, Foreigner, Lynch Mob and T&N. Known for his phenomenal drumming, Tichy now showcases his equally versatile guitar prowess in S.U.N (Something Unto Nothing), his new project with amazing vocalist, Sass Jordan. S.U.N.’s debut album is reminiscent of the classic big album sounds of the 1970′s. Raw, real music from the days when records were played on a turntable and cranked up to ten.

Proving the old addage that birds of a feather flock together, Tichy and the band were recently joined onstage by guitar god Jake E. Lee for a rendition of the Led Zeppelin classic, ‘Rock and Roll’.  How apropos.

I spoke with Tichy and got the inside scoop on the new S.U.N album and tour plans as well as his dual role as drummer and guitarist.

You can read the rest of my Guitar World interview with Brian Tichy by clicking here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World Interview: Chuck Loeb Discusses New Fourplay Album and The Allure of Smooth Jazz

Chuck Loeb is more than just a guitarist, he’s the consummate musician. In a career that spans four decades, he’s proven himself to be a versatile composer, arranger and producer in a wide range of musical styles. In 2010, Loeb joined the smooth jazz super-group, Fourplay where he joined other musical giants Nathan East (bass), Bob James (keyboards) and Harvey Mason (drums). Fourplay’s latest release, ‘Esprit De Four’ continues the trend of beautiful arrangements and tasty guitar licks that has made the smooth jazz super group world renowned.

I spoke with Loeb about the new album and his creative process as well as what he thinks makes smooth jazz so appealing. He also gives advice on the best way to approach the instrument when it comes to improvisation.
You can read the rest of my Guitar World interview with Chuck Loeb by Clicking Here!