Rainbow Live Re-Issue A Welcome Return For A New Generation Of Audiences

Posted on May 10, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision

Long live Eagle Rock Entertainment. That’s what fans of classic rock group Rainbow will be saying after experiencing the band’s newly re-issued recording, Live in Munich 1977. This classic concert was originally released to DVD in 2006. Now seven years later, it’s available once again for a whole new generation of purist rock and roll fans to enjoy. And it goes without saying that this is quite the performance. It is available now on DVD, 2CD, digital audio and digital video, and even vinyl for older audiences with a certain sense of nostalgia.

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Records

The classic lineup of Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Ronnie James Dio (Black Sabbath, Dio), Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Dio, Uriah Heep) and Cozy Powell (The Jeff Beck Group, Whitesnake, ELP, Black Sabbath, etc.) came together for what is one of the single most epic concerts of this band’s career. It’s also the only full live show ever filmed that featured this lineup. And what a show it was. It is yet more evidence of everything that once was right with rock and roll. This is not just some rock and roll concert. Rainbow Live in Munich 1977 is a rock and roll experience. The show’s shortest song is four minutes and forty-two seconds long. The longest comes in at a whopping twenty-seven minutes and thirty-three seconds. So it is not for those with short attention spans. The songs in between are hardly short, either. And that is perfectly fine. The audio (CD/Digital audio) portion makes for great driving music for classic rock fans, especially with the weather having turned warm. The video portion (DVD/Digital video) is just as enjoyable to pop into one’s DVD/Blu-ray player. Those with home theater systems will especially appreciate the surround sound experience of this show.

Speaking of the overall concert experience one would be remiss to ignore the overall performance presented by Rainbow in this recorded concert. Both Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio showed why they were and are two of the most respected individuals in the music community to this day. RJD no longer being with us, this concert serves as a testament to his vocal abilities, even though his vocals are somewhat overpowered by the rest of the band at times. When he cuts through though, RJD really cuts through and shows why he remains one of the best singers in the rock business today. Blackmore’s chops on the guitar are second to none throughout the show. This is especially the case on the anthem, ‘Love Live Rock ‘n’ Roll.’ He and the rest of the band put on a virtual clinic with this song that was brand new at that point. It’s such a simple song. Yet somehow, Blackmore with his solos and Cozy Powell with his solid time keeping make this one of the show’s highest of highs. On a side note, seeing Cozy Powell playing with the traditional grip is just as incredible. When one thinks of drummers using the traditional grip, the most common association made is with jazz, not so much rock music. There are those that did and do today. But their numbers are few. So for the drumming community, this, along with Powell’s solid time keeping makes the performance even more enjoyable. It’s just one of so many examples that could be pulled from the show that make it such a joy to experience whether one is hearing Rainbow for the first time or fiftieth.

Rainbow showed that it could really bring down the house with a number such as ‘Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll.’ It also showed its versatility on the equally bluesy ‘Man on the Silver Mountain.’ This sixteen-minute plus opus had its own slower jam session moment that is just as incredible as anything that any of today’s blues musicians could churn out. It’s also one of the moments when RJD really got the opportunity to showcase his powerhouse vocals. And did he ever? His vocals soar on this performance. And even after this song ended Dio showed again why he was and is one of rock’s best front men. Here was this larger than life figure. Yet on stage, he seemed so down to Earth and so humble. Seeing the rapport that he had with the audience in comparison to the myth surrounding him is so eye opening and refreshing. He shows that he was a rock star’s rock star. He showed he didn’t have an ego and that he appreciated having the chance to do what he did; even more proof of the importance of RJD as an artist. And the band fed off of that energy, too, making this whole concert such a joy to look back on.

The concert contained on the DVD and double-disc CD are both wonderful additions to the home library of any classic rock fan or any fan of pure, guitar driven rock music. This latest re-issue boasts more than just a concert though. Adding to the overall enjoyment of the performance are bonus interviews with Bob Daisley and Colin Hart, as well as an interesting recording of the band performing in Texas the year prior. The interviews with Daisley and Hart are entertaining to say the least. During his interview, Daisley tells an anecdote about going driving with one of the other band members. This little story is sure to make for some laughs. He also tells his side of how the band came to be and much more. What else is discussed, audiences will have to find out for themselves when they pick up the DVD. Hart’s interview is just as entertaining, and at other times candid. This is especially the case when he is asked to share his thoughts on drummer Cozy Powell. It’s obvious in hearing him talk that this was a difficult topic to touch on. Fans will take away a lot from this and Hart’s other thoughts on fellow band member Ronnie James Dio, as well as his thoughts on the band’s success and other topics.

If the bonus interviews aren’t enough for fans, then maybe the bonus promo videos and the included booklet in the DVD package will impress audiences, too. The booklet included in the DVD outlines the history of Rainbow from its formation to the replacement of Dio, Daisley, and Stone. It’s just one more extra piece that fills this small package with so much to appreciate. The bonus videos included in this recording are actual full performances of the songs ‘Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll’, ‘Gates of Babylon’, and ‘L.A. Connection.’ They aren’t just little snippets of the songs. If all of this set alongside an already impressive full live performance isn’t enough for fans, then fans that don’t appreciate everything included here either don’t have a pulse or aren’t real fans to begin with. Keeping this in mind, this latest re-issue is one more incredibly jam packed live release that is more than worth every watch. It is available now in stores and online and can be ordered direct online from the Eagle Rock Entertainment website at http://www.eagle-rock.com/product/EV306049/Live+in+Munich.

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Real Rock Fans Will “Dig” H&E’s Dig

Posted on May 6, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Quarto Valley Records

The latest release from the British blues/rock band, Heaven & Earth, is one of the year’s best rock albums, and potentially one of the year’s best overall albums. From the album’s artwork to its songs, so much was done right with this album. Bassist Chuck Wright notes in the album’s bonus DVD about the album’s cover art that it is meant to represent the “unearthing” of rock and roll. He states that “it [rock and roll] has been buried away for far too long.” And if that’s the case, then this album has done quite the job of “digging up” rock and roll. As producer Dave Jenkins states, this album was an attempt to capture the vibe of a live show on record. He and the band did just that from start to finish.

The album opens fittingly with the anthemic ‘Victorious.’ The opening Middle Eastern influenced strains lead in to front man Joe Retta’s powerhouse vocals. He sings, “There’ll be a champion/Standing tall for all to see/On their way to be victorious/All for glory.” Taking into account Jenkins’ statement about crafting an album that sounds like a live performance in studio, it becomes so easy to see Retta standing both before the mic and in front of thousands singing this line, fist raised along with those of thousands in attendance at a major arena as they sing in unison. Even more interesting to note about this song (and others throughout the album) is that if one were listening to this record without knowing it was Retta and company, one would swear one was listening to either Chickenfoot or to its singer, Sammy Hagar. Retta’s vocals are so close in style to Hagar’s that the difference is nearly incomparable.

Joe Retta isn’t the only one that gets the chance to shine on H&E’s new record. While he might front this veteran band, his band mates—Stuart Smith (guitars), Chuck Wright (Bass), Richie Onori (drums), and Arlan Schierbaum (keyboards)—also get their chance to showcase their talents, too. Case in point, the album’s second track and lead single, ‘No Money No Love.’ Stuart Smith’s chops are right up there with guest musician Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) in his solos. And drummer Richie Onori keeps the band moving with a straight forward with solid time keeping that is just enough to impress any drummer of any level. Add the keyboards of Arlan Schierbaum and audiences will hear just why this was chosen to lead off this album. The band has also released a video for the album that can be viewed via YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WB1iW0thik.

Audiences get even more of that full on energy in the song, ‘Man & Machine.’ Again, one has to refer to [Dave] Jenkins’ mention of making a record that sounds like it’s a live experience here. Everything that could go right with this song went right. From its choruses to the pure musicianship of each band member, this is just one more of this record’s highest of points. And it isn’t the last, either. Fans will also enjoy the slower, bluesy vibe of ‘House of Blues’, the driving guitars and drums of ‘Back in Anger’, and ‘Rock and Roll Does’ as well as the record’s softer, slower moments. Fans will especially enjoy ‘Rock and Roll Does.’ It would be a surprise if the band doesn’t use this as a show closer at its live shows in support of this record. All assembled together, this record is a welcome change of pace from the constant drone of so much mainstream rock and the down tuned crunching guitars and cookie monster growls of less mainstream sounds.

Speaking of live shows, no live shows have been announced as of yet. However, fans can get all the latest tour news and more from the band online at the band’s official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/officialheavenandearth and its official website, http://heavenandearthband.com/wordpress. Dig is available now in stores and online. It can be ordered online via iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dig/id637141654.

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Draiman, Device Far From Being Disturbed

Posted on April 18, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Warner Brothers Records

David Draiman is one of the most well known vocalists in the rock community today. His animalistic sounding growls and seemingly Maynard James Keenan inspired vocal style make his a voice that is instantly noticeable when listeners hear it. The problem is that just as Keenan’s side project, A Perfect Circle, was instantly compared to Tool because of Keenan’s iconic vocal style, so has Draiman’s new side project, Device, been compared to Disturbed. While the first pair of tracks on Device’s self-titled debut do bear some semblance to material recorded by Disturbed, that similarity begins to fade early on. The album’s third song, ‘Vilify’ has more of a pure rock sound. Right from its opening verse, it impresses just as much lyrically as musically. Draiman sings defiantly as the song opens, “As you vilify/Every single move that I make/And try to bind me/In your insanity/You’ll come to know/That you never had control/from the onset/Go find another lapdog, f***er.” The defiance doesn’t stop here. The verbal assault against those who would run their mouths seemingly just to run their mouths runs nonstop through the song with full on intensity that is sure to get the blood and body flowing.

If there was still any question of comparison to Disturbed even in ‘Vilify’, then those comparisons will be erased even more in the album’s very next song, ‘Close My Eyes Forever.’ Some might cringe at this, but it almost comes across as a ballad style piece, especially with the addition of vocalist Lzzy Hale (Halestorm) give it even more of that sense. And if that’s not proof enough, one need only look at the song’s lyrical content as argument for that comparison. Lyrically speaking, it comes across as a song of lost love. Draiman and Hale sing here, “I know I’ve been so hard to you/I know I’ve told you lies/If I could have just one more wish/I’d wipe the cobwebs from my eyes.” This one song isn’t reason for anyone to worry, as it’s the only time through the course of the album’s ten tracks that the album’s intensity drops off.

The intensity built early on in Device’s self-titled debut picks back up not long after ‘Close My Eyes Forever.’ What’s more, as the intensity rebuilds through the album’s second half so does the separation of Device from Disturbed. It all starts on ‘Out of Line.’ This socio-political piece offers a solid mix of electronics and heavy, foot-stomping, head banging guitar breaks that would make any metal purist proud. And the inclusion of Serj Tankian’s (System of a Down) equally distinct vocal style adds even more musical flavor to this song. One can’t ignore the addition of Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath) on this track, either. The mix of music, star power, and lyrical heaviness makes it just one more of so many tracks from which listeners will be able to choose as a favorite. The intensity and separation from the band members’ primary bands builds even more in ‘Opinion.’ The guest guitar work of Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine) is surprisingly unlike what Morello has recorded with his other side projects. And it definitely helps to maintain this song’s identity from anything even remotely related to Disturbed. It is one of those pieces that has to be heard to fully understand this.

If the guest appearances from Tom Morello, Geezer Butler, and Serj Tankian aren’t enough to convince listeners as to the identity of Device, then perhaps ‘War of Lies’ and the album’s closer, ‘Through It All’ will do the job. The heavy bass and vocals from Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) mixed with Draiman’s vocals make this one of the album’s more surprisingly interesting songs. That’s because of the fact that the song starts off very slow and deliberate. But a little more than halfway through the song, it picks up, and carries the listener up to the song’s final fading moments. Those moments are just subtle enough to allow listeners to catch their breath after the musical rollercoaster on which they have just taken a ride. And having caught their breath, any listener that went into this album thinking it would be just another Disturbed record will have seen that that belief was in fact completely wrong. While it might have started out with some similarity to Disturbed, that similarity is soon erased, and a new band with a sound that bears only the slightest closeness to the prior arises. It definitely turns out to be a record that any fan of Disturbed and any hard rock fan in general will want to check out at least once.

Device is currently touring in support of its self-titled debut. Among some of its more notable scheduled concert dates are performances at the “Welcome to Rockville” Festival on April 28^th in Jacksonville Florida, the Carolina Rebellion Festival in Rockingham, North Carolina on May 4^th, and the famed Rock on the Range Festival in Columbus, Ohio on May 19^th. The band has even more dates that audiences can find out about when they “Like” Device on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Devicetheband. Audiences will also find a link to download the band’s album via iTunes on the Facebook page. That link is http://smarturl.it/deviceitunes for those that may not be able to get to the band’s FB page.

Re-Machined More Than Just A Tribute Record

Posted on March 21, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Records/Eagle Rock Entertainment

Famed British hard rock band Deep Purple is set to drop its new album next month. The album, titled Now What?! will be released in the United State Tuesday, April 30^th. While fans wait for the release of this highly anticipated album, they have another recent release to tide them over in the form of the tribute album, Re-Machined: A Tribute to Deep Purple’s Machine Head. It may be a tribute album, but it is still a great album for both new and long-time fans of Deep Purple.

The new honorary compilation hit stores in late 2012 as part of the 40^th anniversary of the landmark album’s original release. It features all seven tracks from Deep Purple’s original iconic album plus a pair of bonuses. One of those bonuses comes in the form of Metallica’s cover of ‘When A Blind Man Cries.’ As Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich notes in the compilation’s liner notes, “I have a list of songs in my head that Metallica should play before we either break up or die, and Deep Purple’s ‘When A Blind man Cries’ is one of those songs.” The song in question is a bonus in that it actually never made the record. Again, the liner notes shed light on this. The notes, written by Classic Rock Magazine’s Mark Blake note that the song in question was originally a B-side to the song, ‘Never Before’ but has become a fan favorite throughout the years. So it only made sense to have it included on this tribute record. And it’s just one of the pieces that make this album a must not just for any Deep Purple fan but for any hard rocker, period.

‘When A Blind Man Cries’ is just one part of what makes Re-Machined such an impressive album of covers. Going back to Ulrich, he and Metallica constitute just one of the acts brought together to record this album who openly tout Deep Purple as an influence in their own career as musicians. Blake writes of Iron Maiden’s front man Bruce Dickinson (whose band also covers a track on the disc) that he [Dickinson] was also a “serious Purple aficionado.” He quotes Dickinson as saying, “I cut my teeth as a kid on Deep Purple. It’s what I grew up with. It’s what got me out of bed in the mornings.” Now if that isn’t a tribute in itself to the importance of Deep Purple in the music world, it’s anyone’s guess what is. Dickinson and company ended up recording ‘Space Truckin’’ for the record, which is an absolutely outstanding piece both originally and as a cover here. The way that it drives (no pun intended), it will have fans pumping their fists and singing along loud and proud.

If Iron Maiden’s ‘Space Truckin’’ isn’t enough to convince fans of this compilation’s importance, then maybe the album’s opener will. Carlos Santana (yes, that Carlos Santana) joins Papa Roach front man Jacoby Shaddix for a cover of what is arguably the band’s most famous song of all time, ‘Smoke on the Water.’ What’s really interesting about this cover is that while it is a cover, it doesn’t feel or sound like one. Far too often, bands and artists try to take classic songs and update them. That’s not the case here. Shaddix and Santana have taken the classic and made it their own while still paying homage to the original. It makes perfect sense as to why the album would open with this cover in hearing Santana’s guitar chops and the solid vocals of Shaddix. It also serves one more purpose that at a passing glance is missed. But in really thinking about the generational mix presented here, one sees the purer purpose of using it as the compilation’s opener.

On the surface, having a bunch of bands and artists resurrect one of rock’s most important and iconic albums is a great thing. Having the album resurrected by a collection of rock’s greatest names past and present is even greater. What this does is it makes it more than just a tribute album. It makes the album a music history lesson in and of itself. As evidenced in the opening number, young audiences will be pulled in by the inclusion of Papa Roach’s Jacoby Shaddix. Older audiences will be pulled in from both the fact that it’s Deep Purple and that fellow veteran musician Carlos Santana is on the track. Also because of the inclusion of Santana, those same younger audiences will potentially be introduced to the music of not just one great classic act, but two in both Deep Purple and Carlos Santana, thus preserving both acts’ legacies for a whole new generation. The same could be said of the inclusion of Chickenfoot’s live cover of ‘Highway Star’ and Black Label Society’s cover of ‘Pictures of Home.’

It should be clear by everything noted here that Re-Machined is more than just a tribute to a band. It’s a tribute, yes. But it’s also a tribute to everything that was and still is right with rock and roll. It’s a musical love letter to real rock and an excellent way to get a whole new generation of hard rockers and metal heads into what is without a doubt, one of mainstream rock’s greatest bands. The album is available now in stores and online. Audiences can get more information on this album, the band’s upcoming new full length studio release and its tour dates online at http://www.deeppurple2013 and http://www.facebook.com/officialdeeppurple.

To keep up with more from Deep Purple and all the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Eagle Rock Keeps Rolling With Miles Davis Live At Montreux 1991

Posted on March 18, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Eagle Rock Entertainment proved throughout 2012 why it is one of the leaders in live recordings. There was not one bad recording from this company throughout the year. Now with the start of a new year, Eagle Rock has picked right back up where it left off. It started the year in big fashion with the release of Deep Purple Live in Paris 1975. Now only a couple months later, Eagle Rock has released yet another top notch release in the form of Miles Davis Live at Montreux 1991.

Miles Davis’ performance at Montreux in 1991 was not the first visit that the legendary trumpet player had made to the equally legendary music festival. It would though, be his last. Only months after this performance, Davis sadly passed away. Two years ago, Davis’ complete performances were culled for a complete box set also released by Eagle Rock Entertainment. While two years may not seem like that much time, it actually is. It is very easy for just such a box set to go out of print in that time. As a result of that possibility, audiences now get to re-live one of the most iconic of Davis’ performances at Montreux on DVD and Blu-ray. Considering that this concert has already been released as part of a larger box set, one is left to question what makes this single disc performance worth one’s time. The answer is simple. Over two decades have passed since this concert was originally recorded. The footage recorded for that show has stood the test of time quite well. Both the video and audio are outstanding. And the set list chosen for the performance is just as impressive. Together, all three make this a performance that any Miles Davis aficionado will enjoy.

This final performance by Miles Davis at the Montreux Jazz Festival featured not just Miles but also the Gil Evans Orchestra and another legend in his own right, Quincy Jones. The control that the entire group has throughout each song really comes through so expertly thanks to the audio mixing done to give new birth to this performance. And even at twenty-plus years old, the footage looks extraordinary, as if it hadn’t aged a day. That is a tribute to those who worked so painstakingly to transfer the video from VHS to DVD and now Blu-ray. While it may not have been entirely intended, one of the most interesting moments in this performance, speaking of footage, comes as Davis and company perform ‘Blues for Pablo.’ The way that the light trails off of Davis’ trumpet as he plays makes for such an incredible experience. It makes the trumpet look almost as if it’s smoking. And as slow as this song is, it simply makes for an incredible added element to the song. Given, the way the light reflects and moves with Davis and his instrument was not an intended effect. That was just the effect of the video recording equipment at the time. But the mood of the song makes it such a fitting effect. It adds a whole extra level to the song that can’t really be put into words. Of course, it is just one of so many great numbers in this set. Audiences that know Davis’ body of work will also enjoy the equally smooth ‘Summertime.’

‘Summertime’ is more up-tempo in this performance. But it still doesn’t lose its originally bluesy feel. Again this exemplifies the talent and professionalism of Davis, Jones, and the Gil Evans Orchestra. It still stands out as another of the performance’s best numbers. And it’s but one of so many that audiences will enjoy.

As if the numbers in this set list aren’t enough for viewers, audiences are also treated to an extra bonus as the now late founder of the Montreux Jazz Festival, Claude Nobs, and others get their chance to share their memories of Miles and his influence on themselves and the music world as a whole. Audiences will laugh at Nobs’ story of how he and Davis first met and what some of Davis’ first words to Nobs were. Also sharing in the memories are Stanley Clarke, Jean Luc Ponty, and Al Di Meola. For those who might not know, this trio of gentlemen played a big role through the years in bringing Miles Davis’ works to the masses, re-mastering them for the numerous albums that have been re-issued to CD. Their stories are, much like those of Nobs, both entertaining and very deep in so many ways. And they, like the other individuals interviewed for this feature, offer so much incredible insight into who Miles Davis was, and his importance to the world of music as a whole. They are truly a bonus and a worthwhile one to what is just one more piece to this history of one of the music industry’s most important figures. They work with the main performance feature to make this release one that any Miles Davis aficionado will want to add to their own home library. Miles Davis Live at Montreux 1991 is available now in stores and online. It can be ordered online via the Eagle Rock Entertainment website at http://www.eagle-rock.com.

Device Announce New Tour Dates

Posted on March 12, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Warner Brothers Records

Device, the new hard rock act featuring Disturbed front man David Draiman, will hit the road for a new series of U.S. tour dates. The band will kick of a new tour beginning April 10^th in Mobile, Alabama. The band’s tour includes stops at a number of big name Spring festivals. Nonpoint and Gemini Syndrome will be along as supporting acts on select dates.

Device’s upcoming tour is in support of its upcoming self-titled debut album. The album is expected to be released April 9^th, 2013 on Warner Brothers Records. Draiman is the front man of this latest hard rock super group. He is joined by Evanescence drummer Will Hunt and Virus (guitarist of Dope and Rock of Ages). The trio worked with former Filter member Geno Lenardo. The band has already earned some big honors even before its debut album drops. It has earned a Gold God nomination for “Best New Talent” from Revolver magazine. And Artist Direct said of the band’s sound, “Welcome to the 22^nd Century of rock.” The band has already released the first single from its album. That song is titled, ‘Vilify.’ The video for that single is available online now at YouTube. It can be viewed now at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K1q1pw04Bs. The album can be pre-ordered online through iTunes at http://smarturl.it/deviceitunes.

Device features guest appearances from Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave), Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath), Glenn Huges (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Black Country Communion), M. Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold), and Lizzy Hale (Halestorm).

For a full rundown of tour dates and to get all the latest news from Device, go online to http://www.facebook.com/devicetheband and http://twitter.com/devicetheband.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Deep Purple Live Is 2013′s First Great Live Recording

Posted on February 4, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/earMusic

Eagle Rock Entertainment has picked up 2013 where it left off 2013. It starts off the New Year as the continuing leader in live recordings. The label has started off the year with another live release from the one and only Deep Purple. Audiences will remember that the label released Deep Purple’s 1999 concert from Australia last year. This time, audiences are taken even farther back in time with a recording of the band’s 1975 performance in Paris.

Everybody knows that Paris is known as the “City of Love.” But when Deep Purple came through in 1975, it became the “City of Rock and Roll.” This landmark concert recorded April 17^th, 1975 at the Palais de Sports in Paris would be the last time that the band’s guitarist Ritchie Blackmore would perform live with the band before leaving to form Rainbow. The entire show starts off with a blazing performance of the band’s classic ‘Burn.’ Singer David Blackmore’s vocals were above par here and throughout the entire set. And the rest of the band barely lets up either as the band launches into the set’s second song, ‘Stormbringer.’ This hard rocker is one more example of everything that was once great with rock and roll. And now that Eagle Rock Entertainment and earMusic have unearthed it and the other songs that comprise this classic concert, a whole new generation of audiences can learn what true great rock and roll is all about especially in live form.

The enjoyment doesn’t end with ‘Stormbringer.’ The guitar solos and the impromptu jam session of ‘The Gypsy’ is another great moment from this classic live recording. It’s one more example of everything that was once right with rock and roll. The jam session that the band breaks into here is one of those moments in which audiences can simply close their eyes and really experience the song as if they are really there. The band continues to impress after the incredible experience of ‘The Gypsy’ with the harder edged style of ‘Lady Double Dealer.’ Again [Ritchie] Blackmore shines here. One can only wonder in listening to this song (and the recording’s other pieces) what it would have sounded like had Blackmore ever teamed up with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. Blackmore shows here and throughout the recording that he’s as good as Page if not better. One can’t deny drummer Ian Paice’s expert timekeeping throughout this song and the rest of the record, either. Considering that, one can’t help but wonder what a side by side bill with both Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin at that time would have been like. It never hurts to dream, right?

So much more could be said of this landmark performance. But that would take too much time and too much space. It goes without saying that this entire concert experience will take DP’s more experienced audiences back to a better time. And for those who might be new to the music of Deep Purple, this makes for an equally impressive first impression. It serves as an excellent intro to the band’s history and everything that made (and makes) it great. The music makes for a great live experience from beginning to end. But the music would have been nothing without the concert’s expert audio mix. In considering that this concert recording is nearly four decades old, the fact that recording equipment in 1975 could so expertly capture the recording is amazing in itself. That the recording has stood the test of time for so many decades and re-mastered to sound just like a listener was there today makes this recording that much more impressive. To make the recording even more impressive, Eagle Rock and earMusic have also included an interview David Coverdale, Ian Paice and Glenn Hughes with this new release. The twenty-minute plus interview has the band members discussing how the band originally met and formed, the genesis of its songs and much more. This is an original interview with the band members from. It is not something new. Bonus feature or not, it makes the record that much more worth the money. This along with the equally impressive set list and audio mix makes this new live release the first great live release of 2013. It is available now in stores and online. It can be ordered online at http://www.eagle-rock.com.

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it or its companion page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reel-Reviews/381028148587141. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Lord’s “Concerto” Is A Modern Musical Work Of Art

Posted on October 8, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: Thompson Music/Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Records

Jon Lord’s Concerto for Group and Orchestra is a modern musical work of art. One part classical and one part rock concert, this opus proves more than ever that music truly is the universal language. It’s a modern classical work that could so easily put modern masters the likes of Hans Zimmer and John Williams to shame. The way that the musicians so perfectly complement each other throughout each movement makes it sound just as much a movie soundtrack as a general modern classical opus.

The style and dynamic contrasts of this three movement piece will pull in audiences from both sides of the fence. And the addition of a top notch group of musicians on both ends to bring it all to life makes it that much more of a joy to hear. Steve Morse, Joe Bonamassa, and Darin Vasilev all join in on guitars, with Vasilev heading things in the first movement. Bonamassa comes in on movement two, while Morse finishes things off in movement three. Brett Morgan and Guy Pratt add their own touch to the work’s rock based sections. On the other side, the control of the orchestra (especially the strings) throughout what would seem to be the “B” section of the first movement. That section repeats later near the end of the movement, too. Classical fans will also recognize what is a reference to Gusatv Holst’s The Planets. As noted in the liner notes, there is a reference in the first movement to “Jupiter.” But it’s a bit of a surprise that there’s no mention that the final moments are equally similar to the final moments of “Mars.”

The immediate contrast of the brashness from the first movement into the second movement adds so much more emotion to the overall piece. It’s a total mood change. The way that it the second movement changes moods so much from one section to the next makes for even more discussion and enjoyment.

The intensity from the concerto’s first movement returns in its third movement full force, with the orchestra’s percussion and low brass holding court first. The woodwinds come in next, followed by the strings, and then even Hammond organ. It all comes together for what is without a doubt the entire concerto’s finest moment. While the entire movement is nearly eleven minutes long, it’s nearly eleven minutes well spent as even rockers who have never been fully introduced into the world of classical music will find themselves listening intently to the musicianship of this group, along with the rock elements. When it’s all said and done, it will leave audiences soundly appeased yet wanting more. That is the sign of a good recording.

Concerto for Group and Orchestra offers so much for both fans of classical and rock. One can only hope that it will serve its purpose and bring both sides together, perhaps making for new fans of the other side all the way around. This is a standout album, all the way around. It is available now in stores and online. It can be ordered direct via Eagle Rock Entertainment’s website, http://www.eagle-rock.com.

Every Rocker And Metal Head Should Care About Who Cares

Posted on September 14, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Armoury Records/E-A-R Music

Who Cares, the new collaboration between Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi and Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan is a must for any Black Sabbath or Deep Purple fan. This double disc album is front loaded with great music that will have any rocker hanging their horns high with pride from start to finish. Add in that at its base, it’s a fundraising record to help rebuild a music school in Armenia, and it becomes that much more appealing. It’s proof yet again of the power of music. Iommi and Gillan wanted to record this record to help spread music through the world. To say that that is commendable would be an understatement.

The finished product of Who Cares is a top notch record for any rocker and metal head. It opens with the hard rocking and deeply emotional ‘Out OF My Mind. This song fittingly opens the album, as it discusses the tragic earthquake of June, 1990 that destroyed he music school for which this album is being sold to raise funds. What’s really interesting about this song is its genesis and growth. Ian Gillan explains in the liner notes of how it started out as a rant against the No Smoking signs on airplanes, and soon thereafter become about the destruction in Armenia. That’s quite a leap in subject matter. And it does quite the job catching what people must have felt in the earthquake’s aftermath.

Of course the collected recordings included in this compilation do get a little lighter in their lyrical content. There’s a song about an incident with a car that turned out to belong to Bill Ward in ‘Trashed’, even an outstandingly amazing live performance of Deep Purple’s famed ‘Smoke On The Water’ with the London Symphony Orchestra, just to name a couple. Gillan pays tribute to the late metal legend Ronnie James Dio when he writes of this performance. He notes that he and Dio actually shared vocal duties on this rare performance. There’s even more back story to this song. But to find out what Gillan had to say about it, fans will have to pick up this compilation for themselves. There are even more stories included in the set’s liner notes about each song, making for yet another bonus to checking out this set. Who Cares is available now in stores and online and can be ordered online via Eagle Rock Entertainment’s website, http://www.eagle-rock.com.

Horisont’s sophomore album a shoe in for one of 2012′s best rock records

Posted on June 29, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: Rise Above Records/Metal Blade Records

The members of Swedish based rock band Horisont could not have chosen a better name for their band. For those who don’t know, Horisont is Swedish for horizon. So what does that have to do with anything? Everything. For every band and act that wants to hit it big, fame is just over the horizon. It’s in the distance. But for Horisont, the band has reached the horizon (horisont) line and crossed over to major fame in the rock community.

The band’s new album, “Second Assault” is arguably one of the year’s best rock records. There are lots of acts that try to emulate the old school rock/metal sound. But what Horisont does is more than just emulate that classic rock sound. Horisont sounds like it came direct from rock’s golden era. The album itself makes the band’s name fitting, as it starts off very quiet as if the band is off on the horizon before launching into ‘Time Warrior.’ This is one that fans of Deep Purple will love. The band gives listeners just enough time to catch their breaths at the end of ‘Time Warrior’ before going headfirst right back into things with ‘Road to Cairo.’ The softest that the band gets on “Second Assault” is on the seemingly Pink Floyd-esque, ‘Crusaders of Death.’

‘On The Run’ is yet another perfectly fitting piece to this band’s musical puzzle. It’s a straight forward, hard driving piece that will get any true rocker moving. The band’s dual guitar attack, mixed with the Rob Halford/Ozzy style vocals of frontman Axel make this one of the album’s highest of points. And who would ever have imagined Fleetwood Mac being mentioned in the same thought as Ozzy and Rob Halford. But it’s true. ‘Watch Them Die’ shows a pretty obvious Fleetwood Mac influence throughout. And the guitar solos in this piece will even conjure thoughts of Jimi Hendrix, with their styling.

The title track from “Second Assault” kicks off the second half of the album just as strongly as ‘Time Warrior’ kicked off the first half. There’s no denying the Judas Priest influence on on this one, from the vocals to the music as a whole. Axel even gets the high notes with an ease that would make Rob Halford proud. He doesn’t lose his vocal footing even once anywhere in the song. The band barely lets off from there as it segues into ‘Spirit.’ The bluesy/rock fuzz feel of ‘Spirit’ brings to mind so many different influences.

‘Hard Bargain’ especially is an impressive track. It boasts a touch of Jimi Hendrix on the guitars mixed in with the thundering John Bonham-esque drumming from Magnus. Add it together, and audiences get yet another great musical experience. Once the band pounds through ‘Hard Bargain’, there’s jsut one more song on the album. That song is the hard rocking, guitar driven, ‘Thunderflight.’ It’s just as relentless as the rest of the pieces on “Second Assault.” Once it’s all said and done, and ‘Thunderflight’ ends, audiences are left breathless. But it’s a good breathless. From start to finish, this record leaves real rock fans feeling like they haven’t just listened to another album. Rather, it leaves them feeling like they actually just experienced something special. It leaves them wanting more, in a good way, like a really good book. They don’t want it to end, even though they know it has to. And thankfully, just like a book, audiences can listen to it again and again and relive that experience each and every time.

Rise Above Records made a great choice signing Horisont. “Second Assault” is proof of that. Of the ten total songs on the album, there is not one bad song. All combined, ”Second Assault” makes for an album that stands on its own two feet among the masses of bands whose albums try to emulate perhaps one classic rock band or another. Horisont has taken the road less traveled, instead, making its own path. Because of that, the band has put itself in place to be a candidate for the best rock record of 2012.

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