Up-And-Coming Guitarist To Tour With Malmstein

Posted on April 22, 2013 by philspicks

Rising guitar star Ethan Brosh will hit the road this spring and summer with veteran guitarist and virtuoso musician Yngwie Malmstein. The tour, which is in support of his upcoming sophomore full length studio release, will span twenty-five cities across the U.S. and Canada. Brosh’s upcoming album is titled Live The Dream. Bassist Dave Ellefson joins Brosh on this new release. Ellefson isn’t the only huge name to have a hand on Bosh’s latest record. Max Norman (Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth) mixed the record, and Bob Ludwig (Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Iron Maiden) mastered it. Joe Petagno (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd) crafted the album’s artwork.

Brosh’s debut album, 2009’s Out of Oblivion featured its own roster of who’s who in rock. Mike Mangini (Dream Theater, Extreme, Steve Vai) covered the drums for the record. Mangini was just one of the big name musicians to make a guest appearance on Out of Oblivion. He was joined by George Lynch (Dokken) and Greg Howe (Michael Jackson). Derek Riggs (Iron Maiden) created the artwork for the album, while Chris Tsangarides (Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne) ran the boards.

Brosh has obviously made quite the name for himself as a solo artist. And while he has done so, he doesn’t rest on his laurels as he also performs with another group called Burning Heart. Burning heart will join the Yngwie tour on its second leg. The tour will mark the first ever national tour for the band.

A current list of tour dates is available below. And for the latest tour updates and all the latest news from Ethan Brosh, fans go “Like” him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ethan-Brosh/88968151778. Fans can also get the latest from Ethan Brosh online at http://www.ethanbrosh.com, http://www.myspace.com/ethanbrosh, and http://twitter.com/ethanbrosh. Audiences can also check out Ethan’s music via YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/ethanbrosh.

04/24/13        CLEVELAND, OH           HOUSE OF BLUES
04/25/13        DETROIT, MI                             ST. ANDREW’S HALL
04/26/13        TORONTO, ON                     PHOENIX THEATRE
04/27/13        HARTFORD, CT                    THE WEBSTER THEATER
04/28/13        MUNHALL, PA                     CARNEGIE LIBRARY MUSIC HALL OF HOMESTEAD
04/29/13        BOSTON, MA                      THE WILBUR THEATRE
04/30/13        NEW YORK, NY                    IRVING PLAZA
05/03/13        MEMPHIS, TN                     TOM LEE PARK – BEALE STREET MUSIC FESTIVAL
05/04/13        CHICAGO, IL                     HOUSE OF BLUES
05/05/13        ST. CHARLES, IL                 THE ARCADA THEATRE
05/07/13        DENVER, CO                      THE SUMMIT MUSIC HALL
05/09/13        ANAHEIM, CA                     HOUSE OF BLUES
05/10/13        W. HOLLYWOOD, CA                HOUSE OF BLUES
05/11/13        FRESNO, CA                      TOWER THEATRE
05/12/13        VENTURA, CA                     MAJESTIC VENTURA THEATER
05/13/13        SAN FRANCISCO, CA       THE REGENCY BALLROOM
05/14/13        SAN DIEGO, CA                   HOUSE OF BLUES
05/16/13        DALLAS, TX                              GRANADA THEATER
05/17/13        SAN ANTONIO, TX         BACKSTAGE LIVE – OUTDOORS
05/18/13        HOUSTON, TX                     OUTDOORS HOUSTON GUITAR FESTIVAL
5/21/13         SAUGET, IL                              POPS
5/23/13         NEW ORLEANS, LA         HOUSE OF BLUES
5/24/13         ORLANDO, FL                     PLAZA THEATRE
5/25/13         MIAMI, FL                               GRAND CENTRAL
5/26/13         TAMPA, FL                               ORPHEUM THEATRE

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.

Bonamassa Still On A Roll With His Latest Live Release

Posted on March 26, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: J&R Adventures

Joe Bonamassa has been on quite the roll as of late. After having released what was one of 2012’s Top 10 Live Recordings last year, Bonamassa has picked up 2013 exactly where he left 2012; with one of this year’s top live recordings. That recording is An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House.

An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House has been released both on Blu-ray and DVD as well as double CD set. That audiences have been offered so many options alone makes this new recording one of 2013’s best. The audio companion to the Blu-ray and DVD portion is nice to have. Though, the Blu-ray and DVD offer audiences the best experience. The video and audio are both top notch, especially on the Blu-ray. That is especially the case for those with a home surround sound theater system. Collected here in this performance are stripped down versions of songs from Bonamassa’s previously released albums. Long time fans will recognize: ‘The Ballad of John Henry’, ‘Jelly Roll’, ‘Seagull’, ‘Dust Bowl’, ‘Sloe Gin’, and the title track from his most recent album, ‘Driving Toward The Daylight’ just to name a handful. They are just part of the enjoyment that audiences get from this latest live release from one of the music industry’s current top guitarists.

The songs performed in this set are enjoyable in and of themselves. But it’s not just the songs that are enjoyable. The concert’s setting adds to the enjoyment factor. It’s a basic, stripped down set with J.B. sitting calmly out front, singing and playing his instrument, and his band mates backing him. There are no special effects, no pyrotechnics, and no special lighting rigs. It’s just a group of musicians, their instruments, and the audience. It’s music as it should be experienced. Watching J.B. with nothing but his shades and his guitar, sweating as he played the blues echoed hints of legends the likes of Robert Johnson and Mississippi John Hurt. It is simply put a pure, raw experience. And thanks to those behind the cameras, the experience is that much more incredible.

Thanks to producer Kevin Shirley, director Philippe Klose, and all others involved, the recorded performance has made for one of 2013’s Top 10 Live Recordings. Both the video and audio presented in the Blu-ray disc are crystal clear. The performance here is presented in widescreen, adding yet another touch to the overall product. That the performance was recorded at the Vienna Opera House makes it even more special. The juxtaposition of this modern artist performing a mix of modern and classic blues pieces in one of Vienna’s most famed structures puts the whole thing over the top. Now, had the CD, DVD and Blu-ray been released in one large box as an option, it might have made its way to the very top of the year’s Top 10 Live Recordings list. Regardless, considering all of what has been noted, it still remains one of this year’s top Live Recordings. It is both an excellent introduction to Joe Bonamassa’s music for new audiences, and a must have for long time fans. It is available now in stores and online and can be ordered direct from the official Joe Bonamassa website at http://jbstore.jbonamassa.com/blu-ray/an-acoustic-evening-at-the-vienna-opera-house-blu-ray/.

For those itching to see Joe live, he is currently touring in support of this new live release. He is currently finishing up a string of U.K. dates and will be returning to the U.S. on April 12^th at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, Washington. Fans in North Carolina will possibly get the chance to see him later this year as he is scheduled to perform at the Crown Theatre in Fayetteville, North Carolina on November 10^th. That performance will be followed up by a performance at the Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 12^th. For a full listing of tour dates and all the latest news, go online to the official Joe Bonamassa website, http://www.jbonamassa.com or his official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/JoeBonamassa.

To keep up with 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.

Dream Theater Launches New Translated Websites, Preps New Live Release

Posted on March 11, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: MSO PR

Internationally renowned progressive rock band Dream Theater has launched brand new translated websites for its fans in four more countries. The band has launched translated websites for fans in Argentina, Israel, Italy, and Venezuela. Fans in each nation are the first of likely many more nations in bringing fans closer to the band by translating its news page into their own language. The push for broadening the fans’ inclusion started during the band’s tour in South America. Guitarist John Petrucci notes that many of the fans across the continent voiced the need for websites translated into their own language. “Our efforts to further unite our online international community have only just begun,” he said. “We are very fortunate to have so much incredible support and devotion from fans in many different countries around the world, and we hope that more and more fan communities will participate in this ongoing endeavor. We look forward to hearing from fans interested in having the news page translated for their countries.” Jordan Rudess (keyboards) added to Petrucci’s sentiment noting, “We are excited to be working with these first four fan sites, and can’t wait for others from around the world to reach out to us on Facebook.”

Anyone that is interested in working with Dream Theater to have the band’s news page translated for their country can contact the band online at http://www.facebook.com/dreamtheaterofficial. The band’s new translated news pages are just part of the band’s busy schedule. Dream Theater’s new live release, Live at Luna Park is set to be released May 2013. It will be released on a double-disc DVD set, Blu-ray, Digital Video, 2DVD/3CD set, Blu-ray/3CD set, and deluxe 2DVD/Blu-ray/3CD set. Fans can check out the trailer for the upcoming live release online now at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NndiL9seZSI.

Live at Luna Park was recorded over the course of two nights from the band’s South American tour. Petrucci shared his thoughts on the upcoming release, exclaiming how excited he and the others in the band are about this live recording. “This is without a doubt the closest a viewer at home will come to experiencing a live Dream Theater concert,” he said. “Between the hi-def and 3D video, the huge audio mix and the documentary style behind the scenes footage, you are truly transported to the arena and completely immersed in the entire live experience.”

To keep up with the latest news and more from Dream Theater, fans can go online to http://www.dreamtheater.net, http://www.facebook.com/dreamtheaterofficial, and http://twitter.com/dreamtheaternet.

Friedman Proves Again To Be One Of Rock’s Elite With New LP

Posted on February 1, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Prosthetic Records

Prosthetic Records recently re-issued famed guitarist Marty Friedman’s 2009 and 2011 records, Tokyo Jukebox I and II in a double disc set for his fans. The recent release marked the first time that these two albums had ever been released stateside. Fans know of Friedman’s work with the likes of Megadeth. But how many know of his abilities on his own? That question is answered loud and clear with this recently released double disc set. The aptly titled album presents quite a bit of material that sounds like it came right from a Japanese Anime feature film. Though, it does also offer heavier material such as its relentless opener, ‘Tsume Tsume Tsume.’ What’s so interesting about this song is that rather than just being one song, it actually splits itself into two separate movements within its near five and a half minute run time. It goes from being a thrashing, speed metal opus to a slower, heavier work that will leave listeners breathless by the song’s end before moving into the first of the album’s more anime favoring songs in ‘Gift.’

‘Gift’ sounds just like a work that could have come right out of the likes of Dragonball Z or a similar anime work. Any listener who has any knowledge of Japanese features will be able to hear it, too. Even those who are less initiated into the world of anime will be able to hear it simply by closing their eyes and taking in the song. The album continues in this fashion in the album’s next handful of songs before finally leaning more towards a mainstream sound in the much more subdued acoustic song, ‘Romance No Kamisama.’ Friedman truly shows his talents here proving that just as he can shred with the best of the industry’s guitarists, he can play just as amazingly with a slower song. As the old adage states, anyone can play fast. But it takes a true musician to be able to play slow. That being the case, Friedman shows here that he definitely is a true musician. The addition of some very gentle piano runs and what sounds like a flute add so much more emotion to the song right up to its fading final moments.

The second half of Tokyo Jukebox Vol. 1 & 2 movies back in the direction of Friedman’s heavier side through all five of its tracks. The opener, ‘Yeah! Mecha Holiday’ does lean more toward the vein of something from an anime feature. But it somehow manages to walk the line, balancing that side of the music with a more mainstream sound. Even more interesting about the song is the guitar break late in the song. Instead of being metal, Friedman tosses in his own take on a jazz/fusion sound, believe it or not. It really makes for an interesting listen.

Just as much of an interesting listen is Friedman’s take on Pachelbel’s Canon in D in ‘Canon A La Koto.’ The introduction of an Asian element and Friedman’s guitar work makes this a piece that would amaze even the members of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. It doesn’t even run a full two minutes. It comes up just shy of that. But in that time, it proves to be one of the shining gems of this combo release as does the powerhouse ballad style song that follows, ‘I Love You.’ Friedman expertly captures the emotion of someone newly in the bonds of love in this opus. To make another comparison, anyone who is familiar with Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci will appreciate this song as the similarity to Petrucci’s guitar work is evident here. It makes for yet another high point to an album that is one of the best examples to date of Marty Friedman’s talents. Tokyo Jukebox Vol. 1 & 2 is available now in stores and online. It can be ordered online direct via the Prosthetic Records store at http://www.indiemerch.com/prostheticrecords/item/16661.

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.

Heaven’s Cry Re-Issue Shows Band’s Versatility, Influences

Posted on December 27, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: Prosthetic Records

Canadian Prog-metal act Heaven’s Cry will issue two of its classic albums next Tuesday, January 8^th. The first of the pair is the band’s 2003 album, Primal Power Addiction. Primal Power Addiction opens solidly with a rather Prong style piece in the song, ‘Komma.’ Vocalist/guitarist Pierre St-Jean even sounds eerily like Prong front man Tommy Victor in this song as a result of the song’s mixing. The song’s somewhat cryptic lyrics aside, what really stands out in this song is the precision of the band’s musicianship. Drummer Rene Lacharite’s timing is spot on. His ability to keep time while maintaining such polyrhythmic patterns more than shows his talent. And the control of the guitars both during the heavier and more subdued sections of the song give it even more flare.

As impressive as ‘Komma’ is, it Primal Power Addiction offers plenty more for fans of Heaven’s Cry. Fans will also appreciate and enjoy the band’s cover of the classic Midnight Oil tune, ‘Beds are Burning.’ Even turned into a prog-rock style piece, it still holds up to the original. For that matter, it might even be a little better than Midnight Oil’s take on the song from its 1987 album, Dust and Diesel. It has the same kick as the original. But what it does here is it gives the song an extra little spice, updating it for a whole new generation. For that, Heaven’s Cry should be proud of their cover of this rock classic. And it makes for a fitting end to the musical journey on which listeners embark with this album.

The band’s cover of ‘Beds are Burning’ is impressive to say the least. It shows just one of the band’s influences. It also profiles for a moment, the band’s versatility. Though by the time listeners get through this re-issue, they will have already seen just how versatile the band is. Whereas the band started off with a rather Prong style work, other pieces such as ‘One of Twenty-Four’, ‘Divisions’, and ‘Waves’ seem to show influences the likes of Alice in Chains, Dream Theater, and even Nevermore. St-Jean’s vocals greatly resemble that of Nevermore front man Warrel Dane in both ‘One of twenty-Four’ and ‘Waves.’ And the influences of the aforementioned bands are evident throughout each opus. They, along with this album’s other tracks make for an album that any fan of the prog-metal genre will enjoy increasingly with each listen. Primal Power Addiction will be available in stores and online next Tuesday, January 8^th. It can be ordered direct online via the Prosthetic Records store, http://www.indiemerch.com/prostheticrecords/item/17422.

Dream Theater Re-Signs With Roadrunner Records

Posted on December 3, 2012 by philspicks

Photo Credit: Roadrunner Records

The members of veteran prog-rock band Dream Theater have re-signed with Roadrunner Records. The announcement comes fresh off the heels of the band’s 2011 release, A Dramatic Turn of Events and supporting world tour—James Labrie (Vocals), Mike Mangini (drums), John Petrucci (guitars), John Myung (Bass) and Jordan Rudess (keyboards). The band released a statement regarding the re-signing. “We are all very excited to be re-signing with Roadrunner Records! Over the past 5 years, from the release of Systematic Chaos to our latest, A Dramatic Turn of Events, we’ve developed strong creative and professional bonds with everyone at Roadrunner as well as many great friendships along the way”, the band collectively noted.

The band expanded on those relationships with Roadrunner Records, stating, “Roadrunner’s commitment and dedication to Dream Theater has been evident to all of us from the very beginning, and is consistent in all departments and on all levels, right on through to the top. Roadrunner is a record label that is not only great at what they do but who truly understand what Dream theater is all about as well as the amazing people who support us all around the world whom we proudly call our fans. They are a record company we relate to as an organization firmly rooted in its ideals and mission, while always pushing the envelope in an effort to keep things moving ever forward. We’ve reached many career defining milestones while at Roadrunner and are all incredibly pumped in anticipation of our continued future together.”

Having re-signed with Roadrunner, Dream Theater is set to begin recording its new album in 2013. While the band gets ready to record its new album, fans can follow the latest developments from the band online at http://.www.dreamtheater.net, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dream-Theater/7677942180, http://twitter.com/DreamTheaterNet, and http://www.myspace.com/dreamtheater.

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, 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 news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Between The Buried And Me Shows Its Growth Again On Its New LP

Posted on November 13, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: Metal Blade Records

The men of Between The Buried and Me have done it again. This North Carolina based band has once again bent the needle of the metal community, crafting what can only be described as one of the most intriguing and bizarre metal records of the year. The follow-up to the band’s 2011 LP, The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues, continues the band’s tradition of taking that proverbial road less traveled, making it largely unlike any other band out there.

The Parallax II: Future Sequence takes the best elements of Lamb of God, Nevermore, Dream Theater, and The Devin Townsend Project to make an album that is an original, hands down. The album’s opener, ‘Goodbye To Everything’ is the first strike showing how much BTBAM has grown since its split with Victory records. With its ethereal, almost Pink Floyd style sound, it sets the stage for what’s to come. The band follows that up with an equally interesting piece in the form of ‘Astral Body.’ The best way to describe this song is a mish-mash of Dream Theater and Lamb of God. That’s one heck of a combination. But it’s also one that any true open minded member of the Metal Nation will appreciate. Things get really interesting on the album’s third track, ‘Lay Your Ghosts To Rest.’ This is where the obvious Devin Townsend influence begins to come in to play. Note it’s where the influence begins. As with the album’s first two songs, the various prog influences are infused throughout this record’s twelve tracks. And while the songs on this record may not be the shortest, anyone real fan or anyone with a long enough attention span will come to appreciate the finer detail of each song. The band’s members show on every track that they aren’t just metal heads, but well trained musicians. By the end of this epic, listeners will have realized that they have experienced something very special, especially for a metal record.

The band is currently wrapping up its tour down under in support of The Parallax II. It will return stateside in the first part of the New Year with a performance in the nation’s capital on February 4^th. It will have a semi-hometown show on March 10^th when it performs at the Filmore in Charlotte, North Carolina. Fans can get a listing of the band’s tour dates and all the latest news from the band online now at http://www.betweentheburiedandme, http://www.facebook.com/BTBAMofficial, http://twitter.com/btbamofficial, and http://www.youtube.com/btbamofficial.

Beardfish’s New LP Another Sleeper Hit Of 2012

Posted on September 26, 2012 by philspicks

Inside Out Music USA/Century Media

Most music fans generally think of either Abba or extreme metal when thinking of Sweden. However, Sweden has become increasingly associated with another sub genre of rock in recent years thanks to the likes of The Flower Kings. The Flower Kings is just one band that is beginning to change audiences’ perception of music from Sweden. On the heavier end of the prog spectrum is a band by the name of Beardfish. Fans of Dream theater or its former drummer Mike Portnoy might recognize the name of Beardfish as he actually recently gave the band a shout out on his personal Facebook page. He had quite the positive things to say of Beardfish. And it’s no wonder why he had such good things to say.

Beardfish’s new album, “The Void” is an extensive prog-metal experience. It opens somewhat abruptly with the narrator led ‘Introduction.’ But once it launches into ‘Voluntary Slavery’ listeners know they’re in for quite the hard rock experience. The best comparison one can make with Beardfish on this album is to Tool. Vocalist Richard Sjoblom’s vocals are just as powerful as those of Tool front man Maynard James Kenan. When the band launches into ‘Turn To Gravel’, audiences really get a taste of that vocal ability. Strangely enough, there’s even a touch of Glen Danzig and James LaBrie in his voice here, too. Sjoblom’s band mates get their chance to shine here, too. Guitarist David Zackrisson, drummer Magnus Ostgren and bassist Robert Hansen play like a well oiled machine throughout the song’s five and a half minute run time.

Fans of Dream Theater will enjoy ‘This Matter of Mine.’ Zackrisson’s guitar work is similar to that of Dream Theater’s John Petrucci here. And Ostgren’s work behind the kit is as strong as former DT drummer Mike Portnoy. That being noted, it’s no wonder why Portnoy himself recently sang the praises of this band on his own Facebook page. For all the intensity of the band’s new album, there is a lighter moment. ‘Seventeed Again’ is an interesting little piano based prog/jazz hybrid that will keep any listener’s ear despite its near eight minute run time.

Fans of really classic rock and classic prog rock will also find themselves jamming out to ‘He Already Lives In You.’ There are hints of so many classic prog acts in this song that it will leave listeners’ heads spinning. Whether for this song or any of the others on this album, it goes without saying that Beardfish may very well have another of this year’s sleeper hits. “The Void” is available now in stores and online. The band is currently slated to perform in Tallinn, Estonia on October 7^th. To keep up with the latest tour dates and news from Beardfish, fans can go online to http://www.beardfishband.com, http://www.facebook.com/beardfish, http://twitter.com/beardfishband, http://www.myspace.com/beardfishband, and http://www.youtube.com/user/beardfishband.

Dream Theater Takes Top Honors In Rolling Stone Poll

Posted on July 27, 2012 by philspicks

Dream Theater has earned a high honor from rollingstone.com. The band’s 1999 album, “Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From A Memory” has taken home the top prize for the readers’ poll on readers’ favorite Prog Rock Albums Of All Time.

“Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From A Memory” was the band’s fifth full length studio release. It was the long fabled follow-up to the band’s song, ‘Metropolis Part 1: The Miracle and The Sleeper’, which was on the band’s breakthrough 1992 LP, “Images & Words.”

This honor follows up the band’s dual 2011 honors from rollingstone.com. The band earned the #2 spot on the website’s “Top 10 Metal Bands of All Time” poll and #10 spot on its “Best Prog Rock Bands of All Time” poll. Both the band and rollingstone.com staff reacted to this year’s honor. “All of us in Dream Theater are so grateful to our fans for their incredible support in voting our album Metropolis PT. 2 Scenes From A Memory as the number 1 album in Rolling Stone’s poll for ‘Your Favorite Prog Rock Albums of All Time,’” said the members of Dream Theater.

Staff from rollingstone.com responded to the huge number of votes for Dream Theater, saying, “If we had kept in all the Dream Theater albums, Images and Words would be number two, and Awake, Octavarium and Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence would also be listed here. Lumping them all into this top spot was the only way to handle the flood of Dream Theater votes.” The band’s fans can read even more on its win by clicking this link or pasting it into their browser: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/readers-poll-your-favorite-prog-rock-albums-of-all-time-20120725/1-dream-theater-metropolis-pt-2-scenes-from-a-memory-0257304#ixzz21ktIiOga.

Dream Theater just finished up the Summer North American leg of its tour in support of its latest album, “A Dramatic Turn of Events.” The band will head down to South America next for the last leg of its world tour. That tour will start Wednesday, August 8th. A full slate of upcoming dates can be found at http://www.dreamtheater.net/tourdates. And fans can get even more news from the band online at http://www.dreamtheater.net, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dream-Theater/7677942180, http://twitter.com/DreamTheaterNet, and http://www.myspace.com/dreamtheater.

To keep up with all the latest entertainment reviews and news, go 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 all the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Dream Theater discusses the ups and downs of life on the road

Posted on June 13, 2012 by philspicks

Good morning, everyone. I hope that your week is going well so far. I think I’m actually catching up on all these reviews that I’ve got. Though my desk at home would make me think otherwise. But I digress. Dream Theater recently sat down for an interview about life on the road. And thanks to my contacts, I’m happy to be able to share that interview with you this morning in its entirety. So while you’re downing that morning cup of coffee , why not check out this brand new interview?

1. How do you navigate the challenge of keeping in touch with loved ones while traveling?

John Petrucci (Guitar and Vocals): While international data plans on cell phones and Wi-Fi access just about everywhere have made this a lot easier than it was 10 years ago, it can still be difficult. It’s especially hard when the time zone I’m in is so off from New York, like Asia or Australia for example. Being flipped around by 180 degrees is confusing for everyone! Sometimes a quick text or FB message just to connect can be just the thing to bridge the gap between phone calls or Skype sessions. Obviously the best thing is when my family joins me on tour!

Jordan Rudess (Keyboards and Continuum): I try every form of communication tool available. Been through Treos, Blackberrys iPhones, Ipads, Nooks–tablets of all shapes and sizes and computers–all for the purpose of connecting with the loved ones. There is not an app or communication software that has gone untouched by these hands.

Jon Myung (Bass): I pretty much have Skype running on my laptop when stationary and either leave a voicemail or e-mail before my kids go to bed for the night.

Mike Mangini (Drums): The way that I navigate keeping in touch with loved ones while I am on the road is to carefully time when I use Skype to speak with my wife and kids while putting off other emails and Internet-related things for downtime.

2. Do you unpack or live out of your suitcase on the road?

JP: With the exception of setting up my computer and devices each day, I find that it’s best not to spread out too much and to keep things in the suitcase. This way there is less of a chance of leaving something behind.

JR: Usually it is pretty much right outta the suitcase!!

JM: Definitely live out of my suitcase, it’s like a personal locker.

MM: I have learned not to unpack my suitcase and to never put things in the drawers or closets for fear of forgetting items (again).

3. On a day off in a city, what do you do with your time? How do you find out which restaurants to go to?

JP: The first thing I do is find a gym and get a good workout in. I also find that I can usually fit in a healthy practice or writing session. The privacy of a hotel room coupled with the occasional jet lag makes for a very creative headspace! Honestly, sometimes it’s great to just relax and catch up on some TV shows or watch a movie. There are amazing restaurants all around the world and usually we communicate with one another as to which cool spot someone may have stumbled upon in town. Sometimes just a quick e-mail to say that the room service is good works as well!

JR: I try to do a walk in every town I get to. It’s really important to me that I get out in the light because otherwise I feel trapped and start getting this weird dark feeling! As far as restaurants, I usually ask the concierge at the hotel or just walk until I feel the vibe.

JM: I usually ask around for a good place locally or sometime venture out by foot and see where I land; the rest of the time it’s getting quality sleep.

MM: When I have a day off in a city, I normally stay in the room to eat, sleep and catch up on emails and news. That has changed as I’ve gotten my golf game back. Now I look to play golf when it is possible…Dinner usually entails meeting up with a band or crew members. The iPad comes in handy for finding restaurants, but personal recommendations are the way to go.

4. Have you ever had a rough time going through customs?

JP: It’s sort of hit or miss. Usually things go pretty smoothly with no questions asked. Other times, however, seemingly for no reason, they will pull you aside and go through every bag in detail. It’s a real pain and when you’re traveling with a group of 20 or more people–it becomes a major inconvenience!

JR: It’s always interesting. There is the time the Pirate tried smuggling in some bananas, but I’ll let him tell you about that if he likes.

JM: In general it goes smoothly–no real complaints from me.

MM: I have been harassed by customs agents three times after i told them that I was a musician each time. One agent told me that his son was a musician and that “all musicians do drugs.” I did everything to bite my tongue and not ask him if he arrested his son since “all musicians do drugs.”

5. Is there one item that you always bring on tour to remind you of home?

JP: It’s difficult being away from my home, wife and kids. Everything reminds me of them! I do have hundreds of pictures in my photo library on my phone and computer that I constantly scroll through to help bring me closer.

JR: There are many. And they are all gadget-related and start with i……

JM: Just pictures and videos on my iPhone–it helps keep things in perspective.

MM: One item that I bring on tour to remind of home is a written note from my children.

6. What is your favorite album or songs to play on the long travel days?

JP: Travel days are great for catching up on new music that I’ve been looking forward to checking out. Just sitting on an airplane for hours with no distractions (apart from those annoying captain addresses) ensures a great listening environment and my undivided attention.

JR: These days it’s Apparat’s album The Devil’s Walk

JM: Lately, I have found myself listening to the Diamond Eyes album by the Deftones.

MM: My favorite music to listen to these days on long touring travel days is Planet X.

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