BIG BUSINESS MUSIC BLU-RAY-john emms picks his fave blu-ray, dvd, concerts, and music docs of 2011

 

BLU-RAY, DVD concerts and music documentaries continue to be a huge entertainment source for consumers and music fans worldwide. It’s big business and as an experienced music  journalist and musician I’m here to tell you about my faves this year

Heck, even players love to watch this stuff. I have interviewed many top selling artists who love to watch other artists for the sheer joy of it. 

Old footage is being restored and new shows have amazing visuals and DTS Master Audio or HD/5.1 surround sound that will blow you out of the room. You also may have noticed Eagle Rock Entertainment and Sony are at the the top of the heap of the blu-ray music revolution.

 Sony has turned out some killer NEW blu-ray concert product.  Eagle Rock has a huge selection of old and new stuff and overall a lot of Eagle’s remastering on older material is bang on. Eagle Rock has also been working with some of the world’s biggest names in all genres and believe me there is a huge fanbase for this type of product

Of course on the other side of the coin you see some bargain non authorized blu-ray/dvd stuff that is just horrible. I only review product that I have personally watched or was sent over from the labels.  These are in no particular order and in general my full reviews ran earlier this year.

However stay tune at the end of this list and I will toss in some nuggets from years past you should pick up.

The Rolling Stones-Some Girls Live In Texas 1978-Blu-Ray-I play this a lot, because it’s back to basic Stones, playing with heart and conviction. Great remastering on the sound from Bob Clearmountain  

Bad Company-Live at Wembley-blu-ray-Easily one of the best looking shows I have watched this year. Paul Rodgers is in superb voice and the band including Mick Ralphs rises to the occasion.

Foo Fighters-Back and Forth-BLU-RAY In depth doc, career spanning. What’s it like to be Dave Grohl? He will tell you. Man, the guy works hard. Some concert footage and a good chunk on the Nirvana years. Hands down, excellent!

Peter Gabriel-New Blood-Live in London-BLU-RAY The best audio and video I have saw personaly this year. It takes guts and chops to show your catologue in a different light with a 46 piece orchestra. Spectacular, but low key.

Jeff Beck-Rock R’ Roll Party Honoring Les Paul-BLU-RAY Such a killer performance. Muscianship beyond belief and you get introduced to new to you players such as sax man Leo Green, incredible nuances from singer Imelda May and Darrell Higham along with high octane drumming from Stephen Rushton. And of course Jeff Beck is the glue to the entire show. Wow! 

Heart -Night At Sky Church-BLU-RAY-You always knew how good the sisters were. But this is a potent reminder. Spectacular visuals and 5.1 mix 

Billy Joel-Live at Shea Stadium-BLU-RAY- Sony nails it with this. Stunning show, killer performance by Joel and his band with special guests. Wow!!

Deep Purple and Orchestra-Live at Montreux 2011-BLU-RAY-You read my original review. Explosive and nuanced. Incredible. A must have for millions of DP fans worldwide.

Here is a small list of other faves, some new some old

Gary Moore-The Definitive Montreux Collection-Pure blues, stunning player and sadly missed. Amazing.

Classic Album Series on DVD–Distributer Eagle Rock

Ray Charles Live in France 1961-Historic.

 Big Head Todd and Monsters DVD from 2004- Live at the Fillmore,  Killer stuff, great band

Nils Lofgren Cry Tough-2 discs 3 concerts-excellent insight

Jeff  Healey Band-Full Circle-Live Anthology-Mostly cd but with a unique dvd performance you must own 

The Last Waltz- Of course. The Band with special guests, Scorcese directs and it’s on blu-ray

Have I missed something? Probably. Please Read My Archives

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, a hip online radio host. http://emms.podbean.com/ and you can purchase john’s own music on apple itunes with this band and solo http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/mining-the-blues/id365721505

ANDREW COLE-ON A MISSION FOR MUSIC MAGIC-AKA SAVING THE WORLD ONE SONG AT A TIME-BY JOHN EMMS

 photo credit barry roden

 

Andrew Cole is on a mission to create music that is something different, magical and accessible.

We all remember that era don’t we?  When Neil Young took an acoustic guitar to Massey Hall and blew you away.  Or Robbie Roberston, Levon Helm and the guys played the music that would become legendary Canadiana and Americana all at once.  

All of us who really care about music want the magic back.

Cole has drive. I like him a lot. You can feel the passion in the guy. That’s what matters.  And you know what?

If you get excited and passionate people will notice. And hell, it will matter to people all over the world.

Andrew Cole.  He has big plans.

A dreamer. Just like all of us.  But didn’t Tom Cochrane write a song about that?  You bet he did! 

I just listened to Voices at 4 A.M. his new single, and after one listen it’s clear this song has an urgency to it. Not only do you want to play it again, but you want to turn it up. So that’s what I’m doing as I write this. You know how it is, you just want to crank a good riff every now and then.

I admire Cole’s integrity.

 Hell, let’s wake up. Music is passion. It breathes life into us all!

AC wants to get this new music into your brain and make it stick. He has some “heavy’ friends helping him out like Tom Cochrane, Kenny Aronoff and Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson to name a few

Recently Andrew and I spoke about this new project and an important new effort

 Here is some of what we ‘grooved’ on

EMMS-Heck Andrew, you sound exhausted have you been working late hours?

COLE-Yes John, this project has taken a toll, but that’s okay. From getting everyone in one room, and scheduling to mix in the UK, the artwork and waiting for Alex Lifeson to finish his tour with Rush. But I have never worked in this fashion and it’s good.

EMMS-Why mix in the UK?

COLE-I wanted to work with Chris Potter who is best known for mixing and producing The Verve and Richard Ashcroft

I can tell you John, I dont’ think I have heard anything like Voices at 4 AM on Canadian Radio. It’s as Canadian as Tom Cochrane (who wrote the music) with a psychedelic feel in a few places, and then a huge chorus. The lyrics are dark and twisted.

 But this project has taken 9 months. It’s an experiment which I’m loving  John. The basic idea was to bring in musicians to paint a canvas and not get stuck  in each others paint. That was my goal.  And it’s working.

Later I would like to work on a 5 or 6 artist two song EP’ idea and release them. Burton Cummings is a very interesting guy and I would love to work with him and many others. Kind of like a Willbury’s thing but with different artists.

EMMS-You are also doing a bullying song project.  Tell me more, I love this idea

COLE-Yes, the song is called JOKE I’m working with Alan Frew and Michael Hanson both of them are great.  Kind of  like a  3 verse  chorus thing John, and I have got vocalists like Meat Loaf, Elvis Costello, Ron Sexmith, and the amazing Steve Vai helping out.  Also, I filmed myself asking some of these legends to speak about the issue as well as sing.

Think about it John, who the “f***k am I? If I can get this done, then anything is possible. Hey, maybe we can shine a light on all this bad stuff  such as  having kids feel bullied to the point they take their lives.

EMMS-That’s incredible.  Tell me more about the docu-filming thing?

COLE-Well, I’m not an interviewer. ( I say to Andrew Ok so your not Barbara Walters and we howl)  but when I ask some of these stars on camera, it comes out honest and inspiring.  All we can do is ask.  The bigger the celebrity the easier the interview, you know that.

Now let me not confuse you John and your radio and blog fans this is a different project then the voices At 4 AM gig.  But, basically at the start an artist will always ask well who else is on it. But then you might ask someone like Jeff Goldblum and he would say “yes I’ll do this the next day” Then everyone gets at ease, because these people have careers to worry about, and I’m just some young bloke with big plans 

EMMS-How do get all these people to be on film if they live in different parts of the world?

COLE-Well, if I go to Los Angeles for a month, I bring a small film crew and we can get 5 or 6 people at once 

EMMS-This is exciting Andrew I can feel how passionate you are. I got you off our original  idea, so let’s go back to the EP release

COLE-Ok mate, we can do a followup as we progress, I’ll send you a trailer.

EMMS- I love the mix on 4 AM and the feel. How did the musical idea for 4 AM come up?

COLE- The idea for Voices at 4 AM came about when I went up to the cottage with Tom Cochrane and he was playing me a piece of music Ken Greer and he had been working on as part of the No Stranger album. Tom, did not want to use these cuts because they did not really fit the No Stranger disc. I told him this was great stuff and could I pull it apart and work with it. He said go ahead, what’s the worst that could happen.  

EMMS-How did Alex Lifeson come to be on the track?

COLE-Well, he is friends with Tom but of course he is super busy. I honestly have to say I really pursued him to play because I thought his huge guitar sound along with Ken Greer’s work would propel the track once we started to get it down. And my persistence paid off

EMMS-How you did get Chris Potter to spend time mixing?

COLE-It’s funny he was a huge Alex Lifeson fan but I really had not got Lifeson to find the time. I was bummed out.

But I did bring the bed tracks to England. Chris changed the whole vibe of the song, and it blew Tom Cochrane’s mind. When we got the whole vocal thing about to go, I asked Tom to sing it, but he said no it’s yours now. But once I got Alex to play and sing Tom went with the chorus and for me it was like watching two old friends create magic. That is basically the story of Voices at 4 AM.

EMMS-Does this eventually then become an entire new album of let’s say 10 or 12 songs?

COLE-What I’m going to do is record let’s say five EPS’ all called VOICES with 5 different artists and myself as a producer vocalist with the artist.

EMMS-This perfectly suits our iTunes world.

COLE-Exactly John. Just like the Beatles did. They would release just singles and some of those singles would eventually go on to a Beatles album so to speak.

EMMS-Andrew I love this EP different artist concept, the music is inspired and I really think the work on the bullying project is a positive force for the world we now live in.

COLE-Thank you John. I enjoyed this and let’s talk again later on.  

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, a radio host and musician. You can check out John’s solo cd on Apple iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/close-another-door/id392307439 or his radio show where he personally selects and places every track. John Emms Radio has garnered listeners from virtually all parts of the Globe.  Check it out here. http://emms.podbean.com/

Just for sheer fun, John is the songwriter and vocalist with his BLUES FRIENDS..here

 http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/paycheque-blues/id365389443

TOP BLUES ALBUMS OF 2011-JOHN EMMS-listen to john’s hip blues, roots, rock radio show

 

BLUES MUSIC has evolved. That is a good thing for fans and musicians. If we are being honest, it’s hard to improve on Muddy Waters,  Etta James, Howling Wolf, Stevie Ray Vaughan and 10 other icons I could name.  Yet, blues music has always included Soul, R & B, swing, blues rock, delta, electric blues, jazz and great vocalists and that is how you should interpet this list .

My introduction to blues music was from the first Rolling Stones albums. From there I went crazy for B.B. King, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream, Stevie Ray Vaughan etc and even had the chance to interview some of my blues greats. I currently host my own radio show  http://emms.podbean.com/ 

This year’s best blues albums have many variations on the blues. These albums are all great and are in no particular order. This list is compliled from what the music labels sent and which I continue to play on my show. I have not heard every blues recording this year so be patient. Just for the record Joe Bonamassa appears twice on the list.

Beth Hart/Joe Bonamassa-Don’t Explain. For the listener and I suspect both Hart and Bonamassa, this album is always coming from the right place. The bottom of your gut, the breath from your lungs and the dynamics of a great band. Granted some of the songs like I’d Rather Go Blind (which they really nail) have been covered many times but then there is the gospel of Something’s Got A Hold On Me,  a superb cover of Delaney and Bonnie’s Well, Well or the funky hard riffage cover of  Bill Wither’s soulful track For My Friend.

The title track is I believe the most soulful cover of any song I have heard in the last 2 or 3 years. Stunning vocal by Hart, gorgeous string arrangement and Bonamassa’s guitar work is as organic as any guitarist on the planet. Killer CD. Bravo Beth and Joe

Warren Haynes-Man in Motion-This is Haynes best vocal album. I have included this in my blues section because of the R & B and soul influence. People are in for a real treat. Haynes steps up and delivers original soul music in the vein of Otis Redding.  Most fans always waited for Haynes to make this album. It’s here,  in all it’s glory. Not a bad song, and a great mix. A must have.

 Maria Muldaur- Steady Love-From the moment I opened this cd and hit play I was knocked out by the confidence of Muldaur’s vocals, the song arrangements, and the crisp mix. Muldaur sings like she was 20 years younger than her 68 years but with the chops of experience. You have to absolutley have this as part of your collection of albums.

Gregg Allman-Low Country Blues-Some people were surprised at how vintage this record sounded. So was I. T-Bone Burnett produces but in the end it’s  the sound of Allmans’ voice with some great players. An iconic bluesman in every way. Get It  

 Ana Popovic- Unconditional-This is the best I have heard Popovic sing on any album. It’s her most focused set of songs and her guitar work has evolved to a level of excellence which is scary. Wow!

Joe Bonamassa-Dust Bowl-Look, this is my chance to say Rolling Stone Magazine got it WRONG when Bonamassa was not named in the top 100 guitarists poll. Okay. Dust Bowl is Bonamassa’s most accessible album. All styles, killer cameos by Glenn Hughes, John Hiatt and Vince Gill. Bonamassa and producer/mixer Kevin Shirley keep things cohesive despite the fact the album was recorded in various locations.

MonkeyJunk-To Behold- I encourage blues fans from around the world to check out how cool this release is. It’s all about the groove and believe me Steve Marriner, Tony D and Matt Sobb know groove. Very nice

Roy Rogers/Ray Manzerek-Translucent Blues-I have literally had this stuck in my vehicle since the day the label sent it overI never would have dreamed of these two musicians teaming up and knocking me out. Not a bad song, and most of the disc is hard driving blues that simply kicks butt.   

Savoy Brown-Major comeback for Kim Simmonds with the help of a great pair of  lungs courtesy of Joe Whiting. You will be very surprised.

Tedeshi-Trucks Band-Revelator-This reminds me so much of Delaney and Bonnie’s output. Again, this is music made for all the right reasons. It grows slow on ya’ and then reveals it’s true richness. Nice.

Steve Miller Band-Let Your Hair Down-As last years Bingo Cd proved to classic rock fans Miller’s heart is bang on in the blues. Always has been. Superbly executed, pristine production, killer covers and oh man Miller can wail that ol’ guitar.

Kenny Blues Boss Wayne-An Old Rock on a Roll. Produced like fine wine from the one and only Duke Robillard this is going to surprise a ton of people all over. I love to call Wayne’s music Fats Domino meets Johnny Johnson via the way of the blues. Great groove, plays the piano and the band fits in like a warm comforter blanket. Your gonna love it, take my word!

I know I have left a few out.

Check out John’s radio show and it’s deep archives for superb song choices in blues, roots and rock http://emms.podbean.com/ Want to hear some of John’s own blues rock songs like Blues School and 25 Tons go to  THE SHAFTMEN on APPLE ITUNES 

http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/paycheque-blues/id365389443

BEST ROCK CD’S OF 2011-JOHN EMMS-check out john’s worldwide rock, blues, and roots radio show

 

Millions of people worldwide still love ROCK music. The only problem is mainstream radio mostly does not play along.

It’s a shame. That’s why people like myself and other radio outlets try to to play honest music. I have a passion for all styles of music but on my radio show rock, blues, roots, and no frills pop music always make the cut.

ROCK for most people now consists of classic rock.  But after the same four or five hundred songs for 40 years straight, it’s bloody well boring 

Here are my top ROCK ALBUMS for 2011. For some reason the word BLACK comes up in the best of releases this year. You will see when you check my list. These are in no particular order, and believe me these artists/bands are not boring. I rate only what I have heard or have played on my radio show  http://emms.podbean.com/ 

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION 2-It’s amazing that this late in his career Glenn Hughes is making some of the best music of his life. It’s a great omen and together with Derek Sherinian on keys, the massive groove of Jason Bonham on drums and guitarist Joe Bonamassa for my money one of the most soulful players on the planet,  BCC groove like few bands can. Credit producer Kevin Shirley for the unforced and organic sound of this record.

FOO FIGHTERS-Wasting Light-Stuck in my vehicle  since late spring. Let’s face facts,  Grohl and company may be just peaking. Scary Thought. Killer rock n’ roll

THE  ANSWER-REVIVAL-Wow, and wow again. Not many bands can lay claim to actually writing classic rock songs in 2011. Once you put this in your vehicle and hit play the cd may never come out 

NILS LOFGREN-OLD SCHOOL-Do yourself a favour, don’t think twice. Lofgren has just released the best album of his career hands down. Sure, he plays some killer guitar with THE BOSS.  But this cd is truly where he shines. Title track and and Amy Joan Blues are must have downloads

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS-(below) I’M WITH YOU-I have never been a huge fan, but a fan just the same.  One of the best mixed audio cd’s this year. Everyone plays their butts off  and yes Josh Klinghoffer’s guitar work shines. Songwriting is some of the best of their career.

THE BLACK KEYS-EL CAMINO An absolute killer album. Let me be honest, I have never been a two piece guitar/drums guy. My minimum is 3 because I was brought up on Cream and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. This cd has the “Keys” expanding the instrumentation and in addition  the variety of songwriting influences seal the deal.

BLACK STONE CHERRY-BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA-The band’s heaviest album by far. Less Southern more foot to the pedal board if you will. Uncomprimising and man this band means it! 

URIAH HEEP-INTO THE WILD- I knew it. 10 minutes after writing this review I look to my left and there it is UH’s INTO THE WILD-great cd, killer hooks and Mick Box is still rocking the world. Look for a lot more of this cd on my radio show!

CHCKENFOOT 111- Of course this is the band’s 2nd cd, and it’s better than the first. The songs are more focused and even though they could easily go into the stratosphere they dont!  Muscular rock never sounded so good in 2011.

RIVAL SONS-(ABOVE)-PRESSSURE & TIME-Hands down the most refreshing band I have heard in the last 3 years or so.  Welcome to what rock n roll used to be like. All Over The Road maybe the hottest song you could sing a long to while getting the job done. If you know what I mean. No band plays like this anymore. 

ICED EARTH-DYSTOPIA-I’m more of a hard rock fan than metal as you can see by my choices. However, no one makes metal this intelligent, except Iced Earth. Title track is the best metal song of the year. Nuff said!

STEVEN WILSON-GRACE FOR DROWNING-2cd set-I will be the first to say this is an acquired taste.  It’s superb ambient texture and Wilson’s gift for making his songs cinematic makes this a tasty treat on repeat listens

I know I missed some..but check my upcoming TOP BLUES CD’S OF 2011 and my just published BEST POP CD’S 2011

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio host and long time musican. check out JOHN’S stuff with  THE SHAFTMEN on Apple Itunes http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/paycheque-blues/id365389443

BEST POP CD’S OF 2011- BY JOHN EMMS-CHECK OUT JOHN’S RADIO SHOW AT http://emms.podbean.com/

 

The best pop cd’s always contain some rock, some pop,R & B and even alt country. This year we put ROCK cd’s such as Black Country Communion 2 in the ROCK category. These cd’s are not in order. They are also ONLY what I have personally heard this year. Again, only what I have heard and played all year on my radio show

THE KOOKS-Junk Of The Heart-Revealing lyrics,  great melodies and if you saw the band on David Letterman or on tour they do it all with just four members.

DAVE STEWART-The Blackbird Diaries -His best solo cd, great guest players and one of the most natural sounding cd’s I have heard for the last 3 or 4 years. Amazing.

COLDPLAY-MYLO XYLOTO-Layered, complicated, uncomplicated, pure pop, smart and plenty of integrity

ADELE 21-Easily gets  my vote for simply plain killer talent. Often just voice, piano and superb vocal

BLACKFIELD-(above) Welcome To My DNA-Few artists this year have this much originality, heart and integrity as Steven Wilson and Aviv Geffen.  It’s the real thing

THE DECEMBERISTS-THE KING IS DEAD-Wow, simply put their best work of their career. Alt country supreme.

ROBBIE ROBERSTON-HOW TO BECOME CLAIRVOYANT-Personal songs, gorgeous production and Roberston at his most organic

CITY AND COLOUR-Little Hell-Dallas Green goes by his own cred. The music on this album sounds like Green has dug deeper than on any past effort. Gutsy

NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS-Confirms that Gallagher is in a great place. Confident, songwriting up to par and guess what?  His vocals are pretty damn good. 

JAMES MCCARTNEY-The Complete EP Collection-This is just going to plain catch people by surprise. Superb new talent.

THE MIDWAY STATE-PARIS OR INDIA-I have not heard a young band this organically in tune with their own writing and talent. Watch out. Pick this up.

DAWES-NOTHING IS WRONG-Exactly what I said. Great songwriting, alt county and pop-ORGANIC as all get out

RON HAWKINS-STRAITJACKET LOVE-Compelling songcraft, lyrically superb and hits you in all the right places 

JIM CUDDY-SKYSCRAPER SOUL-Cuddy simply knows what is right for him. In turn it’s great for us. Very Nice Work

AMOS LEE-MISSION BELL-My early fave of the year from Jan 2011. His best work to date. I always go back to it

ERIC CHURCH-CHIEF Best straight up country recording of the year.  Bar none. Wow!

No doubt, I have forgot something, but yes your right. No GLEE stuff in my pile

JOHN EMMS is a musician, radio host http://emms.podbean.com/  and long time music journalist www.johnemms.com

DREAM THEATRE-LIVE AT BUDOKAN-BLU-RAY-”IN DEPTH ALL ACCESS”-BY JOHN EMMS

 

Dream Theatre may not ever sell as many albums as Iron Maiden or Yes but clearly they are one of the most innovative progressive/metal bands of the last 20 years.

That is not even up for debate. The reason is simple. They challenge themselves and their fans but remain within the parameters they have set up for themsleves.  Album after album the band tweaks the engine just a bit. 

One look at this stunning blu-ray filmed in 2004 and fans will be reaching for the credit card.

For the rest of humanity you will have to go back the 23 song Once In A Livetime 2cd set back in 1998 to firmly get a grasp on what the band puts out.

Founding member and drummer Mike Portnoy who recently quit the band is on hand in this 2004 film which has some cool bonus features including the mini documentary Riding The Train of Thought and other features on bandmembers gear setups.

The real reason to purchase this is of course the concert show. Outstanding tracks are easily This Dying Soul, Endless Sacrifice and New Millennium.

A unique opportunity for fans new to the band to find out what all the fuss is about. A well balanced setlist will no doubt have new fans checking their past efforts.

Of course a bonafide must have for DT diehards

JOHN EMMS is a musician, a veteran music journalist and radio host http://emms.podbean.com/

SUPERB SONG CHOICES/JOHN EMMS ROCK ROOTS RADIO/NEW LIFEBLOOD FOR ARTISTS

The corporate radio role model of bringing in business people or celebrities to gig the same old run through the same 400 classic rock hits is lame.

But that goes ditto for the biggest flavour of the month

Or the top 40 hits of the second, minute, day or week

Fact is it’s wearing people down.

Heck, this pattern is already deeply established in reality television. And is’ this not great t.v.? Yeah right

The syndication of this is in radio is less choice for fans and less jobs in an industry that once was a major player for new artists

Let’s be fair there are very talanted people in syndicated radio. These people like any industry have to eat, live and have a job in their life.  It’s not the workers who are at fault.  But just as in the print media  merging big business drives bigger profits

 This is trouble for radio music fans.  This syndication and centrilization is  toxic to good taste in music and moronic to intelligent fans who love their music.

Whether it ‘s a diminishing audience who now are only 12 to 20 years old or for older listeners who did get to hear the real deal it’s not good.

In fact, in the days of FM  album orientated  radio DJ’s and programmers were personally selecting and programming their own shows

Internet Podcasting and in some areas community radio has proven a resource for the listener who does not want to hear centralized syndicated radio and a tight strict musical format

I personally select every song on my podcast and in what order it will play. That coupled working with an enginner like Doug Young who really cares works.  Hopefully this gives us both integrity. Doug Young is a great community radio person. 

I try to use my first passion as a fan of music, and my experience as a musician.

It’s working.  We are not gaining 50 million listeners. But it sure is growing

Podcasts and internet radio has also proven it can be a great platform for artists who want to get their music heard in local, regional and international markets via the world wide net.

Personally selecting each song and in what order it shall play lets the show breathe

An ever increasing amout of people from all parts of the world are tuning in. A buzz is going out there.

And this is coming from different countries and religious beliefs.  Heck, what does that mean. Wow.

On a musical  level everything now at radio is aimed at The 3 M’S…mainstreet, mainstream, and mediocrity.

I’m not saying podcasters are breaking new artists every week, but personally I will mix great local  and regional  bands with international acts and it works.

Just remember. Bob Seger in the early days could play to 50,000 people in Michigan and go an other state the next week and only play for 500 people. How could that happen now, I’m not sure but choice is still out there. If you want to hear great choice radio just click http://emms.podbean.com/

JOHN EMMS is a veteran musician, radio host and journalist

PETER GABRIEL NEW BLOOD LIVE IN LONDON-BLU-RAY-”QUIETLY BEAUTIFUL”-JOHN EMMS

 

Peter Gabriel New Blood Live in London is the most gorgeous, intricate and detailed blu-ray I have watched this year

Filmed this past year on March 23 and 24 at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo London it captures Gabriel with a 46 piece orchestra under the excellent direction of John Metcalfe.

However, you have to realize this show is very slow paced and that may not sit well with fans of Gabriel’s dynamic shows with his always killer band.

22 songs with stunning orchestra arrangements of classic Gabriel songs  like Red Rain, Biko, the hand clppping Solsbury Hill and the showstoppping In Your Eyes with Sevara Nazarhan, Downside Up with Melanie Gabriel  and Don’t Give Up with Ane Brun will blow you away.

The vocal work is organic and nuanced

The 5.1 mix and orchestra solo’s are gorgeous, but the real gift besides the vocal work is the superb piano nuances of Tom Cawley. Cawley with Gabriel’s vocals are the glue and anchor of this amazing show.

Again, this is not prog rock, art rock or world music with a band. Any Gabriel fan will be very imnpressed. 

Slow and quietly beautiful.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician and  radio host   http://emms.podbean.com/

BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND-ULTIMATE HITS-ROCK N’ ROLL NEVER FORGETS-REVIEW JOHN EMMS

 

As a songwriter Bob Seger always wrote the songs you wished you had wrote.

Early on, as players we would listen to “Live Bullet’ his live album from 1976 and wanted to play that way.

The passion, the integrity.

In those days you felt you knew Bob personally. You rooted for him.

And oh, let’s not forget the Silver Bullet Band

Both Seger’s Bullet bands later on Nine Tonight 1981 and the 1976 Live Bullet band were working man’s players.

Guitarist Drew Abbot was Chuck Berry on steroids, Chris Campbell’s solid bass work or sax man Alto Reed who has moved on to playing some killer blues just plain rocked and played with soul.

Album after vinyl album still own them all, Seger just  got bigger and bigger.

In fact, his greatest hits package released way back in 1994 became album of the decade in 2010 after selling 9 million copies.

What’s different now? Well a lot more bang for your buck.

You get 26 songs, completely remastered from the original master tapes. 

Cd has  a very cool glossy booklet with memorbillia, those great  lyrics, and tracks like Turn the Page,  Mainstreet, Her Strut, Against the Wind, and Seger’s now  X-mas classic take on the Little Drummer Boy.

More importantly, besides the full on remastering is you get to hear why Mellencamp and Springsteen took Seger’s heartland rock and made it matter writing their own legacy.

A reviewer’s quote about our debut Mining The Blues Cd was along the lines of  “Emms’ songs could easily fit  into the working class Bob Seger songbook and that’s a good thing” 

It made me smile.

Solid buy for 20 bucks or so, without a doubt!

JOHN EMMS is a musician, www.theshaftmen.com radio host  http://emms.podbean.com/  and veteran music journalist.

JAMES McCARTNEY-THE COMPLETE EP COLLECTION-”AMBITIOUS SONGCRAFT AT EVERY TURN”-REVIEW BY JOHN EMMS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With ambitious songcraft and an eye for lyrical detail James McCartney is above all his own man. That is made crystal clear when you hear this EP collection of 16 tracks that sparkle with texture and feel.

In fact, the longer you listen to what McCartney has done on this 2 disc collection the more the music reveals

Every artist wants to  get it right before the public hears what you are putting out.

But if your dad is Paul McCartney one of the most celebrated songwriters of the century, a batch of songs takes on a different meaning.

But to be perfectly honest James McCartney does not seem fazed.

To his credit, McCartney does not take the easy way through this song cycle created from two digital EP’s and now available as a physical release 

Songs such as Glisten with it’s killer vocal and  moody jangle guitars takes you by surprise with it’s haunting power.  That goes the same for New York Times which sounds more like a crunching mid period solo John Lennon track.

Elsewhere songs like the great pop of  My Friend and the intricate acoustic guitar work on  The Sound Of My Voice reveal gorgeous atmospheric details inside the stereo mix created by David Kahne

It should be noted that McCartney did most of the instrumentation himself  before forming a band halfway through the recording sessions that includes solid work from drummers Shawn Pelton and Bryan Johnson as well as bassist Charlie Turner  guitarist Steve Bayley and some nice cello work from Steven Isserlis

More importantly, all the players contribute in a very organic way with McCartney’s songwriting styles.

The results on the heartfelt Wings of The Lightest Weight, Jesus Be My Friend, I Only Want To Be Alone and his cover of Neil Young’s Old Man are often breathtaking in the overall feel and atmosphere of the EP Collection.   

Even though Paul McCartney is listed as as a co-producer with David Kahne, it’s clear that James McCartney’s vision of his growth as a songwriter and artist is his own.  

I will be featuring more than a few of McCartney’s tracks on my upcoming radio shows    http://emms.podbean.com/

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician and popular radio host who’s show has gained steady listeners in all parts of the world.

SARAH MCLACHLAN DAZZLES ON NEW CD

Sarah McLachlan-Laws of Illusion-”Gorgeous songcraft” john emms cd review

June 14, 2010 john emms Edit Leave a comment Go to comments

Delivering an album this good 20 years into your career is no easy feat. But Laws of Illusion Sarah McLachlan’s first cd in 7 years catches her at a creative peak.

 With 10 new songs and 3 bonus singles, McLachlan enticies the listener with gorgeous songcraft and an intuitive sense of her own abilities.

 If there is one word that could describe McLachlan’s work here it is atmospheric.

In addition, a big plus from the stellar opening track Awakenings and throughout the album is the fact that there is a band atmopshere. Contributers like drummer Matt Chamberlain and  guitarists Colin Cripps, Bill Dillon and Luke Doucet make important dynamic touches behind McLachlan’s superb song choices.

The bouncy piano pop of the first single Loving You Is Easy is effortless. Indeed  the meat of the album comes via the superb melodies of songs like Changes , Illusions Of Bliss, and Out of Tune as well as the  Gabrile-esque pop of Heartbreak.

Producer/Musician Pierre Marchand’s contributions to this cd as usual cannot not be overlooked. Whether as an engineer or player Marchand offers up an organic sense of  musicianship that creates a balance of old and new without sacrifice to McLachlan’s songwriting.

Look for at least 3 major singles to appear from this album.  McLachlan’s hugely popular Lilith Fair is almost underway and the  Grammy winner looks poised and ready to tour behind a very strong album

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist who writes product reviews for all major and some indie labels. His new roots/rock radio show COLLECTION OF SONGS is available as a podcast on Apple iTunes and can heard  24/7 here  http://emms.podbean.com/

JOHN is a member of THE SHAFTMEN www.theshaftmen.com and his new solo cd is due out in July 2010

stones in exile dvd..JOHN EMMS MUSIC REVIEWS

STONES IN EXILE-DVD-OUT JUNE 22-JOHN EMMS-SNEAK PEAK REVIEW

June 9, 2010 john emms Edit Leave a comment

This dvd has been the missing link in my love affair with the original vinyl recording of The Rolling Stone’s  Exile On Main Street. 

For literally a million other fans, it’s possible it will be a must have piece of  “Stones”  history, which of course will make the people at Eagle Rock Entertainment (the distributor) very happy.

But for now just for a pargraph or so let’s back up a bit

I bought the original vinyl copy of this album in the summer of 1972 at Sam The Record Man in Toronto. Some of my friends were not sure if  was all that great. 

I disagreed.  I lived this album. Thirty something years later I still find the soul of  this recording to mean something in my life.  Sure I’m older I have a grandson, I have been through many of life’s up and downs, played in lots of blues rock bands and yet still this album lingers. Vintage seems to be a good description.

Back to the DVD.  Due out June 22/2010 this dvd shows some amazing archival footage and photos of The Rolling Stones at Nellcote. This where some of the songs were initially recorded but had yet to be fully devoloped.

 The film also has narration from Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, Mick Taylor, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and photographer Dominque Tarle as well as Anita Pallenberg and engineer Andy Johns.

In addition you get assorted rock star cameo comments from Jack White, Sheryl Crow film director Martin Scorcese and current Rolling Stone producer/musician Don Was to name a few. 

At 145 minutes it goes in depth to say the least. The only thing better than this would be a full on 2 hour archival concert from the 1972 American Tour.

As Bill Wyman states in an interview segment on this dvd  ”No band could touch us at this point in our career.  No one was  even close”

Amen to that.  This dvd will available June 22/2010

John Emms is a veteran music journalist and musician. Emms does product reviews for many major and indie labels. His new rock roots radio show COLLECTION OF SONGS is now available as a podcast at Apple iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/collection-songs-johns-radio/id376049866 and online at http://emms.podbean.com/

JOHN is the songwriter/vocalist with THE SHAFTMEN www.theshaftmen.com  His new solo cd will be out July 2010

celleste-ready to fly-JOHN EMMS CD REVIEWS

CELLESTE..READY TO FLY-SUPERB “NEW” CLASSIC ROCK

June 9, 2010 john emms Edit Leave a comment

Unforced and totally organic Celleste’s Ready To Fly is  easily one of the most vibrant and refreshing cd’s  I have heard this year.

 Let’s put it this way,  When you listen to about 20 new cd’s a month you may only really completley dig a new artist 2 or 3 times in the entire year. Celleste’s Ready to Fly is one of the those finds.

 This cd took  me by complete surprise. First off the songs, vibe, and Celleste’s vocal work hits you in a distinctive way.

Almost dare I say like an old vinyl recording. If  that was not enough producer and co-songwriter Eric Dick’s skill at integrating  melodies and riffs is at the heart of the cd.

I love the fact the cd blasts off with two distinctive rockers Real Love and Yer Goin’ Down.  The riffs and hooks are deep. From there the acoustic rootsy Drive and piano based Falling capture a deeper vocal feel and ambience.

The mid tempo Whatcha Doing To Me and the  70′s classic rock Dreamboat Annie  Heart era title track expand what Dick and Celleste are tring to achieve.

The feel of a classic rock recording in 2010. To their credit  they come awful close.  

John Emms is a veteran published journalist working with major  and indie labels.  His new roots/rock radio show can be heard here http://emms.podbean.com/ and as a feature podcast on Apple iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/collection-songs-johns-radio/id376049866. John is the songwriter/vocalist with The Shaftmen www.theshaftmen.com  His new solo c d will be out  July 2010

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blue rodeo-remaining vital-JOHN EMMS MUSIC REVIEWS

November 26, 2009 john emms Edit Leave a comment

Thank God and the passion within that BLUE RODEO still have FIRE IN THEIR  BELLY. Think that’s easy. Did you get this memo?

Conventional wisdom states that after countless albums, tours and the music business being what it is few artists can still dig deep to come up with the goods late in an already successful career.

Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor, Bazil Donavan, Glenn Milchem and Bob Egan apparently never recieved that memo. Instead the band has forged an album rich in lyrical content and high in muscianship.

Should anyone care that a band spreads out and tackles a double album opus in these non attention to detail times?

That would depend on who’s listenening. I still listen  to records the old fashioned way.

 WITH MY EARS. The disc opens with a soon to be Greg Keelor classic. (You may recall he has written a few already)  It’s the title track and offers up shimmering colors, intimate lyrics and a powerful Beatlesque chorus that blows you out of the room. Jim Cuddy fires up the “rhodes” piano mid tempo One More Night with his passionate vocal,   small town vibe and everyman stance it displays Cuddy and the band at the top of their game.

Despite these new inflections fans can still take stock that Waiitng for the World, One Light Left In Heaven and Sheba all three Cuddy written tracks offer up craftsmanship without sacrificing melody and depth.

However, Keelor always known to take chances with his material spreads the sound into a wide  open D concept soundscape  with the refreshing Million Miles and his gorgeous “Harvest’ era Neil Young inspired  Don’t Let The Darkness In Your Head.

The beauty of Blue Rodeo as an outfit is that multi-instrumentalistist Egan, Milchem’s expressive stickwork and Donavan’s always vital bass lines invoke musicanship first and foremost providing Keelor and Cuddy’s song framework with emotion. With this in mind it should be said that as a recent add in tour and  studio player piano man Bob Boguski adds tremendous depth and clarity to a lot of the material

Other highlights include the big ambience of Venus Rising, The Band Stage Fright era roots inflections of  Arizona Dust and Keelor’s own Lost Togther era track Wasted.

Earlier in the year as this album was being mixed I had conversations with Keelor and Cuddy about how this album was going to be received and conceived as a double album/four sided opus. For the band to pull this off with integrity intact remains a testament to the band’s musicality.   Yes, it’s good, and I NOW HAVE THE DOUBLE VINYL..ah now that’s fun

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mayer-bluesman or pop artist-JOHN EMMS MUSIC REVIEWS

john mayer-battle studies-john emms cd reviews

December 17, 2009 john emms Edit Leave a comment

JOHN MAYER is one of the most misunderstood and brilliant musicians of  his generation. An incredible guitarist and gifted songwriter Mayer recordings always display craft over guitar heroics. This can be frustrating for fans of his fiery chops.

Battle Studies his new cd continues this trend. Everything on this Cd screams solid songwriting and excellent vocal  work. Tracks like Heartbreak Warfare,  the folky Who Says, and the George Harrison influence on Friends Lovers or Nothing are understated gems of love won or lost. Perfectly Lonely has a great R & B groove, and his cover of Crossroads is bang on. Gorgeous production values and superb stickwork from from Steve Jordan and  in the pocket bass work from Pino Palladino  emphasize the class of this recording.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host and musician

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new hendrix remasters-explosive 40 years later-JOHN EMMS CD REVIEWS

jimi hendrix new cd VALLEYS OF NEPTUNE-REVIEW BY JOHN EMMS/cd out march 9th

March 6, 2010 john emms Edit Leave a comment

WOW..IS THE WORD when  I received this new cd of mindblowing unreleased JIMI HENDRIX material . THIS material not only SHOWS HIS GUITAR GENIUS but more than that details his creative ORGANIC output after the Electric Ladyland album.

THE BIG NEWS is a lot of the songs here feature just the trio format live in the studio, AND THEY SMOKE.

 The majority is Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums as well as cameos from Billy Cox on bass and Rocki Dzidzormu on percussion.

It’s important to point out that songs like STONE FREE, RED HOUSE, HEAR MY TRAIN A COMIN’ AND FIRE are included on this cd BUT NEVER THESE VERSIONS..

The sheer power of the trio despite Hendrix fueding with bassist Redding at the time cannot be overstated on Elmore James’ Bleeding Heart, Mr Bad Luck, Lover Man and a blistering unreleased version of Fire. IT’S THAT GOOD

There is even an instrumental of Cream’s Sunshine of Your Love, which is pure jam!

The mixing/engineering work of EDDIE KRAMER on this set  is nothing short of  exceptional. Elsewhere The killer title track and the song Ships Passing Through The Night gives a clear indication of where Hendrix could take his songs.

Fans will also want to check out the detailed 20 page booklet. No Hendrix fan should be without this release!!!

HERBIE HANCOCK-THE IMAGINE PROJECT-HANCOCK BRINGS OUT ELITE PERFORMANCES-JOHN EMMS MUSIC REVIEWS

 

For starters this is flat out one of the best sounding recordings I have heard in recent memory. The depth and clarity is stunning!  The vinyl version will I’m sure be a revelation.

Ok, that’s out of the way.

Herbie Hancock as the old saying goes “has forgot more about making music than most could even learn in a lifetime”" That’s probably a fact

So when Hancock releases an album to the pop market, it’s sure to be genuine but maybe not a multi-platinum seller.

Let’s face it, fusing the textures of straight jazz to pop music can be messy. In fact the melodic end of jazz is not usually appreciated by today’s ‘POP’ music download crowd.  Anyone who listens to music these days wants and often seeks out the solid hook or riff.  There is nothing wrong with that.

On the Imagine Project Hancock attempts to unify an international cast of musicans into a whole meaningful collaboration. You could say a binding musicality worldwide where songs can make a difference.

On the Imagine Project Hancock and friends move the listener in stunning fashion.

Let’s be clear this recording will NOT change our crazy world.  But what it does show is music indeed is a universal global movement

The meat of this is cd comes down to elite perfomances by some of the biggest talents in the world of music. Space Captain featuring Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, and Hancock  is a tour de force of soul and groove. It has to heard to be believed.

Peter Gabriel’s Don’t Give Up moves in familar territory but Pink and John Legend  infuse it with new found relevance. The same could be said about the cover of Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are Changing featuring an extrordinary vocal by Lisa Hannigan and an outro jam by Hancock and guitarist Lionel Loueke along with the backing of The Chieftans.

K’NAAN welds together a world music throwdown with Tinatiwen, Los Lobos and Hancock into a blend held together by Larry Klein’s killer bass groove. It should be noted Klein also produces and arranges this project with Hancock. 

Without going into more detail it’s  sure fire musicianship by James Morrsion on Sam Cooke’s A Changes Gonna Come, Dave Matthews on John Lennon’s Tomorrow Never Knows and Anoushka Shankar’s excellent sitar working against Wayne Shorter’s sax work on on The Song Goes On that puts this album into Orbit.

Elsewhere vocalists Chaka Khan, Juanes, and Indie Arie reach new heights.

A world album of the tallest order! I will feature some of this recoridng on a special jazz roots radio feature of Collection of Songs http://emms.podbean.com/

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host and musician.

glee/the music-the worst pablum-still selling and topping BILLBOARD-by john emms

THE MUSIC FROM this T.V. show is so bad..yet it sells like crazy.

Wake up America, Wake Up Canada..ARE U TONE DEAF?????

Plain and simple it’s a disgrace when this stuff tops the BILLBOARD CHARTS..

HELL when you have covers of actual good songs this awful..it’s ridiculous.

In fact, it hurts artists that are actually trying to make a living as musicians trying to write their own stuff

I have never been big on musicals..SO YES High School Musical cd’s I HAD TO TAKE THEM OFF

I played this stuff for my grandson..then played him the originals. Thank God he could hear the difference..

JOHN EMMS is a radio show host, and veteran music journalist who writes product reviews for all MAJOR Labels and some indie labels

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN/LOOK FOR NEW LONDON CALLING BLU-RAY REVIEW SOON/JOHN EMMS

HELIX RULES AGAIN-ON NEW CD VAGABOND BONES/VOLLMER INTERVIEW

PICK UP THE NEW HELIX CD. FOLKS. IT’S A SHORT (32 minutes) EXPLOSIVE SLICE OF HARD MELODIC ROCK.

You can check my radio show episodes online and just scroll down to a hard rockin’ set to hear UFO, CELLESTE..AND NEW HELIX on the june 18th post http://emms.podbean.com/

MORE HELIX live on this week’s June 17th show..8.p.m.

I RECENTLY spoke to the band’s vocalist and founding member Brian Vollmer

Timmins fans will be as the classic Helix song/video states Running Wild In the 21st Century when Canuck vintage hard rockers Helix rip into The Vic Friday night July 2.

What’s even bigger news is the band’s new cd Vagabond Bones is a hit right out of the box. In fact, personally I see this release as an updated but true to their hard driving melodic sound.

What could top that news? The original Helix lineup will be there. Yes you heard right! Lead singer Brian Vollmer, drummer Fritz Hines, lead guitarist Brent Doerner and bass player Daryl Gray will indeed blow the doors off The Vic.

As most rock fans know guitarist/songwriter Paul Hackman died in 1992 in a vehicle accident when the band’s van left the road and rolled down a 40 foot embankment 60 miles from Kamloops British Columbia. On this tour subbing in as co-lead guitarist is Kaleb Duck who also works with Canuck progressive heavy metal rockers Bravura.

Helix was a huge force in Canadian hard rock/metal duirng the 80′s. The band toured with Alice Cooper, Whitesnake, Motorhead, Quiet Riot and many others. In fact at one gig opening for Heart in Kentucky a stranger jumped up on the stage to jam with Helix guitarist Doerner. It was at this time the band realized it was none other than Eddie Van Halen.

After 36 years of being Canadian hard rock heroes and with tour dates in the US and Europe and the new cd doing brisk business I spoke to lead singer Brian Vollmer

Emms- The new cd is excellent. In fact i was just playing tracks from it and my wife said from the kitchen wow those are good songsI

Vollmer-Thanks John, we just released Monday Morning Meltdown and Make Em Dance and the youtube numbers are fantastic.

Emms-Is classic rock radio playing your new songs?

Vollmer-They are in some markets. What’s upsetting is a lot of classic rock stations use the CRTC ruling about Canadian content and play a lot of our older classic songs, and other stuff from April Wine,Trooper and others. I mean do we need to hear We’re Here For A Good Time every day. If new music by classic acts is presented in the right form and I hear this on internet radio broadcasts then it will really make an impression.

Emms-Well I plan on playing a lot of your new stuff on my own online radio program

Vollmer-Thank you, I would love to check out your radio show.

Emms-I notice your new cd is being distributed by Universal Music.This is pretty cool.

Vollmer-(laughing) Well I do all the work. Did you notice I called you and set up this interview. I take care of the Helix website. (it’s very cool site readers) and generally I’m hands on in every aspect of the band.

Emms-Can you make more money as a business and artist this way?

Vollmer-Well in the old days we were signed directly with Capital Records in the US and granted they broke us. We ended up touring in all parts of the world with the world’s biggest names. On the other had if we made an album in those days and it cost 40,000 dollars, they would give Helix 3 cents a song at 10 songs so it was impossible to pay off of a debt of 40,000 bucks. And that was just for the recording. These days we can make a cd for $15,000 dollars and sell the cd for 14 dollars. That is a litttle better.

Emms-Anvil had a tremendous success with their movie The Story of Anvil. It was reviewed 4 stars in Rolling Stone Magazine, The New York Times etc. Heck the story of Helix would make an intersesting documentary. Your history is exhausting and long.

Vollmer-Actually we would like to get a t.v. show happening. I can’t tell you much more now John, but it would revolve possibly built around characters in a show where I could describe and host on  touring, recording etc.And it might be intersesting for younger artists. I’m just thinking about it now, so I can’t say anymore.

Emms-Your book “Gimme an R” how did that do?

Vollmer-I made all my money back and then some, and fans who read the book said they totally enjoyed hearing about our exploits. More important it created a band legacy.

Emms-I knew you spent time with Ronnie James Dio one of metal’s biggest stars. (Dio passed away in May from cancer)

Vollmer-Ronnie was a true gentlemen much like Alice Cooper. He took the time to converse with you, and made you feel important. It’s very sad.

Emms-What can we expect at The Vic on July 2nd?

Vollmer-I’m happy to say, all the classics from our platinum and gold records and a good cross section of our new material

You can visit Helix at http://www.planethelix.com/

John Emms Radio online at http://emms.podbean.com/

 

 

SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND-”SWEAT DRENCHED AND ROCKIN”-LONDON CALLING LIVE DVD-JOHN EMMS REVIEW

I have seen Bruce and the E Street Band in concert. I own three of the Boss’s dvd’s.  BUT FOLKS this dvd concert from Hyde Park outclasses everything I have ever saw him and the band do.

Part of it maybe is the fact, that for 3 hours it’s rock n roll of the highest order. There are some ballads, but not many.  HOWEVER, the real reason hits you over the head in a bigger way.

SPRINGSTEEN and The E Street Band live and breathe the dynamics of the songs on stage like Religion. This show is a living breathing  toure de force of rock n” roll.

Springsteen sweat drenched at 60 years old delivering a  set with so much integrity it would shame any musician.

 THIS DVD makes me glad I’m a songwritier and musician. It also makes me realize that myself and my friends and fellow musicians do not respect our musical gift enough. It does not matter that this concert is in front of 60,000 or whatever people, on a huge stage, with great gear.

IT’S THE CONNECTION with the fans. It’s electric and undeniable. On a scale of 10 it’s an 11. Everything the Boss puts out, the fans give back.

This rarely happens and if it does the band rarely reaches down to it’s core to deliver this kind of performance.

I could go into the songlist but it is simply not necessary. If you have never experienced The Boss and The E street Band, or even if you have saw him in concert, this is without a doubt your front row seat to an amazing show.

QUITE SIMPLY..you are there on stage.

JOHN EMMS is long time music journalist,  radio show host and musician

Check out his various links on this page.

WHEN YOUR STRANGE BLU-RAY DVD REVIEW THE DOORS-BY JOHN EMMS

Relax and enjoy this detailed and captivating documentary. YES YOU HEARD RIGHT..This is not no bs archival footage thrown together but actually one hell of a great film. In fact, it’s hard even after watching the film a few times not to be blown away each time you see this rare and personal footage. At times it’s mind blowing!!! 

JOHNNY DEPP narrates and does a super job of understanding the band’s dynamics on a musical and personal level, but he never gets in the way of the story.  Director Tom Di Cillo opens the film with the blatant news of Jim Morrison’s over the radio, with actual footage of Morrison driving a vintage Ford Mustang from his 1969 film American Pastoral.

Morrison himself  is seen turning up the radio dial hurtling through the desert heat, while the film injects actual DJ EXCERPTS announcing his death on the airwaves.

 The scene is eerie and blows you out of the room.

Elsewhere there is extra footage with Morrison’s family and moving scenes with his father a Navy Admiral. In additon recording and rehearsal studio footage from all parts of the band’s career and sixties historical cultural moments power the  film and indeed the band’s massive appeal.

There is a lot more film of Morrison than the rest of the band. However Kreiger, Manzarek, and Densmore’s footage and there is a good chunk shows how accomplished they were as players and arrangers. There is tons of insight gained from the survviving members and this is a real plus.

Morrison’s premature death gets plenty of time, but no one in the film tries to resolve the issue. Fantastic never before seen photos of Morrison including his move to Paris France.

Highly recommended film for minor or major fans of the band.

TOM COCHRANE-INTERVIEW-THE NORTH IS GOD’S COUNTRY-BY JOHN EMMS

I RECENTLY SPOKE to Tom Cochrane and Andrew Cole..Here is part of the conversations

Tom Cochrane is a Canadian icon who just happens to also be inducted in Canada’s Walk of Fame, The Canadian Music Hall of Fame, The Order of Canada and holds honarary doctorates from Brandon University, and humanatarium and charity awards too many to mention

Andrew Cole is one of the 2 or 3 most promising new artists to emerge on the North American music scene in the last 2 years. He moved to Canada from Liverpool England in 2004. HIs first single Out of My Head was written by Cochrane and it’s the only song on Cole’s cd Cole did not write himself. That song is now in heavy rotation on Much More Music

Cole is also managed by Tom Cochrane’s wife Kathleene. I took one listen to Cole’s new cd Why We Wonder and was hooked on how genuine and soulful the music sounded.

John-Your album Why We Wonder is impressive on the first listen. But why did it take 2 years to record it?

Andrew-Thank you. I had a vision in my head of how I wanted the recording to sound like. I had worked hard on the songs by myself. We recorded a lot tracks, and I scrapped it. It was not what I wanted. After that I recorded with Bill Bell as producer and guest players like Colin Cripps and Ken Greer. But I had to wait on their schedules and that took time. On top of that I arranged and co-produced the cd, which took even more time.

John-How did you hook up with Kathleene and Tom Cochrane?

Andrew- Barry Roden a great Canadian photgrapher was taking pictures at a Gibson guitar clinic where I was endorsed. He took some photos of me and eventually we became friends. He said I know some people, and then handed me a copy of No Stranger Tom Cochrane’s last cd. I had no idea who Tom Cochrane was. Not a clue. I liked the cd.

Later I got a call from Kathleene and also spoke to Tom. I asked him where he played. He said oh just around. I still new nothing when he picked me up in the car, and I thought were going to a gig at a pub. The joke was on me, he took me to Air Canada Centre where he was playing with John Mellencamp in front of a sold out crowd. So that was funny.

John-How are you Tom? Heck while I was waiting for you to call, the hospital called and asked me to come in for some tests.

Tom-Gee John let’s make this the nutrution part of our interview because I was just at my doctors a while back and he informed me that I had to ‘smarten up” I have lost 30 pounds in 5 months, and I have more energy on stage than ever. I also get to enjoy my golf game (Cochrane is good friends with Mike Weir) and does Weir’s charity classic tournament every year) So yeah I hear where your coming from

John-There is a connective tissue to your albums and songs.Your classic videos like Good Times about family etc. I thought about that because I spoke to your daughter and wife previous to you and I getting together

Tom-Well the map that has been created by my upbringing is imprinted hopefully into my songs. My dad was my biggest hero and possilby still is. Maybe it’s being Canadian. We have an openess about us. It creates space. I think my songs also have that space. I have been told they still sound good even after all this time.

John-Your right I played my grandson the video for Life Is A Highway. He loved it and had heard the song in the Disney/Pixar movie Cars (600 million gross) He thought it rocked more than the Rascal Flatts version

Tom-(laughs) Great, yes it’s my most popular song but if I had to pick my faves it would be Big League or Ocean Blue. Having said that the residuals from Socan have been nice for Life is A Highway (laughs)

John-You live part time in Austin Texas I’m told?

Tom-Yeah maybe 4 months a year. But I love Canada in the summer. Hands down my favourite place. Heck we are going to be up in Kapuskasing. I love Northern Ontario. It reminds me of Lynn Lake in Mantoba (Cochrane’s birthplace).The north of Ontario is God’s country and I’m not just saying that.We are going to take the tour bus up and I’m looking forward to playing. I hope your coming to the show

John-You do so much charity work. It seems you have never comprimised your music or your work with World Vision etc. How do find the time?

Tom-I make the time because I have to remind myself how lucky we are to be living here in Canada and in the developed parts of the world. It comes down to how you carry yourself. The “Highway’ analogy is apt. You spread the good will and fortune you have as you drive down the highway of life. You cant be looking left or right you.Keep your eyes on the road, or your going to crash

As far as the songs I have tried to make them timeless. I am a storyteller. I’m comfortable in that role, but yes for festivals we bring the rock n’ roll. My inspiration is Neil Young. He stands beyind his words and music. He seems do it all. And very well I might add.

John- I think to many Canadians you do the same Tom.

Tom-Thanks John. It’s been a pleasure. I will see you on Saturday.

TOM COCHRANE & RED RIDER-CONCERT REVIEW-JULY 24/2010

From the outset of this show in Kapuskasing Ontario Tom Cochrane and Red Rider proved you can make a concert accessbile without losing integrity. As much weight as Cochrane’s charisma carries to the stage it’s ultimatley the songs and chops that get you through.

Fortunatley for the pumped up audience Cochrane, guitarist/lap steel/piano player Ken Greer, bassist Jeff Jones and drummer Gary Craig delivered a set big on dynamics.

Sturdy versions of Victory Day and The Untouchable One dedicated to wife Kathleene as well as the crowd singalong of Good Times with Cochrane on acoustic guitar and ace guitarist Ken Greer on lap steel working up close and personal set up the crowd for the huge adulation and love of his massive hits.

It should be said right here that the in the pocket and intensive drumming of Gary Craig pushed the band to new heights. Cochrane while still pulling the crowd into his own frontman space fed off of the playing of Jones, Greer and Craig for the entire set.

Big League, Boy Inside A Man and a ripping versions of No Regrets and Red Rider’s Human Race offered up honest no frills rock n roll.

On Life is a Highway and the encore of Lunatic Fringe I noticed middle aged housewives and 20 year old fans pumped and rocking.  A lot of this has to do with Cochrane’s heartland no pretense atttiude. This is an artist who loves what he does.

Unless the band was set to play for 3 hours they did not have time to dip into crowd faves like I Wish You Well, Stonecutter’s Arms, Ocean Blue or Citizen Cain to name just four.

If Cochrane is to follow in the footsteps of his fellow heartland singer songwriters like Bruce Springsteen, and John Mellencamp he should come out with “new material’ within  the next year or so.  His impressive and last release No Stranger is now nearly four years old.

Cochrane is an artist who has plenty left  in the tank. This was an impressive set by any standard.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran published music journalist, radio show host and musician.

Check out his latest solo cd here

 www.johnemms.com

Also the hard driving Blues Rock with the band here

www.theshaftmen.com

CHRIS SHIFLETT & The Dead Peasants-CD REVIEWS BY JOHN EMMS

CHRIS SHIFLETT (Foo Fighters) is a big talent. Let’s get that out of the way. Oh yeah  and this cd by the way is a solid debut album.  ANY ARTIST would be proud of the first time solo work here.

There is a lot of talk when a lead guitarist/noted musician sets out on his own detour.

 How good are the songs? How good can he sing? etc etc. People should realize this cd is not going to challenge The Jayhawks, The Band or Blue Rodeo’s extensive  catologue. Their careers are already  made of years of killer material.

But hell,  the songwriting on Bandaged,  Get Along, the slow intensive burn of God Damn is very good. The Dead Peasant Band: Greig Leiz, Davey Faragher, drummer John Lousteau and Derek Silverman on keyboards are DEADLY. This band plays with so much soul it’s scary. 

Other highlights include An Atheists Prayer and opening song Helsinki. If the touring band and Shiflett can match this cd could do very well on repeated listens. I will be adding this one to my radio show playlist.

JOHN EMMS is a radio show host, veteran music journalist and musician

check out www.johnemms.com

STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN & DOUBLE TROUBLE/LEGACY EDITION/JOHN EMMS REVIEWS

AUGUST 27 th 2010 will mark the 20th anniversary of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s death. Twenty years ago I was taping my indie rock radio show THE SPIRIT OF ROCK on Q 92FM when someone called in and said  he had heard Vaughan died the night before in a chopper crash. I had just finished a dayshift underground at Hoyle Pond  Gold Mine. I basically went home ate supper and went up to the station around 7.p.m. to tape for the Friday 9 p.m. broadcast

Now you have to remember this was before anyone had Google search, TMZ or anything. The listener had asked if we could play anything by SRV as a tribute.

A full time staffer at the station said he could not find any Vaughan in the music library. WHAT i said??  NO WAY that can’t be true, this is a classic rock station!!!!

Without wasting a minute more I drove home to my house and brought back a copy of Couldn’t Stand The Weather on cd from my private stock.

NO BS folks. I then proceeded to tape a 15 minute segement for the show, and went on later to do a whole blues show on SRV and DT.

 SONY/LEGACY has just released a new edition of this classic with a 24 page color booklet, liner notes and interviews with Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton plus a GREAT overview by Andy Aledort himself a superb guitarist and journalist.

It goes for around 20 bucks. With 16 previously unreleased songs, plus a 75 minute set from 1984 at Montreal’s Spectrum, it’s WELL worth the money.

Right here I have to say the 2nd and LIVE disc is mastered a wee bit on the high end for my ears. I WISH there was a little more warmth and bottom end. But this is a minor complaint o nmy behalf.

This is a snapshot of the original trio at a MUSICAL PEAK. The versions of Voodoo Child, Tin Pan Alley, The Things I Used To Do and Lenny are SPECTACULAR.

Some of the “extra’ STUDIO tracks found on this edition were taken from the orignal recording sessions and are alternate takes. The remastered sound is absolute killer, making the 19 track FIRST CD (including the original album) a must have for SRV/DT fanatics.

Vaughan’s influence is legendary. Any listen to blues albums by John Mayer, Jack De Keyzer, Colin James, Joe Bonamassa, Kenny Wanye Shepperd and others all show the influence of the  SRV lead/rhythm guitar style   This is an artist who single handed brought the blues to the mainstream. SRV and DT achieved multiple platinum and gold albums (500,000 and Platinum (over one million) sales 

ANY LISTEN to the this cd (the live disc) here reveals just how good bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton were. Needless to say one of the top 3 or 4 best rhythm sections in modern day blues music.

A MUST HAVE CD FOR SRV/DT FANS

JOHN EMMS blu-ray review-TOM PETTY/HEARTBREAKERS-DAMN THE TORPEDOS/”No one cares enough to make a classic these days”

When you watch this it becomes apparent through new interviews and archival studio footage from Petty, producer Jimmy Iovine, and the rest of The Heartbreakers that you have to sweat the details to make a classic album

Now no one gives a shit about making a great classic album these days.

That’s why we have so much crap out there. Everyone including record companies just going  for the fast buck.  It’s piss on the creators/artists.  Hell,  no one lets talent develop anymore. These days Petty would not have had a chance to make this now classic third album. What I like about this blu-ray/dvd is Tom Petty, Mike Campbell and engineer Shelly Yakus go into details of how tracks were recorded and engineered.

Budding musicians wake up. It’s a great learning tool. There is also songwrititng sequences with Petty and Campbell. Plus all kinds of inside information from the Heartbreakers notably keyboard man Benmont Tench. In the end Petty and Heartbreakers stuck by their now vintage sound, they still do on their new cd MOJO. Yes even the losers get lucky sometimes.

Fine docmentary from Eagle Rock

JOHN EMMS REVIEWS/STONY PLAIN RECORDS STOKES UP THE FALL/BUSY SUMMER/JOHN NEMETH NAME THE DAY/BLUES & R&B PUTS ME IN A GOOD MOOD

iT’S GOING TO BE A GREAT FALL FOR BLUES..i’m looking at getting you the hip quotient with some new releases from  www.stonyplainrecords.com   which I should be sharing with you over the next few weeks. 

IT’S been a busy summer gigging with THE SHAFTMEN www.theshaftmen.com  recording a new solo cd CLOSE ANOTHER DOOR  www.johnemms.com and doing new radio shows which are now up as podcasts on APPLE ITUNES   http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/collection-songs-johns-radio/id376049866  

HOWEVER BEFORE we get into that I wanted to go back to a cd I have been playing all summer and that is JOHN NEMETH’S latest titled NAME THE DAY

It would hard to call this a blues album, but it is one hell of a soul revue blast that could have come out of Hi Records/Muscle Shoals

The groove and horn charts to the title track, and Tuff Girl could be  right out of Solomon Burke’s mouth 30 years ago.

 THAT’S A GOOD THING..FOLKS..while Home In Your Heart could be Wilson Pickett without the screams. Either way IT MOVES YOU..and I’m hip to it

DO’NT FORGET..great new cd’s coming from JOE LOUIS WALKER, one of my face guitar guys RONNIE EARL and the ever popular DUKE ROBILLARD

JOHN EMMS REVIEWS/RON HAWKINS/THE VIC/INDIE/MAINSTREAM AND A RARE TREAT

I had never met Ron Hawkins previous to a club date here in our city at THE VIC.

But I did  know some of his songs from his former group Lowest of The Low, and had recently checked out his solo work.

When I walked in the club Charlie Angus  member of Parliament, Grievious Angel head honcho and former punk rocker from L’Etranger along with Andrew Cash and Peter Duffin was laying down the story lines of George Chuvalo, Heartbreak Town and a dandy new track called Diamonds in the Snow inspired by the youth in James Bay.

Hawkins arrived at the same time with Wayne Bozzer (former astute booker of all time cool and hip Canuck acts) to the stand up bar where Charlie and myself began talking about what else MUSIC (not politics)  Oh yeah and why most music that sells gazillions is pretty damn bland (I’m being nice) 

I introduce myself to Hawkins, buy his latest cd and Hawkins an intelligent and good guy joins in the conversation.  All three of us are not complaining.  Nope it boils down to the fact that these days even a great song (Hawkins and Angus have a few of those) really has a hard time getting translated to a mainstream audience without globs of production and the marketing genius of Ellen DeGeneres. 

It’s like there is an invisible bridge that if you happen to trip over it and walk across it your going to get a leg up. Then again getting 100 million youtube hits by playing your guitar and looking cute may also help.

Ok here is where it gets tough folks. Why did The Clash,  Bob Marley, Bruce Cockburn,  Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen,, Billy Bragg, Neil Young , Elvis Costello, and others have their views and songs explode to the mainstream. I would say it somehow falls into the structure and TIMING of when a pop song that actually says something catches up with people.

Don’t forget  POLIITCS. Left leaning,  right, or middle can still produce classic songwriting.  CCR’S Fortunate Sun, Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind, Neil Young’s Ohio, or anything by JOHN LENNON.  So maybe songwriters have to channel their  focus and talent.

 I think it comes down to that ol’ songwriter magic. You know when you have something really good.

It’s too bad corporate bullshit does not really know this. That’s why they are corporate bullshit leaders. They (for the most part) don’t know anything about music

I love having a RADIO SHOW http://emms.podbean.com/ that you can put out to the world and show people there is real music out there made by real honest players and true talents. BUT UNLIKE conglomerate radio I get caught up in ACTUALLY programming blues, hard rock,  acoustic folk, country, alternative and whatever else that MOVES ME..maybe u will listen and say…wow i have never heard that artist or if you did you never heard them play that track.

Oh yeah the capper is RON HAWKINS then lays out a show full of songs with lyrical sense and TONS OF moments where you actually find out what moves him as a person and songwriter. This is of course a rare treat. Our band has even got lucky with that on occasion. 

RON HAWKINS is making sense in the real world.

All you have to do is go and listen  

check him out at http://www.ronhawkins.com/

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host, and musician

www.johnemms.com

www.theshaftmen.com

john emms reviews/nils lofgren-dvd cry tough-”a treasure”

Nils Lofgren has long been one of my fave guitarists.  However,  his work with  Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band/Neil Young and Crazy Horse  has never really nailed down his “own’ concert personna. For a number of years it’s obvious he is just a small part of the Boss’s killer band and he does his part. Now fans should get excited watching him doing his own material from 3 seperate broadcasts filmed in Germany for the Rockpalast t.v/festival concert series.

My fave convert of the 3 presented here is the 1979 festival show. At this point in his career he had the band and the chops tuned into a tight 5 piece sound that just kills.

Highlights include Beggars Day, Keith Don’t Go, Crry Tough and I Came To Dance. There are a number of parts over the entire dvd where you just say WOW THIS GUY IS SO GOOD

The 3 concerts catch Lofgren and band in 1976, 1979 and 1991 the latter with Rockets drummer Johnny “Bee” Badanjek .  Absolute dynamite shows.

It should be noted, Eagle Rock has become “the” company for it’s treasure trove of  excellent dvd/blu-ray titles such as the live from montreux series/classic albums series, and tons more.

SANTANA-GUITAR HEAVEN-CD REVIEW-”MUSICIANSHIP IS HIGH”-BY JOHN EMMS

Taste is hard to define when it comes to drawing up a list of the greatest guitar songs of all time. Rolling Stone Magazine had their list and I did not agree with about 30 percent of that  list.  In fact it was ridiculous in places.

However, every musician knows when they are creating music that is special. On his new cd Guitar Heaven (The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time) Carlos Santana proves once again organic muscianship will always win out.

Santana’s guitar chops are intense and  at almost every turn his willingness to not only share the spotlight but to really get down and real with his players is what makes this album special.

What really shakes this set up is THE LEAD VOCALISTS and the Santana CORE BAND.  Scott Weiland is on fire on The Rolling Stones/Mick Taylor classic Can’t You Hear Me Knocking, Rob Thomas breathes new life into Cream’s Sunshine of Your Love,  Indie Arie gently mesmerizes the listener on George Harrison’s While My Gutar Gently Weeps, Scott Stapp rips through the CCR chestnut Fortunate Sun, while Pat Monahan absolutley owns the Van Halen classic Dance The Night Away

Naysayers will comment that Santana has worked with virtually everyone in the past 15 years, and some will agree they have a point.  Michelle Branch, Los Lonely Boys, Chad Kroeger, Steven Tyler, Joss Stone. This  list is huge. 

Fellow businessman/Chief  Creative Officer of Sony Music Entertainment and friend Clive Davis knows what sells. His track record is impressive to say the least. In fact, you can almost bet there will be a Guitar Heaven Part 2. 

But don’t let that stop you from checking out this album. THAT WOULD BE A MISTAKE. Santana’s lead work on Riders on the Storm,  Back In Black with rapper Nas and Harrison’s While My Guitar Gently Weeps is organic and exciting at his best and even when you know what he is going to do (Whole Lotta Love) it is is done with taste.

Stellar work from Santana’s entire band especially drummer Denis Chambers and bassist Benny Reitveld for laying out a wicked groove to every track on the set. Deluxe cd comes with a bonus dvd.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host    http://emms.podbean.com/  and musician.

shania twain-to write a new biography..here is PAST fun from APRIL 2009

DOES SHANIA TWAIN NEED A NEW REALITY T.V. SHOW TO REVIVE HER CAREER??-BY JOHN EMMS

April 9, 2010 john emms Edit Leave a comment Go to comments

REALITY TV I DO NOT LIKE….SHANIA TWAIN I LIKE..Oprah Network/Shania in front of cameras…..I will watch..

Will it be torture, tease, or just plain fantastic????

PROBABLY ALL THREE..AND THAT’S GOOD FOR BUSINESS

BUT FOLKS…LET’S CALL IT WHAT IT IS..

BIG marketing,  equals big ratings, equals revival of SHANIA’S career.

I DON’T  see making a t.v. reality show as “going out on your shield” Or taking risks.

 But it will take work and long hours, because t.v. is not easy. It’s bloody well demanding

I’m sure OZZY sold more cd’s after their hit reality show THE OSBOURNES drew huge numbers after 52 episodes. They even “reloaded it”

IT FLUNKED AFTER ONE EPISODE..

REALITY T.V. IS KING..  And this WILL help SHANIA SELL MORE CD’S..I CAN TELL YOU THAT

Maybe I will make an apperance as the local music journalist/critic who tries to convince SHANIA..TO WRITE SONGS CLOSE TO HER HEART..LET THEM SEE YOUR SOUL..

Here is scene I CAN SEE SHANIA AND MYSELF DOING

SHANIA-(LOOKING TROUBLED) Do you think all this is unecessary John. The people following me around in my daily life. asking me  to do things I cannot possibly have the inner strength  to accomplish?

JOHN-(HOLDING SHANIA’S HAND GENTLY) Shania. People love you for what you are. They want to feel the inner you. Look Shania if you give your heart, you will get it back A MILLION TIMES

SHANIA has already created one of the most enduirng pop recordings of all time with UP

Absolute great cd..SHANIA..YOU CAN DO IT AGAIN..But let’s see some of that inner beauty

LOOK I WILL WATCH THIS  SHOW….BUT WHAT WOULD I REALLYLIKE????

How about Shania picks or writes 12  new songs. How about 12 new songs, that have soul, depth and really connect.

Let’s say about motherhood, life, love, and loss.

What do you Shania fans think?? Let me hear from you

JOHN EMMS is a long time music journalist and musician www.johnemms.com

his new radio show is lots of fun it’s here http://emms.podbean.com/

JOHN is also the lead singer/songwriter with THE SHAFTMEN (see article below)..THE BAND HAVE 2 CD’S OUT AT ITUNES ..check them out http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/paycheque-blues/id365389443

“RONNIE WOOD GETS SOULFUL”-CD REVIEW-I FEEL LIKE PLAYING-BY JOHN EMMS

With a rich set of songs and fresh dynamics RONNIE WOOD has made his most soulful solo record to date with I Feel Like Playing.  Considering it comes on his seventh solo recording and 40 years into his career, it’s going to be  a welcome wake up call to industry people and fans. YES FOLKS, IT’S THAT GOOD!

Hell, my wife even likes it and that’s good news from the housewives of the world for Ronnie. On the opening Why You Wanna Go and Do a Thing Like For That For, Wood mines a classic  Music From Big Pink vibe with his own evocative  singing on lyrics like “Kicking me from Heaven Straight to Hell”. That sets up the effortless reggae  of  Sweetness My Weakness, and the soon to be Wood classic Lucky Man written with Canadians Paul Hyde, Bob Rock and Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder.

When Wood sings lines like ”It’s hard to get the Devil off your clothes, and “I went looking for a saviour and but there was none to be found” you believe the guy.

Although stars like Slash, Jim Keltner, the great Bernard Fowler, Ian McLagan (The Faces) and Flea sit in the whole feel of this album is Ron Wood.

Wood gets the blues rock in gear on Thing About You a co-write with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, who also sits in and trades licks with Wood.

Wood then does a funky rave-up of  Willie Dixon’s Spoonful with Slash and a dynamic ripping vocal from Fowler, before delivering the album’s best rock n roll song I Don’t Think So behind Steve Ferrone’s wicked backbeat, Waddy Wachtel’s percussive guitar and chorus help from legendary vocalist Bobby Womack.

At this point your saying “Wow” when Wood and the crew get up in your face with the Howlin’ Wolf vibe of Fancy Pants, and the soulful and sincere “Faces like” Forever again featuring Bobby Womack.

There is a feeling of cohesion between the songs, and the players with Wood sitting on top of the mix that simply lifts this release to lofty heights. THIS CD will be available September 28th worldwide from Eagle Rock Entertainment

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host http://emms.podbean.com/ and musician

shania twain-can’t wait for her new show on oprah’s network-here is a previous column

Taylor, Shania, Vince, Elvis, The Shaftmen, Hank Sr, Waylon, who’s really singing? by john emms

February 3, 2010 john emms Edit Leave a comment Go to comments

CAN’T WAIT FOR SHANIA’S NEW SHOW ON OPRAH NETWORK..here is a column of interest for fans 

VINCE GILL is known as being a great player and excellent country vocalist

Gill has also been quoted as being against the “whole auto-tune craze” that is affecting modern country music.

Hell what would  have Hank Williams Sr, and good Ol’ Waylon Jennings thought of this madness

Fast forward to Taylor Swift’s big Grammy winning night.  I was not alone with my unflattering  commentary on Taylor Swift’s Grammy vocal performance.  Many publications weighed in. Let’s chalk it up to a rough night. We have all had them.

So then does it really matter?  Well yes. THE BEATLES USED THE IN HOUSE P.A AT SHEA STADIUM IN 1965 …WITH A CROWD OF 55,000…..George Jones, Roy Orbison and Ray Charles were some of the best singers ever. NO tricks..just sing  

Taylor has the smarts and  talent to learn from this. Some people have suggested that Swift was brave not to use auto-tune. I can tell you most of the performers I know and admire have to my knowledge not used the pitch correction device in the studio or in live performance.

Personally you can watch any of our Shaftmen live takes on youtube recorded with one camera and small microphone, and most of the time my voice is pretty stable.  And I can tell  you like most singers I have some pitch problems. For me it’s  the emotion of the performance

Taylor Swift is the youngest person to ever win A Grammy for Album of the Year, and  Heck maybe i’m off by one or two but Shania Twain has won 5 GrammyAwards. ELVIS PRESLEY WON ONLY 3 GRAMMY AWARDS..WOW..YOU SAY 

The 2010 Grammy audience share was up, and that was with the censoring of a riveting show from Eminem, Lil Wayne and Drake.

What does all this say about the future of the industry To quote my friends. ”Most of the buying consumer must be stupid”

I’ m going to go old school with Vince Gill  on this one. WE ALL LOVE GREAT MUSIC..BUT LET’S GET BACK TO REAL SINGING AND REAL PLAYING 

 HECK, I don’t know if SHANIA has in the past or if she tours again will decide to use auto-tune or pitch correction.

 I honestly don’t think she needs it. She started out like the rest of us. Little ol’ p.a. system with an old microphone handed down. If we can’t sing with the best gear in the world then  maybe we should all get practicing .

JOHN EMMS..

VISIT JOHN..
www.johnemms.com

www.theshaftmen.com

www.myspace.com/theshaftmentimmins

A LOOK BACK AND AHEAD..FOR SHANIA TWAIN

great way to start 2010..and shania’s new show will blast of 2011-a look back-Shania’s BIG HEART blasts into 2010-Olympic torch run captivates thousands-by john emms

January 2, 2010 john emms Edit Leave a comment Go to comments

THIS WAS A GREAT WAY TO START 2010..EH SHANIA FANS”

It would not be Timmins if it was not minus 40 below zero with the wind chill would it”  said SHANIA TWAIN  while laughing and grinning from ear to ear as she stood on a makeshift stage speaking to the thousands in attendance  at the Timmins leg of the Olympic torch run

As most of you readers know I’m usually in the role as a music journalist, or as a musician with our band THE SHAFTMEN but tonight I got caught up in the excitement of  the Olympic torch relay with Shania Twain.

SHANIA’S BIG HEART RULES- I don’t have to tell all of you fans that, look at the smile on that face

I have ALWAYS been a huge SHANIA supporter and equal Timmins area born supporter of everything heritage and culture in our city. 

I have stayed clear of the  controversey relating to who should carry in the Olympic torch. Most of you SHANIA fans worldwide who will  read this don’t know that we have an Olympic gold medalist in KATHY KREINER who won GOLD at the  1976 Olympics in Innsbruck Austria.

IN FACT, she is the only Timmins born native  to win Gold at any Olympic summer or winter.

THAT FOLKS IS HUGE

Mayor Tom Laughren drew BIG applause when he mentioned both Kathy and her sister Laurie who also was a medalist.

OUR SHANIA MADE IT A GLORIOUS TIMMINS NIGHT, COULD YOU IMAGINE if KATHY and SHANIA both were up there

I was standing about 4 or 5 feet from the stage with my skin literally frozen and fingers barely able to function  with my grandson James. He is a HUGE Shania fan and I wanted to get him up close and personal

I CAN ONLY  imagine what SHANIA was feeling but I can say that the feelings from all of the fans gathered despite the bitter cold was overwhelming

TIMMINS DID IT.. and SHANIA WAS EXCITED..THIS WAS HISTORY IN THE MAKING

SHANIA mentioned “how much spirit Timmins and indeed people of the North have for standing hours in freezing cold”  She is bang on right. There is a lot of heart and soul in this town and tonIght it was out in full force, just like it was when Kathy Kriener came home a national sports hero.

From Eilleen’s humble beginnings to her many awards and Global status one thing is for sure. Tonight’s Olypmpic Torch Run will have her heart and head spinning as she lays down to sleep. BRAVO EVERYONE

www.johnemms.com

JOHN EMMS is a 20 year veteran music journalist. He has written many articles about SHANIA and many other artists. He also does cd, dvd reviews for all major domestic and International labels.

JOHN is also the songwriter/vocalist with THE SHAFTMEN…you can see more of Timmins history and the band at

www.theshaftmen.com

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN-The Rolling Stones-”Taylor, Wyman, Watts, Jagger and Richards shine on”-BLU-RAY REVIEW JOHN EMMS

The debut of this film fully restored and remastered is a gem in the history of  THE ROLLING STONES career and catalogue.  Without question this dvd will gain huge interest internationally because of it’s former cult status, and for the fact there has been a lot of care put into it’s re-creation.

However what’s most important is that it clearly shows how commanding the Stones could be on a good night.

In fact, MICK JAGGER is quoted in the interview segment  as saying that during the late 60′s and 70′s The Stones could be ramshackle and sloppy on stage, but on this particular four night run that the concert film draws from they were in pretty good form.

NO KIDDING.

For younger fans (the 80′s and onwards) this is a chance to see the mid era band with added muscle from Jim Price trumpet, Nicky Hopkins on piano, and Bobby Keys on sax.

 The concert footage comes after the release of  EXILE ON MAIN STREET and the 3 album run of  BEGGARS BANQUET, LET IT BLEED, and STICKY FINGERS as a backdrop.

In addition it clearly shows how supple and superb MICK TAYLOR’S lead guitar lines weave in and out of the INTENSE GROOVE framework of KEITH RICHARDS, CHARLIE WATTS and the solid and interesting bass work of BILL WYMAN.

Jagger himself is prime front man form. In fact let’s face it other than ELVIS PRESLEY, JAMES BROWN, and OTIS REDDING.. and later BONO and MICHAEL JACKSON..MICK JAGGER is the holy grail of  lead singer/frontman who just happend to co-write some of rock’s biggest songs.

To be fair there has been some cutting from performances, as you notice Richards using different guitars and Jagger in different clothes in the same song, but overall this is the Rolling Stones in their rawest decadent form.

Soundwise I like to play this dvd in LPCM stereo mode as opposed to the dts surround. I find it presents the band in a more direct to the ear presence. Kind of like you were centre seat 10 rows from the stage. Also I just DON’T think the separation holds up well especailly when solos are being laid down, whether it’s Bobby Keys sax work or Taylor’s exceptional lead guitar.

THERE are absolute killer versions of DEAD FLOWERS, LOVE IN VAIN, MIDNIGHT RAMBLER, ALL DOWN THE LINE, and HAPPY and for the first time fans can revel in songs like Sweet Virginia and Rip This Joint.

Overall the blu-ray film is not your typical high gloss package you normally see. THAT SUITS me fine becuase it  fits the era of when the film was shot.

110 minutes including Jagger interviews and Tour Rehearsal footage (wow)

THIS DVD will be available world-wide from EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT October 12 2010.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran rock music journalist, musican and radio show host http://emms.podbean.com/

CHECK OUT  John’s review of RON WOOD’S brilliant new solo cd..on this page

visit john www.johnemms.com

and the band www.theshaftmen.com

DUKE ROBILLARD-PASSPORT TO THE BLUES-”REVIVING HIS GUITAR BLUES” CD REVIEW BY JOHN EMMS

 DUKE ROBILLARD  makes a lot of music and is a stone solid  bluesman.   Some critics have said he records too often. This is true. Almost an album a year for the last ten years.

It’s safe to say most of those critics have not heard those recordings.  

I was lucky enough to catch DUKE ROBILLARD during the few years he gigged with the FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS. It was around the time of the album Walk that Walk, Talk that Talk.

To say I was blown away by his fret work at that gig would be an understatement. Bottom line is in those days DUKE rocked hard and authentic. 

I did not catch up with  his work again until the album TIME OUT OF MIND by BOB DYLAN and later his work with J GEILS on the Guitar Sumitt cd around 2004.

Since then I own ALL of his solo work.  I LIKE it best when DUKE is writing and playing WITH LOTS OF GUITAR.

With his current album Passport to the Blues, for the most part THAT’S WHAT HE DOES. 

His band of Doug James sax, Bruce Bears on piano, basssit Brad Hallen and especially drummer Mark Teixeira push the songs and Duke and that result is worth your money.

Workin Hard For My Uncle, Hong Kong Suit, and Blues Train open the album in a riff and groove driven way and that is good news. Robillard’s cover of the minor chord gutsy blowout on Tom Wait’s hard storytelling blues  Make it Rain is downright dangerous. 

For me personally less satisfying is the jazz of When Your Old Your Cold, and possibly 2 other tracks where Duke’s vocals could have been better.

I say a small price to pay, for what is a strong  return to the BLUES

Elsewhere his own remake of The High Cost of Lovin is killer, as is the Hound Dog Taylor-esque (guitar and drums)instrumental romp of Bradford Blues, check out the  DUKE while he  burns off some licks on the slow blues workout of Grey Sky Blues, and Rhode Island Red Rooster. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ bout!!!

Check out my roots/rock/blues radio show  http://emms.podbean.com/  where I will delve into more of this album and further NEW stuff from Ronnie Earl and Joe Louis Walker  which I will review here!!

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host and blues rock musician http://www.theshaftmen.com/home.htm

John’s new solo singer-songwriter cd is available on Apple Itunes and here http://johnemms.com/

RONNIE EARL & THE BROADCASTERS-SPREAD THE LOVE-”EARL’S GUITAR WORK IS HEAVEN SENT”-CD REVIEW JOHN EMMS

IF the grafitti that proclaimed  CLAPTON IS GOD was applied to RONNIE EARL’s guitar tone it might come out “EARL IS HEAVEN SENT”

Without going int0 the usual  top 100 guitarists of all time scenario only a few guitar albums/ players in the last 10 years  have  riveted my attention in the way Earl has.

No question guitar players like Jeff Beck, John Mayer, Jack De Keyzer, Joe Louis Walker, Warren Haynes and others can lay claim to stopping you in your tracks but Earl is at the top of the mountain.

AND THIS CD IS YOUR PROOF

You can be anywhere doing anything but when you hear  Ear’ls groove and lead lines snake in behind the Booker T wall of Dave Limina’s Hammond B-3 on the track Happy you just have  to stop and absorb it.

That happens a lot on SPREAD THE LOVE. Check out the other wordly volume intro licks by Earl floating into your conscience on Patience, or the mighty groove  of Lorne Entress’s drums and slinky bass work of Jim Mouradian as they propel Earl’s cover of Albert Collins’ Backstroke.

OH yes folks THE BROADCASTERS..worship at the chuch of  Booker T and MG’s

Elsewhere Earl’s taps into Chili Con Carne from Kenny Burrell’s Midnight Blue period updating the sound but always staying true to Burrell’s original BLUE NOTE sound and feel. Piano man Limina gets “ALL OTIS’ on his tribute Spann on Spann’s Groove, with Earl ripping up T-Bone- esque double licks on the outro.  

I can’t go into every track here, but when you hear Earl and The Broadcasters let loose on Blues For Slim you may run out and get your MIKE BLOOMFIELD cd’s and start cranking them.

IT’S quite possible this album  may be the purest instrumental form of blues and soul of the last 10 years, and in it’s own way equal at times to the way the Memphis soul and the jazz period of Blue Note got into your guts. IT’S THAT GOOD

It would be nice to see this entire cd performed start to finish  by the band and filmed in 5.1 HIgh Defintion Blu-ray.

That would be a treasure!!!  Heck have a party and throw in a few guests like De Keyzer, Robillard and Landreth and put me beside the sound board!!! 

JOHN EMMS is a veteran Music Journalist, radio show host, and musician

radio http://emms.podbean.com/ music www.johnemms.com       www.theshaftmen.com

BOB DYLAN-BEST OF THE MONO RECORDINGS-”DYLAN SINGS IN YOUR LIVING ROOM”-CD REVIEW JOHN EMMS

 

BOB DYLAN is singing in my living room, and we are having a blast!!!

Oh yes Bob had reason to smile when he started writing and recording.  He and a few close knit friends and musicians knew deep down in their guts these were important songs. With these mono recordings IT’S LIKE YOUR HEARING DYLAN FOR THE FIRST TIME.

There is a startling clarity to his voice and yes those lyrics are now even more narrative. It’s hard to put your finger on it but these recordings sound like VINYL but without the pops and crackles.

On I Want You and Rainy Day Women both recorded in 1966 on Blonde on Blonde it sounds like the band is beside you.

 Mr Tamburine Man, Tombstone Blues, and Blowin’ In The Wind sound like they were recorded yesterday AND YOU WERE AT THE SESSIONS.

Later I hope to REVIEW the entire 8 album MONO BOX SET. Look for my review of THE WITMARK DEMOS-BY BOB DYLAN-1962-1964 

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host, and musician

KINGS OF LEON-COME AROUND SUNDOWN-(BIG-ch-ch-changes??)-cd review john emms

No doubt..wanting to challenge your fans with your growth as songwriter is a big deal when your a succesfull band such as KOL.   TRYING TO HARD can be dangerous. Maybe that comes when you sell 7 million or so units of your last album. I DON’T KNOW

BUT, KILLER SONGS ARE HERE–some of them in that big ambience. Using that same BIG SOUND..there are some I just don’t think the band fleshed out enough.

But to be sure…I am NOW getting into this album,  BUT  I have to be honest. I DID NOT LIKE THIS RECORD on the first 2 listens.  

Let me also say I have to admit to only playing their dvd LIVE AT THE OZ once. I could barely get through it. They did not sound like themselves. It was BOMBASTIC at the time. I’m going to check it agian!!!!

PYRO..IS AN INSTANT CLASSIC though the U2 esque sound is strong. Caleb Followill’ ‘s  lead vocal is yearning and gets under your skin, and that goes for the THE FACE  There is something about the texture. Having said that The Immortals, and Mart should have been fleshed out more to find the nectar.

Back Down South is just plain pretty. ANOTHER CLASSIC.  Beach Song is the band finding a new groove and it’s superb showing how their willing to tackle it. You have to love the  way The Followill’s.. Matthew’s lead gtr stabs and the excellent bass and drums of  Jared and Nathan groove. That goes ditto for simple effective Birthday, and possibly one of their best songs MI AMIGO. To be sure.. I will be playing a lot of this record on my new radio show 

Yes maybe the band is tring too hard on some songs..and that shows. But, bottom line is you can’t get STUCK IN THE MOMENT AND NOT GET OUT OF IT.

KOL IS GROWING. come along for the ride..You will be glad you did!!!!!  

JOHN EMMS is veteran music  journalist, musician and RADIO SHOW HOST..CHECK  HIS  excellent song choices and past radio shows on APPLE ITUNES

http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/collection-songs-johns-radio/id376049866

OR THE ONLINE SITE  http://emms.podbean.com/

Shania, Avril, Katy, Shakira, etc- THE SEXY POP CULTURE MARKET-BY JOHN EMMS

ROCK N’ ROLL has always lived by the SEXY image. It’s nothing new. And the ladies of rock n’ roll have literally upped the ante in the last 15 years.

Heck I still dig the album cover of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Whipped Cream and Other Delights. That recording sold 6 million copies in 1965. And the image helped!!!!!

When I saw the recent cover of MAXIM with the hugely talented Avril Lavigne  besides catching my eyes, I thought…..NOW THAT’S MARKETING. 

Let’s face it, the ladies’ SEXY IMAGE has literally sold milllions of albums to the male demographic.

BUT WAIT… I’m sure the guys have bought a few too. Then again they probably settled for a MAXIM mag

 SEXY Image in pop culture SELLS.

Ditto for the recent sexy KATY PERRY cover of ROLLING STONE and of course who could forget  SHANIA TWAIN when she did her covers of  ROLLING STONE and MAXIM

BOTTOM LINE..is most artists male or female live and breathe by the IMAGE whatever it is.

Problem is you have to maintain that image!  So if you start out SEXY like SHANIA, BEYONCE or whoever…. it becomes as vital as the music you make.

MAYBE EVEN MORE SO!!!!!!

WHY HAVE stars like ERIC CLAPTON or let’s say a  blues icon like BUDDY GUY stayed cool?

It seems they have earned their  ”elder statesmen star status” by still  writing and recording and  YES still playing their butts off in a live context..

WHO KNOWS if JAY-Z or someone like ADAM LEVINE from Maroon 5 are going to have to live off their images if they can hang in for 20 years or so 

Record companies love to create IMAGE..and it’s a big part of the MUSIC BIZ.

If your smart you should care about your image and that includes your album cover art. Look  OZZY, THE CLASH and PINK FLOYD sold a lot of records with image.

THE LOOK..says it all.. BUT..WOW..IF IT’S SEXY IT seems to sell more

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host and musician

NEVEREST/COLAMECO-Taking the groove vibe to the top-by John Emms

In the pop world as in almost any genre of music it’s all about  the groove, the image and the vibe.

Neverest has the above three and hopes to tap into the elusive ”special sauce” as actor Jack Black  likes to put it. Hopefullly then spread that magic on to the buying public.

Over the next few weeks  the four piece pop/rock act are out applying that special vibe across Canada.

Drummer Brendan Colameco hailing from Shaniaville  is the band’s Northern Compass. He is the man who puts the groove in the meter and the meter in the groove.

When you see the band’s upcoming video for the track About Us you will see what the younger audience likes to call “The Dope”  Check it out as Brendan aka “The Animal”  slams out the groove.

Since I’m writing today  from the Northern Perspective  let’s focus on one of our own.  B-Town

Brendan Colameco is living proof that if you work hard, take some chances and believe in your ability you can become sucessfull.

The 19 year old Timmins native answered an ad on Craiglists in January 2010 for a Toronto pop/rock band looking for a serious drummer.

What Brendan did not know at the time was this would become the opportunity of a lifetime. Safe to say a gig that few musicians regardless of their abiltity get to experience. 

Brendan travelled to Toronto for a series of interviews with his father well known local musician Paul Colameco.

“On Brendan’s first day he was interviewed by the 3 Street Management team, on the second day he met two other band members lead vocalist Spyros Chalkiotis and multi-instrumentalist/guitarist Mike Klose, and on the third day those three jammed on different song ideas that Spyros had.

You could see it was serious stuff, in fact serious enough that as a parent  I was asked at the meeting if I would support my son having a serious music career away from his hometown. I replied without hesitation 100 percent” said Colameco.

4 to 5 days passed before Brendan was called and was told he made the cut. He was also told he must be available on short notice, and that he would have to pack up and move to Toronto permanetly to start rehearsing, after bassist Paul Loduca  had been recruited as the fourth member of the group.

Colameco went down to Toronto in May of 2010 and the band began to get serious with 4 and 5 hour rehearsals 5 days a week under the eyes of management team consisting of CJ Huyer, recording engineers Mike Kiofus,  Murray Daigle, and songwriter Angelo Themelkos.

Topping off the management team and putting his world experience and financial support among other investors is Backstreet Boys founding member  Howie Dorough. Since this man, has been around the world a few times and has been known to sing a song or two and may I say in key.  Chances are the man knows  “whazz up”

Needless to say The Colameco’s including brother Evan also a musician,  mother Darlene, and father Paul  are excited.

Personally,  Brendan’s growth as a musician has been extrordinary. Over the years I watched him play at his high school, at his father’s school and with various bands such as the ever hip Wyatt Young.  He was better each time out.

Brendan loves to groove, and that same groove is what makes his playing so special. Loose yet funky you could say!

Brendan Colameco started playing drums early. “Brendan was given a pair of drum sticks by Dale Nikoruk when he was 2 years old, and banged on everything for 8 years before taking proper drum lessons from Kevin McMahon (Mr Rock Steady) at The Music Box when he was 10 years old. After his lessons,  Bren would play for 5 and 6 hours straight. He  pretty much spent all of his free time  learning every aspect of drumming” explained Paul.

Recently Paul and myself travelled down to Toronto for the band’s first video shoot. Having been around a lot of  recording artists, and industry people over the last 20 years I was impressed by the “family’ type atmosphere surrounding the band. The management team were down to earth people, and may I add very likeable.

Later, I was introduced by Paul to the other 3 members of the band. These young men were anxious to learn their craft and are respectable and engaging.  I thought, wow something is special  here.

These young men are being mentored correctly and I could see that Paul as a parent had full trust in the way “The Team” was handling Brendan.

The actual video shoot itself took 2 days and the video was directed by multiple MMVA director RT who also works with Drake, Kardinal Offishall and major companies like Sony, Coca Cola, and Toyota to name just a few.

The new song and video About Us written with Anthony M Jones (Mary J Blige, Ashanti) will be serviced  in around November 9th.

While I’m on the film end of things, needless to say the man filming the band’s every move Antione Biko has got the goods. Watch for this guy to do big things in film and it’s  related genres

Neverest has been currently on a  very large radio promo tour across Canada and just finished the Eastern leg performing unplugged and being interviewed about the new single.

Also travelling with the band on the radio tour will be Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough.

The entire band and team are scheduled to appear and gig in Timmins on Novmber 9th at O’Gorman High School and TH&VS High School as well as drop in at the local radio stations as part of the Cross Canada promo tour.

As of yet there is no word on when an album of songs will be released. I’m looking forward to hearing the band play live, which as everyone knows is where the “real dope” is

John Emms is a veteran music journalist who does product reviews/interviews for all major labels  and some indies

John is also a radio show host, his show is featured podcast throughout the world on Apple Itunes http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/collection-songs-johns-radio/id376049866

John is also musician www.theshaftmen.com and writes for the media  http://www.timminspress.com/Search.aspx?search=john+emms

Black Dub-self titled debut-”Standing on the outside of evolution”-by John Emms

 

Black Dub’s debut album captures a musical space and time that may bring new hope and spark to the whole idea of creating music. In a strange way it’s what jazz artists used to do. Create new soundscapes and explore genres

The  current music industry that is now formula and predictable, can be changed. This recording is the proof.

Daniel Lanois has written and produced 11 tracks with three superb musicians. Vocalist Trixie Whitley, bassist Daryl Johnson and drummer Brian Blade.

From the opening strains of  Love Lives on through to the gorgeous I Believe in You, the exquisite Cannan and what could be the album’s most radio friendly song Nomad,  the music simply shines.  In fact, Nomad and the reggae-esque vibe of Silverado could elevate this album into the people’s consciousness in a big way.

The whole vibe of the song Nomad and the lyric  which says in part “Open up your transmissions, I’m standing on the outside of evolution”  explains the whole concept of what making music means to Black Dub. 

I should say the production values and organic mix of this cd should sound amazing on the vinyl release

This music transcends genres, as it moves through time and space. It’s the real thing.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host, and musician

BRYAN FERRY-OLYMPIA-Love Is Still The Drug-cd review by john emms

 

If an album can be direct and still contain tons of  gorgeous layers  that are waiting to be discovered then  Bryan Ferry’s latest new work Olympia is that recording.

For fans of Roxy Music and fans of Ferry’s solo years this is an album that delivers on the promise that Ferry along with David Bowie has always been a very cinematic composer.

Olympia goes to a lot of sonic places. The bottom heavy groove that jumps out on You Can Dance is as intoxicating as the atmospheric Me Oh My that mixes Ferry’s  killer vocal with David Gilmour’s guitar work which in turn is surrounded by violins and cellos.

Of course what makes the album as direct as the sun  is Ferry’s voice.  In all of rock n’ roll his is one of the most unique and fullest on the planet. In fact,  just check out the timbre on the closing number Tender is the Night. Wow 

On the audio side Bob Clermountain’s mix has to be heard to be believed, and that goes for the entire album.

Ferry also unites with the Scissor Sisters on the Roxy-esque dynamic Heartache by  Numbers.  That along with the funky track BF Bass (ode to Olympia) shows Ferry grooving away with fellow Roxy Music bandmates Brian Eno and Phil Manzanera. This song proves that in Ferry’s world Love Is Still the Drug  even now in the Facebook/YouTube era

Ferry’s vocal lines act like another instrument and easily become part of the ambience as they slide around the bass of Marcus Miller and Phil Manzanera’s other wordly guitar tone on the track Reason or Rhyme.

Easily one of the best tracks and soon to be a certifiable classic is Ferry’s cover of  Traffic’s No Face, No Shame, No Number which features the eloquent guitar of Chris Spedding.  Also  under cover if you happen to get the iTunes or deluxe version of the disc is  Ferry’s startling falsetto as it sits atop a very hip arrangement of John Lennon’s Whatever Gets You Through The Night.

At 65 years of age Bryan Ferry is as cool as he was when he fronted Roxy Music in 1973. How many artists can say that? The list is short my friends

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician and radio show host.  Later this month hear Bryan Ferry’s new cd as well as other great music on John’s hit radio show here http://emms.podbean.com/

GARTH HUDSON PRESENTS-A CANADIAN CELEBRATION-”STARTING A RUCKUS”-CD REVIEW JOHN EMMS

 

This cd serves as a reminder of just how rich The Band’s catalogue of music still is. In addition it  lets you understand the Garth Hudson and ”Canuck” connection to the group’s unique place in rock history. 

Garth Hudson’s inventive and organic keyboard work was central to the dynamics of the group and still remains unique to it’s groove no matter what artist is in the driver’s seat. Upon further listen this cd with 18 Canadian artists comes off warmly with it’s reinvention of The Band’s diverse output.

The Hudson narrative is simple. Think about when you watch the film or listen to the soundtrack of  let’s say  The Last Waltz (as I have done too many times to count)  Amid the chaos of all the performers and musicians Garth Hudson’s keyboard work acted as a type of  universal weld that held the music intact.  

On this album Garth Hudson a Canadian Celebration of The Band you hear well known Canadian artists pay homage to the Band’s material (a lot of it written by Robbie Robertson) and of course to Hudson’s own musical roots.

Danny Brooks and The Rockin Revelators blast off the album with Forbidden Fruit in sublime voice (think of David Clayton Thomas) while Papa John King supplies some killer guitar fills. From there Mary Margaret O’Hara simply owns Out of the Blue which features Hudson’s shimmering piano aided by the Sadies who show up on a number of cuts (check out their version of  The Shape I’m In)  including a “sixties” rave up with Canuck Icon Neil Young on Bob Dylan and Rick Danko’s This Wheel’s On Fire.  Yep you know it. Ol’ Neil is still the “real thing”

Hudson rocks some heavy duty organ on A’int Got No Home with Suzie McNeil blazing through an excellent vocal aided by some “rippin’ chops by axeman Tavis Stanley.

In a variety of places there are some nice suprises. Raine Maida digs deep into The Cahoots number The Moon Struck One and Chantal Kreviazuk does Richard Manuel justice on her gorgeous rendering of Tears of Rage, while Blue Rodeo featuring Greg Keelor, Bob Packwood and Hudson nail down a rootsy take on the classic King Harvest (has surely come)

It should be noted a lot of tracks (probably because of time constraints) were not represented. Among them Life is a Carnival,  It Makes No Difference,  Look Out Cleveland, Rag Mama Rag, and  Ophelia to name a few. In addiiton it would have cool to hear let’s say Tom Cochrane or the  Tragically Hip.

Elsewhere Ian Thornley (Chest Fever) The Trews (Move to Japan) The Road Hammers (Yazoo Street Scandal) and Hawksley Workman who smokes big time on I Loved You Too Much work the rock n roll angle.

From Bruce Cockburn to Great Big Sea, The Cowboy Junkies, Kevin Hearn and Thin Buckle and Peter Kratz, it’s a an honest record in every way.

Big kudos to Peter J Moore on the engineering and  ”the mix’.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host http://emms.podbean.com/ and musician www.theshaftmen.com and www.johnemms.com

BEE GEES-IN OUR OWN TIME-BLU-RAY DOCUMENTARY-”revealing stuff” by john emms

No question about it. This is a very revealing documentary. In fact,  the exclusive in depth interviews with Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb are extraordinary.

It’s noteworthy that all of  the  Maurice Gibb interviews were done before his death from a twisted intestine in 2003. What may surprise some fans was  just how much of the musical side of the band revolved around  Maurice Gibb often looked at as the quiet Bee Gee.

The documentary reveals that Maurice was the main instrumental force in the band playing keyboards, guitar, working out arrangements with the studio musicians, and of course laying down the groove  with famous Rickenbacker Bass.

Barry and Robin Gibb the band’s lead vocalists focus their interviews on the band’s early success in England and talk extensively on the huge global success of the film soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever (over 15 million copies)

The film boasts rare performance video, the true story behind the death of their younger brother Andy Gibb and insight into  the brothers incredible songwriting.

Often scorned for making “disco’ music popular this film easily shows that the brothers Gibb were indeed an organic and solid music making force. A must have for their worldwide fan base

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host  http://emms.podbean.com/ and musician www.johnemms.com and www.theshaftmen.com

KEITH URBAN-GET CLOSER-” working the core” cd review by john emms

Keith Urban’s new cd Get Closer proves that when an artist is one with himself his music is one with the world . There are about 3 or 4 killer singles here. And as most people know that by itself will carry an album into the stratosphere.

By nature, country artists don’t make “albums’ as front to back musical statements. (Hotel California, Born to Run, Pet Sounds)  

But the more you listen to this record, the more it gets inside you. One thing is clear.

Keith Urban is a man working from the core. This man is putting his soul out there. 

What’s going on in Urban’s world you ask?.

For that check out the vintage vibe of Waylon Jennings guitar as Urban pulls it out for Georgia Woods. Hang in there for his monster lead guitar lines on the outro. Check out Keith when he gets swallowed up by enormous weight and substance of Lori  McKenna’s song The Luxury Of Not Knowing. It’s a stunning vocal.

Maybe you want to get inside the push and pull of Right on Back to You. Heck the man can hardly get his breath. This kind of material will move any listener. 

Maybe you want to check out the killer dynamics of Urban and the band on Put You In a Song, or the scrappy mid gut punch of You Gonna Fly all done up with some great melody charging out of the groove. There is a “Police/Sting like dynamic to Long Hot Summer and it works big time. 

This is a relationship album and for that fact it tries to cover a lot of bases in all relationship scenarios.  Tracks like  Big Promises and All For You at least for me are not as strong as some of  the aforemetioned material.

Urban believes in his instincts. Personally, I believe he should write more of his material.

The album ends with a solid reading of Winning a number that Santana put on the charts back in 1981. 

 Keith Urban has the ability to put out a classic album in the true sense of the word. Maybe some day he will.  

In the meantime this is an album that pulls from his core. Make no mistake it will get inside of yours.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host, and musician. Check out the the blues rockers www.theshaftmen.com  John’s roots cd www.johnemms.com  and the fun of the  roots/rock/blues radio show here  http://emms.podbean.com/

MARC JORDAN-CRUCIFIX IN DREAMLAND-”Songs of The Falling Man”cd review by JOHN EMMS

When songcraft and emotion perfectly collide the result is Marc Jordan’s new album Cruxifix In Dreamland. An exquisetely engineered and compassionate pop album Jordan rediscovers his radio friendly songcraft in a big way. Songs like Geronimo’s Fire, Hueco Tanks with background vocal help from The Eagles Timothy B Schmit and Falling Man are simply can’t miss mid tempo “adult” songs that would not be out of place beside newcomers like Julian Velard or Amos Lee.

However, radio being what is is (radio for advertisers) Jordan might be better served having  this great set of songs recorded by others. In fact, a bid for that airplay is thrown in at the end of the cd when Jordan does another redo of his mega hit song Rhythm of My Heart with the very popular Johnny Reid (remember the other Scottish singer Rod Stewart).

Not as politcal as Don Henley or genuine Americana as let’s say Bruce Hornsby Jordan digs deep on Was It All In My Head, the gorgeous Your Love Was All with Alison Krauss and the pop blush of Raspberry Rain with Dala.

Elsewhere co-songwriter/producer Chris Bilton is a a major force with superb piano chops (check out Blue as A Gun called Love) virtually shaping the arrangements on every track.

For the most part this is a laid back soulful album. But, make no mistake Crucifix in Dreamland is the sound of a songwriter/artist at the top of his game 35 or so years into a career.  Look for this cd to make my top ten list this year.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist who writes product reviews for all major labels. John is also a roots/rock radio host    http://emms.podbean.com/ the show is a podcast feature on http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/collection-songs-johns-radio/id376049866  In his spare time John has fun with this blues rocking friends THE SHAFTMEN www.theshaftmen.com

JOHN LENNON-”you say you want a revolution”-my top Lennon picks-by JOHN EMMS

The day John Lennon was murdered on December 8th 1980 I had just came home from working the afternoon shift (3-11) at the McIntyre  mine. My wife and daughter Amanda (then only just over a year old) were already in bed. I went downstairs to the rec room and put on ABC’s Monday Night Football.

However I had the sound down and was playing a cassette variety tape I was putting together for an X-Mas party. I went upstairs for a sandwich and  I believe I may have seen a photo of John Lennon then or on Nightline later that night.

It was not till the next day when I turned on the radio in my old 1977 Sport Fury I heard the news. I remember sitting in the vehicle in utter disbelief.  I have to admit I was devasted. I had every John Lennon solo album on vinyl (still have those copies) and had followed his career after The Beatles.

Some of my songwriting and guitar style at that point had been influenced by Lennon.

For example the fact of following major chords with a minor chord right after (Nowhere Man) or adding seventh chords and bridge minor chords and double tracking your vocals (No Reply)  In addition I always liked the way Lennon’s rhythm guitar parts stood out on The Beatles recordings (I Feel Fine). 

Lennon’s guitar work had a rough style that I still use today with The Shaftmen www.theshaftmen.com   These were all direct John Lennon influences. 

Ok folks.. we will no doubt leave out a lot of fan faves,  but here are my top John Lennon songs in no particular order

Nowhere Man-”Doesn’t have a point of view, knows not where he’s going to, Isn’t he a bit like you and me?

Mind Games-The title track  to one of the my fave Lennon solo albums.

I Am The Walrus-”Sitting on a cornflake waiting for the van to come”

God-” I don’t believe in Elvis, I don’t believe in Zimmerman, I don’t believe in Beatles, I just believe in me, Yoko and me..that’s reality”

Revolution-Nasty bit of dirty guitar, outstanding lyrics and room overtones. Wow.

Sexy Sadie-One of my faves from the White Album, and one of the coolest bridge patterns of any Beatles track

Imagine-World anthem

Don’t Let Me Down-Check out youtube video version. Billy Preston, Ringo, Paul’s high neck bass runs, George’s telecaster chords and of course John’s vocal. (even when he forgets the words) Wow.

Come Together-Wow. Still sounds amazing today.

Working Class Hero-”They hurt you at home, they hit you at school, they hate you if your clever, they despise a fool, Till your so fucking crazy you can’t follow their rules”

Woman-Just love the vocal on this recording

Happy X-mas War Is Over-Another world anthem

Strawberry Fields Forever-”Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see. It’s getting hard to be someone, but it all works out, It doesn’t matter much to me”

Help-Lennon’s gorgeous acoustic guitar, George’s descending guitar lines and an honest as all hell vocal from John

Nobody Loves You When Your Down and Out-You have to hear this track from Walls and Bridges-Check out the bridge vocal

A Day in The Life-We used to sit and listen (on vinyl) to Sgt Pepper and this ending track  over and over.

Watching The Wheels-This indicated Lennon’s prowess as songwriter and musician in the last year of his life.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host and musician

JOHN’S SOLO CD is available on Apple itunes http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/close-another-door/id392307439

TOP ROCK/POP CD’S OF 2010-NEIL YOUNG, RONNIE WOOD, PETER WOLF ETC/BY JOHN EMMS

Three Important notes. My top album picks from 2010 are only what I have heard.  If the record labels did not service them or I did not buy them or download them, then I did not hear or review them. In addition these picks are not in any order.

 Lastly here is my musical criteria.

 What makes albums great for me are  passion in performance  and good songwriting .  A drum rolL… please 

Peter Wolf- Midnight Souvenirs-Wolf’s extensive knowledge of R & B, Soul and blues is fused into perfect Americana. Standout tracks I Don’t Wanna Know, Thick As Thieves and Watch Her Move. Guest include Neko Case and  Merle Haggard

Neil Young-Le Noise-When Young sings of the backstreets of Toronto and his warm intimate lyrics fall into your head, your inside.  Again you are nailed to your chair with his electric and acoustic guitars and Daniel Lanois mindblowing production and additional instrumentation.

Black Dub-Self Titled-Daniel Lanois is one of the most intutive musicians on the planet.  Trixie Whitley is I would say THE MOST interesting and compelling voice I have heard in 5 years. Killer playing and great songs.

Bryan Ferry-Olympia-Ferry is one of a kind. Making an album this good late in his career. Wow

Marc Jordan-Crucifix In Dreamland-Like Bryan Ferry, Jordan is so on top of his game. It’s downright impressive

Keith Urban-Get Closer-Bridging the gap between pop and country. Songs of Love.  But hell it’s good

Celleste-Ready To Fly-Your probably wondering what a newcomer is doing on a list that includes iconic rockers. Celleste is combustible. She has a fire down below whether it’s full out rock on Yer Goin’ Down or singing her heart out on  Best I Can. I love that about her. You will too.

Kings of Leon-Come Around Sundown-It took me 3 listens to warm to this BIG production. U2 soundscapes, intense grooves, solid songs and ATTITUDE

Ron Wood-I Feel Like Playing-Wood’s  best vocal work yet, excellent songs and great gtr work. You will love it!

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers-Mojo-Possibly the best working band on the planet, besides maybe The Street Band. Blues rock songs rule!

Robert Plant-Band of Joy-Authentic roots music with just enough boost. Gets well engrained after a second listen. Gorgeous

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals-Self Titled-Passion, tight band arrangements and songs you don’t hear anythere else. You need to hear this NOW

The Gaslight Anthem-American Slang-Songs that are alive with passion and urgency. YOU NEED THIS

Drive By Truckers-The Big To Do-This band may be the truest  bar band of all time. Of course they are a big act.  They don’t  act like it. My kind of band.

Brandon Flowers-Flamingo-Honestly when I heard this on Itunes I could not believe the depth of the Killers frontman. Good songs abound

Andrew Cole-Why We Wonder-As with Celleste this album will surprise.  Cole has a yearning vibe to both his songwriting and voice. This is laid back but gets under your skin in a very cool way.

Santana-Guitar Heaven-Sometimes I just want to rock out. 14 classic rock songs ripped by Santana and his road band. Yes!!

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician and radio show host..check out john’s radio show here http://emms.podbean.com/

you can purchase one of john’s fave blues rock bands THE SHAFTMEN on Apple Itunes..check them out  here

http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/paycheque-blues/id365389443

TOP MUSIC DVD’S/BLU-RAY OF 2010/SPRINGSTEEN, THE DOORS, TAMI SHOW, ETC/BY JOHN EMMS

                                                   

Documentary or live performance Blu-ray releases are a big passion for me. When it’s done right, it’s all encompassing.

I will watch them over and over. For some strange reason I do not do this with a regular movie

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Everyone/or company seems to have a shot at it. When you visit your fave retailer, some of the stuff on the shelf  is pretty bad            

Eagle Rock Entertainment is without question a leader in this field. Their master audio and video resolution is always top shelf.  In addition Eagle Rock bring the widest variety of source music material of any company out there today

On an audio note, if you do not have a receiver that plays back  HD Master Audio, you may want use LPCM Stereo as opposed to dolby digital surround for older shows. 

I may miss one or two titles  that I have watched but here are my top blu-ray/dvd music releases for 2010   

When Your Strange-A Film about The Doors-Overall the most satisfying of the all too many Doors releases on the market.   A lot of the archival footage I had not seen. Plus interviews with Jim Morrsion’s father and bandmembers are exclusive and revealing.

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band-London Calling- Live at Hyde Park-Stunning looking and sounding concert that has to be seen to be believed. I have played it for my friends and bandmembers who are  fans of The Boss   The verdict is The best they  have ever witnessed him and the band play besides being at the venue.

TAMI Show-1964 Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. James Brown, The Rolling Stones, Leslie Gore, The Beach Boys with Brian Wilson, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Chuck Berry, The Supremes and many others. Plus a house band with Leon Russell, Glen Campbell, Jack Nitzsche, Hal Blaine and others. All artists live, with film totally restored. Wow!!!

Ghost Blues-The Story of Rory Gallagher-Wow. A very well done documentary on Rory. Superb archival footage, interviews and a second disc titled The Beat Club Sessions. Great value.

Ladies and Gentlemen-The Rolling Stones-Yes and OMG. The Stones on the 1972 Exile On Main Street tour. Sure there are limitations because of the original source. Don’t worry about it one bit. Great looking, solid stereo track, and filmed over 4 nights in Texas. Includes 2010 interview with Mick Jagger.

Jimi Hendrix-West Coast Seattle Boy-Simply put the a must have 90 minute Hendrix documentary!

The Rolling Stones-Stones In Exile-The making of this classic Stones album. Archival footage abounds. U need it!

Bee Gees-In Our Own Time-The complete Bee Gees story. Fascinating interviews and footage. You will have new respect for the brothers after you see this one

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts-25th Anniversery-Can you tell me why most of the artists who are over 60 years of age out play most bands under 30 years of age. You may have seen the HBO Special but this has way more.

Without going into detail here are my other picks. Leonard Cohen-Songs From The Road, The Everly Brothers-Reunion concert Live At Royal Albert Hall, Crossroads 3 Dvd Clapton and Friends, Rush Classic album series 2112/Moving Pictures, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers-Damn The Torpedos Classic album series, Emerson lake and Palmer-Live at Montreux-1997-Black Sabbath Paranoid /Classic album series, Nils Lofgren-Cry Tough, and last but not least Free Forever.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician and radio show host..check out his online radio site. http://emms.podbean.com/ OR purchase  tunes from ONE of JOHN’S fave blues rock bands THE SHAFTMEN on Apple Itunes http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/paycheque-blues/id365389443

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SHANIA TWAIN-12 STOCKING STUFFER QUOTES ON HER NEW ENGAGEMENT-BY JOHN EMMS

Yes everyone needs to be loved and Shania Twain is no different. Congratulations on your announcement.

Here are 12 lighthearted  SHANIA Stocking stuffer quotes from yours truly

1-Eileen, can you still snare a rabbit? Frederic will be impressed

2-At least now if you decide to peform again, there will be no more dodging drunks at the RIV (hometown bar)

3-Was it  Don’t Stop Believing that I remember you singing from the JP days? 

4-New cd title- Shania Sings Eileen

5-You must have new love songs written by now..where the hell are they?

6-Mutt may not like your singing anymore, but I’m sure a few million still do

7-Sure you were only 6 years old..but do u still remember Country Roads Take Me Home

8-Heck does this mean no more MAXIM magazine photos

9-If you forget your own songs, you don’t need scraps of paper anymore..use the teleprompter

10-Shania- Just sing-Forget about Autotune

11-How come I’m not on your new reality show?

12-You sure were cute

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician and radio show host..check out his show  BELOW  http://emms.podbean.com/

you can purchase JOHN’S solo cd on Apple Itunes  http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/close-another-door/id392307439

or his fave rock band THE SHAFTMEN on Itunes here    http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/mining-the-blues/id365721505

NEW SONGS OF THE SOUL-MISSION BELL-AMOS LEE-REVIEW BY JOHN EMMS

Weaving  insightful and emotional story lines with atmospheric layers of great musicianship Mission Bell is simply Amos Lee’s most comprehensive album of his career. Why now you ask.?  His great songwriting is now surrounded by arrangements that bring added depth and texture. Credit Joey Burns and John Convertino of Calexico for their vibe and playing. 

If you think Blue Rodeo, Fred Eaglesmith or The Jayhawks and mix in Lee’s spiritual sense of wonder you have an idea of what this cd delivers.

The imagery and vibe of Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson (who guests on the enticing El Camino reprise track)  fall into your head all over the cd, especially on tracks like Windows, the hit potential of Flower and the stunning Out of the Cold. This tour de force was inspired by Lee’s visit to army veterans at The Walter Reed hospitial

Elsewhere the swamp roots feel of Jesus written after his grandfather’s funeral and the early James Taylor feel of Learned A Lot (another hit potential track), and the ache of both Behind Me Now and Clear Blue Eyes with guest Lucinda Williams carry tons of weight.

Compelling and rewarding in every aspect.

JOHN EMMS is veteran music journalist, radio show host and musician

HEART-NIGHT AT SKY CHURCH DVD-”Hip, relevant and vital” REVIEW BY JOHN EMMS

Night at Sky Church Heart’s latest dvd release shows a lean and clean band ready to eat up anything in it’s path. The first evidence of this is when the group launches into a hip and stunning version of Straight On three songs into this dvd set.

This is quickly  followed by a mezmerizing groove of Love Alive, the concert fave Mistral Wind and a balls out version of WTF from their latest cd Red Velvet Car

Hell, if you watched this year’s god awful performance of The Black Eyed Peas at the Super Bowl halftime show the first thing that strikes you about this dvd is  ”holy shit this is what  a real band sounds like’

This is  good news if your thinking of checking out the band as they rock  towns and cities across Canada on the Heart Comes Home tour 2011 currently underway. 

What’s also important to note is that on this particular dvd the sisters have one hell of an “organic’ band.

 In fact, all through this dvd drummer Ben Smith is a force of groove and dynamics. Elsewhere bassist Kristian Attard, keyboard player Debbie Shair and in particular the dynamic fret work of guitarist Craig Bartock is a joy to behold. They just smoke!!!

The band’s new material is very strong. Songs like Safronia’s Mark, the gorgeous Red Velvet Car and the encore Sand bring a whole new dimension to the core songlist. These songs are that good

Alison Krauss (These Dreams of You) and producer Ben Mink make cameos on the dvd and their playing is intuitive and on the mark

However in the end it is the Wilson’s willingness to give of themselves to each other and to their audience that makes this show so special.

35 years after Dremaboat Annie was released Heart prove with Night At Sky Church that great muscianship never goes out style

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host http://emms.podbean.com/ and musician www.theshaftmen.com

This dvd is available February 15th 2011 from Eagle Rock Entertainment

GARY MOORE-BLUES ICON-DIES FEBRUARY 6 2011-by john emms

VERY SAD NEWS…. HERE IS AN OLDER COLUMN I WROTE ABOUT GARY MOORE’S INSPIRING WORK

gary moore-john emms cd reviews-the essential montreux-blues power”

September 16, 2009 john emms Edit Leave a comment Go to comments

LIKE his  Irish colleague RORY GALLAGHER..GARY MOORE’S true spirit and soul comes to the fore at a “live” gig. This set of 5 cd’s from Montreux has some of the best blues guitar playing by anyone, anywhere at anytime. I’m often left shaking my head at end of one of Moore’s searing solos. The first cd is taken from 1990 the time when the Belfast native had just released his Still Got The Blues album.  Midnight Blues, the Otis Rush classic All Your Love and Cold Cold Feeling with guest Albert Collins are standouts. Disc 2 comes from 1995 and features a horn section on some tracks and 5 Peter Green songs. Green of course is probably Moore’s single biggest influence. Tracks like Long Grey Mare, Oh Pretty Women, and the slow blues of I Loved Another Women are simply killer. If that was not enough John Mayall’s Key To Love and Freddie King’s the Stumble blaze.

Disc 3 comes from 1997 and is a rock set. Literally only an handful of  blues, and 9 of the 11 tracks are Moore originals When I’m in a blues mood it I will skip this cd.  However I have to say it is by far the most interesting cd in the pack and I will play it from start to finish. Disc4 is back to the blues with blues standards from Elmore James, Jimmy Rogers, Otis Rush,  Wilie Dixon and even a rockin’ cover of Jimi Hendrix chestunt Fire and a dazzling take on Thin Lizzy’s  Parisienne Walkways written with Phil Lynott

Disc 5 comes from 2001 bookending Moore’s astounding journey at the world reknown festival. Check out his take on Stormy Monday,  and B.B. Kings’; You Upset Me Baby. Then again in his  own songs Too Tired and How Man Lies are rough and ready blues rock. FOR THE GARY MOORE FAN-THIS IS ESSENTIAL

JOHN EMMS is veteran music journalist, radio show host and musician

BRIDGING THE BLUES GAP/DAMON FOWLER/FRASER/DALEY/DANNY BROOKS-BY JOHN EMMS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

The biggest international names in a wide blues genre such as B.B. King, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers Band, Van Morrison and others all understood that blues music incorporated styles such as soul, gospel, acoustic blues, blues rock, and even country blues. It was that blend that launched their careers and was always there in their songwriting.  And in the case of new albums by Gregg Allman, Morrison and Clapton it is still there today.

 Canadian blues artists such as Jack de Keyzer, Colin James, Downchild Blues Band and others are well aware of  this fact when releasing new recordings. Here are some new albums that fall into this genre

Damon Fowler-Devil Got His Way-This is one of the few blues albums that I have heard this year that simply gets better with each listen. First off,  there are no tricks here folks.

It’s all in Fowler’s relaxed groove and songwriting that keeps you surprised all the way through.

The title track has a slippery groove and slinky slide work. American Dream has a  great storyline , We’ve Got A Good Thing has a swampy staccatto riff that just won’t quit, and Once In Awhile just jumps out at you

Elsewhere Fruitstand Lady gets southern countrified, 28 Degrees gets a Ry Cooder groove, and Don’t Call Me could have come from The Atlanta  Rhythm Section and sounds like it would kill at radio.

 At 25 years of age Fowler and his sturdy band are a treasure.

Fraser/Daley-Self Titled-If you mixed Hank Williams, Fred Eaglesmith, and Charlie Angus into a stew and simmered it you would probably have a version of Fraser/Daley.

 The duo’s debut cd is countrified blues.  Heck you may find yourself singing along to tracks like 140 on the 401, the ultra hip song  Blues All Around Me and even The Relentless Gambler which sounds like The Delmore Brothers via Johnny Cash.

Musically the sound is Fraser playing  brush bass, and Daley playing both acoustic/electric rhythm/solo styles of guitar with both guys singing.  Bottom line is it works like a charm at plenty of points on the cd. Their version of  Bad Luck Blues is totally organic and a good indication of  their sound.

On the other hand there is no doubt some fans may enjoy the bluesier tracks to the acoustic country of Turn This Rig Around,  Jesse Fuller’s She’s No Good complete with kazoo solo or even the “steer holler” of Lemonade Stand

A cool side project by very experienced players.

Danny Brooks/The Rockin Revelators-Soulsville Three/Live at the Palais Royale-Let’s face it. Few musicians have the whole package.  But Danny Brooks is without a doubt one of them.  Gifted vocalist, excellent musician, solid songwriter and integrity at his core, he is in every way the “Real Thing”

Bottom line, as soon as you hear Brooks sing your transported. Busting out with the slide drenched Carolina into the gospel soul of Hold Your Head Up, or over to his stunning cover of Somebody On Your Bond Brooks and his killer band rule.

Check out tracks like Other Side of The Cloud, the swampy Righteous Highway,  the sanctified No Turning Back, and Still Got This Thing For You. Solomon Burke surely is looking down at Brooks and smiling!

The core band featuring Lance Anderson’s Hammond B3′, Bucky Berger on drums, bassist Denis Pinhorn and Papa John’s King tastefull guitar work the groove without over playing.

A must have cd for fans of blues and deep soul music!!!  

JOHN EMMS is veteran music journalist, radio show host and musician

JEFF BECK-HOW HIGH THE STRATOSPHERE-ROCK N’ ROLL PARTY HONORING LES PAUL-BLU-RAY-REVIEW BY JOHN EMMS

Jeff Beck’s Rock N Roll Party Honoring Les Paul has the integrity and musicality to become one of the most important documents of his career. On emotion and soul alone Beck and a giving host of players launch this concert experience into the stratosphere simply by being themselves.

Filmed in high definition at The Iridium Jazz Club this is probably one of the best looking Blu-Ray concerts that I have seen. This room holds only 200 or so people, and this intimate setting simply lets the audience experience the musicians and their chops  

The show is authentic and true to the spirit of early rock n’ roll and Beck’s guitar tone and solos on Baby Let’s Play House, Double Talkin’ Baby and Cruisin embrace the Scotty Moore/Cliff Gallup feel.

Later in the show, Beck steps up and out as only he can. Vocalist/guitarist Darrel Higham is in great voice, and his chops get even better as the show continues. In fact along with May his vocals frame the entire evening

Imelda May is a total joy. Her vocals on Cry Me A River, The Shangri-Las Wallking In The Sand andthe multiple tracked Mary Ford tributes on How High The Moon and Bye Bye Blues will raise the hair on the back of your neck.

However, the whole feel and emotional impact of the night revolves around Jeff Beck’s astounding guitar playing. He is  simply one of the most gifted musicians in any genre of music.  On tracks like Apache, Sleep Walk and Peter Gunn he iginites emotions from everyone in the room.

There are  spot on guest shots from Gary US Bonds (New Orleans) and the explosive playing of Brian Setzer who raises the stakes in a super cool riff- fest with Beck on Twenty Flight Rock, as well as Trombone Shorty who blows his soul out on Peter Gunn.

On the players side I have to be honest and say Bassist Al Gare and drummer Steve Rushton may start looking for a raise in pay after this star turn. They are incredibly tight and along with the gifted tone of well known piano man Jason Rebello stoke the fire in Beck while never getting in the way of his emotive phrasing. Sax man Leo Green (Van Morrison) is a wicked solist and together with Lou Marini and Dave Priseman they form a  tight but fluid horn section.

Bonus features to look for are an excellent behind the scenes look on how this film and show was put together along with a a hip feature At Home with Jeff Beck and his Guitars (my personal bonus fave), along with a blues jam with Les Paul and Beck from 1983. Yep believe it folks, that clip is a beauty.

It is simply amazing that Jeff Beck’s career is on the rise with his last two releases. I’ll be darned and say his pairing with Eagle Rock Entertainment on these past two dvd/blu-ray concerts is a gift that gives his fans a close up look at his genius. Considering Beck has fans all over the world, look for this concert dvd to sell big numbers.

This product is set for release Februray 22/2011.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host   http://emms.podbean.com/ and musician

SHANIA TWAIN-WHY NOT on Oprah t.v.-YOU LOVE HER..BUT will you subscribe to the speciality channel-by john emms

All you Shania fans all over the world. Shania has did it all for you guys and girls. Whether she was inspiring you with her life story, posing in lingerie (for you guys) singing her songs all over the world, or getting over heartbreak and is happily married again (for you girls)  Look, on my end, folks  she is very likeable.  

But, are you going to pay a speciality channel price to see her show here in Canada or anywhere in the world?

And to be honest I  think the show is going to be super interesting on all levels. If the show was part of your regular cable or satellite package then that would be okay.

For example if it was broadcast  just on regular t.v. CTV, Global etc. or whatever no problem. But, extra bucks for the Oprah t.v., which I will not watch. Umm, don’t know. 

Look,  Shania  was about  a 2 minute walk from my home in Timmins  not long ago filming with the Oprah TV team. I saw the buses but it just looked like a stay away thing. In fact, I was walking to the corner store to buy a lottery ticket.

None of the media in our city were told about it. I knew it on the day, and made a brief post on facebook page. Then took it down. I did not want to be un-professional because I like Shania and the way she has inspired people

I liked her 30 years ago, when she was singing in the bars and our band was playing across the street.

I liked her when I got the first nod for questions in the media tent on her homecoming concert.  And yes I think UP is one of the best pop albums of the last 20 years.

But  again, will I or you pay extra bucks to view the Oprah Network?

 On the musical side of things, I believe Shania has been recording some stuff in the studio secretly.  I’m also thinking the producer on some songs COULD BE the hugely talented Kevin Churko (Ozzy’s latest)

If Shania is going to talk about initmate details on her new t.v. show and reveal them in her new book, then let’s hope she also writes a few songs in the same manner. I like the pop songs, but let’s hear some really heartfelt gut emotions in NEW songs.

Oprah t.v comes to Canada in about 2 weeks.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist who writes and reviews products for all major music labels.   John has his own roots radio show    http://emms.podbean.com/  John also writes columns for   www.timminspress.com.  and is a musician www.theshaftmen.com

EMMS LIKES THE “BIEBER’ MOVIE/NOT CRAZY ON GRAMMY AWARDS-by john emms

 

Took my grandson to  see Justin Bieber’s Never Say Never 3d movie. I really enjoyed it.

Look the young man has a lot of talent. Just don’t like the way the songs are represented.

Too much programming. Don’t know?

One thing is for sure

Sounds cool when he or his friend are playing the acoustic guitar or Justin is sitting down at the piano. That’s when you realize Bieber is decent. But that don’t sell now does it?? 

On top of that the movie shows this young man is just one  good guy. He remembers his friends.

Remember NKOTB..they only had a small but cool window. Grab it when you can, I guess.

Look I’m not much on the Grammy Awards. Too much b.s to go through to watch a few inspiring performances. I simply can’t get through those 2 or 3 hours.

Another reason.

Bugs me  that Rush or Hendrix have never won a Grammy Heck, that is just WRONG 

Maybe I will watch it when Neverest makes it to the 2012 Grammys.  I consider them as talented as Bieber and by this time next year I would not bet against them.

Neverest are a solid pop act from Canada.  Hey it’s all part of our Canuck plan. That all started with Paul Anka, Neil Young and our friend Shania Twain. 

Look I will  watch Mick Jagger pay homage to Solomon Burke, and of course I have to watch Eminem. The guy is simply on fire. I’m outta here.

JOHN EMMS is a musician and veteran music journalist who writes for all major labels. Check out John’s radio show here http://emms.podbean.com/

WHAT HAVE WE BECOME-PEOPLE INSPIRED BY AMERICAN IDOL?? ARE U CRAZY?-BY JOHN EMMS

 

                                                                                                      It used to be you had to have talent to get recognized in the music business. Could you imagine Neil Young or Bob Dylan pimping themselves out to the lowest bidder and making sure their music did not offend anyone back in the day.

Hell, if Ol’ Neil said no I’m not going to write OHIO, just because 4 kids were killed on campus.

Give me a break. Not all music these days is “shite”  But if it’s not human WTF.

Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, John Lennon and even people like Kurt Cobain. Heck, I hope they don’t have t.v. wherever they are . They will die all over again. 

As a musician and music fan I don’t really follow any genre. Inspiration of course.  The blues and great songwriters inspire me.

But inspired by Amercian Idol and radio playlists who make sure the commercials on the radio are more important than the music.

Give your head a shake!

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio show host and musician

Check out John’s radio show here http://emms.podbean.com/

SONGS OF OUR LIVES-BY JOHN EMMS

I don’t want to sound hokey, but honestly I don’t know where I would be if I did not have a wealth of songs to rely on to get me through. 

 To let me dream, to let me laugh, to make me think.  No BS here folks certain songs just envelop me for decades. 

I don’t mean my own songs. Sure, my own songs are important when I perform them, you can bet I’m digging deep. I’m talking about the songs that made me believe rock n’ roll was an art form. 

Early on I put my faith in the music of Van Morrison, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Band, Bob Dylan and a bit later Bruce Springsteen and the wonderful E Street Band, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Yeah, those bands or artists that could really write a song.  And then blow you away in a live context.

Of course Canadian artists like Tom Cochrane, Blue Rodeo  and many others hit the mark.  For the last 15 or so years blues music makes me happy. I can sit down and watch hours of blues orientated stuff from Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton, Downchild Blues Band, Jack De Keyzer, Jeff  Healey, Old Muddy Waters shows, Buddy Guy or the Allman Brothers Band.

I could name 30 or 40 more but you get the idea. If film is an art form then I have no doubt songs are. Maybe that’s why soundtracks have become so important to any movie.

I used to think maybe it was just my youth from 16 to 30 years of age.

Wrong. Through the years I have a lot of interests and things have become a little calmer and more thought out.  But songs to this day have  never let me down and I believe they are therapy for what ails us.

JOHN EMMS is a musician, radio show host http://emms.podbean.com/ and veteran music journalist

NO PASSION-DON’T BECOME A BLUESMAN OR MUSICIAN-BY JOHN EMMS

If you can’t look or feel the passion like the late Duanne Allman (pictured above) did when this photo was snapped don’t waste everyone’s breathing space who are actually down in their basements sweating to be the next great bluesman or woman.

Or for that matter just want to be a great singer-songwriter in any genre of music.

You can name  a hundred or so great musicians.  No problem. For now let’s just say Eddie Vedder, Eminem, Luciano Pavarotti, Bruce Springsteen and Buddy Guy. Who did not want to get famous?  None of them. 

But along the way they were passionate about their music. They sweated the details.

Why are so many people saying that some of the music business is full of “shite’.  Probably because everyone wants to be rich and famous but does not want to put the effort in to become great. 

Could you imagine if Pavarotti said “Nah I don’t we want to study voice, and become one of the greatest singers ever. I just need a shortcut. Or Eminen said “no that wordplay is good enough, I don’t give a shit! 

What’s the first thing out of mouths of some of the new artists? Here is one example.

 I came  across the lyrics to the  recent hit song Billionaire featuring rapper Travie McCoy. ” I want to be a billionaire so fucking bad.  Buy all the things I never had, I wanna be on the cover of Forbes magazine smiling next to Oprah and The Queen”

No wonder I can’t get excited about Simon Cowell’s new show X-Factor. Having said that, at least there is no age limit on X-Factor. So maybe someone who is actually sweating the details might get a break.

Then again do you want want someone to control your every moment of your life and tell you what to wear, play and sing.

 Be careful for what you wish for!!

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist and musician. John also plays what he wants on a very cool blues and rock roots radio show  http://emms.podbean.com/

COLIN JAMES-”QUALITY CHOPS, QUALITY WORK”-Take It From The Top” The Best of Colin James-Review By John Emms

Accessible, rootsy, and tasteful Colin James  has always managed to succesfully bridge the gap between blues rock, soul and R & B.

Along with  American modern day blues rock artists like Joe Bonamassa and perhaps Tommy Castro James finds himself at the helm of a very successful career.  His latest disc Take It from The Top a best of cd culled from his blues rock years (with two new songs added) proves that James was and still is an intensely credible artist

In fact, the new track It’s Gonna Be Allright produced by Bob Rock and co-written by James is a no frills blues rock riff fest that will blow you out of the room. The other new track is a cover of the Buddy Miles hit Them Changes recently covered by Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood among many others.

There are 17 songs on this cd and yes you get all the big songs like Just Came Back, Five Long Years and Voodoo Thing. However it’s the exceptional lesser known songs like Make a Mistake, the incredible rock gem Stay and his cover of Van Morrison’s Into the Mystic that show his full range.

James’ is now working on a new cd due out much later this year.

Like a well know fighter ready to prove himself once again his next cd will be an important step in his career. 

Hearing the blues rock vibrancy of  James’ new track It’s Gonna Be Allright is exciting.

In conjunction with this feel and also going back to his wicked cover of the then unknown Morgan Davis’ song Why’d You Lie,  the time is ripe for James to find more blues inspiration.

Lesser known blues rock tracks like Tinsley Ellis’s Speak No Evil, The Shaftmen’s 25 Tons, Jack De Keyzer’s If I Had Your Love or even the Rocky Athas track Miracle all would offer great insight for James as to what other blues rock artists have been keeping up their collective  blues sleeves.

James is currently on tour in parts of Canada to support this stellar release.

JOHN EMMS is a musician and veteran music journalist. He also hosts his own popular blues rock and roots show  http://emms.podbean.com/

rory gallagher-irish tour cd-remastered and still burning-eagle rock restores entire catologue in 2011

Like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan Jeff  Healey and today’s guitar slingers like  Joe Bonamassa Rory Gallagher is considered to be among the holy grail of  electric blues/ rock guitarists.

One listen to the Irish Tour cd in this remastered form basically lets you wonder aloud and become mesmerized by the entire band let alone Gallagher’s fret work in addition to the extraordinary crowd response.

Don’t look for overdubs or pre-recorded backing tapes. Nope this cd comes down to basically a four piece blues-rock  band with heavy dynamics and extended solos.

In fact most of the material is over 5 minutes with a few tracks pulling in the station in excess of 8 to 10 minutes. What’s always excited  me and my friends about  this cd is how Gallagher sings, entertains the audience and simply pulls off some of the most galvanizing guitar work ever put on record.

Not a lot of people could pull that off in the context of a four piece band with a sold out crowd in your face.

The blues solo on Muddy Water’s I Wonder Who cuts like a sharp edged sword through your body. In fact, the dynamics and volume control by Gallagher is simply killer throughout the cd. Check out A Million Miles Away, Tatooe’d Lady and the slide work on Who’s That Coming.

What’s often left out is the fact that Gallagher’s band of bassist Gerry McAvoy, drummer Rod de’ Ath and Lou Martin on keyboards were full on players with killer chops.

Look for my review of the blu-ray IRISH TOUR 74 and other great titles

JOHN EMMS is an online blues/roots radio show host, musician and veteran music journalist

ADELE, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION.take on all comers..Radiohead.some shite some good/emms-CD REVIEWs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADELE-21-Talk about soul folks

This is what happens when songs meet talent and voice meets reality.

NO CRAP HERE ..Rumour Has It, Turning Tables , He Wont Do, I’ll Be Waiting..on and on it goes.

The most organic and real album I have heard this year

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION

Ok, sometimes musicians from different bands get togther and it does not gel

 Not here!

The groove put out by BCC is simply down and nasty.

 This cd will never out sell the new fangled Foo Fighters cd.(which is good) because it sounds dated…That’s the good part folks

Hard won rockers like One Last Soul, No Time, (not the Guess Who) and Down Again are dangerous.

Guess what? Joe Bonamassa sings his ass off  on Song Of Yesterday while Glenn Hughes rips out his lungs on Medusa. 
 Bonamassa throws his head back and just riffs.  Bonham, Sherinian, and especially Hughes and producer Kevin Shirley add glue..  IT STICKS 

Funny thing  ROXETTE’S new cd CHARM SCHOOL remembers that a good hook still goes down well anywhere on the planet

At least Four Standout trax-No One Makes It Her Own,  Speak To Me..both..ballads….few of the rockers are ok

RADIOHEAD-Hell I wish I had the balls to do this..Swirling soundscapes electronic mumbo jumbo .WOW IT’S making sense in my day WHY?

But will it make sense..the rest of this summer?

Willie Nelson/Wynton/Marsalis Here We Go Again-(celebrating the genius of Ray Charles)

Ray would dig the jazz solos. They are big on tecnhique. Norah Jones can really sing. Willie sounds real, but somehow they have taken the SOUL out of Ray’s visceral  music. I go back to Ray C.

JOHN EMMS is veteran music journalist, online radio host and musician

Same shite/Get out of your practice room/be different-by john emms

What passes for music on the top of the charts all sounds like the same songs to me

Same production tricks. Same auto-tune vocals. Same dance moves. Different faces.

What’s up with that????????

Soon as something becomes popular someone will clone it. It happens in any genre. Pop, country, rock, hip hop.

 Indie artists? Are you selling any cd’s? Not too many. Of course not, your still stuck in your practice room

By all means practice.  But hell …DARE TO TO BE DIFFERENT

Hell, you could give me a hundred wannabe pretenders. But these days where is the “real thing’  People like John Lennon.  Waylon Jennings etc. They must be hiding.  

Main  advice.

Get out and play. In fact get out of town. Whatever little or big town your stuck in get out. No one is going to bang on your door, and say “We want you to be the next big thing”

Do you think the Foo Fighters, Adele, Lady Gaga, or Kid Rock made their mark playing top 40 cover songs. Sure, they may have played them. But they started writing their own songs and went where the music was. They got management. They got an agent and they went on tour. (that’s of course is another column)

Now everyone is looking to the big money and an American Idol showcase. THAT’S BULLSHIT

Sure there is talent on new shows like THE  VOICE.  But wake up. Be yourself above all. Someone will notice if you get out there and be yourself.

 Chris Martin of Coldplay (in photo) used to say you were day jobbing if you were not living the music day and night. Heck, you may not like Coldplay or Bryan Adams or whoever but they got off their arse and made it happen.

Now people are covering THEIR SONGS. 

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, online radio host and musician

BEN HARPER CD REVIEW-SPILLS HIS GUTS, SNAPS THE GROOVE-GIVE TILL IT’S GONE-BY JOHN EMMS

Hands down this may be one of the most important rock recordings of 2011.  By any artist

This is the way John Lennon, Neil Young and Jimi Hendrix made records. Now add Ben Harper.

Harper may be embarrrased by this comparison, but on this cd it holds water.

The title of the album Give Till It’s Gone says it all.  Take every emotion you have been feeling in the last 2 years, write about it, work the groove with your bandmates and friends,  cook it up, stand back and watch that emotion explode.

On the disc’s second song “I Will Not Be Broken” Ben Harper wails as his voice gives way to a massive slide guitar onslaught.

Couple that with the gentle voice singing “We stood in the dark, with our hand’s over each other hearts on Feel Love or the jammming on Spilling Faith with Ringo Starr behind the kit, and even the funky groove of Waiting on a Sign and you have musical and personal revelation.

Oh yeah you remember don’t you?

That’s what musicians used to before all the crap started raining down on us 10 or so years ago.

It’s also a  testament to the fact that the  last 2 years of Harper’s life  have been full of turmoil, and he writes about it.

It should be noted that the groove and attention to detail in the guitar work of Jason Mozersky, and the tandem of Jordan Richardson and Jesse Ingalls (bass and drums) will blow you out of the room.

The new single Rock N Roll Is Free inspired by Neil Young  just kills anytime you play it.

Add to this Danny Kalb’s potent mix (not the Blues Project icon) and yes this cd  is a must have.

JOHN EMMS is a verteran music journalist who hosts a great roots/blues radio show   http://emms.podbean.com/ and rocks out from time to time with www.theshaftmen.com

THE RORY GALLAGHER FACTOR/CHRIS CROSS’S STRONG RETURN WITH DOCTOR FAITH-REVIEWS JOHN EMMS

 

Some music fans complain that every classic artist in the entire history of the genre continues to have their catologue re-issued every few years.

 The fans have their right to say WTF. In so many instances a lot of these fans have voiced that this idea is pure shite

Eagle Records has acquired the rights to release the entire Rory Gallagher album catologue and if this double cd is any indication, you will be very happy

The album Notes From San Francisco Rory Gallagher’s  1977 opus has never saw the light of day.

Since the first day I cranked Notes from SF in my vehicle it has not left it. Produced by Elliot Mazer (yep that guy) this album just sparkles with clarity and smack centre rock n’ blues credibility.

It makes you wonder, how come this cd did not come sooner?

Apparently Gallagher did not like the mix.  Check out the grit of Overnight Bag, Rue The Day, B Girl and the ballad Wheels Within Wheels.

Folks this is CLASSIC ROCK of the highest order.  

Cd 2 consists of  a live show recorded at The Old Wardorf in San Francisco with bassist Gerry McAvoy and drummer Ted McKenna. It’s a  blistering set that again proves that on their mark the trio was simply hard to beat

 

Christopher Cross-Doctor Faith-Putting it simply Cross’s Doctor Faith is quality pop music played by real musicians. The album is also going to surprise a lot of people with it’s lyrical depth.

The first 3 songs Hey Kid, I’m Too Old For This and When You Come Home set the tone. Cross’s high melodic voice rings true in a gorgeous organic mix.

Wthout a doubt  many fans will wish there were a few more up tempo tracks over the album’s 13 songs.

The title track is a tour de force of emotion with vocalist Michael McDonald sitting in on harmony vocals  John Mayer would kill to have written a track this soulful.

Many fans don’t realize Cross is  a superb guitarist. Cross does get some quality chops in but he should have allowed himself more.  Peaceful and redeeming over 53 minutes.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician, and host of a popular blues/roots radio show http://emms.podbean.com/

JOHN has some fun on the side playing some hip blues rock www.theshaftmen.com

NEVEREST PRIMED FOR EVEN BIGGER AUDIENCE-BY JOHN EMMS

Opening The New Kids on The Block/Backstreet Boys 11 date tour across Canada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Playing for literally thousands of more people than you could ever hope to play for is a gift.

Heck, any band would dive at the chance and do it for free.

Neverest is getting that big chance. From where I sit these four talented guys will eat it up.

Despite only having a 6 song EP out the group has managed two monster hits in Canada with About Us and the new track Everything.

There is a huge piece of pie still not claimed  in “Bieberville” and the so called “tween’ is out there and waiting for artists just like Neverest 

From the standpoint of a long time player and songwriter I can honestly say this band has writing and playing chops that have not even began to surface.

These guys are bursting at the seams to show it.

Watch out as this band gets to display even more of that talent duirng 2011

If that was not enough with talent as big as songwriter Angelo Themelkos and producer/recording engineers Murray Daigle and Mike Kiofos on hand to lend their experience the sky is the limit for Neverest.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, online radio host and musician

SHERYL CROW-TAKING THE “HI” ROAD-with a big groove-miles from memphis blu-ray review-john emms

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Sheryl Crow and her killer band simply re-invent Crow’s sound while hitting the groove cleaner then most bands would  even dream about doing.                                                            Like any good vocalist Crow loves to be surrounded by intuitive players.  Her band at this show is exceptional and the section of Tommy Simms on bass, drummer Victor Indrizzo and guitarist Chris Bruce are cohesive but not afraid  to extend the groove machine for the purpose of bumping up the tracks.

In fact it should be said Crow and the band get heavy duty spiritual in some of the extended pieces

A lot of the highlights on this blu-ray are on new tracks like Our Love is Fading, the well written title track, and the slow burn of Sideways. 

Guitarist Doyle Bramhall 11 is on board and a joy to watch.

 His presence and  groove is like glue.

In some small instances on the 5.1 mix I wish his solo guitar lines were mixed a little higher in volume. It’s a minor quip, because most of the time it”s fine and the band is in flames.

A lot of Crow’s hit material like A Change Would Do You Good and Every Day is a Winding Road has been funkified and retooled

The concert takes on those particular  tracks may throw the audience at first.  But the format is loose and juicy like Exile era Stones and Otis Redding road bands. This is where  Crow and her band  let the audience take them to another place.

That my friends is good company 

18 songs in hi-def..with a very strong 5.1 and stereo mix. Not a greatest hits show. Excellent bonus feature with Crow and the band

Simply a dandy to cherish in your blu-ray collection.  This is no phone in show folks.

Enjoy.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician www.theshaftmen.com and has a killer online radio show http://emms.podbean.com/

JEFF HEALEY BAND-LIVE AT GROSSMANS-1994-”PURE BLUES, NO FILLER” REVIEW BY JOHN EMMS

Jeff Healey Band  fans worldwide will simply eat this up.

This is the original band of drummer Tom Stephen, bassist Joe Rockman and second guitarist Pat Rush “on fire and smokin”

This cd  justifies that when this band was “on” and playing blues they were dangerous.

Hell you could cut yourself with the dynamics of  Albert King’s As the Years Go Passing By, or Pat Rush’s and Healey’s solos on Ain’t that Just Like A Woman

Check out the band’s righteous take on The
Beatles/ John Lennon White album classic Yer Blues

It should be also be said that Rockman and Stephen play their asses off on this recording.

Harmonica wizard Michael Pickett steps up to the plate and blows lean and mean on Crossroads and Who’s Been Talking.

The band’s take on All Along The Watchtower is nothing like their studio take. It is original in spirit and astonishingly accomplished in a fusion way.

In fact, they even throw in a Claptonesque nod to Layla for good measure.

The interplay between the four players on Watchtower is nothing short of  galvanizing.

If this cd is any indication of the quality of what we can expect  from the Jeff Healey Band Archives, it will be a goldmine well worth investing in. 

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician, and host of the popular blues/ roots radio show Collection of Songs

http://emms.podbean.com/ You can also visit John  www.theshaftmen.com and www.johnemms.com

RON HAWKINS–STRAITJACKET LOVE-”CUSTOM BUILT FOR INTROSPECTION’-CD REVIEW JOHN EMMS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appealing and melodic Ron Hawkins’s Straitjacket Love is the best Americana album you will hear this year

And of course it’s by a Canadian.

But wait. This cd offers more than that.  It’s a touchstone to the human condition circa 2011.

Let me put it this way. If you mixed in elements of  Neil Young,  mid 60′s Bob Dylan with a small hint of  acoustic John Mellencamp and Gordon Lightfoot’s 70′s work into a cup of coffee and drank it,  your buzz would be Ron Hawkins’ album Straitjacket Love.

Whether Hawkins’s wants to acknowledge or not this cd has universal appeal in the best kind of way. It’s done on it’s own merit.  

It this sounds like  high praise for any work by a songwriter in 2011 it’s because the songs take the spirit of  classic singer-songwriter recordings and make them relevant to today’s busy and detached world.

Remember when you put on an album and listened to it. 

Tracks like the opening One Hundred Five and Corner Room take that rustic sound of Bob Dylan’s John Wesley Harding and Neil Young’s Harvest era and knock you over lyrically and emotionally. Thank god, that Hawkins had the idea to include his lyrics in the cd booklet. 

Elsewhere Hong Kong Station has a Blue Rodeo-esque drive and Waitin On Something That’s Already Here has the pure magic of of making you feel like your hearing the song for the first time, every time you play it.

The title track has a great rollicking stream of conscious-ness lyric and Lucky Street Lazarus has a John Mellencamp feel that would kill anywhere on Americana roots radio.

Make no mistake. This cd has nothing to do with Hawkins’s Lowest of the Low era.

Straitjacket Love shows Hawkins growing as a songwriter 20 years into a career! 

Diamonds In The Water and Prairie Girl although vastly different in compostiion offer up two more reasons why this album is one of the most important singer-songwriter albums released this year.  

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician and radio show host http://emms.podbean.com/

John has a bit of musical fun at www.johnemms.com and www.theshaftmen.com

BAD COMPANY-THE SECRET INGREDIENT-LIVE AT WEMBLEY-REVIEW-JOHN EMMS

The secret ingredient to the sound of Bad Company has always been when Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs, Simon Kirke, and the late bassist Boz Burrell  grooved, played and wrote their way to an impressive million selling catalogue. At this show filmed in High Definition in April of 2010 at Wembley Arena Rodgers, Kirke and in particular Ralphs aided by the classy guitar work of Howard Leese and the down in the groove bass work of Lynn Sorenson roll out a show high on dynamics and fan appeal.

Paul Rodgers is simply on fire at this show. Rodgers has the soul of old bluesman. If you mix that with extensive chops and his powerhouse voice and also the fact that he loves what he does, watch out.

He remains today one of the classiest players on the planet bar none. Drummer Simon Kirke like legendary drummers such as Levon Helm know the secret that many stick men simply don’t grasp.

What you leave out is as important as to what you leave in. On songs like Gone Gone Gone, Honey Child and  Movin On he and Sorenson own the groove.

Mick Ralphs guitar work has been fueled by the fact that he is a songwriter. He can surprise you but his chops serve the song first. Can’t Get Enough, Ready For Love or on anything he plays, Ralphs is a team player. His guitar work was at the centre of  Bad Company’s huge mid 70′ run, and that is clearly evident at this show.

Howard Leese has had a monster guitar tone since he was a major force with Heart and that continues with his work with Rodgers solo band and is on prime display on this blu-ray. What many people don’t know is that Leese is also an expert arranger.  A lot of his guitar solos build in intensity, while his rhythm work is essential as the tone of a great Hammond b-3 player.  In fact like Tom Petty’s Mike Campbell Leese has become essential to what Rodgers is an artist.

This blu-ray is one of the best looking and sounding discs I own. The DTS 5.1 Master Audio is killer, and the songlist at this show has all the essential tracks plus some very hip album tracks

As a sidenote Rodgers should consider releasing a brand new cd. With the Queen and Bad Company shows since 2000 he has nothing left to prove. In fact, the Paul Rodgers Band on tour is still one of the best concert draws in North America and elsewhere.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, a blues rock songwriter with The Shaftmen www.theshaftmen.com and an online blues/roots radio host http://emms.podbean.com/

THE MIDWAY STATE-atmospheric bliss/CANDELORA-passion rules/reviews by john emms

THE MIDWAY STATE PARIS OR INDIA                                                                                                                                        

I know, there are not a lot of musical surprises anymore. It’s boring. Okay maybe Death Cab for Cutie. Pay attention to this cd. 

The reason is simple. It’s organic, original and you want to play it again. But not because it’s catchy. It is, but hell this band speaks to you from their inside.

Along with the above mentioned Candelora (an indie release)  The Midway State (major label release) should tell you that Canada is again at the forefront of new music (Arcade Fire, City and Colour) 

Superb tracks include the atmospheric Lightning, the glorious Atlantic and one of the best tracks I have heard anywhere this year All Anew. Did I mention the killer title track. 

You can’t pinpoint a distinct influence. The band is all over the map on the cd, but somehow the album makes sense as a piece of music from start to finish.

Pick this up for all the right reasons

Candelora (TOP PHOTO) may not be smiling but they should be. This self titled cd has incredible passion mixed with equal amounts of a band searching for a definitve sound.

Having said that, tracks like Colour of the Sun, the driving Red Northern Lights, Outland Seranade and Mountain Atmosphere simply can’t miss.

Soundwise the band mixes early Coldplay (The Blue Room) with a wee bit of Arcade Fire and even Nova Scotia’s former alt rockers Sandbox.

An exciting release!  This band needs to get out and tour anywhere, anytime. 

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, blues/ roots musician www.theshaftmen.com www.johnemms.com and an online radio host http://emms.podbean.com/

seeking the new blues world/monkey junk, kenny blues boss wayne, manzarek/rogers band

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

The blues must grow. That is a stone cold fact.

The fans and people who spend hard earned dollars still respect the genre, but every fan knows you can’t improve on Howling Wolf, BB King or Muddy Waters.  What that leaves for fans are artists who’s foundation lies in the blues but expand the format.

Make way for the “new” blues world

It comes from a variety of sources.

Newer blues rock comes from artists such as Popa Chubby, Kenny Wayne Shepperd, The Jimmy Bowskill Band or The Shaftmen.

Soul/blues artists include Tommy Castro, jam roots blues comes via Ben Harper, Ronnie Earl rules instrumental blues, blues/jazz from Canadian Jack De Keyzer and of course Joe Bonamassa’s heavy Cream inspired riffs seem to all fit under a new blues banner that continues to keep  fans interested in the genre 

Add to the list Monkey Junk, Manzarek-Rogers Band, and Kenny Blues Boss Wayne. Each of these artsts essentially put their spin on the blues genre.

MonkeyJunk-To Behold- Honestly, MonkeyJunk is the most interesting band to come out of blues based music in the last  3 years.

 It’s pretty simple. Great chops, variety in the songwriting and a natural feel for what grooves. From the low down Chicago style of Your Gonna Change (Or I’m Gonna Leave) over to the R & B of With These Hands, the swamp rock  influence of You Don’t Know or even the moody minor chord While You Are Mine  simply can’t miss.

Ray Manzarek-Roy Rogers Band-Translucent Blues-Great muscianship never goes out of style. Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers have been firmly in this category for their entire professional life.  Still, I did not know what to expect from this album.

What you get is “smart” blues rock bravado with flashes of jazz inspiration near the end of the cd.

 Game of Skill borrowing from Manzarek’s Doors legacy and whiplashed by Rogers full blown slide work is one of the best blues rock songs of recent memory. Hell, if that was not enough River of Madness and Fives and Ones will actually have you singing the chorus. How can this be possible?

Trust me it is. I have not taken this cd out of my vehicle since I received it. What is also intersting is that drummer Kevin Hayes and bassist Steve Evans support Rogers and Manzerek’s broad textures while creating a pocket of groove.

Other highlights are George Brook’s sax work on Kick (not the Inxs song)  the funky Blues in My Shoes, and pristine depth jazz influenced instrumental As You Leave, which again features Brook’s sax work.

Translucent Blues is easily one of the best recordings this year in any genre.

Kenny Blues Boss Wayne-An Old Rock On A Roll-To say Wayne is simply a boogie piano player would not do this debut album justice. Sure, the piano is up front.  As it should be.  

Under the superb guidance and smarts of producer Duke Robillard Wayne transforms into a kind of all round new age Fats Domino.

That’s because Wayne’s songs like Devil Woman, the Johnnie Johnson influenced Run Little Joe, the funky blues of Howlin and the jump of Fantasy Meets Reality roll off your tongue and get your foot tapping. This album just feels good.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, songwriter/vocalist with The Shaftmen www.theshaftmen.com and hosts his own roots and blues show here http://emms.podbean.com/

HERE IS WHAT I’M LISTENING TO, “JUST PLAY” ERIC CHURCH RULES-NEW REVIEWS BY JOHN EMMS

Heck,  every act worth their chops should just plug in play. I’m not saying you can’t have a nice p.a. and gear but bands should  just be able to plug in and play. That goes for studio too.

Indeed when you hear or watch some of the acts that played a huge venue like Montreux, that’s what they did. Here is a sample of what I’ve been listening to lately.

Canned Heat-Live at Montreux-1973-The Kings of Boogie, the pure stoned blues of  “The Heat” is in rare form here.

To be honest, in my opinon it’s better than their famous Woodstock set. Kudos to Clarence Gatemouth Brown who sits in and sparkles on Please Mr Nixon, and Worried Life Blues. Yet, his appearance seems odd only because as just a guest he shushes the band dynamics, tells them how to play and that seems very un-hip.

Bob the Bear Hite is a sparkplug, while Henry Vestine and James Shane shine on their guitar workouts. I think this is their best live work. 

Average White Band-Live at Montreux-1980-Some very nice moments. The high points are Pick up the Pieces, a funky Work To Do, the instrumental Sweet and Sour and the wah wah influx of Got The Love.

Luke Bryan-Tailgates and Tanlines-As the title would suggest, this album is about as cliched as you can get lyric wise. For example Country Girl Shake it For Me has references to Daddy’ s tractor, Grandma’s yarn and Sweet Little Farmer’s Child.

Heck every country cliche you can think of all in ONE SONG..I say Ouch!!!

Much better is Harvest Time and the excellent You Don’t Know Jack. Bryan is a solid vocalist, the players are hot but easy on the country cliches please.

Eric Church-Chief-Possibly the best county album you will hear this year. Integrity and attitude carries into every single song. Creepin, Like Jesus Does, the superb Springsteen and the percussive groove of I’m Getting Stoned.

Jay Joyce’s guitar work is very cool and the production is up front and ace. Church is the REAL THANG..Make no mistake about it.

Al Lukas-In My Soul-Stoned true to himself and his muse Lukas puts his head and heart into what he does. Nowhere is this more true then on the album’s best track Did’nt Get Lost In Losing You. Tight focused arrangment and playing by Lukas, bassman Carson Webber and drummer Rob Benvegun is right on the money. In a more blues vein the same is true for the very cool It’s Not Hard it’s Simple.

Elsewhere the title track adds an almost Eddie Vedder like dark vibe to it’s core and Lukas’ vocal, while Tell My Mind has a bright acoustic attack. A worthy new talent  you should check out.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, blues rock musican with The Shaftmen www.theshaftmen.com and online radio host.

THE HORRIBLE CROWS-ELSIE “LOOKING FOR HONESTY AND TRUST IN A WEARY WORLD” BY JOHN EMMS

The Horrible Crows-Elsie-It’s up to today’s new songwriters like  Brian Fallon to shed light on an often tragic and cynical world.

Let’s all face facts here. There is plenty of stuff inside all of us including Fallon that we don’t talk about.

The Horrible Crows Elsie is a remarkable album that perfectly exists in our weary Post 9/11 world. An album that sheds light on our human condition.

Behold The Hurricane may start with it’s insistent wall of guitars and ”who ho” sing a long, but the lyrical depth of the song soon finds you on the inside gut emotion of ” I age by years at the mention of your name” 

However it’s the Tom Waits-esque Cherry Blossoms that pulls you into deep water, holding you inside a lyric such as  ”If I drove straight off this bridge only God and my baby would know” 

Elsewhere tracks like Crush and Ladykiller would not be out of snyc with Springsteen’s Tunnel of Love period. It’s about the romance exploration that we all go through. And at some point in our lives we may fall in and out of.

Musically the band is willing to take chances and  Joe Strummer would be proud of THC’s  muscle and inner integrity on tracks like Mary Ann and Black Betty & The Moon .

I was sent a digital download for review so did not have cd inner booklet with me at time of writing so I can’t give you musician credits.

Escaping into the world of the Horrible Crows album Elsie is a trip you may want to take.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, songwriter/musician with THE SHAFTMEN www.theshaftmen.com www.johnemms.com and online radio host http://emms.podbean.com/

JIM CUDDY-SKYSCRAPER SOUL-” TIMELESS COUNTRY SOUL IN THE CITY” BY JOHN EMMS

Jim Cuddy has always written about the uncertainities in life. 

Whether the songs reflect  love or  family or are from his world or our world. These songs and stories have  endeared him to millions in Canada with roots rockers Blue Rodeo.

However, Skyscraper Soul is Cuddy’s first solo recording that feels like it could reside in the heart of Americana.

In a land where Jackson Browne explored the uncertainty of the American dream and the Jayhawks hung out at Hollywood Town Hall Cuddy’s country soul inflections tap deep into a world wide emotion.

The uncertainty of life!

On songs like Wash Me Down with the gorgeous dobro of Colin Cripps and Bryden Baird’s  floated trumpet lines behind Cuddy’s voice or even smack dab at the heart of the title track written about Toronto (substitute Los Angeles, New York, etc)  Cuddy finds “the mud in his veins, the steel in his bones or a heart beating in a battered town”

Elsewhere on a song like Regular Day you could be driving across Canada, America or Europe it does not matter.

That’s because the song is about the plight of everyday folks. That goes the same for the next song, Everyone Watched the Wedding.  It’s not as much about the Royal Wedding as it is about hope, our families and yes “that uncertainty in our lives”

Behind a killer band featuring Blue Rodeo’s bassman  Bazil Donovan, violinist Anne Lindsay, drummer Joel Anderson, the superb flavour of  Colin Cripp’s guitar lines and mixed with Steve O” Connor’s ambitious piano work the songs are given a certain space that’s very defined.

You know it when you hear it.

Banks of the 49 one of Cuddy’s more heartfelt tracks is balanced by Watch Yourself Go Down a superb soulful strut that just leaps out at you  behind the funky groove of drummer Joel Anderson.

We have never had to go far to find out what’s on Jim Cuddy’s mind. Just check the songs, and open your ears

Whether it’s the gorgeous Ready to Fall or the Rock n’ Roll of a track such as How In the World, Cuddy can be evocative, literate and soulful often in one song .

Timeless music for any generation. Make no mistake about that!

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician and radio show host. Check out his blog here, his radio show

 http://emms.podbean.com/ or his music www.johnemms.com  or   www.theshaftmen.com  

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THE KOOKS-JUNK OF THE HEART CD REVIEW-”INTELLIGENT POP ON REPEAT LISTENS” BY JOHN EMMS

 

Wake up and listen. The Kooks want you to grow with them.

Sure, they may have tinkered with their sound a bit.

But, whatever way you look at it,  Junk of the Heart is a modern, intelligent pop album that gets better with repeat listens.

If you want to click through your Apple Iphone 5 or jabber away on facebook your not going to “get it”.  Try loading this cd into your vehicle, going for a drive and crank up the volume.

Think LCD Soundsytems’s feel on Drunk Girls mixed with mid period Supergrass and a Brighton pub on Saturday night and you will get an idea of the groove here.

The title track is a relationship song  driven by an  infectious vocal hook. If  given the time of day this track could be a monster North American radio fave.  

How’d You Like That tries a bit too hard to be likeable  pop, but Rosie is strong song born out of a very different groove that could have been mid 70s Kinks material if the Kinks were 25 years old in 2011.

That’s good folks.

Elsewhere the retooling of the band’s sound is killer on “F**k The World Off and the incredible  Badfinger-meets Gaz Coombe’s feel of  Is It Me which asks “”Is it the times were living in”

I say yes.

If you can’t be moved by songs like Killing Me or Mr Nice Guy your on the wrong planet.

The only problem I can see is how the four can pull off some of the more ambitious tracks on this cd in a live context.

Strong work by songwriter/vocalist Luke Pritchard, yet the whole band finds space. Personally, more use of Hugh Harris’ guitar lines would have been nice, but that’s a minor quip.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician and radio host..Visit John at www.johnemms.com or check out his reverbnation link here  http://www.reverbnation.com/johnemms

PINK FLOYD/EMI REMASTERS-SONIC UPGRADE, NEW BOOKLETS, NEW ART-WOW-JOHN EMMS

Why should you buy the new Pink Floyd remasters? 

Quite simply for new fans this will be a mind blowing experience. If you have only heard the band on your radio or Apple iTunes then you will be in for an amazing  journey of timeless music with the Discovery Editions.

If your an older dedicated fan you will more and likely enjoy the new booklets, artwork, remastered sound and will devour the Immersion CD/DVD/BLU-RAY/Memorabilla Box Sets.

Here is what I have on the new remastered Discovery Editions/studio albums.

 The Piper at the Gates of Dawn-Their 1967 debut with Syd Barett on guitar and doing almost all of the songwriting. An absolute psychedelic masterpiece of “Brit”  electronic/rock and pop. Stunning remaster by James Guthrie compared to the sound from my original vinyl album. Get it.

Ummagumma-From 1969, a two cd  set with again upgraded and very cool mixes on the ‘live” album. The ‘new band rips  into the Syd Barett material but now with David Gilmour on lead guitar and vocals. Here is where Pink Floyd made their mark as a band to reckon with in a live context. Superb set.

The studio side is much more experimental with all four members contributing.

Wish You Were Here-From 1975, this upgrade has a very cool photos, an excellent booklet and of course without a doubt one of their most timeless sets of music. Some call it a masterpiece, even though I prefer Dark Side of the Moon. Interplay between the band and Gilmour’s guitar work is mind blowing. Superb work from the whole band including piano/keyboard man Richard Wright. Get it!

Obscured by Clouds-This 1972 film soundtrack for the La Valee movie precedes Dark Side of the Moon by less than one year. Very interesting material, but for major fans of the band.

The Division Bell-Original release was from 1994. The second album without Roger Waters

For me this was stronger work than most people give it credit for. Of course it is not as strong as The Wall, Dark Side etc, but Richard Wright is in fine form and lyrics by Polly Sampson with Gilmour are excellent in a number of places. Drummer Nick Mason shines and these songs  stand up in Gilmour’s live shows. Get It!!

Look for more of my Pink Floyd Discovery Edition reviews of  the new EMI remasters over the next month.

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, radio host and musician. Visit John at www.johnemms.com

HOLLIES RETROSPECTIVE-SUPERB/CREAM 2005 GOES BLU-RAY-REVIEW JOHN EMMS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The HOLLIES Look Through Any Window spanning 1963-1975 is one of the best retrospectives I have seen.

Most of the film focuses on the Graham Nash/Allan Clarke era of the British Invasion from 1964 till 1969 with both men interviewed on film and narrating.

It gives the viewer amazing insight into the band and the mid 60′s era.

However after Nash left to join Crosby Stills and Nash the Hollies had huge hits with Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress, The Air That I Breathe and the magnificent He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother 

Easily one of the best parts in the film is the Hollies in the EMI Studios at Abbey Road recording harmonies for On a Carousel.

It simply is breathtaking at how well these guys could sing and how well the band could play.

The film also shows that Hollies members  drummer Bobby Elliott and guitarist/vocalist Tony Hicks in particular are excellent players. In addition Terry Sylvester and Bernie Calvert were also well ingrained into  the band’s sound 

An absolute must have film for any fan of the British Invasion and The Hollies!

Cream-Live at Royal Albert Hall makes it way to blu-ray this week. One thing you notice is that even after 40 years of not gigging as a unit Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce have a chemistry that is taut but just so happens to spill into this one off gloroius groove that only happens when these 3 outstanding players are on the same stage

Outstanding versions of Outside Woman Blues, Sleepy Time Time and Clapton’s guitar solo on Stormy Monday take you into Jam Land with very hip results.

In addition the band rips into different and solid versions of their hits Sunshine of Your Love, Badge, White Room, and Crossroads.

Recorded over 4 nights in May of 2005, this concert is a snapshot of the band in their sixities and quite different than when the band was only 25 years old and blowing out venues with 20 minute songs.

It would have been nice to see what would have happened over let’s say a 10 or 15 date world tour. 

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician and radio host. Check John’s cool stuff on this page or link to www.johnemms.com

MARIA MULDAUR-Inspires on STEADY LOVE-CD REVIEWS-john emms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Backed by a soulful band of  musicians Maria Muldaur’s new album Steady Love is downright inspiring.

Let me make this clear. Muldaur’s voice  has none of it’s seductive phrasing.

In fact, some younger female singers can learn a heck of a lot just by listening to her new cd.

In fact, if your not up on the floor when Muldaur struts on the gospel track An Eagle Stirreth in Her Nest, or grooves you on Rain Down Tears you may want to check your pulse

To be fair Muldaur has sung a lot of styles of music. Folk, jug band, gospel, jazz etc.  But my fave of Muldaur’s is R & B followed closely by blues roots music. 

The core band of Dave Torkanowsky on keys, guitarist Shane Theriot, bassist Johnny Allen and drummers Kenny Blevins/Shannon Powell are  very supple and mindful of Muldaur’s vocal prowess.

Just check out Muldaur’s take on Elvin Bishop’s I’ll Be Glad or the super slinky take on the Bobby Charles classic Why Are People Like That. With Theriot’s galvanizing note bending and the band up and in the pocket it does not get any better folks.

Elsewhere on Soulful Dress, Get You Next to Me or on Rick Vito’s I Am Not Alone where Muldaur shares the sweet harmony with Jenni Muldaur you simply can’t miss.

THIS CD will make my top 10 list for 2011. As a sidenote, this is one of the best sounding cd’s I have heard this year. 

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician and radio host. Visit John at www.johnemms.com

COLDPLAY-”EMOTIONAL LEAP OF FAITH” MYLO XYLOTO-REVIEW JOHN EMMS

Coldplay’s fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto is an emotional artistic leap of faith into the 21 Ist century. 

And as you jump into it, Johnny Buckland, Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion will be right there with you.

This band knows what they want and have taken 3 years to make sure their fanbase “gets it”

As song titles would suggest, It Hurts Like Heaven, Paradise and Every Teardrop is a Waterfall the band has built an album that is dramatic but shot full of hope

For every person that feels like their world/our world is out of reach and out of touch, Coldplay have given you a blanket of songs and hope that even though it’s us against them or you versus the world.

It’s Gonna Be Allright  

Check out Us Against the World, where “the devil is talking with those angel eyes or Charlie Brown,”where my heart gets smashed to smithereens’ it’s profound stuff but Chris Martin and the band have their audiences back.

As each song  unfolds, the huge pop of Paradise and mega anthemic Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall  Coldplay are making music that is big on melody, and big on letting their audience in on it

On Princess of  China where Rhianna joins the band the synths and beat smashes up against a killer vocal interchange. It can’t miss .

Up In Flames is tender and almost sounds like a young Brian Wilson mid 60′s. Simply gorgeous.

This is such a layered album that as you may have noticed on the band’s Letterman appearances the core four have used a lot of backing tracks to make the sound HUGE.

It does not hurt the recording, but it’s something I’m not  fond of when I see a band performing in concert

Mylo Xyloto is big on emotion and atmosphere and will sell big numbers

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician and radio host. Check John out at www.johnemms.com on facebook, youtube and twitter.

DEEP PURPLE W/ORCHESTRA LIVE AT MONTREUX 2011-”REACHING NEW HEIGHTS” REVIEW BY JOHN EMMS

In a stunning display of musicianship, chops and sheer bravado this blu-ray concert due out November 8 2011 is proof that Deep Purple may be possibly at the height of their powers as a band.  How could that even be possible?

It is simply breathtaking to see the band led by front man Ian Gillan so stoked and lost in the groove backed by a 38 piece orchestra. I don’t believe I have witnessed better versions of Highway Star, Lazy and Hard Lovin’ Man than the ones presented here in glorious high def blu-ray and 5.1 DTS sound.

Guitarist Steve Morse is simply on fire all the way through this show. His solo’s on Knocking at Your Back Door, Rapture of the Deep and his riff work on early songs such as Woman from Toyko and Maybe I’m A Leo are outstanding.

Morse never loses sight that his playing as dominant as it can be is really there to service the song and be a link in the chain led by Roger’s Glover’s inventive and commanding bass work.

Glover lays way down in the pocket or rides high on the neck while delving inside the drumming magic and intensive work of Ian Paice.  Glover, Paice and Morse are simply a joy to watch and listen to.

Keyboard man Don Airey shines so bright that he will never live under the shadow of any organist or keyboard player from any band, just from his performance on this DVD alone.  To say Airey is a galvanizing presence in the ambience of Purple’s overall sound is an understatement. At any point in the show he delivers. 

Don Airey like Garth Hudson from The Band is the glue that binds

Vocalist Ian Gillan is living and breathing the dream. Although noted as a rock “singer” his entire career he has never got the credit for his understanding of how soul singers like Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett worked the nuances of being a great vocalist.

That is, when to sing, when not to sing and what to sing and write about. With this show and his over looked superb studio solo cd One Eye to Morocco Gillan should get his due.

Stephen Bentley-Klein the orchestra leader and the 38 member players don’t just sit in with the band.

No, this orchestra pushes the band and breathes new life into arrangements you have never heard Deep Purple perform in any previous context.

An absoulte must have release for any fan of intelligent rock music

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, musician, and popular online rock radio host who can be heard here http://emms.podbean.com/

JEFF HEALEY BAND-FULL CIRCLE-LIVE ANTHOLOGY-4 DISC SET-DVD “INTIMATE PORTRAIT” JOHN EMMS

This box set comes on the heels of  the amazing live  9 song cd Live At Grossman’s (1994) which for me is one of the top rock albums of 2011.

On this set the DVD Live at the St. Gallen Open Air Festival 1991 is the interesting item. It is not the high tech gloss dvd/blu-ray one gets used to watching today.

But it is a definite gem and Healey Band fans will love the intimate setting 

Shot from onstage cameras in an unconventional style (for today’s standards) it captures all 3 band members Healey, the powerhouse drumming of Tom Stephen and the agile and rock solid bass work of Joe Rockman in what I like to call “roadie cam”

The absolute killer here is the band’s smoking rendtion of ZZ Top’s Blue Jean Blues, it has to be seen to be believed. The closeup on Healey’s fretboard at the end of the song is jawdropping. Then again the band especially Healey is just getting warmed up.

It’s an afternoon set and like most bands, it seems like the band is waking up along with the audience. The inclusion of both I Can’t Get My Hands On You and Full Circle is very cool and shows the band hitting “Cream” like grooves and dynamics.

Of the 3 cd’s in the package, I do not like the audio mix on the Live at The  Montreal Jazz Fest 1989 at all.

For some reason this cd has a very “board tape”  output which seems muted compared to Live at Grossman’s and the other cd here including Live At The Hard Rock Toronto 1995

The Toronto Hard Rock set packs a wallop, and captures the band with the addition of whom I assume is Pat Rush ( I did not see his name in the booklet)

The Hard Rock set is also very bluesey. The highlights include As The Years Go Passing By, Evil (is going on) and Yer Blues. It’s impressive on it’s own merit, and I recommend it highly.

The genre of Blues Rock has over the years sold literally millions of albums. Cream, ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Humble Pie are just a few names that come to mind from the past.

I have been saying for years. This genre is poised for a big comeback because it is radio friendly.

Personally I think Joe Bonamassa if the timing is right, could be the artist to enter to that hallowed ground.

But, Bonamassa as good as he is needs a hit in the vein of Sunshine of Your Love or Sharp Dressed Man. As it stands his work continues to grow and improve including the outstanding groove of  Black Country Communion.

Besides Bonamassa if you enjoy The Jeff Healey Band check out these artists on Apple iTunes

New music from Canada’s Blues Rockers The Shaftmen  http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/paycheque-blues/id365389443, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Walter Trout, and Coco Montoya to name a few

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, a popular blues/ roots/rock radio host http://emms.podbean.com/ and musician.

ROLLING STONES “OUTPUNK THE PUNKS”-SOME GIRLS LIVE IN TEXAS ’78-BLU-RAY REVIEW-JOHN EMMS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In every way with Some Girls Live In Texas  ’78 The Rolling Stones with dynamics, showmanship and just pure rock n’ roll heart pretty well show there was no punk, garage, or rock band that could beat them at the game they invented on this night. 

With this release due out on Monday Nov 21 you may want your mom to marry a Rolling Stone after you watch this blistering set.  

Filmed at the Will Rogers Auditorium in Forth Worth Texas in front of 3000 people The Stones billed under the name The London Green Shoed Cowboys  took a stripped down set up and galvanized the crowd and indeed themselves into a sweat dripping performance.

It has to be said for a lot of younger readers checking this review if you don’t enjoy The Stones in their 12 piece gargantuam form of the last 20 years you defintely have to check out this deluxe blu-ray/cd release.

Although the band offers up no nonsense versions of Chuck Berry’s Let It Rock, Exile on Main Street’s All Down The Line and Honky Tonk Women this show moves into high gear with Star Star “I ain’t Mad at you for giving head to Steve McQueen” through stunning Jagger vocals on When The Whip Comes Down, Beast of Burden and a very hip Miss You.

Ronnie Wood’s guitar work cuts, pushes and breathes fire into Keith Richards’ spanked up guitar riffs and the band sounds reborn with Wood on board. A fired up Charlie Watts and the ever impressive round sound of Bill Wyman’s bass playing (with two fingers bandaged together) under the great new 2011 mix by Bob Clearmountain are a total joy.

If you look and listen you can catch the pounding 88′s from Ian Stewart and all encompassing organ/keyboard work of Ian McLagan for my money one of the coolest players on the planet.

The band reaches peak altitude on the tracks  Respectable, Jaggers’ hip hop influence vocals on Shattered, a fun Far Away Eyes with Doug Kershaw and one of their best versions of Love In Vain that I have heard since the Mick Taylor era.  

Indeed I’m not saying there is not any missed notes or off the mic vocals here, but this is a show with an incredible attitude and feel.

The set continues with Happy, Brown Sugar, Jumpin Jack Flash, Tumbling Dice and Sweet Little Sixteen (killer version) but it’s the 8 or 9 track middle of  this dvd that  is bonafide rock n’ roll.

Bonus material is a 2011 interview with Mick Jagger where he is  forthcoming, talkative, friendly and by no means aloof. Basically the kind of interview any journalist including myself would love to conduct with Jagger in this mood.

You also get the three Saturday Night Live performances, 17 track CD, some fun with Dan Ackroyd and Jagger, an ABC 20/20 interview and bonus memorabillia with the cool booklet

JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist, who hosts a very hip radio show here http://emms.podbean.com/ and a musician with the Canadian blues rockers THE SHAFTMEN www.theshaftmen.com