GuitaristTV.com

CD Review - X-UFO - Volume 1 - The Live Files

2012-02-08T12:26:00.000-08:00

X-UFO Volume 1 The Live Files

X-Music

Out - Now

Live recordings are often rushed out, are stop gaps and can frequently damage a band's reputation largely due to poor production values. There is emphatically none of that nonsense here. This release which was recorded in Europe last year has obviously been lovingly crafted, sounds fresh and makes you feel like you were at the show, which is always a good sign. I've been a long time fan of UFO and own practically everything they've ever put out. For a band to call themselves X-UFO, they absolutely need to have some pedigree, and these guys have their certificates to prove it. Respect.

Vocalist and Keyboarder Danny Peyronel played with UFO from 75-76 and featured on the fan's favourite album, the renowned No Heavy Petting where he also wrote the classic song Highway Lady. Danny also featured heavily on the often forgotten about live album On With The Action which is a fantastic live set recorded at London's Roundhouse in 1976.

Guitarist Laurence Archer was with UFO for three years and spread the word with the band extensively throughout this period featuring on the bands High Stakes And Dangerous Men album.

Drummer Clive Edwards also played on High Stakes And Dangerous Men and is one of rock's most gifted sticksmen and is an absolute commander of the rock drum kit.

Bassist Rocky Newton is the only member of the group not to have played directly with UFO however, he's no weak link in this tight unit. He was a mainstay with Michael Schenker in the McCauley Schenker Group featuring on two of their albums.

For more info on the careers of these amazing musicians please see the link at the foot of this page. These guys have worked at their craft as and amongst the best...

On to the album then and at £10.99 including postage if you're in the UK, this is extremely good value coming in at around seventy minutes of gorgeous UFO sounds. The album is able to be shipped all over the world too for a little extra. If you just have to have the album already and just can't wait to buy it click here

The set on on this disc sounds as if it's one show to my ears but I honestly can't be certain. The album has a real punch and has been brilliantly produced mixed and compiled by Steve Mann. The mastering was done at Frida Park Studios in Hannover, Germany by Ossy Pfeiffer.

I'm not sure if this is correct though. The set starts off with the intro from Stephen Spielberg's film Close Encounters Of The Third Kind setting the scene nicely and quickly bursting into a stonking version of Let It Roll. Laurence is immediately right on the money here with some great guitar work. The band have kindly made this song available for you to try here

Straight afterwards we're in to my favourite all time UFO track Natural Thing, then the little heard Highway Lady which, written by Danny is a classic and a welcome addition to the live set. These guys are currently working on an album of new material to be released later on this year. Yes. They're serious about what they're doing and from what I've heard on this album, they'll really get themselves noticed. They've got unmeasurable talent in the band and the experience of this industry to take it as far as they want to.

One song that really sold me on this album was one that I had almost forgotten existed, and had rarely returned to over the years is Love Deadly Love which is a gorgeous slightly dark and moody song written by Mogg & Way back in the day with Laurence Archer. For me this is the outstanding track on the album. Beautiful work.

There are lots of classics on the disc too (think Doctor Doctor, Love To Love) and many other classic hard rocking staples you've heard and seen in shows and in UFO's substantial back catalogue over the years. Laurence puts in another brilliant piece of work on Rock Bottom and all in all the musicianship is outstanding with Danny's vocals demanding that you listen time and time again.

This collection made me sit up and listen and I would recommend it highly. Buy it and bask in the sheer joy that UFO have have brought to all rock fans over the years. This off shoot of the band are putting bums on seats in Theatres and will be creating loads of interest with this new release. Long Live UFO and Long Live The X-Men!

Rob Pope
Guitaristtv.com

To buy the album click here

To swot up on the band's outstanding careers click here

For anything else about the X-Men have a look here


X-UFO - THE LIVE FILES VOLUME ONE - OUT NOW

We're back..(well nearly)..

2012-01-27T15:10:00.000-08:00

We're back! Well, not quite..

After an extended Christmas and new year, expect some more quality reviews and postings very, very shortly.

Rob P.

Reviewed - Black Country Communion - Live Over Europe DVD

2011-12-04T09:56:00.001-08:00

Black Country Communion

Live Over Europe

Mascot Records

Out now

I'm a big fan of Black Country Communion and all it's component parts Bonham, Bonamassa, Hughes and Sherinian and so I couldn't wait to get my eyes and ears stuck into this release.

If you consider yourself a bonafide rock fan then you should be buying (or receiving this) for Christmas. This is a two disc set that's available on both DVD and Blu-Ray so take your pick depending on what hardware you have to run it through.

I won't concentrate too much on the sound and visual technicalities but needless to say, what comes out of your speakers is of the highest quality possible. So what do you get for your money here? Well the set the band plays has been taken from a number of gigs but the editing and sound are brilliant. Of the four members of the band, everyone gets a fair share of the mix and no one gets to dominate more than should. Of course Jason Bonham holds it all together at the back. The production by no lesser name than the great Kevin Shirley is spot on, and sounds just like a rock band at the top of their game should sound.

Catch a glipse of what you could be watching here

Black Country Communion have had two magnificent albums out in the last couple of years both of which are musts for rock fans. On the main disc there are seventeen featured songs with a healthy split between the two releases. The songs come from the band's recent European tour.

There are many camera angles to keep you interested and a few effects along the way including tilt shift which is slightly unusual for a rock video but works very well. Star man though is Glenn Hughes who is mesmerising throughout. The man is just a dynamo and he is everything a front man should be.

Buy now and turn it right up! Here's the Amazon link

Rob Pope
Guitarist TV

Black Country Communion Homepage

Tracer burn through the London Underworld

2011-11-10T09:50:00.001-08:00

Tracer

London Underworld Camden

Thursday 3rd November 2011

[Band Photos by Stephen Fourie]

The Underworld Camden is one of my favourite venues. It's small, holding about 500 people tops and is brilliantly located for people like my wife and I to come in from out of town, catch a few great rock bands and be safely tucked in bed before midnight. We were here to see the fabulous up and coming Aussie band Tracer who were on the same bill as Swedish rockers Royal Republic. Tracer have started small and are building their fan base one convert at a time. In the fickle world of rock music, there's a long way to go, but these guys have got the balls and the talent to take it far and wide and make a big success.

For the record Tracer consist of Michael Brown (Guitar & Vocals), Leigh Brown (Bass & Vocals) and Andre "Dre" West (Drums). Michael is one heck of a guitarist and brought along four of his beautiful toys to show the audience just what he could do with them. This included a particularly fine specimen of the Flying V. Gorgeous. Leigh his younger brother has a swagger and a mastery of the Bass Guitar beyond his years. "Drey" the band's master and commander of the drums, towers over his kit like some huge spider

The set was short and sweet but not without a minor technical hitch. The bass amp for some reason being a little temperamental right at the very beginning of the show but eventually it seemed to decide to cooperate.

The band treated us to a cool selection from their classy debut album Spaces In Between. Too Much is a sweet little full on rock and roll number which is the first single from the band. It speeds along ferociously and rings in your ears. Also in the melting pot were The Bitch, Walk Alone and the album title track. A special mention for two parts of the show that were mightily impressive. The first was Leigh's vocals on the stomping Louder Than This. Jeepers! That voice nearly blew the roof off!

The second thing that really impressed was the segment of War Pigs that the band played towards the end of the set. This got all the audience singing and nodding in approval, and added to the buckets of rock credibility already on display.

If you get a chance to see Tracer anywhere get a ticket! They're great blokes who play a no thrills, balls to the wall rock and roll with a touch of finess.

Catch a video introduction with guitaristtv.com Presenter Mike De Jager here

Visit Tracer on line at http://www.tracer-band.com/

Rob Pope

Guitarist TV

Electric Soup - Bowling For Soup HMV Forum 28 October 2011

2011-11-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Bowling For Soup - HMV Forum - Kentish Town

Friday 28th October 2011

Back in April this year I had the privilege to see a really cool acoustic show at the Koko Club in London featuring Jaret & Erik of Bowling For Soup. At the show the guys promised they would bring the full band back for another UK tour later in the year. They kept their promise and so last Friday I went up to the big smoke again to see this smoking band in all their glory. The HMV Forum is a cool venue. Wide and not too steep with plenty of good vantage points and the all important bars all around.

The UK really goes for these Texans and their tours always create a lot of interest and sell out. This date was no exception. The hall was packed with a really mixed crowd of fans and I count myself amongst them. Bowling For Soup are cheeky and always make me smile. This was the last date of their UK tour this time around and the UK is now an absolute must visit for the band who work very hard perfecting their live performances. They've been around a long time (is it really 1994 when they debuted?) and their reputation for some of the best innuendo packed, no nonsense, power chord driven rock songs is totally justified.

The band have got a large back catalogue to choose from and over ten albums under their belts, so it was always going to be a hit filled gig. The capacity to produce singalong anthems never ceases to amaze me and of course there are many to choose from. So we all lapped up High School Never Ends, The Bitch Song, My Wena, S-S-S-Saturday, Ohio, Punk Rock 101, Emily, 1985, Almost and Belgium.

A special mention goes to three songs though. A really cool version of Stacey's Mom originally recorded by the Fountains Of Wayne which the boys seem to have adopted for their own. Everybody and I mean everybody was singing along to this one. Turbulence from the last album Fishing For Woos is a personal favourite which I love. I lost a bet on this song because I was absolutely thought it was US top 40 material. Shucks, next time maybe. The song is playing on the boys website at the moment so go have a listen when you've finished this review. The link is below. The third song is Summer Of '69, Bryan Adams huge hit from the 80's. The guys played this on their 2006 Let's Do It For Johnny album and Bowling For Soup have started working it into their encore giving the song a bit of punch while they're at it.

Musically these guys are right on the money. The playing is really tight and when the boys are back in town, I'll be right there waiting in line to see them. Thanks Guys! Au Revoir!

Many thanks to Lawrence Da Silva at Sensor Photography for the supreme images. See more of Lawrence's work here

Check out Bowling for Soup on line and watch Turbulence here

Rob Pope

Guitarist TV

Chickenfoot III - Album out tomorrow - reviewed here

2011-10-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

Chickenfoot

III

earMUSIC

UK release 24th October 2011

Lead singer Sammy Hagar has already said that he is very proud of this release and can hear why. Chickenfoot have a very distinctive sound. I've listened to Sammy Hagar singing now for at least 30 years and he is probably my favourite rock vocalist. I have no idea how he has kept his voice fresh and powerful over all these years, all I can say is I'm glad he has. Fist pumping stadium rock this may be and it's not for everyone, but it has it's place in my heart and I am absolutely chuffed to bits that I got hold of a copy of this album before my friends did. We've been talking about it for ages. Here we have four musicians of incredible ability and reputation. Their reputation collectively and individually is totally justified.

There has been a huge amount of hype about this album and you've only got to look around the web to get confirmation and to see that there is a real buzz surrounding this release. So does it cut it? First of all the packaging is pretty good. A nice simple design that can only be best experienced in 3D! Yes, they even tuck a pair of glasses inside the sleeve. Cheers guys!

Chickenfoot III

The music delivers. Of course with such a punch too as you'd expect from this band. Everyone is on top form and up for it. Mike Fraser who needs no introduction to genuine rock music fans, did the production on this release. Of course, it's all come together brilliantly.

Last Temptation opens the show. The tempo is up and at 'em and a great start. A slightly slower Alright, Alright follows Different Devil, Up Next and Lighten Up. Come Closer slows down rather but this love song really stays with me. There's atmospheric, beautiful bass from Mark Anthony and Sammy has soul. I'd really like to get this released as a single and see it climb the rock charts.

Three And A Half Letters is a song about the disenfranchised. Yes you read that right. This is a deep song with a serious subject which just cries out for a listen. Online Sammy Hagar explained the story behind the song in that over the years he's received many letters from fans, but he's also recieved pleas from people looking for work. This song is about the economic mess people are facing right now. Rock music takes on world problems. Heavy subject matter perhaps but perhaps very necessary.

Chickenfoot III

The next two tracks Big Foot and Dubai Blues are the best. Great riffing, everyone rocking out. I played these again and again. There's a slower pace to the close of the album with Something Going Wrong. A real nice close to a real special album. So. everyone flexes their muscles again on this second outing from the band. How long this franchise will last I don't know, but I hope it will run and run.

First of all if you're in the UK and you don't have this album. Go and get it! Secondly snap up tickets if you can for the live UK shows. More details from Noble Public Relations here

For visuals check out the following videos from the album.

Three And A Half Letters

Join Chickenfoot online here

Big Foot

Connect with Chickenfoot on Facebook here

See Chickenfoot on Youtube here


Satch, Smith, Anthony & Hagar

Rob Pope

Guitarist TV

Edge of Paradise - Mask - Shredrock Records - out now

2011-10-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

Edge of Paradise

Mask

Shredrock Records

Out Now!

Mask - Edge Of Paradise

This is a really solid and powerful debut from Edge Of Paradise who seem to have come out of nowhere. Actually this isn't very far from the actual truth. Edge Of Paradise hail from the US (LA to be more precise) and they have only formed in January this year. However the massive sound they have perfected and unleashed on this new release sounds and feels like it's been honed over many years. Edge Of Paradise are a four piece consisting of Margarita Monet (Vocals), Dave Bates (Guitar), Kevin Kaitch (Drums) and Steven Cook (Bass). Kaitch and Cook joined the band in the second half of this year, but album itself was recorded with the helping hands of rock veterans Gregg Bisonette on the sticks and "Fretless Monster" Tony Franklin on the bass.

Margarita is one seriously talented performer and is perfect to front this kick ass rock band. Sexy, slick, oh yes, and she can sing too. Dave used to play in Bleed with Robin Macauley with whom he shares song writing credits for five of the nine songs here. Ryan Jones also shares song writing credit for the title track. Other noteworthy participants in this riff encrusted guitar jewel are Bjorn Englen, Craig Anderson, Rick Steel, Andly Cassiato and Filix Nunez.

What struck me most about this album (and I literally mean struck), is the power generated. The sound just seemed to follow me everywhere pounding my ears and my senses. The album consists of nine tracks and just over 30 minutes. A little short maybe but those thirty minutes were relentless and full of a rich and potent rock and metal music concoction.

Margarita's vocals combined with Dave's guitar playing are unforgettable and the songs are memorable particularly in the album's title track with lyrics that are particularly poignant and haunting..

How does it feel, to breath the night, to be alive. How does it feel, to lose yourself, to finally believe..

My favourite tracks on this album are Falling Down, Tail Of The Gun, Thrown It All Away and a magnificent instrumental Fire composed by Dave. Think Hollywood movie car chase soundtrack and you'll be getting the right picture. I also loved the slower We Breath which is a love song with massive balls.

There's plenty of info out there about this band and I want to hear more. One of the main things a rock fan needs from a new band is a tour. Edge Of Paradise are currently treading the boards in their home territory. I'd like to see them Europe side as soon as possible with a little bit of the UK thrown in. Pretty please guys!

Connect with Edge Of Paradise online at:

www.edgeofparadiseband.com/

For brilliant photos of the band go here

For more info on this stunning album go here

Rob Pope
Guitarist TV

Mask - Edge Of Paradise

Tracer - New Album and Tour

2011-10-23T04:03:00.000-07:00

Tracer

Spaces In Between

Cool Green Records

Out Now!

Spaces In Between - Out now!

Tracer hale from Adelaide. Australia and they've just released their debut album Spaces In Between. Release probably doesn't accurately describe the process so let me rephrase this; Australian band Tracer have released the equivalent of a huge musical bomb on rock fans. That's better. This is a real belter of a rock album. it's furious with massive guitars and irresistable hooks abound.

Tracer are a three piece: Michael & Leigh Brown and Andre Wise. Michael plays all guitars and sings. Leigh plays the bass and sings. Andre plays the drums.

The single Too Much came out a few weeks back and you can get a fix by looking and listening to the video on the link below. It's loud and dangerous and I love it.

The vocals are strong and soulful. The sound and production huge. Tracer have been around since 2004 when they formed out of the remains of a blues prodigy band The Brown Brothers. Back in 2009 they put on their touring shoes and treked around Europe including the UK. I missed them then and now fortunately for me they're back. They've worked tirelessly crafting their songs and their powerful sound which they'll unleash again on the UK starting tomorrow. Don't miss a chance to see them when they hit your area starting in Sheffield (24th October 2011).

For the full tour schedule check out the link to the band's website below and enjoy their shows before they're back in this country touring arenas.

Tracer UK Dates

Connect with Tracer right now on Facebook here

Rob Pope
Guitarist TV

Many thanks to Peter at Noble PR for the heads up on Tracer.

Review - Wilko Johnson - Islington Academy 30th September 2011

2011-10-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

Wilko Johnson

Islington Academy

Friday 30th September 2011

Photo © David Coombes

The London leg of Wilko's nationwide tour. I have been desperate to see Wilko Johnson live for some years now and so I was delighted to get to see this gig. The Islington Academy is a pretty small venue but this suited the energetic three piece to a tee. The audience was made of quite a motley crew, looking for the most part over forty and the vast majority of them possessing more than a few locks of greying hair. Surrounded as I was, I felt rather at home.

As usual Wilko took to the stage with assist Norman Watt-Roy and drummer Dylan Howe. Watt-Roy is a tremendous musician and another live wire. With Wilko on one side of the stage and Norman on the other, it's like trying to keep track of a manic game of ping-pong. To the left, to the right, left, right, left, right. You just don't know where to rest your eyes. Dylan Howe beats out a solid and unfailing backdrop.

I'd heard a lot about Wilko's shows particularly the energy and the tightness of the band. This description was absolutely spot on. I wasn't disappointed when the show kicked off with Everybody's Carrying A Gun which is an absolute old favourite of mine from the Solid Senders album.

Photo © Rob Pope

Honestly, Wilko would never win many prizes for singing but to be equally honest I doubt if there were many people in the audience that were there to listen to him croon. To my absolute delight the moves began right from the beginning; Wilko strutting around and being pulled back and forth like he was attached to an imaginary piece of elastic. Couple that with the machine gunning of the audience (see David Coombes fantastic image at the top of the review) and the thousand yard stare and you have the image of the eccentric, quirky genius that is Wilko Johnson. A lot of the numbers I wanted to hear were included; Dr Dupree, Western Plains, Sneakin' Suspicion, and Going Back Home were all beautifully played with the majority of the numbers coming from the glory years of the Dr Feelgood back catalogue.

Photo © Rob Pope

I couldn't contain myself when up popped glorious extended versions of Irene and Don't Let Your Daddy Know where we got to meet the members of the band and they got to show off a little. The delicious riff of Irene is the main reason why I started listening to the world famous sons of Canvey Island all those years ago.

The main show ended with another two Dr Feelgood numbers Back In The Night and She Does It Right and just when I thought it was all over, the show was rounded off with a barnstorming Johnny-B-Goode. Bonus.

If you have a musical bucket list, add Wilko Johnson and his band to it, don't wait until you get grey hair and past forty before you do it. Wilko Johnson and his band are a musical and visual spectacular.

Rob Pope

Guitarist TV

Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa - Don't Explain

2011-09-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa

Don't Explain

Provogue Records

Release date: 26th September

Joe Bonamassa has been very busy lately and this in itself is nothing new for the man who has three jobs. What with Black Country Communion, solo projects, festivals and tours and a regular DJ spot for Planet Rock radio too, I'm not sure how he's found the time to record this album; a very strong and juicy collaboration with Beth Hart. Beth Hart, who you may not have heard of, has a raw and powerful singing voice and the first comparison I could make with her voice and another artist would be the late Amy Winehouse. Beth however has far more rasping power and depth on show. There are ten songs on this release and all of the songs are cover versions. This does not detract from the release at all though. The writers are such dare I say, legendary names, as Ray Charles, B.B.King, Tom Waits, Billy Holiday, Etta James, Gil Scott-Heron and Aretha Franklin.

I found the pace rather slow to begin with and it wasn't until the fourth track For My Friends that I felt the release really hotted up. This is a rather powerful strutting song where Joe's guitar playing comes to the fore. The three preceding tracks Sinners Prayer, Chocolate Jesus and Your Heart Is As Black As Night were however rather moody and atmospheric particularly Your Heart Is As Black As Night which has a lovely chorus.

Beth & Joe

On Don't Explain which was written by Billie Holiday there is a full orchestral opening and the song really got me my mind drifting and I found myself imagining that I was staring out of a New York window on a rainy night. Really cool. I'd Rather Go Blind is a song I've heard millions of times before. You've probably heard it too perhaps sung by Rod Stewart or Beyonce Knowles. Written by Etta James, this version really brought out the best in Beth Hart's voice and another superb section of playing from Joe.

I've always been someone who loves faster, up tempo songs and Something's Got A Hold On Me for me, was a real show stealer on this album. Starting slowly, the song suddenly bursts into life and will make you want to get up, grab your partner and twist. It's a real great dance number with Joe getting a nice little solo section in the middle too.

Don't Explain is out on 26th September

Joe also gets a great workout on the next song I'll Take Care Of You which contains a punchy solo. On Well, Well the following number, Beth allows Joe to share vocals on a Delaney & Bonnie penned number which grooves along and got my foot tapping urgently.

You can obtain a free download of Well, Well here to see what I mean.

This was a really enjoyable listen and I would love to hear more of Beth Hart's voice on some faster, rockier songs. If you like atmospheric, soulful tunes with the best guitar and vocals in the business, look no further than this album.

Beth Hart / Joe Bonamassa website

Rob Pope
Guitaristtv.com

Leslie West - Unusual Suspects - Album Review

2011-09-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

Leslie West

Unusual Suspects

Provogue Records

Release Date September 19th

Leslie West has had a very hard time lately and back in June this year tragically had to have his left leg amputated above the knee. This being as an indirect result of the diabetes with which Leslie has suffered for many years. I'm so pleased to report that Leslie is on the mend and also delighted to tell you that this album is a real bullet of a recording.

Leslie West plays a big sound. Huge, fat rock and roll notes combined with a singing voice that sounds as if it's been fashioned out of molasses and granite. This combination appeals hugely to me and I first got into Leslie's music when I happened by a copy of his pre millennium album As Phat As It Gets. I've been hooked ever since.

When Leslie was planning the Unusual Suspects release, he rallied together a band of guitarists classed amongst the world's finest. Therefore playing on this album we have the talents of Slash, Joe Bonamassa, Zakk Wlyde, Billy Gibbons and Steve Lukather. It's an indication of the metal of the man that the release date for Unusual Suspects wasn't put back because of the aforementioned health issues. Indeed Leslie has been determined not to be waylayed even for a second, remarking that he now needs to figure out how to play his guitars whilst standing on one leg.

Steve Lukather crops up on the first song on the album which is a little bit of boogie called One More Drink For The Road. Lukather's execution is on point once again, and is top of the class grade A material. Mudflap Mama just growls and growls with Slash just hitting all the right spots. To The Moon with a really tender vocal follows before the explosive Standing On Higher Ground which could have featured on ZZ Tops Greatest Hits album, not surprising really as it features the vocals of West and Billy Gibbons. Oh my gosh. This song picks you up in it's arms and smacks you right on the kisser. It just doesn't let you go. Go ahead and annoy the street and your neighbours with this one. You can't ignore it or play it quietly.

A beefed up version of Willie Dixon and Eddie Boyd's blues standard Third Degree is next up. West had recorded this before and Joe Bonamassa was impressed enough to request that the two re-cut the track for this release. West was happy to oblige and the result is beautifully dramatic and intense to say the least. After this, Zakk Wylde contributes to the pure rock and roll of Nothing's Changed and the music just gets better and better as the album goes on. Track eight is a West version of I Feel Fine. A real killer version of the 1964 hit it is too.

Thirteen tracks then, and Unusual Suspects is over. There are no fill in tracks here. The number thirteen on this occasion proves lucky for me, as I was able to get a chance to review this album before it hits the shops in a weeks time. I absolutely recommend you order it and make sure you get yourself a copy. It may be a little while before Leslie West gets himself rehabilitated and back on the road but until that happens, this little beauty will serve as a reminder to the enormous talent of the man and the sheer quality of his music.

Rob Pope
Guitarist TV

Leslie West YouTube

Leslie West Twitter

Leslie West Facebook

Chris Rea - Santo Spirito Blues CD review

2011-09-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

Chris Rea

Santo Spirito Blues

Rhino Records

Released - 5th September

Here's a man who's never stopped producing great music. Chris Rea's new release Santo Spirito Blues has just hit the racks and a beauty it is too. Whatever you say about Chris Rea, there is no doubting he has one of the most of distinct voices in music and he certainly knows how to use it. Santo Spirito Blues is a thirteen track collection of strong songs starting up with Dancing My Blues Away, a driving up tempo number which had me immediately reaching for my air slide. The album continues in the same vein and tempo with Rock And Roll Tonight and a slightly slower and ballsy Never Tie Me Down.

I really got into The Chance Of Love which has a beautifully tender guitar hook and made me take repeated listens before I moved on. Again, this number drives beautifully and leads nicely into a bass - driven The Last Open Road. Electric Guitar is the highlight of the album. Slow and atmospheric. There are cool lyrics on this number too, including a nice line devoted to both partner and instrument: "We'll be together no matter how far, you and me and that electric guitar.."

Chris is planning to tour next year and will no doubt showcase this album. Many of the songs on it will sit proudly beside the classics Chris has produced and performed over previous years. Yes, there is a certain familiarity with these new songs, but they will stand proud beside anything that Chris has released previously.

Santo Spirito Blues is a natural successor to Chris's mammoth 11 CD and one DVD box set released a few years back entitled The Blue Guitars Project. That project was entirely self financed and I really struggled to complete a full listen to it, such was the enormity of it. This release is a rather more conservative single disc release, with a supreme deluxe version also available, consisting of three CDs and two DVDs. What I like about Chris is his artistic credibility and the three disc version combines two special feature films written and directed by Chris as well as discs of the music featured therein. Chris has been quoted about this and I'll let his powerful statement speak for itself:

"I love creating things and passionately believe we (the artists) should be looking to try new ways of bringing what we do to the public. There should be no rules whatsoever and, for God's sake, there are alternatives to TV talent shows. Sometimes, those who have had extremely good fortune in music only allow X-Factor type TV shows etc. to set the musical and cultural agenda of this country by actually doing nothing new or different themselves."

Rob Pope
Guitarist TV

Chris Rea website

Guitars For Cancer - Raising Funds to Fight Cancer

2011-08-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Guitarist TV is proud to sponsor...

Guitars For Cancer - Raising Funds to Fight Cancer

Eleanor McEvoy - Alone - CD Review

2011-08-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

Eleanor McEvoy

Alone

Moscodisc - release date 12th September

This album was recorded in a quiet setting in the Norfolk countryside in the UK. It's beautifully subtle and is a stripped down recording. That's to say Artist, guitar and microphone. Oh yes and an engineer called Dave.

Eleanor has said that her state of mind for this recording "wasn't the brightest". She also remarked that there was "a certain something" about being in the studio with no agenda, no deadline and no pressure. Whatever that certain something was, it certainly worked.

The album is intimate and extremely reflective and may not appeal to all. However the attraction for me on this disc is the atmosphere created by the recording process and the supreme quality of Eleanor's songwriting and guitar playing.

One of Ireland's most accomplished singer/songwriters, McEvoy’s life as a musician began at the age of four. To date, she has released a total of nine albums and continues to tour the world playing to a legion of faithful fans.

Eleanor wrote and recorded the worldwide hit single ‘A Woman’s Heart’ which was the title track on the album Only A Woman’s Heart; the best-selling Irish album in Irish chart history. To coincide with the release of “Alone”, McEvoy will embark on a 16-date UK tour that starts at the Birmingham Glee on September 21st.

Standout tracks on the album are I'd Be Willing which is brilliantly written and the aforementioned A Woman's Heart.

The album is out on 12th September and I would recommend a thorough listen.

Eleanor's Homepage

Rob Pope
Guitarist TV

Something Free (and no need to get arrested..)

2011-08-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

It's nice to get something free without having to resort to breaking a shop window:

For immediate release, London, England –

To celebrate the release of the “Don’t Explain” album – a collaboration between American singer-songwriter Beth Hart and the acclaimed blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa, the duo are making their version of Delaney & Bonnie’s classic “Well, Well” available as a free MP3 download single. All you have to do is sign up to http://jbxp.net/, input your email address, and you will receive the free download.

CD, Digital Download and 12” Vinyl editions of “Don’t Explain” will be released in the UK and Europe on Monday 26th September, and can be pre-ordered from Amazon UK. Click here to pre-order.

Produced by Kevin Shirley (John Hiatt, The Black Crowes, Joe Bonamassa, Black Country Communion), “Don't Explain” combines Hart's raspy and soulful vocals against Bonamassa's signature guitar sound. The pair collaborate on a stunning collection of hand-picked soul classics from the likes of Gil Scott-Heron, Tom Waits, Etta James, Billie Holiday, and Aretha Franklin.

Full tracklisting and for further info:

http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/provogue/hart-bonamassa.htm

An honest everyman makes great music - Jon Stanford - King Canute Album Review

2011-08-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

Jon Stanford

King Canute

Self published album

On the recommendation of a friend and by the efficiency of Royal Mail, this CD recently arrived on my door mat. A mighty fine piece of polycarbonate it is too. I really loved the way the CD kicks off. A great little bluesy shuffle lamenting the hard times of old Great Britain called Breadline. Contained within is some classy harmonica provided by Pete Towers who also contributes a nice slab of slide too.

There's a nice, varied mixture of songs on here. Jon describes his music as Blues, ballads and rock with a sprinkling of funk and the albums song's as "An honest account of a year in the life of an everyman." Jon's singing is soulful and powerful and lyrically he's thoughtful and rhymes well without any cheesy lyrical faux pas.

Devil Gonna Be, the second song on the disc which features some lovely steel guitar played by Johnny Wright and some smart lyrics too. K9 is the next song which is about being treated like a dog and a reggae funked Mo Money follows.

Stand back and turn the volume up for the next song Mr Friday Night featuring a roaring Stanford on vocals and the delights of Viz on guitar. Viz, who is also known as Pete Caldwell, really pulls out the stops on a ballsy spot of shredding on this song which sadly at just under three minutes, is over before its begun, but leaves a ringing in the ears.

On an upbeat Older later in the album Jon manages to remind me of The Lightning Seeds and sings with undeniable soul on the album's title track which follows. The last track on the album Lost My Mind sounds as if Jon could have written it for Meatloaf and would sit nicely at home in a rock opera. Choppy guitar, power chords, piano, violins and even some harp too. It's slightly off beat but I loved it.

Jon plainly knows his craft and is a musician of considerable depth playing everything on half of the albums twelve tracks, and handling all the vocals. He has really pulled in a bunch of talented musicians in to help on this project and this is a sterling debut. Like I said at the beginning of this review, this is a varied selection of songs which contains skip loads of rhythm, guts, style and passion. It is vocally very strong and the lyrics actually mean something.

You can preview or purchase all the songs on the album here at the CD Baby website. Each of the songs is $0.99 which if my maths is correct is around £0.60p a song. Better though, you can get all the whole beautiful collection for $9.99 or £6.00. Not half bad I reckon.

Rob Pope
Guitarist TV

Acoustic Masters

2011-08-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

rodrigo y gabriela

Live In France

Rubyworks Records out now

This album presented me a lesson in what can be done with this wonderful instrument. This recording is a pulsating, frenetic mixture of driven acoustic guitar numbers performed before incredibly enthusiastic french audiences. It's Latin and Spanish influences have an intensity that is almost too much, such is the speed at which these two players perform.

On 12th and 13th August, the duo, Mexicans Rodrigo Sanchez (Lead) and Gabriela Quintero (Rhythm) are set to play two nights at no less a venue than the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, such is a testament to their pulling power.

If you need to hear exactly what you can do with sixteen fingers, four thumbs and two acoustic guitars, get hold of this album now. For shear playing ability, I would pick any one of the eleven tracks on this album to showcase the talents of the duo but check out Tamacun as a perfect example of the heights to which two masters have ascended.

Rob Pope
Guitarist TV

Rodrigo Y Gabriela official website

Rodrigo Y Gabriela Myspace

Gracias a republicmedia.net de las imágenes
Thanks to republicmedia.net for the images

A nice little rock gift from The Union

2011-08-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a great new tune from The Union:

Get it here:

Sirens Song

Rob Pope
Guitarist TV

Derek Sherinian's instrumental rock gem

2011-08-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

Derek Sherinian

Oceana

Music Theories Recordings

Release date: Monday 5th September 2011

If I asked you to get a notepad and write down a few of the most respected rock musicians in the business to go and make an instrumental rock album with, who would you choose? How about guitars - Steve Lukather? Joe Bonamassa? Doug Aldrich? Steve Stevens and Tony MacAlpine maybe? Basses Jimmy Johnson, Tony Franklin..? And how about one of the world's best drummers to provide the backbeats? I reckon Simon Philips could be a good choice. With the release of Oceana on 5th September 2011, Derek Sherinian rock keyboard virtuoso has done just that.

You'll probably know of Derek Sherinian. He played with Alice Cooper, helped out Kiss and then became a mainstay of Dream Theatre between 1994 and 1999. Between 2000 and 2009 he was busy releasing critically acclaimed albums including Inertia and Molecular Heinosity and touring in 2010 with Billy Idol. Lately you'll probably have heard of one of rock's best super groups Black Country Communion, of which Derek is one full quarter.

This is a very strong collection of rock and rock - fusion collaborations. All tracks were written by Sherinian and for the most part Simon Philips who produced the collection and also features throughout on sticks. The pair spar beautifully in the opener Five Elements interweaving with Tony MacAlpine's guitar. Steve Lukather's instantly recognisable style of playing comes to the fore on track three Mullholland, with a rolling bassline throughout from Johnson. A tasty number it is too.

The gears change down a little on Euphoria with Lukather underpinned once more by Johnson and Phillips, thundering back again into top shift driven by Steve Stevens on Ghost Runner. This is a real headbanging cut if ever I heard one. I love it! I've liked Stevens' work ever since I heard Flamengo A Go-Go and it's great to see him working on a major release in the company of the best.

Image credit: Rick Gold

There's a little bit of boogie on El Camino Diablo with Doug Aldrich playing splendidly and Sherinian soloing majestically in a number that really grooves along nicely. Joe Bonamassa's appearance on the album is very welcome. I love his ability to nail anything and here on I Heard That Joe gives the album one of it's highlights. This is another track with a very strong groove to it.

The last two tracks on the record showcase Lukather on Seven Sins and Stevens rounds off the album perfectly with the slower title track. Another huge wall of slick guitar work on his second contribution to the album.

An instrumental rock album is something of a rarity these days and this one will prove to be a real gem.

Rob Pope
Guitarist TV

Derek Sherinian official website

Tom Fuller Band - New Album - Ask - Released 5th September 2011

2011-08-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

TOM FULLER BAND

ASK

RELEASE DATE 5TH SEPTEMBER - REDCAP RECORDS

This is a really catchy, uplifting album full of short, sweet and memorable songs and is produced by Rick Chudacoff. Go over to the other side of the pond, turn on rock radio, and you'd expect to hear Tom Fuller pretty regularly. Over here in the UK though, Tom Fuller is another one of those talent loaded artists that remains cruelly under-listened and vurtually unknown to rock lovers.

Tom Fuller hails from Chicago and this is his third album release. There are twelve choice cuts on the disc. Lovers is the first track with an elastic drum beat and some fine lung work from Tom. This is a very cool start. The title track follows and then there is a great singalong chorus of Doin' Nothin' with the really neat lyric "I'm really good at doin' nothin', it's good to be good at something." Amazing isn't it how the most simple thoughts and phrases can be turned into songs. Why didn't I write that?

Making reference to the album, Tom said recently that "The new album's like a songbook that's accompanied me all along the trail. Every track means so much to me. I think it’s my strongest collection of songs to date."

At various points on the record i found myself thinking: Have I got the wrong Tom here? Perhaps this is Mr Petty I'm listening to. On Hell Fire Angel I thought of George Harrison vocally and this song turned out to be my favourite song of the album. I really loved the groove and I really got a kick out of the acoustic and electric playing.

So. If you want thoughtful lyrics, beautiful chords, summery rock melodies and brilliant musicianship? Get to your usual record shop on 5th September and discover this album. For a preview of the title track, click over to the band's website here

The players on Ask are:

Tom Fuller, John Lewis, Joel Masters, Jordan Kozer, Abe Laboriel Jr; Brian Ray, Danny Parks, Robbie Dupree, Bryan Cumming, Jonathon Yudkin, Christian Cullen, Rick Chudacoff & James Wold

The John Butler Trio - Live At Red Rocks

2011-08-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

The John Butler Trio

Live At Red Rocks

Out Now

This release was a real surprise for me because I have to confess I had never heard of The John Butler Trio. Less surprisingly though I have heard of Red Rocks, the unique venue where U2 recorded their supreme live album all those years ago.

The first thing to note is that this is a real value for money set. It's two very long CDs consisting of around and about two hours of brilliantly performed music contained in twenty tracks. The three piece Australian trio have been around since 1998 and are John Butler who plays Guitar and sings, Nicky Bomba who plays drums and Byron Luiters on the Bass.

The album really bristles, is very funky in places, is packed with rhythm and excellent playing. The tracks that you should listen out for are: Betterman & Treat Yo Mama which feature some delicious slide offerings, Losing You which is a beautifully robust guitar work out and Used To Get High which is so, so funky. My favourite track however is I'd Do Anything which is really spectacularly catchy and over way too soon.

Explore the John Butler Trio here

Rob Pope
Guitaristtv.com

Band Image Credit: Tobin Voggesser

http://tobinvoggesser.com/

Many thanks to Republicmedia.net for the cover images

An Electric Stormy Monday - Philip Sayce at the Borderline, London 25th July

2011-07-26T15:35:00.001-07:00

Philip Sayce
London Borderline
Monday 25th July 2011

The Borderline in London's Manette Street was packed on Monday night for the welcome UK return of Philip Sayce and his band. Philip with Fritz Lewak on the drums and Joel Gottschalk on bass are playing a short, four date UK tour to promote the release of the new fourteen track album called Ruby Electric. Just in via Antwerp and showing no signs of fatigue, Philip set the tone for the evening announcing to the packed crowd that there was "no need to be afraid" as "this is rock n roll baby". Right from the get go I couldn't argue with his sentiments.

The show was absolute perfection and the guitar work on offer was fast, explosive and at times almost magically refined. Philip has an incredible execution speed, amazing tricks and the ability to mesmerise and continually engage with an audience. Vocally too he's right on the money, which leaves me to ponder why this Welsh born wonder has been overlooked and deprived of deserved exposure on many of the nation's most listened to rock radio stations. It's very disappointing that scheduling these days often seems to be focussed on what passed thirty odd years ago, rather than what's happening in the rock world right now.

Throughout the set, people around me were looking at each other in amazement and acknowledgement that they were witnessing the sound of something incredibly special. Slipaway from Philip's 2009 Peace Machine album absolutely blazed like a comet, Bitter Monday, a real fan favourite off last years Innerevolution album had heads nodding in agreement, King Of New Mexico from Ruby Electric with it's irresistible na na na na chorus evoked smiles and air punches galore. The highlight for me though was Are You Ready, another great song from Innerevolution, where we were treated to an almost overwhelming journey up and down the frets of the Fender Stratocaster - rapture! For afters with the song Dream Away, Philip slack jawed everyone by playing most of the song whilst on walkabout, stepping off stage, through the crowd, up the bar steps and back. I would not have been at all surprised had he ordered a shot mid song, and downed it without missing a note.

Wide eyed and insatiable, the audience lapped up Angels Live Inside, Cinnamon Girl and a beautiful nod to Albert King with As The Years Go Passing By which was worked into an extended encore. The vibe, energy and power created by the three men was spine tingling and this was a night which I will find very hard to forget. Philip, Fritz and Joel - thank you very much. You complement each other exquisitely.

Rob Pope

Guitarist TV

The Blackbird Diaries - Dave Stewart CD Review

2011-07-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

Dave Stewart

The Blackbird Diaries

Proper Records - out now

I wish Dave would make more albums! He is such a brilliant musician and a Dave Stewart release is something of a rarity mainly due to the fact the man is so in demand for his producing, writing and film scoring talents amongst many other things.

The standout tracks on this disc are many and I found a vocal resemblance to a certain Mr Petty on more than one song here. Overall the feel of this record is very relaxed and strongly reflects Dave's love of Country Music with a bit of Rock and Blues thrown in for good measure. The opening slide of So Along Ago is gorgeous and the sound of this record is huge and is immensely satisfying.

This is an excellent production job from (not unexpectedly) from Mr Stewart himself but also Mike Bradford, with the mixing and recording handled by John McBride at Blackbird Studios. There are some fabulous guests featured too. Martina McBride, Stevie Nicks and Colby Calliat all shine. McBride's duet All Messed Up is particularly poignant and worthy of lots of airplay.

Other musical partners on the recording are guitarist Tom Bukovac, drummer Chad Cromwell, bassist Michael Rhodes, steel guitarist Dan Dugmore with Mike Rojas on piano. If you like beautiful songs and top notch playing, listen to this record. It's sumptuous.

Rob Pope
Guitarist TV

davestewart.com

theblackbirddiaries.com

davestewart.com/youtube

twitter.com/DaveStewart

Guitar For Heroes - Update

2011-07-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

Guitar For Heroes Update Guitarist TV has been in contact with Terry Young who has had a massive interest in music and guitars for years and years and is a fan of rock legends Status Quo. Terry is involved in a very special charity guitar project, full details of which we cannot reveal [yet], but needless to say that, when the guys at Guitaristtv.com heard it involved guitars, we couldn't wait to hear more. Terry's family has an extensive military history and have been long time supporters of the charity Help For Heroes http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/ which raises money to support members of the UK Armed Forces who have been wounded in the service of their country. We'll be telling you more about what Terry's been up to in the coming weeks so keeping looking out for new posts in the guitaristtv.com blog.

July 19th 2011 - here's how the guitar is coming along:

Rob Pope
Guitarist TV

Many thanks to Terry Young for the image

Philip Sayce - Ruby Electric - out 11th July 2011

2011-07-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

Philip Sayce

Ruby Electric

Provogue Records July 11th 2011

This is a really gritty raw sounding album with some softer edges which kept me listening throughout. It's in two volumes. Volume One, recorded live in the studio using old age recording equipment to achieve a vintage sound. Nice job. The second Volume on the same disc, consists of songs recorded live in concert. In both volumes, the styles and tempos are varied and the playing is first rate, right up there with the best. This is no surprise as Sayce has an impreccable pedrigree and has surrounded himself with quality musicians. Kenny Aronoff (drums), Joel Gottschalk (bass), Fritz Lewak (drums), and Fred Mandel (piano, organ) for Volume One with Dave Cobb appearing on Bass for Set Us Free. Gottschalk and Lewak are on Volume Two.

This album starts with a cool duet Let The Love In featuring Philip and Melissa Etheridge. Set Us Free with choppy chunky guitar and a slow mid section, slowing down on Daydream Tonight and accelerating again combining fuzzbox vocals and rock steady drums on The King Of New Mexico. A Stevie Ray Lennyesque sounding guitar starts Were You There and there is more than a little bit of Jimi in the cd's title track. Gotta love that more than a little.

Volume Two was recorded live in Europe last year and the songs are brutal and punchy. I could not resist turning up the volume a notch or two particularly on the wall of sound that is Helios. I was equally impressed with the Sayce penned Slipaway and Alchemy. Evident throughout the audience facing set is Philip's rapport with the crowd. I'm looking forward to experiencing this myself when Philip comes to the London Borderline later this month.

For guitar lovers, there is much to love in this new album which should also gain Philip a much wider group of fans.

Rob Pope

GuitaristTV.com

Philip Sayce will be playing loud at the following venues this month:

25th - London Borderline

Booking: www.kililive.com

27th - Bristol Tunnels

Booking: www.thetunnelsbristol.co.uk

28th - Holmfirth Picturedrome

Booking: www.picturedrome.net

29th - Manchester Band On The Wall

Booking: www.bandonthewall.org

Tickets also available from:

www.seetickets.com

www.thegigcartel.com

Join Philip Sayce Online at:

www.philipsayce.com

www.facebook.com/PhilipSayceMusic

http://twitter.com/Philipsayce

Many thanks to Peter at Noble PR for the images:
http://www.noblepr.co.uk/

Soley Mourning - Outstanding Rock from the Black Country

2011-07-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest addition to my list of favourite rockers. Birmingham based Soley Mourning have been around a few years now and they have made three great albums since their debut in 2006. Heard of them? Well you should have. Heard them? No? Well take a listen to the videos for three of their songs below by clicking on the links.

First up in 2006 - Mambo County - which spawned this great track Go:

Go Video

Fast forward to February 2009 and the guys released their second album Remove Replace Rewire. The song Going Down To Rio was one of the outstanding songs from this 11 track album. See it here:

Going Down To Rio Video

To 2011 and a third release Zaire is just out. It contains some brilliant rock and roll. Check out the title track by using the link below:

Zaire

I'll be reviewing all the albums on this blog in the weeks to come. In the meantime, want a little bit more information on Soley Mourning? Visit their website by clicking the link below:

Soley Mourning

Rob Pope
Guitarist TV

The Treatment - Giving us more..

2011-07-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

Flipping great news! The Treatment one of GTV staffs favourite bands have just signed a new record deal with Spinefarm Records. Even better news is they're going to release "This Might Hurt" on the label on 5th September. We can't wait for that. Read more about it here.

2011-07-04T14:42:00.001-07:00

Guitarist TV - The World's Premier Guitarist Internet TV Channel

2011-06-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

The Black Country Rock Show goes LIVE tonight at 19:02 GMT

Go to; www.GuitaristTV.com > Select LIVE TV and rock the joint!

Guitarist TV - The World's Premier Guitarist Internet TV Channel

2011-06-22T23:23:00.001-07:00

2011-06-12T01:28:00.001-07:00

Rock Poetry - Black Country Communion 2 reviewed!

2011-06-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

Black Country Communion 2

Mascot Records

Release date 13th June 2011

A highly anticipated release this one. I've spent a lot of time lately listening to Joe Bonamassa, so when the CD arrived it was straight on the player. This collection of songs is BIG in stature, and the whole album has been brought together brilliantly for the second time by producer Kevin Shirley, who also handled the Black Country Communion debut.

If you didn't know, Black Country Communion are:

Glenn Hughes - Bass, Vocals / Joe Bonamassa - Guitar, Vocals / Jason Bonham - Drums / Derek Sherinian - Keyboards

The Outsider opens up the album and gloriously thunders along at a frenetic pace. Everyone gets a look in here with Sherinian doing much of the work. The Man In The Middle had me banging my head to the pounding of the Bonham drums whilst Hughes wails like a jet engine stuck in my ear. What struck me most about this song was the versatility of Bonamassa. He really can play anything. He takes lead vocals on the next song The Battle Of Hadrians Wall, which builds slowly with Bonham's magnificent sticks really crowning the piece.

Next up is Save Me sounding like vintage Zeppelin with a catchy chorus. It's a delightful seven minutes and forty three seconds with the whole band giving no quarter. Smokestack Woman contains Bonamassive riffage in full effect in another Zeppelin infused number. In Faithless the guys get rather funky with a prominent Sherinian, and Ordinary Son sees Joe stealing lead vocals again. Ordinary Son for me is the exceptional song on the album. But only by a whisker. With a slow smouldering start and deeply touching lyrics, the whole number is outstanding emotional rock poetry, that I think no self respecting lover of rock music should ignore.

On I Can See Your Spirit , Hughes really comes into his own. This is an enormous strutter of a song. I love it. Glen has really got it going on and boy, this would be great to hear live. Just when you think it can't any better it does. Along comes Little Secret which is a fine, crafted blues rock song with Bonamassa not letting up for one second whatsoever. The last two tracks on the album; Crossfire and Cold are both lyrically stunning and on both the brew of Bonamassa and Hughes is again most potent. So, with eleven tracks and an hour an four minutes running time, we have a masterpiece. These four musicians combine with each other perfectly and as a combination can do no wrong in my eyes.

Rob Pope

Guitarist TV

Stunning Black Country Communion 2 album cover images kindly supplied by Noble PR Consultancy

Visit Black Country Communions website here for news, downloads, merchandise and tour dates.

The Union - Rock Bargain CD / DVD

2011-06-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

A bargain. £3.30 plus postage from Amazon.co.uk. Buy it! I did!

The Union debut album featuring former Thunder guitarist Luke Morley and ex-Winterville frontman Peter Shoulder. This is the CD / DVD edition.

Here's the link right to it:

The Union CD/DVD edition

Joe Bonamassa - Dust Bowl - CD Review

2011-06-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Joe Bonamassa - Dust Bowl

Provogue Records

On Sale Now

Joe Bonamassa is a guitarist who can do very little wrong in my book. His latest release is entitled Dust Bowl, and it shows no let up in quality from a man who has reached the ripe old age of 34. Can it be eleven years since his solo debut A New Day Yesterday hit record stores in the year 2000?

Part of the album was recorded, as before with Black Rock, in the magnificent setting of the Greek Island of Santorini (Black Rock Studios). Joe has continued his collaboration with Producer Kevin Shirley, and also recorded this time in Malibu (The Cave), Nashville (Ben's Studio) and in Los Angeles (The Village).

I've heard it said that this album is a real return to form after Black Rock, but I cannot agree with that at all. For me it is a continuation of the form and the delight and distinction that any Joe Bonamassa release seems to bring. The results of the hours put in this time, I have to say, are incendiary.

The album commences with Slow Train, reminding me of a Casey Jones type locomotive chugging through the desert weaving in and out of dusty mountains with a huge, hazy, red sun hanging in the distance. Genius - and a perfect start. Right from the very beginning of this recording vocally, Joe is right on the money continuing on to the second song and atmospheric album title track. The immediately recognisable voice of John Hiatt is up next on Tennessee Plates together with Vince Gill on guitar. This song is a real rock and rolling toe tapper and I can see my grandparents dancing in the parlour (sorry kitchen) to this one. A little bit too much poetic licence here maybe, but I hope you get the picture. It's such a fun song telling a great story.

Out comes the Fender Strat on The Meaning Of The Blues, written by Lean Worth & Bobby (Route 66) Troup. It was originally recorded by Julie London in 1957 and Joe totally gives this song the justice it deserves. He has said there was a lot of interplay between him and the drummer Anton Fig on this song, and this is much in evidence as it progresses.

In Black Lung Heartache we have one of Dust Bowl's highlights. A Greek Baglamas and some great sounding slide combine perfectly with Bouzouki and Tzouras. Greek instruments? Yes. All played by Joe? Of course. And he wrote the song too, after having been inspired by the rescue of the Chilean Miners in 2010.

Joe riffed up the next song, Little Walter's blues masterpiece You Better Watch Yourself. It features that Strat again together with a Crybaby Wah. Big and Beefy.

Lyrically Joe really excels on this release too and nowhere is this more prevalent than on the next song The Last Matador of Bayonne. Bayonne is actually in South Western France and Matadors and Bullfighting are unusual concepts for a blues rock guitarist to play, write and sing about. However, this works exceptionally well and Joe and Producer Kevin Shirley have woven some subtle Trumpet provided by Tony Cedras into the mix too.

Heartbreaker is next up. Not of the Led Zeppelin but of the Free variety. This features a Les Paul and a certain Glenn Hughes, Joe's bandmate from Black Country Communion. Joe has said that Glenn's cameo vocal on this song was "unreal" and I second that. Glenn is no stranger to the blues and he fits in perfectly here.

image credit © christie goodwin

The songs on this album fit together really well and No Love On The Street slots in nicely as the ninth song on the disc. What amazes me about Joe is that he is not afraid to throw unusual choices into his recordings. No Love On The Street is written by Tim Curry (remember the movie "Legend" anyone?) and Michael Kamen. Strong vocals here are brilliantly performed by Beth Hart and there's also one of the Blues' best friends the Hammond Organ thrown in for good measure too.

As we near the latter stages of the album, there is absolutely no chance of it failing the quality control test. The Whale That Swallowed Jonah is a lively, uptempo number which would have me up and out of my seat dancing any day. Master of the Hammond Organ Reese Wynans is added to the album's guest list on this number.

image credit © christie goodwin

Vince Gill features (for the second time on the album) playing and singing on the penultimate song Sweet Rowena. Vince wrote this with his regular writing partner Pete Wasner and it's another fun song with Joe and Vince sharing the songs equal vocal and guitar opportunities.

The twelfth and last song on Dust Bowl is Prisoner. Ever remember seeing the movie "The Eyes Of Laura Mars"? Well this song believe it or not was the love theme for that film. An unlikely choice for Joe to include perhaps? Not really, especially when Kevin Shirley is involved. He had a hand in choosing this song apparently, and he really seems to encourage artists to push themselves as far as possible thereby producing their best works in the process. This song really closes the album well and leaves me salivating for the next Joe Bonamassa solo release.

Rob Pope

Guitarist TV

Joe Bonamassa links:

Joe's website:

http://jbonamassa.com/

Black Country Communion website:

http://www.bccommunion.com/

Joe Public Relations:

Noble PR

image credit © christie goodwin

Three For Eight

2011-06-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

The Treatment / Skinny Machines / The Crave

London Borderline Thursday 2nd June 2011

An eight quid gig. Eight quid for three top class bands. Right on! What's not to love? The Borderline is one of my favourite venues. It's intimate and you can be standing there with the band right in your face. Down the stairs I went and first up were Cambridge rockers The Treatment. These guys just bring a smile to your face. Rock and Roll swagger? Look no further. This band love what they do and it shines through into their music. They started the set with a new song Drink Fuck Fight which the crowd lapped up and we were all soon punching the air in delight as if we'd heard it a thousand times already. Another storming new song Way Of The World closed their set. In between the new songs, there were no fillers. The band rocked their way through tracks from their debut album This Might Hurt which came out earlier this year on Powerage Records. Find a copy and buy it! It hasn't left my CD player since I got a copy. The Treatment play hard, fast, brilliantly executed rock and roll, oh yes and the odd slower singalong anthem too. Watch out for them because they're on the way up and they'll get far. The stand out tracks tonight: Departed, The Doctor, Shake The Mountain and Nothing To Lose But Our Minds. A great start to a live show!

The Treatment are:

Matt Jones - Vocals
Swoggle - Bass
Dhani Mansworth - Drums
Tag Grey - Guitar
Ben Brookland - Guitar

The Treatment links:

The Treatment My Space

The Treatment Facebook

The Treatment images kindly provided by Emma Louise Photography

____________________________

Next up were Wandsworth's Skinny Machines who to be honest I had not heard much of before the night. They are a talented four piece band who played a short but interesting set. For most of the time they were on stage I found my eyes drawn to sultry vocalist Jay who sang with huge intensity throughout whilst attacking the microphone at every opportunity. For me, these guys would need a few more listens, but I liked their style and I loved their tight musicianship. The song Laid Out Cold particularly caught my ears with it's brilliant guitar work. Off the back of the show, I bought a copy of their first album Wrong Side Of The River [which is available at gigs] and also available for download on I-Tunes. Skinny Machines are:

Jay Marsh - Vocals
Mike Woodhouse - Bass
Rikki Glover - Guitar
Dan Roth - Drums

Skinny Machines links:

Skinny Machines My Space

Skinny Machines Facebook

Laid Out Cold guitar video tutorial by Rikki

Skinny Machines Image below kindly provided by Lucy Dixon of Shuga Management

____________________________

The last band of the night were The Crave from Brighton. Their set mainly consisted of songs from their recently released album Breaking The Silence which I had already listened to before the show. (Review to follow). On the night the band also introduced us to several new songs too, opening with a steady Set Me Free. The noticeable difference between the album [a solid, well-rounded, hook infested debut] and the live show, is the power that this band produce when they're playing in front of an audience. A huge mountain of sound. Brilliant!

The band are taking two singles from Breaking The Silence. The first, Cooking In The Kitchen and the second released later on this month, Maverick. Both songs are driven rock anthems, no doubt chosen for their fist pumping, addictive chorus qualities. The crowd went nuts for these but this was nothing compared to the reception for a cover of Ace Of Spades which came out of nowhere and surprised everyone. Nice one guys! Also in the set were new songs: Postcards From Paradise, Star Trippin' and after the Motorhead cover Paper Planes, which for a millisecond had me thinking they were going to try some Quo too. This set was a real rock treat and I really must see this band live again before I'm having to pay big bucks. The guys are playing three dates in Europe this week before hitting the UK again later in the month supporting 3 Doors Down. They headline Newbury Corn Exchange on 18th June before rounding off the summer with a slot at Sonisphere. Good Luck guys. I don't think you will really need it the way you are going!

The Crave are:

Ryan Burnett - Vox / Guitar
Carlos Garcia - Guitar
Tom Swann - Bass
C J Evans - Drums

The Crave links:

The Crave Website
The Crave Facebook

The Crave image below kindly provided by Eddie Bull of Synergy Business Management

Photograph by Sam Bond of sambondphoto.com

Rob Pope

Guitaristtv.com

Guitar For Heroes

2011-05-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

Guitarist TV has been in contact with Terry Young who has had a massive interest in music and guitars for years and years and is a fan of rock legends Status Quo. Terry is involved in a very special charity guitar project, full details of which we cannot reveal [yet], but needless to say that, when the guys at Guitaristtv.com heard it involved guitars, we couldn't wait to hear more.

Terry's family has an extensive military history and have been long time supporters of the charity Help For Heroes http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/ which raises money to support members of the UK Armed Forces who have been wounded in the service of their country. We'll be telling you more about what Terry's been up to in the coming weeks so keeping looking out for new posts in the guitaristtv.com blog.

Rob Pope

2011-05-21T10:03:00.001-07:00

TopLoader - Only Human - CD Review

2011-05-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

Toploader - Only Human

Underdog Music

Release Date: 30th May 2011

Flashback Spring 2000. Anyone listening to the radio would have been unable to escape the deliciously catchy sound of Dancing In The Moonlight by Sussex band Toploader. Scoot forward eleven years and the line up for the band has remained almost intact with just one personnel change, the recent departure of guitarist Julian Deane.

Spokesman and guitarist Dan Hipgrave remains together with the more recognisable vocalist Joseph Washbourn. Matt Knight on the bass and drummer Rob Green completing the line up.

The album entitled "Only Human" features a poignant image of a tearful robot on the cover and is will be issued on the Underdogs Music label on 30th May. The band have signed a one off deal for this release, which was preceded by a series of intimate live dates, and will be followed by a healthy selection of festival appearances through to the end of what hopefully will be a long hot summer of renewed success.

Production for the release is by the fantastically named Danton Supple who in a long career has worked with artists such as Seal, Adam Clayton & Larry Mullen Jnr, The Pet Shop Boys, Coldplay, Bush, Hurricane #1, Morrissey and Starsailor [phew...].

The album is a polished affair with many of the songs possessing a huge anthemic quality. After the scene setter Marrakech, follow A Balance To All Things, Sound Of Your Soul and Never Stop Wondering all of which hold your attention and stand the test of repeated listenings. Things slow a little for Paradise and then pick up again very quickly for Only Human and an accelerating Paradise. Weight Of The World follows on and keeps reminding me of the old Searchers hit Needles And Pins. This would be an obvious third single [after A Balance To All Things & Never Stop Wondering]. The album is rounded off with an urgent She Said, a string lead Shifting Sands and a steady Numb. A remix of A Balance To All Things by Ash Howes is added as a bonus to complete the twelve tracks.

Musicanship never would be an issue here and everything about this album oozes class. Whether it's a comeback or an extended break or both, I'm not sure, but Toploader are around again and I'm certain that with the pedigree of these new songs, that they'll be here to stay.

Rob Pope

Guitarist TV

TD Lind - The Outskirts Of Prosper - CD Review

2011-05-01T01:59:00.000-07:00

TD Lind
The Outskirts Of Prosper

Released May 2011

Dramatico Records

The Outskirts Of Prosper which is TD Lind's third musical outing, is a beautifully crafted album of heartfelt work. There is much variety here and the album's twelve tracks focus on the changes in the artist's life since his last recording Call Me Sinner which was released in 2008.

In this new release, there are many intimate and personal lyrics, and throughout it is beautifully balanced. The dozen songs which play over over 50 minutes, were recorded live in the studio without an audience and as a result the sound is raw and vibrant. As well as signing to Dramatico Records at the beginning of this year, TD has relocated to Los Angeles, married his sweetheart and also become a father. Positive experiences resonate throughout the words of the upbeat love stories of It's Lovely which is a very happy and simple song with some fantastic guitar work, and Head Over Heels about the euphoria being with the one you love.

From the first single Pushover Boy Blues through to the darker Fate Fell Asleep At The Wheel, the ironic Goodnight From Hollywood and the reflective Mercy, all the songs really show off the talents of an artist that has musically something to offer everyone. There is more than enough power in this album to disturb the neighbours if played loudly, but equally enough to sit back and enjoy on a quiet and reflective Sunday morning.

The guitar work and musicianship in this album is phenomenal throughout, and Producer Alex Gibson has really given this release a sound with a real punch bringing out the best from the bands hard graft.

In these days of brief and fleeting stardom, I would say that TD has a bright and assured future and I look forward to seeing him and his band live when he returns to the UK later on in the year.

Rob Pope

GuitaristTV.com

GuitaristTV Blog

TD Lind website

All images kindly provided by Republicmedia.net

Young and Splashy Fun...

2011-04-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Heathrow Airport Terminal Four, London 20th April, 3am.

The guitaristtv.com crew got out of their beds and caught up with an excited Mike De Jager on his way back to Durban, South Africa for a series of live dates in two contrasting sets of surroundings. Mike starts what will no doubt prove to be a hectic schedule playing guitar for internationally acclaimed saxophonist Andrew Young's band at the Sunzone within the Suncoast Casino in Durban.

Mike explained that he has been "practicing like mad" ever since he got 'the call' at his home in Winchester, Hampshire a few weeks back. Andrew's show, which is best described as an eclectic mix of blues, sax and rock `n roll, and the variety of songs featured will not phase Moser guitar whizz Mike, being the chilled and versatile rocker he is. The series of eleven dates run from Friday 22nd April through to Monday 2nd May. Mike describes the experience as a hectic "Breakfast, practice, rehearsal, practice, show, bed, breakfast..."

In the midst of the run of dates in Durban, the "Lord Of The Strings" Mike will break off to make a 225km dash by road to fulfill a lifetime ambition by playing at the world famous "Splashy Fen" festival near Underberg on Sunday 24th April. "Splashy" as it is affectionately known, is where South Africans go once a year to listen to cool music and chill out in a relaxed family atmosphere. You could almost say it's the Glastonbury of South Africa and is a long established music festival founded in October 1990.

The band Fugly is another one of Mike's side projects, and this year they got a very welcome invite to perform at the festival. So, "What's Fugly?" we asked. Mike explained:

"Fugly is a band that I've enjoyed playing in for many years now. Fugly stands for very ugly [Mike laughs..] and is formed from a group of friends with whom I go back years. We're all great mates and we get together, have a laugh and play whatever takes our fancy. Predominately though we feature classic Blues covers together with a dash of Fleetwood Mac here and there, and occasionally we throw in the odd surprise like "Little Wing.""

For the record, I've heard some "Fuglyness" on video and they are a fabulous fun treat for the lugholes. Over the years they have consisted of a variety of outstanding musicians, too many to mention, but noteworthy participants are Clyde Lawrence, Glen Turrell and Shaun Petersen.

Suddenly in the middle of our chat, an announcement came over the tannoy for Mike's flight check in, leaving us to finish off a second most welcome coffee. Off he went with Moser safely tucked under his arm, camera and baggage in hand. Off for a new guitar adventure of which he will no doubt fill us in on when he gets back to the UK in early May.

Cheers Mike, hope you knock 'em for six!

Rob Pope

Guitaristtv.com

Check out some of Mike's videos here:

Let's Rock

1994 Fender Roadshow

Running Free

Blood, Demons and Whiskey

Check out one of Andrew Young's video's here:

Baker Street

Details of Neal Moser's beautiful guitars can be found here:

Neal Moser Guitars

All Photographs by Rob Pope

2011-04-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

Acoustic Rotation (An Acoustic Evening with Jaret & Erik of Bowling For Soup)

Koko Club, Camden, Friday 15^th April 2011

The announcement of a 2011 acoustic tour from Jaret Reddick and Erik Chandler must have launched a huge wave of excitement amongst Bowling For Soup’s fans. This years set of dates followed a hugely successful UK tour last year, and an annual return visit could well be on the cards after this, the finale of a fifteen date tour.

I arrived at the Koko Club in Camden just after six to find a mixed crowd already queuing around the block. A buzz of anticipation was in the air and the Koko Club’s beautiful interior was a magnificent setting particularly suitable to showcase the Texan duo’s considerable musical talents.

The lighting was subtle with a simple backdrop, and the stage was carpeted and dressed with a semi circle of acoustic guitars. Right on time, the entertainment kicked off with Erik Chandler and The Mulberry Street Socialites playing a short set. The band is a two piece (Erik and long time compatriot Linus Of Hollywood). Erik and Linus were swiftly followed by Jaret Reddick and Ryan Hamilton who together have recently formed another side project, People On Vacation. Half way through their breezy set, back came Linus to accompany them with some lively keyboards.

Acoustic rotation as I would call it, is a neat concept. All the members of the respective line ups slotted in perfectly. When anyone needed to take a break, someone else would step in to keep the audience entertained until they returned. There wasn’t time to get bored either. One guitar tech kept the adjustments to a minimum and changes between acts were barely noticed.

Then suddenly we were on to the main event of the evening. Enter Jaret and Erik (again) to the delight of the now boisterous crowd who launched simultaneously into demands for Bowling For Soup’s back catalogue. Unsurprisingly Jaret and Erik were happy to oblige and for the next two hours I was in for an absolute treat. A fine mix of hits yes, but also a fair smattering of banter and even a little bit of underwear 'thrown' in too. Belgium, Ohio, High School Never Ends, Punk Rock 101, the Girl All the Bad Guys Want and 1985 were all included as well as a couple of new songs from the band’s forthcoming album release Fishing For Woos. The album’s first single, a great feel-good song, S-S-S-Saturday was very well received, but the standout track for me was the beautifully crafted Turbulence which merits massive radio exposure on its own.

Jaret and Erik’s voices compliment each other perfectly and the standard of playing throughout was faultless. Overall, everything about this evening was joyful. With Jaret and Erik and their fans, it’s all one big happy family and I’m pleased to be the latest newborn.

Rob Pope

Guitaristtv.com

All Images: Rob Pope

Bowling For Soup - Fishin' For Woos CD Review

2011-04-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

Bowling For Soup - Fishin’ For Woos

Released 24^th April [UK]

Brando Records

With Jaret and Erik back from their UK acoustic tour, their main employers Bowling For Soup have released another album full of catchy rifts and cheeky lyrics. Bowling For Soup are in their seventeenth year of existence and are masters of their own brand of cheeky power pop-punk. This is the eleventh studio album the band have released and it’s their first on their own label Brando Records. The group preferring to move in the direction of many other artists by retaining close control of the recording and release of their music. The band from Texas have a loyal following both here and in America and the new release will be a case of business as usual for them and their fans alike.

Produced by Jaret Reddick and his long time buddy and collaborator Jarinus (Linus Of Hollywood), the album opens up with the mid tempo Let’s Pretend We’re Not In Love. The song being about starting again in a relationship, and leads into the faster Girls In America - a tribute to the qualities of American girls over any counterparts. Reddick sings “English girls age like a fine wine, don’t get me started on the girls in Japan...” and then “American girls I love how you blow me away, I’d like to get inside of each of you one day..” Jaret not letting up on any of his previous cheeky lyrics...

The album’s first single S-S-S-Saturday laments the dreaded arrival of Monday after a brilliant weekend, a feeling most of us are very familiar with. It also compares the looks of a favourite bar’s bouncer to those of Ringo Starr, conjuring up an odd image in my mind. Quite funny!

Of the twelve songs on the album though, the outstanding track for me is Turbulence. This is a wonderful song about the rocky road of life: “just hang on for the ride...it’s just a little turbulence...” This hopefully will become the second single and attract a lot more deserved attention.

Aficionados of the band will also be pleased with the inclusion of Guard My Heart which has become a firm live favourite for many years now.

All in all then, the die-hard fans will love this but there is equally something here for new listeners too. Well worth a visit.

Rob Pope

Guitaristtv.com

Images: Thanks to republicmedia.net

William Fitzsimmons - Gold In The Shadow CD Review

2011-04-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

William Fitzsimmons - Gold In The Shadow

Released 21st March 2011 [UK]

Nettwerk Records

Gold In The Shadow is a beautifully mellow yet powerful and intense collection of songs. It is the follow up to The Sparrow And The Crow (2008), whose songs were darker, reflecting on the traumas in the writers life at the time. This new album is far more upbeat and refreshing but just as thoughtful and reflective. The subject matter this time focussing on sickness and recovery. Fitzsimmons himself quotes: "I had reached the point where I was either going to yield to my sicknesses or engage them headlong. In either case, I could no longer continue the way I was."

The Tide Pulls From The Moon starts the album off nicely and this is the obvious single. The proceedings continue with the softer Beautiful Girl and a classically subtle The Winter From Her Leaving. Throughout the album Fitzsimmons’ delicious whispered vocals and intricate guitar work entwine perfectly together, and these two tracks are perfect examples of the man's signature style. Psychasthenia and Let You Break also stand out both featuring soft, surprising and subtle backbeats. The latter featuring the standout accompanying vocals from award winning Australian Folk singer Julia Stone.

What Hold is my favourite track of the piece because of the wonderful guitar work and the gradual acceleration through to the close. Again, the vocals engage the listener without completely overwhelming the song's substance. From The Water and Blood And Bones also show off the artist's talent with the guitar.

All in all, this is a very rewarding album which is not punchy or immediate but should be explored over and over again to reveal it's depth and fragility.

Rob Pope

Guitaristtv.com

2011-04-14T10:28:00.001-07:00

Cappuccino & Music

2011-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Like a cappuccino made in Italy, good music is not watered down for public consumption, it's made only with real milk! MdJ 2011

Mike de Jager's Fender Roadshow

2011-03-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

Filmed in South Africa in 1994 at Cave Rock Cafe on the Bluff...

How to watch Guitarist TV on your TV set

2011-03-27T02:13:00.001-07:00

With great guitarists like Steve Lukather on Guitarist TV and to get the best experience, you really need to be watching it on your own flat screen TV set.

To help you, I have put together a 5 minute video clip which will revolutionize the way you watch TV.

Check it out right now, never miss out on the good stuff again...How to watch Guitarist TV on your own TV set video

- Posted using BlogPress from my MpegUK iPhone

Steve Lukather on Tour

2011-03-18T14:33:00.001-07:00

Legendary guitarist Steve Lukather is selling out shows across the EU & the UK right now with music from his latest album "ALLS WELL THAT ENDS WELL"

Guitarist TV founder/guitarist Mike de Jager & presenter Ingerlise Pope spent the afternoon with him in Leamington Spa...

35 years on the road and now branching out on his own long and winding road to success!

The two guitarists shared many laughs...

He is indeed a much loved family man, healthy, strong and certainly a man on a mission!

Guitarist TV wishes Steve every success...get your tickets right now for an evening you will remember forever!

http://www.stevelukather.net

- Posted using BlogPress from my MpegUK iPhone

2011-03-18T14:14:00.001-07:00

Steve Lukather in Leamington

2011-03-13T11:23:00.001-07:00

17th March - The Assembly, Leamington - Get you tickets now! www.stevelukather.net

- Posted using BlogPress from my MpegUK iPhone

2011-03-13T11:12:00.001-07:00

Steve Lukather

2011-03-05T03:57:00.001-08:00

Reminder: Only three shows in the UK by legendary guitarist Steve Lukather...tickets are selling fast - get your ticket now!

See http://www.stevelukather.net for more details !

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:United Kingdom

Guitarist TV - The World's Premier Guitarist Internet TV Channel

2010-12-31T02:55:00.000-08:00

Update - Vote for your Guitarist TV "Guitarist of the Year 2010"

PayLoadz Store Mike de Jager - Dream

2010-12-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

Download five tracks by guitarist Mikey de Jager - recorded at MadHat Studios in the UK (2002)
PayLoadz Store Mike de Jager - Dream

Christmas Show

2010-12-25T14:53:00.001-08:00

Guitarist Tv broadcasting the Gary Hutchins Christmas show on Reverb Radio all day http://j.mp/gUbfVQ

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Brighton, UK

White Christmas

2010-12-22T15:12:00.001-08:00

The first white Christmas in years in England.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:United Kingdom

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Guitarist-TV-welcomes-Steve-Lukather.html?soid=1101484057298&aid=pAFmOQXEGPM

2010-12-22T01:05:00.000-08:00

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Guitarist-TV-welcomes-Steve-Lukather.html?soid=1101484057298&aid=pAFmOQXEGPM

This could SHOCK you...!

2010-09-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

Guitar Fitness

2010-04-08T09:58:00.001-07:00

Are you in good shape for your next tour? Shape up with Guitarist TV founder Mike de Jager on the Guitar Fitness channel...watch this space!

-- Post From Guitarist TV mobile iPhone

Nashville

2010-04-07T15:27:00.000-07:00

Nashville...the multi-genre hub of great American music and home to some of the world's greatest guitarists...coming your way soon on Guitarist TV!

-- Post From My iPhone

Guitarist TV Magazine

2009-09-04T16:54:00.001-07:00

Guitarist TV Magazine

Shared via AddThis

Iron Maiden...the greatest debut album of all time!

2009-06-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

Guitarist TV got up close and personal with the original guitarist who recorded on the Iron Maiden album that became the greatest selling debut album of all time - Dennis Stratton.

Following rock stars for a TV programme is one thing but also joining the band for a tour...well, this has never been done before now.

Guitarist TV CEO joined Dennis Stratton's Maiden Years band for the 2009 South African tour and got a serious close up of life on the road with British legend of rock!

Dennis Stratton - SA Tour 2009 - Tala Game Reserve

2009-05-19T23:14:00.001-07:00

TALA GAME RESERVE - the little known gem an hours drive from Durban, South Africa played host to Dennis Stratton's entourage of rockers during his recent SA tour. Guitarist TV was there to bring you the story.

Dennis Stratton - SA 2009 Tour starts here...

2009-05-16T23:15:00.001-07:00

Heathrow Airport - Air France would not let on the plane with the guitars, something we have been doing for years with other airlines. Dennis was furious...the video says it all!

Dennis Stratton - SA 2009 Tour - C Freak Experience

2009-05-16T14:41:00.001-07:00

The South African Experience is an unforgetable one and you will fall in love with this beautiful country and it's warm people. It was my pleasure to show my fellow musicans a the part of the world where i spent my youth...I will do it again for sure!

Mike de Jager & Dennis Stratton - South African Tour 2009

2009-03-21T16:45:00.001-07:00

Guitarist Mike de Jager and Dennis Stratton(Iron Maiden 1979/80) fly to South Africa with London band Remous Down Boulevard on the 26th April for a two week tour which will start in Amazimtoti in KwaZulu Natal and end in Johannesburg on the 9th May.

British music fans are in for a treat as the all star Brit contingent will be playing rock classics from the Iron Maiden debut album, which Dennis played on, through to old favourites by Deep Purple, Billy Idol, Gary Moore and many more!

Marika & Mike Live on Kerrnag!

2008-02-13T08:43:00.001-08:00

Birmingham (UK) wonder girl Marika Diamond and South African guitarist Mike de Jager became the world's first acoustic duo to be broadcast live on the internet! Their performance at Base Studios in Stourbridge for Kerrang Radio was filmed by Guitarist TV.

RAW rocks on Kerrang Webcast

2008-02-11T05:52:00.001-08:00

UK based rock band RAW rocked the Base Studios in Stourbridge during the world's first live web broadcast gig for Kerrang Radio on Feb.8th 2008.

Dennis Stratton - Iron Maiden

2007-12-17T07:25:00.001-08:00

SA guitarist Mike de Jager, Italian band THE CLAIRVOYANTS join former Maiden guitarist legend Dennis Stratton live in Italy for a sell out gig!

So Over You - The Vaseline Rats

2007-08-22T04:48:00.001-07:00

From the Black Country of England, The Vaseline Rats perform their latest release 'So Over You' which was written by composer and bass player Pete MZ Emms and recorded at MadHat Studios in Wolverhampton. Their EP is available on iTunes. The band also features South African guitarist Mike de Jager.

RDB - Remous Down Boulevard - Live!

2007-08-10T00:02:00.001-07:00

East London band, RDB celebrate the forthcoming launch of Terry Murphys book 'Live at the Bridgehouse', their gig at the Prince Albert pub in Canning Town was superb.

Joe Satriani 2007 Glass G-TV Award

2007-05-23T04:08:00.001-07:00

Glass artist Vic Bamforth made guitarist Joe Satriani's 2007 Golden Glass Guitarist TV Award.
The award will be presented to Joe in London on the 24th June before his gig at the Hyde Park Calling festival.
Vic is based at the Red House Cone in Stourbridge, England - this clip shows Vic in action.

Behringer V-Amp Pro

2007-05-03T13:21:00.001-07:00

This is such a cool piece of kit...the Moser Custom Shop guitar & the V-Amp Pro :-)

Gutarist TV's Maiden Voyage with Joe Satriani

2006-07-20T04:55:00.000-07:00

In 2001, G-TV MD Mike de Jager saw Joe Satriani perform live at Shepherd’s Bush in London for the first time. The idea of a guitarist TV channel was born and he launched "Mike's World of Guitars & Music" located at www.mikedejager.co.uk.

A dedicated slot on his main page was made for Joe as a sign of deep respect for his achievements as the world's most amazing and consistent rock guitarist.

Six years of dedication, hard work, night studies, personal investment, and perseverance followed and finally in 2006, Mike's MpegUK TV Network officially launched Guitarist TV. Joining him on the maiden voyage was his good friend & G-TV Director Pete Caldwell, co-producer/set director Phillipa Hughes and, who would have believed it, Joe Satriani.

Preparations for Joe's interview began in March 2006 with an enquiry to Mick Brigden, who looks after Joe's direction. Later that month a representative of SonyBMG contacted G-TV and final approval for the interview and pre-tour promo work was given in May.

Mike would be filming and producing, Pete would do the interview & set direction would be looked after by the crew's TV specialist, Phillipa Hughes.

On the day, the trio worked a full 16 hour day - Joe was a pleasure to work with, a real gentlemen and a true professional in every sense of the word. His interview can be seen at www.guitarist-tv.com the crew also interviewed Joe's support - guitarist Johnny A and his footage will be shown shortly.

Permission to film selected tracks of Joe's performance was granted by Mick Brigden and can be seen at www.guitarist-tv.com.

Mike also filmed some of Johnny A's performance which will be screened soon.

Mike and Pete would like to extend their special thanks to Joe and the band, Mick & the entire JS production crew for their kind assistance and warm hospitality during the day's production work.

Also, a big thank you to the staff and management of the Birmingham Symphony Hall for allowing us to film in a magnificent theatre - last but not least, to Alison Calvert of SonyBMG, the guys at PPR - thank you so much - you guys are the best.