Gary Moore - Live at Montreux 2010

Rock and blues guitar great Gary Moore passed away on February 6, 2011. The 58-year-old Irish rocker gave his final recorded live performance in July of 2010 at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Eagle Rock Entertainment has issued that performance as Live at Montreux 2010 on CD, DVD and Blu-ray. The CD contains 11 of the 13 songs performed, packing in 77 minutes of music. The mix keeps Moore's searing leads prominent, making this a vital release for guitar rock fans.

After years of blues explorations, this performance marked a return to hard-charging rock for Moore. In fact, the former Thin Lizzy guitarist was working on a new rock album at the time of his death. Providing a hint of what might've been, Moore performed three brand new songs that night at Montreux - all of which are included here. "Days of Heroes" is a strident, stomping rocker with Moore belting a furious vocal. "Where Are You Now" leans into a slow, insistent beat. Moore throws himself into vocal, straining to remain on key at times. "Oh Wild One" boasts an instantly memorable riff, easily the poppiest of the three new compositions.

This is not a prettied-up live album, since the mix keeps things rough and ready. Moore's vocals are a little too naked at times, frequently flat and generally haggard. But in the end, the warts-and-all sound makes for a very honest-sounding document. His guitar prowess is never in doubt, with loud, sinewy solos cutting through the muscular ensemble playing. Longtime Moore collaborator Neil Carter handles keyboards and rhythm guitar. Former latter-era Jethro Tull bassist Jon Noyce provides the bottom. Current Primal Scream drummer Darrin Mooney rounds out the powerful rhythm section.

Though more of a cult favorite in the U.S., Moore scored decent-sized hits in the U.K., two of which bookend Live at Montreux 2010. "Over the Hills and Far Away," a U.K. top 20 single (and minor U.S. hit on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart) storms out of the gate to open the album. Moore's best known hit "Parisienne Walkways," co-written and originally sung by Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott, wraps things up. Clocking in at an epic 11 minutes, it's the perfect closer to Moore's final moment in the spotlight.

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Driftwood Fire - How to Untangle a Heartache

Going back to my college days, I've long been entranced by the chanteuses of modern folk and Americana, especially those who prefer playing acoustic instruments. (Nothing wrong with electric guitars, but I find it harder to actually hear melodies and voices when the volume is cranked.) Among some of my favorites are the Indigo Girls, Shawn Colvin, and Brandi Carlile. Each of these not only has an amazing voice, but also understands the power of strong songwriting, layered harmonies, and how to play the right instrument for the right mood.

My list of favorites has definitely grown and changed over the years, moving from more rock 'n' roll to bluegrass, Americana, and folk as I get older. All it takes is a lick, a verse, or a bit of harmony that sets me off in the hope of discovering more about a new voice or musician.

One of my latest finds is a duo called Driftwood Fire. Its members, Lynn Scharf (singer, guitarist) and Charlotte Formichella (multi-instrumentalist), actually attended my alma mater. It's taken these two musicians a long time to reach the point of releasing their debut album, How to Untangle a Heartache, but the effort has a purity about it that makes it a joy to listen to.

There are qualities to Scharf's voice that remind me of Brandi Carlile in "Let It All Go." Over Formichella's opening pick line, Scharf sings: "Don't break my heart / it'll never mend / we're starting something / and we don't know how it ends / just drive me someplace I've never seen / so late at night I mistake / you for a dream / and kiss me real slow / and just let it all go." It's a song about doing what feels good even if we know better. Sometimes life is like that, and such honesty in the song shines through.

"Appalachian Hills" has a haunting quality, sort of like something Sarah Jarosz would sing. It tells a story about a place chased by its past and showing through to the present. There's a simple arrangement that lets the guitar, banjo, piano, and voice easily express the sadness of the place, between the Civil War, silver miners and other folks seeking their fortunes - leaving many dead in the fields, forgotten by time. Though not cheerful, again, there's an honest appreciation for the history of a place without overblowing it with loud electric guitars.

The simple strum and lead guitar at the beginning of "One Thing Left" reminds me of a Big Head Todd and the Monsters song. But again, it's the lyrics that bring it alive: "You wrote a letter / apologizing / for your absence / not realizing / that only hurt me / I read it slowly / shaking like a bird fighting with the wind / shocked I was all alone ...." This is almost a country song with the Americana showing through. But that "one thing left" to tell you is that I've moved on. I keep repeating that there's an honesty in the music and the words, but that's what it is. It's a simple message - you hurt me, but I got over it.

Love can definitely hurt, but at least when poets and songwriters survive it, it's "food for songs" as Del Amitri once said. Thank goodness Scharf and Formichella have managed to work out their heartache in song so that we can enjoy the fruits of that musical therapy. Definitely check out Driftwood Fire's How to Untangle a Heartache if you're looking for something new in the Americana/Folk vein for your collection.

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Kaura - That Which Defines Us

Kaura's That Which Defines Us has been out and about for a while, I think. The album was released, at least in some formats, last year. On Tuesday, as in yesterday, the band touted the release of it as a "new album." Granted the new release of That Which Defines Us includes a DVD that includes an hour-long "Making of the Album" feature and a pair of music videos.

Either way, That Which Defines Us is here and ready to build on what the California band started with the release of an EP a while ago.

Kaura is Malcolm Guess (vocals, guitar, production), Benjamin Jones (drums, hammered dulcimer), Josh Albright (bass), and Ben Rojas (guitar). Despite very little material out in the open, the rockers have been invited to open for the likes of Godsmack and Rob Zombie.

Trips through India, Cambodia, Bali, Nepal, and Laos produced a love for other forms of music and Kaura draws on that somewhat, peppering That Which Defines Us with nibbles of tabla and bells. While the guys deserve credit for trying to present new elements, there's very little ingenuity in how the instruments are used and the subsequent pop-prog isn't gripping.

Musically, Kaura is akin to a cowed Tool or a subdued A Perfect Circle. Sylvia Massy, the producer of Undertow, is said to have helped the recording of That Which Defines Us in some way. Ken Andrews also had a hand in it.

The comparisons are earned from the outset, as a passive Guess sings away on "Sera Phi." The track has the make-up of something from Tool but none of the thrust, almost coming off like a cover band trying to pep up a hotel bar. The bass lunges lack real might and the guitar crunch gets lost in the whirling effects.

The paint-by-numbers approach continues on tracks like "Ephemeral Fall," only this time it's APC that finds itself a target. Guess once again lacks vocal authority, decomposing into a snivel at times despite the music's attempts to force him forward with some verve.

The docility wouldn't be such a problem if it didn't feel like Kaura was attempting some really commanding stuff. Because the band doesn't go for the jugular, however, the record feels like a lame endeavour rather than a distinct vision. The use of a smattering of unusual instruments is all well and good, but That Which Defines Us wastes the occasions relentlessly.

"Silence Speaks Louder" sounds it would belong on a sterilized version of Undertow and "Tether's End" is a tortuous yawn on which Guess can't muster any dynamism.

While I wouldn't suggest Kaura to be a complete loss as a band, there's not much here by way of uniqueness to hold on to. Sometimes a debut album doesn't need to break the mould to be good, but That Which Defines Us struggles with an absolute lack of identity and style to call its own.

That Which Defines Us is available for purchase here along with some snazzy "hot shorts."

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The Sound of Music at Newcastle Theatre Royal

The Sound of Music has started a three-week run at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle. Verity Rushworth plays Maria in most performances. Entertainment Editor GORDON BARR reviews

JUST how do you solve a problem like Maria?

It must have seemed like real life imitating art when Connie Fisher – perhaps the most famous Maria since Julie Andrews – was forced to pull out of The Sound of Music due to illness.

She had been the main selling point of the show – although a musical as big as this doesn’t need much selling!

Never fear, standing in the wings was Verity Rushworth – actually, not really standing in the wings, as here was an actress who was as adept at playing Maria as Fisher, having performed the role alongside her for the best part of the year.

So how does Rushworth fair? Very well, as a matter of fact. In fact she could have been born to play this role, one of the most iconic in any musical. I loved her Maria.

The Sound of Music tells the story of the musical Von Trapp family and their flight across the Austrian mountains as World War II looms.

The unforgettable score includes some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage, including My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, The Lonely Goatherd, and of course the title song The Sound of Music.

This of course was a huge hit when it opened in the West End (with Fisher playing Maria).

Often West End shows can be down-scaled and lose their oomph when transferred to a touring version.

Not here. This is as good as, if not better, than you could ever get in the theatre world’s capital.

The sets are lavish and the scene changes flow effortlessly.

There are tears, there is laughter and there is a fair amount of singing too – and that’s just in the audience!

This production appealed to me from the off, and it didn’t let me down.

Rushworth plays Maria with that all-important mix of naivety, kindness but determination that it so requires.

Keiron Crook as Captain Von Trapp has an exquisite voice, while Marilyn Hill Smith as The Mother Abbess provides the showstopper of the night with an outstanding rendition of Climb Ev’ry Mountain.

All seven Von Trapp children play their roles impressively, both in the singing stakes and the choreography. Some purists may not like this take on such a global phenomenon, but for me it proved to be the quickest two and a half hours I have spent in a theatre in a long time – I enjoyed it so much.

Verity Rushworth had big shoes to fill, but she has done so with aplomb. The whole cast has and I would now urge anyone who has not yet bought a ticket to see this show to do so without hesitation.

It is here until October 8 – you really don’t want to miss it.

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Gloria Cheng opens Piano Spheres’ 18th season

The late composer Luciano Berio called his small but potent book of Harvard lectures “Remembering the Future.” And that seemingly paradoxical phrase informed Gloria Cheng’s nearly all-British Piano Spheres program Tuesday night at the Colburn School’s Zipper Hall.

In the first half, the pianist offered the United States premiere of Bernard Rands’ 12 Preludes. An impressionistic, emotionally draining 40-minute work, it’s the first of 15 premieres planned this season by the venerable recital series, now in its 18th year.

Before the performance, the English-born Rands, based in the United States since 1975 (he became a citizen in 1983), touchingly told the audience that he owed “much of what I am as a musician” to Berio, his mentor and friend. And a Berio-like sense of music history and lyricism pervaded Rands’ Preludes. Dedicated to the pianist Robert Levin, who performed the world premiere in 2007, the score conjured a sound world that Debussy would recognize. At the same time, the melancholy cast of many of the pieces was Rands’ own.

Cheng’s precision, warm tone and sensitive, resonant pedaling conveyed enough variety to put the largely elegiac work across, whether in the fourth Prelude, Elegia (In memoriam Luciano Berio), the introspective eighth, Lamento, or the haunting concluding Notturno (In memoriam Don Martino).

After intermission, Cheng offered the U.S. premiere of Gavin Bryars’ “Ramble on Cortona,” summoning waves of sound from the keyboard and lending coherence to the seemingly improvisatory 10-minute piece. Then Cheng announced a reordering of her program, wisely saving the shorter dance pieces for the end. She gave a playful rendition of George Benjamin’s darkly comic “Relativity Rag,” or as Cheng called it, “the little rag that couldn’t.” And in Oliver Knussen’s poignant “Ophelia’s Last Dance,” composed in memory of his wife Sue, who died in 2003, Cheng caught the intimate, hallucinatory quality of grief without sentimentality.

Delightful readings of Harrison Birtwistle’s “Betty Freeman: Her Tango,” and Samuel Barber’s “Hesitation Tango,” from his suite “Souvenirs,” followed. Her encore was Don Davis’ tongue-in-cheek “Illicit Felicity.”

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JLo Debuts Video For New Single 'Papi' - Watch Now

After returning to the top of the worldwide charts with ‘On The Floor’ and ‘I’m Into You’, International icon, actress, recording artist, entrepreneur and American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez announces ‘Papi’ as the third single to be released from her worldwide multi-platinum album ‘LOVE?’.

Having sold over a million UK singles this year, Jennifer is set to release ‘Papi’ on 31st October.  'Papi' is a high-intensity explosion of tribal drums, Latin rhythms and infectious dance beats.

 Lopez has had 12 Top Five singles in the UK, including international smashes ‘On The Floor’, ‘Love Don’t Cost A Thing’, ‘Get Right’ and ‘Jenny From The Block’, amongst many others. To date, she has sold in excess of 55 million albums worldwide, 4 million in the UK alone. ‘Papi’ is the third single from her latest album ‘LOVE?’ which has already sold over a million copies worldwide.

Check out the video for 'Papi' below.

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Coldplay drummer wanted Rihanna's vocal

Coldplay drummer Will Champion wanted to sing Rihanna's part on one of the group's new tracks.

The 'Fix You' rockers teamed up with the 'S&M' singer for 'Princess of China' - which is on their forthcoming album 'Mylo Xyloto' - but frontman Chris Martin admits she had competition from Will.

He said: "There's a bit of a love story thread so we really needed someone to sing higher than me. For all Will's good intentions, he can't do it. You need to be female."

Chris also revealed the group's fifth studio album is "dangerously close" to being a musical.

He told The Sun newspaper: "Our new record is sort of a story through its 14 tracks - it's not quite a musical, but it's dangerously close."

The album was recorded in London and Chris has previously said the input of guitarist Jonny Buckland has been particularly prevalent.

Referring to one of the tracks on the album, he said: "'Hurts Like Heaven' is all Jonny. It only has two chords. The songs are group-y, its guitar-y. Johnny is coming out of his cocoon. We're just trying some risky things."

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THE MISFITS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM 'THE DEVIL'S RAIN'

 

In 1977, at the dawn of the punk movement the Misfits set out to make an impression, and created a legacy that has truly withstood the test of time. Immortalizing black and white B horror films in their music, the Misfits developed a ghoulish and totally unique persona that's consistently evolved, while remaining true to its roots.

The band's iconic 'Fiend Skull' logo has become a staple in pop culture, and an instantly recognizable symbol worldwide. Bands across the spectrum of rock have covered their material, including Metallica, Guns 'n' Roses, My Chemical Romance and countless others citing the 'Fits as a key influence.

Boasting a massive catalogue of music, a new line-up, (consistently helmed by founding member Jerry Only), and an influence felt around the world, the Misfits are generating more interest today than ever before. With new releases charting higher than all priors, and constant worldwide touring, their diverse demographic and legion of 'fiends' (as their fans are affectionately known), multiplies daily.br>
After a split in the mid 1980's and a decade-long hiatus, The Misfits was resurrected by founding member Jerry Only, returning stronger than ever on Geffen Records, and re-establishing the 'Fits as one of the most aggressive and still relevant outfits in modern rock history. Thematically, the band's music continued to focus on their time-honoured fascination with vampires, monsters, and alien invasion.br>
"We are the Misfits after all," warns Only about the band's refusal to address worldly issues, he explains, "Fiends who buy our records and come to see us perform enter another world - from the guy all the way back in the balcony, to the guy getting his head banged around in the front – they come to have a good time. And we make sure they have it. They can hear about social and political issues somewhere else."br>
The band's last full length release, 2003's 'Misfits Project 1950', showcased punk covers of 50s era classics with special guest appearances by Ronnie Spector, Blondie's Jimmy Destri and many more. Only, who had the project in mind for many years, says, "The backbone of punk has always been the 3-chord progression which was ultimately inspired by classic rock and roll of the 1950s. I had always wanted to record some of the music that inspired the Misfits, to show fiends where it all began."br>
Released independently on the newly formed Misfits Records label imprint, the CD debuted on Billboard's Heatseekers Chart at #2, and Billboard's Top Independent album chart at #5. Notably the highest charting release in the entire 30-plus year legacy of the Misfits, 'Project 1950' also marked the first full-length release to feature Jerry Only on both lead vocals and Bass, with former Black Flag alum Dez Cadena on guitar.br>
Today, The Misfits remain more aggressive, more topical and more sought after than ever before, fronted by Jerry Only (Bass/Vocals) with Dez Cadena on guitar, (celebrating his 10th anniversary in the band this year), the latest addition to the fiendish fold is drummer Eric 'Chupacabra' Arce behind the kit. Arce, or 'Chupacabra' as he's now known, has been a fixture in the 'Fits touring lineup for over a decade, and recently inducted a permanent member upon the retirement of original Misfits drummer Robo, who'd passed the torch in 2010.br>
Now, the 'Fits return with their first full-length release of all-new, original material in nearly a decade! Rooted in the horror and sci-fi themes their audience craves, 'The Devil's Rain' showcases 16 fiendish, soon-to-be Misfits classics including 'Twilight of the Dead', 'Dark Shadows', 'Curse Of The Mummy's Hand' and the title track 'The Devil's Rain'.br>
Produced by Ed Stasium, (whose credits include the Ramones' 'Road To Ruin' and 'Too Tough To Die', as well as the Misfits' 1999 release 'Famous Monsters'), the album showcases a jaw-dropping, twopanel front/back cover painting featuring the rebirth of the band's iconic 'Fiend' mascot in an epic setting rendered by Arthur Suydam (known for his immensely popular work on the Marvel Zombies series, among others).br>
The packaging, designed to emulate a CD sized gatefold LP, also features some incredible new Misfits portraits shot by the legendary Mick Rock. Rock's imagery has become part of the very fabric of rock 'n' roll. Having also served as an on-set photographer for cult-movie classic 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', Rock lends a perfectly suited eye to view the band's surrealistic and highly theatrical persona.br>
'The Devil's Rain' is not just a continuation of a historic legacy, it's a total reboot ushering in a new era of terror. In a sense, it's the debut album from the legendary Misfits of this decade. From fans of their classics, to newcomers discovering the band for the very first time, 'The Devil's Rain' sets the bar, and redefines the ferocity and melody that has made the Misfits omnipresent and immortal.br>
The Misfits have been preserved on determination bound by unequalled loyalty to their fiends and the sheer will to survive. "It's been over 30 years and 30 years from now, people will still be playing our albums because we will never water down what we do," Only says.br>
"Our goal is to keep perspective on who we are and always stay true to ourselves. The new album will only reinforce how potent the band has become with time. We plan to continue as always, to eclipse the past, block the sun and drag humanity by the throat into a world of darkness filled with ghouls, goblins and creatures of the night, where we are king."br>
One thing is certain, The Misfits are here to stay and every day is Halloween.

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Kasabian's 747 gig 'will go down in history'

Kasabian fans can watch highlights of the band's recent Boeing 747 gig on a new online video.

Whether you were one of the lucky 200 who got to go, or if you were gutted at missing out, you can see what went on at the Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground show, in Lutterworth.

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   Kasabian

Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan said of the gig: "This will go down in history. We wanted to do something really memorable – and our fans are going to remember the day they saw us play in an aeroplane when they're old and grey."

The video features live tracks from the band's new album, Velociraptor! The gig was organised and captured on camera by Vevo, a music video and entertainment platform which allows music to be shared online. It was the first in a series called Vevo Presents.

Head of programming Tom Connaughton said: "Kasabian have kicked off our series in some serious style."

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MASTODON STREAMING BRAND NEW ALBUM ONLINE NOW

Mastodon are streaming their highly anticipated new full-length studio album, 'The Hunter' online now. You can hear it below.

This is their third studio album to be released on Reprise Records in the US and Canada and their first to be released on Roadrunner Records outside of North America. The release date is September 26th

Several exciting events are planned for the release of 'The Hunter' which follows their universally acclaimed concept album, 'Crack The Skye' which was released in March 2009.



You can celebrate the release of 'The Hunter' at UK album launch parties, in association with Scuzz TV, Blue Banana, Kraken Black Spiced Rum and Jim Dunlop. The party dates and venues are below.









Hear brand new album tracks and pick up Mastodon, Jim Dunlop, Blue Banana and Kraken goodies at the rock clubs below...



Thursday September 22nd

Middlesbrough - Overdrive @ The Crown


Nottingham - Heavy Metal Karaoke @ Salutation

Sheffiled - Drop @ Corporation

Swindon - Rage @ The Furnace



Friday September 23rd

Aberdeen - Korova


Glasgow - Damnation @ Classic Grand

Lincoln - Sugarcubes

Norwich - Meltdown @ Waterfront



Saturday September 24th

Birmingham - Subculture @ Vudu


Cardiff – Fuel Rock Club @ Pure

Leeds - Trashed @ The Factory

Liverpool - Rage @ The Krazy House



Thursday September 29th

Manchester - Kizmiaz @ Legends


Wolverhampton – Slade Rooms



Friday September 30th

London - Voodoo Rock @ Electrowerkz

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