Interview with John McCoy of GMT - 30 October

So the phone rings and my daughter brings it through to me, saying “it’s John for you.”
Now I’d not picked up the email from the GMT guys saying they were going to call me tonight, so I thought it was mate of mine. What a great start, because of course on the other end of the phone is bass legend John McCoy from GMT.
So what are GMT doing at the moment, John told me that the band are about two thirds of the way through recoding the new CD. Bernie and John are both excited about the new tracks. They feel they have always written well together and still continue to do so.
As the recording process was going along the band felt they were loosing the “live” feel, which is so important to them, so they have booked the “7 DATE TOURETTE” which runs from 18th November to 28th November. (Full details at the end of this article).

We spoke about how the band are really enjoying what they do, especially out on the road, and are now at a time in their careers where they are in control. GMT don’t have any managers telling them what to do and what songs to release. John explained that in the past with bands like Gillan there were pressures from the “money men” for the band to release cover songs that didn’t really fit the band’s style, the most obvious example being the release of the Stevie Wonder song Living for the City. I have to say as a fan I never understood who the release was aimed at.
For the “7 DATE TOURETTE” the band will be releasing a limited edition live CD with 6 to 8 tracks on. The CD will be available to purchase at the forth coming shows and through the band’s forum on the GMT website.
John discussed the empathy he and guitarist Bernie Tormé had built up over many years and this allows the band to extend some of the live tracks as the mood takes them, giving the gigs a great feeling of spontaneity. It also allows the band to stamp there own feel and identity on a song, even on something as classic as Smoke on the Water.
We then went on to talk about the third member of GMT, wonder drummer Robin Guy. Those of you who have not seen Robin at a GMT show are missing a real treat. As well as being the drummer with GMT, Robin is also a very sought after session player and has recently taken on the role with Tigertailz, and has some shows lined up with them, but don’t panic this won’t impact on his GMT work.
John then went on to speak a little about how he and Bernie got back together in a band. It was the passing of old friend Paul Samson , who had asked them, when he didn’t have long to live, when they would get back together in a band, and this along with finding Robin Guy made them get off their backsides and form GMT.
We then talked about the fun the band had had on during the recent shows in Ibiza and about a show I’d attended and reviewed at the Tut “n’ Shive pub in Yeadon, where a great night was had by all.
What became clear through out my discussion with John is that GMT are three blokes, or to use his description, two old prats and a Muppet, who enjoy what they do musically and that is the reason they do it. In my book that is what true rock music is about.
Thanks to John McCoy for his time, I’d really recommend that you check out GMT on the “7 DATE TOURETTE” where they will be appearing at the following venues, More information at the GMT site.
Thur 18th: THE RAILWAY ~ BOLTON
Fri 19th: THE VOODOO LOUNGE ~ STAMFORD (LINCS)
Sun 21st: DINGWALLS ~ LONDON
Thur 25th: AREA 81 ~ BRISTOL
Fri 26th: REVOLVER ~ BIRKENHEAD
Sat 27th: BLACK FLAG ~ WAKEFIELD
Sun 28th: THE MUSICIAN ~ LEICESTER

If you can’t make the shows get hold of a copy of the CDs, Bitter & Twisted and Evil Twin, and give your ears a real treat.
GMT Tour Cancelled!!!
Unfortunately since this interview was written GMT have had to cancelled the “7 DATE TOURETTE” due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the band's control. GMT are absolutely gutted about this and are trying their hardest to reschedule for next year. As soon as we hear of any new GMT dates we will of course let you know

NH

Recker – Tragedy or Triumph

Recker are from Ridgefield in America and have sent us a copy of their ten track Tragedy or Triumph CD. The CD is mainly the work of one Rich Recker. The tracks and musicians are

3X Loser, Give It All, Shine On*, On the Run*, Love Gone Cold*, Winds of War, Fool, Olympus**, 1,000 Years, I Will Be There*

Rich Recker - Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Scott Smallwood - Drums, Brad Halleck - Lead Guitar*, Phil Bennett - Keyboards**
Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Rich Recker.

The first thing that struck me was the high quality of production on the CD, particularly the drums which have a great feeling of depth, think a very late eighties US rock sound. The first half of the CD is a real rift laden treat. All of the first five songs have really grown on me, but special mention must go to 3X Loser, Shine On, On the Run and Love Gone Cold (a great headbanger) which all have infectious guitar rifts that you want to keep humming.
To my ears there is a more noticeable Queensryche influence on the second half of the CD. Unfortunately Winds of War and Olympus don’t hit the mark for me, but Fool is a real grower and I Will be There is a great closing track.
I’ve no idea of the budget this CD was done on, but with the exceptions of the couple of tracks I’ve mentioned this is a mighty piece of Rock music that Rich Recker and the others should be proud of.
You can find out more about Recker and listen to samples of the CD at www.myspace.com/reckerrocks

NH

No Turbo No Love - EP review

No Turbo No Love, a 5 piece UK band from Poole have just released their first EP through Reverb Nation. The band consists of:

Lloyd Mcguigan – Vocals
Adam Tucker – Lead Guitar
Chris Brooker – Rhythm Guitar
Christy Cooper – Bass Guitar
Andy Golding – Drums

Track 1 - Re-Incarnation

Starting with an Iron Maiden “Murders in the Rue Morgue” style intro then blasts into a classic British heavy metal song, which reminds me of early Maiden and Priest and other influences from the NWOBHM era.  Good driving riff, galloping bass and great guitar solos from Adam Tucker.  Good start.

Track 2 – Taken By The Mountains

Very Maiden, time changes a plenty with more great guitar work from Adam Tucker/Chris Brooker/Christy Cooper.

Track 3 – Protector

Very Maiden off either of their first two albums.  The guitar solo takes me back to the days of the early 80’s.

Track 4 – Escape The Crusade

A bit of a change this one with more echo’s of early Priest.  The first verse sounds very Rob Halford like from vocalist Lloyd Mcguigan.

Track 5 – Disaster Strikes

Starting with very melodic guitar overtones like Murray/Smith or Tipton/Downing at their finest.  Very Halford sounding verses. Some excellent drums on this one from Andy Golding.

A very promising start and anybody going to see Higher On Maiden on the 26 November I suggest you get there early.

Reviewed by Shazz

Joe Satriani Hammersmith Apollo 19th October 2010

So after the highly successful Chickenfoot cd and tour in support of the recently released (and reviewed here) Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards cd,  Joe's back on the road as a solo artist.

First up was Simon Mcbride someone who I'm being honest I didn't know a lot about but certainly do now.

Hailing from Northern Ireland and playing a modern blues sound drawing comparison's to Joe Bonamassa and Gary Moore the 40 minute set went down a storm. Playing as a 3 piece in support of his recently released second cd "Since Then" this was mightily impressive stuff. Great singing and stunning geetarplaying including some excellent slide work tracks such as "Down To The Wire","Hells Water Rising"and "Devils Road" all showcase the talent. Finishing with a cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Power Of Soul" which was also on his first cd he is definately an act to follow.

What hasn't been said about Joe Satriani?

Well touring as a 5 piece was certainly a first for Joe and for all those that have heard the new cd know the depth that this has added.

Coming onto a stage which had 25 white strip lights hung vertically above and to crystal clear sound we were treated to a 2 hour 20 minute masterclass.

The setlist was as follows

Ice Number 9

Hordes Of Locusts

Flying In  A Blue Dream

Light Years Away

Memories

War

Premonition

Satch Boogie

Revelation

Pyrrhic Victoria

Crystal Planet

The Mystical Potato Head Groove Thing

Dream Song

Why

Crush Of Love

Andalusia

Littleworth Lane

Wind In The Trees

God Is Crying

Wormhole Wizards

Always With Me Always With You

Big Bad Moon

Encore of

Crowd Chant

Summer Song

Superbly backed by the musicians who recorded the cd being Mike Keneally on keys,Jeff Campitelli on drums and Allen Whitman on bass with the addition of long time back up geetarist Galen Hanson this was a journey through Joe's entire career.

Including right back to 1986 and his first cd "Not Of This Earth" with the inclusion of "Hordes Of Locusts" and right up to the modern day with 8 songs off the new cd. 

The band laid down a monstrous groove leaving Joe to weave his sonic tapestry across fan favourites new and old. Each solo  takes you on a journey always inventive and leaving the crowd in a drop jawed expression.

All the new songs fitted in perfectly expanding on the recorded output in the only way Joe can. For me "Premonition","Pyrrhic Victoria" and "Wormhole Wizards"are already classics with the last mentions groove rocking the foundations. We also had a keyboard part to end a song for the first time ever and at one point a geetar/keyboard duel. Stunning.

With an awesome light show that used the light and shade dynamics of the music to great effect the 140 minute set flew past the band and crowd had a ball. 

Ending with the crowd participation of "Crowd Chant" and a quite unbelievable version of "Summer Song" the band left to a standing ovation and all comments on the way out said that was the best Joe show ever!!

I really could go on all night.

Head over to youtube that has some fantastic coverage and immerse yourself in the sheer magic of Joe Satriani!!

10/10  ME

(photos (C) Steve Johnston)

Wishbone Ash – The Clitheroe – 13th October 2010

Not only a new venue but a new town for me, the Grand is a smashing little venue, which the people of Clitheroe should be proud of. It holds 400 people, and must have been near to capacity tonight.

We got an early sight of Andy Powell when we were queuing to go in as he moved the groups van from outside the venue. Oh the glamour of being an international rock star.

Tonight Wishbone Ash were recording a live CD & DVD, so there was no support. They opened with You See Red, the sound was really good. After the first song Andy explained that as they were doing a live recording they may redo some pieces they weren’t happy with (more of that latter). The live recording also meant that the set was made up more new and rarer Wishbone Ash material than normal. I have to say this fact didn’t detract from the quality of songs on offer. It also meant songs from the recent The Power of Eternity CD got an airing tonight, amongst my favorites were The Power and In Crisis, It fact the live version has made me rediscover the CD version which I’d not really been a fan of. Older tracks included Rock N roll Widow, Lady Jane and Warrior, the only Argus track in the main set.

We had one track where the ending was done three times and another where the start was done twice, a new experience for me at a live show, but I’m sure they will be spliced in seamlessly to the finished CD.

The final track of the main set was the fantastic Phoenix, which was dedicated to the Chilean miners. The band came back and did a two track encore which included a great version of Blowing Free. The total set had lasted over two hours.

On the way out the word I was hearing was that the recording had gone well, so we wait with baited breath for the CD which is due out shortly.

NH

Y&T The Brook Southampton 14th October 2010

This is my first review for Rockgig.  Normally I just type the reviews for Mark Evans, but as Y&T are my all time favourite band I thought "What the hell, I'm gonna review the gig".  Enjoy!!

New venue for me & the ol' man (Mark Evans) and after a trip to Ikea and the joys of Southamptons lack of street names and a wild google chase thanks to googlemaps we arrived in plenty of time!!!!!

Large pub with an upstairs seated area and downstairs floor with quite a high stage and room for 550 people and as it turned out great sound.

First up was Fury UK a young 3 piece from Manchester who have just released their 3rd cd "A Way Of Life".

Led by the excellent vocals and stunning guitarmanship of Chris Appleton and backed by his brother Luke on bass and Martin Mcnee on drums they played a 6 song 40 minute set of straight up metal playing homage to Maiden, Priest and Megadeth.

Highlights included I See Red, Fall From Grace and Nemesis off the new cd and Death By Lightning off their "VR" cd.

One to watch out for.

In front of a sizeable crowd Y&T came on at 9.25 and hit us with a 2 hour 20 minute set showcasing their whole career including 5 from their first new cd in 13 years "Facemelter".

Setlist:

On With The Show

Hard Times

Meanstreak

Contagious

Shine On

If You Want Me

Lipstick And Leather

I'm Coming Home

I Believe In You

Eyes Of A Stranger

Hurricane

Midnight In Tokyo

Blind Patriot

Surrender (Played after a girl begged them to play it)

I'll Cry For You

Black Tiger

Drum Solo

Barroom Boogie

Dirty Girl

Summertime Girls

Forever

Encore of Rescue Me 

After an exile of way too many years this is the 5th successive autumn tour we have seen from Y&T and the first without founding member Phil Kennemore who is currently battling cancer (for which we at Rockgig wish him well).

His deputy Brad Lang of Jeff Pilson's War And Peace did an awesome job on bass.  He fitted into the band perfectly and was really working the stage (you're awesome Brad).

I first saw Y&T way back in 1982 supporting AC/DC after hearing 1981's stunning "Earthshaker" album and can't say how much I enjoy this annual tour.

Dave Meniketti (guitar and vocals) is a legend in my eyes and to see the solo of "I Beleive In You" played about a foot away from me brought the hairs on the back of my neck to attention!!

To finally hear "Contagious" played was a highlight and all 5 new songs fitted in superbly with "I'm Coming Home" and the ballad "If You Want Me" sound like favourites we have heard for many many years.

Ably backed by John Nyman on 2nd guitar (great solo on "Hard Times" and duelling solo on "Blind Patriot" and the powerhouse drumming of Mike Vanderhule.  They really do get better and when Dave starts doing his high kicks you know they are loving it to.

Not many bands change the setlist to accommodate a fan favourite and we also had a snippet of "Gonna Go Blind" and "Hungry For Rock" too.  In fact at times with so many being shouted out we could have gone on all night, not that I would have complained!!

During "Barroom Boogie" Dave stood back as Brad played a small solo and turned his guitar over and played along on the back to it.

A really great moment from a band who are dealing with playing without a great friend in the way they know how and that is to kick ass!!

Here's to next year!!

Shazz

10/10  *Ed's note - Nice job Admin - ME you're fired!

Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash – Halifax Square Chapel – 9 October 2010

This was my first visit for a gig to this great little venue; previous visits were for a couple of beer festivals and a Christmas production. It was all a little surreal to be quite honest and reminded me a bit of early BBC music recording you see every so often where everyone is sat down and applaud nicely at the end.

When we arrived we were shown to the bar area and a bell was rung five minutes or so before the start of the performance, then we were shown upstairs. There is no stage at the Square Chapel, so the first two rows were sat on the same level as the band with the rest then tiered behind. We had a great view on the second row.
The band came out to dead silence (first time I think I’ve experienced that at a gig) and opened with The King Will Come, there was applause at the end of each track and gradually the barrier between band and audience broke down. The set continued with Errors of my Way, Rock ‘n’ Roll Widow, Haunting Me, Fire Sign, In the Skin and Way of the World. Then there was an interlude. Now this felt a bit strange, but perhaps its an age thing but I was grateful for the chance to have a 'gypsies kiss' and get another pint. The second set opened with Lost Cause in Paradise and continued with Ballad of the Beacon, Ships in the Sky, Broken Down House, FUBB, and then finished with three classics from Argus – Warrior, Throw Down the Sword and Blowin’ Free. By now the still seated crowd were making enough noise to get the band back for an encore of Jailbait and Living Proof (I might have got this one wrong). The gig started at about 7:45 and was over by 10:00 including the break. Nice to get home at a sensible time. The the musicianship was great throughout. The band are a really tight unit and Martin’s vocals were great, even though he said he’d had a cold earlier in the week. I managed to get my copy of Argus signed by Mr Turner as well.
If we had a poll for the most civilised gig of the year I think this would take some beating.
NH

Y & T, Fury UK Bradford Rio’s 3rd October 2010

This was the first major show at the new Bradford Rio’s and lets just say it’s still work in progress. Only cans of beer available, non on tap yet!
Due to problems with the sound system (that weren’t really sorted all night) Fury UK played a shortened set. Though they were plagued with the dodgy sound tonight they still showed plenty of potential to go further. They have some headlining dates coming up , so if they are playing near you I’d recommend checking them out.
Opening up with On With the Show from the new Facemelter CD Y & T were met by a great roar from the appreciative audience. To be brutally honest the sound system was still causing problems but they still delivered a great set of new and old material which included classics like Black Tiger, Summertime Girls, Hurricane, Barroom Boogie, Rock n Roll's Gonna Save the World, Meanstreak, Don’t Wanna Loose, Rescue Me, I Believe in You, Dirty Girl, Don’t be Afraid of the Dark and Forever. From the new CD we had Shine On, I’m Coming Home, If You Want Me, and Blind Patriot. I would have liked to have heard I Want Your Money, but I can’t complain too much as the set was 2 hours long.
Everyone here at Rockgig Reviews passes on our best wishes to Phil Kennemore. Brad Lang proved a great replacement. Many thanks to him for stepping in and ensuring the Y & T tour could continue into Europe.
Even with a less than perfect sound System Y & T proved they are still a great live band.

NH

Rockgig will be there to see Wishbone Ash record their new live CD on October 13th

Wishbone Ash, like most rock bands,  have released live albums from various venues around the world, but unlike most, their latest is to be recorded in Clitheroe, Lancashire and Rockgig will be there to witness it!

Writing on his blog back in July, Andy Powell said During the summer rehearsals for our Japan dates we had cause to visit an amazing new venue called THE GRAND in the unlikely town of Clitheroe, Lancashire, UK. Situated quite close to our rehearsal space, we’d heard rumour of it through our promoters, the Gig Cartel and so we called by for a visit. What a place! Raised bar, coffee shop and internet facility, the venue features a full recording studio in the basement and on the top level a full video recording set up. A state of the art PA system is all linked in making this venue one of the most up to date facilities I’ve ever seen ANYWHERE. Millions have been spent converting this former cinema - turned music showcase venue situated in the high street, into one of BRITAIN'S BEST live music showcase / recording facilities.

Without any hesitation, we accepted the venue’s invitation to play there on October 13th and at the same time, we decided to produce a LIVE CD recording which we hope to have MIXED THE NEXT DAY, printed, packaged and available on subsequent dates (WITHIN DAYS, hopefully) and most certainly for THE Wishbone Ash fan convention, 'ASHCON', taking place once more at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield, UK on November 6th. We’d like to invite YOU, our FANS and FRIENDS, to join us for what promises to be a great evening where we’ll feature some lesser heard Wishbone songs in concert. But here’s the thing, if you wish to be part of this SPECIAL LIVE RECORDING, tickets are limited.

The Grand is set out with 350 standing places at the front and 50 seated places in the raised, rear bar section. Standing tickets (£14.50) may be purchased here. Seated tickets (£17.50) are available by contacting the box office on 01200 421599.

(photo from Wishbone Ash official Flickr site)

Review of Joe Satriani - Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards

Today in the UK Epic Records release the 14th studio album of Joe Satriani -  the highly anticipated Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards the follow up to  2008's Professor Satchafunkilus opus. The first cd Joe has released since he became a member of a rock band Chickenfoot.

Joining Joe on the cd are Jeff Campitelli on drums, Allen Whitman on bass and Mike Keneally on keyboards and again using Mike Fraser as producer.  This is a cd that grows with each listen. Each time you hear new things on one of the most diverse cd's Joe has ever put out.

It has a very live feel with the band putting in a truly stunning back up to Joe's fretboard pyrotechnics with some amazing melodic playing too.

First song Premonition kicks the album off in great style with a classic Satriani riff over a great backbeat that will go down a storm live.

Dream Song track 2 again has a very melodic riff and great backbeat and could be classed as a rock ballad.

Track 3 Pyrrhic Victoria is truly stunning.Heavy riff and heavy rhythm groove with a big melodic chorus and then a truly magnificent ferocious solo from the 2'28'' mark.

Track 4 is the first single Light Years Away has a keyboard intro that again has a big riff and the whole song builds up to the end.Classic Joe!!

Track 5 Solitude is the the brief acoustic interlude to the next song Littleworth Lane.This is a classic blues track with a Hammond B3 playing the melody.A gospel tinged song with some great slow picking.No guitar histionics needed on this.

Next up The Golden Room with its eastern flavoured melodies leads into Two Sides To Every Story and a very melodic jazzy funky number continues the diverse feel of the cd.

Wormhole Wizards takes us back with again a classic Joe riff over a brilliant bass line and drums.Top marks to the band which allows Joe to solo over.

Wind In The Trees is a very trippy rythmic slow building song with a keyboard ending that surely is a first for a Joe Satriani cd?

Last song God Is Crying is a perfect way to finish the cd a big anthemic number that shows off Joe's skills to the fore. Brilliant.

So a truly great cd that will continue to throw up delights as the nights now draw in towards winter.

Joe's UK tour kicks off in 2 weeks and it will be great to see how the new songs fit in and also how they develop in a live setting.

ME

Joe Satriani talks fans through his new album "Black Swans & Wormhole Wizards

One of Rock Music’s most renowned guitarists, Joe Satriani is giving fans an exclusive preview of his new album “Black Swans & Wormhole Wizards” ahead of its UK release next Monday (October 4th).

Joe has created a series of “webisodes” via his official website (www.satriani.com), explaining the thought process behind each track on the album. A new track will be previewed each morning leading up to the album’s release next week.

Click the link below to view tracks 1-7 from “Black Swans & Wormhole Wizards” and also to view today’s new upload, “Two Sides to Every Story.”
http://www.satriani.com/podcast/BSAWW/

Joe’s UK tour kicks off on October 17th at the Manchester Apollo, dates includes Bristol, London, Newcastle, Glasgow and Birmingham, tickets – www.ticketline.co.uk

You can pre-order “Black Swans & Wormhole Wizards” from Amazon UK below:

Blaze Bayley – Snooty Fox Wakefield 26 September 2010

This was my first visit to the Snooty Fox – a small but perfectly formed venue. Support tonight was from Fury UK; I have to say I know nothing about them, but enjoyed their set and will be looking out for them supporting Y & T next week.

The new Blaze Bayley CD Promise & Terror made up a large part of tonight’s set and was received well including my favourite: Faceless). The set also included a couple from the last CD, The Man That Would Not Die, and crowd pleaser's Stare at the Sun, Futureal and Man on the Edge from the Maiden days. The sound tonight was great throughout the two hour set. £6 to get in, free parking and with T shirts ranging from £5 to £15 Blaze Bayley delivered a great value night out. (No prizes for guessing that I bought a £5 T shirt).

NH