Showing posts with label Bass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bass. Show all posts

Monday, August 29, 2022

Bass Virtuosos Alberto Rigoni and Michael Manring To Release New Album “Grains of Sand” on Sept. 15, 2022

Bass virtuosos Alberto Rigoni (solo, BAD As, Kim Bingham, Vivaldi Metal Project etc.) and Michael Manring (solo, Alex Skolnic, Steve Morse etc,) are glad to announce the release of their new album “Grains of Sand” on September 15th.

The album, fully instrumental, spans from prog to fusion, jazz, ambient and features Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, A-Z) on drums. Also, on some tracks the duo invited some bassists as special guests such as Billy Sheehan, Stuart Hamm, Adam Nitti and more.

Alberto Rigoni says: “After the release of ‘Song for Souls’ in memory of my father I said I was going to retire (at least for a bit) but well… I could not resist making an album with one of the best bass players in the world like Michael. Hope you will enjoy it!”

Michael Manring says: “Alberto is a prolific artist with a deep love of the bass. His enthusiasm is inspiring and it’s always a pleasure to work with him.”

The duo have already released two videos that you can view at the following links:
https://youtu.be/GuXJxlNYcBY (“No Escape” feat. Adam Nitti)
https://youtu.be/G5SjE0vRU54 (“Grains of Sands” ft. Billy Sheehan)

“Grains of Sand” will be available in digital, Digipack CD and limited edition tape/cassette! You can pre-order “Grains of Sand” at http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com

For more information:
https://linktr.ee/albertorigoni
http://www.manthing.com

Released by Manthing Music BMI (© 2022)

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Bass Icon Jeff Berlin To Release New Tribute Album To Legendary Jack Bruce “Jack Songs”

Features guest performers Sammy Hagar, Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, Gregg Bissonette, Gary Husband, Eric Johnson, Bill Frisell, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Alex Ligertwood, Scott Henderson, Marcus Miller, Ron Carter, Tony Levin, Michael League, Nathan East, Mark King, Bruce Guttridge, Billy Sheehan and Johnny Hiland!

“Jack Songs” produced by John McCracken

Bass icon Jeff Berlin will be releasing a new tribute album to legendary Jack Bruce titled “Jack Songs” on August 2, 2022! Jack Bruce, best known for his work with classic rock group Cream as well as his critically acclaimed solo work passed away in 2014. Jeff Berlin, who has been called “the greatest bass player in the world”, was a personal friend of Jack’s and wanted to record his songs in remembrance of how Jack helped Jeff to find his own musical path.

Says Jeff, “Recording the music of Jack Bruce has been the most emotional recording project of my career. Jack was the greatest bass influence I ever had. In the center of his music were these strange and wonderful bass lines weaving in and out of the key, reaching for resolutions and finding them, again, and again. Jack’s playing was a living evolving improvisation.

Jack was the Alpha and Omega for me. I never would have become the bass player I became if I didn't hear his unfettered improvisations and innovations, his creating a completely original bass tone, and his playing every gig as if it was his last. When he died, I immediately set out to honor him by reviewing his music to choose some of my favorite songs of his and recording them via my own musical vision. As was his legacy of musical brilliance, I wanted this record to be brilliant to honor his spirit. He really means this much to me.

‘Jack Songs’ isn’t a cover CD, not in the literal sense. Except for a couple of tunes from his Cream period (arranged in ways that should surprise people) most of the songs on this CD come from other periods in Jack’s musical life after Cream. Jack’s solo career represented a multitude of musical styles. This recording will be a new revamp of some of those songs, some of the best music that I heard from one of the greatest musicians of the last fifty years.

In arranging the music, I was inspired by Giles Martin’s production of The Beatles ‘Love’ CD. His production work on this CD is fantastic. I tried to follow his example of his fitting various Beatle song quotes from different tunes into each tune by doing a similar thing by combining different Jack songs. Rather than computerized manipulation of music that was already recorded, I arranged the music so that each song on ‘Jack Songs’ would end up as an individual work comprised of various parts of other songs in them. I never would have thought of this without Giles showing me this path.”

Guest performers:

Sammy Hagar, Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, Gregg Bissonette, Gary Husband, Eric Johnson, Bill Frisell, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Alex Ligertwood, Scott Henderson, Marcus Miller, Ron Carter, Tony Levin, Michael League, Nathan East, Mark King, Bruce Guttridge, Billy Sheehan and Johnny Hiland!

JACK BRUCE, BASSIST FOR THE ICONIC BAND CREAM, ONCE DESCRIBED JEFF BERLIN AS THE “THE BEST BASS PLAYER I’VE EVER HEARD.”

Photo by Arnie Goodman

For over 40 years, Jeff Berlin has stood as one of the most innovative electric bassists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Known for his one-of-a-kind tone, jaw dropping technique and highly advanced harmonic approaches to the bass, Jeff has been one of the major figures in firmly establishing the electric bass as a solo instrument well deserving of its own distinct place in modern music.

Jeff’s recording and performance credits include a who’s who of jazz and rock. They include: Bill Bruford, Allan Holdsworth, Larry Coryell, Pat Martino, John McLaughlin, Anderson Wakeman Bruford Howe, Frank Zappa, Patrick Moraz and many more.

To purchase: www.jeffberlinmusicgroup.com

For more information:
Jeff Berlin's official website: www.jeffberlinmusicgroup.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JBerlinMusicGroup
Instagram: @lumpyjazz

Contact: John McCracken - Producer, john@jeffberlinmusicgroup.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Jeff Berlin is available for interviews – please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR

Friday, January 21, 2022

Renowned Bassist Hansford Rowe Presents His New Signature Bass by Tao Guitars The HR Superleggera

The Superleggera’s body shape is unique and perfectly balanced. The subtle references to the great Marcello Gandini (Lamborghini Miura, Alfa Montreal) are sublime. The brushed aluminum hardware is entirely bespoke. The bridge is made to my design parameters (as tool free as possible) with Tao’s usual attention to detail and magnificent design aesthetics. The pickups are custom Benedetti.” - Hansford Rowe

American bassist Hansford Rowe began his career in the clubs of New York City. With French drummer Pierre Moerlen, he reformed the jazz-rock group Gong. PM’s Gong is considered one of the great fusion bands of the late 70s. Recording guests included icons like Mick Taylor, Steve Winwood and Didier Lockwood. International touring soon secured Hansford a place among the world’s leading bass players and work with Mike Oldfield, Allan Holdsworth, John Martyn, Biréli Lagrène, La Monte Young, David “Fuze” Fiuczynski, Gary Husband etc Hansford, with Warwick bass guitars and guitarist Jon Catler developed the first Just Intonation bass. He is considered an expert in the use of alternate tuning systems. His last record is Decadence by Gong Expresso.

Tao Guitars was founded by Belgian luthier duo Serge Michiels and John Joveniaux in Brussels in 2004. The boutique builders collaborate closely with customers to perfectly outfit guitars to the individual and since the two luthiers handcraft all of the instruments by themselves they limit their output to just a few instruments per year. Infused by a deep sense of design and inspired by architecture, Italian auto design and Japanese aesthetics, Tao’s work is a perfect balance between functionality, tone and adventurous design. For more on Tao Guitars, please visit: http://www.taoguitars.com/.

HR Superleggera Bass by Tao Guitars

• Lightweight Swamp Ash body
• Neck-through of Bosnian maple with a Wenge center (tinted black)
• Wenge fingerboard with brushed aluminum fret marker inlays
• Custom proprietary Benedetti pickups
• Proprietary aircraft-grade brushed aluminum hardware
• Circular graining of electronics box aluminum lining
• Modified Hipshot lightweight tuners
• Proprietary titanium truss rod by KTS Japan (single bar, double action)
• Fret and nut material 18% Nickel / Silver (Maillechort – copper, nickel, and zinc)
• Paint: Lamborghini Oro Elios
• Scale: 34.5”
• String spacing at nut: 9mm
• String spacing at bridge: 17mm
• Fingerboard radius: 14”
• Weight: 7.8lbs
• Price: 14,000 Euros


For more information: www.hansfordrowe.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Monday, March 22, 2021

Alberto Rigoni’s “For The Love Of Bass” Features All-Star Bass Player Line-up

Out on April 2nd - preorder available!

Featuring Nathan East, Leland Sklar, Michael Manring, Tony Franklin, Doug Wimbish, Adam Nitti, Lars Lehmann, Cody Wright, Mohini Dey, David Pastorius

Alberto Rigoni's “For The Love of Bass,” simply put, it’s bass heaven.

After the success of his latest prog rock album “Odd Times,” Italian bassist & composer Alberto Rigoni (BAD As, Natural Born Machine, The Italians, Vivaldi Metal Project), now releases his 10th solo album. As the title suggests, the instrumentation is exclusively electric bass, spanning ambient, fusion, jazz and new age styles.

“It has been really challenging but the special guests contributed some gorgeous playing and we are all proud of the result,” says Alberto. “For The Love of Bass” is an all-star bassists album featuring some of the best players anywhere: Nathan East, Leland Sklar, Michael Manring, Tony Franklin, Doug Wimbish, Adam Nitti, Lars Lehmann, Cody Wright, Mohini Dey, David Pastorius,

Are you ready to face a new bass experience?!

Watch Alberto Rigoni's new video for “Masked Souls” feat. Nathan East & Michael Manring: 



To purchase Alberto Rigoni's “For The Love of Bass” (Digipack CD & Digital): http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com

Other distributors: Disk Union (Japan), MVD (USA), Burning Shed (UK), Plastic Head (UK), Digital Platforms (Apple Music, Spotify etc.)

Tracklist:
1. Drops of Memories (feat. Tony Franklin)
2. In the Loop (feat. David Pastorius)
3. Dreamers (feat. Michael Manring)
4. Alone in the Dark (feat. Doug Wimbish)
5. Paranoia (feat. Cody Wright)
6. The Maze (feat. Mohini Dey)
7. Masked Souls (feat. Nathan East & Michael Manring)
8. Social Distortion (feat. Adam Nitti)
9. Mad World bass cover (feat. Leland Sklar)
10. Killers (feat. Lars Lehmann)
11. Misirlou bass cover (feat. Lars Lehmann)
12. Lost (feat. Adam Nitti)

Biography

Born in 1981, Alberto Rigoni is an Italian bass player and composer, internationally known for his career as a solo artist and as a member of the metal band BAD As, The Italians, Natural Born Machines  Lady & THE BASS,  co-producer of the Vivaldi Metal Project and member of progressive rock band TwinSpirits (no more active).

Between 2008 and 2020 Alberto has released worldwide 9 solo album (Something Different, Rebirth, Three Wise Monkeys, Overloaded, BASSORAMA, Duality, EvoRevolution, Prog Injection, Odd Times), spanning from progressive rock metal to fusion. His albums also featured legendary musicians such as Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree, King Crimson), Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), Göran Edman (ex Yngwie Malmsteen), Michael Manring and many others.

Alberto has been featured on the cover of magazines such as Bass Magazine (Japan), Bass Musician Magazine (USA), Bajos Y Bajistas (Spain), Basistas (Poland), TOP BASS (Poland). Moreover, in March 2015 the prestigious Bass Guitar Magazine (UK) released Alberto’s CD anthology called “Into THE BASS.”

Alberto has also recorded for several international artists such as Italian pop singer Alexia and he is also playing bass for Canadian rock singer and songwriter Kim Bingham (ex-Nelly Furtado) and The Italians, sharing stages with artists such as Alan Parson, Suzanne Vega, Jørn Lande, Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore and others.

In 2016 founded a new metal band called BADASS (now called BAD As) which released three albums (More Pain More Gain, Midnight Curse and Crucified Society.

On December 15th 2017, Rigoni together with bassist Jeff Hughell (Six Feet Under) released a new studio project called Bassists Alliance. The first album “Crush” featured top notch bassists such as Michael Manring, Adam Nitti, Steve di Giorgio, Colin Edwin, Mark Mitchell, Scott Reeder, Dmitry Lisenko, Brandino BassMaster, Ryan Martini, Leonid Maksimov, Tony Grey.

In 2019 founded a new AOR band called “Natural Born Machine” featuring famous Pink Cream 69 singer David Readman. Their debut album “Human” was released on February 19th 2021 by Pride and Joy Music.

Currently he is also collaborating with famous producer Hiro Furuya (Elton John, Eric Clapton, etc.) as session bassist.

His tenth album “For The Love of Bass” feat. all star bassists such as Nathan East, Lee Sklar, Michael Manring, Doug Wimbish and many others will be released on April 2nd 2021.


For more information:
http://www.albertorigoni.net
http://www.facebook.com/albertorigonimusic
http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com
http://www.youtube.com/albertorigoni
http://www.twitter.com/albertorigoni
http://www.vivaldimetalproject.com
http://www.badas.rocks
http://www.theitaliansband.com
http://bassistsallianceproject.bandcamp.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Original Crack The Sky Bassist Joe Macre To Release New Album “Bullet Train”

Joe Macre is best known as the original bassist for the progressive rock band “Crack The Sky”, whose debut was voted album of the year in Rolling Stone Magazine and is still included in the top 50 progressive rock albums of all time.

The new release from Joe Macre is a collection of ten songs written and recorded at Joe Mac's American Garage. Scheduled to drop March 1, 2021, “Bullet Train” is one of two albums written and recorded by Joe with friends who visited his American Garage studios. Made famous for housing cars, the garage has become a recording studio for musicians all over the world.

This album was written and recorded from 2019 to 2021. Many friends brought their talents to the garage and those shut in during the pandemic were recorded via the internet. The recording was recorded, mixed and mastered by Joe utilizing Pro Tools, of which Joe is an instructor. Visit Joe’s blog at joemacre.com for details on instruments and software incorporated on this album.

Joe Macre was a member of Crack The Sky from 1975–1980 and 2004-2009. Joe has also worked with The B. E. Taylor Group, Wild Cherry, King Friday, Jim Croce, David Sanborn, The Brecker Brothers, Marie Osmond, Grammy Award Artist, Oliver Wakeman (and Eddie Offord Yes), Andy Timmons (Danger Danger), Robert Schindler (Johnny Nash), Madukwu Chinwah (Erikah Badu), Keith Green, Clint Brown, and others.

Joe’s award-winning Mixing/Composing credits in films and commercials include “Monster in Law,” “House of D” and “Fire Down Below.” Super Bowl Tabasco’s “Mosquito”, Corona’s “Ship in a Bottle”, Nickelodeon, Showtime, Ford, McDonald’s, Corona, Hyundai, and Oprah Winfrey to name a few.

2018 Joe began work on his latest project Joe Mac’s American Garage with the debut album, “Bullet Train” featuring a cast of musicians including Chris Elliott and Jerry Oxendine of 86 Bullets, Pete Hewlett (Billy Joel), Jeff Adams (Facedancer), John Palumbo, Rick Witkowski, Jimmy Griffiths, Bobby Hird and Joey D'Amico (Crack The Sky) and many talented friends who visited Joe’s American Garage Studios.

Joe was inducted into the board of directors for SPARS (Society of Professional Audio Recording Services) with Leslie Ann Jones, Audio Director at Skywalker Sound, Kevin Mills at Larrabee West Studios, Tim Butler at Chicago Recording (CRC), Jeff Greenberg at The Village Recorder and Steve Davis at Crawford Communications Atlanta. Joe is an active member of AES and the American Federation of Musicians.

Joe’s second album entitled “The Dream Is Free” is scheduled for a spring release. Also, tours are currently in the works.

Discography:
Joe Macre - Bullet Train (2021)
Joe Mac’s American Garage (2016)
King Friday - Let the song begin (2014)
Crack the Sky – The Machine (2010)
Crack the Sky – All Access DVD (2009)
Crack the Sky – The Sale – (2007)
Crack the Sky – Alive and Kickin’ Ass – (2005)
Crack the Sky – Alive and Kickin – (2005)
The Precious Brothers – The Precious Brothers ‎(2005)
Crack the Sky –Dogs From Japan (2004)
B.E. Taylor Group – Love Won The Fight (1983)
B.E. Taylor Group – Intermission – (1982)
Crack the Sky – Classic Crack – (1980)
Crack the Sky – Live Sky – (1978)
Crack the Sky – Safety in Numbers – (1978)
Crack the Sky – Live on WBAB – (1976)
Crack the Sky – Animal Notes – (1976)
Crack the Sky – Crack the Sky – (1975)

Song previews: Soundcloud.com/joe Macre

To purchase:
www.joemacre.com

For more information:
www.joemacre.com
Facebook.com/joe macre and Facebook/joemacre.com
https://soundcloud.com/cuppajoemusic
Instagram.com/Atomicbass1

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Focus Bass Player Udo Pannekeet Announces the Release of His New Solo Album 'Electric Regions' - OUT NOW!


Electric Regions is the latest solo album by the current bass player of FOCUS and skilled composer, Udo Pannekeet.

The album features an epic length track, along with new compositions written throughout Udo Pannekeet’s career and recorded here for the first time.

The album features guest appearances by current Focus guitarist Menno Gootjes and a former member of Focus, Eef Albers.

Udo Pannekeet said of the album: “I'm so pleased to finally share this music with you! I worked on it for quite a while. Thanks to the amazing musicians I worked with on the album, it has become more than I could have imagined. I'm humbled by the beautiful reactions I received so far from all over the world!”

The album is the tenth release on the band’s own IN AND OUT OF FOCUS RECORDS, via Cherry Red.

TRACK LISTING:

1. ELECTRIC REGIONS PART ONE
2. INTEGRATION YES
3. LITTLE NURA
4. THE ANTIBES SITUATION
5. COCON COCON

The album is OUT NOW and available via the below links:

CD edition: https://geni.us/ElectricRegions
GooglePlay: https://geni.us/ElectricRegionsGP
iTunes: https://geni.us/ElectricRegionsiTunes
Spotify: https://geni.us/ElectricRegionsSpotify

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Thursday, April 25, 2019

French Bassist SHOB Returns With 3rd Album "Solide" In May 2019


France - Less than 2 years after the release of “Karma Obscur,” which had brought him all over Europe (Norway, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Slovaquia, France) for more than 30 shows (NattJazz w/Cory Henry, St Emilion Jazz fest w/Maceo Parker, Boerderij/Zoetermeer, MAI/Nancy, Bordeaux w/Greg Howe…), Shob is back with “Solide,” 11 Fusion/Afro/Funk tracks which will be released on May 3, 2019 (Inouïe distribution/La Route Prod). On April 15,  SHOB and his musicians will be playing at London's famous Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club opening for guitarist Scott Henderson.

“Solide” showcases 11 tracks with Afro/Punk colors (Hostile, Vertige, la Brèche), Hip Hop moods with heavy brass riffs (Totem, Mémoire), or even Electro/80's sounds (Solide). The whole thing led by the powerful and precise drum parts of Morgan Berthet (Myrath, Eths, Kadinja), who also performed on the first two albums.

Rocky and funky guitars are amazingly played by the two newcomers: Johary Rakotondramasy & Jean Lou Siaut, who are also on stage for live performances. There is even some New Orleans color with the really fresh track “Cure,” which reminds one of John Scofield's best moments (guitar played by Christophe Maroye).

Brass section with FM Moreau & PJ Ley gives the album a strong Funk and Afro beat influence, reminiscent of Fela Kuti, Maceo Parker, Trombone shorty or Ibrahim Electric.

Finally, the wild and groovy percussion played by Ludo Lesage bring a real “back to the roots” ambiance.

Except two tracks with vocals (“Solide” w/Célia Marissal & “Totem” w/Lyne & Hugo Senbei), the album is mainly instrumental and leaves a great space for improvisations, with solos on every track. The songs on “Solide” were specifically written to be played live.

Again, it's a really mixed variety of music that SHOB and his friends will be playing on stage from April 2019 through an European tour which will bring them to Germany, UK, Austria, Latvia, Poland and France.

Tour line up:
SHOB (bass), Simon Renault (drums), Tony Lavaud (key), Johary Rakotondramasy/JL SIaut (guitar)

SOLIDE tour 2019 :
24/02/19 FR – Bordeaux -  Le café brun
16/03/19 FR – Carignan – Salle de la mairie
15/04/19 UK- London – Ronnie Scott
24/04/19 DE – Fûrth – Kofferfabrik
25/04/19 DE – Karlsruhe – Kohi
26/04/19 AT – Hard – Kammgarn
27/04/19 DE – Mainz – Jim
30/04/19 FR – Nancy – MAI
19/07/19 LV – Saulkrasti Jazz Fest
27/07/19 DE – Herzberg -  Burg Herzberg Festival

“More Solide than ever” - Bassiste mag

“Best fusion album of the year” - Planet Waves 

“Not only for bass players, those who look for groove and various musical colours will be pleased.” - Pavillon 666

“This kind of album is timeless and in 50 years from now, we still can play it, it won't get old at all” - Metal is the Law / Webzine

To purchase SHOB's “Solide”:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/fr/album/solide/1458804879
Smart URL: http://smarturl.it/Solide
Physical copy: https://www.paniermusique.fr/les-cds/2825-shob-solide-3760231768496.html

Videos:
SHOB's youtube channel has more than 1 million hits and 4000 followers: www.youtube.com/user/shobkubiack
SHOB “Karma Obscur”:


SHOB “Enclosures live”:


SHOB “La Brèche”:


SHOB “Green Elephant”:


Audio/Video sample “Sacerdoce”:


Audio/Video sample “Enclosures”:


For more information: www.shob.fr

MAXIMUM Booking
netMusicZone Records
Phone: 0049-(0)-8324-933-851
Fax: 0049-(0)-8324-933-829
E-Mail: info@MAXIMUMBooking.com
www.MAXIMUMBooking.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Friday, September 7, 2018

Bassist Jason Everett to Release New Live Album With Deep Energy Orchestra Feat. Trey Gunn of King Crimson & Selvaganesh of Shakti


World-class musicians record intimate performance concert blending classical music, jazz, rock, and Indian fusion

During the first week of October 2017, world-class musicians from many genres came together in an ambitious project…to record and perform a full night of music…in a week. The Deep Energy Orchestra were brought together by local composer and fretless bassist, Jason Everett who had been named an “Artist in Residence” by the prestigious non-profit Jack Straw Cultural Center in Seattle, WA. The project captured high-quality audio and video performances of his compositions which are inspired by his love for classical, jazz and Indian Fusion music. The live recording took place at Jack Straw Cultural Center, located in the University District, over a two day period.

Says Jason, “I love instrumental music, and started as a classical musician at eight. I was playing jazz clubs professionally at sixteen, and feel in love with Indian music at eighteen. This project is an exciting culmination of that history and my love for those musical styles.”

Another well-known musician in the project who plays an unusual instrument is Trey Gunn, who is best known for his work with King Crimson and the Security Project. “I was really excited to play with Trey…we are both bassists with extended range instruments who play melodically; so we were able to trade off roles as lead and rhythm players,” explained Jason. “Trey is really exciting to watch as he is performing on his Warr Guitar which is a 12-string instrument that he plays almost like a piano.”

“I was surprised how easily these pieces flowed out of us when rehearsing and recording. It is a clear testament to Jason's writing that music this challenging felt so natural.” - Trey Gunn

Also featured on the album is Indian musician Selvaganesh, best known for his work with Shakti, John McLaughlin and Jonas Helborg, who plays kanjira and his custom drum kit.

“It is my pleasure to be part of Deep Energy Orchestra, everyone was flying, especially Trey!  I had a great time playing the music and was impressed with Jason’s pieces, especially those in odd-meters. This is one of my favourite groups!” - Selvaganesh

More-strings-than-usual might be a theme for this group as lead violinist Radhika Iyer, from San Francisco played her seven-string electric violin and Everett himself is known for his unique seven-string fretless bass. Other local musicians who rounded out the sound included tabla player Anil Prasad, and classical musicians, Rachel Nesvig on violin, Aleida Gehrels on viola, and Phil Hirschi on cello.



 Jason Everett, Trey Gunn & Selvaganesh

Jason Everett (aka Mister E) is a performer, composer, and producer who plays a variety of stringed and percussive instruments with his primary instruments being his seven-string fretless bass and acoustic six-string bass. Jason attended Northern Arizona University on a full scholarship for bassoon and started playing jazz professionally at sixteen years old.

Jason has played music outside of the mainstream for most of his career including with the avant-garde space-jazz ensemble, Little Green Men; Flamenco fusion groups, Machete’, Deseo Carmin, and Acoustic Fantasy; world fusion groups, Avaaza, Tarana, and Andre Feriante; and Kirtan artists, Gina Sala’ and Girish. Jason has also been recently performing and recording with Bay Area world jazz fusion groups, Facing East and Ancient Future. Jason has created his own groups including Taal Maya, a Shakti inspired Indian fusion project and Pandamonium, which is described as “Prog Rock Jazz Funk.”

“Jason Everett's intonation on his signature 7-string fretless bass is exemplary, and he is a well-spring of melodies and musical ideas. Keep your eyes and ears out for Jason Everett aka Mister E!” - Stu Hamm

Jason's recording work has recently included producing a four-movement, 20-minute composition called “Moksha: The Elimination of All Duality” that features world-class artists including Selvaganesh (Shakti, Masters of Percussion), Fareed Haque (director of Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University), Suhail Yusuf Khan, Radhakrisna Neyvili, Vishal Nagar, and Ujwal Nagar.

Jason is also performing as a solo bass artist and has recently performed at NAMM (the National Association of Music Manufacturers) convention in LA, the International Solo Bass Competition hosted by bass amplifier manufacturer, Phil Jones Bass in NY, and as a headliner for Bass Bash in Denver, CO for the last several years.

Finally, Jason was name an Artist in Residence by Seattle non-profit, Jack Straw Cultural Center for 2017 and recorded his new album, “Playing With Fire” which is due for release October 2018 and has recently started a new collaboration with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra who have commissioned Jason to arrange his music from the “Playing With Fire” album for their full chamber orchestra. Jason is an endorsed artist for Bartolini Pickups, Kalium Strings and Conklin Guitars, who have created a signature model instrument for Jason called, the “OM Bass.”

“Jason's impressive bass work will dazzle, but his playing transcends the instrument to become a pure source of expression. His compositions are equally full of wonder and atmosphere for a sonic journey. A top-notch musician!” - Kevin Johnson No Treble Bass Magazine

In closing Jason has this to impart, “My music is a combination of the styles that move me. Classical, Jazz, Groove, Funk, Prog Rock, and World music (particularly Indian and Flamenco). Music is a language and it is always amazing when musicians from different genres and training can come together to create something new, unique and beautiful. My music is nearly always instrumental, and often in odd-meters.”

To purchase Deep Energy Orchestra's “Playing With Fire”: https://deepenergyorchestra.bandcamp.com/

For more information:
www.deepenergyorchestra.com
www.facebook.com/deepenergyorchestra

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

New Biography on The Cars Singer/Bassist Benjamin Orr by Vermont Writer Joe Milliken to be Published November 2018!


Bellows Falls, VT – Veteran music journalist Joe Milliken recently announced a publishing deal with the Lanham, Maryland-based publisher Rowman & Littlefield Publishers to produce his first book, a biography about the late Benjamin Orr. Orr was the co-founder, co-lead singer, and bassist for the platinum-selling rock band The Cars. Titled Let’s Go! Benjamin Orr and The Cars, a release date is set for November 15, 2018. 

Often considered the band’s heartthrob, Orr possessed an incredible voice, diverse musical talent and rare stage presence, all balanced by a magnetic, yet enigmatic personality, striking good looks, and a relentless determination to reach rock stardom. Born Benjamin Orzechowski (aka “Benny Eleven Letters”) and raised in the Cleveland suburb of Parma Heights, Orr was, prior to becoming a world-famous rock star with The Cars, a “teen star” as a house band musician for the nationally syndicated television show Upbeat.

A few years later Ben met his musical partner and future Cars' bandleader, Ric Ocasek, and by 1976 their quest for the perfect blend of songs, bandmates, and musical landscape finally materialized as The Cars. They would go on to sell over 30 million albums worldwide resulting in 15 “Top 40” hits.

From his early success in Cleveland through his stardom with The Cars, to his solo band efforts and eventual rebirth with the emerging supergroup Big People, this definitive account of Orr’s rock-and-roll life is not a backstage ‘tell all,’ but the story of a charismatic musician with a vision, a sense of adventure, and unwavering perseverance. Orr passed away much too young at 53, but he achieved his dream through hard work and determination, a long road that began in Cleveland and culminated with The Cars coming back to his hometown to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in April of 2018.

This first-ever biography about Orr spans 11 years in the making, as Milliken draws together interviews with over 120 family members, friends, bandmates, and music associates from Orr’s life, as well as many unpublished and never before seen photos from private collections, to reveal an intimate portrait of one of classic rock’s great talents.



About the Author: Joe Milliken has been a music journalist, editor and website publisher for two decades. A die-hard music fan with a degree in visual arts, Joe turned to writing as his creative outlet, first as a local reporter, then a sports/arts & entertainment editor and freelancer. In 2014, he launched Standing Room Only, a website dedicated to promoting music and the arts on a local (New England) and national level. Originally from Boston, Milliken now resides in southern Vermont with his wife, Kelly, and his children, Nate and Erin. 

Learn more about upcoming book-related announcements, events, discounts, and author interviews at www.facebook.com/BenOrrBook, by email at benorrbook@gmail.com or follow @benorrbook on Twitter. 

Joe Milliken: Author, Website Publisher
Donna Neale: Public Relations Assistant: benorrbook@gmail.com

Let’s Go is available for presale: 
Rowman & Littlefield’s website: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538118658
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Go-Benjamin-Orr-Cars/dp/1538118653/ref=sr_1_1

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Bassist John Ferrara of Prog Ensemble Consider The Source Announces June 13th Album Release, Summer Tour of New Duo Project


John Ferrara, bassist for globetrotting psych-fusion stalwarts Consider the Source, brings his powerful solo compositions to life with the aid of virtuoso percussionist Seth Moutal in their debut album “Frail Things in Sharp Places” to be released on June 13, 2018.

“We wanted our debut to be an honest representation of ourselves,” John says. “While there’s a lot of shredding, Indian rhythms, looping and tapping, each song has immense emotional significance. We took our time to make sure nothing was gratuitous. This album is who we are. I play a 5-string bass and loop chords and melodies while playing basslines on my homemade Taurus pedals. Seth plays drum set, tablas, and a variety of hand percussion instruments. We play everything you hear on the album, and we try not to record it if we can’t do it live.” Moutal's plethora of percussive timbres blends with Ferrara's trademark cascading loops and growling hand-built synths to create an immersive tapestry of sound and groove.

In support of their debut album, The John Ferrara & Seth Moutal Duo will bring their visionary blend of progressive rock, jazz, minimalism and world music to select shows in the northeast. Take a listen to some tracks from “Frail Thing in Sharp Places” for a taste of the album's vibrant world of hypnotic percussion and soaring melody.



Videos:
“Jackie Chan” by John Ferrara and Seth Moutal:


“Song for Ramida” by John Ferrara:


“30 Tyrants” by John Ferrara and Seth Moutal:


Summer Tour Dates:
6/14-6/16 - Hammonton, NJ Beardfest
6/22 - Downsville, NY JetLАG Festival 6/30 - Boston, MA - Cafe Luna
7/1 - NYC, NY - Rockwood Music Hall
7/6 - Charlotte, NC - Rock University (Master Class)
7/6 - Charlotte, NC - The Rabbit Hole
7/7 - Raleigh, NC - The Pour House Music Hall
7/8 - Florence, SC - Private event
7/12 - Baltimore, MD - 8X10
7/14 - Reading, PA - Private Event

To pre-order John Ferrara and Seth Moutal's “Frail Things in Sharp Places”: https://johnferraramusic.bandcamp.com

Visit John at his website and on social media:
http://www.johnferraramusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/johnferraramusic/
https://www.instagram.com/john.ferrara.bass/

John Ferrara's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8sfBbAbY8l23dkctbmLFg?view_as=subscriber

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Bass Legend Jeff Berlin To Release 30th Anniversary Edition 12-inch Vinyl "Joe Frazier - Round 3" Feat. Steve Vai & David Sancious!


Joe Frazier - Round 3 smokes because the players are smoking. They took a wonderful piece of music and lit a fuse under it! - Jeff Berlin

Nashville – Legendary bassist Jeff Berlin will be releasing on May 11th a 30th Anniversary Edition 12-inch vinyl of his signature song “Joe Frazier.” The EP “Joe Frazier - Round 3” will include a newly remastered version of the original song from his critically acclaimed 1987 album “Pump It!” and a completely re-imagined version, composed and performed by Jeff, Steve Vai (lead guitar), David Sancious (keys), Keith Carlock (drums) and Tom Hemby (rhythm guitar). This limited-edition EP will be available as signed audiophile vinyl, signed CD, or digital release, with collector's editions including an autographed chart of the new arrangement. Digital “mix minus” tracks of the single will also be offered so you can play along with these iconic musicians.

Says Jeff, “'Joe Frazier' is a song that has remained with me throughout my career. No matter where I am in the world, people ask to hear this song. 2017 marks the 30th anniversary of the rendition that I recorded on my second solo record, 'Pump It!' While chatting about the tune with producer John McCracken, we thought to come up with a new version, calling it 'Joe Frazier - Round 3.' For me, this new song is almost entirely different from the previous two renditions and, quite honestly, I think that this is one of the best tunes I ever wrote.”

Musicians:
Bass and Keyboards: Jeff Berlin
Guitar Solo: Steve Vai
Additional Keyboards: David Sancious
Drums: Keith Carlock
Rhythm Guitars: Tom Hemby
Shakers: Gabriela Sinagra

Says Jeff, “Steve Vai's guitar solo was searing. He showed why he is one of the greatest of the great guitarists in the world. David Sancious' keyboards put color and style into JF. The man is a legend and helped to put the 'orchestra' into 'Joe Frazier.' Keith Carlock’s drumming is like a train clicking down the tracks. He instantly grabbed the quarter note and never let it go for over seven minutes of musical percolating. Tom Hemby is one of Nashville's top studio guitarists. But on 'Joe Frazier,' he sounded like the guitarist for James Brown and AC/DC.”


Photo by Arnie Goodman Photography

Credits
“Joe Frazier – Round 3”
Written and Arranged by Jeff Berlin
© 2018 Sejavi Music BMI

Produced by: John McCracken for Headstrong Media Group
Engineered and Mixed by: John McCracken @ Studio 225 Brentwood, TN
Drums Recorded at: Velvet Cinema Studio, Franklin, TN
Mastered by: Randy Merrill @ Sterling Sound, NYC

Jeff's Equipment: 
Markbass “Jeff Berlin” and “Players School” bass cabinets
Cort Rithimic bass
Babicz Bass Bridge
DR Bass Strings
Steinberg-Cubase

Release date: May 11, 2018.

Five options, all accessible for purchase at: https://www.jeffberlinmusicgroup.com/jbmerch/

I. The Collector's Package
1. Signed 180g audiophile 12” vinyl EP with a newly remastered version of the original (“Joe Frazier - Round 2”) and a completely re-imagined version (“Joe Frazier - Round 3”) written and performed by Jeff and an all-star group: Steve Vai (guitar), Keith Carlock (drums), David Sancious (keys), and Tom Hemby (rhythm guitar)
2. Signed CD of both songs, and
3. A signed and dated print of the full score for “Joe Frazier - Round 3”
All of Jeff's signatures will be original!
Available July 2018 (pre-order bonus!!: digital bundle sent to you FREE on May 11, 2018)
$39.95 + shipping and handling. International shipping available

II. “Joe Frazier” 30th-Anniversary Edition CD
This signed, special-edition CD will include a newly remastered version of “Joe Frazier - Round 2” and the all new “Joe Frazier - Round 3”
$14.95 + shipping and handling. International shipping available

III. “Joe Frazier” 30th-Anniversary Digital Bundle
This packed special-edition digital bundle will include:
1. the newly remastered “Joe Frazier - Round 2”
2. the brand new “Joe Frazier - Round 3”
3. an extra bonus track: the original “Joe Frazier - Round 2” demo
4. a digital download of the full “Joe Frazier - Round 3” score
$7.99

IV. “Joe Frazier - Round 3” “Music Minus One” Alternate Mix Bundle
This interactive “Music Minus One” digital bundle will include alternate mixes of “Joe Frazier - Round 3” that allow you to play along with Jeff Berlin, Steve Vai, Keith Carlock, David Sancious, and Tom Hemby. This bundle includes the full digital score and 4 alternate mixes:
1) Minus drums
2) Minus bass
3) Minus guitars
4) Minus bass solos and guitar solos
$14.99

Each of these “Music Minus” mixes is available for individual purchase ($4.99) and will also include the full digital score along with the alternate mix.

Pre-orders accepted now at: jeffberlinmusicgroup.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Friday, February 16, 2018

Bass Icon Stu Hamm To Tour The US In Support Of New Album "The Diary of Patrick Xavier"


Legendary bassist Stu Hamm will be touring the US end of February in support of his highly anticipated new concept album “The Diary of Patrick Xavier”! Stu Hamm has been the go-to bass player for the world's great musicians. Time spent playing with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani has cemented his place among the greats and gave him the platform to display his pioneering bass techniques to adoring crowds worldwide.

“The Diary of Patrick Xavier”

2015 started out with a bang. My life was tossed in a blender, and I decided to go on a walkabout to sort things out. I booked as many gigs as possible and became the Flying Dutchman of bass players. Those of you who actually know me, know that I am always reading something. And, as much as I love the convenience of my Kindle, and reading comics on my iPad, nothing beats the feel and smell of actually holding a book in your hands. When I finish a book, I leave it in the seat pocket in front of me (if I'm in a plane), or hide it somewhere in the hotel room, where I hope that housekeeping won’t find it, but a bored, lonely fellow traveler might…pay it forward y'all!!

And so…I finished reading “The Shadow-Line” by Joseph Conrad on the beach in Pescara, and pedaled it back with me at the end of the day to Citta'Bianca Hotel and placed it on the bookshelf in the lobby…Then, something caught my eye…It stood out because what was written on the spine was in English. “The Diary of Patrick Xavier”. What I held in my hands was a diary of an American named Patrick Xavier who, after life changing events, had decided to travel for 18 months to find…???...and to keep a journal of his physical, emotional and spiritual journey. And now it gets weird. Although the Agent of Change that happened to Patrick was quite different from what happened to me, the experiences he was going through were just too close to my own to be ignored. We were searching for the same answers to the same questions.

Reading what he went through was heartbreaking, hilarious, inspiring, and all too familiar to me. Anyway, it was all very intriguing. This is how music is created. I came upon the idea to write songs based on P.X.'s journal entries…or at least the ones that mirrored my own experiences and that I could relate to in such a way as I could get the point of the text across musically. I won’t quote directly from his journal entries, but will give a brief description of what he wrote that moved me to write the music. Our man Patrick is a much better writer then me, or maybe…the writer I would have liked to become had my life tilted differently at key moments. The names and places have been changed to protect the guilty… the innocent can take care of themselves. - Stu Hamm

Stu Hamm has traveled the world from Boston to Belfast to Budapest, Bali and Berlin. He's performed in a 19th century circus tent with Joan Baez, and recorded a duet of “Do Right Woman” with her. HAMM  has performed with Mick Jagger, played sold out shows at Royal Albert Hall and in front of 120,000 people in Mexico City with a Mexican Rock Band.

Hamm graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he met guitarist Steve Vai and, through him, met Joe Satriani. He played bass on Vai's 1984 debut solo album, “Flex-Able” and in 1990 Hamm was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Degree from his Alma Mater.  He has performed and recorded with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Michael Shenker, Frank Gambale, and many other well-respected guitarists, however, it was playing live on tour with Satriani that brought Hamm's skills to national attention. Subsequent recordings with Satriani and other rock/fusion artists along with the release of his own solo recordings (featuring keyboard player Tommy Mars, guitarists Alan Holdsworth and Robert Fripp, drummers Steve Smith and Tommy Lee), solidified his reputation as a bassist and performer.

Stu Hamm solo tour dates:
FEBRUARY 27, TUE - St. Paul, MN (Vieux Carré)
FEBRUARY 28, WED - Milwaukee, WI (Shank Hall)
MARCH 1, THU - Chicago, IL (Reggie's)
MARCH 2, FRI - Indianapolis, IN (Irving Theater)
MARCH 3, SAT - Evansville, IN (Mojo's BoneYard)
MARCH 4, SUN - St. Louis, MO (Fubar)
MARCH 6, TUE - Cincinnati, OH (MVP)
MARCH 7, WED - Detroit, MI (Token Lounge)
MARCH 8, THU - Cleveland, OH (Wilbert's Music)
MARCH 10, SAT - Kenneth Square, PA (Kenneth Flash)
MARCH 11, SUN - New Hope, PA (Havana)
MARCH 15, THU - Marlboro, NY (The Falcon)
MARCH 16, FRI - Providence, RI (Alchemy)
MARCH 17, SAT - Boston, MA (The Middle East Upstairs)
MARCH 18, SUN - Brookline, NH (Oak Hill Music Hall)
MARCH 20, TUE - Piermont, NY (The Turning Point)
MARCH 21, WED - Pawling, NY (Darryl's House)
MARCH 22, THU - Schenectady, NY (The Van Dyck Lounge)
MARCH 23, FRI - Syracuse, NY (Funk 'n Waffles Downtown)
MARCH 25, SUN - Rochester, NY (Lovin' Cup)
MARCH 27, TUE - Buffalo, NY (The Tralf)
MARCH 28, WED - Toronto, ON (The Garrison)

For more information:
www.stuarthamm.net/
www.facebook.com/StuHammBass

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com