Sights and Sounds: Bryan Adams, The Beatles, Bullet For My Valentine, MUSIC WORTH BUYING episode

Time for a serious roundup of music news, notes and reviews...

Bryan Adams to return with Jeff Lynne-produced new studio album 'Get Up' on Oct. 16, 2015

Multi-platinum, recording artist Bryan Adams is set to release his thirteenth studio album, Get Up (UMe), on October 16, 2015.   Produced by famed ELO frontman Jeff Lynne and co-written with his long-time collaborator Jim Vallance, the album features nine new songs and four acoustic versions, tracklisting below.  Get Up is available for pre-order now via all digital partners and includes instant-grat track “You Belong To Me,” followed by lead track “Brand New Day” available September 7, and the final early download, “Don’t Even Try” prior to street date.  Preorder link: http://smarturl.it/BryanAdamsGetUp. 

A performance clip will be released to accompany the first download “You Belong To Me,” and  fans can look forward to the official music video for “Brand New Day” directed by Adams featuring BAFTA Award-winning actress, Helena Bonham Carter, and musician Theo Hutchcraft from acclaimed synth-pop duo Hurts. 

                                                                                      

Get Up  is a solid collection of beautifully-crafted rock songs, from the fast and furious up-tempo tracks such as lead song “Brand New Day,” “You Belong To Me” and “Thunderbolt,” to the gentler songs such as “Don’t Even Try” and “We Did It All,” plus the alternative Adams-produced acoustic versions, highlighting Adams’ unique voice and depth.. 

Get Up is a body of work that Adams is truly proud off and with multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer Jeff Lynne - whose credits include The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Randy Newman and Tom Petty, as well as being the co-founder, producer and member of the Traveling Wilburys - at the helm shaping the record, Get Up will sit nicely alongside Adams’ earlier classics.

“It came together quite organically,” recalls Adams, “song by song, working with Jeff producing over the past couple of years whenever he had time. It was a great partnership as it gave me plenty of time to write the songs, most of which are a collaboration with Jim Vallance. We all worked primarily over the internet from Canada, Europe and LA, sending demos and parts of songs until we got it right.”

"I've always been a big fan of Bryan so getting to work with him was a great pleasure,” says Jeff  Lynne.  “Bryan would send me a demo across the internet, then I would play most of the instruments to make a finished backing track and send it back to him in England. There he would put the lead vocal on to the song and send it back to me in California.  5,400 miles apart! And it's turned out to be a rockin' album!"

”There is a carefree feeling about this album,” adds Adams “and in many ways it is the album I wish I'd been able to make 25 years ago.”

Adams continues to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of his critically-acclaimed album Reckless last year, with a sold-out global headlining tour – upcoming North American dates below.   This summer, Adams will co-headlining with Rod Stewart at BBC Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park Festival on September 13^th.

www.bryanadams.com

Get Up Tracklisting:

• You Belong To Me

• Go Down Rockin’

• We Did It All

• That’s Rock and Roll

• Don’t Even Try

• Do What Ya Gotta Do

• Thunderbolt

• Yesterday Was Just A Dream

• Brand New Day

• Don’t Even Try – Acoustic

• We Did It All – Acoustic 

• You Belong To Me – Acoustic

• Brand New Day – Acoustic

Upcoming tour dates:

Friday, September 18                                     Us Cellular Centre                            Bloomington, IL

Saturday, September 19                               Rogers Amphitheater                    Fayetteville, AR

Sunday, September 20                                Snowden Amphitheater               Memphis, TN

Monday, September 21                                Events Centre                                   Springfield, MO               

Wednesday, September 23                         Northrup Auditorium                     Minneapolis, MN

Thursday, September 24                              Sanford Centre                 Bemdji, MN

Friday, September 25                                     Tyson Events Centre                      Sioux City, IA

Ultimate Edition of  'Beatles Gear' coming courtesy of Backbeat Books

In 2001, Andy Babiuk wrote Beatles Gear, the first book to tell the full story of how the Beatles made their music, detailing exactly which guitars, drums, amplifiers, and keyboards the Beatles used at the key points of their relatively brief but entirely revolutionary career, from the formation of the Quarrymen skiffle group in the 1950s to the dissolution of the Beatles in 1970. 

The book was lauded by fans and critics alike: TheChicago Tribune said it “may be the ultimate specialized study of the Beatles’ equipment.” Library Journal proclaimed it “A fresh, highly readable perspective on the group’s well-documented history.” And, the San Jose Mercury-News called it “the ultimate Beatles fanatic book.”

Fifteen years later, Babiuk once again turns his keen eye to the Fab Four with Beatles Gear – The Ultimate Edition.  Double size of the original and featuring 625 additional photographs, all-new edition provides fresh insights into Beatles history, exploding myths and uncovering dozens of new stories along the way. John, Paul, George and Ringo’s moves from cheap early instruments to the pick of 1960s technology are carefully and entertainingly documented in an easy-to-read narrative, fully illustrated with many previously unseen photographs, a cache of rare memorabilia, and a unique collection of specially photographed actual Beatle instruments.

Among the new photographs in Beatles Gear: The Ultimate Edition are those of Lennon’s original 1962 J-160E Gibson Acoustic guitar.  Lost for more than 50 years, Babiuk was instrumental in authenticating the guitar, which will be sold at auction in Beverly Hills in early November. Also shown in luscious quality throughout the book are 43 of the group’s original instruments, many still owned by ex-members of The Beatles or their heirs, from George’s psychedelic Strat to John’s “Bed In” Gibson, and Ringo’s roof top Ludwig kit to Paul’s Hofner violin bass.

As we continue to find new ways to explore their sound, from vivid remasters of their original recordings to cutting-edge video games, the Beatles remain at the forefront of popular music. Beatles Gear: The Ultimate Edition is perfect for the fan absorbed by music rather than hairstyles, for the tribute-band member with an eye for detail, and for any reader with an abiding interest in the 1960s.

With a foreword by acclaimed Beatle author Mark Lewisohn, Beatles Gear: The Ultimate Edition tells it like it was.

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE RELEASE NEW SONG "PLAYING GOD"

UK metal band Bullet For My Valentine is gearing up to release their new album VENOM on Friday, August 14th, and in anticipation, the band will roll out music with commentary all week long across their social media accounts. the band has just released a new bonus track called "Playing God" from the deluxe edition of VENOM.

Listen to "Playing God"  now: http://smarturl.it/BFMVpg

Fans can follow Bullet For My Valentine's social media accounts for additional music and information:

https://www.facebook.com/BulletForMyValentine

https://instagram.com/bfmvofficial

https://twitter.com/bfmvofficial

VENOM will be released on August 14, 2015 via RCA Records. Catch the band on tour with Slipknot and Lamb of God this summer.

Pre-Order VENOM:

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/venomBFMViT

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/venomBFMVAm

Google Play: http://smarturl.it/venomBFMVGP

Web Store: http://smarturl.it/BFMVvenomd2c

MUSIC WORTH BUYING episode: Rock Candy Funk Party, Jill Scott

Also, have you checked out the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING? We assess the latest albums from Rock Candy Funk Party and Jill Scott:

Masterworks fuel winning crop of new releases

Lovers of authentic Americana, blues and roots music, funk, as well as of the late Grammy- and Academy Award-winning composer James Horner all have reason to celebrate thanks to an outstanding crop of 2015 releases available this summer.

Artist: Michael Ubaldini
Title: Songster – The Acoustic Reels (Blackwater Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Steve Earle, Johnny Cash, Walter Clevenger, Bob Dylan

Tell me more: Discerning fans of the burgeoning Americana movement have been rightfully encouraged by the success of a slew of talented newcomers but worry about the parade of unceasing acts whose slick approach (notably Milk Carton Kids and the Lumineers) threaten the movement's delightfully-authentic rough edges that are at odds with modern country's cliché-heavy approach. Leave it to alternative Americana hero Michael Ubaldini to strip things down to their acoustic underpinnings, using nothing more than an acoustic guitar, harmonica and his emotive baritone to set free a mix of new originals, as well as reworked  standouts from his own rich discography and revisited traditional songs (the Celtic "Handsome Molly" and biting folk nugget "The Cuckoo") on the ambitious 21-track Songster – The Acoustic Reels. Ubaldini is never less than both literate and artful with his lyrical approach as evidenced by the playful "Jean Harlow," bona fide celebration of romance ("Sweet ole Riddle"), beautiful expression of loss ("Rosewood Night"), defiance and perseverance ("Walk Through Fire") and probing look at America's endangered freedoms ("Money, Bible and a Gun"). Information: rocknrollpoet.com.

Purchase 'Songster' -the Acoustic Reels today

Artist: Rock Candy Funk Party
Title: Groove Is King (J&R Adventures)

You might like if you enjoy: Daft Punk, Mark Ronson, Prince, Joe Bonamassa

Tell me more: Music rarely gets funkier or grooves harder than the joyous Rock Candy Funk Party sophomore effort Groove Is King. Blending rock, funk, electronica, jazz, and R&B across its 16 tracks, RCFP offers up a mostly instrumental affair over its 70+ minute run; the wonderful exception is an amazing reworking of Peter Gabriel's "Digging in the Dirt" where Zia offers up some vocal shadings. Fans of guitar great Joe Bonamassa will want to wrap their ears around "Uber Station," where Bonamassa's masterful fret work is featured amidst the heavy grooves and a soulful horn section (featuring Randy Brecker, Ada Rovatti and James Campagnola); his graceful work on the heretofore noted "Digging in the Dirt" and speedy jazz licks on "Rock Candy" are a wonder. Everywhere the music making is outstanding, with performances that technically dazzle while simultaneously motivating the listener to move. The physical edition of the album comes with a bonus DVD that includes 50 minutes of in-studio footage of RCFP. Information: rockcandyfunkparty.com.

Buy 'Groove Is King [CD/DVD Combo]' here

 

Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd (and guests)
Title: One More For the Fans (Loud & Proud Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Peter Frampton, Robert Randolph, Gregg Allman, Cheap Trick

Tell me more: A full-length concert featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd and a cast of acclaimed guests was staged in Atlanta, GA on Nov. 12, 2014, and has now been thankfully released via a must-have deluxe package including the event presented on two audio CDs and on DVD. While the highlight may well be the band itself delivering an incredible marathon-length take of "Free Bird," the rest of the 19-track set is pure joy. Imagine no more what it would be like for power-pop greats Cheap Trick to tackle Skynyrd; the quartet delivers a fiery version of "Gimme Back My Bullets." Later Gov't Mule powers through an emotionally-charged Southern Rock-styled "Simple Man" while country great Jamey Johnson offers up a bluesy "Four Walls Of Raiford." Peter Frampton offers up great fretwork and top-flight vocals on a version of "Call Me The Breeze." Other sterling performances come courtesy of Alabama ("Gimme Three Steps") and Gregg Allman ("Tuesday's Gone"). Information: loudandproudrecords.com.

Buy 'One More For The Fans' here

Artist: James Horner

Title: Southpaw (Sony Classical)

You might like if you enjoy: James Horner's previous soundtracks 

Tell me more: Whether enveloping the listener with tense and unsettling soundscapes ("The Preparations," "A Fatal Tragedy," "A Cry for Help") or touching our emotions at the deepest of levels ("A More Normal Life," "Dream Crusher," "The Funeral, Alone…"), composer James Horner's Southpaw is a compelling listen for lovers of modern-day soundtracks and contemporary symphonic music. With its mix of traditional orchestral layers and electronica textures (just listen to "Suicidal Rampage"), Southpaw demonstrates Horner's unique ability to bring additional depth in support of diverse film projects. Sadly, following the completion of this soundtrack, Horner died at the age of 61 when the single-engine plane he was piloting crashed into the Los Padres National Forest in Southern California on June 22, 2015. Among Horner's best-known scores were Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn (1982), Aliens (1986), Titanic (1995) and Avatar (2009). Information: sonyclassical.com.
Purchase 'Southpaw (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' here

Artist: The Pinder Brothers
Title: Melancholy Sea (Inner World Music)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fray, Ben Folds 5, America

Tell me more: Although The Pinder Brothers' wonderful 11-song Melancholy Sea was released in winter, the duo's bright melodic rock sound is ideally suited to summer. From the wistful "Same Mistake" (whose sound spans folk rock to psychedelia along its run) to the longing "Driving You Home," brothers Michael Lee Pinder and Matt Pinder have an innate instinct how to meld infectious melodies with heartfelt song craft. The lyrics, straightforward and earnest, are delivered amidst nice harmonies and creative arrangements. Information: pinderbrothers.com.

Get 'Melancholy Sea' here

Artist: Blinddog Smokin'
Title: High Steppin' (Silver Talon Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Billy Branch, Bobby Rush, Boxing Gandhis

Tell me more: Although high-powered funk collective Blinddog Smokin' earned a well-deserved Grammy nomination for 2014's Decisions (a collaboration with legendary soul-blues singer Bobby Rush), the seven-member troupe is still deserving of plenty more attention. The newly-released High Steppin' disc might just be the ticket. The nine-track LP is an inviting addition to the group's strong discography. The range of material is wide, with the songs all hitting the mark. Highlights include the infectious funk blast "Pimp Shoes," heavy Chicago blues song "Tell 'Em Shuffle" (featuring some incredible blues harmonica work from Carl Gustafson), New Orleans-styled "Don't Put No Money On Me," and the emotive "If I Died Today." Information: silvertalonrecords.com.

Get' High Steppin' ' today

Artists: B.B. King & Eric Clapton

Title: Riding With The King (Audio Fidelity)

You might like if you enjoy: Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Robert Johnson

Tell me more: Originally released in June 2000, Riding With The King was the first –and ultimately only – full-length studio collaboration teaming blues greats B.B. King and Eric Clapton. With Riley B. King's death in May 2015, the sterling reissue of the dozen-track collection via Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity label as a limited edition Hybrid SACD (that plays on all SACD and CD players) is worth discovering again (or for the first time). The set originally earned the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album, and time has only amplified the strength of the material and performances captured on the disc. Among the gems on the album are a rollicking cover of John Hiatt's "Riding With The King" featuring King and Clapton sharing lead and harmony vocals, King's original blues ballad "Ten Long Years," the buoyant rockabilly-styled "Days of Old" and the heartfelt "Marry You." Information: audiofidelity.net.
Purchase Riding With The King directly via the Audio Fidelity Web site here

Artist: Lindi Ortega

Title: Faded Gloryville (Last Gang Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Nikki Lane, Whitney Rose, Emmylou Harris

Tell me more: When Lindi Ortega sings the title track on her most recent album Faded Gloryville, the songstress is recounting her own path while also singing for the countless other great artists who have created an amazing body of work while working mostly under the radar. A singer and songwriter of incredible depth, the Canadian native now based in Nashville had released a trio of albums before Faded Gloryville that earned uniformly-strong critical acclaim but failed to bring her much-deserved commercial success. Faded Gloryville continues to cast a bright light on the talented Ortega; the Juno Award winner has a voice capable of mining the deepest of emotions as evidenced by the confessional "Ashes," tender "Someday Soon" and a remarkable version of the Bee Gees' 1967 hit "To Love Somebody." Fusing rockabilly, alt country, folk and Americana into an original soundscape is the final masterstroke in Ortega's winning approach on the wonderful Faded Gloryville. Information: LindiOrtega.com.
Purchase 'Faded Gloryville' here


Artist: Whitney Rose
Title: Heartbreaker of the Year (Cameron House Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves
Tell me more: Produced by celebrated Mavericks frontman Raul Malo, singer-songwriter Whitney Rose's sophomore album Heartbreaker of the Year (available on Aug. 21, 2015) is a beautiful collection that straddles the worlds of neo-traditional country and classic girl group-styled '60s pop. There are gorgeous authentic country ballads ("The Last Party," "Lasso"), spirited pop-rock ("Little Piece Of You," "Only Just A Dream"), tunes that blend both styles ("My First Rodeo," "Ain't It Wise"), a touch of country blues ("The Devil Borrowed My Boots") and a captivating cover of the Ronnettes' "Be My Baby" featuring Rose trading vocals with Ralo's tenor - all delivered with a contemporary energy that both celebrates and defies the wealth of retro influences that add luster to the rich collection. Information: whitneyrosemusic.com.

Purchase 'Heartbreaker of the Year' here

Sights and Sounds: Jon Lord, Dream Theater, 'Front and Center' returns, New 'Music Worth Buying' episode

Today's roundup includes a little bit of everything, so let's get to it!

EAGLE ROCK AND EARMUSIC RELEASE

 

JON LORD

CONCERTO FOR GROUP & ORCHESTRA

 

AS BLU-RAY/CD AND DOUBLE VINYL ON SEPT. 3, 2013

 

 

New York, NY (August 15, 2013)--On September 3, earMUSIC and Eagle Rock Entertainment will release the first studio recording of Jon Lord's Concerto For Group And Orchestra. Originally released in September 2012 on CD (earMusic/Eagle Rock), this groundbreaking meeting of rock and classical music will now be released as a Blu-ray/CD set and double vinyl. [MSRP $19.98 Blu-ray/CD, $24.98 2LP]

 

The recording of this incredible album began in June 2011 in Liverpool. Lord, the marvelous rhythm section of Guy Pratt (Pink Floyd, Madonna) andBrett Morgan (Jon Anderson, Sting) with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (with whom Jon had recorded twice before) were conducted by Paul Mann. The production then moved to Abbey Road Studios in London to record Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson (on vocals withSteve Balsamo and Kasia Laska) and Joe Bonamassa, Darin Vasilev and Steve Morse on guitars.

Happily, Jon got to hear and approve the final mixes a few weeks before he passed away. The family and earMUSIC decided to proceed with the release of the album in September 2012 as scheduled, as this seemed the best way to celebrate and pay tribute to Jon and his beautiful music. Thus this superb studio recording of Concerto For Group And Orchestra is exactly the way Jon wanted us to hear it and will now hopefully become Jon's legacy for generations to come.

 “Over these last years since leaving Deep Purple, I’ve played it over 30 times with different orchestras and conductors all over the world, and, of course, in 2000 I did it well over 30 times with Purple on the Concerto tour, so I’ve been honing the piece live on stage, and I’ve had the opportunity to change things in the score that weren’t sounding quite right. It is therefore a marvelous and exciting prospect to have the definitive recording of the definitive version of the score.”

-Jon Lord May 2012

 

Following the huge demand of the fans, the Concerto will now be made available on double vinyl including a special bonus audio piece: Jon Lord’slast interview with the BBC from August 2012. There will also be a very special Blu-ray + CD edition, which includes not only the full Concerto on CD and a 5.1 audio bonus piece on the Blu-ray, but the “Making Of” feature and in-depth interviews with Paul Mann and Marco de Goeij. Exclusive to this format is the new behind the scenes documentary “Up Close & Personal (Orchestral Recording Sessions)” which gives an interesting insight into the work of Jon Lord and the orchestra.

 

With his legendary organ blues-rock sound, Deep Purple’s founder Jon Lord has influenced decades of rock musicians. He is with no doubt the pioneer of fusing rock and classical/baroque forms and became one of the most important composers of the last few decades. Jon Lord co-wrote many of Deep Purple’s legendary songs including “Smoke On The Water” and played with many bands and musicians throughout his career (Whitesnake, Paice Ashton Lord, George Harrison). Best known for his orchestral work Concerto For Group And Orchestra was first performed and recorded at Royal Albert Hall with Deep Purple and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1969, conducted by the renowned Malcolm Arnold - a feat repeated in 1999 when it was again performed at the Royal Albert Hall by the London Symphony Orchestra and Deep Purple.

 

Jon’s solo work was universally acclaimed when he eventually retired from Deep Purple in 2002 but he continued to tour the Concerto around the world to sell outs and standing ovations.

For more information on Jon Lord, please visit: www.jonlord.org

 

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Dream Theater event announced!

SPECTICAST TO DISTRIBUTE 
DREAM THEATER: 
LIVE AT LUNA PARK TO THEATRES WORLDWIDE 

THE LONG-AWAITED CONCERT FILM FROM TOP NAME IN PROGRESSIVE METAL CAPTURED OVER TWO NIGHTS FROM BUENOS AIRES

NEW YORK, NY (August 15, 2013) – SpectiCast and Eagle Rock Entertainment are once again collaborating to distribute the long-awaited DREAM THEATER: LIVE AT LUNA PARK concert film to theatres worldwide beginning Thursday, September 19, 2013.  This anticipated cinematic event was captured over two nights during the final leg of the band’s 15-month “A Dramatic Turn Of Events” world tour, which hit 35 countries. DREAM THEATER: LIVE AT LUNA PARK was filmed in Buenos Aires, Argentina – home to one of Dream Theater’s most ardent fan-bases.

DREAM THEATER: LIVE AT LUNA PARK runs for 160 minutes and features many of Dream Theater’s classic tracks, including, “Metropolis Pt. 1,” “The Silent Man,” “Pull Me Under,” “The Root Of All Evil,” “The Test That Stumped Them All,” “The Spirit Carries On,” and the recent track “On The Backs Of Angels.” Dream Theater formed in 1985 under the name Majesty and has remained a top name in progressive metal ever since.

“DREAM THEATER: LIVE AT LUNA PARK is a fantastic addition to our ROCK IN CINEMA series,” said Mark Rupp, Co-Founder and President of SpectiCast.  “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Eagle Rock Entertainment, bringing theatrical releases of concerts by some of the world’s best musical groups to theatres around the globe.”

DREAM THEATER: LIVE AT LUNA PARK will premiere on the SpectiCast network beginning September 19 2013.  For more information, visit www.liveatlunapark.com and www.specticast.com.

Furthermore, DREAM THEATER – the first self-titled collection in the GRAMMY®-nominated band’s nearly three decade career – arrives at last on September 24^th.  The album is now available for pre-order in a wide range of distinctive versions, including standard and special edition CDs, 180 Gram Vinyl Double LP, and a Limited Edition Box Set. Fans who pre-order the album via the iTunes Store will receive an instant free MP3 download of the Dream Theater’s new single, “The Enemy Inside.” Preorders are also available at Dream Theater’s Webstore as well as at the Roadrunner Records Webstore.

'Front and Center' music series set to return this fall

Good news for fans the PBS music series Front Row Center. The series, now called Front and Center, is set to return this fall. Writer George A. Paul has posted an in-depth look at the new season, which includes episodes focused on a wide range of artists including Train, Buddy Guy, Rock Candy Funk Party (featuring guitarist Joe Bonamassa) and more. Click here to read George's Music Minded post...

'Music Worth Buying' update

Finally, my Music Worth Buying co-host TJR has posted an excellent solo episode on our YouTube channel where he reviews a couple of MOJO magazine's tribute collections including We're With The Beatles and the Fleetwood Mac tribute Rumours Revisited: