Breaking news on Music Business Monthly

RIP DAVEY JONES OF THE MONKEES

Davy Jones Of The Monkees Has Died

NPR

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/02/29/147650943/davy-jones-of-the-monkees-has-died

Sands of Time by Ball n Chain reviewd by Jefferson Airplane author Craig Fenton

Ball ‘n’ Chain- “Sands Of Time”

Although Joe Black has recorded sporadically over the decades his calling card was left early and impassionedly. The early 1980’s band Balloon spearheaded with radio play in many sections of the country (“East Coast/West Coast” and “Listen To The Rock”) made many take note of the kinetic bassist Joe Black.

When Balloon would run its course the high energy rock and roll outfit Ball ‘n’ Chain was born. “Seeing Red” and “Diamonds In The Rough” became must own releases for those into high energy rock. The sound a creative concoction of what Aerosmith released during the first four records along with doses of Foghat, J. Geils, and Humble Pie stands enduringly and boastfully yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

The long anticipated and overdue new CD “Sands Of Time” from Ball ‘n’ Chain finally saw the light of day in 2011. Joe Black and company haven’t lost a step or should I say a lick. Never let the mention of 1980’s rock conjure up the nightmare images of the all hair and no talent bands. Ball ‘n’ Chain” rocks hard as well as early and often without a concern for an appearance on an over-produced and under talented music video.

The opening notes of the first track “Strokes” is a cloudless presentation of straight ahead rock that takes you by the throat and refuses release. The current line-up Joe Black bass, vocals, and scrubboard, Art Knyff guitar, dobro, lapsteel, and vocals, John Billy Wooldridge drums, vocals, and percussion, Jeffrey Baker lead vocals and assorted tedism, and Tom D’Amico keyboards kept their eyes on the prize. The reward is a ten track solid effort that disallows even a millisecond disguised as a boring note.

“Cryin Shame” the third selection offers a false sense of security with a softer intro only to step full throttle a bit later knocking our heads into a brick wall. As the CD reaches the final tune “Don’t Play With Fire” the listener’s only concern should be “Don’t Let This Be The Last.”

For a look into the past and a sneak peak into the future check out Joe Black’s website http://www.joeblack.com.

The review is in memory of former Ball ‘n’ Chain member Dale Latulippe along with ninety-nine other innocent concert goers who left the planet way too early because of the tragic fire February 20^th of 2003 at The Station, West Warwick , Rhode Island during the Great White performance.

All the best,

Craig Fenton

Author- Jefferson Airplane “Take Me To A Circus Tent”

Jefferson Starship “Have You Seen The Stars Tonite”
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Kenny Selcer- “Don’t Forget About Me.”

Kenny Selcer’s wondrous recorded musical odyssey should be celebrating two decades right about now. In a roughly seven year period Kenny with Jill Stein and band released four CD’s (three under the moniker Somebody’s Sister).

Their refusal to compromise artistic integrity for multiple Benjamin Franklin’s earned them respect and admiration throughout New England . Their sound of folk-rock and beyond without falling into preconceived boundaries was rare then as it is today.

Kenny’s stronghold in the region includes time with Shazam, String Bean, the Knuckles, and the Kenny Selcer Band.

In 2011 he released “Don’t Forget About Me.” An intriguing title to say the least due to the nature of those that have heard him perform couldn’t help but remember. The latest work has a myriad of musicians playing a plethora of sounds. While others may fall into the trap of too many cooks competing for the main course Kenny has accommodated us not only with traditional instruments but the added layers of congas, mandolin, and pedal steel. Never once do the ears find the need to hide for cover because of a sub-par mashing of sonic sounds. Ken’s hands-on approach (he produced the recording and was the co-engineer) has allotted for each person to be able to breathe without suffocating the listener.

Imagine David Bromberg, Jackson Browne, early Donovan, Steve Forbert, Tom Petty, and Paul Simon percolating in a room. That paints a clearer picture of Ken’s latest material. Further accented by his own copyright stamp the results are pure pleasure from the opening tune (the title cut) to the finale (which by the way ends with the reprise).

Along the way the songs blend together effortlessly. Ken has always closed his eyes to the so called rules of recording. He doesn’t consult a manual to come up with a cookie-cutter effort that would not only disappoint the legion of followers but make gazing in the mirror a permanent hardship. An indication of Ken following his own path is the sequencing of the songs. Tracks six through eleven “Colors”, “I’m Goin’ Back”, “I Would Be With You”, “In An Instant”, “With You”, and “Colors” (reprise) would normally be the opening tunes for the artist not wanting resistance from the record company or they may be the final but Ken’s idea to have such tenacious tunes in the middle shows an unyielding confidence that the material placed at the beginning and end are more than adequate to anchor the ocean liner.

Not many are worthy of possessing a 1959 Fender Stratocaster but Kenny Selcer has earned his six string stripes many times over.

After purchasing the CD (learn more hear http://www.kennyselcer.com/index.html) explore his website for some striking live covers including one from the Beatles and another from Simon & Garfunkel. Taking on a Paul McCartney and Paul Simon composition is about as easy as paying a mortgage without owning a home. As he has done all these years Ken is able to accomplish the mission his way.

All the best,

Craig Fenton

Author- Jefferson Airplane “Take Me To A Circus Tent”

Jefferson Starship “Have You Seen The Stars Tonite”

AudioScam rock Australia on January 13, 2012

Audioscam live in Australia

The Audioscam Diary

Friday, January 13, 2012

http://whenmoneysgone.blogspot.com/

Audioscam Diary

It’s been about five years since we last played at The Smithfield Tavern...the old pub has been torn down and replaced with a new one that didn’t cater for live music until a few months ago.

This is Brad’s first gig back since injuring his back in October. We did our usual load in and sound check and it was like the Tavern vibes were as good as before.

The first set was a little laid back..some Jack Johnson (Sittin’Waitin’ Wishin’),

Stevie Ray Vaughan (Cold Shot), Bernard Fanning ( Song Bird and Wish You Well) and from our new CD, Brad sang "Closing in on Midnight". A little polite applause, the crowd checking us out ,and, vice versa.

Second set, lets go. Time to crank it up a little. Started with Black Crows (Hard to Handle)...which packed the dance floor, thank you very much !! Smashmouth (Walkin’ on the Sun), "Jumpin' Jack Flash" from The Rolling Stones...(our publicist in America was the business partner of Jimmy Miller who produced that song for Mick and the boys back in the 1960s), Fun Lovin’Criminals (Scooby Snax) and from our Abbattack CD (Rock Me) . The ABBA cover is ALWAYS a crowd pleaser !!

By the time we got to our third set, we know what they want and they know what we do. From the new CD, the title track, When The Money’s Gone into some Blink 182 (All the Small Things), AC/DC’s Long Way to the Top , then the danciest song ever written, The Romantics (What I Like About You). It’s Rock & Roll to the end of the set.

First encore, also from the new CD, "That Other Guy" !! I hate those other guys !! They always stole my girl friends !!!

Second encore. Ross starts "Road House Blues" with the slowest, meanest, dirtiest, grunty guitar. Two hundred people jumping, screaming, sort of dancing…I love it. Then it’s over, and the ugly lights come on. ( in the house lights we can all see how sweaty and “not good looking” we all are)

Hope the next gigs as good !!!!

Australia's Audioscam, Vanilla Fudge

AUDIOSCAM

When The Money's Gone 4 song CD

The Australian trio Audioscam returns with their second release, When The Money's Gone. The four-song CD heightens the uptempo power-pop vibe that made their debut release, the rocking ABBA tribute titled ABBATTACK, uncompromisingly engaging. This time, the guitar/bass/drums threesome unveil their songwriting talents with more irresistible hard-edged rock 'n' roll.

Composed by drummer/vocalist Brian Pitcher, the title track explodes with classic Anglo-pop rhythms, enhanced by catchy melodies and chiseled lead guitar figures. With vocals perfectly blended into the high-powered mix, "When The Money's Gone" echoes the sonic energy of Britain's Status Quo while connecting toof the 21st Century. this second decade

Underpinned by Pitcher's creative percussion, "That Other Guy" shines with all-around shimmering power-pop stylings. Changing its pace, Audioscam takes an unexpected mid-tempo rootsy turn on "Closing In On Midnight," composed and sung by bassist Brad Wallace and highlighting guitarist Ross Wilson's dynamic and varied acoustic and electric guitar licks.

Ending the disc with their heaviest song, Audioscam delivers "Different Eyes," a double-barreled blend of power chords and guitar riffs influenced by the late '70s New Wave sound. On their all-original When The Money's Gone, Audioscam has created a contemporary sound that will please fans of classic power pop and high-energy Anglo rock. (www.audioscam.com.au)

Joseph Tortelli

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VANILLA FUDGE LIVE AT TUPELO HALL
Review by Jay LaFond


Vanilla Fudge Tupelo Music Hall December 7th 2011

On December 7th, 2011, Pearl Harbor Day, a great American hard rock/blues rock ensemble, Vanilla Fudge, was engaged in an intense soundcheck at Tupelo Music Hall, Londonderry NH.
A medley of “People Get ready”, “Shotgun”, and “Dazed and Confused” set the tone for what would be a great evening of psychedelic memories. Backstage, guitarist Vinny Martell wore a leather vest emblazoned with “Brotherhood of Jesus Christ”, proclaiming “God Bless America, this is the greatest country in the world”. Bassist Pete Bremly sat on a couch with Carmine Appice and Mark Stein. Pete’s living his dream ... playing in place of Tim Bogert. With Bremly’s musical influences including Paul McCartney and Bogert he's a perfect addition to complement the original three members.

These guys look younger than their age, and it’s very refreshing to see that youthful attitude onstage. A copy of their eponymous album “Vanilla Fudge” sits on a table backstage and at 8:15 pm it will get played in its entirety. A 6 minute version of “Ticket to Ride” opens the show, that Beatle moment evolving into Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” with Carmine on vocals. Cher's classic, “Bang Bang”, a hit for Cher (and in the 2007 film Zodiac), gets a powerful nod from the Fudge here. Mark Stein and his rented Hammond B-3 carry the haunting epic with a bit of a Felix Cavaliere-esque Rascals twist.

“Eleanor Rigby” is slowed down to 8+ minutes, sounding much more dire than the Beatle’s original. In 1967, George Harrison would play this song for anyone who would listen---Vanilla Fudge was one of his favorite bands. Donovan's "Season of the Witch" from the Renaissance lp, Jr. Walker's "Shotgun" and the powerfully over-the-top "Dazed and Confused" all led up to
the 7 minute version of the Supreme’s “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”. It never gets old listening to this reinvention of a Motown classic---with Stein’s eerily baroque sustained minor chords and Carmine’s cascading cymbals. The Fudge played it on Ed Sullivan back in the day and on Jimmy Fallon in March 2011. It was also featured in the 2007 final episode of The Sopranos HBO program. finale in 2007. The Beatle’s “You Can’t Do That" concluded the show.

The crowd at this intimate and friendly venue was ecstatic with Appice telling them it was one of their best shows. These guys were inspirations to the likes of Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin—they are among the founding fathers of Psychedelic Rock. Playing on bills with Zeppelin, Hendrix and Cream in the 60’s’, inducted into the Long Island Rock Hall of Fame with Billy Joel, Little Anthony, Peter Tork, et al, this is precious music not seen elsewhere in this digital age.


Jay Lafond December 22, 2011

April 23, 2011

Genya Ravan's new Undercover CD features four minutes and forty-six seconds of a song, "One More Day", which rocks with an authority the Rolling Stones need to study for the new millennium. Bitching sax and guitar rage a la Jimmy Miller's endless party that is "Tumblin' Dice", but this isn't a night at the casino, this is bye bye...and it's nice that Windows media repeats a great song...this is a similar sentiment to Glen Campbell's "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" (via Jimmy Webb's creative pen and hand)...Go Pack Your Suitcase, baby! When Genya tells you to hit the road its akin to Black Bolt of The Inhumans giving a shout that will truly rock your world! Genya's one of the great voices in rock and this album is a monster...And I Mean It when I say that Mick and the Boys should study how contemporary and solid this sound is. The Stones have gone from originators to playing the market...when all their fans want is what they know how to give - music from the core of their souls. Genya has always put that notion first and foremost. The new disc is on Collectables.



GENYA RAVAN is tied at #1 with Lisa Burns on this month's
JoeVigTop40

For more info keep reading MusicBusinessMonthly.com and RockJournalistJoeVig

Label P.R.

Undercover is the long awaited new recording from Genya Ravan. The legendary rocker brings her fabulous voice to 15 of her favorite songs. Joining Genya are a number of friends including Elliott Randall, Ian McLagan, Nile Rogers and Lenny Kaye. Felix Cavaliere also joins Genya on a soulful version of Lowell George s Long Distance Love. Also included is a brand new studio version of Genya s own beautifully haunting autobiographical 202 Rivington Street.

Product Description:

Personnel: Rik Mercaldi (guitar, mandolin); John Lee Cooper, Josh Radin (guitar); Dennis Dibrizzi (keyboards); Bobby Chen (drums, percussion).

Audio Mixer: Genya Ravan.
Liner Note Author: Little Steven.
Recording information: Bafoonaville; Chen Sound Labs.
Photographer: John Lee Cooper.

http://www.oldies.com/product-view/16432.html

Dick Wagner on Joe Viglione Radio Show 10-28-10

Dick Wagner to appear on the Joe Viglione Radio Hour! Thursday October 28, 2010

Tune in to http://www.wincam.org
7 PM EDT on Thursday 10-28-10

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Dick Wagner Review by Joseph Tortelli

DICK WAGNER

Full Meltdown

Desert Dreams (DDP-55009-WEP)

Dick Wagner may be rock 'n' roll's least famous/most influential guitarist. In addition to his seminal role in Michigan's 1960s music scene, Wagner's incendiary duels with Steve Hunter on Lou Reed's Rock 'n' Roll Animal tour inspired countless punk-rock axemen, and his frequent collaborations with Alice Cooper since Welcome To My Nightmare have reverberated through metal and arena rock for decades.

After leading The Bossmen and The Frost in the 1960s, Wagner focused on sessions and tours with artists who admired his formidable musicianship. The recently released Full Meltdown collects 15 solo numbers he recorded between 1979 and 1995; a half-dozen recently unearthed 1979 recordings make their debut here, while other tracks have been painstakingly remastered for this CD.

The cuts exhibit Wagner's unparalleled ability to chisel memorable riffs, brilliant leads, power chords and even pastoral acoustic textures. Along with the guitar acrobatics, Wagner sings every song, piping out crunching hard rock along with power-rock ballads. The previously unreleased tracks include the swaggering Detroit-anthems "Blue Collar Babies" and "Motor City Showdown," a rollicking cover of "Stagger Lee," the expressively layered "Modern Times," and "These Days," whose sensitive lyricism unexpectedly showcases Wagner's singing and piano playing. Full Meltdown also features the seven-minute tour-de-force titled "I Might As Well Be On Mars," composed with longtime musical partner Alice Cooper.

www.wagnermusic.com

Joseph Tortelli

The writer is a contributor to Visual Radio, Goldmine Magazine, Record Collector, Music Business Monthly and other publications

Goodbye G-zine - hello MBM - Music Business Monthly is back!

Hello Music Business Monthly!

As many of you know we were heavily involved in publishing a magazine for an online retail site. As of January 31, 2010 that magazine is off of the web.

I'm very proud of what we accomplished, taking a new magazine in February of 2009 and bringing it from 25 million on the web to the 400,000's of Alexa.com.

Our work did a number of good things for the company - but there wasn't a level of seriousness from one individual so - no matter what our honest efforts - everyone suffers.

The person behind the situation didn't realize that Lincoln freed the slaves...and that the "carrot and stick" routine was not going to help his customers or his retailers (not to mention our good staff) in the long run.

But you live and learn. It's a new year. We'll let the legal department handle that and move forward into the new year with lots of new plans.

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MARTY BALIN.ORG
Launched the same day that the other magazine went down.

So one door closes while another opens.

http://www.martybalin.org

check it out

and check out a bonus-track out-take from
MARTY BALIN LIVE AT THE BOSTON ESPLANADE

Not enough room on the 2 1/2 hour DVD for this gem produced and directed by Gordon G.G. Gebert

Balin covers Cockburn: ROCKET LAUNCHER
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEvE2VAP3Rs