JAKKO JAKSZYK (King Crimson) - 50th Anniversary Tour - interview with Andy Rawll - April 2019 InterviewCollector 2019-04-17 | Current King Crimson vocalist and guitarist, Jakko Jakszyk, talks to Andy Rawll (for Record Collector Magazine) about the latest incarnation of the band first founded by Fripp and friends in 1968 and the ongoing 50th anniversary tour that includes three shows at London's Royal Albert Hall in June 2019. This short audio interview took place during the 'King Crimson at 50' press day that Robert Fripp and DGM hosted at the October Gallery on 9th April 2019.You can listen to an in-depth (25 minute) interview (from October 2018) with Jakko here: youtube.com/watch?v=mOvubjRAzwM ('Living through uncertain times: Tales of crafty guitarists, Whitney Houston, The Nolans and more...')www.dgmlive.com www.recordcollectormag.com@kingcrimsonofficial @DGMHQ @JakkoJ @RecCollMag #KingCrimson #RecordCollector #Jakko #UncertainTimes '#RadicalAction #Fripp #royalalberthallINTERVIEW TIMELINE:00:00 - Intro00:20 - Latest line-up for the 50the anniversary shows; Theo Travis stepping in for Bill Rieflin as additional keyboard player, although he's best known for his sax playing with the likes of Steven Wilson, David Sylvian and working in a duo with Robert Fripp.00:45 - Royal Albert Hall dates on 18-19-20 June 2019. What we can expect compared to what the band played at last year's shows at the London Palladium.01:26 - How has Jakko developed as a musician over the years working with KC musicians and the band02:00 - Does playing with KC inspire his solo work 02:35 - Possible collaborations. He's got various players in mind. He'd like to do something with Nick Harper (Roy Harper's son)03:52 - Where do you see your long term future with KC. Will there be a version without Robert for example ?03:59 - In terms of your own career within KC, do you feel you're just getting started now? 05:06 - The impact of the stage configurations (drummers at front and lead instruments at rear). The idea that it's the first line up of the band without someone resenting him. There isn't main ego type of person, we're all in it together to serve the music05:57 - Close
VOLA - Ramblin Man Fair 2019 - video interview InterviewCollector 2019-08-04 | Adam Janzi, drummer with the Danish prog masters VOLA, in conversation with Andy Rawll (for www.MetalTalk.rocks) about the latest album 'Applause of a distant crowd' and ongoing plans for new material and further tour dates.#VOLA#inmazes#Applauseofadistantcrowd
THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT - Ramblin Man Fair 2019 - video interview InterviewCollector 2019-08-04 | Phil Campbell and Paul Sayer from 'The Temperance Movement' in conversation with Andy Rawll (from www.metaltalk.rocks) at Ramblin' Man Fair (July 2019) about 2018's very-well-received studio album: 'A Deeper Cut' and their future plans.#TheTemperanceMovement#ADeeperCut#PhilCampbell
WAYWARD SONS - Ramblin Man Fair 2019 - video interview InterviewCollector 2019-08-04 | Toby Jepson and Dave Kemp from 'Wayward Sons' in conversation with Andy Rawll (from www.metaltalk.rocks) at Ramblin' Man Fair (July 2019) about their forthcoming (11/10/19) album 'The truth ain't what it used to be' and touring plans and support slots for the second half of the year.
CROBOT - Ramblin Man Fair 2019 - video interview InterviewCollector 2019-08-04 | Brandon Yeagley & Dan Ryan from 'Crobot' in conversation with Andy Rawll (for www.metaltalk.rocks) at Ramblin' Man Fair (July 2019) about their new album 'Motherbrain' and ongoing tour plans.#crobot#motherbrain#lowlife
THE FALLEN STATE - Ramblin Man Fair 2019 - video interview InterviewCollector 2019-08-04 | Rich Walker & Greg Butler, the mighty rhythm section of Barnstable band 'The Fallen State' in conversation with Andy Rawll at Ramblin' Man Fair (July 2019) about their debut album 'Deadset Endeavour'. They also reflect upon the absence of friend and band co-founder Dan Oke, who's currently convalescing after cancer surgery.
CAPTAIN SENSIBLE - Gothic Punk Tales of Stardust, Bolan, Fripp and Egg InterviewCollector 2019-07-03 | The punk yang to Dave Vanian's goth yin, the good Cap'n was on fine form at this recent launch event for The Damned's forthcoming 'Black is the Night' 2-CD compilation album, that coincides with a unique gig at the London Palladium on 26th October 2019. He also took time to speak to Andy Rawll about his love of music from the early 70s from the harmonious pop of the Bee Gees to the symphonic prog of Egg, as well as being Shane Fenton's biggest fan (a summary Q&A appears below).The event itself was impeccably hosted by punk and horror fan Jonathan Ross and joined by a happy talking Captain Sensible. The Bloody Mary fuelled lunchtime gathering at Soho's Groucho Club revealed details of what will be The Damned's biggest headline show this year. The band has partnered with the team behind the iconic 'Hammer House Of Horror' to bring a special immersive theatrical experience that combines gothic horror with a punk rock show and also features a supporting cast of 'The Circus of Horrors'. Head of Hammer, Simon Oakes was on hand to add bite to the proceedings.Full footage of the 25 minute Q&A is available on the band's FB page here: @officialdamned facebook.com/OfficialDamned/videos/626938397717808They also announced the first-ever comprehensive compilation, curated by the band themselves, entitled 'Black is the Night' to be released on 25th October 2019 via BMG. The 39 track 2-CD collection of hits, favourites and more, spans all the way from their 1976 debut 'New Rose' to the lead single from their 2018 'Evil Spirits' album, 'Standing on the edge of tomorrow', with the addition of the newly recorded title track#thedamned#blackisthenight#nightofathousandvampireswww.officialdamned.comthe-damned.backstreetmerch.com/en-gbfacebook.com/OfficialDamned@officialdamned Q&A WITH CAPTAIN SENSIBLEQ: What was the last record you've bought ?A: I only buy old records. I rebuy them when the vinyl wears out. The Bee Gees first album. I must be on my fifth copy of that now. Other early stuff, like the Groundhogs is the only stuff I listen to nowadays. I've not bought a record by any new artist since 1990. I'm simply not interestedQ: You mentioned that you don't go to many gigs these days. If you could pick one, which band would you like to see live ?A: I keep trying to persuade Dave Stewart to get a trio together to play those keyboard symphonies from when he was in the band 'Egg'; that would be magnificent. I also like classical music, but I think that their music is up there with Rachmaninoff, Grieg and all of those.Q: Did you consider attending one the recent King Crimson shows ?A: No, but speaking of Robert Fripp, he played on a track ('Fun Factory' from 1982) that's on the new compilation album. We got on so well in the studio that we invited him down to play at our gig at Hammersmith Odeon a few days later. The audience was off their faces and gobbing, but he wasn't phased at all. We were trading licks and it was amazing.Q: What was it like working with Tony Visconti on 2018's 'Evil Spirits' album ?A: It was really fun swapping Bolan stories. I've always been a huge fan of his. In fact, we did his last tour with him in the UK. He was a sweet guy, he looked after us and gave us advice.Q: Did you get invited to perform on his TV show 'Marc' that was on at that time ?A: Yes, but unfortunately it was during the time when we were banned from TV. That was part of the reason that the Pistols and the Clash jumped over us in the steps up the ladder to success.The story is that we did a program called 'So It Goes' and on the way to the studio, me and Rat (Scabies) bought air rifles and we were shooting in the backsides of the cameramen, while the other bands were on. The TV technicians' union banned us for six months, so couldn't do the Bolan show or anything else, while all the other bands were getting on and getting famous.Q: What was the first record you bought ?A: 'I'm a moody guy' by Shane Fenton. I'm still a big fan of his and also when he became Alvin Stardust. He was really nice guy as well. One time, I was sitting next to this younger chap on a plane coming back from New York. I told him that I played in a punk group and had just done a gig. He said he'd also just done a gig as a DJ but that I'd never have heard of him, but that I will have heard of his Dad: Alvin Stardust. We ended up getting drunk together and annoyed the other passengers by singing his songs loudly like 'Red Dress', 'My Coocachoo' and 'You You You'. Those were magic singles and the guitar playing by Big Jim Sullivan on those tracks is just fantastic
OSCAR DRONJAK (Hammerfall) - Dominion - video interview InterviewCollector 2019-07-01 | The founder member and guitarist for one of Sweden's most loved metal bands, Hammerfall, speaks to Andy Rawll about the band's new album 'Dominion', current touring plans and the popular recent single/video '(We Make) Sweden Rock'. Oscar also talks about how the band's sound crystallised with the addition of vocalist Joacim Cans in 1996. He also reveals details about his custom guitars from Sandberg.'Dominion' is Hammerfall's eleventh studio album, and their second with Napalm Records and scheduled for release on 16th August 2019, with formats including CD, Vinyl, and a limited edition Deluxe Box Set consisting of a digipack, limited 7” light blue vinyl, limited cassette, cover art print, photo cards, patch and sticker. For full information: http://www.hammerfall.netThere's also an additional preview track from the album 'One Against The World' released as single on 28th June 2019.VIDEO (live): '(We Make) Sweden Rock: youtube.com/watch?v=43Sqw57wASkVIDEO (lyric): '(We Make) Sweden Rock: youtube.com/watch?v=JbJNccQaKzsVIDEO: 'One against the world': youtube.com/watch?v=ImNIX5iZ0B0hammerfall.netyoutube.com/user/HammerFall4REAL?sub_confirmation=1hammerfall.net/merchandise/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=114@hammerfall@hammerfall_official#hammerfall #Dominion #DominionCompetition
HOWARD HEWETT & JEFFREY DANIEL - SHALAMAR GOLD - video interview InterviewCollector 2019-07-01 | Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the classic Shalamar album 'Friends', original band-members and long-time friends, Jeffrey Daniel and Howard Hewett took a break from another successful UK tour to speak to Andy Rawll, for Record Collector Magazine, about the band's career, influences and their individual achievements. In particular, the release of a new retrospective and comprehensive CD release.Shalamar Gold is a new three-CD compilation including all 24 of their US and UK top 40 chart singles, in their full-length versions plus 12” disco mixes and other favourites from through their full career on this 42-track set. A limited edition Gold Vinyl 180g single LP (selected tracks) will also be available. These are scheduled for release on 19th July 2019 on Crimson Productions (via Demon Music Group).demonmusicgroup.co.uk/catalogue/releases/shalamar-goldYou can also check-out 'The Real Thing', the first new music from the Griffey-Hewett-Daniel line-up, produced in 2017 by the same engineer that worked on their most successful albums from the 70s and 80s: Leon Sylvers IIIyoutube.com/watch?v=UTgeIO2tx0sHISTORYShalamar is an American R&B and soul music vocal group, active since the mid-1970s and throughout the 1980s. It was originally a disco-driven vehicle created by Soul Train booking agent Dick Griffey and show creator and producer Don Cornelius.They went on to be an influential dance trio, masterminded by Cornelius. Their first hit was "Uptown Festival" (1977), released on Soul Train Records. Its success inspired Griffey and Don Cornelius to replace session singers with popular Soul Train dancers Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel, to join original Shalamar lead singer Gary Mumford.Gerald Brown took over the spot vacated by Mumford for the group's second album, Disco Gardens (1978), which featured the hit "Take That to the Bank". Howard Hewett replaced Brown in 1979 and supported by producer Leon Sylvers III and a contract with SOLAR they scored a US million seller with "The Second Time Around" (1979), featuring the classic line up of Hewett, Watley and Daniel Hewett departed in 1985 to begin his solo career, and was replaced by Sydney Justin for the subsequent album 'Circumstantial Evidence' (1987). Following declining commercial fortunes, the band broke-up shortly after the release of the final album, 'Wake Up' in 1990.Daniel and Watley equally pursued solo projects in the decade that followed, until the group opted to reconvene after the turn of the Millennium. However, by this time, Jody prefered to continue her solo career, so Howard and Jeffrey recruited long-time friend and SOLAR scion Carolyn Griffey in 2003. Ironically, Carolyn's mother, Carrie Lucas was also a Soul Train solo artist, on whose 1979 album 'Night Train', Wately had provided backing vocals)www.shalamar.info@shalamarfriends@jeffrey_daniel@justavocalist@griffgyrldemonmusicgroup.co.uk/catalogue/labels/crimson-productions@demonmusicgroupwww.recordcollectormag.com/news@reccollmag#shalamar #howardhewtt #jeffreydaniel #carolyngriffey #shalamarfriends
ED KOWALCZYK (LIVE) - Throwing Copper - 25th anniversary release & tour - Audio Interview InterviewCollector 2019-06-27 | Pennsylvania-forged post-grunge titans 'Live' are releasing a 25th anniversary version of their seminal album 'Throwing Copper' on 18th July 2019. Andy Rawll spoke to co-founder and frontman, Ed Kowalczyk about the album and the current tour that celebrates the anniversary. He speaks about the circumstances around the recording of that album in 1993 and the thunderous success of the lead song 'Lightning Strikes. He also references his solo career that followed band's hiatus in 2009 and his belated return in 2016, whereas the band had originally reconvened in 2012 with Chris Shinn on vocals. #throwingcopper#edkowalczyk#livehttp://freaks4live.com@freaks4livewww.recordcollectormag.com@reccollmag
TARJA TURUNEN In the Raw - album & tour preview - video interview InterviewCollector 2019-06-11 | The legendary voice of Finland, Tarja Turunen is set to release her seventh studio album “In The Raw” on 30th August 2019, via EarMusic.Andy Rawll (for Record Collector Magazine) spoke to Tarja to find out more about the making of the album and the latest news in her burgeoning solo career, including touring plans.SOURCE: recordcollectormag.com/newsBACKGROUNDThis record is a combination of sophisticated and refined orchestration, choir and her classically trained voice with a raw, dark heavy musical core. Simply put, “In The Raw” is a gold-plated work of wonder. The album finds Tarja going to raw, personal places in her lyrics. Opening herself up more than ever before, she says she was left feeling naked by her honesty, but also pleased at where she had gone with her words.“Dead Promises” is the first single taken from the new album and you can check it out here: youtu.be/tQnJ6wFvD48 #tarja#intheraw#rockthecoastwww.tarjaturunen.comwww.earmusic.dewww.recordcollectormag.com@tarjaofficial
MICHAEL GLEASON - Auction of Master Recordings from Live from Abbey Road InterviewCollector 2019-06-11 | The Michael Gleason Collection consists of the original master recordings of musical performances of world-renowned artists performing at Abbey Road Studios and is coming-up for sale.Renowned auction house Spink is curating the sale of this collection, with the first part (consisting of the performances of 18 artists and a total of 60 songs) scheduled for auction on 20th June 2019 at Spink’s headquarters office in London. spink.com/auction/19035Andy Rawll spoke to Michael and Muriel from Spink about the value of this unique collection and the background to some of the most notable recordings during the series, which ran from 2007 to 2012 and included performances of 137 artists and a total of around 600 songs.SOURCE: recordcollectormag.com/newsBACKGROUNDIn 2005, Michael Gleason, a successful Texan entrepreneur and producer residing in London, decided to create and produce Live from Abbey Road, a new music television performance series. Inspired by the 1967 original idea of The Beatles to make live broadcast recordings at Abbey Road Studios, the idea was to record sublime musical performances from some of the world’s greatest musical artists in the best studio in the world.A Star Masterpiece Collection was born. From 2006-2012, more than one hundred forty world-class musical artists came to Abbey Road Studios as a result of a very special invitation: to perform for the global series Live from Abbey Road. The series reached over 120 countries.This superb collection is comprised of the only original master recordings of the musical artists’ performances made on their day at Abbey Road Studios.Hours of never-seen video footage and never-heard audio are included with each artist. There are no other copies of these master recordings.To create the best recordings possible, up to ninety microphones were used to record instrumental and vocal sound straight into the famous Abbey Road sound desks. To produce the best video footage possible, up to eight high-definition film and digital cameras captured every performance, as well as on-camera interviews with the individual artist or musical group. Several takes of a song were recorded in order to achieve the best possible live audio and video.As per Michael Gleason: “In the upcoming auction, I selected with Muriel, eighteen of my favourite artists and bands. Just to list a few, Ed Sheeran, Seal, the Gipsy Kings, Jamiroquai and The Killers… They cover a wide range of music tastes and appeal to a diverse audience. Now is the time to make it accessible to music lovers, art collectors, museums, music schools, artists and their labels, everybody who wants to own rare unique content. If you are a music collector, or love to collect but have never collected music before, these beautiful, original single edition audio and video recordings and photographs will be a priceless addition to your collections for you and generations to come.“Here is a complete artist list for the June 20th auction:SealElbowMikaThe Good the Bad & the Queen (feat. Damon Albarn)The Killers (2009 Session)Ed SheeranRandy Crawford and Joe SampleFriendly FiresGipsy Kings BlondieJamiroquaiTwo Door Cinema ClubNatasha BedingfieldDjango DjangoThe Kooks (2011 Session)Alanis MorissetteBeady Eye (feat. Liam Gallagher)Anna CalviFor each artist, a lot has been assembled and includes:A USB flash drive, in a dedicated leather case, loaded with the final master audio and video recordings, for ease of use while on the move. It is sleek, covered in white leather with gold letters reminding its content: “The Michael Gleason Collection of Original Recordings – Recorded at Abbey Road Studios”, offered in a Spink box.A visually stunning, translucid, lathe cut vinyl dub plate, pressed with the final master versions of the songs recorded by the Artist (or the Band). The central vinyl artwork shows the name of the artist/band, the date and location of recording, and “Edition 1/1".A Glyph 1TB External Hard Drive of all of the digital recorded material, (or in a lot where the video footage is on film tape, the original tapes are included.)A poster sized, framed black and white still photograph, and two additional, desk size, unframed, photos of the Artist (or the Band) taken on the day of the performance.A signed certificate of authenticity from Michael Gleason.These lots come with no commercial rights attached. See disclaimer in the prospectus (pdf).INTRO VIDEO: youtube.com/watch?v=auOch5qhCyQHISTORY: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_from_Abbey_RoadRELEASE: spink.com/media/view?id=506CATALOGUE/PROSPECTUS: d3ums4016ncdkp.cloudfront.net/auction/catalogue/19035/19035.pdf reuters.com/brandfeatures/venture-capital/article?id=93092#MichaelGleason#LiveFromAbbeyRoad#Spink
NAD SYLVAN - The Regal Bastard - audio interview (part 2 of 2) InterviewCollector 2019-06-08 | Nad Sylvan talks to Andy Rawll (part 2 of 2) about 'The Regal Bastard (5Jul19 on InsideOut). This latest solo album is the third (and final) instalment of the so-called 'Vampirate Trilogy' that has occupied the past six years of the solo career of this in-demand prog vocalist, musician and producer in parallel to his role as lead vocalist of the Steve Hackett Band since 2012.Part 1 of the interview is here: youtube.com/watch?v=AfWTRt6-n-o#nadsylvan#vampirate#regalbastardwww.nadsylvan.comwww.hackettsongs.comwww.insideoutmusic.com@nadsylvanartist@sylvanofficial@insideoutmusic@reccollmag@stevehackettofficial
NAD SYLVAN - The Regal Bastard - audio interview (part 1 of 2) InterviewCollector 2019-06-08 | Nad Sylvan talks to Andy Rawll (part 1 of 2) about 'The Regal Bastard (5Jul19 on InsideOut). This latest solo album is the third (and final) instalment of the so-called 'Vampirate Trilogy' that has occupied the past six years of the solo career of this in-demand prog vocalist, musician and producer in parallel to his role as lead vocalist of the Steve Hackett Band since 2012.Part 2 of the interview is here: youtube.com/watch?v=sFc7YzUOt7o #nadsylvan#vampirate#regalbastardwww.nadsylvan.comwww.hackettsongs.comwww.insideoutmusic.com@nadsylvanartist@sylvanofficial@insideoutmusic@reccollmag@stevehackettofficial
BIFF BYFORD of SAXON - Castle & Eagles UK Tour and Eagle Has Landed 40 Album InterviewCollector 2019-06-07 | Short audio clip with additional comments on the box set and brief mention about Biff's long-awaited solo album. View the full video interview here: youtube.com/watch?v=I9pg81KKaEY
ROBIN TROWER - Coming Closer To The Day - album preview video interview InterviewCollector 2019-06-04 | Robin Trower talks to Andy Rawll (for Record Collector Magazine news) about his latest solo album 'Coming Closer To The Day' (Provogue/ Mascot Label Group) as his recent rich run of form continues, following his excellent 2017 release 'Time and Emotion'.It's a fine collection of blues-based songs with Robin's playing as stately and elegant as ever and his voice strong and soulful.We spoke about the background to the album as well as delving back into his past career with stories about Robert Fripp, Martin Barre, Jimi Hendrix, Jack Bruce, Procol Harum and Brian Ferry. Watch this space for the interview link.Coming up to date, he reveals details about his collaboration with fellow Lewisham lad Maxi Priest and long-time producer/bassist, Livingstone Brown, that will yield both an album ('United State of Mind') and tour later this year (24-29 Oct 2019)Having recently completed an extensive US solo tour, his sights are set on further UK solo dates in early 2020.Check out the MLG Channel for excerpts from the album, including the majestic title track: youtube.com/watch?v=5PC5q1CDhustrowerpower.commascotlabelgroup.com/robin-trower-coming-closer…#RobinTrower#Provogue#TrowerPower#UnitedStateofMind
ROYAL REPUBLIC Club Majesty - album and tour preview interview with Adam Grahn InterviewCollector 2019-05-30 | Frontman of addictive Swedish pop-metallists, Royal Republic in conversation with Andy Rawll for Record Collector Magazine. Adam reflects on the 10 year anniversary of the band's debut album 'We are Royal' and the imminent release of their fourth full studio album 'Club Majesty' (31st May 2019 via Nuclear Blast).Having finally nailed their unique cross-over sound, that straddles garage rock, disco, grunge and glam metal with 2016's acclaimed 'Weekend Man', the Swedish quartet's new album is a confident, playful, exhilarating and rocking release that could well be their best yet. Think the White Stripes jamming with Chic backstage at a QotSA gig.Preview single 'Fireman & Dancer' is a great place to start for the uninitiated with its compelling groove, amped guitars and outrageous vocals. During the interview, Adam reveals more about the evolution of the band's songwriting and the recurring themes of space, wish-fulfilment and fantasy, alongside tongue-in-cheek tracks like 'Can't fight the disco'.Royal Republic have a series of festival dates in the summer, including a return to the main stage at Download. They then return for a three month, 35-date headline tour across Europe in October. This includes 11 UK dates between 18/11 and 31/11, when they play London's prestigious Electric Ballroom.Watch lead album track and debut video/single: 'Fireman & Dancer' on RR's YouTube channel here: youtube.com/watch?v=D_YCl7pp7XU#RoyalRepublic #NuclearBlast #ClubMajestywww.facebook.com/royalrepublicwww.instagram/royalrepublicwww.twitter.com/royalrepublicwww.royalrepublic.net
SADIE JEMMETT - Phoenix - album review interview with Mark Taylor InterviewCollector 2019-05-30 | Singer-songwriter reveals the background to her latest album 'Phoenix' to Mark Taylor (for Record Collector Magazine) be released on 21st June 2019 via Two Up Two Down Records. It was produced and recorded by Joby Baker (Cowboy Junkies, The Waylin’ Jennys) at his studio on Vancouver Island. The critically acclaimed single and music video from the album ‘Don’t Silence Me’ has already made international headline news on both CBS and The BBC and has been hailed as ‘ A powerful Anthem for the #metoo movement’VIDEO: 'Don't silence me' youtube.com/watch?v=GjcnKJ--dq0VIDEO: 'Phoenix Album Sampler: youtube.com/watch?v=kNbwoZqcvLwVIDEO CHANNEL: youtube.com/channel/UCfFyEnxiRSwllM8gQ7sVYjAThis extended interview that includes track-by-track commentary: 1. Rescue street2. Bitter (feat. Danni Nicholls)3. Don't silence me4, A fighting chance5. Good friday6. Passport7. Leonard's waltz8. The wilder shores of love9. Wedding song (for Peter)10. What you give will come backwww.sadiejemmett.comwww.phoenix.sadiejemmett.com@sadiejemmettofficial#sadiejemmett#twouptwodown#phoenix
JAKKO JAKSYK - King Crimson 50th Anniversary Tour Preview - interview with Andy Rawll - May 2019 InterviewCollector 2019-05-30 | Video interview with lead singer and second guitarist (alongside Robert Fripp) in the current seven-piece line-up of Prog Royalty King CrimsonFilmed at London's Sanctum hotel (www.sanctumsoho.com), Jakko talked about the next leg of the band's 50th-anniversary tour, which includes a three-night run at London's Royal Albert Hall (18th-20th June 2019). Previously, Andy had a short chat (6m audio) with Jakko during one of the breaks during the 'King Crimson at 50' press day that Robert Fripp and DGM hosted at the October Gallery on 9th April 2019.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWNSneBph_gGoing back in time, you can also listen to an in-depth (25 minute) interview (from October 2018) with Jakko here: youtube.com/watch?v=mOvubjRAzwM ('Living through uncertain times: Tales of crafty guitarists, Whitney Houston, The Nolans and more...'), where he talks about his family background and the evolution of his career, that has culminated in his now well-established role in King Crimson.www.dgmlive.com www.recordcollectormag.com www.sanctumsoho.com@kingcrimsonofficial @DGMHQ @JakkoJ @RecCollMag #KingCrimson #RecordCollector #Jakko #UncertainTimes '#RadicalAction #Fripp #royalalberthall#jakkojakszyk#robertfripp#Sanctum
JOHN ILLSLEY - Coming Up For Air - interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2019-05-30 | For a band that ceased operations over 25 years ago, Dire Straits' songs still permeate the airwaves and former members, both from the classic original four-piece line-up and subsequent arena-era add-on musos, continue to keep their estimable catalogue alive.Andy Rawll met founder member John Illsley in London to talk about his excellent latest solo release 'Coming up for air' which evokes the spirit of this old band, without sounding too derivative, particular the title track and the ensuing track 'So it goes'.Filmed at the Sanctum Hotel, with thanks to Mark Fuller and staff.#JohnIllsley#Comingupforair#DireStraits
HILARY ROBERTS - Fight to the other side - Interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2019-05-30 | Hilary Roberts returns to release her optimistically upbeat single ‘Fight to the Other Side’ on Friday 31st May 2019 via Red Songbird Entertainment: open.spotify.com/embed/album/09O2BP5iDoJp1Pk0HmzjWhHilary spoke to Andy Rawll and Mark Taylor for Record Collector Magazine about her career and the background to this latest single release. She also revealed her plans for the future and more new music, which should culminate in the release of a full album and UK tour dates.Born in Denver and currently based in Dallas, following years of personal trials and professional errors, the potential of this talented singer-songwriter is finally being realised. Establishing her own record label in 2018 to release the single 'There for you' was a phenomenal success, rising to become her first top-ten single on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. The following year, her recording of the Soul II Soul classic 'Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)' peaked at number one on that chart.www.hilaryroberts.com@hilaryroberts#hilaryroberts#redsongbird#fighttotheotherside‘Fight to the Other Side’ was written when Hilary's pal Annie Blake was going through a particularly difficult time. It had been a couple of years since she had been diagnosed with FSH MD, an inherited form of Muscular Dystrophy that initially affects the skeletal muscles of the face and upper body, and her husband had taken early retirement to take care of her.The disease had been quite aggressive and had left Annie feeling downhearted and dejected, and it was when Hilary heard this that she knew something had to be done… And so the stunningly sincere ‘Fight to the Other Side’ was born, an empowering song written to make it clear to Annie just how much support she has from those around her. “I know you’re feeling like you’re nothing but a burden, but I’ve been there before its darkest when you’re hurting” sings Hilary as the song begins, and in a second sums up the heartfelt sentiments of the single. She acknowledges the pain, but makes it clear that, in time, it will pass. The emotional lyrics thank Annie for the help and support that she has given Hilary throughout their friendship, and reminds her that she will never have to travel this road alone and that she is loved no matter whatThe track’s paired back piano introduction shows a tender side to this talented artist, whilst its percussion filled chorus demonstrates her vocal power and control. Roberts’ vocals rise and fall throughout ‘Fight to the Other Side’ making clear the extent of her vocal talents, and the tender lyrics show both the love for her friend as well as her affinity for writing thoughtful, beautiful lyrics. After writing ‘Fight to the Other Side’ Roberts still felt as though she wanted to do more, and so she decided to enlist the services of her own charitable foundation the Red Songbird foundation, which helps adults heal from trauma that originated in childhood. The foundation held an awards evening and presented Annie with the Hero Award. In addition to this the CEO of FHS MD was invited and gifted a cheque of $50,000. It was only at the event that Annie and her husband Kevin found out about what Hilary had been up to, and it’s safe to say that the single and foundation awards have invigorated Annie’s drive and perseverance, and she is now feeling ready to approach her diagnosis with vigour and strength.AUDIO: Hilary Roberts: 'Fight to the other side': open.spotify.com/embed/album/09O2BP5iDoJp1Pk0HmzjWhVIDEO: Hilary Roberts: 'Fight to the other side (behind the scenes): youtube.com/watch?v=xoAdoW7GrSQVIDEO: Hilary Roberts 'There for you': youtube.com/watch?v=_271UEJdoKAVIDEO: Hilary Roberts 'Back to life': youtube.com/watch?v=OTrVU41SgGgYOUTUBE CHANNEL: youtube.com/channel/UCu9MXaUMHfj58zq8T5HIIAg
JIMMIE VAUGHAN - Baby Please Come Home - Interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2019-05-22 | Jimmie Vaughan speaks of Hendrix, Steve Miller, Etta James, Crossroads, child-birth, genre-loathing, hot-rods, Honolulu and most importantly new music to Andy Rawll for Record Collector Magazine.Eight years after his last studio album, this legendary Texan musician releases a new collection of songs from the Great American Blues Songbook entitled 'Baby, Please Come Home', available from 17th May 2019 on the Last Music Company label.In this exclusive pre-show interview, Jimmie reveals the background to recording the third in a sequence of covers albums (following 2010's 'Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites' and its 2011 sequel). He reveals the inspiration for the eclectic choice of songs, from Jimmy Reed to T-Bone Walker and Fats Domino, delivered in the uncluttered and authentic style that has won Jimmie plaudits, awards and a retinue of the finest musicians keen to collaborate with him.He talks about the surprising pick of Etta James' 'Be my lovey dovey' on the record, as well as stories about his long and distinguished career, setting the record straight about the time that Jimi Hendrix asked to buy Jimmie's wah-pedal. The release date comes at the end of a week in London that began with a triumphant trio of shows at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, where Jimmie and band supported Eric Clapton and he joined his longstanding friend for a fiery encore of Bo Diddley's 'Before you accuse me'. Indeed, Jimmie's connection with Clapton extends back many years, through many mutual friends and musicians, including Eric's longstanding tour guitarist, Doyle Bramhall II. Doyle's father was a high school contemporary of Vaughan the elder and they played together (with DB as drummer) in one of his first bands, The Chessmen. They were such close friends that Jimmie reveals that he was present when Doyle's son was born and eventually welcomed the 18-year-old 'Little' Doyle as guitarist in his band The Fabulous Thunderbirds (1988-1989). In a familial twist, during the 70s, 'Big' Doyle had recruited Jimmie's younger brother Stevie, to the band he formed with Marc Benno, The Nightcrawlers.To coincide with the album release date, Jimmie played a headline show a Camden Dingwalls in North London on 17May19 before returning to the US for a series of promotional shows in Austin that precede an extensive solo tour (and some further dates supporting EC) including the appeal of a pair of shows in Honolulu.Jimmie also reunites with Eric in September at the Crossroads fundraising event, that conveniently for the Austin-based man, is taking place this year just a few hours drive up the road in Dallas.VIDEO: Jimmie Vaughan - 'Be my lovey dovey': youtube.com/watch?v=_d0eYXH8ZVoVIDEO: Jimmie Vaughan - 'Just a game': youtube.com/watch?v=54-Sz0yvWk8VIDEO: Jimmie Vaughan - 'Please come home': youtube.com/watch?v=Nfgdb0m_fZ0jimmievaughan.comwww.lastmusic.co.ukwww.recordcollectormag.com@jimmievaughanofficial#jimmievaughan#babypleasecomehome#loveydoveyTOUR DATES: jimmievaughan.com/jimmie-vaughan-tour-datesVIDEO CHANNEL: youtube.com/channel/UCuIFbC_zxupZdWO_fRGaumw
JAMES WALSH - Tiger on the Bridge - interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2019-05-22 | Singer-songwriter with both the much-loved 'Starsailor' and as a solo artist, James Walsh follows that band's most recent (2017) release 'All this life' with his third solo album 'Tiger on the bridge (released via Solo Records on 31May19).Recorded at the legendary RAK studios in London in front of a select audience of fans, the album yet again reveals Walsh's emotionally raw, yet uplifting songwriting style, further elevated by his extraordinarily expressive and dynamic voice.Lead songs 'Germaine' and 'Heavy Heart' are adorned with Walsh's melancholy charm, enhanced by subtle and swaying arrangements that bring soul to the heart of the songs, that deal with regret, loss, hope and escape. The title track has a stirring keyboard backing and redemptive narrative that combine to mesmeric effect.Andy Rawll (for Record Collector Magazine) spoke to James at the Groucho Club in Central London before a special Unplugged Show (on 20/5/19) in support of the Youth Music charity. He talked about how turbulence in his own life has influenced many of the songs, as well as his strong Celtic roots.James is currently (May-June 2019) touring, playing the majority of the new album, tracks from his prior solo outings (2012's Lullaby and 2014's Turning Point) as well as a few shining Starsailor classics. His next London show is at Bush Hall on 30/5/19.Most notably, a percentage of the tour proceeds will be contributed to wellness charity CALM.Video: James Walsh - Heavy Heart youtube.com/watch?v=0EQliy3AOZIVideo: James Walsh - Germaine youtube.com/watch?v=LlNIZhdQUxE#JamesWalsh#TigerontheBridge#Starsailorwww.jameswalshmusic.comyoutube.com/user/jameswalshmusic@jameswalshmusicwww.starsailorband.com@starsailorofficialyouthmusic.org.uk@youthmusiccharitythecalmzone.net@thecalmzonewww.recordcollectormag.com@RecColMag
REBECCA DOWNES - More Sinner Than Saint - Interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2019-05-21 | Powerful blues-rock singer Rebecca Downes releases her third CD - 'More Sinner Than Saint' on 24th May 2019 via Mad Hat Records.The album' pursues a rockier road than its acclaimed bluesy predecessor 'Believe'. The Brum-based singer tells Andy Rawll (Record Collector Magazine) about the evolution of her 'Mad Hat' sound and how the involvement of Chris Kimsey, Bill Drescher, Chris Childs, Tony Clarkin and Alan Nimmo led this to this representing the definitive album of her career. She reveals how this latest album came together, her musical background and plans for the rest of this year.The album was mixed by Chris Childs (Thunder) and Bill Drescher (Rick Springfield & The Bangles) and reveals a more upfront rocking sound than on her acclaimed blues-oriented album 'Believe' and includes guest guitar performances by Alan Nimmo (King King) and Tony Clarkin (Magnum)VIDEO: Rebecca Downes - Hurts: youtube.com/watch?v=Vf55EZR39PAVIDEO: Rebecca Downes - If I go to sleep (featuring Alan Nimmo): youtu.be/oOM3dQwq490VIDEO: Rebeccas Downes - Sailing on a pool of tears (Chris Kimsey Radio Remix): youtube.com/watch?v=PHDJxxdRMKAYOUTUBE CHANNEL: youtube.com/channel/UC5lTgFnkkf5YMEy9v2p_WFQwww.rebeccadownes.com#rebeccadownes #madhat #moresinnerthansaint@rebeccadownes@RecCollMag* For the latest news visit: http://www.recordcollectormag.com/news * For the updated library of interviews for Record Collector Magazine visit: http://bit.ly/RCnewsinterviews
DOUG SEEGERS - A Story I Got To Tell - Interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2019-05-20 | For the artist formerly known as Duke the Drifter - an itinerant, out-of-work carpenter - a chance encounter on the streets of Austin, Texas changed his life forever in 2013. A documentary film crew from Sweden heard him singing on the street and were so captivated that they captured a performance of his song 'Down to the River'. On the strength of the reaction to that song, Seegers was invited to Sweden and TV appearances, a succession of hit albums and sold-out tours ensued. The latest chapter in his story sees the release of his first major album release in the UK (via BMG) of 'A Story I Got To Tell’, featuring eleven new tracks and produced by Grammy-winning producer Joe Henry (Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Bonnie Raitt, Billy Bragg).Mixing the care-worn country style of Hank Williams with the uplifting soul of Van Morrison, the album's songs mix tales of lost love, despair and hard-living, such as 'Six feet under', 'Out in the street' and 'Poor side of town' with those of redemption and hope, such a 'Angel from a broken home' and 'Life is a mystery'. There's even the light and breezy 'Rockabilly bug', which is sure to become a stage favourite, as soon as the album is released on the 31st May 2019.This interview with Andy Rawll, for Record Collector Magazine, combines stories about the making of the album and his fascinating life's backstory with live excerpts of some of his favourite tracks from the album.Filmed at London's Sanctum Hotel, with thanks to Mark Fuller and staff.VIDEO - Doug Seegers - 'Demon Seed' youtube.com/watch?v=1KwsW-3Q65s VIDEO - Doug Seegers - 'Give it Away' youtube.com/watch?v=tb0c4fP1px4http://dougseegersmusic.comhttp://www.recordcollectormag.com@dougseegersofficial#dougseegers #dukethedrifter #bmg
TOTO - Steve Porcaro - 2019 European Tour - Interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2019-05-07 | Andy Rawll spoke to Toto keyboardist Steve Porcaro (and subsequently lead vocalist Joseph Williams) about the band's forthcoming European tour, in particular the latest touring line-up of the band and the inclusion of a number of songs that hadn't been previously performed on their most recent visits to the UK (2018 and 2015).You can also hear about Steve's reflections on maintaining the Porcaro legacy in the band originally co-founded by elder brother Jeff (RIP) in 1977 and joined by other brother Mike (RIP) in 1982. He also talks about his songwriting contributions over the years, including revelations about his multiple connections to the band 'Yes' over the years, via his session work on their 'Union' album, Chris Squire's 'Experiment' and his longstanding songwriting partnership with Michael Sherwood, whose brother Billy is now a full-time member of the Steve Howe-led line-up of Yes.The link to the subsequent conversation with Joseph appears below (and also listed on this same YouTube channel).Following the sold-out success of a limited edition and career-spanning box-set (Vinyl and CD) 'All In', AOR maestros Toto are preparing to release a mainstream 13 CD version on 24th May 2019 (via Sony Music's Legacy Recordings). This is followed by a long-awaited series of European tour dates, starting with a special 'Live at Chelsea' outdoor show in the grounds of the Royal Hospital in West London on Thursday 13th June.In addition to the eleven studio albums released between 1978 and 1999, the box includes two new discs. Firstly, the five-track 'Live in Tokyo 1980' EP, which includes 'Runaway' a popular live song that never made it to the studio. Secondly, 'Old is New', a ten-track collection of previously unreleased songs. This includes incomplete song ideas resurrected from Toto's archives and finally brought to fruition, in addition to a number of newly recorded tracks. Although three of the songs (Alone, Spanish Sea and Struck by Lightning) already appeared on last year's latest greatest hits compilation '40 trips around the sun' and the other songs derive from multiple eras, 'Old is New' has a surprising cohesion as an album, with the great mix of complementary styles that has always epitomised the best Toto releases. Dynamic opening tracks 'Alone' and 'The Devil's Tower' and perfectly matched with wistful melodic slow groovers like the Porcaro/Paich co-write 'In a little while', which is a worthy addition to Steve's small-in-number, but large-in-impact songs, that include 'Little things' from XIV; 'Lea' from Fahrenheit and of course 'Human Nature'To listen to this interview again: youtube.com/watch?v=bYb4xrdbbGsTo listen to the following interview with Joseph Williams: youtube.com/watch?v=Y1J7GpCI258SOURCES:http://totoofficial.com/2019/04/toto-to-release-cd-box-set-all-inhttp://totoofficial.com/2018/11/toto-limited-edition-box-set-all-in-out-todayINTERVIEW TIMELINE00:45 - What to expect01:08 - 'Devil's Tower' new song from the box set02:38 - 'Human nature'02:57 - Storyteller segment in latest shows03:22 - Steve Pocaro songwriting contributions, including 'Little things' on 2015's 'XIV' album04:04 - Live line-up, including Xavier, standing in for David Paich, who's doing fine, but sitting out this current tour04:50 - Shem and Warren Ham have added more vocal firepower05:25 - London show should attract a large crowd including many who might not have seen the band before or with Joseph Williams as lead vocalist06:05 - Steve out of the band for 27 years and welcome return for a Porcaro06:36 - View of Albert Hall show in 201807:04 - Yes connections. In Chris Squire Experiment. Started with working with a Las Vegas band called Logik, including Billy Sherwood and his brother Michael become Steve's main songwriting partner and developed into the CSE08:05 - Contributed to Yes's Union and Rick's reaction08:48 - The Darkness as the support band09:31 - Toto as a festival band10:00 - Five brand new songs, in addition to the older archive material including Steve's brothers makes up the CD 'Old is new'10:43 - Will be available as a standalone CD11:03 - Shannon Forrest as drummer11:31 - What's next ? Tour States in October11:58 - How about a book to rival Luke's ?#toto #40toursaroundthesun #40yearsaroundthesun #oldisnewFootnote: The following Toto albums are not referenced in the Sony-issued box set, as these were released via other record labels: Through the looking glass (CMC); Falling In Between (Frontiers); XIV (Frontiers)
MIDNIGHT OIL - Rob Hirst - 2019 European Tour - Interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2019-04-30 | Incendiary Australian rock band Midnight Oil return to Europe this summer, with a barrel-load of thought-provoking and anthemic songs, like 'Truganini', 'When the Generals Talk' and 'The Dead Heart'. This includes two UK shows at Manchester O2 Apollo on Sunday 9 and London O2 Academy Brixton on Thursday 13 June 2019. Andy Rawll spoke to drummer Rob Hirst and guitarist Jim Moginie, bandmates since 1971 and Oils co-founders in 1976, about the history of the band, the success of their 2017 reunion 'Great Circle' tour, the associated 'Armistice Day' DVD release and their renewed plans for the future. Interview with Rob Hirst - youtube.com/watch?v=HlQpdNonkCc (THIS VIDEO)Interview with Jim Moginie - youtube.com/watch?v=7sQxRxU5Qgg (NEXT VIDEO)INTERVIEW TIMELINE:00:00 - Intro00:30 - What we can expect. We have 160-170 songs to choose from. Expect to pick our some wildcards that haven't been played live before01:26 - It took 4 months to prepare for 2017 tour, but we did end up playing every song (of the 100+ that we rehearsed) at least once. We're now well prepared with plenty of material to play 25-30 songs every night. They've even been working on demos of new material at Jim's studios and will continue to do so on tour, but won't play any of these live, until they've first been formally released.03:10 - Do the band members socialised when they're not on tour ? As with many bands, not so much, but Jim, Martin and Rob play in band called 'The Break' - instrumental, surf-punk-spaghetti western-SciFi band. Rob also sees Jim, as he does engineering work on other projects like Rob's blues band 'The Backsliders'. Hirst-Sennett 'Crashing the same car twice' EP. Recording with long-lost daughter Jay, who lives in Tennessee. When Peter Garrett become a politician, it spurred the other band members onto other musical projects, many of which still continue and ultimately influence the new material for Midnight Oil05:56 - From your first Beatles cover-band (Schwampy Moose) did you image that you'd achieve wordlwide success with an original band ? Lucky to have found the right band combination and chemistry very early on.06:54 - Surprisingly common bond and purpose in approach to lyrics and personal politics: the environment, renewable energy, treatment of indigenous population, lagging education, terrible drought (Darling River especially). Australia's a magnificent country, but still has a long way to go.08:51 - Getting the balance between music and message right. (e.g. Truganini)It's a fair response to the avalanche of American culture coming the other way.10:15 - 'Armistice Day' DVD release background. Jim's leg injury didn't impede his performance. Recorded over two hometown shows at The Domain in Sydney. Only regret is that they weren't able to fit more songs from recent albums like 'Capricornia'12:06 - Preview of the tour, including European festivals, usually in great locations with excellent facilities13:12 - Close13:28 - End#MidnightOil#ArmisticeDay#RobHirst@midnightoilofficial www.midnightoil.comIn an online message to fans the five original members of Midnight Oil explained:"We really enjoyed making music together again on The Great Circle tour and the reactionfrom everyone was so positive that we’ve decided to do a bit more of it in 2019. There won’tbe anywhere near as many shows this time around but we’re keen to keep performing whilethere are still new places to play and new things to say. It’s as simple as that really.”Despite a 15 year break while frontman, Peter Garrett , became a minister in the AustralianGovernment, last year’s world tour saw the Oils in the same incendiary form which madethem one of the world's most captivating live experiences during the 1980s and 1990s.Intensely political songs like “Beds Are Burning”, “Blue Sky Mining” and “Power & ThePassion” took on even greater urgency in the age of Trump and Brexit leaving critics gushingacross five continents.With an extensive back-catalogue consisting of 11 studio albums, the band earned globalcritical and commercial acclaim in a career and has seen them sell over 10 million albums.During ‘The Great Circle 2017’ tour the band had rehearsed their entire catalogue playing adifferent show every night, including ‘Diesel and Dust’ , the bands seminal album, from startto finish in its entirety on the second Hammersmith show.The news of these new dates coincides with the release of a double live album and concertfilm called “Armistice Day: Live At The Domain Sydney”. The recordings capture the band infull flight at the climax of their 2017 World Tour Earlier this month the DVD debuted at #1and the album debuted in the top 5 in their homeland.
DIAMOND HEAD The Coffin Train - Album Preview Interview with Brian Tatler and Ras Bom Andersen InterviewCollector 2019-04-24 | Founder member Brian (1976 - ) and current lead singer Ras (2014 - ) in conversation with Andy Rawll for Record Collector Magazine.Following the success of 2016's self-titled album, that brilliantly married a harder, more contemporary sound to the adamantine riffs and bedevilled melodies of their early albums, it's time to get on-board their new album 'The Coffin Train', to be released by Silver Lining Music on 24th May 2019. Preorders here: http://hyperurl.co/TheCoffinTrainBrian and Ras discuss how the new album came together, including the background to the dark lyrical themes, with song titles like 'Shades of Black', 'Until We Burn' and 'Death By Design'.With the summer festival season approaching, the band already have a busy live schedule lined-up, including Hellfest on 21/6; Rock & Blues on 25/7 and Stone Deaf on 24/8. Better still, they join fellow heavy metal legends Saxon, Krokus and Girlschool at two very special shows in October: London Hammersmith (Odeon) Apollo on 19/10 and Manchester Apollo on 20/10'Belly of the Beast' youtube.com/watch?v=BbnmxqdtTV4 is the lead single/video and provides a taste of the album to follow.'Death by Design' is the next track/video to be released here:youtube.com/watch?v=05Fylo3NPoU#diamondhead #silverlining #thecoffintrainwww.diamondheadofficial.com@DiamondHeadOfficial@DH_Diamond_Head@RecCollMagwww.facebook.com/diamondheadofficialwww.recordcollectormag.comhttp://sl-music.net/enFor the current archive of interviews for Record Collector Mag, please visit the YouTube channel here: youtube.com/channel/UCQzOBoKWNrB2YbfipWPw1Lg/videos and subscribe, if you like.FULL TOUR INFORMATION:Diamond Head will be touring Europe for most of 2019 and are confirmed on the line-up of two very special UK shows with NWOBHM giants, SAXON, which will take place on October 19th at London’s iconic Hammersmith and October 20th at the O2 Apollo in Manchester. 21stJune – Hellfest, France 26th June - Camp Bestival, UK27th July – Rock & Blues Festival, UK 3rd August – Wacken Open Air, Germany 24th August – Stonedeaf Festival, UK 19th October – Eventim Apollo London, UK* 20th October – o2 Apollo Manchester, UK* 7-10th November – Hard Rock Hell Festival, Wales, UK16th November – Cornwall Rocks Festival, UK 29th November – Winterstorm Festival, Scotland, UK * Supporting Saxon More dates to be announced. Diamond Head is:Brian Tatler – lead & rhythm guitarsRasmus Bom Andersen – vocalsKarl Wilcox – drumsAndy “Abbz" Abberley – rhythm & lead guitarsDean Ashton – bass guitar, backing vocals Follow Diamond Head on:www.facebook.com/DiamondHeadOfficial/; www.instagram.com/diamond_head_official/; www.diamondheadofficial.com; www.twitter.com/DH_Diamond_Head
MYRATH Shehili - interview with Zaher Zorgati and Kevin Codfert InterviewCollector 2019-04-18 | The purveyors of a unique brand of 'blazing desert metal' return with 'Shehili' (released by earMUSIC on 3rd May 2019), which is perhaps the most accomplished and satisfying release of their fifteen-year career. LIke the fierce Saharan wind that gave the album its name, the twelve tracks will blow you away with its combination of epic soundscapes, enchanting eastern melodies, North African beats and steeped in the folklore of their Tunisian homeland. Reflecting the geographic diversity of a country bordered by desert plains to the South, the Atlas Mountains to the West and the Mediterranean Sea to the East, the Myrath's music is founded upon on a rich and diverse sonic landscape with instrumentation and compositions that are equally beguiling and powerful.In this extended interview, Andy Rawll speaks to lead singer Zaher Zorgati and long-time producer Kevin Codfert about how the original line-up of the band formed in 2001 with the initial name of 'X-tazy' and then adopted their current name (meaning 'legacy') in 2007 with the release of their debut album 'Hope', with longstanding keyboard player Elyes Bouchoucha providing confident lead vocals.Having been impressed by Zaher's Dio-like voice, and seeking a dedicated front-man to take their live performances to the next level, the son of Sousse (a coastal town 200km South of Tunis), the band's expanded line-up recorded the well-received 'Desert Call' in 2010.Since then, the band has gone from strength-to-strength, finessing their unique 'blazing desert metal' sound and strengthening their songwriting to deliver the acclaimed 'Legacy' album in 2016.'Shehili' not only surpasses that record in sonic ambition it also finally delivers an epic, windswept soundscape that befits the legacy, influences and capability of this talented band.Check out the latest pre-release videos and look out for further singles planned leading up to and beyond the album release date:DANCE: youtube.com/watch?v=b2rKORvyOcMNO HOLDING BACK: youtube.com/watch?v=fWSbC7vPf6EBORN TO SURVIVE (live): youtube.com/watch?v=QZQQc4Z1rHo#shehili#myrath#borntosurvive#noholdingback#dance#blazingdesertmetal#earMUSIC#recordcollector
TOTO - Joseph Williams - 2019 European Tour - Interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2019-04-18 | Andy Rawll spoke to Toto lead vocalist (and subsequently to keyboardist Steve Porcaro) about the band's forthcoming European tour, in particular the latest touring line-up of the band and the inclusion of a number of songs that hadn't been previously performed on their most recent visits to the UK (2018 and 2015).You can also hear about Joe's reflections on his parallel career as an award-winning TV underscore composer and his pivotal role in voicing the role of Simba in the triumphant animated feature 'The Lion King'. He also speaks about how he developed and still maintains his unique upper voice as well as revealing his outstanding wish-list of collaborators.The link to the subsequent conversation with Steve appears below (and also listed on this same YouTube channel).Following the sold-out success of a limited edition and career-spanning box-set (9x includes two new discs. Firstly, the five-track 'Live in Tokyo 1980' EP, which includes 'Runaway' a popular live song that never made it to the studio. Secondly, 'Old is New', a ten-track collection of previously unreleased songs. This includes incomplete song ideas resurrected from Toto's archives and finally brought to fruition, in addition to a number of newly recorded tracks. Although three of the songs (Alone, Spanish Sea and Struck by Lightning) already appeared on last year's latest greatest hits compilation '40 trips around the sun' and the other songs derive from multiple eras, 'Old is New' has a surprising cohesion as an album, with the great mix of complementary styles that has always epitomised the best Toto releases. 'The Devil's Tower' and 'Fearful heart' in particular will delight fans of their early albums, but it's Williams' 'Chelsea' that's the stand-out track. West Coast-based Williams spent long periods of his youth in West London and retains a huge fondness for London and vivid memories that inspired the lyrics as well as the uplifting harmonies and infectious groove of the song.In the interview, Joseph revealed that following the conclusion of this latest round of touring with Toto he plans to release his first solo album almost a decade and that the engaging pop-rock of 'Chelsea' is a good indication of the type of songs that he is considering.To listen to this interview again: youtube.com/watch?v=Y1J7GpCI258To listen to the following interview with Steve Porcaro: youtube.com/watch?v=bYb4xrdbbGsSOURCES:http://totoofficial.com/2019/04/toto-to-release-cd-box-set-all-inhttp://totoofficial.com/2018/11/toto-limited-edition-box-set-all-in-out-todayINTERVIEW TIMELINE00:00 - opening00:16 - always a pleasure, I grew up there01:00 - what will be different in this year's show, compared to last yearchanges in the set and make-up of the touring line-up, with David Paich replaced by Dominique "Xavier" Talpin. 01:45 - 'All in' box set released last year, includes a new CD 'Old is new' including tracks that may be played like 'Devil's tower' which has already been used as the opening track of the recent Asian dates. Five tracks from the old days were completed02:45 - One of the new tracks is called 'Chelsea'. I grew up near Fulham Road and Hollywood road.03:16 - Refurbished tracks are four-way credited. Some songs were almost finished (like Paich's 'Oh why')04:15 - Some fans might not have seen the band in recent years or at all and maybe not with Joseph. Joined in 1986-89; 1998; 2008-2009 and then 200105:05 - does the band now feel like home, as there's been no solo releases from Joseph since 201105:15 - active solo project, planned for 2020 release; The new track 'Chelsea' is closest to the new solo material06:07 - Snuffy Walden06:28 - Not done TV stuff in quite a while07:01 - Boom time07:48 - Secret of maintaining his voice. When he came back in 2010 he went to a vocal teacher/coach09:24 - Upper register voice and influence of Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder10:23 - Darkness as support11:01 - Weezer bromance - Hashpipe cover. 11:27 - Reflections on singing on Lion King soundtrack12:34 - Future collaborations, Elton perhaps ?13:04 - Close#toto #40toursaroundthesun #40yearsaroundthesun #oldisnew Footnote: The following Toto albums are not referenced in the Sony-issued box set, as these were released via other record labels: Through the looking glass (CMC); Falling In Between (Frontiers); XIV (Frontiers)
MIDNIGHT OIL - Jim Moginie - 2019 European Tour - Interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2019-04-18 | Incendiary Australian rock band Midnight Oil return to Europe this summer, with a barrel-load of thought-provoking and anthemic songs, like 'Truganini', 'When the Generals Talk' and 'The Dead Heart'. This includes two UK shows at Manchester O2 Apollo on Sunday 9 and London O2 Academy Brixton on Thursday 13 June 2019. Andy Rawll spoke to drummer Rob Hirst and guitarist Jim Moginie, bandmates since 1971 and Oils co-founders in 1976, about the history of the band, the success of their 2017 reunion 'Great Circle' tour, the associated 'Armistice Day' DVD release and their renewed plans for the future. Interview with Jim Moginie - youtube.com/watch?v=7sQxRxU5Qgg (THIS VIDEO)Interview with Rob Hirst - youtube.com/watch?v=HlQpdNonkCc (NEXT VIDEO)INTERVIEW TIMELINE:00:00 - Intro00:41 - What can we expect from the shows in June 2019 (compared to 2017 tour). Different set as always, having rehearsed over 100 songs. New horn player. No gimmicks, like blow-up dolls02:34 - Is this tour more relaxed, compared to last time04:10 - 'Armistice Day' - live album and DVD documenting that 2017 tour. Rob was in a wheelchair following a serious leg injury at the time. Get recording with a lot of momentum. Big homecoming event with an audience of over 20,00006:24 - Relevance of the album name and the reputation of the oils as "overeducated lefties with lots of opinions about the world", but also songsmiths, who want to write memorable tunes with lyrics that inspire thought and conversation.09:10 - Thought-provoking lyrics using music as a vehicle, such as 'Truganini' about Aboriginal culture, history and land-rights.10:40 - Parallels in other countries around the world11:20 - US Forces and When Generals Talk as examples of uncomfortable subjects that need to be aired12:10 - End#MidnightOil#ArmisticeDay#JimMoginie@midnightoilofficialwww.midnightoil.com In an online message to fans the five original members of Midnight Oil explained:"We really enjoyed making music together again on The Great Circle tour and the reactionfrom everyone was so positive that we’ve decided to do a bit more of it in 2019. There won’tbe anywhere near as many shows this time around but we’re keen to keep performing whilethere are still new places to play and new things to say. It’s as simple as that really.”Despite a 15 year break while frontman, Peter Garrett , became a minister in the AustralianGovernment, last year’s world tour saw the Oils in the same incendiary form which madethem one of the world's most captivating live experiences during the 1980’s and 1990’s.Intensely political songs like “Beds Are Burning”, “Blue Sky Mining” and “Power & ThePassion” took on even greater urgency in the age of Trump and Brexit leaving critics gushingacross five continents.With an extensive back-catalogue consisting of 11 studio albums, the band earned globalcritical and commercial acclaim in a career and has seen them sell over 10 million albums.During ‘The Great Circle 2017’ tour the band had rehearsed their entire catalogue playing adifferent show every night, including ‘Diesel and Dust’ , the bands seminal album, from startto finish in its entirety on the second Hammersmith show.The news of these new dates coincides with the release of a double live album and concertfilm called “Armistice Day: Live At The Domain Sydney”. The recordings capture the band infull flight at the climax of their 2017 World Tour Earlier this month the DVD debuted at #1and the album debuted in the top 5 in their homeland.
THE MUTE GODS - Atheists and believers - interview with Nick Beggs InterviewCollector 2019-04-17 | The Mute Gods have released their third studio album ‘Atheists and Believers’ (22/3/19 via InsideOut). The band features Nick Beggs (Steven Wilson), Roger King (Steve Hackett) and Marco Minnemann (The Sea Within) with special guests including Alex Lifeson, Rush’s legendary guitarist. According to Nick “The album’s key message is that we now empower stupid people and don’t listen to educated, informed experts anymore because truth is no longer fashionable.”.Andy Rawll spoke to band-leader Nick Beggs to find out more about the new album and what the future holds, including live shows, potential collaborations and planned new solo recordings (see timeline below). Video: 'Atheists and Believers' - youtube.com/watch?v=yCMGNS9XmuEVideo: 'One Day' - youtube.com/watch?v=9oO4PQDemQEVideo: Roger and Nick discuss the album - youtube.com/watch?v=lMaZFsLhfIIINTERVIEW TIMELINE00:00 - Intro00:30 - Mute Gods - a band, a project or solo project ?00:53 - Choice of Roger King and Marco Minnemann01:16 - Sound of albums compared to Steves musical universe. New album has more of a pop sensitivity.02:00 - Darker theme, but retains accessibility02:38 - Atheists and believers - the Fermi paradox about the lack of contact from other lifeforms in the universe that should exist03:17 - Inspirational themes from SETI, the rise of populism, religious belief, grief, loss, bereavement and old age03:40 - Knucklehead, with great keys from Roger King and a Hackett-like solo04:25 - Refers to all of us as 'pernicious humans'04:46 - 'Sonic boom' featuring Craig Blundell. Reggae piano and sci-fi piano - it's quite a melange05:25 - 'Envy the dead' - stomping riff and gallows humour05:35 - Growing dependency and addictions from powerful opiates being promoted by drugs companies. Mental health, depression and opiate addiction06:39 - 'One day' featuring Alex Lifeson on acoustic guitar07:04 - 'Twisted world, godless universe', including guest vocal by Nick's daughter07:40 - Iridium hearts - strong fanfare-like introduction, imaging the opening of the Berlin Olympics, modernised using the ribbon synth. Fascist thinking becoming part of the landscape in the world in which we live. If we're not careful, we'll be right back where we started08:30 - Overall, it all sounds like a vision of a very bleak present and future - is there a positive08:43 - Overarching message across all three Mute Gods album is that we're all stupid and we're all fucked08:49 - 'Think of you' beautiful, ambient instrumental with Rob Townsend on bass clarinet. A piece written as a universal meditation on the loss of someone (Nick's mother) 09:40 - After three albums, what next ? Live shows on the cards10:12 - Solo albums - based on Chapman stick10:36 - Collection of stick pieces, covering well-known songs. Later this year. 11:00 - Another project with Craig Blundell and Adam Holzman, just started; Going to US with Howard Jones for five shows11:21 - Collaborations and sessions including Englebert, Belinda, John Paul Jones, which was like going back to school12:28 - Any future collaborations12:24 - Wrap-upRESOURCES@themutegodswww.themutegods.com@InsideOutMusicwww.insideoutmusic.comwww.youtube.com/InsideOutMusicTVwww.insideoutshop.de@RecCollMagwww.recordcollectormag.comTo access the full archive of interviews for Record Collector Magazine, visit the YouTube channel here: youtube.com/channel/UCQzOBoKWNrB2YbfipWPw1Lg/videos#TheMuteGods#InsideOut#NickBeggsBACKGROUNDThe Mute Gods is the musical vehicle Beggs created in 2015 to channel his song writing. It was conceived while he was embarking on an intensive period of almost continuous touring, firstly with former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett and then latterly, Steven Wilson, the prolific, widely-acclaimed composer, musician and record producer with whom Beggs still records and tours.Beggs’ career spans nearly four decades, working with artists across a broad musical spectrum. Bassist, stick player, composer and vocalist, Beggs has sold more than three million records with his own groups, including Kajagoogoo, as well as contributing to genres such as pop, rock, funk, soul, Celtic and latterly, progressive rock.Among the artists with whom he has collaborated are rock and pop legends John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), Belinda Carlisle, Kim Wilde, Gary Numan, Seal and Engelbert Humperdink, as well as progressive rock’s Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, Iona and Lifesigns.
ANA POPOVIC - Like it on top interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2019-04-17 | Guitarist and singer-songwriter, Ana Popovic returns to the UK for a full tour of nine highly anticipated dates in May 2019, culminating in London at the Borderline on 11May19. Last time around (a special one-off show in November at Nell's Jazz and Blues), the Serbian six-string supremo served up a stylish show full of sizzling, funked-up soulful blues with plenty of brass. Her current album “Like It On Top” was recorded in Nashville and produced by four-time Grammy winner Keb’ Mo’ and features guest appearances from Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robben Ford and Keb’ Mo’. Andy Rawll spoke to Ana about the album, its message, the musicians and the music, as well as details about her peripatetic career, that now sees her based in LA, but frequently crossing the Atlantic to play for her loyal and growing fan-base in Europe.To access the full archive of interviews for Record Collector, visit the YouTube channel here:youtube.com/channel/UCQzOBoKWNrB2YbfipWPw1Lg/videosINTERVIEW TIMELINE00:00 - Intro00:34 - Return to UK for full tour in May01:01 - How latest album 'Like it on top' represent a step forward from previous albums (like 'Trilogy'). Two year cycle to plan and produce an album and wanted a strong theme and a different sound. This one focused on the theme of female empowerment / ladies as leaders. Ten songs. Different sound to greasy Memphis groove of the 23-track 'Trilogy' covering funk, soul, rock, blues and jazz. Decided on a cleaner Nashville type of production and a strong message. Called Keb Mo and finally collaborated on songs in LA and recorded in LA03:42 - No new songs were played on 2018 shows, but will be in the forthcoming shows. They fit together live with the older songs04:47 - To the uninitiated, Ana's live band has a funky rhythm section and includes a horn section. 05:57 - Highlights from last shows, included a great Tom Waits cover and 'Fence Walk' a cover of a song by 70's funk beasts 'Mandrill'. Enjoys covering less well-known songs, particular those where horns and guitars can combine.08:05 - High energy blues represented in the set by Albert King and Freddie King songs, like 'Can't you see what you're doing to me'. 'Train' from Trilogy features Joe Bonamassa on the album09:00 - 'Like it on top', 'Last thing I'll do' and 'Funkin time' are particular standouts on the album09:20 - Looking back at a previous album called 'Blue Room' which was a collaboration with Ana's father. Not originally planned for release, but a great example to show fans where Ana's music came from. It's also a tribute to all fathers who got their children into music.11:04 - Musical journey from her Belgrade to the Netherlands to the US (Memphis and then LA). It doesn't really matter where you live, but being in the US as a musician gives you a certain freedom and more credibility to play American-style blues, by becoming one of them, rather than a European visitor.12:55 - Friends, allies and collaborators from being in the US. Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robben Ford and Keb Mo feature on the new album. What did these guest musicians add ? Writing with Keb Mo for one week was one of her favourite parts of making this album. 'Slow dance' with Robben was a privelege and 'Sexy tonight' with KWS was great fun16:00 - Experience Hendrix tour. Ana is a regular member of this all-star tour, with a run of dates in the US in March before coming back to Europe17:45 - Plans to play in homeland (Serbia) this year. Tries to play at least once a year.19:24 - Wrap-up19:47 - Close#anapopovic#likeitontop#kebmo@anapopovicmusichttp://anapopovic.comyoutube.com/user/anapopovicbandTOUR & TICKET DETAILShttp://anapopovic.com/tourthegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Ana-Popovic.htm?fbclid=IwAR1dyNG-5Pauf70WwJ-qzjvDVnLLp0JxZdNDz71m59jk_yGXj6R5QeFIyDo
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN Blue Lightning - interview with Mark Taylor for Record Collector Magazine InterviewCollector 2019-03-27 | Mark Taylor speaks to the influential neo-classical metal guitarist, Yngwie Malmsteen, about his new album 'Blue Lightning', as part of the newly-struck deal with Mascot Label Group, which sees it released via their Mascot Records imprint on 29th March 2019. The album's a mixture of original songs, including the thunderous title track and vicious groove of '1911 Strut' and a diverse set of covers from the 'Stones' 'Paint it black' to Clapton's 'Forever man'. As you should expect, Yngwie doesn't hold back as he unleashes the fury of his fretboard mastery. The inclusion of 'Demons eye' and 'Foxy lazy' provide an indication that the album is more a fiery purple-hazed showcase for Yngwie's rampant riffs and stratospheric arpeggios, than a blues-cover record. As such, it's certain to either baffle or offend blues-rock purists, but will certainly delight fans of the great Swede's virtuosity.During the interview, Yngwie reveals his love of Deep Purple from an early age and his choice of two of their songs for the album. He also reminisces on the times that he stepped into Blackmore's shoes and shared a stage with Ian Gillan.If you want more, because after all, "more is more", there's an in-depth interview from the same day, that delves into Yngwie's musical past, as well as track-by-track highlights of the new album:youtube.com/watch?v=4gm29z1oUvYYou can also hear YJM's hallowed 1978 Powerhouse Demo here: youtube.com/watch?v=GnM4gRcId70Mascot also released the following videos for the album:* Sun's up, Top's down' youtube.com/watch?v=ZvH1Wl6J50Y* While my guitar "gently" weeps: youtube.com/watch?v=oVsNa3LaDUE* Blue lightning: youtube.com/watch?v=ZIeCpn8ZzP4* Album trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=AVvLq9SYPvEyngwiemalmsteen.com mascotlabelgroup.com/yngwie-malmsteen recordcollectormag.com@RecCollMag @mascotlabelgroup @MLG_rocks#YngwieMalmsteen #UnleashtheFury #MascotRecords
JOHN OATES BRINGS ARKANSAS TO HACKNEY - Interview with Mark Taylor for Record Collector Magazine InterviewCollector 2019-01-31 | The Memorable Order Of Tin Hats provided the flighty name for the MOTH Club, the ex-servicemen's members club in the heart of Hackney in East London. As one of the venues for the Showcase Festival that precede this year's UK Americana Music Awards, it played host to the festival's special guest and one half of one of music's most beloved duos, Hall and Oates.John Oates delighted the packed club with songs from his acclaimed 2018 album 'Arkansas', that celebrates the songs of Mississippi John Hurt, augmented by a handful of original compositions.Mark Taylor from Record Collector Magazine spoke to John straight after the show to find out more about the inspiration for this album, his passion for Americana music and his current plans. He also mentioned his 2017 memoir 'Change of Seasons' with stories that chart his musical career, including his debut London show in 1972 alongside his close friend, musical partner and collaborator, Daryl Hall.Following the AMA UK Awards, John returns to his Nashville home in the US, but he's not gone for long. as he's already scheduled to return in a few months as 'Hall and Oates' for an arena that includes: Wed, 24 Apr Resorts World Arena, BirminghamFri, 26 Apr The SSE Arena, Wembley, LondonSun, 28 Apr Manchester Arena, Manchester@amauk19 @johnoates @thirtytigers @reccollmagwww.theamauk.orgwww.johnoates.comwww.thirtytigers.comwww.recordcollectormag.com
REESE WYNANS (Bonamassa and SRV keysman) - Sweet Release - debut album video interview InterviewCollector 2019-01-31 | Andy Rawll, from Record Collector Magazine, meant double trouble, when he met Reese in a former courthouse holding cell at a central London hotel to talk about this new release and how it reflects his own career, the gigs and tours, the music and musicians that he has met along the way. (for more, click below)With a fifty year career that started alongside Dickey Betts in the late 60s, leading to five years with Stevie Ray Vaughan (1985-90), Reese is finally releasing his debut solo album 'Sweet Release' on 1st March 2019 via Provogue/Mascot Label Group.Having joined Joe Bonamassa's band (following Derek Sherinian) in 2014, the album also marks his current boss's first outing as producer and includes guest appearances from Joe and other bandmates, alongside friends and associates from throughout his illustrious career, including Warren Haynes, Sam Moore, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Keb' Mo'.Best of all, the album sees the core of the much-missed Stevie Ray Vaughan's band reunited, with Wynans, Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon revisiting 'Crossfire', 'Say What!' and 'Riviera Paradise' with reverential and joyful results.@rbwynans @mascotlabelgroup @MLG_Rocks @RecCollMagwww.reesewynans.comwww.mascotlabelgroup.com/reese-wynanswww.recordcollectormag.comINTERVIEW TIMELINE:00:00 - Intro00:30 - Why has it taken 50 years to release a solo album ?01:14 - Guest musicians, including Sam Moore, Warren Haynes, Double Trouble comrades Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton02:36 - Post-SRV Double Trouble release 'Been a long time' in 200103:10 - Joe Bonamassa, suggested and eventually produced the album, encouraging the use of songs that reflect Reese's history and strong emphasis on vocals, rather than instrumentals04:25 - How did you figure out which songs to include ? Ended-up with three SRV songs and that opened the door to other songs covering Southern rock, Texas blues and more Otis Rush, Les Dudek, Tampa Red, Boz Scaggs, Arcangels07:05 - Role of Joe Bonamassa in straddling traditional blues and contemporary rock and variety of tours and songs Reese has performed with Joe.08:44 - Kenny Wayne Shepherd. First recorded with him on his 'Trouble is' album. Reese was hoping KWS would guest with Double Trouble when they were inducted into the RARHOF, but he wasn't available10:25 - How come 'Sweet release' title track has eight guest singers ?12:21 - All of Reece's bandmates from Joe Bonamassa's band guest (with the exception of drummer Anton Fig)13:05 - Solo piano version of the Beatles' 'Blackbird' on grand piano14:40 - Upright piano on 'I've got a right to be blue' and interesting 'dated' production of the track. Good example of Joe's influence on the sound, in particular the intros15:34 - Recollections of his time with Stevie Ray Vaughan16:40 - The album includes a song (Hard to be) from the Vaughan Brothers record, which is one of Reese's favourite16:52 - Living in Nashville do you still play the bars, when you're in town ? Many including a soul band called 'Groove Yard' and 'Blue Bloods' with Mike Henderson and released a highly recommended album called 'First Blood'.18:34 - Thoughts on the new generation of players and other current favourite artists: Doyle Bramhall II; Tedeschi Trucks and the Markus King Band.19:29 - Possibility of solo live dates, as very busy with Joe B. 20:15 - Current tour schedule with 22 US and 21 European dates, including 3 shows at the Royal Albert Hall (24-26/4). Plans to return to London later in the year to record the next JB album at Abbey Road.21:20 - Cruises. US in March (with KWS guesting); Med in August (with Peter Frampton)22:52 - Summary and close23:08 - Ends
TOBIAS SAMMET (Avantasia) - Moonglow Interview with Mark Taylor InterviewCollector 2019-01-16 | AVANTASIA, the all-star rock opera spaceship piloted by EDGUY singer, songwriter and producer Tobias Sammet, release their eighth full-length album, 'Moonglow', via Nuclear Blast Records on February 15th 2019. Mark Taylor (for Record Collector Magazine) talks to Tobias about the album, the band and the latest touring plans.This new 11-song record sees Sammet, reunited with some familiar faces from previous AVANTASIA albums. These include original QUEENSRYCHE lead singer Geoff Tate, PRETTY MAIDS frontman Ronnie Atkins, Michael Kiske of HELLOWEEN, Jørn Lande (ex-MASTERPLAN), Eric Martin (MR BIG) and MAGNUM’s Bob Catley. 'Moonglow' also introduces new collaborators Hansi Kürsch of BLIND GUARDIAN, KREATOR’s Mille Petrozza and BLACKMORE’S NIGHT frontwoman Candice Night. Once again Sammet wrote all of the album’s material with the exception of its cover track, a rocked-up re-make of Michael Sembello’s 'Maniac', a hit from the smash 1981 movie 'Flashdance'. Along with the aforementioned Sascha Paeth, Tobias also acted as the record’s producer.The first single, the 11 minute epic 'The Raven Child' starring guest vocalists Hansi Kürsch and Jorn Lande will be released in December. The second single 'Moonglow' with the partner of DEEP PURPLE/RAINBOW guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, Candice Night as a guest vocalist will be released in January.The Moonglow World Tour kicks off in Slovakia at the end of March, taking in many of the biggest cities in Europe, Russia, Japan, Australia and North, Central and South America. www.avantasia.netwww.facebook.com/avantasiawww.nuclearblast.de/avantasia#tobiassamet #avantasia #moonspell
BOB DAISLEY - Moore Blues for Gary - Audio Interview InterviewCollector 2018-11-28 | The legendary bass player, songwriter and collaborator talks about his long musical association and friendship with Gary Moore, from the early 80s until the great guitarist's final encore in 2011.In this interview with Andy Rawll, for Record Collector Magazine, Bob talks about the making of the tribute album 'More Blues for Gary' that was released by earMUSIC in October 2018. The represents a labour of love for a good friend and celebration of the wide-range of the blues-based songs for which Gary is so well known.Best of all, Bob has been able to call upon his stellar network of friends and fellow musicians to contribute their considerable talents to the project. This has resulted in a selection of 13 songs, with every single one blessed by an all-star cast.#Bob Daisley #MooreBluesforGary #GaryMoore #ForFactsSakebobdaisley.com www.gary-moore.com www.markbass.it/artist-detail/bob-daisley www.recordcollectormag.com amazon.co.uk/Facts-Sake-Bob-Daisley/dp/0992276055@BobDaisley @RecCollMagINTERVIEW TIMELINE:00:00 - Introduction 00:26 - First recorded tribute to Gary after his sad death in 2011. Concerned that it should be first class with the right players. Jack Bruce had agreed to contribute a vocal track, but never had the chance to fulfill that.02:39 - Reference to Bob's excellent book 'For Facts Sake' (2013) that documents his musical career, including his long association and collaboration with Gary Moore.03:14 - How it all started with working on 'Victims of the future' studio album and a live tour, documented on the 'Emerald Isles' video04:34 - Fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with top tier of guitar players.05:15 - What was it about Gary Moore's playing ? Irish soul, feeling and precision in his playing. He was really brilliant.06:02 - Great feedback to the tribute album. Support and comments on social media have been great.07:02 - 'Still got the blues' with John Sykes on guitar, Don Airey on keys and Danny Bowes on vocal has had some particularly good feedback. The album consists of Bob's own arrangements of the Blues-oriented songs by Gary that he really liked.09:10 - Bob encouraged Gary to move back to the blues for the album that followed the celtic rock 'After the war' in 1989. Albert King's 'Oh Pretty woman' was one of the tracks Bob highlighted to Gary.11:34 - Love for the 'The power of the blues', given the spontaneity of the live-in-the-studio performances. Three tracks from that album feature on the tribute album.12:28 - Guests on the album are from all parts of Bob's career, including Stan Webb of Chicken Shack (on 'Torn inside').12:50 - Due to the early Fleetwood Mac vibe of the track, Bob had tried, but failed, to have Peter Green play on the album. Bob learned so much about the blues from Stan when he joined Chicken Shack in 1971.14:11 - 'The blues just got sadder' is not a song that Gary Moore recorded, it was co-written with Bob's longtime friend from Melbourne band Khavas Jute, Dennis Wilson, and recorded with Jon Lord on the 'Hoochie Coochie Men' live album. Steve Lukather from Toto plays on the new album version, with Joe Lynn Turner on vocals. 16:48 - 'Empty rooms' features original co-writer and Moore band-mate Neil Carter on lead vocals. The original is not really a blues track, but this new arrangement is more bluesy, so seems to fit well.18:17 - 'This one's for you' features Gus and Jack Moore, Gary's sons. It's the second Dennis Wilson track on the album, co-written with Bob originally as a song submission for legendary American blues musician and Hendrix contemporary Guitar Shorty. The lyric also has nice resonance and message and endorses the Moore family approval of the tribute project.19:44 - Gary recorded his own tribute albums and recordings based on Peter Green 'Blues for Greeny' and Jimi Hendrix. Hence, the real shame that Peter Green was not able or available to contribute to the album20:45 - Has Bob contemplated a tribute album for his own favourite band, The Beatles ? Treading on sacred ground ? Joe Cocker did some good versions. 21:45 - Chris Stainton connection. Played with Eric Clapton and Joe Cocker, but also on the second album by Widow Maker (mid 70s band founded by Aerial Bender/Luther Grosvenor) 'Too late to cry', recorded at Olympic Studios in late 1976.23:23 - Luther isn't on the Gary Tribute, but Bob recalled (ref: a Beatles tribute album) that when he was in Spooky Tooth, he recorded a very different version of 'I am the walrus'23:50 - Bob's book 'For Facts Sake' is a great reference for other musicians from his past that might be involved in future projects. It's also full of stories that are, by turn, funny, sad, tragic and even murderous. People should check out the reviews, on Amazon for example, as they are overwhelmingly positive, much to Bob's delight and thanks.24:43 - Book also includes copious photos throughout the book25:26 - Conclusion and summary26:34 - End
DAMON JOHNSON (Black Star Riders, Thin Lizzy) - video interview with Mark Taylor InterviewCollector 2018-11-27 | Damon Johnson talks to Mark Taylor for Record Collector Magazine about his return as a solo artist and his final live shows as departing member of Black Star Riders. Damon has an illustrious career as a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for Brother Cane, Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy, Black Star Riders and alongside his band-mate Ricky, in Warwick-Johnson.His new solo album “Memoirs Of An Uprising” was released on 9th November 2018 following a www.PledgeMusic.com campaign and is also available via www.DamonJohnson.com, with the full retail release planned next year. The album features ten brand new songs, including co-writing credits with long-time collaborator, Jim Troglen (AKA Johnny Blade).After six years alongside Scott Gorham and Ricky Warwick in Black Star Riders, recording three acclaimed studio albums and gaining a loyal and burgeoning fan base, particularly in the UK and Europe, Johnson is bowing out of the band to concentrate on the next stage of his career. As such, the remaining BSR tour dates, will be his final performances with the band. He confirms in the interview that he will be sad to leave the band, but remains on very good terms will all concerned and will continue to work with Warwick as a songwriting partner, as well as appearing with the latest, but currently resting line-up of Thin Lizzy. Most of all, he's looking forward to reigniting his solo career and spending more time in the US, although he's keen to return to the UK in 2019 for live shows with his solo band.The remaining tour dates are:Buckley Tivoli - Nov 28thSouthampton Engine Room - Nov 29thLeamington Spa The Assembly - Nov 30th Trecco Bay Planet Rockstock - Dec 1stHolmfirth Picturedrome - Dec 2ndSheffield Corporation - Dec 3rdTickets are available via www.blackstarriders.com@DamonJOfficial #DamonJohnson www.damonjohnson.com@BlackStarRiders #BlackStarRiders www.blackstarriders.com pledgemusic.com/projects/damonjohnsonwww.recordcollectormag.com @RecCollMag #RecordCollector
MIKKO VON HERTZEN audio interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2018-11-17 | Mikko von Hertzen talks to Andy Rawll, for Record Collector Magazine, about the Von Herzen Brothers' forthcoming tour plans in December. This includes Planet Rockstock and six headline dates before joining Uriah Heep as special guests on their UK tour.Mikko also describes the band's hiatus in 2016 and their strong return with the acclaimed album 'War Is Over' and the plans to start work on a follow-up next year. He also discusses the recently announced Finland-only tour in 2019 that will see the band playing tribute to one of the most influential bands from their home country 'Kingston Wall', whose music deserves a wider audience.@VHBROZ @Mikko_von @mascotrecs1 @MLG_Rocks @RecCollMag#VonHertzenBrothers #kingstonwall #warisover #recordcollector www.recordcollectormag.com www.vonhertzenbrothers.com www.mascotlabelgroup.comINTERVIEW TIMELINE:00:00 - Intro00:36 - What we can expect on the forthcoming shows - a different set with not only tracks from current album, 'War Is Over' but more from the brothers' back catalogue01:15 - Tour starts at Thekla in Bristol01:46 - Forthcoming UK date run-down02:07 - Happy to be on our with Uriah Heep, who are still at the top of their game02:55 - Next gig, before the tour, is Planet Rockstock (30/11 - 2/12)03:32 - Other bands playing at Rockstock including Operation Mindcrime and Lazuli04:04 - Dead Daisies also playing, who they04:26 - Band stated that they were going on indefinite 'hiatus in 2016, but reconvened in 2017 to eventually deliver the album 'War Is Over'06:42 - Perspective on that album and a return to their signature prog sound (compared to more upfront previous album: 'New day rising'07:55 - Relevance of the album title name and how the epic 12 minute title track was the keystone track that was written first and influenced the style of the overall album09:48 - Background to the track 'Frozen butterflies'- theme of lost love11:15 - 10 date tour of Finland in February in tribute to the music of influential Finnish band 'Kingston Wall'. Sami the current VHB drummer used to play in the band. They produced three albums12:45 - As a cult band in Finland, the tribute tour is unlikely to extend to other countries. However, the music is great and worth a listen. We gave Steven Wilson copies of the CDs and hope that he has time to listen to it, as I hope he would love it13:21 - Looking forward to working on the next album from January14:20 - Any thoughts on likely style and theme of the new material16:03 - Recap of tour dates 16:40 - Conclusion16:54 - End
THUNDERMOTHER We fight for Rock n Roll - interview with Mark Taylor InterviewCollector 2018-11-17 | Mark Taylor in conversation with Thundermother after the resounding success of their sky-shaking, earth-quaking performance on the Hamburg on Tour event at the Truman Brewery in London's Brick Lane. This excellent annual showcase highlights the many delights of one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations, including its vibrant live arts scene, the allure of the Reeperbahn and seemingly endless opportunities to eat and drink. Fittingly, one of the tasty local brews, Lütte Höög, Hamburg's special craft beer, was prominently represented and delighted visitors with their informative presentation and thirst-quenching tasting sessions. www.luette-hoeoeg.de#thundermother #hamburgontour #luettehoeoeg@hamburgontour @thundermother @despotzrecords
MATT EVERITT - The First Time - BBC 6 Music Book Launch interview by Shaun Keaveny InterviewCollector 2018-11-12 | BBC Radio 6 colleagues Matt and Shaun discuss Matt's new book 'The First Time: Stories & Songs from Music Icons'. The book mines the rich archive of interviews from Everitt's acclaimed radio show 'The First TIme' including some of the biggest names in rock, punk, pop, dance, reggae and indie music, including Alice Cooper, Bernard Sumner, Bill Drummond, Billy Corgan, Brian Wilson, Bryan Ferry, Charlie Watts, Chrissie Hynde, Courtney Love, Damon Albarn, Dave Grohl, David Gilmour, Debbie Harry, Edwyn Collins, Elton John, Florence Welch, Jarvis Cocker, Jimmy Cliff, John Lydon, Johnny Marr, Jonny Greenwood, Josh Homme, Kelis, Lars Ulrich, Marianne Faithfull, Michael Stipe, Neneh Cherry, Norman Cook, Paul Simon, Pete Townshend, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson, Rod Stewart, Sinead O'Connor, Terry Hall, Trent Reznor, Wayne Coyne, Wilko Johnson, Win Butler and Yoko Ono. Each interview is accompanied by specially commissioned collage illustrations and a recommended playlist for that artist.Video recorded at Foyles bookstore, 107 Charing Cross Road, London, by Mark Taylor for Record Collector Magazine (@RecCollMag) on the book launch date (5th November 2018). 'The First Time' is published by www.laurenceking.com.Additional footage (12m) of the audience Q&A can be viewed here: youtube.com/watch?v=Eh-0XhcxNbQ
MATT EVERITT - The First Time - BBC 6 Music Book Launch Q&A by Shaun Keaveny InterviewCollector 2018-11-12 | Post interview Q&A after BBC Radio 6 colleagues Matt and Shaun discuss Matt's new book 'The First Time: Stories & Songs from Music Icons'. Q&A topics include: Morrissey, Pete Townshend, Minced Beef, The Art of Drumming, Menswear, becoming a writer, first meeting between Matt and Shaun. Watch the main interview (41m40s) here: youtube.com/watch?v=I4K6d1QPzf0Video recorded at Foyles bookstore, 107 Charing Cross Road, London, by Mark Taylor for Record Collector Magazine (@RecCollMag) on the book launch date (5th November 2018). 'The First Time' is published by www.laurenceking.com.
GARY GUITAR LAMMIN (Bermondsey Joyriders) talks to Mark Taylor about his debut solo album InterviewCollector 2018-11-06 | Gary talks to Mark Taylor for Record Collector Magazine about the release of his long-awaited solo album, simply entitled 'Gary Guitar Lammin' on Requestone Records. Originally recorded between 2000 and 2003 and engineered by the legendary original (pre- Never Mind...) Sex Pistols' producer Dave Goodman, the album has been described as a "psychedelic punk rock blues odyssey" and is quite different yet equally satisfying as Lammin's Joyriding exploits.http://www.garyguitarlammin.co.ukhttp://www.thebermondseyjoyriders.co.uk/biography/gary-lamminNOTE: the interview was conducted in April 2017 at All Ages Records (@allagesrecords) in Camden, London. Due to an issue with the original recording, this has been re-published in November 2018.MORE INFORMATION: Veteran punk and blues guitarist Gary ‘Guitar’ Lammin is known first and foremost as a punk rocker, who has collaborated with the likes of Joe Strummer, Public Image’s Jah Wobble and Generation X’s Mark Laff, and built a cult following as leader of punk-blues trio The Bermondsey Joyriders, Lammin dealt listeners a curveball with his sublime and surprising first solo offering. Crafted under the direction of late Pistols producer Dave Goodman, the album hears Lammin swap punk rock for a shape-shifting blend of 60s psychedelia, progressive rock elements, and tripped out delta blues. While presenting a fresh side to Lammin’s boundless songwriting talents, it also immortalises Goodman’s skill as producer. Having been stashed away for many years, after Goodman’s tragic passing in 2005, it’s a true ‘buried treasure’ release, which will be right at home in the two Mecca-for-music-fanatics independent record stores that Lammin and his acoustic guitar are set to grace.The interview was at the second of two in-store promotional performances for the album in 2017:25th March – Raven Records (74 Bromley Road, Beckenham)1st April – All Ages Records (27 Pratt Street, Camden)Both dates have some personal significance to Lammin, and to his close working relationship with Goodman, from which the album emerged. Raven’s Records in Beckenham is “literally a few streets down” from Goodman’s former Mandala Studios, where the bulk of the recording was completed more than a decade ago. Meanwhile, Lammin says of his appearance at All Ages in Camden, “I particularly wanted a gig for the album on April Fool’s day, as it was a day that me and Dave Goodman spoke about a bit”. He explains that the figure of the fool was often in their minds as these philosophical, dramatic, and dream-like songs took shape; “we both found it interesting that in a lot of Shakespearian plays, it is the court jester or the fool (who often is only pretending to be a fool), is the only person who is actually is privy to all information - because nobody takes him seriously”.
DAN REED NETWORK - Origins interview with Mark Taylor of Record Collector Magazine InterviewCollector 2018-10-31 | Dan Reed Network release their studio sessions album 'Origins' on Friday 23rd November 2018 via Reed’s own ‘Zero One Entertainment’ Label. To celebrate the release the band will tour the UK in November. Special guests on the tour are Mason Hill and Hollowstar.Origins follows DRN’s hugely successful comeback album Fight Another Day (2016). While recording the album DRN opened the studio doors to the public and invited them in to be a part of an exclusive series of recording sessions that spanned the globe with tracks that would eventually become Origins recorded at Blueprint Studio’s in Manchester, The Power Station in NYC, Nia Studios in Portland Oregon and finally Studio 4 in Stockholm.#danreednetwork #DRN #danreed@dan_reed @reccollmagVideo for lead track 'Fade to light': youtube.com/watch?v=eJQogH3ZfRgDRN on-line store: danreednetwork.tmstor.esDAN REED NETWORK “ORIGINS” NOVEMBER 2018 UK TOURBilston, The Robin 2 - Wednesday 7 NovemberNewcastle, Riverside - Thursday 8 NovemberInverness, Monsterfest, The Ironworks - Saturday 10 NovemberGlasgow, The Garage - Tuesday 13 NovemberWakefield, Warehouse 23 - Wednesday 14 NovemberPontypridd, Muni Arts Centre - Friday 16 NovemberChester, The Live Rooms - Saturday 17 NovemberBristol, The Fleece - Sunday 18 NovemberStoke, Eleven - Wednesday 21 NovemberDerby, The Venue - Thursday 22 NovemberLondon, 229 Venue – Album Launch Party - Friday 23 NovemberManchester, Club Academy - Sunday 25th NovemberFor more information and ticket links: http://danreed-network.com/tourALBUM TRACKLISTING – ORIGINS1. Fade to Light2. Ritual3. Right in Front of Me4. Forgot to Make Her Mine5. Shameless6. Let it Go7. One Last Time8. Rainbow ChildTracks 1 & 2 recorded in Manchester, 3 & 4 in NYC, 5 & 6 in Portland and 7 & 8 in StockholmThanks to Mark Fuller and the staff of the Karma Sanctum for their hospitality sanctumsoho.com
MIKE READ - The War Sonnets of Rupert Brooke - video interview by Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2018-10-25 | Veteran broadcaster, author and composer Mike Read talks to Andy Rawll (for Record Collector Mag) about the choral music project that he scored to bring to life the poignant words of renowned war-poet Rupert Brooke. Mike provides a fascinating insight into the continuing allure of Brooke, whom many consider as the first pop star from the vibrant Edwardian era. He gained immortality as the first member of the 27 club, having died en route to Gallipoli, shortly after his greatest hit, the elegant, yet idealistic paean to the Great War, 'The Soldier' had become hugely popular. Mike also brings us up to date on his latest activities, dividing time working with the Blue Plaque Trust and his burgeoning new radio enterprise 'United DJs'.First released in 2015, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Brooke's death, at the very rock n roll age of 27, the CD 'If I should die...' is now to be re-released by AngelAir Records to align with the centenary of Armistice day on 11/11/18, with all profits to be donated to the RAF Benevolent Fund.Of the five main tracks, 'Safety' and 'Soldier' are particularly outstanding. The sombre themes are serenely sung with poignant grace. If anything, I slightly prefer the heavenly and ethereal feel of the Eton rendition, whereas the sword-sharp precision of the KC Choir is elegantly divine.'If I should die - The war sonnets of Rupert Brooke - with music by Mike Read, arranged by Mike Allwood consists of three recordings, headed by Read's five-part suite (Peace, Safety, The Dead 1&2; The Soldier) performed by Kings College Choir and complemented by an alternative a more intimate rendering by the Eton College Chapel Choir. In addition, there are two bonus tracks (The May Day Song and Sunday Morning) from his previous John Betjeman-based work.#rupertbrooke #warsonnets #mikereadwww.rupertbrooke.com www.angelair.co.uk www.recordcollectormag.com www.blueplaquesite.com www.uniteddj.com@britplaquetrust @angelarirecords@uniteddjsradio @reccollmagINTERVIEW TIMELINE00:00 – Intro00:35 – The allure Rupert Brooke – first pop star to die at 27. Golden era of artists in the Edwardian era for whom time stood still with the start of the Great War. It wasn’t until the 60s that similar unfettered artistic talent was able to emerge and flourish.03:00 – Was Brooke’s view too idealised or romantic as he died before he made it to the front ? Mike wrote his book to get the pendulum to swing somewhere in the middle from the Eulogistic to the Iconoclastic and back to the centre05:20 – Setting Brookes verse to choral music, following previous projects, including a more popular-based arrangement for John Betjeman’s work. To put words to music takes craft until you make it as perfect as it can be. If it inspires an emotional reaction, you know it works.08:03 – How the basic melodies, themes and counterpoints develop into a fully scored work ? The challenges of recording at Eton, under the Heathrow flight path. Meeting Dadie Rylands (legendary literary scholar and theatre director) at Cambridge.12:44 – Deliberate plan to release a take of two towns (Kings College Cambridge and Eton); how the hitherto lost tapes were found in 201512:54 – Comparing the two performances15:29 – Personal connection with WWI17:16 – The passing of the Centenary, what does that mean ?18:53 – Any new creative areas to explore; songwriting credits ?21:28 – BASCA gold badge award 22:32 – Blue Plaques trust. Taking them into the Commonwealth for the first time23:48 – Full circle and latest radio station – United DJs (collective of former DJs of Radio One, Capital and Radio Luxembourg25:28 – Close25:48 - EndCREDITS:Many thanks to Mark Fuller and the staff of the Karma Sanctum Hotel in Central London for their hospitality during the production of this interview: www.sanctumsoho.comkarmagroup.com/find-destination/karma-sanctum/karma-sanctum-soho
THE HEARD - The Island interview with Klara and Pepper by Mark Taylor from Record Collector Magazine InterviewCollector 2018-10-23 | The Heard is the new Swedish rock band featuring guitarist Klara "Force" Rönnqvist Fors, bassist Ida "Evileye" Stenbacka and drummer Nikki Wicked (a.k.a. Jannicke Lindström) from 'Crucified Barbara', alongside bassist Jonas "Skinny Disco" Kangur (on lead guitar) from 'Deathstars', and fronted by burlesque performer, model and singer Pepper Potemkin. Mark Taylor spoke to Klara and Pepper about the new band and their a new single, "Tower Of Silence", taken from The Heard''s upcoming debut album, "The Island" (planned release on 2Nov18 through Despotz Records)
ROINE STOLT - Video Interview with the Flower King by Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2018-10-23 | Renowned prog musician Roine Stolt (Transatlantic, The Sea Within, The Tangent, Agents of Mercy) discusses his new album 'Manifesto of an alchemist', with Andy Rawll for Record Collector Magazine. Released under the singular imprimatur 'The Flower King' (23/11 via InsideOut) this may be a Stolt solo album, but the signature psyche-tinged prog of the collective Kings is never far away. Lushly orchestrated prog with lashings of feral guitar and peppered with Beatlesque harmonies, this may be one of the Swedish prog weasel's most cunning and satisfying releases. From the soothing ambience of 'Rainsong' and the 12 minute epic landscape of 'High road' to the jazzy hocus pocus of 'The Alchemist', ukelele-driven prog lullaby of 'Baby angels' and scathing diatribe of 'The spell of money', this is a rich and scintillating suite of songs with broad appeal. Better still, the court of the floral king returns to Europe in December as special guest to Spock's Beard, culminating in two UK dates (Islington Assembly on 9/12 and Manchester Academy Club on 10/12) promising a set of FK favourites, in addition to songs from this most regal new album.The track 'Lost America' provides a taste of the alchemy being conjured here: youtube.com/watch?v=y919myxnMAc#TheFlowerKings #RoineStolt #ManifestoOfAnAlchemist #TheFlowerKing@TheFlowerKings @InsideOutMusic @RecCollMagwww.flowerkings.se www.recordcollectormag.com www.insideoutmusic.comINTERVIEW TIMELINE:00:00 – Intro00:30 – From Flower Kings to Flower King – back to the beginning or a new start ?03:00 – Is there different approach to the music as the sole writer and singer on the album ?04:30 – Has lyrical approach changed (e.g. the new track ‘Ze pawns’) ?07:18 – Wasn’t this a relatively quick album to record and release ?09:05 – Do you consider this more of a solo album ?10:02 – Does this album resurrect any archived ideas or demos ?11:56 – Is there a key track on the new album that you’d recommend ?13:45 – Guitar sounds and the debut of the ukulele on the track ‘Baby angels’16:00 – The track ‘The spell of money’ and finding the right balance between creativity and commercialism17:51 – The guest musicians and collaborators, including Marco Minnemann and Jonas Reingold19:14 – The Steve Hackett connection – his singer (since 2013) Nad Sylvan was recommended by Roine22:04 – Jonas Hellborg finally gets the Hackett gig23:25 – Current tour coming to Europe in December with Spock’s Beard25:50 – Other musical inspirations, including Peter Gabriel28:03 - Conclusion
JAKKO JAKSZYK (King Crimson) - Living though Uncertain Times - video interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2018-10-20 | Current King Crimson vocalist and guitarist, Jakko Jakszyk, talks to Andy Rawll (for Record Collector Magazine) about the latest incarnation of the band first founded by Fripp and friends in 1968 and the forthcoming 'Uncertain Times' UK tour in October and November 2018. He also talks about his family background and musical influences, as well as revealing details of little-known projects and collaborations. www.dgmlive.com www.recordcollectormag.com@kingcrimsonofficial @DGMHQ @JakkoJ @RecCollMag #KingCrimson #RecordCollector #Jakko #UncertainTimes '#RadicalAction #FrippThis interview took place in October 2018. A more recent follow-up video interview took place in May 2019: youtube.com/watch?v=JcgAf_3pTxUINTERVIEW TIMELINE00:00 - Start00:28 - Comments on the forthcoming tour. Repertoire (around 45 possible songs). Rehearsals.02:45 - Eight-piece line-up, including Bill and Jeremy03:50 - Jakko's history with the Crimson extended family since 1997 and how he subsequently joined as a full member in 201306:15 - Latest albums, including 'Meltdown' live release07:18 - Release plans for new studio material in current music industry climate08:57 - Thoughts on the chosen title of the tour 'Uncertain times'. Reflections on current malaise and discontent in society, particularly associated with Brexit and shocking personal experiences.12:26 - 'The road to Balina' - auto-biographical work commissioned by BBC, that traces Jakko's family background of both his adoptive parents and his birth birthday13:52 - Thoughts on the last five years as a full member of the band14:56 - Recent projects include remixing artists as diverse as Chris Squire, Bruford, The Moody Blues and Jethro Tull.15:50 - Jakko also had unsung roles in Fleetwood Mac and the Kinks16:40 - Level 4217:48 - Songwriting tales, including turning down Whitney and courting the Nolans20:47 - Activities during the countdown to the UK tour. (rehearsals)22:00 - Less pressure during this tour cycle, compared to long-awaited return three years ago. Repertoire provides the ability to perform at least one song from almost every KC album23:10 - Adrian Belew as 'resting member'. Current stage configuration is inverted, with three drummers at the front and the remaining ensemble players at the back.25:10 - Wrap-up25:42 - EndKING CRIMSON - 'UNCERTAIN TIMES' 2018 UK TOURMon 29 Oct – Pavilion, BournemouthWed 31 Oct – St David's Hall, CardiffFri 2 Nov – Palladium, LondonSat 3 Nov – Palladium, London EXTRA DATATue 6 Nov – Symphony Hall, BirminghamWed 7 Nov – Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham EXTRA DATEFri 9 Nov – Bridgewater Hall, ManchesterSat 10 Nov – Empire Theatre, Liverpool EXTRA DATEMon 12 Nov – Royal Concert Hall, GlasgowTue 13 Nov – Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh EXTRA DATESOURCE: dgmlive.com/tours CURRENT 'DOUBLE QUARTET' TOURING LINE-UPRobert Fripp – guitar (1968–74, 1981–84, 1994–present), Mellotron, keyboards (1970–74, 1994–present), Frippertronics (1981–84), soundscapes (1994–present)Mel Collins – saxophone, flute (1970–72, 2013–present; studio: 1974), Mellotron, backing vocals (1971–1972)Tony Levin – bass guitar, electric upright bass, Chapman Stick, funk fingers, synthesizers, backing vocals (1981–84, 1994–98, 2003–present)Pat Mastelotto – percussion, acoustic and electronic drums (1994–present)Gavin Harrison – main drums (2007–present)Jakko Jakszyk – lead vocals, guitar, flute (2013–present)Bill Rieflin – drums, percussion (2013–2015), keyboards, synthesizer, Mellotron, backing vocals (2013–2015, 2017–present)Jeremy Stacey – drums, keyboards, backing vocals (2016–present)(Adrian Belew – remains part of the KC extended family and inactive 9th man)
PETE AGNEW - 50 Years of Nazareth - video interview with Andy Rawll InterviewCollector 2018-10-10 | PETE AGNEW (founder-member of classic rock band 'Nazareth') in conversation with Andy Rawll for Record Collector MagazineAs memorable album titles go ' Tattooed on my brain' will take some beating. Released on 12Oct18) through Frontiers Records, this is the 24th studio album from the Scots rockers Nazareth. It's the first to feature leather-lunged singer Carl Sentance, who replaced the band's original steel-larynxed front-man Dan McCafferty in 2015. The best news is that it's a loud and proud album, full of rampant rock songs that prove that there's plenty of hair left of these Dunfermline dogs.Andy Rawll (for Record Collector Mag) spoke to bass player, Pete Agnew, to find out more about how the new album came into being as well as his thoughts on the longevity of the band and plans for the future.Agnew is the sole remaining member of the band that first formed in the early sixties as six-piece covers-band The Shadettes. Graduating to their own material and a harder-edged sound, they slimmed down to the four piece line-up of McCafferty, Agnew, Sweet, Charlton in 1968 and acquired their weighty band name in 1970. Releasing their debut album in 1971, they soon made their mark with their unique brand of rough-hewn classic rock, including brilliant originals like 'Bad bad boy' and 'Broken down angel' and inspired cover versions of songs such as: 'Love hurts' and 'This flight tonight'. Buoyed by significant commercial success, particularly between 1973's 'Razamanaz' and 1980's 'Malice in wonderland', the band went on to notch up 20 million unit sales worldwide.In addition to thriving forward with their new album, catalogue curator BMG have just released a razamanazing, limited edition 'Loud and Proud' box-set that includes 32 CDs, featuring all 23 previous studio albums and a vast array of rareties and curios plus a hardback book and bonus 7" and 12" vinyl to boot. For the less committed, there's also a slimline 3CD anthology retrospective release.OFFICIAL VIDEO - 'Tattooed on my brain'http://www.nazarethdirect.co.uk/websiteyoutube.com/watch?v=DDHYHY0YOjwFOR MORE INFORMATIONwww.nazarethdirect.co.uk www.recordcollectormag.com@nazarethofficial @frontiersmusic1 @RecCollMag#nazarethofficial #loudandproud #tattooedonmybrain #frontiersrecords #nazareth #recordcollectorINTERVIEW TIMELINE00:00 - Welcome00:40 - New album 'Tattooed on my brain' - importance of recording a new album with Carl Sentance (lead singer since 2014) ?02:14 - Favourite songs on the album ?03:35 - How did the band approach recording it, being the first album release with Carl as singer ?05:08 - Has Dan McCafferty (original singer, who left in 2014) heard the album ?06:14 - How's Dan's health ?07:04 - Anything special planned to coincide with the 50th anniversary ?08:03 - Clarification on when the true anniversary falls ? 1968 was when the four founding members came together still under the previous name of 'The Shadettes' and 1970 when the band name changed to Nazareth.08:56 - How about Manny Charlton ?10:14 - Forthcoming tour dates (Germany and Switzerland announced and more to follow)11:09 - Possible UK dates next year11:45 - Experience of playing Wacken Open Air metal festival last year - enduring popularity of ballads like 'Dream on' (Question from my colleague: Mark Taylor)13:44 - Cover versions, some great songs picked in the past (e.g. This flight tonight). How did they find those songs and were any new ones considered to record with Carl ? 15:54 - Recording the Bob Dylan song 'The ballad of Hollis Brown'17:23 - Always wanted to cover an Abba song. An unfinished version of 'SOS' exists (included on box set)18:27 - 'Loud and Proud' box set round-up (full 32 CD limited edition package with extras and standard release 3CD anthology)21:06 - What next ? An exciting time to be in the band. Follow-up album (no 25) ? Touring the current album ?22:32 - Close
