Musical Notes

2012-02-10T22:30:00.001-06:00

Shy - Shy

As I sit here and listen to this masterpiece of melodic metal, I can't help to think what a tragedy befell this band in October of 2011. The guitarist extraordinaire, Steve Harris (not to be confused with the bassist from Iron Maiden), died from a brain tumor. He leaves behind a 13 album discography that spans almost 30 years. I loved this band in the 80s and still do. When I heard this latest offering last year, I was floored. The songwriting on this album is well crafted. Great lyrics with excellent guitar playing and the powerful voice of Lee Small.

Some of the greatest highlights from this album are, "Save Me", "Sanctuary" and "Blood On the Line". The latter being one of my favorite tracks. This song just rocks from beginning to end. The riff at the end of the song is just killer as well as the chord structure in the last few minutes. You'll find yourself banging your head up and down with the horns up in the air as they come out of that last solo. "Sanctuary" is an epic song, from beginning to end. The bluesy lead guitar work through the whole song and the fist pumping power after the intro, just remind me of standing in front of a stage at a concert and screaming songs like this at the top of my lungs, banging my head to the band.

All of the songs on this release are great and the hooks in each track are reminiscent of the glory days of the late 80s, when this style of music ruled the airwaves and it took us away from our everyday worries and cares.

If the band or the family ever reach this little review, I hope they know how much this album means to one of its fans. Steve will be sorely missed, but his legacy lives on in a masterpiece that I will listen to quite a bit over the rest of my years. I just love this album! RIP Steve Harris, thank you for rocking us all!

Please support Shy by purchasing their music from Amazon or iTunes

Visit their official website.

Blood On the Line

Sanctuary

Seventh Wonder - The Great Escape

2012-02-10T20:43:00.002-06:00

Seventh Wonder - The Great Escape

This is one of my favorite progressive rock releases for 2011. Hands down, some greatest songwriting, storytelling, singing, arranging and musicianship I have heard in years. I have listened to this album a countless times this year. There are some moments of grandeur here that just shine an immense brightness on this band. "Alley Cat" is one of those tracks that has a catchy progressive rock hook that I have not heard in a chorus in a very long time.

The talent in this band is very technique oriented with a strong sense of emotion. This is something that is lacking in some progressive rock bands who chase the "angry chipmunk" with their flashy chops. Not with this band. The bass player, Andreas Blomqvist, is a monster on the six-string bass and Tommy Karevik has one of those voices that just pierces the veil when he sings. I don't know how else to describe his vocal style, except that he is one of the purest tenors I've ever heard sing outside of Jon Anderson of Yes.

"The Great Escape" is an epic prog-tale of 30 minutes which is an ode to a dying Earth. The song starts with our Earth Mother singing her song of sorrow to us as we leave her behind to die. Just that piece of the song alone has a power in its lyrics that bring a tear to your eye. I kid you not. I loved the melody line so much when I first heard this piece, that I had to look up the lyrics. When I read the story behind the album and this song, it brought a tears to my eyes. A very profound statement on how we are destroying our planet and for what.

I can honestly say that there is not a bad track on this album. The harmonies are excellent as well as the music itself. I look forward to listening to this album many more times in the future and cannot wait for new music to come from these gentlemen. Please support bands like this and purchase their music.

Official Site: Seventh Wonder

Buy this album at Amazon.com or iTunes

The Great Escape:

Alley Cat:

Gamalon - Aerial View

2010-09-07T15:01:00.000-05:00

Gamalon is my favorite jazz fusion group! Some would consider this more of a progressive rock/metal album. I was turned on to this instrumental masterpiece back in the early 90s by a very good friend of mine. Its been in my CD case ever since then. Like an old friend I get hooked on this CD over and over again.

I know its been out of print for a while now and I am hoping that its re-released via MP3 version or even CD again someday.

The first track off of the CD, called "Beat the Heat". It sets the pace for this album of great music.

The title track off of the CD "Aeiral View" I have always wanted to do an animation video with. Picture an alien strolling through the air trying to figure our world out, not paying attention and then getting seen by a jet airliner. The airliner reports him to air traffic control and a couple of Air Force jets are sent to investigate. The alien has no idea he's being followed, until its too late, because he is still taking in the beauty of what he sees with the buildings and sky scrapers. All of a sudden, he notices the two jets chasing him (when the drum solo starts) and the music kicks back in, he revs his jump engines and starts to pull away from the jets and launches into space and hyper speed at the end, flying away. The last scene, is the alien whisking the sweat from his brow goin...whoa. I will create this someday.

The ninth track on the CD is called "The Lost Ghost" and is probably one of my favorites. It has an intense bass track with one of the coolest keyboard, electric violin and guitar runs ever done. The track is so catchy, I can see it being used in a Scooby chase scene.

Gamalon still does shows, from what I am seeing posted on YouTube. I have uploaded these tracks in hopes of turning people onto this excellent group. Go find this CD and buy it. Its worth every penny.

I've always liked their first (Gamalon) and third (High Contrast) albums too, but this one, to me, is their masterpiece. Every song on it is perfectly written and executed. If any of the band stumbles upon my post here, please know that I am a HUGE fan and always have been. I really wish I could see them live sometime. There are some videos out on YouTube of the reunion concert, which is really cool. There are also some videos with Nori Bucci, that are amazingly good and I would love to see more footage of those shows.

These tracks that I've posted here I have done a small amount of remastering too. I widened them and added a little spacial feel as well. It was mastered with a high amount of treble in the mix on the original, so I brought that into balance as well. I hope that you all enjoy these tracks as much as I do. Please click on the links I have here as well to check out information on the band, their members over the years and some of the other videos out on YouTube of them. Most of all, if you see their recordings for sale online or in the store, support them, purchase the CDs or downloads.

Spock's Beard - Say Goodbye To Yesterday

2010-09-06T14:55:00.001-05:00

As I sit here this morning, I think about all the videos that I've shared out on Facebook lately and wondered to myself, why haven't I just put them on my blog like I was wanting too last year when I started writing this stuff. :) Well, this is the first one of the myriad of songs that have been going through my "sharelist" lately.

Spock's Beard. An incredible band formed in 1992 by brothers Neal and Alan Morse. The name came from the alternate Universe episode of the original Star Trek series where Mr. Spock had a beard and when they presented the list of names to call the band, Alan thought it would be funny to throw the name on the list and the band chose it.

I love every album this band has released. Some are better than others, but they have progressed so well, even after the departure of Neal Morse in 2002. Neal left to pursue his own solo career and calling in the Christian community and has quite a successful career and following in that genre. The band had varying belief backgrounds and kept their lyrics very spiritual in meaning but never preachy. They remain so in the absence of Neal, with Nick D'Virgilio as the bands main singer now and they continue on in the same vein as the band progresses into more heavier and intricate pieces on their last two CDs.

This is one of my favorite songs from this band. There are too many to list here, but this is one of my favorites. "Say Goodbye To Yesterday". I think one of the coolest tracks on the V CD for its meaning. Very deep and introspective, my favorite line is "Do you have your baggage or do your bags have you?"

If you can, please check out songs like "June", "Distance to the Sun", "The Doorway", "Waste Away", "Thoughts", "Gibberish", "The Good Don't Last", "Day For Night", "The Light", "At The End of the Day" when you have a moment. If you like them, then support them by purchasing their tracks or a CD.

Here is "Say Goodbye To Yesterday" in it's entirety:

Is There Anybody Really Listening?

2010-07-29T16:44:00.006-05:00

I started my company Is There Anybody Listening, Inc. back in 1996, incorporating as a consultant who did contract programming on a machine called an IBM AS/400. A shift of events happened in that next two years that led me to the client I was at for the last 12 years; Abercrombie & Kent, Inc.

When I initially set up my company, I had ever intention of working towards multimedia or music. The name comes from a song by the heavy metal band Queensryche, from their album, "Empire" and the song that just fit my life story to the fullest, "Anybody Listening?". I thought, "what a great company name. It will fit consulting, music, video, art, photography and whatever I can do to have someone listen to the dreams and goals and for me to help provide a service to them to help them with that.

Are they truly listening? Maybe not on the receiving end so much, but I am.

Lately, I've been gently shoved into rethinking my future, who I am, what I want to do when I grow up. Programming pays the bills, but had I lost the edge it required to keep up with a fast paced world? Was my heart in it to win it anymore? Was I truly listening to my own higher-self and finding peace deep inside with wanting to do this for a living anymore? The answer is yes. Do I need to retool my skills and bring them up to speed? Yes. Do I need to pick myself back off the ground, dust myself off, let go of the past and move on? Yes. Do I still want to follow my dreams of someday, having my music in film and TV? Yes. All of the questions are answered with YES, when I ask myself these questions.

So am I "in it to win it." as Guy Feiri would say on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives? You bet I am.

See, I lost myself somewhere along the way in the last 12 years. I needed a shake up of sorts, I think, to get back being me. To get back to the never-ending creative side of myself that cranked out 4 CDs worth of music in 2 years time. To get back into the photographer, artist and designer side of me that found joy in creating something that I can still look at to this day and go "Wow! I did that?" But most of all, to get back to the solid business person I once was, who could kick ass and take names when it came to coding, problem solving and being there for a company that I believed in.

I think everyone needs a little "awakening" from time to time. It a good cleanser for the soul. "Some times you have to hit them in the head to get their attention!" -Carol King from Scrooged. It's a death of the old self and a rebirth from a cocoon that had been holding me too tightly into comfort and conformity where I was at.

So, its time to let all that go and move on.

Universe! I'm ready, bring on the next step of my career please. Its time for me to dig in and have some fun again in my work life. I love the creative side of programming. Its creativity on a whole other level that I forgot how much I loved and that this was what I got into it for in the first place.

Here's hoping everyone is doing fine and hanging in there and having a wonderful Summer! Hey, if you aren't doing anything and your reading this before the 1st of August and you're in the Chicagoland area, please, come out and see the band that I have been playing bass and keys for. Syrens are playing Sunday August 1st, 2010 from 8 pm to 10 pm at the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club Festival in Chicago at Irving Park Road and Rockwell in the park! Its supposed to be beautiful outside that day, so come on out and see us.

Peace and love to all of you. Thank you for your prayers, suggestions, concerns and thoughts through this bump in the road that we have been going through. Its greatly appreciated. I'm truly grateful for the friends that I have.

Dave

"You and I, long to live like wind upon the water. If we close our eyes, we'll maybe realize, there's more to life than what we have known. And I can't believe I've spent so long living lies I knew were wrong inside, I've just begun to see the light...."

- Lyrics by Queensryche - Empire - "Anybody Listening?"

If the embed on this video ever disappears, here is the EMI version. The don't allow embedding.

Time for a new release.

2010-07-02T02:15:00.000-05:00

I remastered a CD I created a few years ago, today. I have been wanting to get this ready for licensing for a few years now. I figured it was time to start actively seeking my dream, to get my music in film and TV and to someday make a living doing just that. This is the first installment over the next few days. I'll share my other CDs as I release them.

The CD is called "Making Sense From Chaos" and you can listen to it at the link provided below.

ReverbNation Tunepak

You may purchase the CD directly from ReverbNation or through CD Baby in a few weeks. Digital downloads are available through ReverbNation, Broadjam and soon through iTunes and all the other wonderful stores on the Internet. :) Thank you so much for your support.

The Rock'n'Roll Machine Forges On!

2010-06-05T00:24:00.000-05:00

Canada has produced some powerful rock groups over the years. From the progressive rock of Rush, to the power pop group Trooper all the way to the top 40 pop rock styling of Chilliwack, The Great White North has produced one talented group after another. Triumph is no exception. From their early career to the departure of Rik Emmett and beyond, this band has always produced some of the most influential music in 70s, 80s and 90s rock. Now with Rik back in the band, we're all hoping that the next generation of Triumph music will do us fans proud.

We all know that there is still great music to be written by this trio.

This newest release of their greatest hits is amazingly well done, remixed and remastered.

I haven't heard such a great remixing and remastering job since a group of Australian sound engineers remastered the greatest hits of Steely Dan.

From the opening of the greatest hits starts with Allied Forces all the way through to the Rock'n'Roll Machine, it sounds like these songs were re-recorded with today's technology and mastering software. The cover song of Love Hurts, by Nazareth, I was not too keen on. I've only ever heard that song done right by one other person and that was Tony Harnell of T.N.T. in his side project, Morning Wood. (Another great CD)

So, if you are a Triumph fan, pick up this re-masterpiece today! You won't be disappointed one bit.

A side note: I'm starting to post links on where to get these through Amazon as an associate. There are many places to purchase a lot of this music that I list. Amazon has some of the better prices, but for imports you might want to check into online places where I shop for some better prices.

NEH Records out of Colorado is one choice and has a great selection of CDs and DVD concerts. There was a great store in my area that was in the Chicago suburbs, called Impulse Music. He has also moved to Colorado recently and does a huge amount of business through his online store front. There are many other places to shop that you can get to through Melodic Rock, one of the best websites for new information on groups from the past to present, along with some excellent CD reviews. So stop and visit these sites and keep them in business. If you want to click on the Amazon links above, it helps me pay a few bills as well. :)

Auras - New Generation

2010-04-03T16:29:00.003-05:00

If you can find this album, buy it! I bought it off of Rhapsody this morning. I'd seen a piece of this video not long ago and thought, "wow, this is the album that Journey should have made!"

Auras are from Brazil. Truly a great AOR sound, positive uplifting lyrics and the dude sings like Steve Perry meets Rik Emmet (Triumph). Great voice, great guitar work and just great music!!

Taken from Frontier Records website: "Hailing from Brazil, AURAS was formed in the beginning of 2007 by Gui Oliver (lead vocals) and Ferpa Lacerda (guitars). Tired of playing in cover bands and feeling that they were musically mature, both musicians decided to show the audience their own music.

The first song they wrote together “Hungry Hearts” was exposed to fans and selected press gathering excellent responses also from famous producers and musicians around the world. After the warm reception of “Hungry Hearts”, Gui Oliver and Ferpa Lacerda moved forward and recorded another few songs in order to find a label that could give them the chance to show the big audience their music.

During the recording process the great jazz drummer Edu Sallum, who had already played with Rafael Moreira (Pink, Christina Aguilera, Rockstar INXS, Paul Stanley), joined the band.

In 2008 the band had the chance to be face to face with their idols Jeff Scott Soto and Jimi Jamison when they opened their gig in Curitiba, AURAS hometown. When the band was on stage Jimi Jamison mentioned that AURAS songs took him back to the eighties and reminded him of the great bands of that period.

It was just a matter of time really and a few weeks later the band signed with Frontiers Records and they were the first band from South America to sign with the Italian label. What once was a dream had become reality. Gui, Ferpa and Edu therefore joined forces with the local studio musicians Matheus Brandon and Hemerson Vieira and started to record their first album called “New Generation”. The album was finally mixed and mastered to sonic perfection by Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Sunstorm, Place Vendome, Khymera etc.).

Influenced by bands like Journey, Survivor, Toto and Chicago, AURAS tries to mix in their music new elements to the classic AOR/Melodic Rock style. AURAS want to be recognized as a real band, not another music project.

Love, dreams, faith and hope are what AURAS music is all about.

AURAS
Gui Oliver – lead vocals
Ferpa Lacerda – guitars and background vocals
Edu Sallum – drums and percussion
Matheus Brandon – guitars and background vocals
Hemerson Vieira – bass"

More to come soon.

2010-03-13T22:55:00.001-06:00

I know that I keep promising new writing, but I'm actually putting together various posts all at the same time. 2009 was a plethora of great band releases, that continue into the 2010 first quarter. Its hard to believe that the first quarter of the year is almost over, but life is moving rather fast lately.

New of late, where my music is concerned. I'm working on several new dance pieces, along with several new piano pieces that I'll release in the coming month. Transitioning into the band Syrens is complete and we are now playing gigs. You can check us out at www.myspace.com/syrensrocks or www.facebook.com/Syrens or www.syrensband.com . I'm playing both bass and keyboard for them. I also have posted video at YouTube and on the Facebook page, which I'll post here shortly.

Lots of new stuff to turn everyone on too as well. Winger, Rock Sugar, The Poodles, Europe, Danger Danger and tons of other great releases that I'll go into greater detail of in the future. I haven't forgotten about my Broadjam buds either. I'll be turning you onto a new project by my buddy Ian and his cowriter in crime, Peter Olach. So that is soon to come.

Hope this if finding everyone having a wonderful end to the Winter blues and anxiously awaiting Spring like I am. Its almost here. :)

Dave

Happy Holidays Everyone!

2009-12-12T12:39:00.008-06:00

I started this year with great hopes of continual writing and blogging about my favorite subject; Music. I wanted to focus on new and upcoming releases, along with Independent artists through sites like Broadjam, ReverbNation and Sonic. All was going well, till I hit a wall with moving and taking on all sorts of issues this year that I wasn't expecting.

Our search for a home took a lot out all of us this year and we’re just now settled and recovered. I’ll be returning to writing very soon and am looking forward to sharing some new and wonderful artists, CDs and sites to go visit as well.

I know so many people of differing faiths. I myself am more Buddhist in nature, but I still am a Christian in upbringing and celebrating some values in life. I love this holiday time of year for many reasons. One, to reflect upon the year that just went by so quickly. Two, to get together with friends and family. Three, to enjoy the company of those I love dearly and make special memories together.

During this time of year, I retreat into Christmas music, in celebration of everything dealing with the season. Some of my favorites are Harry Connick, Jr. “When My Heart Finds Christmas”. Along with some classic versions of classic songs, Harry wrote a smattering of memorable new songs that I hope carry on into the regular line-up of play-lists everywhere. My other classic favorite is David Lanz “Christmas Eve”. Just a stunning display of beautiful piano pieces with interpretive works in between the regular standards, this album soothes the soul in the cold arms of winter. My favorite song on this CD is track 6, “The First Noel/Christmas Eve Waltz”. Just simply beautiful.

I’m going to point you in the direction of a few new favorites that are independent based.

John Visconti – “It Won’t Be Christmas Without You”

Jo Davidson – Merry Christmas and Happy New York (the whole CD)

Bruce Niemchick’s – Broadjam Christmas Song Play-list.

Some amazing stuff on all three of those artists above. I can’t stop listening to Jo’s CD at the moment, cause its just so calming.

John’s “It Won’t Be Christmas Without You” is just a great “hit-in-waiting” I call it. This song is waiting for someone to discover, sign and release it. It has everything a modern hit Christmas song should have in it.

Bruce’s list, includes some of his songs excellent Christmas songs. So make sure you stop by and listen to his play-list of some phenomenally talented people on Broadjam.

I hope this finds everyone enjoying the holidays!! Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, Blessed Be, Ah-ho. May the peace of the season ring through you and you feel the love that is in the air.

Peace,
David

One of my new players

2009-07-17T12:24:00.001-05:00

Widgets are cool. So easy to get your music out there through various ways. ReverbNation has their My Band on Facebook. TuneCore offers this one. I wish Broadjam would offer one too. Maybe someday as they expand and listen to demand. :) You can stream both of my CDs. Enjoy!

TuneCore Widget

ReverbNation Widget

Been away for awhile...

2009-07-02T18:56:00.003-05:00

Much to much going on. And in some cases Much Ado About Nothing... but I digress. I am heading into much calmer waters, and excuses being gone, I've neglected my blog long enough and its time to start writing again. I miss it so much.

So, plan on a few artists being added soon. My listening list has grown beyond a mile lately. New bands for you to check out that will rock your car as you drive around this summer, and some new beautiful piano music that I'd like to share with all of you.

I've added a few gadgets to my page here and at Facebook. ReverbNation has a fine widget that is displayed at the bottom of this page. I'm going to be uploading more music to that player very soon, giving you a place to listen to my music while you read some of what I am writing, if you so choose. I've also added a YouTube gadget to the right of the bar here. This is my video channel and is playing the videos that I create and post on YouTube.

I am in the process of rejuvenating my dance CD, which I will release sometime soon. I'm also in the process of writing new material for a third piano CD release. I may also release my soundtrack music as a separate CD. So much going on. I'm trying to network as much as I can while I am searching for placement in TV and Film. I'm searching more on the Film angle than TV, although both would be wonderful.

More to write very soon. :) Peace to everyone on Earth, a Happy 4th of July and may Freedom through Peace ring throughout the Earth.

Dave

Independent Spotlight – Ian Kenny

2009-03-16T21:36:00.007-05:00

The Dude:

Ian Kenny and I became fast friends on Broadjam when I joined. We met via the Broadjam 6 pack competition and a wonderful common friend of ours, Penny Towers Wilber (who I will write about soon.) I visited Ian’s website outside Broadjam and read stories about his connection with a few rock and roll celebs that I knew of, one of whom was Michael Schenker of UFO and MSG fame. Then I settled in for a listen of Ian’s guitar skills on his pages, in and out of the Broadjam mechanism.

Ian reminds me of a cross between Edgar Froese from Tangerine Dream’s Thief soundtrack album on the song “Confrontation”, to the feel of David Gilmour on “Comfortably Numb” soaring lead guitar parts from Pink Floyd’s release The Wall.

Ian has been a professional musician since the age of 15, in the UK. He was signed to Carlin Publishers at the young age of 20 and has performed with a wide variety of musicians throughout the US, UK, Canada and Europe. Ian has also composed three wonderful meditation CDs available through his site outside of Broadjam at Ian Kenny Music. Since I’ve known Ian, he’s transitioned from an older recording rig to a more solid and stable computer environment, which has enhanced the sound of his instrumentation tremendously. There’s a lot to be said for computer recording and the difference in the mix you get between older tape/digital systems and more maintainable functionality of a computer recording system setup or what is termed as a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) in the music industry. That's a topic for another article at another time. Right now, its time to visit this guitar virtuoso's music and give it a listen.

The Music

As I glide through his collections on both sites, some songs stand out more than others as what I call “feeling” pieces. Emotions and feeling so deep, that you know Ian is just letting his playing flow from a place of peace inside. The pieces I’m talking about are covered in the reviews of his songs below.

The first track I will review is the newest in Ian’s collection available on Broadjam through this link and titled “RaveN”.

Along the lines of a techno trance-dancing tune, the beat to this song pumps. Much like a heartbeat, while it draws a picture that is to be played out by various instrumentation. I really like this song. Its taking Ian in a different direction than some of his earlier pieces and I like the direction he’s going here. Almost reminds me of a certain time period when Joe Satriani was rambling along with very dance mixes. Just something cool sounding about it and has become a new favorite of mine in Ian’s collection.

The second song is "Mr. Marvin’s Shuffle"

Here is a song that starts out with a sultry swinging sax followed by a Tangerine-Dream-Gilmore-ish melody on lead guitar. This is another one of my favorites from Ian. I just like the way he lays down the melody on this. There’s some emotion coming out of that guitar, along the lines of Gary Moore playing the Blues.

The third song is "I Will Always Walk With You"

This features a whole other part of Ian; his voice. When I came upon this one, I didn’t know what to think at first. So far I had only been privy to Ian’s guitar playing, but now he was singing. Ian has a very good voice and sings this song with a lot of soul. I had to listen to it a second time because I was stunned that he was singing. I really like the lyrics to this song. It’s a song about looking deep inside of you for your support and answers. I’m a sucker for songs with deep meaning lyrics that talk about development of “who we are”. So, bravo Ian, this an excellent tune, and might I mention a top 10 tune on Broadjam in the past.

The fourth and final song I’ll cover here is "Crystal Clear"

Again, this is Ian at his finest. A beautiful clean guitar with a wonderful feeling lead guitar part over the top of it. This is also one of his newer songs. I have listened to this a number of times since he sent it to me. It’s very relaxing and takes you away.

Lastly, I’ll mention that Ian has several "meditation/chill” style songs on his website that you may go listen to full version of here: Ian Kenny Music

I really like "Spirit Dance" and "The Magical Path". Both songs are relaxing and inspiring in their own way.

Ian my friend, you are a gift to us with you playing, your laughter and your friendship. Keep on playing on and keep on writing from the heart.

Namaste

Independent Spotlight – John D. Visconti

2009-02-22T11:16:00.007-06:00

What can I say about a man who plays guitar somewhere between Tommy Emmanuel and Chet Atkins and who is a dead ringer for John Lennon on vocals? Probably a lot of things, but we’ll focus on the music for this article. I was doing reviews on Broadjam back in September of 2007, when I heard the most beautiful and emotional guitar instrumental I had probably ever heard in my life. Believe me, that’s saying a lot, since I own thousands of CDs and albums and have listened to a broad range of music all my life. I sent this person my review of all 5’s out of 5 and told them that I had to know who they were. John Visconti emailed me back shortly after that and our friendship began on that day.

Since I’ve listened to and have known John over the last two years, I’ve been honored to know someone who is a true musician. John takes pride in his music, from working diligently on a melody line for two to ten hours and then two or three days of recording the song flawlessly. And if that’s not enough, he goes in and tweaks instruments and the mix until it is perfected even more.

There are several styles of music at play in John’s genre. I would almost categorize him as unique, because the music can cross genre into many styles. John and I have done several songs together after the 2007 6-Pack competition on Broadjam as The Abbey Normals. He has also worked with several other Broadjam members that I will cover in future articles; Phoebe Blume, Larry Carr, and Margaret McClure. Currently, John is working with male Country singer Jeff Twardzik to release his set of Country driven music to the marketplace. As you see, there is quite the coverage of music styles and I’ll cover a few of them below.

Before I review, I have to say, that there is a deep emotional connection between what John writes and sings about in his music. That alone is so refreshing to hear in this cookie-cutter-looped world of music that we live in nowadays. Some people think they can go to a seminar and chunk out a hit after a couple of hours. While others work at their craft to find the tie to themselves and what will inevitably become a hit, just from sharing the music that resides in their heart and soul. Nothing against people who can go to a seminar and cough up a hit in two hours, but what’s invested in it and what story does that tell? I always thought the late comedian Bill Hicks said it best, “I like my music written by people who have experienced life.” And so do I. You can hear it in their playing and you can hear it in their expression of their lyrics. That’s what ties us to the artist and that’s what makes us invest our time in getting to know them through their music. John has this, hands down, a true songsmith.

The Music

The first track that I heard was “Wanderings”. This is a beautiful guitar instrumental that could be used for soundtracks on TV or Film. This song is sensitive and brooding, but loving and honest at the same time. It could also be categorized as New Age, Jazz and softer side of Country. Like I said above, it is the most beautiful guitar song that I have ever heard.

The second track is “Heaven and Earth”. Again, another beautiful guitar instrumental that could be used for TV and Film. This song, as with “Wanderings” takes me away and paints a picture of mountains, open fields, puffy clouds in the sky, the sun on your face…but it will paint a different picture for everyone else out there.

The third song is "It Won't Be Christmas Without You". This song has vocals done by Jeff Twardzik. Right out of the gate on this song, I hear hit potential. A new Christmas song for the Country marketplace and maybe the Blues marketplace. Jeff’s killer voice coupled with John’s stellar guitar and instrumentation is a good chemistry fit. Somewhere in here, I see a small town Christmas scene set in the 60s.

The last song I’ll cover is “A Dog’s Life”. Now believe me, I could cover John’s entire catalog, but I want you all to go to his page and listen to his music on your own without me commenting on everything. Just know that I could. Here’s a great song with John doing the vocals. I know that he doesn’t like to hear his voice too much, but you know what, this is a great vocal song. He sings its so well. I still, to this day, will have this song pop into my head at the funniest of times when I’m out shopping or at work dealing with the day to day madness. That says something about a song that is so catchy that you can sing it in the car without it playing. The lyrics say it all, you can try all you want, but sometimes you just can’t win and a dog’s life is better than this.

The Videos

Here are a couple of videos for John’s music. “Wanderings” I pieced together footage I had of John, with some animation and photos, like you are wandering through a journey in many places.

“A Dog’s Life” is one that John put together a slide show and then I took it to another level with some animation done with CrazyTalk 5.

“Scarecrow’s Daydream” is another favorite instrumental. John did all the video work on this one, and it tells the story with the music so well.

Last, but not least, “Trying to Find the Way Back to Your Heart” by The Abbey Normals. I put this video together with a bunch of public domain movie footage just for fun to tell the story of the song. We’ll be working on more pieces in the future, so stay tuned.

I want to end this article by saying its been a blessing to have John as a friend in my life. He’s been an inspiration to me at times and I’ve been a sounding board to him as well. He’s more than a friend could ever be expected to be. Thanks John. :)

Song Writing Duos - If It Ain't Broke Don't Change It

2009-02-17T21:44:00.003-06:00

As I kick back and rest today, I’ve listened to a few songs by favorite bands. These are songs that take me away and get me out of my head and into my heart and soul. I’ve always sat in admiration of songwriting from the heart. How someone can take words and melodies and tie them together to strike an emotion, change a state of mind from sadness to happiness or just plain get you to hum along in your head all day long, that memorable hook from a song. There are some teams of song writers that are just brilliant. There are individuals that also have the gift, when they write for their band and there are some who are talented as a solo project. The ones that amaze me the most are the duet writers. Probably the best example of these writers is Lennon and McCartney. John and Paul will go down in history as the greatest song writing team of all time.

Mind you, when they were together they were absolutely brilliant. When the Beatles broke up, they were good in their solo careers, but I don’t think that they were ever the same as they were when they were in the zone as writer for the Beatles. I’ll probably have half my Beatle friends tell me that they were better apart, but I’ve always wondered, if they didn’t have all the drama and BS of normal life going on, that they wouldn’t have succeeded way into their 60s, writing more music with each other, if the tragedy that occurred to John Lennon hadn’t have happened.

There are other great acts that have the song writing teams embedded in them. When these teams take a “break” to go write with others, do solo projects or break away from the band permanently, you can see things happen, that just don’t feel the same.

Major case in point with the band Yes.

The few years that Jon Anderson left in the early 80s, to me, were some of Yes’ worst moments. Not to say that the Trevor Horn album was bad, it was just different and it wasn’t a Yes album. Turn around in 83/84 with the loss of Steve Howe and the band took an entirely different direction when Jon Anderson returned, turning them into a more Pop 80s band with “Owner of a Lonely Heart” from 90210. While still having that Jon Anderson “new age” feel to it, it just wasn’t Yes material, but, I still love the album nonetheless. I think if they hadn’t have had Trevor Rabin for the new guitarist, they wouldn’t have survived those years. Now, trade in and out Chris Squire, Bruford, Wakeman, White and Howe again…back and forth, till all of a sudden, you get to Union. This album had almost everyone on it from both time periods. You could hear them wanting to go back there again, into their progressive rock roots and find Yes again. Enter, “The Ladder”. To this day, my all time favorite Yes album. It did not do very well on the charts, but, it was Yes picking up at “Fragile” and heading into the future as Yes again. It was great to have them back and touring.

Jon Anderson has had some respiratory issues this last year and had to take time off. Squire has decided to go the route of Journey and Judas Priest and substitute a karaoke singer for the lead. While I have a lot of respect for Benoit David and his band Mystery and his other project CTTE (Close To The Edge Tribute to Yes), he is not Jon Anderson, he just sounds like him. Just like Arnel Pineda and Steve Augeri did for Journey and like several other bands have done… Boston, Judas Priest, Styx… It just doesn’t add up when you are trying to find an imitator to replace the original. I hope that Jon gets better soon so that Yes will continue with him on tour.

The other band that haunts me with this formula from the past is Kansas. They were going gangbusters. Great album after great album, then “Audio Visions” hits and Steve Walsh decides to leave and do his own project called Streets, with one of my favorite guitarists Mike Slamer (I will be writing about Mike someday soon). This project rocks, and the two albums are good, but no following occurs. Walsh was Kansas’ main singer and a good chunk of the keyboard writing was done by him. Kerry Livgren was the other part of the writing team for Kansas. Kansas hired John Elefante, a great songwriter himself, with a descent voice. They put out “Vinyl Confessions” that next year and you know, if I had wanted to buy a Steely Dan album, I would’ve bought Steely Dan, not Kansas. “Diamond and Pearls” come on guys, that song was putrid. To me, this is what happens when you break up a great song writing team. This was a true team, from Phil Ehart to Steve Walsh to Robby Steinhardt to Rich Williams, Dave Hope and then Kerry Livgren. Mind you, Livgren took a lot of the credit for a lot of the hits, as to writing the main melodies, but they were all writers of the music and it showed when Walsh left.

Now that Walsh came back to Kansas in the 90s, it was a shame to see Livgren go on to do his projects. Livgren has a following outside of Kansas and his project called Proto-Kaw is doing well for him in the Christian Progressive Rock market place, but nothing would be finer than to see him come back and play with them again. I would love to see one last Kansas album done with the original line up (since “Somewhere to Elsewhere” didn’t do so well) and would love to see the original lineup tour once more before they finally call it quits and retire from music altogether.

For my last rant in this opinion tirade, and the argument for what works, works, so don’t destroy it. There are two bands. One making its way back and one is just leaving the marketplace. The first is Triumph. Welcome back the original three person line up with Rik Emmett. They finally have buried the hatchet as well and are going to go back into the studio again. Just like the Police are heading that way and Extreme has just released their new CD. It’s good to see another solid songwriting duo back together.

The last band is a lesser known one. Some of you might remember them struggling to make it onto the charts from Canada back in the early 90s before the hair metal extravaganza of the 80s bit the dust to Alternative Grunge bands of the 90s. The name of the act: Harem Scarem. They survived overseas and in their native Canada for almost 20 years. Their albums have been songwriting masterpieces. This duo of Harry Hess and Pete Lesperance, are to me, the best song writing duo since the 80s. A lot of people overseas equate their song writing prowess to Lennon and McCartney (which I will have to agree with in many areas of their song writing abilities). To me, these guys couldn’t write a bad song if they tried. In fact, there was a time in Germany back in 2002 when one of their albums (Weight of the World) had 8 hits on the radio. Not one was played over here in the US. We, in America, are too caught up in commercial radio driven markets that are owned by powerful record companies that don’t give a crap what we like to listen too. The Europeans get it. That’s why there’s been a market for rock, metal, hard rock, folk, dance, trance and disco overseas since its left here. The Europeans and Asians eat this stuff up folks and love it.

Thank God for the internet and being able to find this kind of music that I love through sites like Melodic Rock because that is where I reconnected with Harem Scarem back in the late 90s. From “Weight of the World” to the last album this year titled “Hope”, this band has rocked my house on a regular basis. Sadly, after writing, releasing and touring for the last 20 years as a career just to make a living, gigging has taken a toll on this act and they are calling it all quits for now. I hope that we don’t lose this song writing duo totally, because I feel that if the rest of the public were to hear the music that they produce, maybe they would have the crowds that Bon Jovi draws for singing that cheap pop country that he does now. I love Jon Bon Jovi, but when you start to change your style too much, you start to lose my interest. Again, stick with what you are great at. Bon Jovi is not a folk or country act; they are a heavy metal – hard rock band!

Song writing teams that have never been the same since they have split:

Queensryche – Since Chris DeGarmo left after “Empire”, has never been the same

Journey – Since Steve Perry left, has never been the same

Styx – Since Dennis DeYoung left has never been the same

Survivor – Since Jim Petrik left, has never been the same

Angel – Since Greg Guiffria left has never been the same

Bands that have always realized their talent is strong with their songwriting teams and have stuck together and kept on going or reformed.

Rolling Stones

Moody Blues

REO Speedwagon

.38 Special

Firehouse

The Eagles

Let’s hope that some more of these bands from the past, wake up and reunite. It’s almost like this was what they were put here on Earth to do and they got lost along the way, they just need to find themselves again. :)

CDs of the Week – 2/9/2009 to 2/15/2009

2009-02-15T13:46:00.007-06:00

Each week I am going to review a few CDs that I am currently listening too. Some music that I think should be shared with everyone. You may or may not like some of these genres, but I listen to just about everything. Give some of what you might not like a try, and you'll see why I wrote about it. Mostly what I seek when I am listening to music is talent, feeling, emotion and the story and drive behind the song. The message that the artist is trying to share with us and what it is that the message is trying to share or teach us. Its what I love about music and why it drives my life so much. Here are the first two CDs in this mix.

Gotthard – Lipservice
Two CDs are swapping between my car CD player and my MP3 player at work. I just can’t seem to get enough of them for some reason, and they are both different genre’s in the rock and roll world.

First, is a little known Swiss band that doesn’t play here very often, by the name of Gotthard. I bought a CD/DVD pack a few weeks ago of a show they did in Switzerland back in 2005 in support of their album Lipservice. I had purchased Lipservice about four years ago when it came out and listened to it a few times. I was going through so many music purchases and moods back then that the album never sank in. When I saw concert for Made In Switzerland, I dug my popped Lipservice back into my playlist on my MP3 player and started to listen to it. I have not gotten that album off of my playlist all week long. I forgot what a great band these guys are and how excellent their songwriting is for straight forward hard rock pop music. Every, and I do mean EVERY, song on this CD could be a hit in this country, easily.

I’ve always loved the positive nature of these fellows as well. They sing about love, human kindness, hope and lifting people up from their sorrow. A fine example of this is “Lift U Up”. That song alone could carry this album in this country. The hard hitting beat and riffing at the beginning of the song are so cool, but the way Steve Lee sings the song from the beginning, in a syncopation that isn’t straightforward, sells me on the energy of the rest of the song.
“Anytime, Anywhere” is another supportive song about being there for someone in need, or in some cases, if the relationship doesn’t work out, I’ll be there for you. Kind of a typical rock track in that way, but again, the energy of this song just makes you do the head bob thing.

“All We Are” is a right out of the gate rocker. Straight on sing along song. It’s all about not losing sight of who you are and just how powerful of a person you are. Like I said, these guys write some pretty powerful positive lyrics in their songs with a strong message. Here is the chorus for this song:

“All we are, is more than in the mirror
All we are, is more than what you see
All we are, is what we got together
Is all we need, cause life belongs to me n’ you
And things we do right now
Right now”

I can go on and on about these guys. I’ve listened to this album over and over this week and its just a great CD. Next week I’ll get re-hooked again on their follow up called “Domino Effect” which is just as good. For right now, go search YouTube for some video from the Made In Switzerland concert and watch Leo Leoni and Steve Lee rock the house. Songs like their classic hits from the 90s named “Sister Moon” and “Mountain Mama” are just classic hits. I don’t know how else to describe these guys other than they are AC/DC meets Aerosmith. Steve Lee has the David Coverdale (from Whitesnake) and Steven Tyler from Aerosmith feel to his voice, with a little bit of Bon Scott from time to time and throw in some Robert Plant to top it off. “The Other Side of Me” from this CD also has that Led Zeppelin feel to it. The band has its own niche, right up there with Aerosmith, but I can’t class them in with AC/DC on the instrumentals because the guitar work is way more intricate and stylish than AC/DC seems to get. Not knocking Angus, but he is very simplistic for his lead guitar work. Leo can get crankin and so can Freddy Scherer, who plays a full bodied hollow body electric on stage that adds a whole other sound.

I think these guys took off for me, right after they released Human Zoo, which was a pretty descent album. One of my all time favorite songs from Gottard is “Someday” which is on their D-Frosted CD, a live acoustic/unplugged concert. Just a great song about human potential.

Check out the video links below for a taste of Gotthard from the Lipservice CD. Most of these are from the Made in Switzerland DVD. It’s a great concert from beginning to end, lots of energy. The covers of “Hush” by Deep Purple, “The Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin and “The Might Quinn” by Manfred Mann are excellent as well.

Vanden Plas – Christ0

Okay, the second CD that has been stuck in my car all week is Vanden Plas – Christ0. A concept album that I am still trying to figure out. I’ve been loving the music because it reminds me so much of the original Dream Theater line up on the first album and some of the second album. But my favorite track on this CD is the bonus track and cover of the song “Gethsemane” from Jesus Christ Superstar. It’s the second cover of a song from that play/movie that I’ve heard in the last week. The other being from Queensryche with “Heaven on Their Minds”. Vanden Plas’ execution and interpretation of the song “Gethsemane” is just amazingly good. With some heavy metal progressive traits towards the end of the song, but the piano and singing at the beginning just drew me in. I’ve always loved JCS as a play and movie, and have loved the soundtrack for years, but its is so cool to hear another band want to perform the material. Especially a song so intricate as “Gethsemane”.

My other favorite tracks on this CD are “Silently” and “Wish You Were Here”. Both very early Dream Theater influenced and a touch of Yes in there for good measure.

I know both Vanden Plas and Gotthard on Rhapsody/Real Player and I’m pretty sure that Gotthard is on iTunes. Rhapsody has Gotthard for sale, all of their CDs, but Vanden Plas is only out there to listen to on their subscription service. So whatever you subscribe to, look them up. Give a few of the songs a listen, if you like Hard Rock and Progressive Metal music. These aren’t your typical bands. Gotthard will grow on you, because their songs are so catchy. J

Websites:

Gotthard Official

Vanden Plas Official

Videos:

Gotthard

Lift U Up

Dream On

Anytime Anywhere

All We Are

The Other Side of Me

Vanden Plas

Gethsemane

Silently

Independent Spotlight – Bruce Niemchick

2009-02-15T11:40:00.005-06:00

Bruce Niemchick

Genre – Christian Contemporary

Website:
BruceNiemchick.com

I couldn’t think of a better place to start my journey of writing about independent artists, then to start with someone who’s music is so uplifting and whose voice is very solid and beautiful. Bruce is a Christian Singer/Songwriter whose passion for his songwriting is strongly rooted in his faith. Bruce and I met through the Broadjam 6-Pack competition back in 2007. Immediately I fell in love with his style and writing.

Christian music is such an under-heard genre. There’s more about this category than meets the eye. Greatly it is a genre that does have a lot of praise and worship music to it, but there is also a great deal of life lessons being learned in the lyrics of a lot of Christian artists. The artist always is grateful for God’s support, love and understanding and the music lifts you up, no matter what state you are in. Sometimes the songs are so beautiful that they bring you to tears. Bruce has a couple of these songs. You know someone has deep emotional roots to their faith when they write music like this. Life experiences tend to make us stronger and heal faster through the things that touch us emotionally. You can relate to an artist who’s been through rougher times in their life and also relate to someone who has been through blessed times. Bruce gives us both in his writing style.

First song I’d like to point out is “A Soldier’s Request (Please Pray For Me)”

Simple in its playing style, but very strong in its voice and lyric. I love the mandolin on this song and then the incorporation of the guitar in the second verse. But I love these lyrics. Bruce is a strong supporter of our troops, as am I. And we both believe in praying for their safe return and the strength that they need to carry our country forward. The hook in the chorus is so perfect for this song, “I’ll fight for you. Please pray for me” A simple request, but a strong image it portrays.
Bruce had contacted people on his list a while back, asking that if we bought some songs, he’d donate the earnings to an organization that helped the troops. I bought this song and several others, because I really do love his music and thought “what a great way to give back.”

One of the last verses of the song says “God help me carry this heavy load as I am walking this rocky road I know I’ll make it if keep pressing on.” This is a great prayer to give strength, even in the hardest of times and makes this song so much more deeply powerful in its statement.

Second song I’d like to point to on his page is “These Streets of Gold”

When I first heard this song, it was via the 6-Pack contest at Broadjam this last year. I knew it was Bruce by his voice, but I had to listen to the song about four times before I could let it go off of my page, because it was just so beautifully sung and played. What a great song this is. A picture of Heaven is drawn early in the lyric, but the song is about meeting your loved ones in Heaven after you pass. I just love the imagery that Bruce paints in this song, but more over, I love the music and the hook he has written here. This song stays with you when you first hear it; it is simple again in instrumentation, but powerful in voice. This is one of the many things I love about Bruce’s music. His voice is so powerful and beautiful, that it can carry his message that he is trying share with us.

Not very often does an artist have a powerful enough voice to walk away from their instruments and do a cappella style vocals, especially handling their own harmonies. I will leave you with the last song on my list of tunes to check out on Bruce’s page.

“Be Still My Soul”

Lyrics by: Katharina A. von Schlegel (public domain)
Music by: Jean Sibelius (Public Domain)
It’s a short and sweet song that has only been done by a few modern artists. The first time I heard it was from Paul Schwartz who is behind the State of Grace CDs. He incorporated this in the very first State of Grace CD. A beautiful Christian singer by the name of Lisbeth Scott, who has now gone on to write choral arrangements for productions like “The Passion of the Christ”, was the person who sings on his projects. Lisbeth sings it solemnly, like Sarah McLaughlin would, but Bruce sings it from the bottom of his soul, which sent shivers down my spine when I heard it. I just love this poem and this song and I think that Bruce just took ownership of it with his powerful voice.

You’ve now heard my take on three songs by Bruce Niemchick. There are many more good songs on his page, so please visit his site, listen to his music and if you like what you hear, purchase from his page. Whether or not you like Christian music, you have to give it the respect it deserves with the positive message that it sends. There is always hope in this world and the music portrays that in many ways.

Today is also Bruce’s birthday and I would like to wish him a very happy one and to let him know that his music has always touched my heart in many ways. Sometimes artists don’t know how people react, or like their music after they have listened to it. I think it’s great to have this forum on the net to give back and share with the world, just what we think of artists we like to listen to. So, Happy Birthday Bruce! May this be a wonderfully blessed year for you!

-David

Music Is My Life! Welcome!

2009-02-14T19:38:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone out in the Blogosphere!

My name is David Davis. I am a musician, photographer, writer, artist, designer, video production editor and programmer (for the day job). My first love is music and every genre of it. I don't really think there is anything that I don't like. I've listened to just about everything from Country to Rock to Rap to Death Metal to Trip Hop and Funk and everything in between. I own lots of CDs and albums that I've listened to over the years, from High School, till now in my mid forties. One thing I have always been passionate about is sharing information on bands and artists that I love from different genres of music. Some known, some not so well known and others who are independent artists.

What I wanted to write a blog about is music. To point out varying artists that I have found or stumbled upon over the years. To give background information from things I have read about the artist, and also pointing you to sources where you can listen to and buy the artist's music to support their craft. Sometimes I may get deep into the background of a specific artist, where they came from, what motivates them and where they started or what groups they have come from, left or disbanded from.

These, to me, are interesting tidbits that help tie you to the music and the artist themselves, to give you a little bit of what makes them tick and drives their music.

I'll use sources of where I have found Independent artists, like Broadjam.com. Broadjam happens to be a site where I house my music. Like Taxi, they offer ways to get your music heard by the industry for licensing, while offering a site where musicians can sell their music, enter contests and house their catalog of music. They also offer hosting for musicians so they may have their own website. This is what I use Broadjam for. www.davidbrucedavis.com is my site. Take a listen to the music and see if you like it. Buy a song for download if you'd like, or just play the song freely. Its one of the few sites on the Internet that allows you to listen to full songs and not just a snippets.

Broadjam CEO Roy Elkins and his team, based out of Madison, Wisconsin, have one of the coolest sites available for us independent musicians and they are always offering more ways for us to shop our music with the industry of film and TV. Plus different and fun contests to enter into with our peers, like the yearly extravaganza called the 6-Pack. You can also network with other musicians through Broadjam. Many of us also network through other sites like Facebook and MySpace. (I have yet to jump into the MySpace world, but I will someday). Roy and the gang at Broadjam do a great job of supporting us and we thoroughly enjoy being on the site.

The wonderful thing, is just how accessible the people are at Broadjam. Not just the musicians who help you out with reviewing your music, but the staff as well. I've enjoyed several email exchanges with Roy on several occasions, and when I have had issues with my account or problems with some new upgrades to the site, customer service and Roy have been there every time to help me through the issues.

There are several other tools that I use to storehouse my music and get it out into the mainstream.

CDBaby
ReverbNation
TuneCore
Indie911

All of these sites are topics for another day.

Lastly, I'm going to focus on some friends that I have made along the way. These are artists I think you should get to know. Their music is exceptional, their talent is amazing and I love to listen to their music regularly. Some are independents on Broadjam, some are just selling their wares on CDBaby and others I have known for a long time, going back in time and we've lost touch over the years, but they are well worth mentioning.

So if you're interested, subscribe, tune in and I'll turn you on to some interesting music that I really like to listen too and share with others. I'll probably be sharing some YouTube links as well as some books that are very interesting reads on the industry and musician skills and techniques.

Thanks for reading!
David