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JANUARY 2016 p6 Tom’s Rockin’ Facts p8 Model: Sarah Weber by Brian Limage p14 Brian Limage’s 2015 Rockin’ Recap Photos p26 Interview w/Mike Reno by Alexxis Steele p34 Review: Loverboy’s ‘Unfinished Business’ by Jenny Cat p36 Top Rope Wrestling by Tony Angelo p52 Flasham: Kiss Me by Nikki Palomino
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p54 Marlowe B. West: Interview w/Joff Wilson p65 Marlowe B. West: Interview w/The Love Pirates p82 Coliccio’s Corner: Happy New Year! p98 Musician Spotlight: Dana Gaynor Band by Noah J. Gambino p110 Bongo Boy Rock N Roll TV Show, Episode 1067 by Dana Saravia p112 Bongo Boy Rock N Roll TV Show, Episode 1068 by Dana Saravia p114 Bongo Boy Rock N Roll TV Show, Episode 1069 by Dana Saravia p116 Bongo Boy Rock N Roll TV Show, Episode 1070 by Dana Saravia p118 Film Review: Mommie Dearest by Jerry Saravia p120 Film Review: Electric Boogaloo-The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films by Jerry Saravia p122 Music Review: Rush-R40 DVD Set by Scott Saxon p124 Music Review: King Diamond ‘Voodoo’ by Scott Saxon Steel Notes Magazine | 3
STAFF
Alexxis Steele - Publisher/Editor in chief Guido Colacci - Assistant Editor Frederick Jerant- Proofreader/Copy Editor Mick Reynolds- Proofreader/Copy Editor Keith Boisvert- Design/Layout www.steelnotesmagazine.com
Social Media Facebook: /SteelNotesMagazine Twitter: @SteelNotesMagazine Google+: Steel Notes Magazine
PHOTOGRAPHERS Sheri Bayne Bob Klein Mike Dorn Gary Preis Brian Smith Brian Matus Bill Des Jardins Gracie Thorpe Derek Mitch Rhonda Van Buskirk Lisa Koza Alan Ottenstein Larry Dell Harriet Kaplan Brian Limage
VIDEOGRAPHERS Lisa Koza DarkOne Skip Freddy Williams Larry Dell
STAFF WRITERS Marlowe B. West Dana Saravia Jerry Saravia Guido Colacci Rhonda Van Buskirk Sheri Bayne The Gypsy Poet Mick Reynolds Noah J. Gambino Kelly Mitch Tony Angelo Victor Colicchio Mike Dorn Drama D Karma Moonbeam Bob Klein Harriet Kaplan JennyCat Elena Brokus Scott Saxon
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is a monthly magazine featuring what is happening in the art, music, entertainment, and fashion industry. Copyright is reserved. Re posting is whole or in part on other sites and publication without permission is prohibited. All right to photos belong to their respective owners.
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TOM’S ROCKIN’ FACTS Thomas Richmond
1973 Elton John started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’, it also had a eight week run at No.1 on the US chart. The album contains the Marilyn Monroe tribute, ‘Candle in the Wind’, as well as three successful singles: ‘Bennie and the Jets’, ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’, and ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting’. 1984 Madonna started a six-week run at No.1 in the US charts with ‘Like A Virgin’, her first US No.1. Produced by Nile Rodgers, family groups sought to ban the song as they believed that the song promoted sex without marriage. 1963 The Dave Clark Five scored their only US No.1 single with ‘Over And Over’, a No.5 in the UK. 1962 The Tornadoes started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Telstar’. Produced and written by Joe Meek it was the first major hit from a UK act on the American chart. 1962 During his first visit to the UK Bob Dylan performed at the Singers Club in London, the singer songwriter’s second UK gig.
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SARAH WEBER PHOTOS BY MR. LIMAGE
Hello! I’m Sarah Weber, a 22-year-old Penn State graduate from West Chester, Pennsylvania. I have been modeling for over five years, and I act as well! My biggest passion in life outside of the industry is both fitness and nutrition; something that I take extremely seriously not only for my health, but also for my career. Contact me at www.facebook.com/ModelSarahWeber or find me on Instagram at Sarah_M_Weber!
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Mr. Limage’s 2015 Rockin Recap Photos
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INTERVIEW WITH MIKE RENO FRONTMAN FOR LOVERBOY PART 1 of 2 BY ALEXXIS STEELE PRE-SHOW INTERVIEW
AS: Hi Mike, How are you? MR: I’m super Alexxis! AS: Mike, I see that you are a self-taught guitar player, how old were you when you started in music? MR: Well, you know, I started playing music when I was 13, but it’s one of those things where my brother played guitar and he got me to play drums, so I was kind of self-taught, and the guitar came later in life. I was waiting for my formal invitation to join the Beatles, but I never got a return call or letter and I’m still mad and still waiting for that letter to come.
different. I wanted to work a little harder and dig a little deeper, trying to find a different sound. I kind of hit a brick wall with them, and ended up saying goodbye. AS: So you had musical differences MR: Exactly, completely different, so instead of hanging out and not being happy, I decided to
AS: HAHA, Well I think that there are a lot of people that would be surprised and don’t know that prior to fronting Loverboy, you were front man for the Canadian Band- “Moxy” as well! MR: That’s right. I got called in. I was basically stolen from a group in Calgary called Spunk, which was a pretty far out name, and a real cool band with real high energy. All things were real fun for us, and from Calgary I got hired to write a whole album with them right off the bat. To be honest with you, at that point I really had not started writing all that much, so I was sort of forced in to , so I kind of faked my way through to finishing the whole album with the guys. That is what got me started in writing, which is a whole other animal than singing and recording! AS: Sure, I bet it was an experience MR: So I learned how to write because I had to, by being put on the spot, or risk looking like an idiot. After about three and a half years with the guys in Moxy, I decided to look for something a little
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photo by Sheri Bayne
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leave and visit my brother in California, who got me interested in music at an early age. I stopped off in Calgary, and dropped off a girlfriend at University that wanted to get her Master’s Degree, and I said to myself that I’m going to stay here for a few weeks or months, and try to make a little bit of travelling money. I found a construction job, worked there for about 3 weeks, saved every penny, and I was ready to go to California to visit my brother. That’s when I found Paul Dean wailing away in an old bus garage in the middle of winter, sitting on a stool with a little ghetto blaster at his feet and he was recording riffs, having a good ole time! He kind of looked over at me cos the door squeaked as if he could sense somebody was looking at him. It was just like a scene out of an old Marlon Brando movie, black and white on the waterfront. He looked and to coin a phrase- We have been together ever since. I never made it To California to see my brother because we started writing that night, and we are still together today, like a marriage! AS: Yes, you are right, it absolutely is like a marriage! AS: So you met him in 1979 and released your first cd in 1980? MR: Yes, that is right. We started really looking at musicians to fill out the band. We already had Doug our Keyboard player from the very beginning, he was in another band but we liked his style and we liked the fact that he was way above the talent needed for our band. He had a good attitude and a good look. Then we had to find a bass player and a drummer. We tried out hundreds of people, so when we would show up to a show or bar, everybody would say “Oh No, they are here to steal some members of our band!” MR: It took us a year to get it off the ground, then we finally started cutting a record and got a deal. It wasn’t a sure thing for us even though we had a lot of hope and belief in us. We still had to go through and run the gauntlet as it were, and we had people tell us we were only a bar band, and it went on and on until finally Columbia Records in Canada put enough money behind us to record an album, so record we did! AS: Your band was one of the first ever bands to be featured on MTV as an 80’s darling band with your
anthem song- “Workin For The Weekend” Many cover bands back then, such as mine performed your song. MR: What was your instrument? AS: I was the lead vocalist, and I was the one to sing it. MR: Oh cool, that’s fun to hear! I Love hearing stories like that. What was the name of your band? AS: Ultra MR: Great name ! I Love it! That is the beautiful thing about hitting the stage with Loverboy, because everyone knows the songs already. We are glad to be there and they are glad we are there, and they sing it as loud as we sing it, and it just turns into a super fun night. AS: Yes it really does! AS: Mike, you contributed to some movie sound tracks. One with An Wilson from Heart with the duet “Almost Paradise”,the theme song for the movie “Footloose”, and also “Heaven In Your Eyes”, which was used in Top Gun? MR: Exactly! Yes, we have done a lot of work for movies, some were under the radar but those 2 were the bigger ones which each sold over 25 million each. I mean, how lucky were we to be involved with that? AS: Very lucky! MR: I was asked by Bruce Alan if I would sing Almost Paradise, and he said I want you to pick any female vocalist you want, and immediately I picked Ann Wilson, because I grew up listening to her and she used to come to Vancouver a lot when Heart was starting out. They would play Led Zeppelin better than Led Zeppelin , that was the rumor around there. To be honest I don’t think Nancy was even in the band at that point for a couple of years later when she recorded a record here in Vancouver. Their biggest record was recorded at the same studio as ours was for “Get Lucky” AS: Wow, that is very cool! AS: You won a lot of awards with the band including
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4 multi-platinum plaques as the first Canadian group to earn Columbia Records exclusive Crystal Glove Award, and were inducted into the Canadian Hall Of Fame, so there is a lot of Credo there, you know?
and told the Facebook people, and they came up with a bunch of funny titles, but the one that really made sense was “Unfinished Business” That just said it all, so that is how we came up with the name.
MR: You know the biggest honor is to have so many friends and fans. What is so cool is that I have the phone numbers in my telephone book to call up the people I looked up to and loved like Neal Schoen from Journey, and Billy Givens from ZZ Top, and the list goes on and on.
AS: At the same time, you were also being featured in ad campaign for Taco Bell and Radio Shack, so it just goes to show that your music is timeless and just as relevant know as it was when you created it in the 80’s!
MR: But about the award thing, I have never been big on awards. I think all music is good. It’s like, what is art? I don’t think people should say yours is better than mine, it’s so relative on what you like. Even though we received more Juno awards than any other band ever, I am honored by that we’ve held that record for 34 years. That was a big height for us. I remember Burton Cummings hosted the show and he said we will be right back with the Loverboy Awards after these words from our sponsors. It was a televised show, and that was a big laugh! So everything was going good for us, and still is. We took our time finding the right members, and we are still together so it paid off. AS: Absolutely Mike! AS: In 2014 you released your first new album of all studio recordings in 7 years called “Unfinished Business” where you had a Facebook contest to pick the title of the album by popular vote. This one was really for the fans?
MR: I appreciate that! It means a lot to me! AS: You are very welcome Mike! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak with me. MR: Thank You Alexxis!
Loverboy kicked off an 80 date tour in 2005, stopping at the Bethlehem Sands Event Center on September 17th. 2016 Tour dates kick off on Feb 13th at The Silver Creek Event Center in New Buffalo, Mi. Check them out at: www.loverboy.com On Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/Loverboy
MR: Nowadays Facebook is a big thing. We said let’s throw it out there to all of the fans on Facebook that enjoy listening to us, and let them decide the name of our new album! We gave them a description Of what the album was about. Some of it was finding songs in the finished form that were not released, because back then they only wanted 9 or 10 or 11 songs on an album, and most of the time we prepared at least 20 they had to choose from. We had songs that were just sitting there that were fabulous, plus some songs we had recently written. We mixed them up with the other songs,
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photo by Sheri Bayne
photo by Sheri Bayne
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LOVERBOY Part 2 0f 2
MIke Reno after-show Interview by Alexxis Steele “LOVERBOY “ performed on Thursday September 17th, 2015 at THE SANDS EVENT CENTER, BETHLEHEM, PA, with fellow 80’s rockers, The Romantics and Rick Springfield. I did a pre-show phone interview with frontman Mike Reno, who personally invited me to their show and go backstage to meet him, shoot some photos with my photographer, Sheri Bayne and talk more about music. The band was tight, and Mike Reno’s vocals were spot on, but if you weren’t watching them, you would swear it was the radio playing their hits. Not every band that tours can keep up their sound and vocals that they created years before. Mike Reno tells me his secrets for keeping his voice in shape for the demands of being on the road, performing night after night.
Being on the road can be tough, so he is very careful about getting sick with a cold, keeping away from anyone that might be. One thing he pointed out was not trying to try to copy someone else’s voice, but singing in your own voice. Being friends with members of Def Leppard & ACDC, he says they complained about having to do several shows in a row, and how that affects their voice. After a show is done, he settles down with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, then he will hop in the bunk for about an hour and read a book, waiting to get to the next town. Next thing he knows he is at a new show and that’s how he has been doing it for years.
I asked Mike of he would be coming back east in 2016, and he said that they had plans to, and told Mike said that he was kind of sad that they were not his manager that they would like to since they have able to play his favorite Loverboy song- “When it’s not really performed much in this area. I joked with Over”, due to the fact that The Romantics ran over him about getting onstage to do backups with them schedule, and they had to cut 10 minutes out of the when they come back around, and he invited me to set. do a duet with him singing “Almost Paradise”, the soundtrack theme song for the movie “Footloose” He remembered that I told him how I liked the fact which he recorded with Heart’s Ann Wilson. Mike that they mixed their sound with the effects they stated that I should start learning my part so I am had always used, and did not stray from the original ready when they come back in town. The thought arrangement of the songs like many bands do while of that was very exciting, so we shall see what playing live. happens! Mike confessed that even after all these years ( The Set list for The Sands Event Center 34 to be exact!) , he still gets nervous before he goes on stage. His pre- show warm up consists of Notorious building up a sweat, warming his muscles up, neck Lucky Ones rolling, and doing his scales. An hour or two before the show he stays in a hot shower for about a half Queen Of The Broken Hearts hour prior to loosen everything up, and is on vocal The Kid Is Hot Tonight rest.
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photo by Sheri Bayne Lovin Every Minute Of It Hot Girls In Love Turn Me Loose Workin For The Weekend Discography 1980- Loverboy 1981- Get Lucky 1983- Keep It Up 1985- Lovin Every Minute Of It 1987- Wildside 1989- Big Ones 1994- Classics Greatest Hits 1997- Loverboy 6 2001- Live, Loud and Loose (1982-1986)
photo by Sheri Bayne
2007- Just Getting Started 2009- The REal Thing 2012- Rock N Roll Revival 2014- Unfinished Business
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photo by Sheri Bayne
photo by Sheri Bayne
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photo by Sheri Bayne
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Loverboy Unfinished Business Review by Jenny Cat
From the moment this album touched my ears, I knew I needed to put on my leather pants to truly appreciate this album and boy, I was right! Those Canadian rockers, Loverboy have done it again with their album Unfinished Business. This album is pure fist-pumping rock, peppered with just enough power ballad to show that Loverboy does indeed have a sensitive side but can still kick your a**. Here is a track-by-track break down for those of you who are playing at home:
The opening track has the strongest chorus. “Fire Me Up” starts with a guitar laden punch and doesn’t let up. It’s the kind of song you play when you’re driving your car just a little over the speed limit, or if you’re a film director looking for a song to capture the mood of an opening scene to a film involving some sweet rides and beautiful women. Go ahead and blast it in your minivan while picking up the kids from soccer. You’ll be the coolest parent.
“Counting’ The Nights” opens with a driving synth reminiscent of the best days of our youth in the 1980’s. Mike Reno delivers vocally (we’d expect nothing less), giving us a glimpse into the ending of a bad relationship/situation. Sure, we’ve all been there but it sounds much better coming from Loverboy.
“Ain’t Such A Bad Thing” is probably the most top 40 radio sounding song on this album. It opens with
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a pop guitar toned riff and easily melds into a highly memorable verse and chorus complete with soaring synths and a pop rock stop and build moment. Despite it’s upbeat pop sound (compared to the rest of the album), this song rocks and drives and you will have it stuck in your head.
“Come Undone” is where Loverboy slows it down a bit and gives us that much needed ballad of power that we crave. No one ever likes to admit to singing songs like this when they’re alone in the car or in the shower, but “Come Undone” is too good too ignore. The guitar solo is gentle and floating, and my only request would be to have something a little more Randy Rhoads toward the end and transition into the next part. With dreamy harmonies, this is a song of hope.
“Slave” opens with some B3 organ excellence and a pounding drum beat reminiscent of hard rock. Now, take those elements and marry them to a guitar riff that reminds me of “Ghost Riders In The Sky” and
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you’ll have a marriage made in rock and roll heaven. This song is an undisputed pump up song and it’s complete with that Randy Rhoads finger tapping I was so desperately yearning for in the last song. This has to be the most diabolically rocking track on the album and easily one of my favorites. This is the one that will give you a speeding ticket, for certain.
goodness that is hard to forget. Now, don’t go on thinking our boys have gone soft and are writing feel good pop tunes because I can assure you that “You Play The Star” is one of those songs where the listener would do best to listen “between the lines” to really benefit from the meaning. All the more reason to purchase this album!
“What Makes You So Special” is rock, pure and simple. This is the fist pump track. Another fabulously memorable and strong chorus makes this song think about some of the bigger hits from Loverboy. They story-like lyrics and killer guitar conjure visions of a movie montage depicting the preparation of two adversaries who will find out if they have what it takes because we will see just how special they really are because, “tonight’s the night.”
Closing out with “Crack Of The Whip,” it seems that Loverboy has saved the best for last and leaves us with an epic introduction which builds into a verse that inspires anticipation and then finally a pre-chorus that lifts us to the next level in preparation for the absolutely rocking chorus complete with crunchy guitars and silky synths. Another memorable chorus is born and that’s what makes this entire album worth a listen.
“War Bride” opens with synth and keyboard that sounds as if the opening to “Mr. Crowley” met up with the wedding march, making for a melancholy mood. The military drums begin, yet throughout the track, the wedding march theme reoccurs to remind us that the main character of the song may be bound to someone who may be bound to something much larger than all of us. The theatrical elements of this song pay homage to the art and craftsmanship of bands like Queen who often took on subjects bolder than the ordinary, placing them into operatic themes depicting the extraordinary.
If you grew up with Loverboy as the soundtrack to your tender, budding moments of youth, then this album will take you right back to your glory days. if you’re sick and tired of modern top 40 that leaves you wanting more, then Loverboy’s Unfinished Business will help to restore your faith in rock and roll.
“Doin’ It The Hard Way” is a definite throwback to the theme of “Everybody’s Working For The Weekend” where Loverboy expertly bemoaned the B.S. of every day work life. I wish I could say the torture of working 9-5 for a jerk of a boss has been eradicated, but it’s gotten a lot worse for some of us and the kick a** slide guitar and blues rock riffs in this track remind us that yes, we are still “Doin’ It The Hard Way.”
“You Play The Star” opens with a “Baba O’Riley” meets King Arthur with a clarion call of the synth trumpet and instantly kicks into classic rock
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TOP ROPE WRESTLING
Image and Artistry by Tony Angelo I just attended an event at the home of LOCO WRESTLING ACADEMY with Top Rope Wrestling , located in Philadelphia Pa, with the traditional antics of TV’s pro wrestling, but with a few twists. First the event was filmed on the second floor in a church in North Philadelphia , not a place I could imagine it being and secondly they support children’s charities and had amazing fan interaction. Children took pictures with the wrestlers and were even allowed into the ring.
Top Rope champion: Slim Whiskey
Uiwa tv champion: Slim Whiskey
Tag team champions: Eddy and Chadd (team bbboooowww)
Standout wrestlers: Manny Strong, Ravenheart, Dagos, Magdalena, Mistress Shadow, Ken Striker, Benn Rivers, Eddie Koloff
What started a few years ago as a 30 minute podcast, Top Rope Radio became an internet sensation. The ATG Network on blog talk asked Top Rope Radio to join them as a two hour program every Sunday. Top Rope Radio knowing the odds were against them said, Facing pay per views and the
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NFL on Sundays, Top Rope Radio became the most outrageous wrestling podcast on the ATG Network.
A few years quickly went by and ATG folded and then what was Top Rope Radio became Top Rope TV. TRTV joined forces with TvByDemand.com for a season. Just like always TRTV became a huge success! Then season 2 came and TRTV joined with Synergy Broadcasting for season 2. At the same time Top Rope Wrestling became a reality at the TVByDemand.com Studios and Loco Academy Training Center.
Immediately following season 2 of Top Rope Wrestling, owner Johnny Logan who always believed in the paranormal got a hold of a friend named Bob (He can Book it) Brinsfield. Together, with Bob at TVByDemand.com, Mitch Stein and Synergy Broadcasting owner David Virgilio Wrestling Paranormal was created.
They now have Top Rope Radio with your hosts Johnny Logan and Big Jim, Top Rope TV with your hosts Johnny Logan and Ken Striker, Top Rope Wrestling and Wrestling Paranormal with your investigators John, Kevin, John, Joey, Walt and a bunch of others who have made Top Rope Inc. what it is today #TEAMTOPROPE
Top Rope wrestling: www.top-rope-inc.com
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Sondra at the House of Blues Event
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http://www.attractionsmodels.com/
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DAZED: The Film COMING 2016....Based on the ramblings of Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) during my time with him. All they want is love; but with damage done, they choose a needle instead. From author Nikki Palomino The DAZED Novel Series, Coming Cobain Junk, The Underground Diaries, Blackbird New Haven Publishing Ltd UK and a collaboration with the biggest pot smuggler in US history, the True Crime book “The Gentleman Smuggler” by Steven M. Kalish and Nikki Palomino Available:http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_12… https://www.facebook.com/dazed.novel.series/timeline https://www.facebook.com/DAZEDGrungeRockerAuthor https://www.facebook.com/groups/dazedraioshow/ https://www.facebook.com/dazedradio https://www.facebook.com/groups/506370846059672/ Starring: Matt Mercer,Carlos Ramzey Ramirez, Bergandi Phoenix, 46 | Steel Notes Magazine
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Palmer Davis, Ruben Pla, Dave Johansen, cameos Ginger Coyote, Johnny Ray, Avina Richard, Ashley Evans, Alfred Jiminez and more... Genre: Based on DAZED Novel Series by Nikki Palomino from the ramblings of 3 junkie musicians, most notably Kurt Cobain and why those most disposable should matter. Directed By: Director,Cinematographer Jason Herring with CBS’ Mike& Molly, formerly Will&Grace American TV. Editor, Director Cinematographer Ezra Spurrier TV and Film FIlm Assistant & Publicist Ashley Evans Music: Brian Kroll “Don’t Play Dead” Release Date: 2016 http://www.nikkipalomino.com/
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“You’ve had the Cocaine Cowboys, George Jung, Barry Seal and the Biggest Pot Dealer in New York City’s History, now you’ve got Skip, the fulcrum between Panama, Colombia, the US War On Drugs, Rock ‘n Roll and Beautiful Women.” Started simple enough! “From high school drop-out to one of the largest pot smugglers of all time. The summer of 1969 during a dry spell in Austin, Texas Steven M. Kalish and Don Nichols hitchhiked to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico to buy a pound of pot for sixty bucks and fifteen years later ended with the 1.4 million pound pot-smuggling Operation Heartland starting in Colombia to head up the Mississipi into the Missouri River for off-loading at a turkey farm.” Coming the non-fiction crime book ‘The Last Gentleman Smuggler’ By Steven M. Kalish and Nikki Palomino author of the year 2012 for The DAZED Novel Series/rock journalist/filmmaker and former grunge rock musician.
https:// www.facebook.com/DAZEDGrungeRockerAuthor/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1100845919933061/ https://www.facebook.com/Dazed-The-Film-898991600172454/… https://www.facebook.com/dazed.novel.series/?fref=ts https://www.facebook.com/groups/dazedraioshow/ https://www.facebook.com/dazedradio/?fref=ts https://www.facebook.com/groups/506370846059672/ Nikki Palomino www.nikkipalomino.com
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Flasham: Kiss Me By Nikki Palomino Times have changed. The era of Rock ‘n Roll casualties in excess where musicians wear their dangerous habits like badges of accomplishments has paled in the days of DIY bands. No more initial excitement exists as with the British Invasion or from the camp-like neighborhood of serpentine one-lane roads of southern California rock or from the decay of the Bowery, New York City spawning punk rock or from the angst-soaked Seattle where you could signify yourself a member of grunge rock by looking like a member. Now bands must take ownership of their music, their booking, their promo even if they are signed to a label. “They always say time changes things, but actually you have to change them yourself.” Andy Warhol “We mostly play in Norway. There is not much straight forward classic rock/retro rock bands left like us. Indie rock bands, Hardcore/punk/metal/ hip-hop, singer songwriter and electronic pop is what dominates Norway’s music scene,” says Philip Paulsen of the band Flasham. “That is also only what the record companies usually sign.” Rock royalty has narrowed. What US music mogul David Geffen worked hard to improve, like the artists’ situation and how they were treated by the record label, has diminished to Indie Labels with small budgets and little knowledge on how to best promote their bands/artists. What once offered frontiers and promise, now is as much a gamble as the Roulette Wheel. “But the one-man band, by the quick lunch stand, he was playing real good, for free.” Joni Mitchell And yet musicians continue to tirelessly perfect their playing, writing songs and evolving with their consuming passion for their craft. As the case with Flasham who hold strongly to their rock roots. “The rock audience is out there for sure. Rival Sons from L.A. is doing great in Norway because there is such a
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good rock audience here. You just never hear about it in the media for some reason.” “We decided to make our video of Kiss Me two weeks before shooting it. We wanted to squeeze every drop of juice out of this song and we needed a music video. We didn’t have much money so we wanted to have an easy concept that didn’t cost too much but looked like a million dollars. The director was a friend of our drummer Robin who had recently graduated from a known film school. He had done short films that looked very good so we took the chance. We do not have an MTV or VH1 equivalent here, but we submitted our video to every possible site that posts music videos of both famous and Indie bands like Roxwell or Blank TV. Our video also enrolls at Skope Magazine’s website on their featured video front page.” Flasham is comprised of Philip Paulsen, guitar, Robin Pettersen, drums, Aron Blom, vocals, and Jacob Sælø, bass. “The origin of our band started both long ago and not too long ago.” 2010 Philip started a band in Trondheim called Voodoo Vanity, more glam rock with eyeliner and a 1980s sound. Voodoo won the Global Battle of the Bands Norway Finals competition after playing together for three months. They went to Malaysia in 2011 to compete in the world finals against eighteen other countries. The competition was broadcast across Asia. “Voodoo went on an eleven gig Norway tour which we arranged fully ourselves, playing festivals with bands like Clutch, Veronica Maggio, Kvelertak. In 2011, we lost our drummer and got our current drummer Robin as replacement,” Philip says. Philip and Robin needed a more dedicated group of players which led them in 2012 to form Flasham. “Aron’s vocals are more inspired by the 90s folk/
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rock which shifted our sound drastically,” says Philip. “I have a home studio where I record demos of my song ideas. Sometimes I record all the instruments myself and sometimes I just get a chorus or a verse. I present the recordings and idea of a melody for Aron and he finishes it off. After we have an arrangement, we present to the band.” Making a living on the Sunset Strip of Hollywood is near-impossible as places like the Whiskey and The Roxy have become pay-to-play. The band has to buy a certain amount of tickets and sell themselves. “Making a living playing in Europe is much the same as it is in the US. You have to tour and sell merchandise. To promote our band we first use contacts in the music industry we have. Besides that, we create a team on Facebook that will help push our material forward and spread it as wide as possible. We also advertise on Youtube and Facebook. We contact radio stations, journalists, blogs, magazines, other Youtube stars and practically everyone that can help us reach a bigger audience.” Without radio playtime, music video play on TV and a record company to fund and promote bands, Flasham like others rely on social media to spread the word. “Because of all the piracy and downloading for free, record companies lose a lot of money. Very few major companies today dare to bet on anything else other than pop.” Philip is right. All the work Geffen had done in the days of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and the California music scene to secure good pay for the artists has been ripped from the pockets of today’s artists. “You have to play a lot live and keep doing it until people see you everywhere and attract their attention,” says Philip. “With the return of the single, it’s now become more of choosing your greatest song, recording it the best way possible, mix and master it, create cover art, video, release date and a plan.” Flasham chose Oslo’s Urban Sound Studios because they had recorded there before and knew the engineer/producer to record Kiss Me. “Now you can dodge the bullet of funding a whole album. Today it’s more about playlists and music streaming like Spotify. You don’t need to buy the whole album to hear that one song.”
selves. Without necessarily knowing it, the audience witnesses fearlessness in the DIY spirit. Writers like Jack Kerouac and painters like Pollack and filmmakers like Robert Rodriguez all changed the face of art. Flasham has a myriad of possibilities waiting in a world saturated with mediocrity. “I remember DeeDee Ramone saying to me, ‘I’m the greatest bass player in the world.’ I thought, ‘Is he joking?’ Then I started thinking this was a very good stance to take. If you say you are, then you are.” Jeff Salem Those incensed by the establishment’s attempts to bring down the counter-culture of Rock’n’Roll will continue to embrace the DIY bands like Flasham. They are not born of the atomic generation like the Dolls or have gone through the brutality of the Viet Nam War to hang at the Filmore West nor did they find their place among the dawning of CBGB in New York City or were part of the hypnotic, subversive Northwestern US music scene. Sub Pop’s co-founder had said of grunge, “It could have been sludge, grime, crud.” Even then, November 1988, Nirvana’s Bleach only brought in a laughable $606.17. With the obstacles of a changing music industry, Rock’n’Roll will always hold to the absolute conviction the rules are meant to be broken, anything is possible, and the dream is never over. Flasham can make a profound effect on the music. “All for the Love of Rock’n’Roll.” Jeff Salem Tuff Darts
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/flashamband Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/flasham
Music video:
http://youtu.be/iGzP-P1y2aM
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/ track/5Zp12FadMdyL09HPbOm0US iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/no/album/ kiss-me-single/id947184633?l=nb
Music used to be revolutionary. Music used to try and change the world. Now it’s the bands them-
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an interview with Joff Wilson 54 | Steel Notes Magazine
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photo by Alan Rand
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Ladies and Gentlemen and Children of all ages ... My name is Marlowe B West ... I am your Ring Leader ... Some of you may already know me as Marlowe B West Takez Manhattan which is the platform of my original magazine column here in Steel Notes Magazine ... As I considered embarking upon this most prestigious career as a reporter, I had given it a lot of thought before deciding I would make this a personal opportunity to indulge myself completely in the city that never sleeps. I then set out to bring my readers into the heart and soul of New York City. I relished in the very thought. Thrilled at the righteous possibilities. Right off the start, I found myself in the most thriving underground rock and roll beehive of the day ... the buzzing Otto’s Shrunken Head ... I t was arranged that I would meet Natasha Adonzio there ... She’s the iconic knockout punk rock designer who hung with and dressed Debbie Harry, Blondie and The Ramones ... amongst scadz of others ... The interview was really cool, a film crew captured the madness and it made the cover. The place was swarming with musicians and I met them all ... Since then I frequented the place ... once a month I am happy to say I co-host the trending Rew & Who Show which is filmed live stream from Otto’s every Wednesday ... scoping everything and everyone along my merry merry way. I have met a lot of outstanding musicians and have already interviewed many of them ... Today; not intending to offend any body else or violating his humble modesty, I call forth the greatest guitarist in New York City, JOff Wilson ...
MBW: Please accept my apologies for putting you on the spot like this ... I understand and admire the low key profile you keep ... I respect your privacy and do not want you to feel at all uncomfortable ... As you know, sometime ago I have already conducted an awzum interview with you and your dynamite band The Bowery Boys ... but now ... I would like to single you out ... We see you everywhere now ... not only The Bowery Boys but all over the place with all kinds of other bands ... How about filling us all in on the latest developments of The Bowery Boys and the many other new phases of JOff Wilson ???
JW: The Bowery Boys is a band I started a long time ago with the intent of playing music with whoever is available when I need a member or 5 to fulfill gigs performing my originals and then some. Members rotate or just sit in for a bit. Kind of like a Salvation Army Band. Music being my life I am always happy to help out other musicians by sitting in with them if they are in a pinch. I don’t really have any new phases, I am doing what I have always done.
MBW:What’s your favorite style of music ??? JW:I was weened on the Blues but I enjoy most styles of music.
MBW: How did you become a guitarist and who, of any, were your influences ??? JW:My Mother played a bit of piano and loved the sounds of live instruments from a very young age. I started out playing air guitar on a tennis racket when I was about 7 or so to the oldies radio station the adults had on. My parents divorced when I was about 5 and my Dad lived in California and started a new family. When I was 12 he asked what I wanted for Christmas which was weird because he never asked before. I said I wished to have a guitar, so a box came in the mail and he had sent a toy guitar with 4 plastic strings. I was used to disappointment by then but my Mother hit the roof. She was so ticked off at him that she bought me a real acoustic guitar the next spring for my birthday. It was a struggle at first as i am left-handed and I sounded horrible. My elder brother pointed out that I should turn the strings around and that changed everything. He also gave me one of his old albums by a band
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called Ten Years After featuring guitarist Alvin Lee. His guitar playing and his rock and roll persona electrified me. Alvin Lee was the quintessential rock star to me. Neil Young and The Ramones were also very inspiring to me. My band opened up for the Ramones just before Dee Dee left. It was a dream come true for this young rocker. I never got star struck and I am not into the pretentious rock star thing, I simply dig music.
MBW: You and a bunch of other local musicians got together and mesmerize audiences when you accompany the incomparable Puma Perl ... I have mentioned you all before and referred to you as The Gods of the Lower East Side ... Would you like to share this experience of poetic ethereality in detail ??? JW: Well, backing up a poet is very easy for me. I try to match the music with the mood of the verse.
photo by Lynn Cappiello as Jim Carroll and Patti Smith.
Picking, strumming, rocking, jazzing, folking, punking. Sometimes mix and matching.
MBW: I have recently had the opportunity to listen to some of the recordings you have out there doing your own material ... I would love to hear some recording stories ... What inspired these songs and please tell us if and where these recordings are available ???
It is most important to know when not to play so as to not play over the Poet and stay unobtrusive in the background.
JW:I have a junk drawer full of unfinished demos and some sound ok as they are as samples of my writing.
My first Experience with a Poet was in Rochester backing up Poet Ted Williams. All the music I played was actually my songs but without the words. I have many songs for many moods. Then I Backed NYC Poet Jim Carroll on his music but at rehearsals we would get down with some stream of consciousness verses and I would make up the music.
I put them up on sound cloud.com and reverberation.com to give me a sense of accomplishment.
I wish some of that got recorded but it didn’t. One of the live shows did however, he had a cold but still rocked it.
I have a new song available on cdbaby recently called, “Color Me Rochester Grey”.
If it is happy, I play mostly major chords. If it is sad, minor chords. If angry, I used power chords.
These days occasionally backing Poet Puma Perl is very similar. Puma is a great writer and I put her on the same category
It feels like driving around with a flat tire though so I dream of a day when I can make a real record. My songs are inspired by life, love, pain, loneliness, happiness, and optimism. To name a few, lol.
Yes for a mere buck you can take me home. {:->
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My mother was a florist for 35 years so I grew up in that environment. I became a member of the E. 6th St. and Ave.B Community Garden in the East Village and there is a marvelous stage there. In the nicer weather months I put together shows for the Community to enjoy, also the musicians and Poets I invite to perform there love to be out under the stars and out of the bars. Unfortunately the Bar Scene has a monopoly on live music for the most part and lots of folks don’t care to go in them but love live music. In the Garden shows they get to see and hear some of my famous friends and artist they have never heard of and very happy to discover them. Playing music under the Stars is magical anywhere but here in NYC it is amazing. A soundscape of music with a background collage of sirens mixed with taxi horn honks and people talking and laughing in the distance. Also, children and underage teens get a chance to experience live shows “under the stars and outta the bars” baby. Yeah.
MBW: What is your earliest memory pertaining to music ??? MBW: Are you signed to anyone ??? JW:No, I have never been signed or managed but I am certainly open to it. I have always been somewhat of an underground musician and I think I would like to unbury myself just so I can share my music. I am just the boy next door that writes and plays music, not an aspiring pretentious fame chaser. When I need my ego stroked I pet my cat. She loves me for that.
MBW: Throughout the summer months and up until recently you have organized these beautiful phantasmagoric concerts in a local downtown community garden to rave reviews ... Please tell us the remarkable story behind this ??? JW:I have a bit of a green thumb and like to garden.
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JW:My Aunt Vivienne would baby sit once and a while and after putting me to bed, she would play the piano and croon. I did not enjoy it very much but it put me right to sleep.
MBW: I see you also give guitar lessons ... anything you’d like to mention there ??? JW: Well, a guy has to pay the rent somehow. I have an ad on craigslist if you know anybody interested.
MBW: What do you have to say about performing in these local New York night clubs ??? JW: For a musician the Night Club Culture can be
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very toxic and destructive as we know. The lifestyle has taken many talented artists before their time. In the 50’s and 60’s or so, people all ages could go see a band at a Dancehall of some sort. As I mentioned before, (with all due respect to my fav clubs), booze took over and that cut out a lot of music lovers from attending shows due to age limits. The good news is that there are some great Night clubs that supply bands with the amps and drums for convenience on all sides. Hopefully the all ages concept will return someday so the kids can enjoy local live music too. When I write music I don’t consider it for the night life adults, I have the all ages concept in the back of my mind..
MBW:Can you tell us about your favorite gig ??? JW: My favorite gig is when I am playing one of my songs and people are singing along with me, I am truly honored and flattered to no end.
play more music. I also paint but only when I am inspired. I am basically a loner but I am also very friendly and I find some people don’t like friendly, they get suspicious or something so I try and tone it down and go back to my comfort zone being a wall flower.
MBW: I watched you on Saturday Night Live as a Hobbit ... How’d that come about and how much fun was that to do ??? JW:I also do a bit of acting, mostly background for a few extra bucks. I don’t have a television so I don’t watch it. I got the call to be an extra hobbit on snl and it was a blast. I saw the episode on youtube, I was surprised to have gotten so much FaceTime as an extra.
MBW: What kind of magic occurs for you to write one of your songs ??? JW: It depends, I can write about a cloud or a clown at the drop of a hat. But, there are some songs that come through the cosmos of my soul when my feelings are so intense I liken it to giving birth. Those are my babies.
MBW: Give us a tour ... describe a typical day and night in the life of JOff in his natural Lower Est Side habitat ??? JW: It varies. I drink coffee or tea when I get up. I have a tiny apt. so I get cabin fever a lot. I like to play my guitar in Thompkins Park in the quiet of the afternoon sometimes by the wishing well. I zone out and the people around become invisible as I quietly strum. I’m a dreamer and the atmosphere can be inspiring. Sometime a stranger with an instrument will stop and we will jam together. I have a part time job as a handyman in a bldg as well so after work I like to well…..you know………,
photo by Shell Sheddy
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photo by Anne Husick
photo by Pat Ossa
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photo by Lynn Cappiello
photo by Carol Hall
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MBW: Do you have any advice for anyone pursuing a career in music ??? JW:Persue your dreams and visions but stay in school. Education is the most important thing in life besides love, peace, and forgiveness.
MBW: Do you have anything you would like to tell the world while I’ve got your ear ??? JW: Dear world, take a deep breath. Read more books, write more letters, commit random acts of kindness, take care of yourselves as you would your
best friends, eat more salads, drink more water, and take me home for about a buck at www.cdbaby. com/jOff_wilson , “don’t follow leaders, watch the parking meters”.
MBW: I always like to find out about new places to eat in Manhattan ... What kind of food do you like and do you have any recommendations ??? JW:I don’t eat out that much. I love Japanese food but I forgot the name of the restaurant on 1rst Ave and E. 10th St. Also, Mini Tai on Ave. A.
MBW:Tell us about the clubs you have appeared in lately ... Do you have any favorites and why ??? JW: I don’t get to play outside the Lower East Side very much so I can occasionally be found playing at The Sidewalk Cafe on Ave. A, or The Bowery Electric, Otto’s Shrunken Head, and a few more. I will play most anywhere if I am invited.
MBW: If I could grant you three wishes what would they be ??? JW: 1.) I want to make a record. 2.) I want all the homeless people taken care of, not just physically but mentally as well. 3.) A bigger apartment. {:->
photo by Richard Maxwell
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an Interview with The Love Pirates Steel Notes Magazine | 65
Ladies and Gentlemen and Children of All Ages ... I am Marlowe B West ... Your Ring Leader ... It’s another gorgeous day here on the docks of the Hudson ... Over-looking the Statue of Liberty ... C’mon ... Follow me ... Step right up and climb onboard ... Marlowe B West Takez Manhattan is about to take you on the most fun Rock ‘n Roll Pirate Adventure ever ... Proudly Prezenting The Love Pirates ...
MBW: Shiver me timberz and all that good rot, Matey ... What in blazes goes on thar ??? GW: Hi my name is Gass Wild and I’m Cap’n of the good ship Love Pirate. Me and my crew of rockers are collectively known as the Love Pirates
MBW: Whoa, now !!! ... You got me curious ... What’s all this fuss and commotion about over here ... All these high falootin’ fancy people having such outlandish fun ... Carrying on like dang fools in broad daylight ... I’m jealous as hell ... What’s the deal here ??? GW: Come on and join us, Marlowe, and bring all those cool friends of yours. I’m the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter I formed the original band many moons ago in NYC. Band members have changed over the years. Unfortunately some are no longer with us. But every line up has been worthy of the name. We’ve always had respect from our peers. I was originally a drummer. The first real gig I ever played was opening up for Traffic in a three piece blues band on Hereford Race Course, in England, where I hail from. Some years later I played drums with Johnny Thunders from The New York Dolls/Heartbreakers.Then with a recommendation from my friend, Lemmy Kilmister. (of Motorhead fame) I helped Chrissie Hynde form the embryonic Pretenders. Two years later I went from the back to the front becoming the lead singer in a hard Rock’n Roll band named Lightning Raiders. We got signed to Island Records who put one single out. But we got dropped before the album came out. It was eventually released by Rock Candy in 2013. When the Raiders broke up I started playing guitar and began writing songs which is what I’ve been doing ever since. First in Mannish Boys and
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then with Love Pirates.
MBW: You boys sure do look like you’re having an awesome time being Love Pirates ... What’s it like ??? GW: It’s always been fun playing with Love Pirates but one gig sticks in my mind. We were playing a club in New Jersey and the band who were supposed to go on after us thought they were the best thing since sliced bread. Anyway we did our set and before we’d finished they packed up all their gear and made a swifty exit. Ha ha!! The promoter loved us and asked if we’d continue playing. We willingly obliged. After the show he not only paid us for our set but he also gave us the other bands money as well ... lol.
MBW: Tell us what kind of show you do ... What kind of music you play and how about your unique image ??? GW: Fuzz Dom is the lead guitarist and a very fine guitarist. He is playing in a blues based style reminiscent of former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor. We’ve been playing together for 12 years. It just gets better and better all the time. We have different guitar styles. Me being a drummer, I have a rhythmic style ... a la Keith Richards (to name one) ... but we also weave in and out on lead guitar and compliment each other. Marty Lowe is our drummer. He’s like my little brother from another mother. He’s a no-nonsense time keeper and we read each other really well. One day I heard him singing along to a Who song and I said “Wow! You can sing! I’m gonna put a mic in front of you at the next rehearsal!” So he’s not only a kick ass drummer but also a great backing vocalist. Our voices blend perfectly. Last, but not least, Mitchell Zerring is our newest crew member. He’s the missing link. For a while now we’ve had bass players helping us out and we weren’t a complete band because they had one foot in and one foot out. Mitch changed all that. He’s a superb bassist and loves the band. Mitch and Marty epitomize what a rhythm section should be. We play blues based Rock’n Roll with a vengeance. It’s all been done before but we learned from the masters. Although I will say it myself “We
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do it very well!”. I dress up like a Christmas tree regardless of whether I’m playing or not. If you look at us you’ll get an idea as to what kind of music we play. It sure as hell ain’t polka ... lol.
MBW: How does it feel to be a pop star in New York City and what you think about the club scene ... how you are treated, paid and what you think you might change about any of it all ... GW: I love playing in NYC particularly Manhattan. There’s an energy here like nowhere else on earth but it’s getting harder and harder to make money. Some places have no cover. They pass a bucket around. It’s ok if people are generous but I prefer to play and get paid for it.
MBW: How would you describe The Love Pirates in one word ??? GW:
MBW: you ???
Vital
What does being a Love Pirate mean to
GW: Ever since I was a teenager all I wanted to do was play in a Rock’n Roll band. I’m happy to say my dream came true. I love my band. I’ve always played in good ones otherwise I wouldn’t do it. But this particular line up of Love Pirates is the best I’ve ever had.
MBW:
How can you be contacted ??? ...
GW: Love Pirates on Facebook Or gasswild@ gmail.com
MBW: If I could grant you three wishes what would they be ??? GW: To go into a great studio and make a killer record ... Have a hit with it ... And tour the world!
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http://www.prolifick.com/
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COLICCHIO’S CORNER Victor Colicchio
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Happy New Year dear Readers,
Hope you all had an enjoyable and relaxing holiday season, and I wish you all the best in the upcoming year. This is the time of year for reflect on our past, and contemplating our future. This is also the time of year to share Colicchio’s Corner Steel Notes Year in Review
This was busy year in Colicchio’s Corner, I worked on a few films, “American Fango, “Hungry”, “ Networker” And a couple I can’t mention at this time. I attended a few events courtesy of Todd Wharton of Local Talent Connection, and a few events hosted by John Thomas. I recorded with Mitch Weissman, and Frank Cadillac, at FLATIRON STUDIOS in Manhattan. And R.E.M. STUDIOS in New Jersey. Both studios are highly recommended.
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I made some new friends and spent time with old ones. Frank Cadillac, Katherine Narducci, Gino Cafarelli, John Gallagher, Kamal Ahmed Artie Oascal, Warren Hub, Paul Fucito, Jon Paris, Amy Madden,Brian Kelly, William Demeo, Robin Borden,Steve Stanulis, Sybil Santiago, Ari Zachary Barkin, Robert Melosh, Kelly Phoenix, Dominic Marcus, Frankie Pips. Huxley Rittman, Jackie (The Jokeman) Martlin,Dominick Mancino, Jess Novac,Brian Panelle, Tony Colicchio, Jillie Simon, Joe Donofrio, Lou Martini, Gabriele Altobelli, Jeffery Gurian, Randy DeOrio,Dominick Mancino, Lori Spano, Puma Perl, Frank Wood, Jonathan Marimow, Tracey Morgan, Sibyl Santiago, Samantha Scaffidi, Kelsey O’Brien, Peter Gaudio, Richard Vertre, Karen Goeller, and so many more. Thank you..All of you, for a most adventurous year. and HAPPY NEW YEAR to one
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JANUARY MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT DANA GAYNOR BAND BY NOAH J GAMBINO NJG: Hey Dana, just so you know, this is an interview! Even though neither one of us can see each other, so where is the “view” in interview? Anywho, I met you at Mike Stanley’s birthday party, as I was playing drums, you walked up and said¬ “Let’s Keep it simple”. I love one ¬liners, and people who are warm and genuine. You began to play , and after about four bars I realized this is a talented musician, with a cool personality. I came to see you at some live gigs and realized that you are a true professional with a purpose. Then I heard your cd, and liked the material. I find out you record, produce, play and sing. I love when people do this because it is a great way to re¬invent yourself!
DG: Well, I was playing in a regional band back in the day and we ran into these guys who produced Tommy James, Ohio Express, and all those bubble gum bands...Kassinetz and Katz. They dug our sound and invited us to be their studio band. They had a nice studio in a warehouse in Great Neck L.I., where I come from. We accepted their offer and for the next 2 years went in Monday through Friday from noon to 5’ish and did singles and albums for various K&K artists.There thing was to have us try to make songs that sounded like what was on the radio, so we would work with a few different producers. For a couple of days we were the Ohio Express, and they owned the name and needed us
NJG: Do you enjoy wearing all the different hats? DG: Absolutely...Basically I am ADD. I get bored easy. At the same time I have goals and try to follow up on them. The thing is I am picky too so I have had to learn to do all the jobs associated with my trade to get the products I want. That has meant sucking it up often times and learning.
NJG: Do you produce other bands? DG: I produced an artist named Mudcat for one album, I did the second James Supra Album, I did a few songs for the Craig Sailor Project, there are others...those come to mind. I have produced some videos sound tracks and singles for various folks. I generally don’t want to produce stuff I don’t like so people seek me out rather than me opening my studio...I keep it kind of “family”....if you know what I mean.
NJG: How did you get educated in the recording process?
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to fill in. After that I played in a lot of studios. I have worked at RCA in NYC, Record Plant in the SF. Bay area, Ultrasonic on Long Island, Star City here in the Valley, plus a bunch of smaller ones. I got to work with some amazing engineers and producers. At one point I got a 10 week recording certification from the Recording Institute of L.I.
level. People know that so it eliminates a lot of the negative ego stuff you might otherwise get.
NJG: Being a songwriter myself, everyone has a diferent methodology, What’s yours?
DG: Well I change it up, again probably the ADD. Sometimes I hear a song in my head and it just comes out very quickly. Rockabilly Billionaire was NJG: Is it hard to work with others, trying to get one of them...It basically poured out in a few what you want from them? minutes fully formed. At other times I might hear a song and like the groove so I turnoff the TV or CD or DG: Well it all depends doesn’t it.? I have found it Radio...and play with it...then a unique chord struchard to work with people who have huge egos or people who aren’t great at what they do. So basically ture and rhythm based on that will come to me... Sometimes I just hear a chord thing or a vamp and I like working and have no problem working with write around it. I wrote the words for a few songs by people who are excellent and casual, humble or just adaptable. PaulMcCartney said it is always easy to keeping a recorder by the bed....setting the intention record, but the reason he gets the best players is be- to write a song about whatever and waking up in the middle of the night and chanting the words into the cause they are adaptable. I find that in most cases I can get what I want from people and if not I will just recorder stream of consciousness style. Ghost train and Power to the people were done that way. So do it myself. I have learned to play each instrument, and I use enough to do what I want at a professional basically anything goes...ya know?
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NJG: I understand that you do a radio schtick, care to elaborate? DG: I used to be station manager and Rock Personality on Ourcity Radio which was an online station here in PA.That lasted for a couple of years but as my band business and production company began to grow I had to step down. Just too much going on. I enjoyed it though...I am a bit of a musicologist and itwas fun bringing tunes to my audience.
NJG: What do you think of being politically correct in the entertainment business? DG: Haha...I am not! I don’t believe you can be authentic if you go that route. I guess if you are true to your vision...yes you need a vision, and you are not full of yourself, then you have a good start. I write political songs because life is inherently political...It is my experience, as is love and sarcasm and good feelings. I write about love ...I write about oblivion...whatever seems to emerge from the ethers. I write stories and/or talk from my heart. I think music,when done well, is kind of a zen trip. You get out of the way and let it come through. So then the only issue is if you can build an audience with it.
NJG: I think your current band really gels, can you tell me why? DG: Thanks, we feel that way too. Well it is the most mellow band. We don’t argue or create bad vibes. I only ask the guys to be great at what they do, play in the moment and have a good time. We know plenty of songs and are expanding that all the time so we stay fresh. I believe a great band is a very fragile thing emotionally so I don’t screw with it. I honor the members and get that back. We are kind of like a family at this point. I think the key to any great band is to create a way of playing, a process so everyone knows their function, is happy with it and can use it to express themselves as part of the whole.
NJG :Musical influences, Not even going there, I can
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hear them! DG: Here is the thing, because we are an original band people may not know the songs we play first time around...and in a world of tribute bands might be expecting stuff they know. When people hear us they say stuff like ...I didn’t hear any of the songs I know but I heard all the bands ...you know that is a compliment of a very high order. We have been able to create a sound which maintains originality while openly reflecting those bands and musical styles which influenced us.
NJG: And one more for you kid, Who do you hate to be compared to? DG: I don’t like being compared to other artists...I think if you real you are supposed to have your own sound. I feel like we have ours, I have mine, and that is where I leave it. I studied guitar players...you can hear a lot of them in my playing...I don’t want to be compared to any of them...but at the same time people try to offer respect by comparing you to those people they like...I just go with it. Whatever, if we got you off that is the point. How you understand the experience is your thing.
NJG: That’s a big button with me, to tell you the truth, I compare you to Dana Gaynor,that’s what I hear, and who else could you be? The world is better off with you, just keep up with what you are doing, and I am a fan! DG: Thanks babe!
NJG: And as I always say¬ And who am I to hassle with life? Do you think you can answer that one? DG: You are Noah...that’s good enough for me!!
NJG: Thanks for the input Dana, for your time and your music! DG: Ride on!!
Noah J Gambino
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Biography Dana Gaynor is a lead/slide guitarist and entertainer par excellence. Well known among the best musicians in both the New York and San Francisco Bay areas, her work is respected internationally. The list of musicians she has performed with includes: Dan Hicks Vassar Clements John Cipollina (Quicksilver Messenger Service) Paul Smith (Bill Withers, Ike and Tina Turner) Arkansas Larry Davis Paul Oscher (Muddy Waters Band) Deacon Jones and Jim Guyette (John Lee Hooker Band) Jackie Payne Gary Smith Don Preston (Leon Russell Band) Buddy Miles Malo Buddy Cage, Tommy Castro, The Boulevard Blues Band
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Kerry Kearney, The Amazing Bluesmatics,
show.
Little John Chrisley, Mike Dugan
Gaynor is a passionate and exciting lead/slide guitarist, entertainer well-known among the best musicians in both the New York and San Francisco Bay areas. Her body of work is respected internationally. She has performed with Buddy Miles, Vassar Clements, Dan Hicks, John Cipollina of Quicksilver Messenger Service, Keith and Donna Godcheaux of The Grateful Dead, and Don Preston of the Leon Russell Band and many others. Her studio credits include: K&K studios, staff musician for London records, session player at Ultra-Sonic Studios, Kingdom Studios, Tewksberry Studios, The Record Plant, Rainbow Studios, Sound Doctor Studios and Star City Recording Studios. Dana has worked with many great producers including: Robert Mersey (Jackie Wilson’s Producer), K&K productions, Jeff Glixman (Producer of Kansas), and Don Cassales (The Rascals). Her exciting guitar work and irresistible smile make her an instantly accessible performer who is truly a joy to behold.
Bobby Rondinelli (Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult) Steve Kimock Debbie Davies
Studio credits include: K&K studios - Staff musician for London records, session player at - Ultra-Sonic Studios, Kingdom Studios, Tewksberry Studios, The Record Plant, Rainbow Studios, Sound Doctor Studios, Star City Recording Studios. I worked with a great many producers including: Robert Mersey (Jackie Wilson’s Producer), K&K productions, Jeff Glixman (Producer of Kansas), and Don Cassales (The Rascals). She has been a member of The Amazing Bluesmatics, The Blues Riders, Vizion, Killer in the Backseat, Explosive Joseph and a founding member the Boulevard Blues Band for seven years (the house band at JJ’s Blues Club, the biggest blues club in the S.F. Bay area at the time). She has appeared on the same bill with The Allman Brothers, Average White Band, Norton Buffalo, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, Roy Rogers, Vassar Clements, Link Wray, Bad Finger, The Dinosaurs, Terry and the Pirates, and many, many others. Her exciting guitar work and irresistible smile make her an instantly accessible performer who is truly a joy to behold.
Description The Dana Gaynor Band (DGB) is a 21st century jam band lead by guitarist, producer, singer/songwriter Dana Gaynor, and her partner in crime, bassist, singer/songwriter Tony “T-Bone” Mancino. Frank Zelasny (“Frankie Z”), drummer, singer/songwriter, provides a solid foundation for this adventurous band. DGB is a three-piece jam band with roots in a variety of musical genres including blues, rock, funk, jazz, and psychedelic. The free form nature of each performance, with originals and select cover material infused into their sets, has been called a “Tapers’ delight” and produces a closer relationship between the band and their audience from show to
Mancino, bassist, singer/songwriter, plays with a pure passion evident in performance and recordings. A student of musical forms and styles spanning many genres and eras, T-bone began playing bass guitar at the tender, young age of 8-years-old. He has worked as a studio musician for record companies, including Warner Brothers; recording studios, including Electric Ladyland, Bearsville, The Record Plant and Sigma Sound. He has toured with various bands and artists, developing a reputation as a respected “hired gun” in the music industry. T-bone is a founding member of 80’s sensations The Blissters. Drummer Frank Zelasny, who also plays guitar, bass, keyboards, sings and writes, is a co-writer in DGB. Zelasny toured extensively with the Classics IV for 100-plus shows and he played with The Objects, out of Perth Amboy, N.J., for a number of years. He has recorded as Kid Trouzers, producing the classic “Bedful of Metaphysicians” album, which received rave reviews in Spin magazine. As Joggyn Smyler, he has released a number of well-reviewed albums, which are available on YouTube.
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Band: The Dana Gaynor Band Album Title: Power to the People Label: Euphoric Rebel Records Release Date: 11/6/15 Genre: Eclectic Americana Jam Band Web: www.danagaynor.com www.euphoricrebel.com www.reverbnation.com/danagaynorband CDs can be purchased worldwide through our websites and at the following online distributors: YouTube Music Key, iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Play, Rdio, Deezer, Groove, Rhapsody, eMusic, Simfy Africa, iHeartRadio, MixRadio, MediaNet, VerveLife, Tidal, Gracenote, Shazam, 7Digital, Juke, JB Hi-Fi, Slacker, Guvera, KKBox, Akazoo, Anghami, Spinlet, Neurotic Media, Yandex, Target Music, ClaroMusica, Zvooq, Saavn, NMusic, 8tracks, Q.Sic, Bandcamp Bio
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The Dana Gaynor Band (DGB) is an award winning band from the Lehigh Valley, PA. USA, lead by internationally respected female lead/slide guitarist, singer/songwriter, producer: Dana (Dr. D) Gaynor. Started in 2010 as a side project by Dana when she and the other members were not on the road with other artists, the band developed into a full time touring act in 2014. The DGB includes session and touring players: Dana Gaynor (guitar & vocals) Tony (T-Bone) Mancino (bass & vocals), Frank Zelasny (drums & vocals), and the Michael (Pozz) Pozzebon (kybd & vocals). Each of the members has gigged extensively with many well-known international recording acts including former members of the Grateful Dead, New Riders of the Purple Sage and Quicksilver Messenger Service; the Smithereens, the Classics Four, Tommy Castro, Thomas Dolby and many others. Their sound is eclectic Americana replete with influences from blues, rock, jazz, fusion, funk, rockabilly and country in a jam band format. They like to say that the band is an organic synthesis of these genres and related artists. Studio credits include: K&K studios, RCA Studios, Ultra-Sonic Studios, Kingdom Studios, Tewksberry
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Studios, The Record Plant, Rainbow Studios, Sound Doctor Studios, Star City Recording. Producers worked with include: Richie Moore (Record Plant), Robert Mersey (Jackie Wilson), K&K productions, Jeff Glixman (Kansas, Eric Clapton and many others), and Don Cassales (The Rascals), Mark Stone (Warner World Management). Dana has appeared on the same bill with The Allman Brothers, Average White Band, Kingfish, Link Ray, Commander Cody and the lost planet airmen; Norton Buffalo, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, Roy Rogers, Vassar Clements, Link Wray, Bad Finger, The Dinosaurs, Terry and the Pirates; Poppa Chubby, Debbie Davies, Bobby Messano, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and many, many others. As a headliner DGB plays festivals, large and medium size venues, fairs and a variety of out door concerts in the summer. Dana’s exciting guitar work and irresistible smile make her an instantly accessible performer who is truly a joy to behold. Tony Mancino is a powerhouse on stage, while Pozz and Frankie Z create a
perfect blend which renders the band great fun to watch. The DGB is currently touring in support of their new album on Euphoric Rebel Records; Power to the People. It was recorded at Euphoric Rebel Studio A in Whitehall PA. and was written, produced and engineered by Dana with two songs by Frank (Frankie Z) Zelasny. It took about 6 months to finish. We worked on it sparingly during that time, juggling
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it with gigs and session work. We feel really good about the product as it reflects our actual sound. We take a simple live approach to recording with minimal overdubs. The CD was released on 11/6/15 and is available internationally through a variety of online distributors including ITunes. The band is currently #1 in the Jam category on both Reverbnation. com and NumberOneMusic.com locally and has stayed in the top 40 globally on both. The album has been getting consistent and growing air play on a number of radio stations around the world. On January 29 and 30 of 2016 the DGB headlines the great Jamageddon 2016 two day music festival in Allentown PA. USA, produced by Euphoric Rebel Productions. Beyond that… The Dana Gaynor Band will moving into new territories and continue to play choice venues and festivals in America. DGB is currently looking for representation in the UK, Europe and Australia.
CD Track listing:
Power to the people Black moon The Frenchman’s wife Ghost Train Good time feelin In the land of the fool’s gold Money City No more shadows Road to oblivion Rockabilly billionaire Run for the money The damage is done Tip my hat to the maker I’m tired and I want to go to bed
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Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show Episode 1067 “Rockin’ The Season”
Web Site: https://www.zombiegardenclub.com
Synopsis By: Dana Saravia—Lifelong rock & roller, current music critic and Girl From Baltimore
Video Director: Princess Saydah
FB: https://www.facebook.com/zombiegardenclub Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/zombiegardenclub
Next up is Brooklyn, NY’s own Saydah bringing us “Rhythm, Feat. E”. A few notes on a piano open this song on a bright note and a fun, upbeat song builds from there. Saydah’s breathy vocals add a sexiness to the lyric “I feel so alive” that combines with the modern R&B/hip hop blend of the music and beat that are welcoming and playful. The video’s beach setting is the perfect visual to this song’s sunny, summer feel.
Web Site: https://www.saydahzufilms.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/SaydahZuFilms Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/PrincessSaydah
The Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show presents Indie Music Videos From Around The World, Episode 1067, “Rockin’ The Season”, which premiered Tuesday, 1st December 2015 at 10:30pm in Manhattan NYC on the following channels: Ch 67 Time Warner Cable, Ch 85 RCN, Ch 33 FiOS, then premiered on Saturday, 5th December at 5pm in Brooklyn and the 5 Boroughs in NYC on the following channels: Ch 34 Time Warner Cable, Ch 67 CableVision, Ch 82 RCN PLUS, Ch 42 Verizon. All Bongo Boy TV episodes in the series are also available online 24/7 at https:// www.vimeo.com/channels/bongoboytv, on the Bongo Boy TV website and are available on GO INDIE TV ROKU for free streaming. Starting off this episode are Bongo Boy Records recording artists Zombie Garden Club with the video for their song “Ache Of Love”. Originally from Toronto, CA and now making their home in Nashville, TN, Zombie Garden Club put together strong fuzzed out guitar riffs with a solid groove by the rhythm section to create garage rock with elements of grunge at its finest. A slow boiling mid-tempo number, the video’s B&W film and abandoned barn location highlight the song’s dramatic impression. Video Director: Zack Eagles
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Wayne Olivieri brings us seasonal cheer from Plainfield, NJ with “I Love Christmas Time”. A rock song that builds on the title, it brings the holiday spirit home. The video’s holiday street scenes intercut with Wayne and his band performing in front of a tree and fireplace add warmth and style to this modern song of Christmas joy. Video Director: Rich Hall Web Site: https://www.wayneolivierisong.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/ WayneO-Weegee-972747572756943 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Olivieriwayne
London UK’s own The Chords UK are up next with “I Can’t Let Go”. A hard hitting mod punk single from one of the sound’s innovators, original band member Chris Pope, the song features inspiring lyrics about not giving up or giving in and making life what you want it to be. Paired with the spirited high energy garage rock of the music, this song is a powerhouse and a welcome return for this band. Video Director: Jonathan Sequeira
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Web Site: https://www.chrispope.com
Video Director: Jonathan Mills
FB: https://www.facebook.com/thechordsuk
Web Site: https://www.zombiegardenclub.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chrispope099
FB: https://www.facebook.com/zombiegardenclub Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/zombiegardenclub
The fifth video of the show comes to us from Plainfield, NJ’s own Gar Francis with his beautiful song and video “Rescue Me”. The song’s gentle rock melody goes perfectly with sweetly vulnerable lyrics to create a classy & classic sounding number. The song is paired with a lovely and profound video that features photos of rescued animals shown happy now in their loving forever homes. As a proud pet parent of a rescue cat myself, I was very moved by both this song and video.
Closing out this episode is Santa Cruz, CA’s Out Of Plumb with “Truth And Lies”. A laid back, mellow vibe sets the tone while well-worn vocals sing lyrics about seeing the truth, yet still finding the good in life. This catchy song is paired with a video that features photos and paintings cut to the beat with a bit of animation sprinkled in that adds to the song’s unique flavor.
Video Director: Mo Promo Mgmt Co
Video Director: Russ Lake
Web Site: https://www.garfrancis.com
Web Site: https://www.reverbnation.com/Artist/ index/1845228
FB: https://www.facebook.com/garfrancis Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/garfrancis
Next from the North Pole is Jackie Kringle & The Elves with “Let’s Have A Rockin’ Christmas”. A fun video that’s animated in every way is combined with the great rock & sleigh bells of this holiday tune. A happy rock song that will get kids of all ages into the spirit of the holiday season & with a great beat you can dance to, brought to us by members of the legendary garage rock band The Doughboys. Video Director: Mo Promo Mgmt Co Web Site: https://www.garfrancis.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/garfrancis Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/garfrancis
Nashville, TN’s Zombie Garden Club make a return appearance with their scorching rocker “Burn”. Zombie Garden Club combine solid grooves with fuzzed out guitar riffs to create solid modern garage rock. “Burn” is another prime example of their music ability and talent. The psychedelic elements of the video are a fantastic fit for the song’s vibe and help make it a great addition to any New Year’s playlist.
Each episode of Bongo Boy TV brings exposure and a bigger audience for each of these very talented independent artists. This episode has been brought to you by True Tea Magazine, https://www.trueteamagazine.com The Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show is produced by Grammy members Gar Francis and Monique Grimme and is fully funded by sponsorships from all the indie musicians and their affiliations in each episode and Bongo Boy Records. Bongo Boy TV produces and distributes The Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show which puts the spotlight on indie videos worldwide on 44 channels across the United States. All TV episodes are available on their website: https://www.bongoboytv.com Bongo Boy TV is also on Vimeo: https://www.vimeo. com/bongoboy Bongo Boy TV is Real Television now on 44 channels across the USA. Also on Go Indie TV Roku Channel for free On Demand Web Site: https://www.bongoboytv.com Email: bongoboytv@aol.com
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Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show Episode 1068 “Bring It This Season” Synopsis by: Dana Saravia—Lifelong rock & roller, current music critic and Girl From Baltimore The Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show presents Indie Music Videos From Around The World, Episode 1068, “Bring It This Season”, which premiered on Tuesday, 1st December 2015 at 10:30pm in Portland, OR followed by heavy rotation coast to coast via 10 major cable companies including NBC Universal Comcast and Time Warner Cable. All Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV episodes in the series are also available online 24/7 at https://www. vimeo.com/bongoboytv, on the Bongo Boy TV website and are also available on GO INDIE TV ROKU for free streaming. Plainfield, NJ’s own Plainfield Slim starts this episode with “Another Mule In The Barn”. A mix of classic rock and bluegrass country with a driving beat & distinctive vocals, it’s fun to listen to and tough to forget. The B&W video footage of classic Citroens enhances the grainy, home-grown feel of the song. Both the “Peace For Paris” tag in the lower left hand corner and the final shot featuring the Eiffel Tower are in memory of those who lost their lives in the November 13th tragedy and a reminder of the strength and beauty of Paris, both the city and its people.
Next up from London, UK is The Chords UK with “I Can’t Let Go”. One of the originators of the mod punk sound back in the 70s, original Chords member Chris Pope makes a welcome return with the raw, edgy music they are well remembered for. This track pairs tough punk rock with smart lyrics that can be read as a love song to performing and living for rock & roll or as a traditional love song or as both. The video is a performance clip that allows the heat and energy of the band and their music take center stage and make a terrific impression. Video Director: Johnathan Sequeira Web Site: https://www.chrispope.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/thechordsuk Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chrispope099
Bongo Boy Records artist Zombie Garden Club is next with “Ache Of Love”. Now making their home and their music in Nashville, TN, Zombie Garden Club mix a strong rhythm section with superb fuzzed out guitar riffs to make great garage rock. The grunge elements added to this mid-tempo number help define their sound and make this song memorable. The video features B&W footage of the band performing in an old barn, adding to the stark and dramatic elements of the music. Video Director: Zack Eagles Web Site: https://www.zombiegardenclub.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/zombiegardenclub Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/zombiegardenclub
Video Footage: CED Grimme
Bringing seasonal cheer from Plainfield, NJ is Wayne Olivieri with “I Love Christmas Time”. A rock number that celebrates the joys of the holiday season, it’s a song that will help get everyone get into the Christmas spirit. The video’s festive decorated street scenes are intercut with Wayne and his band performing in front of a Christmas tree and fireplace, helping enhance the warm feelings of the season expressed in the music.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/plainfieldslim
Video Director: Rich Hall
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/plainfieldslim
Web Site: https://www.wayneolivierisong.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/
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WayneO-Weegee-972747572756943
Web Site: https://www.reverbnation.com/thecynz
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/olivieriwayne
FB: https://www.facebook.com/The-Cynz Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/cyndicynz
Next is Plainfield, NJ’s own Gar Francis and his moving song and video “Rescue Me”. With a gentle rock melody and sweetly vulnerable lyrics, this is a classic song that would be at home in any era of rock & roll. The video is a deeply touching montage of photos featuring rescue pets in their loving forever homes and is the perfect accompaniment for the song. This is an unforgettable song and video, especially for those who are proud rescue pet parents. Video Director: Mo Promo Mgmt Co Web Site: https://www.garfrancis.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/garfrancis Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/garfrancis
Closing out this episode are Conceptz from NYC, NJ with “Funky 5”. The song starts with mellow strings that lead into a fast-paced hip hop track with a bouncy beat. A catchy song about showing off their best pickup lines and moves at the club, the trade-off lead vocals and harmonizing in the chorus call to mind Outkast at their finest while bringing personality and fun that’s all Conceptz. The video uses a classy club setting and visually illustrates the song perfectly. This clip also serves as a great preview to Conceptz upcoming Bongo Boy TV special titled “All Work, No Play” which will be airing in January on all Bongo Boy TV distribution channels with 10 major cable companies. Video Director: Christian Strickland
The second holiday song of this episode is “Let’s Have A Rockin’ Christmas” from Jackie Kringle & The Elves. Recorded by members from garage rock legends The Doughboys, this is a fun modern holiday rocker featuring a strong danceable beat. The cute animated video not only fits the song, but appeals to kids of all ages and brings additional festive fun to this happy tune. Video Director: Mo Promo Mgmt Co Web Site: https://www.garfrancis.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/garfrancis Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/garfrancis
The Cynz are from East Brunswick, NJ and bring back raw, REAL rock & roll with “Right To Your Grave”. The classic rock sound and feel of the music is an excellent match for lead singer Cyndi Dawson’s heartfelt and powerful vocals. With a sound reminiscent of Suzi Quatro and the intense emotion of the band, the video’s scenes of Cyndi singing in a graveyard bring an added layer of drama and help make the clip as unforgettable as the song. Video Director: Kyle Schickner
Web Site: https://www.conceptzmusic.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/DaRealConceptz Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/darealconceptz
The Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show is produced by Grammy members Gar Francis and Monique Grimme and is fully funded by sponsorships from all the indie musicians and their affiliations in each episode and Bongo Boy Records. Bongo Boy TV produces and distributes The Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show which puts the spotlight on indie videos worldwide on 44 TV channels across the United States. All TV episodes are available on their website: https://www. bongoboytv.com Bongo Boy TV is also on Vimeo: https://www.vimeo. com/bongoboy Bongo Boy is Real Television now on 44 TV channels across the USA. Also available on Indie TV Roku Channel for free on demand. Web Site: https://www.bongoboytv.com Email: bongoboytv@aol.com
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Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show Episode 1069 “Ahead Of The Curve”
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/seanvanderWilt
Synopsis by: Dana Saravia—Lifelong rock & roller, current music critic and Girl From Baltimore
Video Director: John Logsdon
Next up is Seattle, WA’s Paula Boggs Band with their latest “Look Straight Ahead (remix) ft. J. Pinder”. Paula’s bluesy, soulful vocals detail a story of working hard to overcome rough times and leave the past behind. The added dash of modern hip hop beats and J. Pinder’s rap blend well with the traditional song elements and create a sound that’s very of the moment and adds to the song’s emotional impact. The video of a passenger on a bus passing by urban street scenes depicting harsh realities is a perfect visual illustration of the song’s powerful meaning.
Web Site: https://www.paulaboggsband.net FB: https://www.facebook.com/thepaulaboggsband Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/plutorevenge
The Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show presents Music Videos From Around The World, Episode 1069, “Ahead Of The Curve”, which will premiere Tuesday, 15th December, 2015 at 10:30pm in Portland, OR followed by heavy rotation coast to coast via 10 major cable companies including NBC Universal Comcast and TimeWarner Cable. All Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV episodes in the series are also available online 24/7 at https://www.vimeo.com/ bongoboytv , as well as on the Bongo Boy TV website and are also available on GO INDIE TV ROKU for free streaming.
Los Angeles, CA’s Sean van der Wilt starts off this episode with his latest “WET”. A beat heavy modern club sound is paired with old school hip hop vocals with lyrics using double entendres to create a fun song that will appeal to club goers from both eras. The video’s poolside party atmosphere not only fits the song, it brings a sunny summer vibe that helps chase away the winter chill. Video Director: diGi Web Site: https://www.seanvanderwilt.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/Seanvanderwiltmusic
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Next up is Bongo Boy Asia recording artist Michael Resin from Switzerland with his latest song “Along The Roads”. With its melancholic electronica sound, minimal instrumentation and slow pace, the music is perfectly suited to the contemplative lyrics of lost love. The video features beautiful shots of a meditation garden and visually highlight the emotional feel of the song. Video Director: Stephanie Resin Web Site: https://www.michaelresin.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelResinArtiste Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/michaelresin
Victoria Celestine from Austin, TX brings us her latest “Wasted Tears”. A dance pop song with lyrics about recovering from a broken heart, this song works both on the dance floor and on the headphones. A great reminder that the best way to move on can be by moving your body to the beat. The eye catching black and white colour scheme helps make this video stand out.
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Video Director: Raul Gonzo Web Site: https://www.victoriacelestine.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/viccelestinemusic Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/viccelestine
Los Angeles, CA’s Marina V is here with her music video “Speak”. Opening with dramatic piano and a strong beat, this song builds into a moving modern rock tune about a young lady learning to find her voice and becoming unafraid of speaking out and celebrating herself, in spite of the criticism of others. The cards written with negative comments and criticisms displayed in the video’s opening are ripped up in the final scenes and provide a powerful visual that enhances the song’s message. Video Director: Katya Tsyganova Web Site: https://www.marinav.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/marinavmusic
Bongo Boy Records Asia recording artist Secret Lie and their new album “Beautiful Wild Rose” available now for digital download and streaming. This episode also brought to you in part by Bongo Boy Records Asia recording artist Michael Resin with his latest album “Emotion Sickness” available now for digital download and streaming. Sponsorship for this episode has also been provided by Gypsy Poet Radio. Bringing the Golden Age of radio back for a new generation at https://www. blogtalkradio.com/GypsyPoet The Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show is produced by Grammy members Gar Francis and Monique Grimme and is fully funded by sponsorships from all the indie musicians and their affiliations in each episode and Bongo Boy Records. Bongo Boy TV produces and distributes The Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show which puts the spotlight on indie videos worldwide on 54 TV channels across the United States. All TV episodes are available on their website: https://www.bongoboytv.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/marinav
Closing out this episode is Switzerland’s Betty Chrys with her song “Souviens-Toi”. A somber toned modern rock song, the emotion comes through beautifully in both the instrumentation and the vocals, whether or not the listener speaks French. A moving song about growing up, growing apart and the bittersweet memories tied to those experiences. The sepia tone and muted colours of the video are a perfect accompaniment to the feel of this elegant song.
Bongo Boy TV is also on Vimeo: https://www.vimeo. com/bongoboy
Bongo Boy is Real Television now on 54 TV channels across the USA with two regions—New York City and National.
Also available on GO INDIE TV RokuChannel for free on demand.
Video Director: Tina A5 Web Site: https://bettychrys.jimdo.com
Web Site: https://www.bongoboytv.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/betty.chrys Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bettychrys
Email: bongoboytv@aol.com
Each episode of Bongo Boy TV brings exposure and a bigger audience for each of these very talented independent artists. This episode has been brought to you in part by
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Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show Episode 1070 “Conceptz: All Work, No Play-The Guide to Success for the Emerging Artist”
https://www.bongoboytv.com
For a complete broadcast schedule, please visit
The next video is this showcase is for the song “Love
This special episode begins with an introduction to the two artists that are Conceptz—Highrowglyphix and Short Fuze, who are interviewed by Washington DC based radio host and model Miss Twitty. Viewers hear about the group’s formation, as well as their creative approach and about their goals and visions for their future. It’s a rare and welcome opportunity to hear an up and coming artist discuss their songwriting process as well as their enthusiasm for the ongoing hard work it takes to make it in their field. Conceptz also take the time to acknowledge the continued efforts of their management team at Hydra Management, who are supportive and work hard behind the scenes to help them achieve ever growing popularity with each of their new releases. Both Highrowglyphix and Short Fuze emphasize the importance of constantly working at their craft, both in writing and performance, as well as networking and staying in touch with their fans and how necessary it is for an independent artist to find quality exposure for their music to reach as many listeners as possible.
Along with Hydra Management, Bongo Boy TV has proudly played a part in helping Conceptz reach a larger audience since one of their earliest music videos was featured on the Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Synopsis by: Dana Saravia—LifeSeries in 2014. Conceptz has continued to gain a larger long rock & roller, current music audience with each follow up video on Bongo Boy TV, as well as seeing their music reach Asia via having critic and Girl From Baltimore their music included on the Bongo Boy Records Compilation series. Conceptz’ talent, unique sound and songwriting skills, combined with their strong Bongo Boy TV is proud to present the latest episode work ethic and the hard work of Hydra Management in their Rock N’ Roll TV Show series, a special half along with the exposure provided by Bongo Boy TV hour presentation featuring the hip hop artist Conceptz in “All Work, No Play—The Guide to Success and Bongo Boy Records have helped the band find an audience almost as diverse as their musical style and for the Emerging Artist”. This special episode have helped them attain an ever growing success that produced by Hydra Management and Bongo Boy TV continues to become larger with each new release. premiered Saturday, 2nd January, 2016 in Brooklyn via the following TV channels: Channel 34 on Time After our introduction to Highrowglyphix and Short Warner Cable, Channel 67 on CableVision, Channel 82 Fuze, viewers are treated to the video to their song on RCN, and Channel 42 on Verizon FiOS in Brooklyn “The Purest One”. A classic hip hop song about and all the New York City boroughs. This special maintaining belief in yourself and remaining steadfast presentation then began rotation for 2 weeks on 54 in commitment to achieving your life’s dream no channels from coast to coast nationwide, reaching matter what obstacles are in the way, this song well over 17 million households including cities like brings a strong, positive message and is the perfect Nashville, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Antonio song choice to start the show. This song illustrates and Portland, OR just to name a few via Bongo Boy Conceptz’ belief in themselves and pride in their TV’s syndicated television distribution. uniqueness and vision.
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Jones”, which hit the Billboard Hot 100. Smart, well written and sharply performed rap is paired with a smooth R&B chorus to create a love song that’s sexy, intelligent and real. Highrowglyphix and Short Fuze take turns on the mic and each shows their personality with their verses.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darealconceptz
The video for the song “Funky Five” featuring Melodiq, which also hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has a slinky, slow start that turns on a dime into a fast paced party jam. The video, directed by Christian Strickland, does a great job of illustrating the song’s fun party vibe about a night out at the club. A very catchy and danceable beat makes for a memorable song that’s next to impossible to stand still whenever it’s played. No surprise that “Funky Five” also made the cut to be included on the 58th Grammy Awards ballot.
Email: lbrown@hydramanagement.com
Conceptz follows that up with “Grandpa’s Whiskey”. A charming video accompanies this song full of humour with a story everyone can relate to about sneaking that first drink from Gramps’ bottle and finding extra courage to be creative. Both the song and video demonstrate the group’s wit, their musical diversity and willingness to follow their own path of inspiration. Ending this special presentation is the World Exclusive Premiere for Conceptz’ latest video “Multiply”, their newest single available January 2016. The striking prominent bass line and spare backing track allow Conceptz’ rap and rhyme skills take the spotlight. The lyrics are about not only getting paid, they take it a step further with rhymes about putting that money back into their music and taking their songs to the next level. This song describes Conceptz’ seriousness about investing in themselves, their talent, their art and their dreams, and shows why they have the heart and passion to make this into lifetime career. Watch out this January for The Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show Episode 1070 “All Work, No Play—the Guide to Success for the Emerging Artist” and listen for Conceptz in a club and on a radio near you now and in the year ahead. Even if this is your first time hearing about this band, their talent, hard work & dedication guarantee it won’t be the last. For more information about Conceptz: Official Web Site: https://www.ConceptzMusic.net
Management: Hydra Management Services, LLC Roy Charles Brown, CEO
Web Site: https://www.hydramanagement.com Television Production Bongo Boy TV Email: bongoboytv@aol.com Web Site: https://www.bongoboytv.com Each episode of Bongo Boy TV brings exposure and a bigger audience for each very talented independent artist featured. This episode has been brought to you by Hydra Management Services, True Tea Magazine, Steel Notes Magazine, Gypsy Poet Radio and Spoken Life’s EP “Reality” now available for download and streaming via Bongo Boy Records Asia. The Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show is produced by Grammy members Gar Francis and Monique Grimme and is fully funded by sponsorships from all the indie musicians and their affiliations in each episode and Bongo Boy Records. Bongo Boy TV produces and distributes The Bongo Boy Rock N’ Roll TV Show which puts the spotlight on independent artists and their music videos worldwide on 54 TV channels. All TV episodes are always available on the web at: https:// www.bongoboytv.com
Bongo Boy TV is also on Vimeo: https://www.vimeo. com/bongoboy Since 2014, Bongo Boy TV also distributes every TV episode on the Go Indie TV Roku Channel, which is available in the US, the UK and in Canada. Bongo Boy TV is Real Television on 54 TV channels across the USA. Web Site: https://www.bongoboytv.com Email: bongoboytv@aol.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/DaRealConceptz
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Mommie Dearest (1980) Film Review Joan did not have the last word By Jerry Saravia, Pseudo Film Critic Thirty-five years since its release (met with disdain by some critics), “Mommie Dearest” almost singlehandedly was responsible for the decline in quality movie roles for Faye Dunaway. The movie was considered a travesty of Joan Crawford’s memory and had many wondering if it was not just mere exploitation of true childhood trauma (to be fair, Christina Crawford’s book was accused of the same and also faced a second charge – it was accused of being straight fiction). Time has been kind to the film and it has since become a campy cult classic and a favorite of the gay community. The truth is that after recently seeing the film again, and having my unstained memory of it intact from a VHS viewing back in 1981 or ’82, I can say that “Mommie Dearest” is a sustained mood piece of heightened mania, a no-holds-barred look at a physically and emotionally abusive woman. Faye Dunaway delivers a pure marvel of a perfor-
mance (perhaps her last), displaying the haughtiness, the sensitivity and the high-pitched madness of a woman who wanted everything perfect. The cost of her perfection and her compulsive habits was not just to her fleeting relationships with men but her strained, pained and unwieldy relationship with her adopted daughter, Christina. Christina is shown at two different ages, one as a precocious child (Mara Hobel, a haunting performance) who is told that she is an inferior swimmer by Joan amongst other things, and then in post-teenage years as a tacitly rebellious woman (Diana Scarwid) who infuriates Joan when she says one of the single most hilarious lines in the entire film, delivered with great zeal: “I…am… not…one…of…your…fans!” As a child, Christina is forced to sit at the dinner table until she eats her meal, forced to clean the bathroom tiles during the middle of the night, and has chunks of her hair cut rather furiously by Joan (Oh, I must not forget those dreaded wire hangers). As the teenage Christina, she is somehow not allowed to date while attending a private school, and is summarily forced to attend a convent of sorts (though too much of that plot thread is left dangling in the screenwriter’s gutter). This mother-daughter relationship is very well exposed and justifiably tough to watch. Unfortunately, other characters are left on the sidelines of Joan’s overly manicured gardens. Rutanya Alda as Joan’s long-time housekeeper, Carol Ann, is not given
Mara Hobel as Christina Crawford and Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford in “Mommie Dearest”
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enough to do except react with silent gestures and, though we sense her devotion to this maniac of an actress, there is not much else except a series of reactions. Steve Forrest as a Hollywood lawyer, Gregg Savitt, and Pepsi CEO, Alfred Steele (Harry Goz), are two men most central to Joan’s existence but their appearances are somewhat fleeting (though Forrest charmingly captures the Hollywood of yesteryear). The main focus is on Joan’s fractured, violent relationship to her daughter whom she treats as anything but. It is so bleakly presented with no sweeping camera moves or unnecessary frantic cuts that it remains the most honest depiction of parental abuse of its time. For all of the intrinsic flaws in “Mommie Dearest” with insufficient nourishment provided to secondary characters, the film still has a hypnotic pull to it, swiftly directed by Frank Perry. Scene after scene, the movie
mesmerizes even when it isn’t always attentive to character nuance. Joan is shown as a tyrannical monster more attuned to providing emotional support for her beaus than to her own daughter (Joan even replaces her daughter’s role in a soap opera, much to Christina’s chagrin). The frustration, the anger, the resentments are fully explored and vividly realized in the torrential relationship between Joan and Christina. It is neither campy nor comedic – it is real. I am sure I will not have the last word on that. Footnote: Please read Rutanya Alda’s own “Mommie Dearest Diaries” available at http:// www.amazon.com/Mommie-Dearest-Diary-CarolTells/dp/1515260607/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450297568&sr=8-1&keywords=mommie+dearest+diaries
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Film Review of Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films (2014) Sex and Violence in equal spurts By Jerry Saravia (Pseudo Film Critic) Cannon fodder. Cannon shite. Blast those Cannon films to oblivion! That is my feeling about the Cannon product from Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, two film producers who cranked out one putrid film after another. Sure, there were some that were not coal-infested socks dipped in horse dung leaking from Santa’s toy sack. John Cassavetes’ “Love Streams” is an exception, so was the controversial “The Last American Virgin,” the bizarre sci-fi musical “The Apple” and some other notable films like “Runaway Train” and “Powaqqatsi.” But there were too many cinematic horrors that were dumped on the public such as “Death Wish 2,3,4 and 5,” disposable Chuck Norris vehicles like “Missing in Action,” a live-action “Masters of the Universe,” “Going Bananas,” “Bolero” and the boring, insufferable “Lambada” (which I had the displeasure of seeing at a drivein). “Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films” is a fascinating if far too short documentary on those wild and crazy guys that gave birth to Cannon, Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, and their eventual downfall.
Even at 104 minutes, the doco is far too short for
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all the titles given exposure. The story goes that Golan and Globus, two Israeli film producers, came to Hollywood and started their own company attracting stars like Chuck Norris, Charles Bronson and eventually making 20 million dollar disasters like “Over the Top” with Sylvester Stallone. They occasionally showed a bit of prestige with their output, working with the likes of directors as distinctive as John Cassavetes (“Love Streams”) and Barbet Schroeder (“Barfly”). The Golan-Globus precedent, however, first and foremost was lots of gratuitous nudity as featured in the forgotten “The Wicked Lady” with that overrated actress, Faye Dunaway, and the soft-core porn flicks with Sylvia Kristel in “Emmanuelle” and “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” (the opening of the latter is quite seductive and sexy, if I may say so). “What they didn’t have in taste, they made up for with enthusiasm” is pretty much the overall theme. Violence and rape ruled some of their earlier efforts, much like the despicable sequel “Death Wish II” that had no business being made. That never stopped Golan and Globus, even when they would promote projects with movie stars that were made up on the spot. Sell 50 more pictures to make, despite not having sufficient money for the 50 that were made.
I love the interviews with Diane Franklin (“The Last American Virgin,” especially how that dark ending was the antithesis to the formulaic rom-coms), Bo Derek on endless nudity in the stale farce of a skin flick known as “Bolero”, Sybil Danning (“Hercules,” one of the funniest good-bad movies ever with Lou Ferrigno), Richard Chamberlain (“King Solomon’s Mines,” admitting that co-star Sharon Stone was a pain in the rear) and especially Michael Dudikoff (the “American Ninja” star) who all sound off on their prospective projects. Dudikoff erroneously assumed that the American Ninja series would lead to the big time, though one wishes he had more to say (especially actress Diane Franklin). Where in creation, however, is Eric Roberts or Jon Voight for their thoughts on the existential thrill machine, “Runaway Train”? Or why Margot Kidder could barely defend “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” when promoting the film on David Letterman? And where’s Chuck Norris who appeared in the abysmal “Missing in Action” pictures and the less-than-putrid “The Delta Force” (a film that premiered with a
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black-tie party)? Perhaps money was a motivating factor but why in the name of Second Amendment hysterics did Charles Bronson fire up an arsenal and decimate degenerates in bad neighborhoods for four “Death Wish” sequels?
“Electric Boogaloo” would’ve benefitted from a gradual focus on the decline of the Golan Globus financial wheeling and dealing. I was curious to know more details regarding the selling of some atrocious pictures, especially when Golan and Globus went their separate ways and made two competing Lambada movies released the same day (this last third of the film felt abrupt). These guys may have had a passing interest in making art, but they just wanted to entertain. And there but for the grace of Cannon go we...oh, that seemed inappropriate.
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Rush-R40 CD/ DVD Set A Review by Scott Saxon Does the world really need yet another live album by Rush? After all, they’ve released at least 10 already. In recent years they’ve issued a new live set to commemorate each major tour, with the most recent, Clockwork Angels Tour, coming a mere two years ago. For most bands the answer would be “no”, but then again Rush isn’t like any other band, and this tour wasn’t like any of their prior outings. Over this past year they celebrated their 40th anniversary, and it was most probably their final major tour. Under those circumstances, yet another Rush live collection is more than welcome. Hell, who am I kidding. None of that really matters. It’s Rush, and Rush kicks ass, and OF COURSE another live album is welcome, regardless of the circumstances. R40 Live finds the band in their home country, performing before an ecstatic crowd over two nights in Toronto. Sprawled over three CDs and a DVD, the set list is reverse chronology, so it begins with two tracks from their stellar 2012 release Clockwork Angels and ends with their breakthrough classic “Working Man”. They curiously tack on a several bonus tracks at the end that could have easily been mixed in with the rest of the show so that they aren’t out of place, but that’s a minor quibble.
It’s an entertaining listen throughout, especially if you’re already a die-hard Rush fan (and let’s face it, this set will hardly appeal at all to those who aren’t). There are songs here that have never appeared on a Rush live album before. In fact, “Losing It”, a track from their 1982 album Signals, made its live debut on this tour. The band brought in violinist Ben Mink to perform on the song as he did on the studio version, and the result is an absolute thrill. It works so well it’s hard to understand why they’ve never played it before. “How It Is”, from 2002’s Vapor Trails , is another track the band had never played live prior to this tour. They also revisit “Jacob’s
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Ladder”, which hadn’t been part of the band’s set since 1980. Of course, some songs are pretty much always part of their set, and no matter how many times the band plays them they never get old. “Tom Sawyer”, for instance—that opening wave of synths and drums is still magic. It’s never short of amazing to watch Neil Peart’s extraordinary drumwork on the song (the DVD that comes with the set is well worth watching). The instrumental “YYZ” is as much a herculean workout as ever, and the band shows that even in their ‘60s they are more than up to the task of performing the immensely demanding classic. Two other favorites from Moving Pictures are also featured: “Red Barchetta” and the 10-minute epic “The Camera Eye”. “Spirit of the Radio” is a crowd-pleaser as always, and those thick waves of synth on “Subdivisions” sound as epic as ever. “Animate”, from the band’s excellent 1991 albumCounterparts, emanates ferocious power. The band explores their progressive rock roots on the long, breathtaking “Xanadu” and their old warhorse “2112”, without which no Rush show would be complete. The fans certainly never tire of it, based on the ecstatic reaction from the audience. The trio seems to feed off the crowd’s manic energy. After the end of the final encore of “What You’re Doing”/”Working Man”, two tracks from the band’s 1974 self-titled debut, the band offers a bonus section of tracks from various segments of their career. “One Little Victory” is a rush of pure adrenaline. “Distant Early Warning” captures all the menace of the cold war era with brooding synths and an aura of tension and anxiety. Rush is not the type of band that would go out on stage and give less than what they know their audience expects—they are consummate professionals and every move they make is carefully considered. Sure enough they are as tight as ever onR40 Live. It’s amazing to sit back and listen to this CD and realize that all of the sounds are generated by these three remarkable musicians. Other bands have extra musicians hiding in the wings to help augment their sound—not so with Rush. Despite dealing with chronic tendinitis, Neil Peart remains an absolute machine—there’s no other explanation
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the 1976 classic All The World’s a Stage, Rush has accumulated an extensive library of live material for fans to enjoy as counterparts to their studio works.
for his unique combination of ultra-precision and power (check out his electrifying drum solo on “Cygnus X-1/The Story So Far”). Alex Lifeson shreds like nobody’s business, even as he battles through arthritis. Geddy Lee can still mesmerize with his wildly fluid bass parts. His vocals do sound strained at times and he can’t quite hit all the high notes like he used to (“Natural Science” is particularly rough), but he’s a trooper—many of the songs are at or near his breaking point, but Lee still gives his all and makes the songs work as well as he can despite the inevitable changes in his voice wrought by time and decades of touring.
Rush is one of rock music’s enduring powerhouses. They’ve defied trends, critics who didn’t take them seriously (and still don’t), and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame who blithely ignored them for as long as they could until it became an embarrassment and they finally inducted them in 2013. They’ve persevered in the face of immense personal tragedy, and the effects of age and the impact that the decades of touring and recording have had on their health. Their fans are among the most loyal in rock, and it’s easy to understand why. With Rush it’s always something new and different, and never half-assed. They give it their best every time, and R40 Live is no different. Fans should add this to their collection for the great performance, but also for its historical significance. It may be the last major tour stop at the band’s home city of Toronto. They say that they aren’t officially retired, so perhaps we’ll hear more of them in the future. But if not, then R40 Live is a fine closing chapter for a band whose rock and roll legacy is peerless. This set at least leaves the fan with a great look back at a historical tour. Grade-Must Have
Sure, one could quibble over the setlist on R40 Live, but given Rush’s vast discography it is of course impossible for them to represent all of their albums, and there indeed are big chunks of their catalog that they skip over. But the beauty of having so many live releases is that if they don’t touch on an album onR40 Live—Presto, for instance—odds are that they’ve covered it on a prior live release. Running alongside their studio albums, starting with
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King Diamond “Voodoo” A Review by Scott Saxon For 1998’s Voodoo, King Diamond turned his imagination to the world of Louisiana-based voodoo embellishing his story with occult magic and a dose of the Satanic. OnVoodoo, the band continues its mix of progressive and speed metal, although there are more moodier and atmospheric moments on this album than on previous ones. This element is far from a drawback, as these moments are used to lure listeners into the story. Once drawn in, viewers are pummeled by the band’s more aggressive moments, which amplify some of the supernatural elements of the story. Metal Blade
the percussive elements displayed new drummer John Hebert. Chis Estes continues rounding out the low end with some nice bass pulses, but he also contributes acoustic guitar and keys to the album. As always, King Diamond takes center stage, his vocals stronger than ever. On this outing, Diamond uses his full range, thus ensuring that his falsetto reigns supreme when he resorts to it during the album’s most intense moments. Metal fans should be on the lookout for the guitar soloist on the titled track, as it is none other that Dimebag Darrell. A concept album, Voodoo takes place in 1932. The story centers on the Lafayettes family, who move into an old colonial house (featured on the CD’s cover) along the Mississippi River. It so happens that the house was build next to an old voodoo graveyard. The Lafayettes hire a servant, Salem, the CD’s antagonist. Salem practices voodoo in the graveyard. He is helped along by various other practitioners, such as voodoo sorcerer Doctor Le Croix, Madam Sarita, and Lula Chevalier. When the Lafayettes hear the voodoo drums in the graveyard, they meet with Salem and tell him that they plan to destroy the burial ground. Salem reports this plan to Le Croix, who declares that the Lafayettes must all die. The best way to kill them, according to La Croix, is to use goofer dust (one ingredient common to such dust is grave dirt). It is here that the story deviates from traditional voodoo to a more Satanic theme. Although David and his father (known as “grandpa” in the story) become seriously ill, David’s pregnant wife Sarah becomes possessed with a demon. Grandpa calls on Father Malone to exorcise the demon, but he fails. Lula then brings into the house the cross of Baron Samedi, which she gives to Sarah. Now fully possessed, Sarah attacks Malone with the cross, almost killing him. Grandpa manages to stop the melee, retreating to call the police and medical help. The CD concludes with “everybody’s safe from each other,” but the coda shows that the possession is far from over, as Sarah’s baby demonstrates a peculiar ability: talking backwards.
Once again, guitarists Andy LaRocque and Herb Simonson craft some excellent set pieces, with LaRocque using acoustic guitars and keyboards to create a very dismal and mysterious atmosphere. There’s a Louisiana vibe throughout, punctuated by
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Voodoo is one of King Diamond’s most successful releases, principally because the music and the lyrics go well together. The songs work well on their own, but collectively they tell and eerie and disturbing story. There are no forced narratives on any of the
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songs, with King Diamond and his band ensuring that each song stands alone with distinct musical elements. This is not an easy thing to do, but the band pulls it off flawlessly on Voodoo.
The album is truly a return to form. The sound quality of the Remastered CD is amazing, but the notable version is certainly the limited edition 180 gram Black Vinyl that runs at 45RPM. Either way, fans of great Metal won’t go wrong. Highly Recommended.
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