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Release date: 23rd April 2018 Track List: Produced and Engineered by Mark
Mangold American Tears is an American keyboard trio that released it's first record, Branded Bad, on Columbia Records in 1974 and it's second, Tear Gas, in 1975. Formed in the fertile musical environment of Long Island, New York, the band was initially made up of Gary Sonny, on bass, Tommy Gunn on drums and Mark Mangold on keys and vocals. For the second record Greg Baze took over the bass duties. The band was a power keyboard trio, using keyboards of the day, Hammond organ, synths, mellotron, clavinet, electronic melodica and playing progressive music which showed the bands stellar musicianship. Eclectic in their approach, their heartfelt music ranged from aggressive keyboard based extravaganzas to beautiful lush melodies circling pop of the day.. The band was fortunate to have toured major venues with such bands as Peter Frampton, J. Geils, Alvin Lee, Gentle Giant, Gary Wright, John McLaughlin and many others. They reached a wide audience and had an impressive show, topped off by Mangold doing handstands on his Hammond. Mark, surrounded by 12 keyboards, Tommy being almost invisible behind a huge battery of drums, with Gary, and later Greg, showing their bass virtuosity in front of a wall of amps, the band stressed musicianship and musicality, while exploring new sounds, and always pushing the envelope. The third American Tears album, Powerhouse, added the guitarist and singer, Craig Brooks, and the band evolved into the critically acclaimed band Touch...but that is another story. This fourth American Tears album "Hard Core" heralds the return by Mark to this keyboard based approach, using instruments only available in the 70's when the band made it's first foray. In fact this band may be the only band on the planet playing exclusively keyboard rock. With influences from his earlier work, tipping an occassional hat to ELP, Moody Blues and even Deep Purple, this new album shows the daring, and pure emotion, that can be ripped out of those instruments. American Tears defies the term "generic" as this purely original music, and scathing lyrics, have few if any standards for comparison.
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Release Date: 20th April 2018 Track List: The Mood Groove is- Additional Lead Vocals by- Featuring backing vocals by Diana Short and The Salamander Choir Boys including Willy Seltzer, Buddy Davis, Dr. DruP, Richie D., John Short, StatMaster Rob and the Mood Groove Phil Ireland- Harmonica and Vibe on Stone Dead Man Produced by- JK Northrup The Mood Groove was formed by Ed Balldinger and JK Northrup as an outlet to create and record music that stretched their collective imaginations and to invite listeners to something a little different. Their goal was to be “Out of the box” and not be confined to any particular style or genre, yet to be a part of them all. As JK says, “It is musical ear candy for the brain, so the third eye can see again! ”Ed Balldinger is an amazing, if not eclectic lyricist, or “Wordsmith” and published poet, as well as a talented guitarist with a wide variety of musical influences. JK brings his skills as a songwriter, producer, recording engineer and guitarist. Together they have combined their song-writing skills to create 10 songs in the vein of Rock, Funk, Psychedelic, Soul, Blues, Experimental, Gospel and most of all, Mood and Groove! JK and Ed brought in the powerhouse rhythm section of Larry Hart on bass (Gypsy Soul, Montrose, King Kobra, Shortino-Northrup) and Glenn Hicks on drums and vocals (Gypsy Soul, Shortino-Northrup). With much of their performances being played powerfully off the cuff, it adds an element of “live” to the album! Glenn and Larry both played with JK in Gypsy Soul with Johnny Edwards on vocals from 1987-1989, and then again on several songs for the Shortino-Northrup “Back On Track” album in 1993. Adding female backing vocals by Diana Short gives a Pink Floyd, Zappa sound to some songs, while having other singers on a few songs to add a variety of vocal textures and feel. If you like bands such as Living Colour and Mother Finest then this is the album to add to your music collection!
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We are pleased to announce the release of Drive, She Said “Real Life” album Completely Remixed and Mastered!!
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Release Date: 23 March 2018 Track list: : Drive, She Said is: Produced by Mark Mangold and Al
Fritsch DRIVE, SHE SAID is a melodic metal duo that has recorded 6 records. Having started out on CBS in the U.S., made up of Mark Mangold and Al Fritsch, D,SS is known for their stellar vocals, anthemic songs and scathing musicianship Mangold, a renowned keyboardist, and his creative partner in Drive, She said, the amazing singer/multi-instrumentist Al Fritsch, met in 1988 and started writing and paving the way for their acclaimed first album Drive, She Said on Columbia records. The band toured extensively, playing with such bands as FM, UFO and others, and performing at numerous Festivals. In 2003 Mark and Al joined with drummer Jonathan Mover to create the album "Real Life". According to Mangold "When we started it was important to carve out an original sound, and hopefully also have a "hit. We have always wanted to make our music totally over the top! One of the favorite records we ever did is "Real Life" but the original release never sounded the way we wanted it to. It has the walls of vocals, and musicianship, and hopefully anthemic, and sometimes progressive, songs we enjoyed doing and I am ecstatic that we were now able to remix and release it the way it was meant to be. I am also happy that Al's legacy is preserved as to listen to this record is to be surrounded by Al Fritch's voice, playing and energy.”
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Release Date: 23 March 2018 Track list: Band is: Produced by Pete Reveen Salty Dog are a hard rock band formed in late 1986 in Los Angeles and originally consisted of Jimmi Bleacher, Scott Lane, Michael Hannon and Khurt Maier (Ratt, Max Havoc). The band released its first record in 1990, titled "Every Dog has its day” composed of all original songs except for a cover of Willie Dixon’s “Spoonful”. Guitarist Pete Reveen had joined the band by this time, and his input improved the band’s sound immensely. The band showed great promise in the early 1990s, and at one point ruled the sunset strip and Hollywood. Things were looking so promising but they were sadly lost in the shuffle when the grunge-rock movement hit in late 1991. Thankfully this dog has still got a day… and more as we are about to find out with this exciting new release entitled “Lost Treasure”. The line up here includes the great Darrel Beach on vocals and with production from Pete we have the great recordings you are about to hear. This is great American rock played just as it should be. The band have drawn influences from Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith and have also tinged some early blues into their fantastic sound. The songs on “Lost Treasure” should have been released many moons ago, as the band says “The music is bad-ass and has a lot of attitude” But, back then it was never meant to be so here we are with these fantastic songs now, it’s so good that the band have proved that a good dog can’t be put down, this dog lives to fight another day.
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Will also be available on Vinyl Limited Edition Double LP Gatefold 180g!!!
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Release Date: 23 February 2018 The Musicians are: Lee Small:
Lead vocals and All Backing vocals (Phenomena / Shy) Mixed by: Brian J Anthony Track List: Signal Red is a brand new band from the UK and features two very respected musicians namely Guitarist Steve Grocott (ten) and Vocalist Lee Small (Phenomena / Shy / Lionheart). The collaboration first came together in February, 2013 when Steve was at a loose end. He had been in a band previously called “Sevendayz” which had recently folded and he contacted Lee as he had heard so much about him, mainly from the self-titled SHY album that appeared in 2011. The two hit it off straight away and it seemed inevitable that an album would follow. Steve got caught up working with the UK band (Ten) as Gary Hughes asked him to be in the bands line-up for some shows and to feature on the new album, so the Signal Red production was halted for a while. Eventually Steve’s time freed up so he could once again concentrate on new material for the album and the whole thing has just progressed into a fantastic recording. The collaboration with Lee was clearly a good match as Lee has already proved his worth with “Shy” as well as solo albums, the Phenomena project with Tom Galley and the rock band “Snowfall”. Lee is a very soulful, melodic vocalist and has featured on 17 albums as lead vocalist and on many more that have featured him as a guest, “Dante Fox” and “Magnum” to name but two. This exciting new venture is bound to cause a stir, and with Brian Anthony twiddling the knobs (Steve Walsh) then this is going to be one album people will be talking about. Lee came up with the title one day thinking that trying to get recognition for what you live and breathe for is like “living under the radar”. Well, they should not be living under it for much longer when this one hits the streets. This is a rock album that just begs to be heard… and we are sure that you will like what you hear.
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Release Date: 19 Jan 2018 Track Listing: 1-Silent Treatment / 2-Rock and a hard place / 3-Fires of the heart / 4-Feel like a prisoner / 5-Ten days of Hell / 6-Dead dog / 7-Ghost Train / 8-Devil’s Daughter / 9-King of the Hill / 10-Get me out of here / 11-No Giver, All taker / 12-Mystery Island The Band PRAYER are back! It has been some 12 years since we were presented with the album “Wrong Address” (ESM117), which really set the pace way back in 2005 and gained the band a cult following. Then they followed up with an excellent album “Danger in the Dark” (ESM241) in 2012 and gained some more fans along the way. If you are unfamiliar with Prayer well they play Melodic Rock/AOR and hail from Oulu in Northern Finland. They are the brainchild of Tapani Tikkanen who is the main driving force behind the band. Tapani´s musical career began in the early eighties with “IC-Rock” and continued later with “Tanna”. Together with those bands he did hundreds of gigs all over Finland but after several albums and more than 20,000 records sold, it was time for a break. However, he kept writing songs, such as three albums for the craziest football club in the world, F.C.Rainbow and a solo single entitled “Everyone’s a Winner”. Tapani wanted to create a band that brought out his rock and roll heart. After the recording of a few demos Tapani contacted his friend and keyboard-wizard Jari Huvila to talk about forming the band PRAYER. Since “Wrong Address” there has been some line-up changes, which now features distinguished keyboards player Mika Pohjola as well as Tom Pohjola on Bass. Prayer excel in exciting hard melodic rock with a style that joins together the best of Thin Lizzy, Saga, Treat and sometimes a little bit of Royal Hunt. Their music has meaning and these guys are all committed to making this one of the most talked about Scandinavian bands in recent years. Anyone with a penchant for soaring vocals, driving guitars and plenty of keyboards are in for a real treat. Just check out songs like Fires of the Heart and Feel like a prisoner for prime examples of their work. This is a superb album and certainly their best to date. It’s as if all your prayers have been answered.
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First time on CD! Remastered by JK Northrup and complete liner note written by Dave Reynolds
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Release Date: 19 Jan, 2018 The band is: Track listing: Life takes a Life (3.56) / It’s only words (3.04) / Ocean in Motion (2.22) / Can’t be the only fool (3.24) / Sentinal (3.16) / New Man (3.10) / Fairlight (3.23) / Send one care of (3.45) / Walk like this (3.05) / We will be as one (3.59) Produced and engineered by Pat
Moran For a time in the early 1980’s it looked like as if Jon Butcher’s career would know no bounds. As anyone who picked up a copy of the self-titled Jon Butcher Axis album upon its original release in 1983 would concur, here was a star on the rise. Such an upwards trajectory was well deserved given his undeniable talent, the quality of that debut and the ensuing sophomore affair “Stare at the Sun”. Indeed both albums should have resulted in greater rewards than they ultimately did at the time. Although Jon would enjoy a good deal of recognition for later recorded work, such as “Wishes” (released under his own name rather than the band handle), perhaps the answer to any questions that are asked over Butcher’s lack of bigger and more sustained success may be allied to the one that asks “why has it taken well over thirty years for his first two records to be officially released on CD? Sure, several of the best tracks from both albums have surfaced on compilations of Jon’s work but never before has either album been issued on its entirety on a silver shiny disc. That is about to change… Jon had an obsession with the guitar from age 5 and his first real band was called Johanna Wild, a band that certainly caught the attention of many people…. his influences including BB King, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy. Notable tracks from the first album include "Ocean in Motion" and "Walk Like This". This album reached No. 91 in the Billboard pop album charts and Axis' video "Life Takes a Life" became one of the first videos by a black artist to receive airtime on MTV. At that time, the only two black artists enjoying MTV coverage were The Jon Butcher Axis and Michael Jackson. The result of his success afforded further growing popularity for the band, which added the opportunity to tour with Rush ('Signals' tour '83),Def Leppard ('Pyromania' tour '83) and Scorpions ('Hurricane' tour '84). amongst others. Jon Butcher has an undeniable talent and this 10 track album from the classic early eighties era shows just what this man had to offer. Timeless..
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STEVE
WALSH - BLACK
BUTTERFLY Black Butterfly
merchandise now available from Zazzle Stay informed on all things
Steve Walsh at
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Release Date: 10th November 2017 Musicians are : Steve Walsh:
Lead and backing vocals, piano Produced by Khalil Turk and Tommy
Denander Track List: All songs by Walsh / Denander except 2 Walsh / Denander / Ousey 5, 7, and 11 by Overland / Denander As the former lead vocalist and keyboards player for the American Classic and Progressive rock band Kansas, Steve Walsh is the voice behind the hits “Carry on my Wayward Son”, “Point of Know Return”, “Dust in the Wind” and “All I Wanted”. As a songwriter Steve is well known for penning a classic tune and his wide range of musical influences can be heard on his previous solo releases as well as the melodic rock band “Streets”. He has also contributed his vocal talents to more than a dozen projects by other artists covering a variety of musical genres. Steve is well known for his dynamic live performances, passionate vocals and multi instrumental talents on stage. In addition to keyboards Steve has played Congas, Harmonica, Glockenspiel, in short, an all-round great musician. Through their good friend Mike Slamer (Streets / Steelhouse Lane) Mike introduced Steve to Khalil and they hit it off instantly and Khalil invited Steve to guest on Radioactive “F4UR” album to sing one song and after that he was delighted to record an album for the label. Khalil had a few ideas and one of which was to involve a singer called Jerome Mazza to sing duet on “Born In Fire”.. Khalil had discovered Jerome on you tube singing for the band “Pinnacle Point”. Jerome is also the voice behind the second album by Angelica and was honoured to be asked to sing a duet on the album with Steve and asked if he could contribute more. As Jerome has such a fantastic voice it was an easy decision to make and the result is explosive! Black Butterfly is everything you would expect it to be from someone like Steve Walsh, the man is a legend and this album oozes quality from start to finish. This is the album everyone is talking about, and its finally here..
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Release Date: 20th October 2017 The Band is: Produced and Mixed by: J K Northrup
at Alien Productions Studios Track List: 1-Fat City 03:38 / 2-Fire And Water 03:35 / 3-Winners And Losers 04:02 / 4-Ready For The Rain 04:36 / 5-Sheila 03:44 / 6-Candy Apple Red 03:16 / 7-She’s Waiting 04:07 / 8-Survival In The Streets 04:35 / 9-Dancin’ Feet 03:09 / 10-Burning In Her Fire 03:36 / 11-Rough Life 04:34 / 12-The Kid Is Back In Town 03:59 / 13-Outside Looking In 03:39 / 14-The West 04:19 The Northrup Years In 1987 four musicians were brought together by the legendary guitarist Ronnie Montrose and their shared manager. Those four were guitarist J K Northrup, Lead vocalist Johnny Edwards, bassist Larry Hart and J K’s long-time friend and drummer Glenn Hicks. Within two weeks they were rehearsing writing and in the studio recording with Ronnie Montrose, who was producing their first demo. It was immediately evident that there was a lot of electricity with the band! Drawing on such influences as Bad Company, Whitesnake and Humble Pie The band’s energy was powerful. Almost immediately several major labels such as Geffen, Atlantic and MCA were coming to the shows and rehearsals showing great interest in signing the band. John Kalodner himself put the band into the studio to record a further six songs. Although an agreement was not reached with any of the record labels the band recorded and demoed many songs over two years. They added a fifth member; rhythm guitarist Justin McDaid and continued playing, writing and showcasing until 1989 when they disbanded resulting in Edwards joining Foreigner and J K Northrup joining up with Paul Shortino for two albums. This collection of 14 songs are a small portion of songs they wrote but they capture the spirit of what a great they actually were. Many of the songs were later performed and recorded by Foreigner, “Ready for the Rain”, “King Kobra”, “Burning in her fire”, “Wild Horses”, “Fire and Water”, “The Kid is Back in Town and “Rough Life” were recorded on the classic album “Back on Track” by Shortino and Northrup. During 1988 JK Northrup, Johnny Edwards and Larry Hart were recruited by legendary drummer Carmine Appice to write, record and perform the King Kobra III album. This is a classic case of a band that should have been a multi-platinum success and these songs we have here are a reminder of what a great group of musicians and prolific songwriters they are
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Featuring Jimi Jamison R.I.P
With extensive liner notes by Dave Reynolds!
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Release Date: 20th October 2017 Target is: Jimi Jamison - Vocals Produced by: Target Track List: Target was an exciting US Quintet from Memphis that featured the legendary Jimi Jamison (Cobra / Survivor) on vocals. They released two albums on A & M in 1976 (Target) and 1977 (Captured). However, it has come to light that a third album was recorded in 1979, entitled “In Range” before the band split in 1982. While vocalist Jimi Jamison did go on to greater heights - thanks to his stints fronting Cobra and, of course, Survivor not to mention releasing an impressive catalogue of solo records – Target were the band with whom he first made the progression from playing the bars and clubs to touring as a major label act opening for the likes of Black Sabbath and Styx. However, the debut Target LP wasn’t the singer’s first album recording credit. Nor bassist Tommy Cathey’s either. Having started to work together in a band called Omaha in the early 70’s an opportunity to hook up with another project was just too good to miss, as the latter explains: “After a stint in Omaha with Jimi, we both wanted to explore the chances of original music,” recalls Cathey. “David Beaver had been doing original music for a couple of years so we gravitated to that. We did two records with D. Beaver, of which only one was released (‘Combinations’ on the TMI label in 1973). Right after the second record, Jimi and I were ready to take the splash into forming our own band to do original music, so we teamed up with guitarist/organist Buddy Davis and formed Target. We still played cover music to pay the bills, but all along writing our own music and trying to be a good rock and roll band!” The band toured substantially back then and it was a shame that the band split before that third release saw the light of day ‘In Range’ was recorded in the autumn of 1979: it took the band about two to three weeks to do this third album. What an album it is though, this is Target’s best recording, chock full of quality songs and musicianship. Its criminal it has laid dormant for so long, but here it is for you on Escape Music. Here is what bassist Tommy Cathey says about the recording: “I think what I'm most proud of with the third album is the maturity of our songs and the developing sound we were getting in the studio. This album doesn't sound like the first two and I consider it to be the best of the three! We produced it ourselves and I think you can tell the distinction from the first two albums. The third album is all Target with no outside help or direction! I am very proud of our efforts and I hope all our fans and a new generation of fans will appreciate the music!” Exciting times indeed!
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Release Date: 22 September 2017 Track list: Coldspell is: Additional musicians – Matti Eklund – Keyboards Guest Musicians: Produced by Michael Larsson Coldspell are based in the north of Sweden and were formed in 2005 by guitarist and songwriter Michael Larsson. Since their first release ColdSpell have been one of the bands you like to mention when talking high class Scandi hard rock. Coldspell blasted onto the scene in 2009 with their own brand of hard rock/metal. They first took the world by storm with their "Infinite Stargaze" release, an album that created a stir in rock circles and the album received stunning reviews all over the world and was on several album "top lists" for 2009 and album of the year at various magazine´s and radio stations. Two years later in 2011 a brand new release "Out from the Cold" was put out to an eager audience, once again mixed by Tommy Hansen in Denmark, Tommy of course having previously worked with Helloween, TNT, Pretty Maids, Jorn and Pagan's Mind. In 2013 Coldspell put out a new recording entitled "Frozen Paradise", once again with Tommy Hansen at the mixing desk. This was an unbelievable recording and the band have extended their expertise with razor sharp riffs, solid rhythms and great choruses. With three albums released so far the wait is over. Coldspell are ready to strike again with the brand new album titled “A New World Arise”. This is stunning recording that features 12 new songs of epic proportions and it’s going to put ColdSpell firmly on the map. This is Scandinavian melodic rock of the highest order and will be a strong contender for the hard rock album of 2017.
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Includes bonus disc
“Wasteland For Broken Hearts” exclusive to Escape Music with
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Release Date: 25th August 2017 Hirsh Gardner –
Lead & Backing Vocals
/ Guitars / Bass / Keyboards (New England) Guest Musicians: Produced & Mixed by Hirsh
Gardner / Mastered by Jeff Lipton CD1: My Brain Needs A Holiday CD2: Wasteland For Broken Hearts
(remastered 2017) bonus CD Hirsh Gardner is set to release his sophomore solo effort in August, 2017. Entitled “My Brain Needs a Holiday” this 10 song disc is the long awaited follow up to Gardner’s acclaimed solo album “Wasteland for Broken Hearts”: which is included in this package as a bonus disc. They are both full of AOR anthems and thunderous ballads. Moving to Boston, Mass in his teens, Hirsh attended the famed Berklee College of Music and studied there for 4 years. Soon afterwards Hirsh joined forces with future New England keyboardist Jimmy Waldo and along the way they also recruited future New Englanders Gary Shea and John Fannon. Initially going under the name Target the foursome felt they needed a different more dramatic moniker that reflected their many and varied influences, thus New England were born. In the years between 1979 and 1982 Hirsh was an integral part of one of the classiest AOR/Melodic Rock bands on the planet. New England released 3 world class albums (S/T, Explorer Suite and Walking Wild), working with top class producers such as Mike Stone, Todd Rundgren and toured extensively with the likes of KISS, AC/DC and Journey, but all good things come to an end and in 1982 Hirsh found himself looking for another band . A phone call from Kiss` Gene Simmons would take Hirsh and fellow New Englanders Shea and Waldo to LA to work with upcoming singer songwriter Vinnie Cusano. The band Warrior came to be but this was short lived as Cusano was quickly snatched up by KISS assuming the name Vinnie Vincent, so once more Hirsh found himself looking for a new direction. Taking on board lessons learned earlier from working with the likes of Stone and Rundgren, Hirsh was soon an “in demand” producer in and around the Boston area and worked with artists many and varied, Willie Nile, Mass, Shyboy and Vice just some of acts that benefitted from Hirsh`s talents in the producer’s chair. 1997 found Hirsh being awarded Producer of the year for the Boston Phoenix as well as being nominated 5 times in the Boston Music awards and winning it once in 1998. But Hirsh never lost sight of being a musician first and foremost and continued to record in his home studio. 2002 saw the release of his first solo album `Wasteland for Broken Hearts` which was received ecstatically not only by New England fans but also by the wider rock audience. In the intervening years Hirsh has got back together with former New England colleagues and the band have released their first new music in decades, but not being one to rest on his laurels Hirsh began quietly working once more in his home studio. The result.... `My Brain Needs A Holiday` an album not only chock full of the classic rock music that we have all come to expect from the man, but also with some welcome surprises along the way. Complete with a stellar supporting cast which includes the likes of Jimmy Waldo (New England), Richie Ranno (Starz), Ron `Bumblefoot` Thal (Guns `N` Roses & Art of Anarchy) Jon Butcher and Joe Feloni `My Brain…` is a true rock album for 2017 and beyond. “It was time for a new album” Gardner quips “I stay so busy writing and producing other artists that I need to take a holiday (hence the title of the album) and stay in touch with myself as an artist”
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Limited Edition of 1000 copies only all numbered!!!
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Release Date: 25 August 2017 Band is: Rosella Santoro:
Lead vocals and Keyboards Produced by: Guy Bidmead (Motorhead,
Whitesnake, Cozy Powell, Bernie Marsden, Jon Lord, Crawler, Grand
Prix and Exciter etc) Track List: Founder Java members Rosella Santoro (keyboard and lead vocals) and Rob Deegan (lead guitar and vocals), had spent a couple of years playing together in a band which primarily gigged at working men’s and social clubs around London in the early eighties. Although they had written several of their own songs, they never really had the opportunity to air them on the club circuit and eventually, having tired of covering other groups pop songs, they decided to seek ‘musical’ pastures new elsewhere. Rob especially, who had been brought up on a diet of progressive rock and heavy rock in the late 60’s and early 70’s, wanted to play music with a much harder edge. They initially teamed up with Chris Britton, guitarist and original member of the British rock band ‘The Troggs’. They wrote some songs and did some studio work together but nothing ever came of it. In early 1985, Rosella auditioned for a local rock band which had an outstanding lead guitarist (Martin Latham). She eventually persuaded Martin to join her and Rob to help form a new melodic hard rock outfit, the result of which was ‘Java’. They quickly auditioned a bassist and started out as a five piece. However, the bassist left and Rob, who appreciated Martin’s superior axe skills, opted to play bass, thus reducing the lineup to a quartet. With influences ranging from Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Ozzy and Heart amongst others, the band’s fusion of hard edged rock with a melodic female vocal soon started to get Java a lot of bookings in and around London. A couple of drummers came and went before Rosella poached Darran Bridge from another local band. With the lineup now complete Java started to become very popular on the London rock circuit, playing The Wellington, The Rock Garden, The Ad Lib Club, The Marquee and many other of the established venues that London had to offer. It was whilst supporting Girlschool in early spring 1986, Java were approached to make a video for their track ‘Helpless’ which was later released on a Kerrang rock compilation entitled ‘Powercuts’. Regular reviews in the music press and in magazines such as Metal Hammer and Kerrang also contributed to their popularity. Kerrang featuring Rosella as a “Lady-killer” several times. Meatloaf and John Parr came to Darran's parents’ house for dinner courtesy of Chrissy Harwood (RCA Records) who was a family friend. Java had just finished recording a set of demos at the Padded Cell studio in Slough (where Go West were also recording tracks for their debut album). John and Meat played Darran their "Rock and Roll Mercenary" song which was being aired on British TV live the following evening. Darran reciprocated and played Meat and John some of the demo tracks. John Parr in particular was really interested in and liked what Java had been recording. He thought the demos truly revealed Java’s budding potential as a serious rock outfit. Java also sent the same demos to the American TV network NBC who were looking to promote unsigned bands from the UK. NBC planned to shoot a video and secure a record deal back in the USA. Out of hundreds of demos sent, 4 bands were picked (Java being one of them) and the band was filmed live performing at the Guildford Stoke Hotel. The following day the video shoot continued at an outside location using Guildford Castle as a backdrop. NBC intended to air the video on American TV, and back it up with the possibility of a US tour. This was a very exciting time for Java. In June of 1987 Java started work on their first and only album to date. They recruited the services of Guy Bidmead, a producer with credits to his name such as Motorhead, Whitesnake and Exciter. The album was recorded in The Chestnut Studios in Farnham, Surrey and was eventually mixed in July of the same year at The Mediterranean Studios in Ibiza. Following extensive airplay on local radio and despite attracting interest from several major record companies, the ‘inevitable deal’ never materialized, which sadly led to the breakup of Java later that same year. Shortly after this Rob was asked by a local newspaper why the band had split when everything seemed to going so well. His reply was as follows: “We (Rosella and me) tried to stay positive for the sake of the band, but it was a hard thing to do, especially when we came so close to success without actually getting any where. We always believed it would happen and that the allusive record deal was just around the corner, but it wasn’t to be. I’ve always said if someone puts you down or criticizes you, you just have to keep on believing in yourself and the rest will happen. Unfortunately, one band member didn’t share that same conviction. Despite achieving all that we did, particularly in such a short space of time, it appeared that success wasn’t happening fast enough for him. As a result the momentum stopped and the band ground to a halt and to say I felt disappointed was a massive understatement.” However, 30 years on the songs are now finally going to see the light of day.
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The wait is over… Escape Music is pleased to announce the release of Snow album!
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Snow – At Last… Limited edition with first pressing only will include a full length live CD recorded in LA at the Starwood back in May 1981! with complete liner note written by Dave Reynolds. Release Date: 21 July 2017 Band is: CD 1 (Studio): 1. We’re Gonna Make It 4:06 CD 2 (Live) 1. Fire 4:43 The Live CD was Mixed by Duane Barron (Ozzy Osborne, Quite Riot, Dream Theatre, Cinderella, Alice Cooper), The Story goes: Formed from the ashes of Speed Of Light by the Cavazo brothers – guitarist Carlos and bassist Tony – SNOW should’ve been as huge as Van Halen. Sadly, the quartet (the line-up completed by vocalist Doug Ellison and drummer Stephen Quadros) just couldn’t get signed for love or money. However, as you will discover, the Californian band would still have a great deal of influence on the early 80s American metal scene.... “My brother Tony and I formed Speed Of Light with a drummer by the name of Perri Strong in 1973,” explains Carlos Cavazo. “Tony and I did all the vocals. I hated singing, but we couldn’t find anyone who could sing at the time, so we were stuck doing the vocals. We were a cover band, but we nevertheless were able to gain some local notoriety.” “We were a hard rock band playing backyard keg parties and thirty minute lunchtime shows at High Schools,” adds Tony Cavazo. “When we first put the band together we were both guitarists and we had a bass player, but he went on vacation with his parents for a month. He had left his bass and amp at Perri’s house where we rehearsed. I picked it up and from that moment on the bass became my instrument. When our bassist came back we had to tell him that I was playing bass in the band now.” The search for a lead singer had ended with the recruitment in 1976 of Fred Dehut, who joined alongside new drummer Roger Singer. Dehut would last until mid 1977, at which point the legendary Doug Ellison came on board. The name change to SNOW occurred soon after. “We met Doug through a musicians contact service in Hollywood,” recalls Carlos. “At that time Tony and I were sharing a house in Newport Beach. When Doug joined the band he moved in with us. It was definitely a party house!” “I auditioned and moved in the house shortly thereafter,” adds Ellison, having relocated to California from New York City. “I had been in a band called the Flying Tigers and played in Manhattan with the likes of the Ramones, Blondie and Talking Heads at CBGB’s and Max's Kansas City. I moved west to get serious.” In the summer of ’78 Roger Singer left the band, and SNOW decided to move to L.A. “I was living in a very dangerous neighbourhood in Hollywood at the time,” remembers Stephen. “I think either I had an ad in the ‘Recycler’ newspaper or the band did. I was out of practice at the time but their music was right up my alley. So when we got together, in their garage, the chemistry was immediate. And when we launched into an impromptu version of Montrose’s ‘Space Station #5’ we all knew.” “We started out playing clubs and backyard parties; basically any gigs that were paying money,” recalls Carlos. “We did our share of backyard parties, and getting them raided by the police because we were so loud!” Stephen chuckles. “But it wasn’t long before we were playing clubs like The Whisky A Go Go, The Troubadour and The Starwood.” Becoming regulars on the L.A. club circuit over the next two years, SNOW built up a healthy and fervent following, playing alongside contemporaries as Smile, Pretty Poison, Eulogy, A La Carte, White Sister, Pegasus, The Boyz, Quiet Riot and London. The latter’s bassist Nikki Sixx would also open for SNOW on two occasions in Mötley Crüe’s formative club daze. SNOW also opened up for Johnny Winter, Starz, Spirit and Canned Heat “Like any other band it took us a while to garner a following and to tighten up our live presentation,” recalls Quadros. “We definitely paid our dues and slowly began to reap the rewards. One thing that was a constant however was that we always had loads of raw energy! Thus our tagline ‘Pure Uncut Rock’! This was a result of the natural or unnatural, whichever way you look at it, chemistry between all of us.” By this point SNOW had begun to gather together recordings of their original material. “Our first demos were recorded in our rehearsal studio with a 4 track,” states Carlos, “but I think the first pro- recordings we made were for the EP. We managed to build a large following and our EP helped immensely. When the EP came out, I noticed the crowds getting bigger. And we did have a pretty cool stage show. Between what we had, and what our management invested into the band, we were pretty fortunate to have decent gear.” The Snow EP was something of legend, even in the early 80s. Released on their own Dynamic imprint, it was extremely limited, with distribution appearing to centre solely on the L.A. area and particularly the band’s gigs. Consisting of five tracks (‘No Way To Treat A Lady’, ‘Hell No’, ‘Crack The Whip’, ‘Bad Generation’ and the absolutely skull crushing ‘Don’t Want Anymore’) , the EP found SNOW in utterly ferocious form. What it lacked in state of the art production it more than made up for with its sheer ‘take no prisoners’ attitude and ‘pure uncut’ energy. More you can read inside the booklet……... Words: Dave Reynolds
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Release Date: 23 June 2017 Band is: Taz Taylor – All
Guitars Tracks: 1- Something Is Ending 4:40 It has been a decade since Escape Music released the classic “Welcome to America” album in 2006 (ESM137) by Taz Taylor and it is a really strong album with none other than Rainbow singer Graham Bonnet on lead vocals. Three years later and “Straight Up” was released (ESM187) with Keith Slack (MSG) taking the mike stand. The album also featured Don Airey (Rainbow / Deep Purple) on keyboards. After these two really strong releases the Taz Taylor band decided to go instrumental and tour dates ensued with the likes of Ace Frehley, L A Guns, Molly Hatchet, Dokken, Skid Row, MSG and Great White to name but a few. Bringing us up to the present day it’s time to return to a line-up that includes a vocalist and so Taz has used the incredible vocal talents of Chandler Mogel (Outloud / Punky Meadows). Chandler and Taz have always kept in touch and it seemed the right time to collaborate on an album… and here is “Pressure and Time”. As Taz states “Pressure and Time” is how you create diamonds” This new 2017 release is 12 tracks chock full of exciting ideas and quality musicianship, original members Val Trainor and Barney Firks lay down a great rhythm backbone for Taz to show off his guitar playing prowess.
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Release Date: 19th May 2017 Songs list: 1- Gravity 4:34 / 2-Automatic 4:19 / 3- Put It All On Love 4:45 / 4-Contagious 3:26 / 5-Broken Bones 3:53/ 6-Best Things In Life 4:09 / 7-Face The Night 4:23 / 8-No Smoke Without Fire 4:09 / 9-Good Times, Bad Times 2:58 / 10-Be True To yourself 4:21 / 11-Secrets And Lies 3:57 / 12-Stand Up And Be Counted 3:26 Steve Overland (FM)
– Lead Vocals Produced by: Steve Morris and
Steve Overland It has been almost 14 years since the debut album by Shadowman was released (“Land of the Living” ESM098). The album was warmly received by all who had a penchant for good old British melodic hard rock. As you would expect Shadowman had elements of both Heartland and FM deeply embedded in its grooves, yet it was highly original and was often touted as the best British melodic release of 2004. Two years later in 2006 and the eagerly awaited follow up “Different Angles” (ESM 127) became an important album for this quartet that also includes both Harry James and Chris Childs of Thunder. The unmistakable guitar trademark sound of Steve Morris and the vocals of Steve Overland will always shine through at a very early stage. Somehow they make their music sound effortless, and as we all very well know Steve Overland has a remarkable vocal range. His vocal range suits the classic melodic rock genre and he has a very bluesy side to his talent. His four solo releases on Escape Music are all fine examples of his work. Shadowman are a band that is all about great rock music who will win you over with charm. Quality rock music is so hard to find these days and it is reassuring to know that it hasn’t lost its way. “Ghost in the Mirror” (ESM179), the band’s third release in 2008 is an extension of the band’s already established sound and the 2011 release “Watching Over You” helped nurture the band’s identity even further. Another six years on and we are presented with the band’s fifth studio release, and it’s certainly been worth the wait. “Gravity” is a marvellous opener which shows fresh ideas and superb musicianship, and this pretty much paves the way for the rest of the album. Along the way we have Steve Morris and his ever present guitar prowess, and Steve Overland just effortlessly gives us brilliant vocal performances throughout. The solid rhythm of Thunder men Chris Childs and Harry James are faultless, and with classic touches from original FM keyboards player Didge Digital we are in for a real treat. Discography: Land of the Living (2004), Different Angles (2006), Ghost in the Mirror (2008), Watching Over you (2011), Nowhere Bound (2017)
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Escape Music is pleased to announce the release of Walk On Fire second album Mind Over Matter!
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Release date: 21 April 2017 Band is: Produced by: Dave
Cairns Track listing: 'Mind Over Matter' is the long awaited second album by the classic AOR act 'Walk On Fire'. This 13 track CD features ex Asia drummer Trevor Thornton, the late Mike Casswell on guitars (ex Brian May band), Phil Williams (Tony Hadley Band and ex Keith Emerson) and Bowie/Seal keyboards and programming legend, Richard Cottle, and was written and produced by Dave Cairns (of 'Secret Affair' fame). These newly discovered buried treasures of 24 track analogue recordings were put to tape following the worldwide MCA Records release of the 1989 debut album by 'Walk On Fire' entitled 'Blind Faith'. Their eponymous album, 'Blind Faith' produced by Boston based Walter Turbitt (of The Cars fame) featured the legendary Steve Ferrone on drums, Richard Cottle on keys, guitars by Keith Airey (Nik Kershaw band) and a host of top session players and a perfect showcase for the incredible Scots vocalist Alan King. This guitar led follow up is a one stop shop for all AOR fans and well worth the wait too!
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Catalogue Number: ESM301 The Band is: Tony Mitchell - Lead
and backing vocals / Guitars / Keyboard Produced by:
Tony Mitchell and Paul Hume Tack list: 1- All She Wrote 4:52 / 2- Dynamite 5:17 / 3- Hangin On A Heartache 4:53 / 4- Ride With Angels 5:41 / 5- Playing Dirty 5:08 / 6- Rise 4:52 / 7- Waiting For This Feelin 4:24 / 8- Sanctuary 6:28 / 9- Hell To Pay 5:01 / 10- All In The Name Of Rock N Roll 4:54 / 11- After The Rain 5:41 / 12- Bring It On 5:29 In early 2016, Ex “Kiss of the Gypsy & Kingdom of Deadmen” frontman/guitarist, Tony Mitchell started writing & recording what was to be his 5th solo studio album. He set out to return to his melodic/AOR rock style that was associated with him in his previous bands leading up to the raw classic rock style of Kiss of the Gypsy & the heavy rocking Kingdom of Deadmen. It became evident to Mitchell that the songs had a real magic about them & rather than finish the album & release it on his own XGypsy music label which he had done with previous albums, he thought he would test the water by sending a handful of tracks out to a few melodic rock record companies. All were blown away & wanted to release it there & then but what swayed Mitchell’s decision was when he received a call from Khalil Turk from Escape Music. After a conversation about the recording of the songs, Khalil suggested that he introduced Mitchell to a few musicians that he has worked with, to make the songs sound even better as Mitchell played all instruments & vocals on the demos. The musicians included Paul Hume (lead guitar) & Neil Ogden (drums) from classic rock bands,“Demon & Lawless”, Nigel Bailey (bass) from melodic rock bands, “Bailey, Lifeline & 3 Lions” also, Jamie Crees (guitar) from “Lawless”. All brought their individual style to the table & was evident that something very special was happening ... “Dirty White Boyz” was born. They have all come together to form an allegiance of AOR/Classic/Melodic Rock & each lending their style & craft to the dynamic songs for this debut album. DWB have tried to use all the ingredients from their rich history, Mitchell's raw, rock vocals & punchy thick riff guitars, Ogden's thunderous, rock solid drumming, Hume's flawless, majestic lead guitar licks & solos, Crees’s power riffs & twin lead & Bailey's thumping, ground shaking bass lines, all of which are singers that can harmonise effortlessly. Now with the debut album, “Down & Dirty” finished, it’s all systems go. The album not only hits you like a freight train, it also leaves you breathless in it’s a combination of melodic gems, Anthemic rockers & a few heart wrenching power ballads for good measure. Songs that will shake the very roof off any venue, songs that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride & songs that will stand the test of time Dirty White Boyz are here !!! Jump aboard this Rock train, get down & dirty & let's enjoy the ride !!!
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Release date: 2009 Back by popular request!! Two Disc jewel case Disc 1: Red Sky – We have arrived / Red Sky / Faith / Horseman of the apocalypse / Heroes Saints and Fools / Castles in the sand / Flame of Youth / Jekyll and Hide / Menage a trois / Ride shotgun with the wind / Angel eyes / Follow the piper Disc 2: Heroes Saints and Fools – Crusader / Rock of ages / No more lonely nights / Horseman of the apocalypse / Heroes Saints and Fools / Dolphin Ride / Ready to Fly / A Face in the Crowd * / We have arrived */ Blue stanza * / Come to the light * * bonus tracks Life long pals Richard Lowe and Rob Bendelow formed their first band “Lammergier” during the mid 70’s together with folk guitarist turned rock bassist Barry Yates. Following their first live performance in 1977 the band gigged extensively across the English Midlands. The standard of these performances combined with their unique brand of symphonic rock saw “Lammergier” amass a large and loyal following. Then a new decade arrived and with it some major developments for this dedicated band. Having played with a variety of drummers and vocalists the ideal line up finally crystallised: John Thorne – Drums / Steve Bettney – Lead vocals / Barry Yates – Bass / Richard Lowe – Keyboards / Rob Bendelow – Guitar. And then the name changed to “SARACEN”, but the music remained the same; an ever growing repertoire of powerful guitar orientated rock, laced with lush keyboards and evocative vocals. After several months off the road with time spent putting the finishing touches to their new live show the lads re-emerged as Saracen in January 1981, with plans for a debut album. During the summer of 1981 the now famous Heroes saints and Fools album was recorded at Fairview studios in England. Released in October of 1981 it was received with critical acclaim and is still regarded as a classic of its genre – twenty years on! The album actually entered the top 50 albums as well as the single “No More Lonely nights” enjoying good success. Sadly, illness forced Barry Yates to retire from the band and he was replaced by bassist Jason Gardner. Saracen tracks received regular airplay on Tommy Vance’s Friday night rock show culminating in a “live” session being broadcast in 1982. The bands second single “We have arrived” was recorded but then Bendelow and Thorne left the band in the winter of 1983. An album was recorded called “Change of Heart” on neat records but Saracen stopped touring in mid 1985. That appeared to be the end of the band but the band then resurfaced two decades later and resurrected their musical dynasty with the release of “Red Sky” in March 2003. Musically it was re-works of the some of the old classics with new tracks added – a very welcome return for the lords of Epic metal! Saracen have gone on to release a further three albums on the Escape Music Label – “Vox in Excelso”, “Marilyn” and “Redemption” all of which are hailed as classics, but the earlier recordings we have on this two disc set are perhaps the ones that fans hold most dear to their heart. Classic 1980’s music.
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Release date: 24th February 2017 Stefanie is: Special Guests Track Listing: Stefanie was born and raised in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, once home to some of the country’s largest steel manufacturing and the subject of Billy Joel’s 1982 hit “Allentown”. The towering Steel Stacks have become the backdrop for a flourishing music scene, the home of Musikfest, and the beginning of Stefanie’s songwriting journey. Stefanie discovered her passion for music and songwriting at a young age. She got her start by singing her song ideas into her grandfather’s old cassette recorder. As she dove deeper into songwriting, she learned to play guitar which took her writing to the next level. She began to showcase her songs by taking the stage at Lehigh Valley’s Musikfest, as well as appearing on the tv music series “Steel Sessions”, and singing the National Anthem at Coca-Cola Stadium. In 2011 Stefanie ventured to Nashville and performed at the legendary Bluebird Café and 12th & Porter. Two years later she traveled to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to further expand her life journey. These experiences have led to the collection of songs from her debut CD. In 2015, Stefanie began recording her album with producer Brian J. Anthony who immediately embraced her vision. Brian helped create a sonic landscape by mixing bits of rock, pop and country while not losing the intensity of her voice or deep personal reflection in her lyrics. The result of these tracks gained the attention of some of the area’s best-known musicians who all jumped at the opportunity to be part of this release. Stefanie continues to captivate fans of all ages with her love torn lyrics and catchy hooks. She is ready to take center stage as one of Pop/Rock’s best up and coming artist.
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Release date: 20th January 2017 Coming soon on Escape Music, Last Autumns Dream "In Disguise", their 13th
album. An album showcasing Last Autumn’s Dream is Mikael Erlandsson: Lead
vocals, backing vocals, keyboards & guitar Track listing: 1 If Love Should Go 4:33 2 Jet Airliner 4:10 3 Working For The Weekend 3:48 4 Wig Wam Bam 3:16 5 Slow Down 3:32 6 Need A Little Loving 4:06 7 I´ll Bring The Whole World
To Your Door 3:23 8 Just One More Time 5:11 9 When I Kissed The Teacher 3:21 10 All The Way 3:22 11 Hey You 4:07
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Release date: 18th November
2016 Recorded and mixed at GLOBAL MUSIX
STUDIO Gothenburg Sweden Track listing; 1-Revolution for the Brave 3:52 / 2-Liberate Yourself 3:35 / 3-Buried in a Flame 3:51 / 4-Safe and Sound 3:48 / 5-Fallen Endlessly 5:30 / 6-Crossing the Lines 5:10 / 7-Power 3:10 / 8-Rise Up 4:41 / 9-I need Rock n’ Roll 4:27 / 10-Chasing Shadows 4:35 / 11-Through the Fire 4:31 / 12-Stop 5:18 After more than two decades of contributing with his voice and songwriting on studio albums, it's finally time for APOLLO to deliver his first solo album. And it's been a long road leading to "Waterdevils". Apollo's career started at the age of 14 when the young Apollo from Swedish town Borås, inspired by bands like Kiss and Alice Cooper, started playing with various bands, as an aspiring guitarist. “Not many wanted to be vocalists back in those days. Everybody wanted to play the guitar, nobody wanted to sing. So I just decided to become a singer." Apollo joined his first bands Blazon and Craze at the age of 17. Craze released a single "Living In Sin" but the band disbanded shortly thereafter when Apollo left to do his military service in 1988. It took another eight years before Apollo recorded his first full album with the band Faith Taboo. "We started out as a cover band, but I didn't want to waste time just playing other people's songs, so I had everybody get involved in writing songs for our self-financed album "Psycopath" [released in 1996]. The band played local gigs for a while, until they eventually called it a day and Apollo joined the band Majestic. His singing career took off and he sang with bands and projects in a neverending stream: Time Requiem, Meduza, Sandalinas, and Evil Masquerade to mention but a few. But things were about to really start happening in 2006. Time Requiem were mixing their album in Studio Fredman in Gothenburg in late 2005, when studio owner and producer Fredrik Nordström introduced Apollo to a guitarist who was also working in his studio. “Fredrik said he wanted me to meet this Greek guy, Gus. He thought we would get along, cause we were both Greek. It clicked right away. Gus asked me to join his band Firewind, but I had to turn down the offer because I was studying at the time and didn't have time for another band. He asked again about six months later, and by that time I was done with my studies so we went for it. It was magic, it felt like it was finally the real deal and we were all on the same musical level." The Firewind-guitarist was Gus G - who in 2009 landed the dream job as the lead guitarist in Ozzy Osbourne's band, replacing Zakk Wylde. The years with Firewind definitely and finally put Apollo on the map. He recorded 4 albums with the band and toured with the likes of Y&T, Scorpions, Judas Priest and Whitesnake among others, playing big festivals such as Download, Graspop Metal Meeting, Sweden Rock Festival and more. Apollo parted company with Firewind in January 2013 and decided to focus on Spiritual Beggars (w. guitarist Michael Amott, Arch Enemy) who he had joined in 2010 and fronted alongside of Firewind. He also started working on his solo debut. The coming two years were spent writing, recording and collaborating with friends from bands like King Diamond, Gamma Ray, Arch Enemy, Grand Magus, MasterPlan and many more. "I originally wanted to release the material under a band name or as a project, but people kept saying it was about time that I go solo and step out as a solo artist. So I decided to take the plunge." "Waterdevils" is the result of Apollo's free musical spirit where he has liberated himself from all rules and just done whatever he wanted to do. "I wanted to do this because it's fun and exciting, and also because I want to contribute to keeping classic rock alive!" "Waterdevils is a weather phenomenon. It's a small, weak whirlwind over water that's pretty rare. You never know where you'll see it or if you'll see it again. In a way it's a tribute to all of those who have contributed to this album. They showed up, unexpectedly and they might show up again, or maybe not, you just never know. Like waterdevils." audio samples to follow
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Release date: 21st October 2016 Tracks: Doctor my Heart 5:11 / Easy on me 5:19 / Edge of the universe 4:35 / Every lonely night 4:06 / Wildest dreams 4:58 / Intoxicated 4:04 / Define our love 4:03 / Pocketful of dreams 4:04 / Making miracles 4:35 / Back where I belong 3:57 / Unforgiving world 4:23 / Shame on You 4:20 (bonus track) Produced by Lars
Chriss and Khalil Turk All Keyboards by Tommy Denander
except for: Steve Overland is a legend in his own lifetime. Is there anyone out there who is not familiar with his name? He has a history that goes way back into the late seventies, his first major recording was with the band “Wildlife” in 1980. After the demise of “Wildlife” Steve went on to form the cult British melodic rock band “FM”, a band that released many great albums throughout the eighties and nineties and more recently in 2013. Their popularity has always been at the forefront of British Hard Rock. Steve originally teamed up with Escape Music to provide lead vocals for the Boston Tribute album (ESM 081), singing 'Amanda', one of the album highlights. Steve also joined forces with Steve Morris of “Heartland” fame to record the much acclaimed “Shadowman” albums “Land of the Living” (ESM 099) “Different Angles” (ESM127) “Ghost in the Mirror” (ESM179) Watching Over you (ESM224). Steve has also fronted two releases by “The Ladder”, which is a dream come true for all fans of FM as the band is an extension of the great FM themselves. “Future Miracles” (ESM109) was welcome by fans old and new and it was hailed by many as the best album of 2004. More recently “Sacred” (ESM149) is an album that hones the identity of “The Ladder”. Let’s examine Steve’s first solo album “Break Away” (ESM170), this had fans divided as it was so much different from his work with FM, but many grew to love it as it was something different from the norm. Steve gave us a more classic approach to melodic rock with “Diamond Dealer” (ESM198), with great songs that have feeling and depth. The release “Epic” provided one of the best starts to 2014 you could possible want to wish for, and had contributions from Mike Slamer and Billy Greer of Kansas. “Radio Radio” is one of the most radio-friendly tracks you could ever wish to hear and so easy on the ears. It’s the quality of the songs and musicianship on this album that made it so special, it was always going to be difficult to surpass. However, here is Steve’s new recording “Contagious” which is better than ever before. Big production by Lars Chriss and superb song-writing are the order of the day, these latest offerings from Steve are beautifully executed and flow with finesse from beginning to end. Steve Overland has just added another classic album to his roster, and it’s his best to date.
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Release Date: 23 September 2016 Mick Devine
– Lead Vocals Produced and Mixed by Lars Chriss
Tracks List: SEVEN originate from the AOR scene in the late eighties where Polydor records having been fairly successful in the U.K with the likes of Magnum and Little Angels, set their sights on SEVEN, a relatively unknown act that had started life as a successful South African group, reformed to hit the big time in the UK. SEVEN toured extensively supporting an eclectic variety of acts that included the likes of Jason Donovan, Richard Marx, The Monkees and Brother Beyond. It’s a time period that Mick Devine is keen to reminisce about, “Even though they were out and out pop gigs, we loved the crowds and the noise. We went from pubs to opening to 3000 screaming fans in Southampton. It is a very addictive adrenaline rush. We got to play all the top venues, which were fantastic; including Wembley Arena, the NEC, BIC, SEC and even the Royal Albert Hall. The Richard Marx tour was definitely the best for us with a more grown up audience we were able to rock it up and truly be ourselves. It went down really well!” Entering the recording studios, with John Parr at the production helm, they recorded two very strong singles in the shape of “Inside Love” and “Man with A Vision” both of which achieved moderate success in the UK. In 2014 the original bass player Pat Davey was working alongside Robert Hart on an Escape Music album when the name SEVEN cropped up in the conversation. It would seem that Khalil Turk was a big fan, as Devine explains, “Yeah, back in the day Khalil had really loved the band and he got in touch to see if we would be interested in finally releasing an album,” Without too much convincing the project was born. The production talents of Lars Chriss (who’s repertoire includes albums with Steve Overland, Chris Ousey, and Radioactive) were enlisted to produce the band’s debut album called ‘7’, which was released to critical acclaim and was held up as one of the “Albums of the Year” on many lists. SEVEN was born again! Following the success of the first album, a passion was re-kindled within Devine & McFarlane, who began work on new material, and along with the writing talents of Lars Chriss, Fredrik Bergh, Andy Loos, Kay Backlund and Jeff Paris, that passion was given focus and a place to come to life. What they discovered was a well of untapped creativity that had been hidden for far too long and the songs poured out. SEVEN ‘Shattered’ is a collection of wonderfully catchy songs that rely on clean and memorable melodies that allow Devine’s distinctive voice to shine through. It was Devine who took the lead in writing the lyrics on this album, matching the intensity and feel of the music to deliver a modern melodic rock album with influences ranging from hints of Foreigner in “A Better Life” and “Broken Dream”, Journey in “High Hopes” and even traces of Magnum in “Light of 1000 Eyes” and “Last Illusion” The lyrical themes are drawn from a depth of life experience and observations and are heartfelt and real. The production talents of Lars Chriss and the line up of truly great musicians, deliver an album of depth and variation which ranges from driving guitar-led tracks with memorable riffs to melodic anthems, all backed by stunning keys, bass and standout solo’s. It is an album that is a worthy follow-up to the critically acclaimed ‘7’. This album represents a natural progression for SEVEN and it features 11 stunning tracks that are laden with great musical performances and soaring vocals, and while being fresh and up to date, they have bite and edge and yet remain melodic and catchy This is one superb follow up album that will not disappoint.
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Release Date: 26 August 2016 Band is: Alex Jorio - Drums / Elio Maugeri - Lead Vocals / Simone Falovo -Guitars / Stefano Turolla - Bass / Eugenio Manassero - Keyboards Produced and Mastered by Simone Falovo for Elektradrive Productions 2016 Track listing: 1-Intro - Beginning 2-Secret Of The Holy Grave 3-Time Machine 4-Lord Of The Rings 5- Fortune Teller 6-Snake (Slip on…) 7- Against The Stream 8-Take Off 9-…Over The Space /10-Song Fr Feeling 11-Clash Of Titans 12- Midnight Passage Bonus Tracks: 1- Let it Survive 1984 / 2-Brian Storm 1984 / 3- Winner 1985 / 4-Riding The Wind (As Overdrive) 1983 demo / 5-You Cant Stop Rock & Roll 1985 demo (outtakes from OTS) 6- Against The Stream - Live 1986 Elektradrive is one of the most significant bands in the history of Italian Hard Rock. Born in 1981 as Overdrive, they are from Torino and they changed their name to Electradrive in 1983. The band were together until 1993. Elektradrive debut single “Let it survive” was released on 1984 by Smoko Records, that was at the times the label of Simone Falovo major brother, Stefano, who really discovered the band in his family…Immediately after Elektradrive were featured, in the same year on the compilation “HM Eruption” with the song “Lord of the rings”, and in the compilation “Metallo Italia” with “Winner” the year after. In 1985 the band produces a videoclip for “Winner”. The band’s style then was a sort of hard/heavy rock similar at the sound of Iron Maiden/Dio/Ozzy Osbourne/Michael Schenker Group, but with a nice presence of keyboards synth sounds in it,so that Beppe Riva from Rockerilla Italian magazine, coined for them the term “Space Metal” band. Elektradrive's debut full length album, “Over the space” was finally ready and released in 1986 with Discotto Records followed by a national tour. It was fully appreciated by many European critics, like Dave Reynolds from “Metal Forces” and Kerrang!!magazine who gave them 90/100 score. The most famous and widely appreciated LP by Elektradrive, “Due” sees the light in 1989 with Minotauro. The sound is more class hard rock/AOR than the debut album, and “Due” receives an excellent feedback from the international press, including a rate of 5 K’s (top of the score!) on Kerrang! Magazine (in the same number, Whitesnake took 3K’s with “Slip of the tongue). Many Italian critics declared them “Italian AOR Gods”. The band played many gigs all around Italy, and the most important was as supporting band with Manowar at Palasport, Torino. An intensive international tour follows. In 1990 Elektradrive played some live shows L.A. amongst the others, the noteworthy night at the famous Roxy Theatre in Sunset Boulevard. After the comeback from USA, the band starts pre-production and writing new songs. So the third album (the first released in CD and not vynel) came out with the title “Big City” and released by Dracma Records in 1993. “Big City” is reviewed by many as album of the month, and some Italian critics named them “the best rock band in Italy, ever”. In 1994 “Due” and “Big City” are distributed in Japan by EMI/Toshiba and in Europe by Long Island Records. After almost ten years of silence, in 2004, Simone Falovo and Elio Maugeri, with the original line-up of the beginnings, start writing songs for a new album: “Living 4” which is released by Valery Records in 2009, and got a lot of very rave reviews from all the Italian and european magazines. Considered by many critics a masterpiece (it took the band three years of hard work for writing and recording process) “Living 4” is a mature concept album of modern-bluesy-AOR-hard rock with committed lyrics about environment, water scarcity, corporations, and general concerns on the state of our planet. They received airplay by Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson in his BBC show, and he described the band as melodic and classy hard rock band, a “bunch of veterans from Turin”. audio samples to follow
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Release date: 22 July, 2016 Tracks: Rise to the Challenge / Wayward Son / Roads of my life / March of Souls / Holy Days / Touch your soul / Hold onto Love / Last Tiger / Stone Cold (In your eyes) / Silent Rage / Only Tomorrow The Band: Produced and Mixed by: Paul Hume
at Summer Bank Studio UK In 1998 North East Melodic Rock band Change of Heart released their debut on Escape Music. Their debut was recorded at Parr Street studios in Liverpool with many guests including Chris Ousey (Heartland / Snakecharmer) and Steve Morris (Heartland). Interestingly the Engineer was one Ken Nelson, who later found fame twiddling the knobs for Coldplay. With an appearance at the “Gods” festival Change of Heart quickly shot up in everyone’s estimation. It was some two years before follow up album “Continuum” appeared and the band worked with Kenny Kaos (Pokerface / Distance) to record a twelve track album that was laden with hooks and melodies. In 2005 an album called “Truth or Dare” was released and this was a very strong release that saw the band mature in a fine melodic rock band that would challenge many of the UK’s finest rock bands treading the boards at the time. The various original band members have moved on to pastures new, more notably Dave Chapman who plays keyboards for “Magic”, who are well known for their tribute acts to Queen and ELO. However, the band has always been the brainchild of Alan Clark who is the vocalist, guitarist and songwriter and is the core member of the band since 1998. Alan has always been busy writing and recording since 2005 and now Change of Heart present us with “Last Tiger”, a brand new release which will put the band firmly back on the map. Paul Hume from the band Lawless has had some input to the final result and also mixed and produced the album. That makes a very strong 11 track album that is dominated by beautifully executed keyboards and guitar solos that are to die for. Change of Heart are back with a great new album which is bound to rekindle past fires and put the North East of England firmly back on the map.
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Release date: 24th June, 2016 Track List: 1- Answer Of Life 4:46 / 2-Don’t Give Up 3:53 / 3- Edge Of Love 4:01 / 4- I’m Back 4:28 / 5-Lost And Lonely 5:31 / 6-I’m Flying High 4:32 / 7-Within Your Eyes 5:06 / 8-Midst Of June 5:06 / 9-There’s No Denying 4:22 / 10-To Be An Honest Man 5:02 / 11-Baby I'm Yours 4:48 / 12-Euphoria 3:06 Rob Moratti -
Lead Vocals and all background harmonies. Canadian singer Rob Moratti has had a varied career to date, he first appeared as a songwriter and lead vocalist in the early 90’s for the band “Moratti” and two fine albums were recorded “Desolation” in 1995 and “Legends of Tomorrow” in 1997. He then took centre stage in the band “Final Frontier” alongside Mladen from Von Groove, a band that went on to record 4 albums and gained a cult following in Europe and Japan. The band played exciting hard melodic rock set apart by Rob’s powerful vocals. In 2008 Rob was chosen to replace Michael Sadler in the band “Saga”, a fine accolade indeed, and he featured on the 2009 album “Human Condition” as well as touring extensively with the band. Sadler returned to Saga and so Rob went on to record a solo project “Victory” in 2011 with Escape Music. “Victory” had an impressive line-up that included Reb Beach (Whitesnake) and Tony Franklin (The Firm). The album was an instant success and has since become a firm favourite with fans all around the world. Recently Rob recorded a fine tribute to the band “Journey”, the band that influenced him greatly in his youth, this recording was limited to 1000 numbered units and has since sold out. In addition he provided vocals for the Rage of Angels CD “The Devil’s New Tricks”, an album that really sees his vocals reach new heights. That brings us to 2016 and Rob has completed his second solo outing “Transcendent” which sees him giving his best performance yet, his vocals have never sounded better as he sings his heart out throughout all 13 tracks. This is Melodic Rock at its very best and with band members that include Torben Enevoldsen and Tony Franklin we are set for a real treat. Guesting on guitar is Saga’s own Michael Crichton, exciting times indeed. Rob’s career is starting to really take shape, this is one monster album.
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Release date: 24th June 2016 Culver Kingz is: Produced and Mixed by : Michael Thompson Track Listing: In 1983, Michael Thompson and Billy Trudel were introduced to each other. They were brought together by manager Steve Brooks and Producer/Engineer, Wyn Davis to form a new band called Slang. They worked hard in the studio and out playing shows to get this new project noticed but nothing seemed to work in their favor. After 2 years of struggling, they started to adventure into other projects. In 1985 Billy signed his first recording contract with The City, a band on Chrysalis Records and Michael was playing guitar with Andy Fraser (Free) When Manager Alan Neven ( Guns & Roses) heard the project. He took it to Geffen Records and the band was signed. But there was a problem, Billy couldn’t sign the contract because of his prior obligations to The City. So Michael had to find another vocalist to record the album. That’s when he found Moon Calhoun to take Billy’s place. They changed the name of the band to the Michael Thompson Band and released the record in 1987. Since that time both Michael and Billy became well established in they’re music carriers, backing up some of the biggest artist in the music industry. Then in 2011, Michael and Billy re-connected and decided to finish that record they always wanted to make. That was the birth of the Culver Kingz. The band name came from both of them living in Culver City and writing and recording everything in Michaels studio. Now all these years later they are thrilled to come back full circle and do what they do best, Make music. For the past 30 years, here are just a few artist Michael Thompson, and Billy Trudel have worked with. Michaels credits are: Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Michael Jackson, Ricky Martin, David Foster, Madonna, Michael Bolton, Babyface, En Vogue, Bobby Womack, Quincy Jones, Beyoncé, Stanley Clarke, N Sync, Toni Braxton, Rod Stewart, Vince Neil, The Scorpions, Mariah Carey, Michael McDonald Brian Adams Animal Logic and many more. Billy’s credits are: Elton John, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Phil Collins, Bonnie Raitt, Mary J Blige, Sting, Motley Crue, Trixter, Spice Girls, Rod Stewart, Brotherhood Creed, Joe Perry, Pet Shop Boys, B B King, Brian Adams, Stevie Wonder, Sir George Martin, Bon Jovi, Back Street Boys Warpipes, The City, Public Domain and many more. If you like bands such as Matchbox 20 and Santana this album is definitely for you!!! Look for the Culver Kingz on 20th May 2016.
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Escape Music is
Proud to announce the signing of Punky Meadows Release date: 20th May 2016 Track List: Descent / The Price You Pay / Straight Shooter / Breathless And Jaded / Loaded Gun / Lost And Lonely / Home Wrecker / I Wanna Be Your Drug / Leavin Tonight / Searchin / Something Strange / Shadow Man / Shake Shake / Summertime Love / Fallen Angel / They Don’t Like My Ways (Bonus Track) / Summertime Love/Alternate Solo (Bonus Track)
PUNKY MEADOWS "Fallen Angel" is PUNKY MEADOWS
- LEAD GUITAR, RHYTHM GUITAR Punky Meadows is best known for being the iconic lead guitarist of the 70's band ANGEL on Casablanca records. ANGEL, like label mates KISS, were a huge theatrical band that while also being a headlining act in the US were also one of the biggest rock bands in Japan. Punky was a huge influence to many musicians for not only his great feel, tone and unique style of guitar playing, but also his rock star image that many have tried to emulate over the years. ANGEL released 6 albums on Casablanca before disbanding in 1981 due to the demise of the label. During his career Punky had been sought after and considered to join well-known bands such as Kiss, Aerosmith, New York Dolls and Michael Bolton. Upon the disbanding of ANGEL he occupied himself with successful business ventures while continuing to play guitar and write songs. Through social media, the fans have let him know that they want to hear from him and with his new found passion in music with close friend Danny Farrow Anniello they have written some great new songs for his solo album FALLEN ANGEL. The songs are very melodic yet diverse with catchy choruses that stick with you. Punky is playing better than ever and it really shows on this timeless collection of music. Punky wants to bring the fans the best he has and FALLEN ANGEL proves it. Also you can hear Felix Robinson on bass guitar former member of Angel also played with 707 and White Lion…..and Bobby Pantella on Drums former Raging Slab and is currently with Monster Magnet This solo album is a stunning recording, and it is everything that fans old and new will want to hear; we are all giving Punky a very warm welcoming return.
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Release date: 20th May 2016 Track list: Killer / Heroes of Heartbreak / Suckerpunch / Drama / Hearts gone bad / Sleeping with a memory / Once upon A time / Go Down / Us Fools / One for the road / Start your engine / Warhoney Vocals:
Erika, Redas Jefisovas, Sebastian Qvarfordt, Oscar Bromvall, Marcus
Blomberg, Tomas Blade, Lena Borg. Erika was born on a cold winter night in Skelleftea, Sweden where she started her own band at just 12 years old. As a teenager she relocated to Stockholm where she started to write and record demos with various rock bands. In the late 1980’s she dated and later married guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. In 1989 Erika was offered her first deal for a record, which was called “Cold Winter Night”, an album she co-wrote which proved to be a resounding success. The following tours were a sell out and Erika became a rock singing sensation. Her marriage with Yngwie ended in 1992 and she found herself back in Stockholm and recording two more successful albums “In the arms of a stranger” and “Lady Luck”. The latter album featured the hit song “Lost in Paradise” a duet with Eurovision star Jan Johensen. In 1995 Erika recorded “When Christmas comes to town”, a song which is regarded as a Christmas classic in Sweden and then released her fourth album “Planet X” and then “Ripe” which were both very big in Japan. In 2014 Erika started to record the sixth outing which is “Deaf, Dumb and Blonde”, an album which surpasses all she has done – she still has the vocal power of her earlier releases and is set to make a big stir in the rock world once more. With production from Alex Angleflod and Erika herself the album was also recorded at Red Door studio (Abba, Beyonce, Korn). Also featured on the recording are band members from Europe, Candlemass and In Flames. During her career Erika has appeared on countless TV shows in Scandinavia and Japan as well as writing for many other well-known artists, one of those being “AOR” (Frederic Slama). In short she is a legend and this new album should see her extending her popularity to a whole new audience. Discography: Cold Winter Night (1990) / In The Arms of a Stranger (1991) / Lady Luck (1993) / Planet X (1995) / Ripe (1998) / Supertrax (compilation 2000) / Deaf Dumb and Blonde (2016)
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Catalogue Number: ESM289 Track Listing: Love Will Find a way / Like a Phoenix / I can take you / Sleepless / All I need / Angels / My Everything / I need you / Save a little love / Nah Nah Nah Tanya Rizkala: vocals / Mario Agostine: Guitars / Souheil "Sous" Moukaddem: Drums / Mike Ganime: Bbass. Produced by: Mario Agostine Epic is Canadian, American, and Lebanese Rock band . A power quartet drawing on years of experience and musicianship and playing in international venues and large arenas. They are well-known for their hard-driving energy with Tanya's powerful vocal range, Mario's melodic guitar-driven riffs, and a "rock-solid" rhythm section with "Sous" on drums and Mike on Bass. This die-hard rock formation has wasted no time getting to work as soon as they met; they have been writing, composing, and recording their upcoming Album entitled "Like A Phoenix". Their music can be described like a super hybrid of bands such as the rocky Saraya, Headpins and Witness and also displays finesse a la Heart, and Winger . It’s a long time since we heard a nice female fronted rock band as good as this quartet and they are already playing to massive audiences.. “Like a Phoenix” is being released soon by Escape Music and we hope you like this “old school” rock band who have brought that classic female fronted rock sound that we all love into the forefront of rock again..
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Catalogue Number: ESM288 Track list: Chris Ousey:
Lead vocals and backing vocals Produced by Lars Chriss and Khalil
Turk All songs by Chris Ousey and Tommy Denander except track 9 Better Time To Come by Chris Ousey, and the late Christian Wolf and Tommy Denander. Chris Ousey has had an excellent singing career that goes way back to the times of “Monroe”, “Virginia Wolf”, the fantastic “Heartland” an outstanding solo recording and more recently “Snakecharmer”. He is nicknamed “The man with the golden tonsils” and that is a fine accolade indeed for he has earned it. His effortless vocal range has gained him a top spot in the world of classic UK hard rock. Chris has already delivered us a fine solo album in 2011 called “Rhyme and Reason” with Mike Slamer at the production helm. It was very warmly received by fans and critics alike and featured some fantastic songs. The New CD “Dream Machine” is an extension of the foundations laid down four years ago: we have huge choruses, great songs and a production second to none. Chris further cements his reputation as one of the UK’s greatest vocalists with an effortless performance that will attract new fans to his already strong fanbase. With guests such as Tommy Denander, Adam Wakeman and Lars Chriss the scene is set for a great melodic rock album which will be a prime contender for album of the year. Chris is like a mature wine, his voice gets better with age…
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