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Jann Klose – Two latest singles from next album

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Singer/songwriter Jann Klose was born in Germany, raised in Kenya and South Africa, and eventually wound up in New York. Klose is currently working on his 7th album Surrender, for 2023 release. From Surrender there are new 2 singles / videos – “Sugar My” (released in April) and his latest “Flesh And Blood” (released July 22). Both tracks written by Jann Klose w/ Alex Forbes are catchy pop, upbeat, with Klose’s wide ranging clear vocal, acoustic guitars, and backing band. A change of pace here (on my pages), minus heavy guitars or thundering drums, but for something new and easier going, check ’em out!

 vibe.to/jannklose
 lnk.fu.ga/jannklose_fleshandblood

In the first single release – “Sugar My” Klose sings – “Up is down, day is night — not what it seems! Like Alice in Wonderland, stuck in-between.” The song is a commentary on the sometimes baffling and inexplicable state of the world today.

Jann recalls the writing session with Alex Forbes – “We wanted to create a feel of a sort of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ type vibe where there is a palatable sense of confusion and one is not entirely sure what’s real and what’s not. We wrote it at the onset of the pandemic, so it was very much a strong reflection on how we were feeling ourselves!”
Jann then joined producer Marcus Dembinski to record the single, which in true pandemic style started in his bedroom studio until they could access the recording studio. “Well, at first it started there anyway and then, as things opened up, we tracked live instruments at Studio G in Brooklyn, New York,” recalls Jann.

For the song’s unique video Jann reunited with video director, Alex Vishno, who also worked on the music videos for his “Love You The Most” and “Pilot Light.” Alex recruited Eileen “EJ” Jaworowicz to choreograph and co-direct, and she brought in the 10 incredible dancers in the music video.
Looking at the visuals and concept for the video and how it connects with the theme of the song, the music video for “Sugar My” celebrates this unity beautifully. – “It was really my manager, Morey Levovitz and Alex Vishno with EJ that conceptualized the idea. I think they intentionally sort of put me into a situation in which I kind of knew what to expect but only fully started to realize what they were going as we were shooting. As you can tell, there’s a lot of trust involved, but I also knew that they got the song and what it was about, so I went with it. The idea is that people in the video start morphing from a state of disconnect into an open, free state where they become ‘liberated’,” remarks Jann on the concept idea behind the video.
Jann has just one wish for those who hear and see “Sugar
My.” – “I hope that people will love it as much as we do. It’s a really fun, upbeat tune with a cinematic production vibe to it. ”

Jann Klose’s latest single is “Flesh and Blood”, again written with Alex Forbes – “Writing with Alex is a real gift. She fills space when I draw a blank and vice versa. We have developed a great friendship and there’s a lot of trust between us. It grows with every song. We had already written other tracks for my upcoming new album, including ‘Surrender’ and ‘Sugar My’. When we got to ‘Flesh and Blood’ we had settled in to a very open and reflective approach that has worked for us in the past with the difference being that we wanted to go deeper and dig further into human behavior.”

Explaining the theme and inspiration for the single –“When Alex Forbes and I were in the writing session that yielded ‘Flesh and Blood’ our aim was to talk about a society that feels disconnected. People feeling disconnected from each other. Our “addiction” to technology… And instead asking for a return to nature, healing divisions and finding our common humanity.”
On the production (w/ Marcus Dembinski) Jann recalled –“The arrangement credit [for the song] really must got to Marcus! He created a beautiful — and more progressive/rock — structure for the track that lifted it to a state I didn’t imagine until he shared his ideas with me. I loved it immediately. His drumming on the track is very powerful,” 

For this video (which was premiered with GaloreSA.) Jann once-again worked with video director, Alex Vishno, and Choreographer, Eileen “EJ” Jaworowicz at the Lee Lund School of Dance and filming took place in Milford, Connecticut during the last week of June 2022. 

As with his previous music video for ‘Sugar My’, this production was once again a collaborative effort between Jann’s label, Honey Rose Records, Big Management and Alex, EJ and Marcus – “I feel quite lucky that I have this great team in my corner. There is never a reluctance to speak openly about what we are going for and to make changes if necessary. I love working through dance and ‘Flesh and Blood’ gave us an opportunity to tell a story about beauty, innocence and healing through movement, music and re-connecting with nature which I think is somewhat of a lost art. I don’t want to give too much away but the visual aspects of this, I feel, are pushing all of us to a new level.”

Jann has performed as an actor and singer in touring companies of Broadway musicals, including “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” and “The Who’s Tommy” . He has won 4 Independent Music Awards (IMAs). His podcast, Making Sound with Jann Klose has featured industry legends like Renaissance’s Annie Haslam, Frank Bello (Anthrax), Simon Kirke (Bad Company) and kicks off Season 5 this autumn. 

For more on Jann Klose check out the links below…

https://jannklose.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jann.klose/
https://www.instagram.com/jannklose/
https://twitter.com/jannkloseband
https://www.youtube.com/jannklose
http://www.tiktok.com/@jannklose

‘Sugar My’ photo credit: Mikiodo

JOHN VERITY releases acoustic set – Blue

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British singer/guitarist John Verity (ex Argent, Phoenix) has recently released a 4 track disc of acoustic tracks. The songs, previously released, are all stripped down and re-done along with guests Max Milligan (acoustic/slide guitar) and Roger Inniss (bass). These are excellent new ‘unplugged & unhinged’ versions, particularly “Broken Heart”, a favorite from 2020’s Passion album.

More info: https://johnverity.com/merchandise/389-john-verity-blue

URIAH HEEP’s Stealin’: The covers

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Released ahead of the Uriah Heep’s sixth album in September of 1973 (Sweet Freedom), “Stealin'” would become one of the band’s best known and most played classics. It is still one of the few Heep classics that gets fair play on classic rock radio and has been covered numerous times. But the single that started out strong would not become a huge hit single. The band had finally had a top 40 hit in the US with the single “Easy Livin” (from Demons & Wizards) in 1972, and a minor hit with “Sweet Lorraine”, later that same year, so another big single follow up was due and should’ve been with this track. The band signed a new record deal with Warner Brothers in North America (who had so many great acts), and “Stealin” was Heep’s first single for their new label.

However, the song’s lyrics based on the imagination of Ken Hensley included the line “I done the rancher’s daughter”. It was term ‘done’ that seemed to put a damper on the single, as many radio stations would choose to pull the song based on that line.

In an interview with Jeb Wright (ClassicRockRevisited.com), Hensley recalled: “I went to Gary´s flat in London…. We smoked a couple of joints and played a bit and I wrote ¨Stealin¨ from that moment. The story is purely imaginary as I didn´t know any ¨Rancher´s Daughters¨, or ¨Gypsy Queens.¨”

Hard to imagine such a line being remotely controversial nowadays, but in 1973 radio stations (perhaps more so in the US south) might’ve felt pressured in to passing on playing the song. That did not stop the song from becoming legendary though, as it is often regarded as one of the band’s most recognizable songs with it’s quiet bass start, joined by the Hammond organ, David Byron’s distinctive and clear vocal, convincingly delivering the tale of a man on the run, and then the band kicking in with Mick Box’s guitar, Lee Kerslake’s powerful drumming, the band’s harmonies…and it all builds up to a classic Mick Box solo, and the band coming back in with more energy to the end.

Though the band still plays a great rendition of this to this day (I love the John Lawton-fronted version from Live in Europe 1979) and there are plenty of excellent cover versions — nothing comes close to the original production. In Canada the single made it to #65 on the Cash Box chart, while in the US it merely cracked Billboard’s Top 100 at #91. In Norway, however, the song reached #9!

Below is a list of cover versions of the Heep classic. I’ve included those that have been released commercially, and not the numerous live versions found on youtube (OK, i did slip 1 in at the end!). Enjoy.

Karma (1973)

This must be the first cover of Stealin’, recorded and released in 1973 by Finnish band Karma. They translated the words to Finnish and released it on their debut album for CBS! The song was also issued a single, with a (translated) cover of Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” on the B-side!

Panorama (1986)

An interesting pop version by this Italian group. The 12″ single also came with an instrumental version (hmm).

Zoid (1988)

Released by this LA band in ’88. It was the band’s only other release following their lone album in ’87, on Third Orbit Records. Interestingly, the band featured keyboardist Lou Segreti, who went on to record an album with the band Bloodline (1994) – which also included Joe Bonamassa. This is an interesting extended version of the song (with a lengthier mid section, minus guitar). The 12″ single included both a long and short version of the song. The band’s producer had been Matt Forger, who worked on a number of Michael Jackson albums.

EZ Access (1990)

Detroit hard who rock band who released this lone album 10 track album titled One Track Mind, on U.S.A. Records – and on cassette only, in 1990. “Stealin” was the only cover-version included. The band recorded a follow up album, but it was never released. Both albums can be found on youtube.

Satrox (1992)

Swiss band who released this cover on their 2nd (of 2 albums) titled Energy. Pretty 80s ‘metal’ sounding. Interesting that there is a few Heep connections on this albums – Daniel Boone (David Byron) on backing vocals, Derek Holt (who recorded with Gary Moberly… see Heep’s Equator!) also on backing vocals, and produced by Mark Dearnley (who was an assist. engineer on at least 1 Heep album in the late 70s).

Night Crawler (1996)

Night Crawler, from Minneapolis, released their debut album World Of Make Believe in 1996, which included their version of “Stealin'”. It’s a good version (and hard-rock/aor album). The band’s follow up (and last) album was 2001’s Second Nature – which included a cover of “July Morning”! The band’s drummer Billy Thayer is the brother of Kiss guitarist Tommy Thayer.

http://www.travellersintime.com/UniversalWheels/kc0402.html

Men Without Shame (1995)

This band from Saskatchewan originally released this track on their debut 4-track CD, which also included covers of songs by Nazareth, April Wine, and Nick Gilder. The band released one album: Triple-Ply, from 1997, which was largely covers, along with a few originals.

Native Son (2000)

Originally included on the 2000 2Cd tribute album Heepsteria on Red Steel Music. (The band also did a cover of the unreleased John Lawton era track “That’s How I Am”). Native Son had previously released 3 albums… not sure after this.

Nightingale (2003)

This was recorded for the 2003 Heep tribute album A Return To Fantasy. Nightingale was a Swedish prog/metal act, featuring singer Dan Swano . Many years ago I’d corresponded with this guy, and he sent me a CD of a couple of Heep covers he did way back. He also did a cover of “Gypsy” as part of Odyssey for their 2010 album Reinventing The Past.

Tesla (2007)

Included as part of Tesla’s 2007 ‘covers’ album Reel To Reel. An interesting collection. The band made it big in the ’80s with hits like “Little Suzi”, “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)”, and their 1990 cover of “Signs” (originally by Canada’s Five-Man Electrical Band).

Out There (2015)

A very interesting version, as it features Stephen (Steff) Fontaine – who briefly fronted Heep in 1986. As he never recorded anything with Heep, I’ve included it here. Out There is an Arizona band (where Fontaine was originally from), and this came from their 2015 album Out There Again, which Fontaine sang all the vocals on. Out There Again is a pretty decent album with a couple of other covers as well.

Out There … Again! with Kirk Krein

Other versions noted:

Jason Kane – Jason Kane (of JK & The Jive) recorded a version acoustically, on his own (not totally sure of the yearbut about 2014). This version is excellent, and can only be found on Youtube, as he made a video for it. A shame it’s not been included on any actual release as it’s the most interesting cover to be heard.

Grenzgang (1994) – Austrian band who released a few albums did this cover for a compilation titled Metal Freak Sampler – Cover Me, on CCP Records.

Talas (2001) – Buffalo based band that features Billy Sheehan, included “Stealin” as part of their encore many times. This can be found on Youtube, as it was included in the band’s set at the Buffalo Guitar Festival concert (also on dvd). I would love to hear an archival live release from the band with their version included.

09/’22

KINGS OF MERCIA – Debut album, new video

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Kings of Mercia is a band, something of a ‘supergroup’, consisting of guitarist Jim Matheos (Fates Warning, OSI), singer Steve Overland (FM-UK, Lonerider), bassist Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning), and legendary drummer Simon Phillips (Toto, Intelligent Music Project, MSG, and a thousand other credits!). So, began by Metheos, who soon got together with Overland and began putting songs together. I don’t know much of prog-metallers Fates Warning, and little more about AOR-rock act FM-UK, but I like Overland’s vocals guesting on the new White Spirit album, and sometimes not knowing too much is a nice start, without any expectations. So, this one I’ve had on a few times, and it has grown on me as a mighty fine listen, where every track is good (at least) and it all flows so well from song to song.

Steve Overland (who also has a new album out with Lonerider) has a very unmistakable voice, who would’ve been a fine fit to replace Paul Rodgers (hence Lonerider with Simon Kirke!). A solid set of heavy guitar melodic rock, with excellent vocals, harmonies, and arrangements. Love the guitar tone, and the production. It’s heavy overall – but not quite metal. Progg-ish, but not totally progressive or AOR, for that matter. So you get to the end of this album having thought ‘this is awesome’ – but it’s over! “Wrecking Ball”, “Humankind”, the powerful heavy “Set The World On Fire”, “Is It Right” — all great rockers. A couple of ballads here as well, notably “Everyday Angels”, this would make a fine single.

The band has also just released a new video for the track “Humankind” –

Links:

Home

https://www.metalblade.com/kingsofmercia/

https://www.facebook.com/KingsofMercia

TALAS – Return to 1985

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Buffalo’s TALAS had gone through many changes over their years of activity from the early 70s to the mid 80s. The 3-man line up of Billy Sheehan, Paul Varga and Dave Cosentino had reunited a number of times, but in 2017 Billy Sheehan reassembled the last incarnation of the band he was in (pre David Lee Roth Band; MK 2) – with singer Phil Naro, drummer Mark Miller, and new guitarist Kire Najdovski (in place of Mitch Perry). The band played several shows over the few years prior to Covid shutting down shows, and then the passing of Phil Naro (RIP). But in there the band signed with Metal Blade and recorded a new album. In fact they recorded the album they really intended to in 1985! Almost all of these songs came from that period of the band, with a couple having been included on the band’s 1984 live release Live Speed On Ice. So, for fans one could say this was long overdue and a most welcome album.

1985 kicks off with “Inner Mounting Flame”, a hard driving fast rocker that sets the tone for what’s to come, you’d be hard pressed to find a better album opener IN 1985! The album was recorded in Mark Miller’s house, and it’s very energetic and has a very live feel to it all. Tracks like “Do You Feel Any Better” (originally on the live ’84 album), “On The Take”, “Come When You Call”, “I’ll Take The Night”, and “Close To The Killer” are all enjoyable Talas rockers. Also included is “Power To Break Away”, which pre-dates the Phil Naro years (see youtube), and debuted on Mk 1’s 1998 live album If We Only Knew Then What We Know Now, and “Crystal Clear” – which also was included on the live ’84 album, as well as covered by Jim Crean (on his Velvet Crush album, feat Naro on backing vocals). The one ‘new’ track is “Black & Blue”, which a bit slower paced, near ballad; Phil’s vocal on the verses reminds me a bit of Kiss’ “I Love It Loud”. A good addition to the mix.

A great return album from Talas, though saddened that Phil Naro is no longer here to see it and see the reaction. The guy did an amazing job leaving fans with 2 excellent albums – Talas 1985 and Lips Turn Blue LTB (released a few months ago). Rockers will dig this album, it sounds awesome, probably a bit heavier than Talas’ 2 early studio albums, with lots of cool intros, riffs, and guitar solos. Love the album cover, very 80s, very fitting!

Links:

https://talas.bandcamp.com/album/1985

https://music.apple.com/album/1625152213?at=11lbUF

https://www.metalblade.com/talas/

https://www.facebook.com/talasv2

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1795442547162738

Story Behind The Album Cover: Joe Bouchard’s American Rocker by Alan Ayers

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American Rocker is Joe Bouchard’s new album, and it tells a number of stories relating to Joe’s past with Blue Oyster Cult, in particular – ‘the golden age’ of the ’70s rock era (see video in links). The album’s cover features stands out with a ’70s-period portrait of Joe, created by American artist Alan Ayers, who is better known for book covers (see the link to his website below). The album’s typeface was created by artist Wallace McBride (aka Unlovely Frankenstein). who also designed those classic looking book covers that appear in the videos for American Rocker. JB: “I did the videos, but I edited a lot of his art into the videos. He also did the typeface for the album cover. He’s very creative. I love his nostalgic approach.” The latest video is for the song “Deadly Kisses”, one of my favorite tracks on the album. Check it out, and check out the links below!

Below, Alan Ayers tells us about his work on the cover for American Rocker, as well as his favorite BOC tunes, and what else he has been involved in.

How you got involved with American Rocker

I was thrilled when Joe contacted me and asked if I would do the cover art for American Rocker. I met Joe through Joan Levy Hepburn, who has been a dear friend for 30+ years. 

As an experienced illustrator, and being of the same generation as Joe, he and Joan felt I would be able to recreate the wonderful energy of ‘70s art. 

Your background, and artwork you’re also known for

I’ve been illustrating professionally since 1979. My early career was as an advertising illustrator, but I transitioned to publishing in 1987. My work now is primarily novel covers. Occasionally I will work on a non-fiction title. I recently completed the cover for Bill O’Reilly’s latest book, Killing the Legends. I’m still managing multiple deadlines and have no plans on retiring. 

​Familiar with Joe’s and BOC’s music, favorite songs

I have very fond memories of early Rock and have been a fan of BOC for many years. There are so many BOC classics, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Don’t Fear The Reaper and Burning For You are two of my absolute favorites. I am nuts for all the tracks on American Rocker, but if I had to pick a fav it would be Deadly Kisses.

How you created the American Rocker cover art

Although I was trained traditionally and created images in acrylic and oil for many years, I’ve been working digitally since 1995. I am very comfortable working with a tablet, and often forget I’m not “pushing paint around”. The American Rocker cover was “painted” digitally, combining reference photos provided by Joe. The trip back to the 1970s style was great fun! My main visual influences were the great Daniel Maffia, with a touch of Warhol’s playful style.  

You were involved in a Rolling Stones’ cover

Yes, I did work on the Stones Bridges To Babylon insert — mostly on the interior desert scene with Gerard Howland. I did do the final adjustments on Kevin Murphy’s wonderful lion painting for the cover. 

My more recent work is on Instagram — traditional illustrations, far different from the wonderful, crazy art of the 70s!

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/alanayersstudio/

https://www.alanayersstudio.com/

Wallace McBride (Unlovely Frankenstein): https://unlovelyfrankenstein.com/collections/rock-and-roll

https://www.dekoentertainment.com/joebouchard

John Entwistle – Rarities Oxhumed : Volume One, coming soon

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John Entwistle’s Rarities Oxhumed – Volume One, Is Coming In October

John ‍Entwistle is best known as the legendary bassist ‍for the Who. Nicknamed the Ox and Thunderfingers, Entwistle’s music career spanned over four decades and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Who in 1990. Renowned for his musical abilities, he was voted as the greatest bassist ‍of all time in a 2011 Rolling Stone magazine readers’ poll and in its special “100 Greatest Bass Players” issue in 2017. Bass Player magazine named Entwistle at number seven.

Rarities Oxhumed – Volume One is the first in a series of posthumous releases coming from John Entwistle as part of a new partnership with Deko Entertainment and longtime friend and collaborator Steve Luongo. This first one has unreleased and remastered studio tracks, demos, and live tracks with gems like “Bogey Man” featuring Keith Moon, “Where You Going Now” (demo for the Who), and a raw live version of “Trick of the Light” recorded during the John Entwistle Band’s final tour in 2001. We will also take you behind the scenes with an expanded booklet with never-before-seen photos and a look into life on the road with John Entwistle.

As Steve Luongo comments,
“John and I began touring together in 1987. Every tour was more fun than the last. That was the idea. Play loud aggressive rock & roll, have fun, laugh our asses off, travel to the next gig, and repeat. During the 15 years that we worked together as a rhythm section, we remained true to that cause. Along the way we recorded some records and created a sizable catalog of ideas and material for the future. The future is now.”

The album cover concept was conceived by Steve Luongo and Chris Entwistle (John’s son). It gives a nod to John’s dark sense of humor and includes many of John’s favorite things. The two also worked with celebrity designer Queenie (Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Cardi B) to create two commemorative pieces of jewelry based on the Entwistle Crest. These are limited to only 300 each of both a necklace and keychain.

Deko president, Bruce Pucciarello, states,
“Hearing the foundation of sound that John Entwistle provided Pete Townshend on Live at Leeds was transformational for me. Watching Steve find these never heard gems from John’s career and making them available to the public is an honor for everyone involved.”

Tracklist:

Bogey Man

Darker Side Of Night

I’ll Try Again Today

When You See the Light

Back on the Road

Left for Dead (Alternate Version)

I Wouldn’t Sleep With You

Don’t Be a Sucker

Life Goes on” (Demo)

Where Ya Going Now (Demo)

Trick of the Light (Live)

Under a Raging Moon (Live)

Shakin’ All Over (Live)

Pre- Order: https://www.merchbucket.com/collections/john-entwistle

https://www.dekoentertainment.com/john-entwistle

www.johnentwistle.com

SPELL to release new album Tragic Magic

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Hypnotic Heavy Metal Band, SPELL, to Release New LP, ‘Tragic Magic’, October 28!
Vancouver Progressive Duo Drops Video for New Song “Ultraviolet”

Fantastical heavy metal band Spell will release it’s new LP, Tragic Magic, on October 28 via Bad Omen Records. Featuring ten tracks of prime, progressive heavy music flooded with mesmerizing atmospheres, Tragic Magic sees Spell take a decidedly grittier lyrical approach, leaning less into escapism, while confronting real life challenges of modern times. Striking use of art by Władysław Podkowiński for the cover.  Pre-order ‘Tragic Magic’ at THIS location. 

A first taste of what Tragic Magic holds in store can be ingested now as Spell unveils a video for the LP’s radiating first single “Ultraviolet”. Created by Sean Edwards for Ramble Films (Freeways), the eye-catching clip showcases Spell at the height of its powers. Stream Spell’s “Ultraviolet” video HERE. 

“Ultraviolet” explores the hidden terror of forces that rule us but cannot be perceived or understood, says Spell vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Cam Mesmer. “Our world is shaped by powers that the limitations of our physical bodies prevent us from directly encountering. Will we fall victim to the lust for that which cannot be ours, or harness them to fulfil our wildest dreams?”

Tragic Magic is the highly-anticipated follow up to Spell’s critically-acclaimed 2020 LP, Opulent Decay, a record hailed as “fantasy rock” by Blabbermouth, “enchanting” by Heavy Blog is Heavy, and “a captivating mix of Rush- and Blue Öyster Cult” by Revolver. 

Tragic Magic  was written and recorded entirely as a collaboration between brothers Cam and Al (Lester); the record’s songcraft is steeped in the atmosphere of the arcane, yet the hooks are more razor-sharp than ever. While influences like the esoteric charge of the aforementioned Blue Öyster Cult and the elemental expansions of Camel and King Crimson drift through these crepuscular melodies, Spell are as likely to be influenced by the life-affirming energy of ‘60s Motown, the ethereal dimensions of Cocteau Twins, the strident woe of Candlemass, and the classic songwriting chops of Russ Ballard. 

“The themes on this album are more concrete, guided by personal experience,” offers Mesmer. “Tragic Magic’ has to do with mental illness, ageing, the death of a loved one, the decay of time… this is what ‘tragic magic’ means to us – loss and tragedy outside of our control, which fundamentally alters our perceived reality. This album is our response to the world as it currently is: music for an ascetic age.” 

“And we couldn’t be happier about the result,” Mesmer continues. “The identity of Spell came into sharp focus as it was always intended to be. Music is magic, and Spell is a spell. Fundamentally, it is a forum to make our dreams come true”

   Track listing: 

   1.) Fatal Breath
   2.) Ultraviolet   
   3.) Hades Embrace  
   4.) Fever Dream  
   5.) Sarcophagus     
   6.) Cruel Optimism 
   7.) A Ruined Garden    
   8.) Souls in Chains  
   9.) Watcher of the Seas   
 10.) The Watching

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/spellspell

https://spellofficial.bandcamp.com

https://www.youtube.com/c/BadOmenRecords

http://www.metalblade.com

HUMBLE PIE – I Need A Star In My Life : Archived release

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Out Of The Archives Comes A Vintage Rarities Collection From Legendary British Rock Band HUMBLE PIE!

Fans of classic, hard-chargin’ blues rock take note! A superb collection of mid ’70s rare recordings from blues rock institution Humble Pie is being released this month. I Need A Star In My Life features studio recordings from 1974-1976 with unmistakable HP vocalist Steve Marriott along with bassist Greg Ridley and guitarist Clem Clempson. Together this trio experimented with a variety of styles and sounds as they composed several new songs as well as rearranging songs by soul legend Sam Cooke, blues giant Bo Diddley, and others. King Crimson saxophonist Mel Collins even pops in for a special guest appearance!

These recordings have been completely digitally remastered and packaged with full liner notes from music journalist Dave Thompson. I Need A Star In My Life is available now on all formats including CD, digital and multiple vinyl configurations!

Order the CD/VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=humble+pie+i+need+a+star&post_type=product

Stream the album: https://orcd.co/humble_pie_i_need_a_star

*Also be sure to check out the companion 7” featuring the band’s take on Sam Cooke’s “Shake” as well as an ultra rare track “Bluestalk” featuring the original guitarist of The Rolling Stones, Brian Jones!

Order the 7”:
Stream “Shake”: https://orcd.co/72e4w7x
Stream “Bluestalk”: https://orcd.co/5mnbn1m

Track List:
1. Shake
2. Mona
3. Lend Us A Quid
4. Send Me Some Lovin’
5. She Moves Me Man
6. Street Rat
7. Captain Goatcabin’s Balancing Stallions
8. High And Happy
9. Be My Baby
10. It’s All Over
11. Bluegrass Interval
12. Don’t Take But A Few Minutes
13. Louisiana Blues
14. You’re A Heartbreaker
15. I Need A Star In My Life
16. Cocaine
17. I’ll Find You
18.Lord Let Me Hold Out
19. Hambone
20. Signed Sealed

I Need A Star In My Life appears to be a reissue (remaster, repackage?) of the The Scrubber Sessions, which features the same track listing, and also includes in the credits – Boz Burrell (bass, ex King Crimson), Ian Wallace (drums, ex King Crimson), Tim Hinkley (keyboards, organ), Joe Brown (fiddle), and BJ Cole (pedal steel guitar). Presumably this will be an upgrade in sound, and the packaging looks nicely done.

www.CleopatraRecords.com
https://www.facebook.com/CleopatraRecords/
https://www.instagram.com/cleopatrarecords/
https://twitter.com/cleopatrarecord
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCopQ0616Fpfrq8Gt0N-0zOQ

Mike Starrs – 70s solo album Electric Garden to get CD reissue w/ bonus tracks

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Scottish singer Mike Starrs recorded albums with Colosseum II and Lucifer’s Friend in the late ’70s, but prior to that, he had released a number of solo singles, as well as a solo album in 1974.

First ever CD release of Mike Starrs’ only solo album

Remastered by band member Gerry Morris and approved by Mike Starrs and original producer Tony Atkins.

 Includes all four of his non-album singles as bonus tracks; a ‘catch-all’ of his 1970s solo releases.

Featuring 12 tracks Electric Garden was pure 70s pop, featuring plenty of ballads, strings, and songs that would’ve fit a number of AM radio playlists. Most of the songs were written by bass player Gerry Morris, at least half of those with Starrs. Morris had previously been a part of 60s band The Cymbaline, as well as prog band Lodestone – who’s lone 1971 album Time Flies, is also seeing a CD release next month. On Electric Garden, Starrs was also supported by the Rubettes’ John Richardson (drums) & Peter Arnesen (keyboards), as well as Mike Bailey (trumpet + string and brass arrangements), and guitarist Geoff Whitehorn! The latter would go on to Crawler, Bad Company and Procol Harum. Both Whitehorn and Gerry Morris also released his solo albums in ’74, with much of the same support crew (players, producer, engineers). All these albums were produced by Tony Atkins (Marquee Productions). Both Morris and Atkins have also been involved with this Cherry Red release of Electric Garden. I have the original LP version of Electric Garden, on the Telefunken label, and can only find another release for it on Pink Elephant (Netherlands), it is the latter that was used as the base for this CD reissue, as the 2 1974 issues had slightly different tracklistings and running orders. And though it was recorded and mixed in London Electric Garden never got a UK release in ’74! The album’s cover shot of Mike was one of (or The) first to be taken by famous ’70s photographer Barry Levine, who went on to credits with the likes of The Sweet, Kiss, The Runaways and more.

In a 2014 interview with Mike Starrs, he recalled – “In the ’70s I was living and working in London, Singing 6 nights a week in a Pub in Essex the Band was called Spinning Wheel our keyboard player for approximately 2yrs was Rick Wakeman – who as you know went on to become rather well known. A record producer heard the band and offered me a deal with The Marquee Studios which was behind the Famous Marquee Club. I recorded 1 album and a couple of singles.”

Electric Garden originally came with lengthy liner notes, and biography on Mike Starrs on the back cover, the CD reissue includes those, as well as new linernotes from Mike. Electric Garden also includes Mike Starrs’ version of “Da-Doo-Ron-Ron”, originally a hit for ’60s all-female American act The Crystals, (and was later a hit for Shaun Cassidy). It is listed as a ‘bonus’ track here, though it is the first track on my German vinyl pressing, it wasn’t included on the original Dutch LP. The Pink Elephant LP also featured one more track than the Telefunken version, including “Loving You” (Atkins/Morris) and “I’ll Take Good Care Of You” – originally written by American Jerry Ragovoy and became a hit for R & B singer Garnett Mimms in 1966. Highights on the album include the ballad “Beautiful Day” (Starrs/Morris), the upbeat “Electric Garden” (Morris), “Hold One” (penned, but apparently unused by Lodestone), as well an excellent cover of Lesley Duncan’s 1970 hit “Hold On”. The heavier rockin’ B-side “Witches Brew” (Morris) is a great addition, would’ve made a good album cut too. More recently Starrs has recorded with Crossover, and with Peter Hesslein; Gerry Morris went on to success as a songwriter and producer, working with American singer Amii Stewart (among others).

TRACKLISTING:

FEEL SO GOOD
WHEN IT COMES TO LOVE
ELECTRIC GARDEN
THE WILL
GOOD LIFE
TO EVERYONE CONCERNED
LOVING YOU
BEAUTIFUL DAY
LOOKING FOR LOVE
I’LL TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU
HOLD ON
LOVE SONG
*Bonus tracks
WITCHES BREW
LOST WITHOUT YOU
DA-DOO-RON-RON
BLUE AND WHITE

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/mikestarrsoflucifersfriendandcolosseumII

https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/mike-starrs-electric-garden-expanded-edition/
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/lodestone-time-flies-cd/