Tragic Magic from Canadian band Spell was released last year, and is my most played album since then. So, I have a few copies! If you haven’t heard this yet, check out tracks likes “Hades Embrace”, “Fever Dream” and “Watcher Of The Seas”.
IronRound Records has just released a limited 100 copies of Tragic Magic on cassette. They’re also releasing a number of other titles from other bands – This, and Tragic Magic ordering info can be found at > https://ironboundrecords.bandcamp.com/album/tragic-magic
Southern roots rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck have released Live At The Ancienne Belgique, their first-ever live concert film, via Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records. Recorded during their sold-out show at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium on June 29th, 2022, the live CD/DVD set captures the Wreck amid their longest-ever tour – 67 performances in 75 days across 9 countries. The night was nothing less than spectacular, featuring a setlist that spanned the last decade of their prolific career, from their 2013 debut to their 2022 release. Watch the official live music video for “Oh Miss Carolina”, and purchase/stream Live At The Ancienne BelgiqueHERE.
“A lot of time and effort went into our show at the Ancienne Belgique … We had been meaning to make a live album for years, so we saw this as an opportunity to document and release unique, more evolved versions of our songs.” – frontman Robert Jon Burrison.
The Wreck has shared a series of live singles over the past few weeks, leading into the release of Live At The Ancienne Belgique. This included “Blame It On The Whiskey,” their first single over ten years ago; an extended, psychedelic take on fan favorite “Hey Hey Mama;” and the album’s lead single “Shine a Light on Me Brother,” originally the title track of their 2021 studio full-length. “’Shine’ is always an exhilarating song to play live,” Robert Jon commented upon its release. “There are a lot of moving pieces and even a time change between the verse and chorus. Without the horns from the studio recording, it definitely has more of a ‘rock’ feel to it in a live setting. This song also features the talents of two backup singers, which added a lot to our sound!”
The band’s very recent dynamic new EP release of One Of A Kind, out now on all digital platforms, received rave reviews from all over the world and helped catapult the band’s awareness into new heights. The One Of A Kind EP was the first taste of a slate of new material that Robert Jon & The Wreck will roll out over the next year and beyond. Prolific songwriters with a wealth of new material who refuse to be constrained by traditional release strategies, the band’s new partnership with Journeyman Records affords them the opportunity to work with the world’s top producers and release a steady stream of high-quality singles on an ongoing basis, cutting through the industry chaos and ensuring new music is accessible to fans as intended.
Reigning from Southern California, Robert Jon & The Wreck take the Southern rock sound from the east coast and make it their own. Since their inception in 2011, these native Californians; Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, background vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, background vocals), and Warren Murrel (bass) have been electrifying audiences all over the world with their soaring guitar leads, rich vocal harmonies, and memorable tunes. Recently, keyboardist Jake Abernathie joined the band as an official member as they continue to tour and record in the studio. Simply put, it is difficult to ignore when these talented musicians take the stage.
Robert Jon & The Wreck is currently touring as support for Blackberry Smoke as well as their own headlining gigs. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://robertjonandthewreck.com/
Live At The Ancienne Belgique CD/DVD – by Robert Jon & The Wreck
1. The Devil Is Your Only Friend 2. Rollin’* 3. She’s A Fighter* 4. Do You Remember 5. Henry Guitar Solo 6. Hey Hey Mama 7. Blame It On The Whiskey 8. Oh Miss Carolina 9. Tired Of Drinking Alone 10. Steve Keys Solo 11. The Death Of Me 12. Waiting For Your Man* 13. Andrew Drum Solo* 14. Don’t Let Me Go 15. Old Friend 16. Shine A Light On Me Brother 17. Cold Night 18. Glory Bound* 19. On The Run
British blues-rock trio Bakerloo was a short-lived outfit, who’s debut album became highly sought after, not just for solid heavy blues-rock on it, but also for the connections of the players involved. Bakerloo guitarist Dave ‘Clem’ Clempson – who would go on to Colosseum, Humble Pie, Rough Diamond; drummer Keith Baker – who would join the pre-Supertramp band ‘Daddy’, and then Uriah Heep where he’d tour and play on the Salisbury album, and bassist Terry Poole, who would later work with Graham Bond, and with Colin Blunstone (Zombies). Baker wasn’t the band’s first drummer, there were many – including Bill Ward (before him) and Cozy Powell (after him), but Baker was there for the majority of 1969 when the band recorded their lone LP. Released in the UK & Europe, Bakerloo consisted of 7 tracks , largely written by Clempson & Poole, It’s pretty heavy blues, blues-rock,a bit of jazz, jams, a few cuts without vocals. Clempson and Poole also sang a few songs each, and Clempson was also credited with harmonica, Harpsichord, and piano.
Bakerloo highlights included the Willie Dixon cover “Bring It On Home”, as well as “Gang Bang” – which is the lone track to include Keith Baker on the writing credits, and this is likely due to almost half of the track being a drum solo! There’s also the fast, energetic opener “Big Bear Ffolly”, and the 15 minute “Son Of Moonshine – which is an epic of blues rock, proto-metal, and a few tempo changes, a must hear for Clempson’s guitar playing.
There have been a few CD reissues of this, but the 2013 Esoteric package includes 5 bonus tracks, liner notes from Malcolm Dome, an interview with Clem Clempson, as well as various images – a much better prospect than holding out for an LP w/ original gatefold cover, which can fetch 200-300 $ US.
BAKERLOO “Bakerloo” (Harvest SHVL 762 stereo). IN the nouveau manner of jazz- rock fusions. Bakerloo are yet another group more musically competent than most. They tend to use attractive jazz percussion work combined with mediocre material-but basically they are a quality outfit. Musically, this LP is worth listening to-they are good. Interesting to hear further records. * * * * – Record Mirror, Sept 13, 1969
Ritchie Henman was a founding member of legendary Canadian band April Wine. Formed in 1969 by Ritchie (drums), brother David (guitar, vocals), cousin Jim Henman (bass), and Myles Goodwyn (guitar, vocals). The band moved from Nova Scotia to Montreal early on with the hopes of landing gigs and a record deal, on the basis of a misunderstood response from a well known promoter. Ritchie and David Henman wrote and played on the first 3 albums, before leaving the band and moving on to other projects. In that time April Wine made an impact on the Canadian charts with such hits as “Fast Train”, “Could Have Been A Lady”, “Bad Side Of The Moon”, and “Drop Your Guns”. Ritchie also played on the excellent album by Cruiser – Rollin’ With The Times, from 1980.
Anyway, after all these years Ritchie Henman has written his own story in the newly released – High Adventure – Tales Of Canadian Rock & Roll Survival, which details his earliest days in Novav Scotia to his days as the original drummer in April Wine as the band was gaining popularity early on. On to the band The Dudes, Cruiser, and others, on to (presumably) his post-rock days.
High Adventure – Tales Of Canadian Rock & Roll Survival is available on Amazon, as well as the publisher’s site. For more info check out the links below.
*There will be a book launch for High Adventure, with Ritchie, at the Dorval Library on May 17. Go to http://www.ritchiehenman.com for more info and to register.
From 1971 to ’77 British folk-rock band UNICORN released 4 albums. Their most memorable being 1976’s Too Many Crooks, which was one of a few of their records to be produced by David Gilmour. Too Many Crooks was the band’s third album, but in Canada and the US, it was released as Unicorn 2, with different album artwork (the previous album Blue Pine Trees was issued as the band’s first, with a very similar cover to Unicorn 2). Too Many Crooks (or Unicorn 2) included the classic “No Way Out Of Here”, which David Gilmour would cover for his 1978 debut solo album, as well as the single. Gilmour is also credited with pedal-steel guitar on the title track. These guys were a mix of folk rock, country rock, and pop, with Too Many Crooks featuring 10 excellent songs written by Ken Baker, and added fine harmonies throughout the songs. Other favorites include “Ferry Boat”, “Easy” and “Weekend”. If you’re a fan of the likes of Poco, The Eagles, Crosby, Stills & Nash, you’d want to hear this. Too Many Crooks will be reissued on CD and Vinyl on May 12, via Think Like A Key Music. It will include liner notes by Dave Disano, rare photos, and the bonus track (outtake) “So Far Away”. *For more info check out the press release below, as well as links.
UK Country Rock Legends Unicorn’s Seminal Third Album Produced by Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour With It’s Reissue on CD & Vinyl
Enchanting British Folk-Rock and West Coast Vibes Return on May 12, 2023 courtesy of Think Like A Key Music
Unicorn’s captivating third album “Too Many Crooks,” produced by Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, returns to delight fans and music aficionados alike with its reissue on CD and vinyl, set to release on May 12, 2023, through Think Like A Key Music. The album, originally released on EMI’s Harvest label in the UK and Capitol in the US, showcases the band’s unique blend of pastoral British folk-rock and evocative West Coast vibes.
The reissue invites listeners to immerse themselves in Ken Baker’s rich songwriting tapestry, woven together with Beatlesque melodies, tight performances, and a compelling sonic narrative. Tracks like the irresistible country-rock anthems “He’s Got Pride” and “In The Mood,” the funky groove of “Bullseye Bill,” and the tender, Big Star-esque title track effortlessly explore a diverse range of musical landscapes.
Although Unicorn’s proto-powerpop gem “Disco Dancer” did not achieve chart success, the haunting track “No Way Out Of Here” found a second life on David Gilmour’s debut album. This reissue is an essential piece of music history for any discerning music aficionado.
The album’s liner notes, written by Dave Disanzo, tell the story of Unicorn’s connection with David Gilmour, who not only produced the album but also played guitar on several tracks. “Too Many Crooks,” considered by many as Unicorn’s finest release, perfectly encapsulates the band’s brilliant songwriting, exquisite harmonies, masterful musicianship, and crystal-clear production.
The reissue includes rare session photos and lyrics, making it a must-have for fans and collectors. Don’t miss this opportunity to rediscover the enchanting sounds of Unicorn’s seminal third album.
About Unicorn:Unicorn was a renowned British rock band formed in 1971, originally known as The Senders. Their unique sound combined elements of country-rock, soft rock, and folk, creating a distinct and captivating musical experience. Discovered by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, who took on the role of their producer and mentor, Unicorn consisted of talented musicians Ken Baker (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Pat Martin (bass, vocals), Peter Perrier (drums, vocals), and Kevin Smith (guitar, vocals). Throughout their career, the band released four critically acclaimed albums, garnering a dedicated fan base. Despite their undeniable talent and passion, Unicorn never achieved mainstream success, ultimately disbanding in 1980. Their legacy, however, continues to live on through their timeless music and the impact they had on their loyal listeners.
About Think Like A Key Music:Think Like A Key Music is an independent record label devoted to the promotion and production of frequently underrepresented music. The label’s objective is to produce timeless, inspiring, and uplifting music releases for an ever-evolving world. Possessing a wealth of experience and talent, Think Like A Key Music offers a fresh perspective to the music industry by crafting releases that resonate with listeners for years to come. We invite you to embark on a musical journey with us, exploring our diverse catalog, and uncovering new favorites as well as revisiting cherished classics.
UNICORN 2 – Unicorn – Capitol ST 11453 – Producer: David Gilmour – List: 6.98 A nice, mellow blend of laidback country flavored blues highlights the latest effort by Unicorn. Nothing takes predominance as vocals and instrumentals share all lead passages with equally effective results. A couple of rockers round out this musical picture in fine form. There’s AM in this record’s future while easy listening and possibly country outlets might wish to bite. Top listens include “Too Many Crooks“, “Keep On Going”, and “No Way Out Of Here”. – Cash-Box-1976-01-24
UNICORN 2 -Capitol ST -11453. Second LP from British quartet produced by Pink Floyd member David Gilmour is a well done mix of goodtime rock (similar to ’60s British material), acoustic, harmonizing mid tempo cuts and even a country rock cut or two. Best cuts: “Weekend,” “He’s Got Pride,” “Keep On Going,” “Easy.” – Billboard 1976-01-24
PARIS was a power trio that included former Fleetwood Mac singer/guitarist Bob Welch, former Jethro Tull bass player Glenn Cornick, and former Nazz drummer Thom Mooney. Formed in 1975, following Welch’s departure from Fleetwood Mac, Paris released their first of two albums in January of ’76. As a major part of Fleetwood Mac for 4 albums, including such classics as “Hypnotized”, “Bermuda Triangle”, and “Sentimental Lady” – a track he’d lady re-record and have a hit as a solo artist. Anyway, Paris debut album would be a heavier, blues based – rockier album, Zeppelin influenced rather than more in tune with the Fleetwood Mac stuff. Glenn Cornick was a fitting heavy bass player, having played on the first few Tull albums, as well as Wild Turkey. Rockers like “Black Book”, “Religion”, “Nazarene”, and “Rock Of Ages” – all really good tracks, that should’ve appealed to those in to Zeppelin, Mountain, and perhaps Deep Purple. I love the recording on this record, produced & engineered by Jimmy Robinson, who’s later credits also included early Sammy Hagar, Detective, and Yesterday & Today. Check out cuts like “Narrow Gate” – with a number of changes, and Cornick’s bass sound jumping out, as well as “Beautiful Youth”, which sounds like it would’ve fit nicely on a previously Fleetwood Mac album, which makes sense as Welch wrote everything here.
Paris didn’t crack the Top 100 at the time (#103 in the US), I haven’t found much else on it, and there was no single from it. The band would release a follow up later than year with Hunt Sales replacing Mooney. Welch would later go on to a successful solo career, releasing a number of albums, and having a few it singles. When Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the R & R Hall of Fame in 1998 Welch was omitted, which was shameful,, IMO. Welch passed away in 2012, Cornick passed in 2014, Mooney took part in a one-off Nazz reunion for Rundgren Radio in 2019. The Paris album has been reissued a few times on CD, so shouldn’t be hard to find, and is well worth checking out.
PARIS, Capitol ST- 11464. The world of heavy metal boogie gets a new power trio featuring guitarist- singer -writer Robert Welch, lately of Fleetwood Mac, with bassist -keyboardist Glen Cornick, an original member of Jethro Tull. The buzzsaw gui- tar leads and oh- so- cosmic lyrics remind one of the early Deep Purple at its most rambunctious. Best cuts: “Beautiful Youth,” “Narrow Gate,” “Nazarene.”
Uriah Heep have released a new video from Chaos And Colour. The track is “Golden Light”, a favorite, penned by Mick Box & Phil Lanzon.
“Golden Light” is a smorgasbord of soaring melodies, robust rhythm, luscious guitar lines, and brims with spiritual optimism. “We’ve always had positive energy in everything we do,” beams Mick Box, Uriah Heep’s venerable and effervescent founding member. “It’s always good over evil no matter where we look at it. That’s what we’re like as people, which is why it’s always been a big part of Heep to have that positivity.” “‘Golden Light’ is a typical melodic Heep rock song” continues Box, “it explains that in this troubled world, there is a guardian angel shining down a light, to guide us through these difficult times. ‘Appy days!”
Produced by Jay Ruston, and engineered by Pieter Rietkerk, Chaos & Colour is a superb album of quality hard rock from the pioneers of the genre who continue to create top class material. Old fans will be reinvigorated whilst new fans will surely find Chaos & Colour an exceptional discovery. In this, their 53rd pioneering year as a band, Chaos & Colour sees Uriah Heep throwing down more life, light and energy than peers 40 years their juniors.
Chaos & Colour is available to order now on Black and Coloured Vinyl configurations, as a standard CD Digipak, and digital formats. Orders can be place here: https://lnk.to/ChaosandColour
The latest installment of Avi Rosefield’s Very Heepy Very Purple is out. The Israeli guitarist/songwriter is on volume 14 in his series of classic rock albums, heavily influenced by Uriah Heep & Deep Purple, among other great bands. X!V features 10 new tracks, as well as an impressive list of guests from such bands as Savatage, Bonfire, and Jag Panzer.
The lead off track “I Got A Riff” has a very Deep Purple sound and feel to it, like it would’ve made a cool opener to an early Gillan era album; great vocals courtesy of Hadi Kiani (Deaton Lemay Project). The 2nd track, “Fire And Ice” is equally as good, featuring Damond Jiniya (Dead Dark Slide, Savatage), though I can’t help but notice that sounds remarkably like an Iron Maiden song. “The Mass Grave” offers up something unique, a ballad, featuring Stefano Stex Sbrignadello (Great Master) on vocals, and violin from Sanja Smileska Mihajlovski .
But without rambling on about every track, this is a solid album of music, not a bun track here, and it should suit classic hard-rock/heavy prog fans. Other highlights being “Asteroids”, which is heavy on the Hammond organ courtesy of Michael Berry, making this one reminiscent of Rainbow, and like many others here is given a classy Blackmore-sound influenced solo. As well check out the closing track “Black Rocks”, featuring Harry ‘The Tyrant’ Conlin (Titan Force, Jag Panzer), and some Heep-like harmonies. If you like that familiarity of certain bands, from a certain era – you may want to dig in to this and this whole series. *Check out the links below for more info and ordering…
I recently watched the Now Spinning Magazine show (podcast) with Phil Aston and Martin Popoff discussing their favorite Deep Purple albums, and which inspired me to take out a few DP albums I hadn’t listened to in a while, including this one – Slaves and Masters, from late 1990. I remember how big the Purple reunion was in the mid ’80s, and how good Perfect Strangers was, and beyond the first single from House Of Blue Light, I quickly lost interest (wasn’t a fan at the time). Eventually it was announced that Joe Lynn Turner was the new singer for Deep Purple, after press articles that Jimi Jamison (Survivor) and Terry Brock (Strangeways) would be the new singer. Jamison had a new Survivor album out around the time, and was pressured by shady management not to take the Purple gig. Anyone who’s heard Jamison’s pre-Survivor albums with Target and Cobra might agree he would’ve been an excellent choice. Anyway, former Rainbow singer JL Turner was brought in, presumably at Ritchie Blackmore’s insistence, and I recall a UK music mag headline that read (something like) ‘Grown Men Wept Openly...’ upon announcing the news. Now, I wasn’t a big Purple fan then, and I liked the string of Rainbow radio hits with JLT in the early ’80s, so I wasn’t as upset, though in retrospect Slaves And Masters really made Purple more like Rainbow (an American radio friendly band) than what Purple was known for. But, I did like the first single “King Of Dreams”, which got plenty of radio play at the time, and I recall picking up the album new off the rack at Poptones in Niagara Falls! I played it a lot, especially side 1 – “King Of Dreams”, “The Cut Runs Deep”, “Fire In The Basement” were really good tracks (still are), that I dug right away. “Fire In The Basement” with that killer riff, kinda trying to be a next generation “Smoke On The Water” (without the story)! Heck, each track had a memorable intro. “Fortune Teller” was good as well, though a bit softer.
Side 2 carried on with a more AOR approach, less impressive IMO, but still included a few favorites like “Truth Hurts” and the more hard -rockin’ “Wicked Ways”. It also contained the ballad/single “Love Conquers All”, not a bad song, but out of place on a Deep Purple album (for me), as well as “Too Much Is Not Enough”, a track originally penned for JLT’s solo follow up to 1985’s Rescue You. The 12 inch single version for “Love Conquers All” also featured the non-LP “Slow Down Sister”. This one was produced by Roger Glover, a very ’80s radio friendly production, full of different keyboard sounds, no really lengthy or overly heavy songs (aside from maybe “Fire In The Basement”). And as much as I like this album overall, enjoyable listening, I think what it is missing is that one killer track like say “Knockin’ At Your Back Door” (thou’ the first 2 cuts come close). Even the album’s cover-art, though preferable for me to the previous few, screamed ’80s hard-rock.
Slaves And Masters didn’t live up to record company expectations, and a follow up with this line-up was dropped as the record company wanted Ian Gillan back in for the band’s 25th Anniversary, and the follow up The Battle Rages On. I gotta say I wasn’t crazy about that one either, so Slaves And Masters, tho’ not perfect, I enjoyed more than the one before and after it.
From 1979 to ’82 Robin George recorded at the Old Smithy Studio in Worcester. During that time he worked closely with the late Daniel Boone (aka Pete Green), and was part of the Byron Band, (ex Uriah Heep). He also managed to record a number of tracks, these included numerous (now) legendary musicians and writers. So, through Cherry Red, Robin’s earliest recordings will get a proper release in June. These 24 original recordings were shelved as Robin would sign to Arista and release the 6-track mini-LP History in 1983, and then signed to Bronze to make the Dangerous Music album in ’84.
Aided by various musical luminaries, including Dave Holland and Charlie Morgan (Elton John) on drums, Pino Palladino (The Who) and Pete Wright (Trapeze) on bass, Daniel Boone, Mark Stanway (Magnum) and Terry Rowley (Trapeze) on keyboards with Mel Collins (King Crimson, Bad Company) on sax.
2 CDs of classic, melodic rock, this release features many photos from Robin’s personal archive and the set is completed by previously unpublished liner notes from the late Malcolm Dome, a much missed and well-respected music journalist who had been a great supporter of Robin’s career for over 40 years.
Ace In My Hand’ kicks off a campaign of exciting titles from Robin George, who will be available for interviews and press to promote this release.
“Ace In My Hand’ is not a nostalgia trip. It’s a lesson in music for everyone.” Malcolm Dome.
Track Listing
DISC ONE
1 Ace In My Hand 2 Castles In The Sky 3 Chance Of A Lifetime 4 Everybody Loves A Winner 5 Get On Your Knees And Pray 6 Go Down Fighting 7 Heartline 8 Home Is Where The Heart Is 9 I Believed In You 10 Johnny 11 Looks Better In Daylight
DISC TWO
1 Losing You 2 Lying On My Telephone 3 Machine 4 Mona Lisa Smile 5 Never Too Late 6 Private Lives 7 Run In The Dark 8 She Plays Computer Games 9 She Really Blew My Mind 10 Streetwise 11 This Time 12 Too Late 13 Tragedy
