Tag Archives: canadian rock

Story Behind The Album Cover – APRIL WINE’s Animal Grace

2 Comments

April Wine’s 1984 album Animal Grace was the band’s final album as the ‘classic’ 5-piece line-up. The band broke up after a farewell tour following Animal Grace’s release. The album saw a couple of singles, but clearly the band was not supporting it, playing only 1 song from it in their live set. Animal Grace would also be the first April Wine album cover not to be designed by Aquarius Records’ Bob Lemm – who had designed pretty much every cover since 1973, nor would it feature the band’s logo that had been used on every release since 1978. Instead American designer John O’Brien was given the task to create the follow up to 1982’s Powerplay. Like every April Wine cover, it was a completely new design, and new look, suitable for the times.. John O’Brien has done numerous album covers throughout his career, notably for Tina Turner, Billy Squier, and Great White’s 2 biggest releases. In this exchange John details coming up with and creating the cover for Animal Grace, as well as his background, and touches on a few other covers he did. I’ve included a few of John’s other covers, as well as links to his work at the end.

How did you get in to album cover art design? Can you give a bit of your background? 

Growing up I always had a love for Album Cover art and music, it seemed to be the perfect creative vehicle – visual and sonic delivery, it stimulated my senses. I graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 1981 with a Masters in Art, with Design focus. I freelanced at various design studios that specialized in entertainment in Los Angles my last year of school, and continued up to1983 after graduation. After working and showing my portfolio for 2 years, I received a call from the Creative Director at EMI Records, Bill Burks that there was an opening at Capitol Records for a designer. He recommended me, I interviewed with the Art Director, Roy Kohara and received the position. From 1983-1989 I worked in the Art Department on all aspects of an assigned project, from Cover Deign, Advertising, Marketing to Promotional Materials. Depending on the specific project I was responsible for concepts, logo design, hiring outside illustrators, typographers and building the final mechanicals, as in those days they were built by hand.

Am I correct to assume you worked for Capitol Records (seeing most of your credits on Capitol), and is that how the April Wine cover came about? 

Yes, from 1983-1989 as stated I worked on staff. After 1989 work with various labels. Being a staff designer projects required different approaches. Some had art attached, logos and cover art concepts supplied by the artist and management, others needed a full exploration.
I was assigned the project which needed a cover concept for April Wine with the title Animal Grace. From this point I was responsible for coming up with ideas to represent the concept for presentation to artists, management and marketing.

Were you familiar with the band and/or their music? 

I had not previously followed the band but was aware of their music.

You are credited with design, and there are (2) art directors credited – Can you tell me how much of the whole album package was your design – back, front, lettering…? 

I cannot recall what transpired at the time that 2 Art Directors were credited, perhaps one was on vacation and the other filled in for presentations and sign off of final art approval and budget as that was the process. As the designer on this specific project I was responsible for the creative, but I did not have direct contact with the band or management.

I was responsible for completing all packaging for the project (logo, cover, back cover, insert) as well as any campaign ads for marketing and poster. All layouts and final mechanicals were done by me in house at Capitol.

As almost all previous April Wine covers were designed by Aquarius’ Bob Lemm – who also designed their logo,  is that why the logo (from the band’s previous 4 albums was not used? 

There was no mandatory that a previous logo be utilized. I selected a bold font and introduced a fine line to reflect the nature of the art, without competing with the art. The cleaner logo created
did not battle the art work and maximized the visual impact of the artwork illustration.

Did you have much contact / input from the band (or specific members) management? and did you ever listen to the album? 

On this project, I had no direct contact from the band or management. Communications filtered internally down from the Creative Director to Art Director to Designer.

Can you tell me a bit what inspired / influenced this cover piece, and how it was achieved? 

While coming up with concepts I searched various illustration promotional pieces and periodicals as well, and found a captivating image by Marshall Arisman that fit the title with perfection. Bold and powerful, elegant and graceful, the image was compelling. At this point it was comped up with a few other ideas, but this was the strongest image.

You also did Billy Squier’s Hear & Now album. Recall much from creating that? 

In this case, I was assigned the project and it had very definitive parameters. Art elements were supplied specifically and indicated for the cover. Billy and the Art Director, Tommy Steele
had a very clear concept of the desired look. The cover was built to specifications and I designed the rest of the package reflecting the look of the cover to follow the feel.

Any favorites and/or most successful album covers you’ve designed? 

My favorite project was ‘Private Dancer’, by Tina Turner. I was going on vacation but cancelled it when the opportunity came up to work on this release. In this case I was involved with the Producer, John Carter and Management, Roger Davies on all aspects of the release. From coming up with the logo, all packaging including the double cover release – they needed one layout that worked with 2 separate cover images. I designed all domestic singles, advertising, marketing elements, standees, promotional items for over a year. A fantastic opportunity, amazing people… and Tina who had an undeniable presence that filled anywhere she was with the brightest light.

Another was the Great White project, ‘Once Bitten Twice Shy’ with Alan Niven. Another long inclusive creative project with many singles and advertising elements. A lot of fun with compelling visual elements with Alans inspiration.

Are you still creating any album covers? If not, what else have you been up to in the art world?

A few elaborate CD/DVD projects done for Alan Niven’s Tru-B-Dor Management a few years back, Storm of Perception and Chris Buck and The Big Horns. An album project for John Klages, Fabulous Twilight on Danbury Fair Records. A recently completed project for Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals), ‘Then And Now’. A fun project with a great musician and great management team. Hopefully a new one for Mark Farner’s American Band upcoming.

LINKS:

Select Company Overview: http://www.artministry.com

Music packaging on: https://www.discogs.com/artist/1841967-Artministry-Inc

https://www.discogs.com/artist/1850209-CimarronBaconOBrien

RIP – MYLES GOODWYN

1 Comment

A sad day for Canadian music with the passing of APRIL WINE founding member, guitarist, singer, and songwriter – Myles Goodwyn. This one hits hard because being Canadian, April Wine was one of the first bands I ever saw live, and the band was a regular on Canadian radio. The band was formed out east in 1969, relocated to Montreal and signed to Aquarius Records, where they would go on to be the label’s biggest band. By the time of the band’s third studio album, Electric Jewels, Goodwyn would be the sole remaining founding member, and would go on to guide the band to huge success, particularly in the early late 70s -80s with the albums First Glance, Harder…Faster, Nature Of The Beast and Powerplay. Throughout the 70s and 80s, Goodwyn wrote, sang, and produced a steady string of singles and hits for the band, even before the band became a hit in the US. Anyone growing up in Canada could not turn on the radio here without hearing an April Wine song at some point. Many of the band’s favorites still feature on FM radio here, whether it’s the early ones like “You Could Have Been A Lady” or late 70s-80s classics like “Say Hello”, “Just Between You And Me”, or the band’s epic take on Lorence Hud’s “Sign Of The Gypsy Queen”. Not to mention “Roller” , the band’s breakthrough US hit, which can still be heard not only on radio, but at arenas during hockey games (Junior & pro…). Being Canadian, if you grew up in the 70s or 80s — you had heard Myles with April Wine; the band played high schools and arenas across the country in the 70s, and was a staple of Canadian radio.

Earlier this year Myles announced his retirement from touring with the band and selected his own replacement (Marc Parent). In the last few years, Goodwyn recorded and released his own solo albums Myles Goodwyn and Friends Of The Blues (1 & 2) , as well as his 2016 autobiography Just Between You and Me. RIP Myles, a Canadian rock n roll legend.

Below are 10 classics April Wine tracks written and sang by Myles Goodwyn.

Roller

from the band’s 1978 breakthrough (US) single and album (First Glance).

Rock N Roll Is A Vicious Game

Also from First Glance. A classic April Wine number, once tributed to Bon Scott (AC/DC) ; nicely covered by Sebastien Bach of Skid Row.

Comin’ Right Down On Top Of Me – also from First Glance

Say Hello – from 1979’s Harder…Faster

Also from Harder…Faster

Just Between You And Me

From the band’s biggest album Nature Of The Beast

Sign Of The Gypsy Queen

Enough Is Enough

The first single from 1982’s Powerplay

Anything You Want You Want It

Also from Powerplay, a great opening number.

This Could Be The Right One

The first single and only track play played live from 1984’s Animal Grace.

Sons Of The Pioneers

Another single and great track from the underrated Animal Grace album. This would mark the end of the band’s most successful line-up and era.

Love Has Remembered Me

the hit single from the 1985 album Walking Through Fire

If You Believe In Me

In 1993 April Wine returned with the album Attitude, which was ful of Myles Goodwyn gems, and April Wine favorites.

Also from Attitude

Look Into The Sun

From 1994’s Frigate album. Perhaps the heaviest thing Myles and AW ever recorded. The best track on the album!

I’ll Give You That

From the band’s 2001 album Back To The Mansion.

CONEY HATCH to celebrate 40th anniversary of ‘Outa Hand’ album

5 Comments

CONEY HATCH will be doing a 40th anniversary show to celebrate the band’s 2nd album Outa Hand.

Released in July of 1983, Outa Hand was produced by Max Norman (Ozzy, Y & T, Ian Hunter). “First Time For Everything” was the hit single from the album, and it also featured favorites like “Don’t Say Make Me” (another track picked up by FM radio), “Some Like It Hot”, and “Shake It” (promo single & video)

*For Tickets – https://www.oakvillecentre.ca/whats-on/upcoming-events/coney-hatch/

Wheatfield Empire: The Listener’s Guide To THE GUESS WHO, by Robert Lawson

1 Comment

Canadian rock writer Robert Lawson penned the rock biography Wheatfield Empire: The Listener’s Guide To The Guess Who . The band was Canada’s biggest in the late ’60s-early 70s, with a steady flow of hit singles and albums, before splitting in ’75. They were a huge impact on many acts in Canada and elsewhere, including Alice Cooper (the original), who searched out The Guess Who’s production company (Nimbus 9) to work with, in hopes of catching some of that single’ success. Wheatfield Empire includes interviews with key Guess Who figures like Burton Cummings, Dale Peterson, Donnie MacDougall, Bill Wallace, and numerous others in and connected to the band. * For more info on this book (which was released late in 2020) – check out the press info below and links. Robert Lawson has previously penned books on Nazareth and Cheap Trick.

Winnipeg’s The Guess Who are Canada’s original rock n’ roll superstars. But despite the band’s enduring popularity, no one has assembled a comprehensive history of their recording career…until now. 

  In exquisite detail, that serious fans will appreciate, Wheatfield Empire: The Listener’s Guide to The Guess Who goes through the band’s evolution, album by album and song by song. Nothing is left out. Wheatfield Empire covers the complete discography, singles chart action, radiobroadcasts and even a selection of unofficial live bootlegs. The book also discusses the solo careers of both frontman Burton Cummings and guitarist Randy Bachman.

 Written in clear prose with a touch of humor, the book’s encyclopedic detail is supported with excerpts from first-hand interviews with band members and input from top authorities on the Canadian music industry. 

 Looking beyond the radio hits, Wheatfield Empire documents The Guess Who’s musical output with the loving attention they deserve as Canada’s first band to achieve major international success. This book is a must-have for any serious Guess Who fan.

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/thissideofthetracks/

Read A Chapter Of Robert Lawson’s Definitive New Guess Who Listener’s Guide Wheatfield Empire

SVEN GALI release comeback album ‘Bombs & Battle Scars’

Leave a comment

HARD ROCKERS SVEN GALI RETURN WITH EXPLOSIVE COMEBACK ALBUM BOMBS & BATTLE SCARS RELEASED IN CANADA

SVEN GALI’s trademark blend of heavy riffs, gritty vocals, and anthemic melodies span decades. Cutting their teeth in the bar circuit of Southern Ontario, Canada in the late 80’s, SVEN GALI’s live show was a full on circus of sex, drugs and rock n’ roll.

Emerging with a record deal with BMG, SVEN GALI released their debut self-titled release in 1992. From the first chord of “Under The Influence” SVEN GALI made their mark. Follow up singles “Tie Dyed Skies” and “In My Garden” paved the way for the ballad number 6 CanCon song of 1993 that also went Top 10 nationwide, “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore.” As the album went Gold, SVEN GALI won the MuchMusic Best Metal Video Award in 1993 for “Under The Influence” and was nominated for two Junos. With a worldwide release, SVEN GALI toured with the likes of Def Leppard, Foreigner and April Wine.

SVEN GALI’s follow-up, Inwire, was partly recorded in in Seattle with producer Kelly Gray and saw the band take on a more alternative experimental tone. The band broke up soon after the album’s release and played sporadic shows before solidifying a new lineup with original members Dave Wanless (vocals), Andy Frank (guitar) and TT (bass) bringing in guitarist Sean Williamson and drummer Dan Fila from former BMG labelmates Varga.

SVEN GALI’s new release Bombs & Battlescars through Canadian label, Music In Motion Ent, combines the best of both SVEN GALI eras. The album contains five new originals. “One Gun” is a relentless driver that sets the battlefield ablaze with its blistering guitar work and commanding vocals. The massive groove of “Coming Home” and fierce anthem “Monster” showcase Sven Gali’s unapologetic attitude while the sonic prowess of “Life Inside” stands side by side with any current alternative metal peers. Closer “Nothing New” showcases the melodic side of the band with a catchy acoustic groove.

Bombs & Battlescars also brings the band full circle with a cover of Triumph’s “Spellbound.” Recorded at Toronto’s Metalworks studio where many of SVEN GALI’s early songs were recorded and demoed, acclaimed Coney Hatch frontman Andy Curran produced the track bringing the song into the modern age. Triumph drummer Gil Moore also appears in the video. The album is filled out with three remastered unreleased tracks from the band’s 90’s recording vault.

Bombs & Battlescars is out now, for both physical and streaming. Videos for “One Gun” and “Monster” are presently available online. The band’s third single, “Coming Home,” is set to coincide with the international release of Bombs & Battlescars on Feb 02, 2024. This date will also feature the debut of “Coming Home” mixed in Dolby Atmos (courtesy of Iguana Studios in Toronto ON) along with a new video for the single.

Bombs & Battle scars on CD and limited edition army green vinyl are available through retail. Signed CDs and LPs are available through their web store. *Watch for the Record Store Day release of Sven Gali’s 1992 debut on marble purple vinyl on November 24!

*Go to Svengali.ca for social media links, videos, merchandise and shows.

CONEY HATCH – Carl Dixon on new live album, upcoming show, and 1982’s debut album

2 Comments
Photo– DonaaldGadziolaPhotography

This weekend CONEY HATCH will be celebrating 40 years And the release of a new live album. Postcard From Germany will be released (and available at the show) in a 2CD set, coupled with the band’s classic 1982 debut album (remastered with bonus tracks!). In a recent exchange Carl Dixon answers questions on the band’s new release, as well as their first album, and (potential) future plans. Enjoy the read, and check out the links below. Tickets for this Saturday’s show At the El Mocambo in Toronto are available here – https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/postcard-from-germany-album-release-under-the-neon-palms-at-tickets/13483218

Q: ‘Postcard From Germany‘ has been out for a while via Cleopatra, what was the reasoning for this new release (rerelease?)? 

Carl: We wanted to make a Canadian territory release similar to our early days with Anthem Records, and it’s a great opportunity to pair the most recent with our remastered debut.

So….the 40th Anniversary of the first Coney Hatch album was celebrated at the end of last year, will this celebration on the 11th be different as far as the set-list goes? 

Yes, we’ll feature material from 5 different albums, including the song Andy sings on Postcard, Heaven’s on the Other Side which we did not perform last time!

Will there be some new merch special for this occasion? (a debut album shirt Perhaps)

There is a plan in motion to do just that. The Double -CD package will be available at the show also. 

Might we get (even down the road) a full performance of the Outa Hand album? 

Ah, clever lad, you’ve anticipated our next marketing ploy

Live From Germany turned out to be an excellent live recording; has it inspired (for lack of a better word) you guys to (want to) record any future shows? (Any chance you recorded last December’s El Mo show?) 

Ummm, we haven’t thought about going to the well for more live albums, now having two, but you never know what the future holds

Being your first time playing Germany, and knowing how big of rock fans/ supporters Germans are, what was your biggest memory and lasting impression of playing that HEAT Fest in 2018?

It was most memorable to feel the audience excitement and hear them singing along. We love playing Germany and all Europe.

Both of the new tracks came out very good,  and gave us 2 memorable Coney tunes.  Were you happy with the way they turned out, the feedback, and has this planted the seed for possible new Coney Hatch in the near future?

Very happy, yes. It’s About a Girl and Heaven’s On the Other Side have pointed the way to getting more music recorded together as a band with great new guy (ha, 10 years) Sean Kelly.

All photos courtesy of Donald Gadziola

Regarding the first album…. Looking back on writing, recording – the whole experience. What is the biggest memory for you from it? And what was the biggest thing you learned from it? (being your first album) 

The biggest thing we learned from recording the first Coney Hatch album was that it’s so important to pay attention to details on every level; the lyrics, the performance, the musical parts that each musician plays, the gear you select, the setting, the scheduling, , staying healthy, even what you do at meal times! 

Do you recall how you felt about the album when it was done and released and if you (guys) felt you had something really special or something you thought might be a big success at the time? (How did you perceive it at the time) 

Kim Mitchell (producer) was very confident that it would be a success when it was done, so we took our cue from him. We felt that we had achieved our goals and even surpassed them. There was no feeling that we’d missed out or been pushed around by the label or producer.

There were a few tracks left off of ‘Coney Hatch’ , which are included as bonus tracks n this new release. And I know ‘Where I Draw The Line’ was bumped in favor of ‘Hey Operator’, but what do you recall of writing and/or recording that one (lyrical ideas), as well as ‘Dreamland’, and even ‘Sin After Sin’? 

Where I Draw the Line started as a musical jam during one of the many rehearsal/writing sessions we did on the road in the early days. I wrote a lyric for it based on my experience of leaving Montreal after being in a band there for a couple of years. Dreamland came out of my blues-rock riffing, probably influenced by Bad Company and Humble Pie, and the lyrics were based on a mix of actual dreams and some dramatic waking experiences. Sin After Sin came from Andy’s love of Judas Priest and similar heavy rock, written about a girl who’d, umm, let him down shall we say. 

Any recollections on the photo taken that ended up on the back of the debut album? (where taken, etc..)

Ha, that photo! We had a couple of photo shoots to get an album cover image, and the label guys felt we showed no “attitude” in the shots we were getting. Tom Berry (Anthem VP) decided to bring a case of beer to the next attempt, and the results were considerably loosened up this time. What they chose from that day was a picture of four semi-pickled young musicians each about four beers in…

Any Coney plans for 2024 – as far as any reissues, archived releases (thinking Cleveland 1982), major festivals, ….? 

Wow, Kreskin, again with the anticipating! Yes, we are looking at Cleveland’82 as one option and some other products to release through Anthem, the record label name we are happily reunited with (even if it’s none of the same people). Some rumblings also of a new album if there is deemed to be sufficient interest from the public. Two European dates on the calendar for next October: Firefest in Manchester and Bully on Rock in France. hoping for more to come in over there!

LINKS:

http://www.coneyhatch.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063052548185

http://www.carldixon.ca

https://www.instagram.com/rushguyyyz/ (Donald Gadziola Photography)

CONEY HATCH to celebrate 40 Years, Issue special 2CD set

Leave a comment



CELEBRATE 40 YEARS WITH LIVE SHOW IN TORONTO ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH

 Coney Hatch, one of Canada’s iconic rock bands will release a live album titled Postcard From Germany via Anthem Records on Friday, November 10th.  In celebration of this release, Coney Hatch will perform their final live performance of 2023 at the famed El Mocambo in Toronto on Saturday, November 11th.

“We’ve been halfway around the world this summer with shows at Sweden Rock and Hamburg, Germany,” says singer/bassist Andy Curran. “So returning to the El Mocambo is a special homecoming for us. We love playing in Toronto, it’s where we began this ride, and it’s a perfect time to celebrate 40 years together.”


Recorded on December 12, 2018 at HEAT Festival in Ludwigsburg, Postcard from Germany is a live recording of Coney Hatch’s 1st-ever live show in Germany. Comprised of a double CD, in addition to Postcard from Germany, 2 new songs will be included, as well as a remastered version of Coney Hatch’s classic self-titled debut – which will include 3 ‘bonus’ tracks from that period (“Dreamland”, “Where I Draw The Line”, and “Sin After Sin” (demo).

The album can be purchased via the following link:  https://lnk.to/CH2CD

“It was our very first time in Germany and the show was electric,” recalls Curran. “It was full on combat rock!!! We flew many hours to get there and quickly settled in with German beers and Schnitzel. The final results were more raw and in your face compared to previous live recordings. We also included more songs from our ‘Friction’ record in that set list”.

Postcard from Germany features almost all of the expected Coney classics “Devil’s Deck”, “Monkey Bars” and “Stand Up” as well as two newly-recorded studio tunes ‘It’s About A Girl” and “Heaven’s on the Other Side”.

“This album has a different set list from the ‘Live at the El Mocambo’ record, plus two new studio tracks we recorded over Covid. I produced those two new songs and it marks the first time guitarist Sean Kelly has been involved with recording of new Hatch songs. Sean stepped in to the lead guitar role in 2014 and we’re proud to have him.” 

In addition to Curran and Kelly, the group also includes original members lead vocalist/guitarist Carl Dixon and drummer Dave Ketchum.

Regarding the two new tracks, the band was willing to give background info about each. Curran: “‘Heaven’s On the Other Side’ was written around the time we recorded ‘Coney Hatch Four,’ and we finally got around to finishing it during the lockdown. The message is simple…keep the faith and trudge on through the bad times because the good times are always just around the corner. I also felt I was long overdue to write another song about the devil!!”

Dixon: “I had an idea driving ‘It’s About a Girl’; women are wonderful, women got the power, women gave every one of us our life. We men will do anything to get their attention. It’s Always About A Girl.”

Along with the ripping live set recording, and 2 new unreleased tracks, ‘Postcard From Germany’ album will be bundled with a remastered edition of the band’s iconic debut record CONEY HATCH, produced by Canada’s favorite vocalist/guitarist Kim Mitchell. 

This special edition 2 disc CD will only be available for purchase at the band’s live show and at your favorite local record stores.

Tickets and VIP M&G’s to the Toronto show are on sale now and can be purchased here: https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/postcard-from-germany-album-release-under-the-neon-palms-at-tickets/13483218

LINKS:

http://www.coneyhatch.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063052548185

https://www.instagram.com/coneyhatchmusic/?hl=en

Coney Hatch

SPELL members release new single/video in time for Halloween.

Leave a comment
Artwork- Leon Bakalarz

Members of Canada’s SPELL – Cam Mesmer and Jeff Black (Glyph, Gatekeeper and Encloaked) have a new single out for Halloween. The song is called “Blood Lust”, penned by Black and Mesmer. Labeled as “The greatest romantic tragedy of the 21st century! Be careful in the graveyard this Hallow’s Eve…”, this tune is an easily likeable rocker, with a killer guitar intro. It’s available on Spotify, as well as a spooky new video directed by Jeff Black, with the story (and lyrics) by Mesmer. Jeff Black comments on FB – “It was my first time filming and editing something like this and it was a very worthwhile challenge. I also fully produced and mixed the song and it’s one of my best pieces to date imo!” *Check out the video below (more details & lyrics in the video description), save the single, and check out the links!

LINKS:

https://jeffblackmusic.bandcamp.com/track/blood-lust-ft-spell

https://www.facebook.com/spellspell

PHILIP SAYCE – new single, and album in 2024

Leave a comment

Rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter Philip Sayce has delivered a sonic attack with the release of his new single, “Oh! That Bitches Brew.” The blistering track is available on all streaming services HERE.  (Or watch the video below)

“Oh! That Bitches Brew” is Philip’s first new music in three years. This is the first of a slew of activities for Philip in 2023, including tour dates and more new music. Released on Sayce’s label, Atomic Gemini, with exclusive license to Forty Below Records.

“Oh! That Bitches Brew” is also the first single from Philip’s highly anticipated new album, “The Wolves Are Coming,” released February 23rd, 2024. The album is available to pre-order HERE.  

Philip’s new album is more powerful, unique, and brash than anything he has written or recorded to date. “These songs and stories came into focus during my darkest times,” says Philip. ‘The Wolves Are Coming’ represents a bridge — a connection between despair and hope — that invites broken spirits to be transformed and healed.”

The Wolves Are Coming follows the album Spirit Rising which has over 13 million streams to date. It is a career highlight, exemplifying Sayce’s commitment to his craft and using the power of music as a uniting force to welcome in the light during incredibly turbulent times. 

On the new album, songs like  “Oh! That Bitches Brew”  and “Backstabber”  hit like hurricanes, while “Lady Love Divine” explores the light in contrast to darkness with an uplifting, foot-stomping, funk groove that delivers hooks in all the right places. Ballads like “It’s Over Now” and the magical instrumental  “Intuition” round out Sayce’s signature fuzz tones and sledgehammer mountain-sized drum grooves with delicate, intimate, and dynamic performances.

Photo Credit: © Matt Barnes

The bold and brash performance on “Oh! That Bitches Brew” turns out to be a musical interpretation of a memory that came flooding back to Philip one day.

“The song came together quite quickly one evening,” recalls Philip. “I was sitting on the couch and started playing the riff that became the song’s main riff. I dug it and thought, ‘What am I going to say about this? Oh, I know, I remember that time someone gave me a drink at a party called “The Bitches Brew”, and it totally fucked me up.’ And that’s what the song became.  It came together in about ten minutes.”

Produced by Philip at Station House Studio in Los Angeles, the track, engineered by GRAMMY award winner Mark Rains (Rival Sons, Shooter Jennings, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club), mixed by Brian Moncarz (Fantastic Negrito, Alice Cooper, Ian Moore), and mastered by Brian Lucey (Lizzo, The Black Keys, Michael Bublé) features Michael Leasure (Walter Trout, Edgar Winter) on drums, with Philip providing the guitars, bass, and vocals.

Born in Wales and raised in Toronto, Canada, Philip’s love of the guitar started at an early age when his parents introduced him to all of the greats, notably Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Collins, Albert King, Freddie King, Jeff Beck, and Jeff Healey. As a teen guitar phenom, Philip was plucked from the Toronto blues scene by the legendary Jeff Healey, who took the young guitarist under his wing and showed him the ropes, touring the world and recording as a member of Healey’s band.

In the early 2000s, a move to LA landed Philip a gig with Melissa Etheridge, which included numerous recording contributions, including the Oscar-winning “I Need To Wake Up”. While Philip’s time with Melissa Etheridge was jammed with touring, recording, and television appearances, he was able to find some time to get himself in the studio to record his first solo album, Peace Machine. Buoyed by guitar fans’ response to the album, Philip turned his attention to his full-time solo artist career, and subsequent releases garnered high praise in both the blues, rock, and guitar worlds. He has since released six studio albums as well as the incendiary live Scorched Earth, Vol. 1.

Philip Sayce has a UK tour next month, with guest Troy Redfern

Joining Philip on the road are drummer Bryan Head (Roger Hodgson, Foreigner) and bassist Sam Bolle (Agent Orange, Donavon Frankenreiter), both of whom have played live dates with Philip for the past few years after having cut their teeth together as Dick Dale’s rhythm section.

*Pre-order the new Philip Sayce album, The Wolves Are Coming: https://fortybelow.ffm.to/sayce-thewo… Pre-order The Wolves Are Coming bundle and merchandise: https://www.philipsayce.com/store

LINKS:

Official Website: https://www.philipsayce.com

Facebook:   / philipsaycemusic  

Instagram:   / philipsayce  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilipSayceMusic

KAMI VAN HALST – a Halloween tribute to Alice Cooper

Leave a comment

Canadian singer Kami Van Halst has a new single, a tribute to Alice Cooper. The song “My Alice” includes parts of a few Alice songs put together in a new heavy tune. Featured guitarist on “My Alice” is Canadian guitarist Phil X formerly of Triumph, and currently of Bon Jovi. Check out the singles from Kami below, as well as the press info. Both tracks are also available on Spotify.

Canada’s KAMI VAN HALST Shares A Halloween Treat With New Singles “My Alice” ft. Phil X: A Fierce Ode to Alice Cooper & “Jack Sally’s Song” ft. Paul Woida: A Musical Journey to Halloween Town

The haunting new piece, “My Alice” is a sinister homage to the enigmatic Alice Cooper. In this electrifying tribute, Kami Van Halst delves into the dark, theatrical, and rebellious essence that defines Alice Cooper’s legacy. The song encapsulates the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, unleashing its wild and untamed energy for music lovers worldwide. “My Alice” is a powerful, head-banging masterpiece that bridges generations of rock enthusiasts.

“This has been a labor of devotion, nurtured in shadows for what feels like an eternity. What could be more fitting for this monstrous revelation than Halloween time? For too long, our band has harbored this dark symphony, yearning for the perfect moment. The torment of waiting has made it all the sweeter. I must extend my deepest gratitude to our producer, Arnold Lanni, who delved fearlessly into this odyssey, pushing the boundaries of my artistry. To my band, my brethren, who poured their souls into the writing and playing, enduring the agonizing wait for this release. Step right up, for the show is about to begin, and the mysteries of the night await you under the big top.” adds Kami.

As an added bonus for Halloween lovers and fans of the beloved movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Kami Van Halst and her husband, Paul Woida, bring to life the enchanting love story of Jack and Sally with their rendition of “Jack and Sally’s Song”. This hauntingly beautiful tribute to the iconic film captures the magic and melancholy of Halloween Town while blending Kami’s vocal prowess with Paul’s musical talents. The song is a heartfelt homage to the creativity and imagination of Tim Burton’s masterpiece and a perfect addition to any Halloween playlist. Experience the magic of Jack and Sally’s love story in a whole new way.

In addition Kami Van Halst is working on her metamorphosis into the enigmatic Jezebel Slade, a fierce and untamed force of nature. With an enthralling stage presence and a captivating aura, Jezebel Slade commands the spotlight like a true rock goddess. For mroe info on this, check out her website HERE.

LINKS:

Facebook.com/kamivanhalst 

 Instagram.com/kamivanhalst ​

https://kamivanhalst.com/