Darian Counts Presents Darian Counts Presents
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6. TINO GROSS & HOWLING DIABLOS by ERIC HARABADIAN 8. MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE by JONNY REINHARDT 10. BENNY & THE JETS - BENNY JET 13. BLOW UP MY BAND UPDATES 14. RIKKI ROXX 15. 3 DOORS DOWN - SCOTTI MOORE 16. ZAKK WYLDE TALKS WITH DARIAN COUNTS 18. SALIVA - DAN URSEM 19. WE WILL ROCK YOU - KAREN LEMIEUX 22. HARLEY WALLEN - DARIAN COUNTS 27. WXC 49 MARCH MADNESS by JOHN QUIROZ 28. CHOICE CUTS - ERIC HARABADIAN 30. HOROSCOPE - ALUNA MICHAELS Contributors: Benny Jet, Eric Harabadian, Darian Counts, Aluna Michaels, Marc Nader, Rikki Roxx, Scotti Moore, Jonny Reinhardt, Karen Lemieux, John Quiroz, Dan Ursem, Sami Lipp Graphic Design:: Granger Graphics Photgraphers: Marc Nader (Cover),Sami Lipp, T-Mac Imaging, Kathy Wyras. Cover Photo: Justin Reich Publisher: Granger Publishing Inc. LLC Editor: Darian Counts
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By Eric Harabadian
Located near the Detroit Zoo, in a drab and unassuming industrial building, is home to one of the Motor City’s most cherished musical treasures, Howling Diablos. While the building itself may be somewhat cold and sterile, the music inside is some of the most vibrant and colorful you’re liable to hear on the scene today. At the helm of the group for nearly 30 years has been Martin “Tino” Gross. When you first meet Tino you’re greeted by someone who is warm, sincere and has seen a few things in his career. And, with the success of the retro sounding danceable rock single “Good Good Vibes” starting to catch some attention, that career is certainly on the upswing! But let’s take a step or two back to some of Tino’s humble beginnings that so richly contributed to his street wise charm and unique independent vision. Born in Northwest Detroit; Tino’s parents divorced when he was seven. He was a product of the Detroit school system and grew up in an artistic household. “It was the ‘60s and an amazing time to be growing up in the city of Detroit,” says the lanky band front man. “My mom was a painter and kind of a Bohemian. Our house was the weirdo house in the neighborhood when I was little. And then people started to see things differently. My friends thought she was cool. It’s not the house with the plastic on the furniture and the ‘Leave it to Beaver’ mom, with the apron. My mom was part of the Wayne State art scene and there were all these kinds of interesting characters coming through.” His mother primarily painted portraits and years later, as Tino’s circle of musical acquaintances broadened, even had folks like guitarist G.E. Smith from Bob Dylan’s band hire her to paint a huge portrait of blues legend Elmore James that still hangs in his home today. While still a kid his mother’s friends would turn young Tino on to jazz records by artists like drummer Max Roach. The Gross family home had a powerful old Muntz Hi-Fi radio that was able to pull in various stations from the Southern U.S. on a clear night. Tino recalls with delight the animated revelatory patter he would hear emanating over the airwaves; “Ooh bop she bam and scooby doo, how are you? It’s your daddy-o on the radi-o…..the platter pushin’ poppa, the boss man, the tail dragger, the gangster of love. This is John R and ladies, if you need to buy a dozen baby chickens just order them straight through us here in Shreveport, Louisiana. We’ll send you a box of the best baby chickens you’ve ever eaten. And now here’s some blues with Slim Harpo!” “That was real,” says Tino. “I said oh my God, what’s this!? This is too cool and I know I’m not allowed to hear it (laughs).” Experiences like this hit the impressionable Tino like a lightning bolt. This opened the floodgates to his discovery of early rock ‘n roll and artists like Del Shannon, Elvis Presley, The Ventures, Chuck Berry, Gene Pitney, Jerry Lee Lewis and, later, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. “I also remember sneaking into the Grande a few times as a youth too,” recalls Tino. “I got into music as a fan, first. And I’m still a fan. I get googly when I hear great music. I’m like a kid. I go insane. It moves me in a way that nothing else does.” “I wasn’t obsessed 6
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with being a rock star I was more interested in being a musician,” he goes on to say. “I think that’s what kept me going. I always thought the term ‘rock star’ was kinda corny. If you’re a good musician then you’ll be a rock star and a ‘cool’ rock star. There’s a way to do it with integrity instead of just wanting to be famous, no matter what.” Tino was already a veteran drummer that played countless dances and events in grammar school. While in high school, around ‘71/’72, he was referred by a musician friend to audition for a NYC-based group called the Brooklyn Blues Busters. They had come to perform at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival and their drummer had recently quit. Needless to say, Tino got the gig and found his first truly professional job backing the one and only John Lee Hooker. And he hasn’t looked back since! “That put me on a path in high school where all I did was play with old black blues cats,” says Tino. “Calls started coming in to play with Willie D. Warren, Bobo Jenkins, Baby Boy Warren, Dr. Ross, Eddie Taylor, Bo Diddley, and Otis Rush. My whole life became becoming a real blues drummer.” During the ‘70s Tino played all the black blues clubs in Detroit and throughout the Midwest. It was an adventure and an eyeopening education, to be sure. “We played all those hardcore buckets of blood, man,” recalls the white soul man. “All the guys’ girlfriends in the band had guns. Willie D.’s girlfriend would get drunk and pull her pistol out of her purse. I got exposed to all of that which was great! I think it made me who I am today.” Into the ‘80s Tino was an integral part of Ann Arbor-based horn band The Urbations. It was there that he bonded with future Howling Diablos saxophonist Johnny Evans. In 1987 the late great Grande Ballroom-famed psychedelic artist Gary Grimshaw was having a poster show at the Michigan Gallery, near the old Tiger Stadium site. He needed some live entertainment for the event and asked Tino if he could put a group together to play. Both Tino and Evans had been writing some tunes Photo by Doug Coombe
together at the time but their group didn’t have a name. The moniker Howling Diablos came out of their love for blues legend Howlin’ Wolf and an old Fortune Records group called The Diablos. They were also actively starting to back a lot of national touring blues artists, at the time, as the house band for the, then, popular Sully’s Bar in Dearborn. “The core of the band from the beginning has been Johnny Evans, bass player Mo Hollis and myself,” says Tino of the Howling Diablos. “And I couldn’t find a better band and better players. We’ve stayed friends all these years which is hard to do. We’ve gone through a lot of guitarists and drummers but I play guitar now too so that helps.” The rest of the Diablos are rounded out by long-time drummer Johnny “Bee” Badanjek, guitarist Erik Gustafson and vocalist Kymberli Wright. They are all featured on the Howling Diablos’
current release Return of the Funk Hand. “The new album’s taking off and I’m feeling a lot of energy with this record,” expresses Tino. “We are a rock group but we’ve got a lot of blues and jazz roots so we’re not just a one trick pony. It’s exciting!” In 2003 Tino was presented with the opportunity to produce and mix material for the blues label Fat Possum Records. One of his proudest achievements was the work he did on Mississippi Delta musician R.L. Burnside’s album A Bothered Mind. “The folks at the label had heard of me and knew I had an authentic knowledge of this music,” explains Tino. “They said they wanted to update R.L.’s sound but keep that traditional feel. I didn’t think I could do it but it turned out to be like a blessing from God. He flipped a switch in me and I realized talent I didn’t know I had.” That experience led to producing local musicians like The Rump shakers, Kenny Brown and his own band. It appeared that it would be easier to release these productions himself so, with the advice from Tino’s wife and publicist Linda Lexy; the Funky D record label was born. The Howling Diablos played a coming out party for Funky D to celebrate their, then, new release Ultra Sonic Gas Can at downtown Detroit’s Park Bar. The rest, as they say, is history! “We’ve been able to stay together for so long and still draw a good crowd,” concludes Tino. “We’ve had a lot of highlights like opening for George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, recorded a Sun Records tribute that featured Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Jeff Beck and Elton John and toured with Alice Cooper. But, really, every time we play is a highlight. Every day is an adventure and you’ve got to appreciate you get to do this stuff!”
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MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE IS SEXY THAT’S WHY Article by Jonny Reinhardt Photo’s by Marc Nader
I must start out this concert review by saying that if you pride yourself on being a good person to all people, then turn the page. Mindless Self Indulgence is not for you. St. Andrew’s hosted the most profane band you could hope your daughters would never find out about. Little Jimmy Urine dressed in pink, brought his band to tell us we stink. To sing falsetto looking cute as a bell, speaking of how Jimmy Page is a f***ot and should go to hell. My little poem was composed as I was leaving St. Andrew’s bumping into the hardcore ‘Stalkers’ that were hunched over searching for a shoe, hat, or bra and shirt as was the case for the very girl Little Jimmy told to get voice lessons. Poor thing. I loved it. Running through a quick slew of songs from their long history all pre-sampled out making you wonder why there was a band on stage. Because they’re sexy, that’s why! About halfway through the hour long set, Jimmy introduced the “special guest”. A twenty dollar bill. “You’ve probably never seen these before Detroit, eh?” Jimmy snarled. “You all need to stop Super Sizing everything and buy some merch!” He then leaped offstage and bought his own bands shirt from the merch booth while quickly dry humping any red-blooded person along
the way. “All these bands come here and say they love you. Well they LIE! We love Los Angeles! We love their beaches! We love their gay strip clubs! And we don’t want you to love us and think that we’re great. We just want you to hate every other band out there…except GWAR!!!” (R.I.P. Dave Brockie) For the last song he told us all to shut up so we could play a game. He let the audience pick which song they would end the night with. The other two songs would “Never be played in Detroit again!” We picked ’Jimmy Page’ which was my vote over ’Bitches’ and ‘Straight to Video’. Which made me happy that an underdog beat two chart topping singles. Little Jimmy and his Mindless Self Indulgence brought the high paced electro synth punk head banging dance grooves that all of our parents hate and that all of us sinners love!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO DIRECTOR SCOTT GALESKI Also to the cast & crew behind “HIT” for winning the April 2014 MMP Audience Choice Award (39% of the vote)! 2nd Place: “The Live-in” (Dir. Benjie Solorzano, 14% of vote). 3rd Place: “Haunted Sweet Dreams Inn” (Dir. Cruce Grammatico, 12% of vote). “HIT” will return in December to compete for Short of the Year at the Dec. 2nd Best of the Mitten Movie Project. It will be screened against all 11 Audience Choice Award winners from the past year.
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from the depths of the forgotten ruins of a once-thriving industrial juggernaut known as Detroit, Underland is a 3-piece metal powerhouse, deriving its sound from their heroes of vintage metal along with the anger and intensity of todays metal. These veterans of the stage have been blowing the roof off of every establishment in the city for almost a decade. Their 2013 release “Hatewater” is a culmination of a lifetime of watching a once great city fall into ruin. The musical styling of Underland is a little bit of metal, and a little bit of everything else. In the same league as the hardest and fastest metal bands , but also can fall back into a melodic and emotional sound that is guaranteed to generate some type of emotional charge. Ranging from blistering fast, double-kick laden metal riff-dom, to acoustic masterpieces, to piano, this band can make you feel like there is more going on than 3 people can deliver, but they never leave a crowd disappointed. Going to an Underland show will literally take your breath away. Underland rocks out with the backbreaking intensity of their forefathers. They are not just three amazing musicians spreading their idea of what metal is, they are making you re-think what metal should be. Underland not only continues the tradition of Detroit rock n roll but are taking it one step further, no help, no handouts, just three guys busting their asses to bring you the best of what they’ve got. Lou Abraham, Chris Lucas and Lawrence Wilson are exactly what Detroit once was and could be again. Hardworking, never say die bad-asses that will never stop. To say it best Underland IS Detroit. DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
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Benny & The Jets My friend Squeaky Jim, likes when I start the column out saying Benny and the Jets: The song, the band, the van, the man, the beard, the book, the movie, the Pawn Star, and in this case, THE COLUMN!!! Maybe not so much a column as a collection of random thoughts. Mostly on how to get people to read, share, and participate. If you’re in a band or know some bands, clubs, or music events, let me know so we can include you in the column. Let them know they can be part of the magazine. Affordable, effective and local. Contact Darian@detroitlivemagazine.com Speaking of Darian,..Between Detroit Live Magazine, the Detroit Live Tribute Shows & the Blow Up My Band contest, that guy is working hard to make it happen for so many great bands. ARV and Triple Threat, The Nightmare, Tall Cool One, BulletProof Snow, Shock Wave, Chain Reaction, Kaleido with Christina Chriss, Thunderkiss, Sins of a Madman. Detroit is the home of rock and roll, but we still need to support, and promote the rock. And yes, I was on the Pawn Star TV show, it was fun, it is real, and despite FACEBOOK rumors Chumlee is alive and well. I went to the Crystal Lounge in Westland, saw Deep Cut. Great band, big sound, with out being crazy loud. Guitar, bass, drums, keys. They opened the set with a Pink Floyd song, while the band is kind of known for Greg Gdaniec, who has long been one of Detroit’s best guitar players. You will be impressed with Greg’s brother Doug, the bass player who has one of the best sounding bass set ups in town. Lots of bands and live music at the little Crystal Lounge, including guitarist Joe LiGreci’s jam night every Thursday.
The Column
We probably don’t mention Mike Carey Music Store in Wyandotte enough! It is good for musicians to make the rounds to the area music stores. In the old days we all used to go to Anderson Music on Telegraph( I kind of owe them a shout out) and everyone hits the Guitar Centers. My friend guitarist Joe LiGreci works at the Allen Park Store and Jim the bass player for Black Market/Belle Isle/the Look, works at the Canton store. Recording artist Jesse Manns at The Blues Airman Music Store in Garden City. But Mike Carey on Fort Street, still the place for bands, they buy, sell, trade and a cool place to hang out. All those stores have copies of Detroit Live Magazine! Perfect Pitcher Bar and Grill in Taylor, getting to be the pace. L.A. Gunn’s, Faster Pussycat, Bloodline, Shagg Nasty. I saw Daniel Harrison and the $2 Highway band there. Daniel reminds me a little of Ty Stone and John Cougar. The Pitcher with a stage, dance floor, seating, and bar looks like a good place to play, or see a band. The TOKEN Lounge in Westland, truly a Detroit rock institution. I was there with KID ROCK and the Howling Diablos many years ago and the tradition lives on! Every musician and music fan should shake hands with John (the owner) who also makes movies. Rocky’s Pub in Riverview, making it happen. Ty Stone, Ray Street Park, all the top area bands. I saw Shiver there (great guitar player). Rocky’s is a BIG BAR, the DJ rocks the dance floor when the bands not on. Great game room and center bar, it is a rockin place.
The All Around Bar in Taylor, still downriver’s hottest place for bands. Pistol Day Parade, Rusty Lunchbox, Fall Prey, 13th Floor, all seem to be regulars there. The Two Timin’ band and Coalition have been creating some buzz. Mercy Brown ripped it up the night I was there, played some of the old school Stevie Ray Vaughan. I also have been wanting to mention the passing of the All Around’s doorman, Jimmy Lehr, 58, how nice it was of Dave and Shelia Karlson, and the All Around family, to do his wake and fundraiser at the bar. All the bands, all the girls, all the gang, knew and loved Jimmy RIP. I hear a lot of people talking about Buster’s Place in Trenton. Category 5 band, Doesn’t Matter, Guitar Army. Seems to be a place to check out. 10 LIVE
By Benny Jet
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Chumlee: Alive and Well
My friend Rick Malechuk promotes live music and the City of Wyandotte. 50 Amp Fuse, Larry Lee Back in the Day, Shane Z and XOXO, Mega 80’s, Tommy C, Wisteria, Phoenix Theory. He is proud of all the live music events in Wyandotte. From the Spring Fling to the Knights of Columbus. The Art Fair, Street Fair, Captain’s, Bourbon’s, Gizmo, the Grind, Pier 500, and Paul Hickey who owns Do Hickey’s Pub, across from Yack Arena. For more informationor to hire Benny and the Jets band, or Benny Solo, for your club, party, or event call 313 730 1627. See Benny Thursdays OPEN MIC at Redford Moose. Fridays 6 till 9pm with Chef Zak, at Peterlin’s Restaurant on Farmington Road south of 9 mile. Saturdays the NEW dinner show at DO HICKEY’S PUB on Maple in downtown Wyandotte.
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BLOW UP MY BAND
The first competing band was Bulletproof Snow, a group of guys that will blow your expectations of a teen rock band; they have been rocketing upward since entering the Detroit music scene in March 2012. In addition to being the youngest band to perform at 2013 Rockstar UPROAR festival, they were also the youngest band to attend the 2013 Detroit Music Awards. With their hardhitting sounds, and a deep seeded urban-pop-rock feel, these guys are quickly making a name for themselves both locally and nationally. Keep your eye out for them; they’re only going up! Rocktropolis was up next. Guitarist Pete Metropoulos shredded solo on stage with a killer backing track. Their heavy metal instrumental music is a collection of brilliant compositions that are melodic, epic, and infectious to the soul. Rocktropolis has been nominated for ‘Outstanding Hard Rock/Metal Group’ in the 2014 Detroit Music Awards. cont on 14
BULLETPROOF SNOW ADVANCES TO THE NEXT ROUND Photos and article by Sami Lipp
Detroit Live Magazine is hosting Blow Up My Band, a contest designed to take one band and give them the media coverage, publicity, and tools to advance their career. It will consist of eight to twelve weekly live ‘elimination’ events. These ‘elimination rounds’ are scheduled on Wednesday and/or Thursday evenings at several metro Detroit clubs, culminating in one final event, to determine the grand prize winner. Bulletproof Snow, Rocktropolis, and A New Endeavor battled it out and rocked the Token Lounge for Round #1.
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The Rikki Roxx ByEffect : Rikki Roxx
BLOW UP MY BAND cont. from 13
Finally, A New Endeavor, a six-piece, Metalcore/ Post-Hardcore band, was up. They are based out of Lapeer, Michigan. This band is brand new and material, work on upgrading your stage show, this competition only their second live show. Their do more networking, make plans for another sound is amazing; hard-hitting metal, paired with tour, at this point playing too many shows in your set melodies and screaming vocals. This young hometown again is essentially wasting your time band has a lot ahead of them. that could be better spent on something else. So, there it is, you made it through my ‘rigorous’ seven month crash course on how to start a band, and hopefully take the right steps in taking your band to the next level. Like I said a couple times over the last seven months, I intentionally left a lot of these steps quite vague, simply because these are lessons that I have learned, and may not work in every case. There is room for interpretation, and there is room to make your own mistakes, and even find a whole new path towards success.
While all three bands killed the show, Bulletproof Snow took Round #1. Stay tuned to see how they advance in Blow Up My Band 2014! This article originally appeared in National Rock Review. www.NationalRockReview.com
ROCKTROPOLIS
Being in a band, and making it a career involves a lot of moving parts that all have to be moving in unison for it to work. Your band itself needs to be on point, which means not having alcoholics or drug addicts who also have the ability to take off on a tour, and be someone 3-4 other guys can get along with, and work with, that is a tall order. It involves the support of your friends and family, it involves having a good team behind you, everyone from a manager (if needed) to the For the seventh time, welcome back to The Rikki merch girl, to roadies, to anyone who is working Roxx Effect ‘Starting a Band Instruction Manual.’ for your band. It also, as much as it pains to At this point in your career, you have gotten say, involves a lot of chance (or what some call your group together, recorded, played your first ‘luck’). There is a lot of being in the ‘right place local show, released your first music, bought at the right time’ and meeting that person who and sold some merch, and went out on your first can help you take it to the next level. road trek. What else is there to talk about? Well, there is always the fact that after a tour, you will At the end of the day, there is no real instruction eventually have to come back home. What is manual on how to take a band to the top of the next for your group? Your band hit the road, and heap and live in the Hollywood Hills. It really unless you made a one in a billion connection, does come down to a lot of variables, I have and you are going to be on tour for the seen bands that can pack out venues locally, foreseeable future, you are going to come home but don’t have the other parts of the machine to pretty much what you left, pretty much the working, bands like that will eventually break up. same amount of fans. The only difference now, is that you have a couple fans in other cities. If you are still thinking that your band is awesome, and all it will take is that one record Your first inclination would be to start playing a executive to see you, and you are going to bunch of local shows, and try billing yourself as be instant rock stars, a solid truth is that what a ‘national band’ (trust me, I see this a lot, rest you are thinking will never happen. Whatever assured, just because you have toured, doesn’t you are thinking it will not happen, it hasn’t make you a national band) and try to rake in a happened, and it will not change. It takes a lot couple extra bucks. Problem being is that you of work on your end, a lot of money, and a lot are still in a local band, you still aren’t going to of networking and connections; it takes that to be making enough money to live on, you will still even have a running chance at even having the probably only make enough for gas money, if opportunity to make something of yourself in you are lucky. music. Now, you are probably asking after reading that last paragraph about not being a ‘national band’ just because you went on a tour. What makes a national band then? Simply put, it is a band that tours AND makes enough money to live on. When your band is paying your bills at home (phone payments, car payments, etc) then, and only then, can you consider yourself a true national band. Otherwise, you are just a local band playing in a different area. When you are back home after that first tour, avoid the pitfalls that I described in earlier articles, i.e. gigging too much, etc. This is your opportunity to head back to the ‘garage’ and ‘woodshed’ it for a little bit. What that means is that it gives you some down time to write new 14 LIVE
So with that said, get out there, give it a shot, but most importantly, don’t forget to have fun out there, after all, that’s what you are there to do. Your sole purpose in being in a band is to give the audience a good time; it makes that a whole bunch easier if you are having a good time up there as well. So, after seven months of giving you all tips that took me over a decade to learn, I have given you a good guideline on some potential directions to take. The Rikki Roxx Effect isn’t over, next month we will begin a new series, I cant tell you what it will be but I guess that is all part of the suspense to get you to pick up Detroit Live Magazine next month. DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
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the band but the Detroit crowd as they continued with hits like “Landing in London” and “The Dance.” Between songs, Brad tells the story of a career highlight when Michigan’s own Bob Seger had joined them on stage to perform some of their songs and had the excitement of a school boy while doing so. They are ready to continue as he looks to his left and begins to laugh as he notices that the reason they haven’t started the next song is because the guitar player is engaged in a conversation with fans seated on the couch behind him. The crowd joins in on the laughter as the guitar player notices that he is delaying the show and with a smile begins to play “When you’re young.” I could’t help but notice a young lady next to me singing every song word for word. I leaned over and jokingly said “You seem to be a bit of a fan.” Sharla Davis of Zealand, MI begins to laugh and says “I think so, I just drove 2.5 hours just for this. When I pulled into my moms house she looked at me and said 3 Doors Down must be in town.” That was the kind of fan dedication I ran into all night. 3 Doors Down ended their jam session with their most recognizable hit “Kryptonite.” But they were not going to get off that easy from this crowd. While the decibels continue to increase they re-entered and started their encore session with a surprising rendition of Metallica’s hit “Nothing Else Matters,” then closed out the night with 2 more of their stand out hits “Here Without You” and “When I’m Gone.” So, one hour and 45 minutes, 17 songs and a whole lot of insight into this legendary band, I realized I passed my attention span problem and fell into their underground dwelling “Songs From The Basement.”
3 DOORS DOWN UNPLUGS IN DETROIT Review by Scotti Moore Photo Marc Nader Walking into the MotorCity Casino Sound Board the other night, I didn’t have to look very far to realize that something special was going to take place this evening. It is about an hour and a half before 3 Doors Down is scheduled to take the stage and perform their much anticipated acoustic show “Songs from the Basement” and there isn’t an empty seat in the house. The stage was set up to resemble a furnished basement complete with couches, lamps and a few of the bands personal touches. Being familiar with their live performance I was doubtful they could pull off the same energy acoustically as they have maintained throughout their storied career. The transition of songs from electric to acoustic tends to make each sound similar to the next so with an attention span that falls short of the average person I wondered how long will I last before I’m begging for this night to end. House lights came down and members of the crew escorted some lucky fans to the stage and placing them on the couches that line the perimeter around the band completing the look and feel of a basement jam session. The sold out venue erupted when 3 Doors Down took their places and settle in. Lead singer Brad Arnold welcomed everyone to his classic jam session as he pulled that familiar chain chord that would be found in a basement dwelling to aluminate a single light bulb hanging from the rafters at center stage. As they lead off with their song “Father’s Son” the fans instantly increase their volume to a structure shaking level and begin singing and dancing. Continuing through their songs “Let Me Be Myself,” “Be Like That” and “Not Enough” I became aware of the fact that I knew quite a few more songs than I had thought. While interacting with each other like they were literally sitting in their practice pad, 3DD made sure to let us in on the insight of writing material and the passion that took part in creating the signature sound that each song has been stamped with. It BAND is hard to deny the enthusiasm and energy within not only ZAC BROWN DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
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WWW.ZAKKWYLDE.COM Zakk Wylde is one of rock and rolls iconic guitarists. In the late 80’s Zakk replaced Jake E. Lee as lead guitarist / co-writer for Ozzy Osborne. Until that time most people hadn’t heard of him. But from then on Zakk became a force to be reckoned with in rock and Roll. For the next 20 years he shared the stage with Ozzy, shining brightly in the shadow of Randy Rhodes. In 1999 Zakk launched is band Black Label Society. BLS received immediate acceptance from metal heads of all types. While still working with Ozzy, Zakk cranked out metal anthems with Black Label Society. In the last few decades Zakk 16 LIVE
WWW.BLACKLABELSOCIETY.COM has truly established himself as an icon of modern guitar. Detroit Lives’ Darian Counts got a chance to talk with Zakk as he prepared for a new album release and his appearance at the Rock on the Range music festival.… Here is some of their conversation…Enjoy DC: Hi Zakk, I see you have a lot of great stuff going on these days from your current Canadian acoustic tour to The Hendrix Experience to the release of your new album and the upcoming Rock on the Range tour. Can you tell us a bit about the Canadian acoustic tour? ZW: Oh Yeh, well were out here in the frozen Tundra doing the Canadian Book Tour of DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
Doom right now. Every time we roll with the Canadian Black Label family we have a great time. We are just throwing down, doing the acoustic show right now. It’s me and Dario with the acoustic guitars and piano. Were up there for about 2 hours. I love doing this since it’s so much different the B.L.S armada, it’s just a completely different beast. I mean as much as I like listening to Black Dog by Zeppelin I like listening to Going to California too, if ya know what I mean. I love doing the acoustic stuff. DC: So you’re also doing The Hendrix Experience soon. Are you excited to get to that show?
they’re doing you just get in there and do it. There is no messin’ around. While I’m in my truck listening to the tracks I experiment with different melodies, ya know a short melody a long one, and while I’m doing that ZW: I’m beginning to hear other parts, places for oh strings back up vocals etc. yeah I’m I mean is like building a house. You get the really foundation which is the drums. If I have the looking scratch guitars down then JD will put the forward bass down and when he’s all done I’ll double to that. I’m my guitars and then we are ready for paint, friends and which is the vocals and melodies. Then the fans of a lot guys take off and we mix, then I give it the of the players final listen and make last minute changes and on the bill so we’re ready to go. I’m really excited to get into it. I DC: I read that as a kid you would sometimes can’t wait, I mean sit up all night playing guitar. What drives you you get a chance to work so hard? to hang out with all the guys and watch everyone throw down ZW: I’ve always told kids “Hey you don’t want to have a crummy job your whole life do and celebrate Jimi’s you?” Well then treat your band like your job. music. I’m glad to be a I mean the only reason I ever had a job was part of it. to buy band equipment. Whether a guitar or a van for touring or a u-haul or whatever. It DC: Catacombs & Black wasn’t like when I was shoveling dirt I wanted Vatican comes out this to open a landscaping company. No! I wanted month. Any big changes on to be in a band on tour. So I’ve always treated this album? my band like it’s my job. And worked my ass off. When I was a kid it was the same thing. Zakk: Even though it was like And it’s no different now. 4 years between records we were pretty busy. We were on DC: That’s great advice. I think too many tour with Judas Priest, Guns and musicians look at their band as a place to just Roses, Megadeth with the whole go rock out, drink beer and smoke weed. Gigantour thing then B.L.S Berserkers and our festival. Between that we did Unblackend and The Song Remains Not ZW: Oh you can do that as too. In my case, the Same. So we’ve stayed pretty busy. I since I don’t drink anymore I just rock out and mean it’s not like I’ve been stockpiling riffs sniff glue. (Laughs) waiting to do a new album. DC: Has sobriety changed your music at all?
Photo Justin Reich
and Steve Vai and Joe Satriani and now its time for bands like Avenge Sevenfold some of the other great bands pushing the limits. DC: There is nothing more inspiring than seeing a group of 17 year olds busting out a Dream Theater song note for note. ZW: Hell yeh, Without a doubt. And you’re always gonna have kids that wanna play and that are committed to the instrument and want to push it to the next level and my friend, that is what drives rock and roll.
DC: What’s your process like for writing songs or albums?
ZW: no not at all. I mean I drank beer like coffee. It wasn’t like I was wasted and couldn’t operate heavy machinery. I mean if ZW: It’s the same as always. Here’s my we ever really got blasted it was late at night process. I would be like...ok I have 25 days listing to the playback with friends. Many until the guys get here to record the album. So I just load up on Valhalla Java and go out times we’d get blasted late at night in the the dungeon, I‘ve got my Marshall sittin’ out studio and just crash there on the couch, there and I just crank it up, ad some reverb which works out well. I mean you wake up in the studio ready to lay tracks. and an octave pedal and start writing riffs until I get something I dig. Then the fellas show up we do about 15 songs. Then I have DC: What bands impress you today? our Irish Catholic sound engineer, Adam ZW: Avenge Sevenfold and everything like burn me a CD. After that I just go out to that. It’s great to see hard rock bands doing my truck and blast out the songs and start well. It’s very important to have new blood to singing until I get melodies. Then I start keep the rock and roll lifeline going. I mean writing a lyrics, right there in the truck. And look at rock and roll. We started with Chuck that’s pretty much how we make the Black Berry and those guys then the Beatles and Label Krispy Kreams. There is no month Stones, then Clapton, Page and Beck then and a half pre-rehearsal, I mean when King Edward and St. Rhodes then Yngwie you’re rolling with guys who know what DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
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SALIVA: THE TOKEN LOUNGE
On March 26th, The Token Lounge played host to Nu-Metal veterans Saliva, as they brought their revamped line up, featuring new vocalist Bobby Amaru to give the Token a taste of what to expect on their upcoming album Rise Up being released on Rum Bum Records. There was an electric aura circulating through the venue as the opening band played for fans filing into the club. Providing direct support to Saliva, was hometown heroes, Bloodline Riot who brought their signature high energy metal sound to the stage with no trepidation. Jason Caine, the bands guitarist wasted no time channeling the onstage showmanship of Angus Young, parading about with the confidence of someone who is fully aware that they are two licks away from melting your face off with their blistering fretwork.
Rooster, the bands vocalist was also no stranger to the power of passion, as he effortlessly coerced the crowd into becoming a part of the energy being conceived on stage. The fans were starting to get more active and involved as the group offered up a sample of their new song Parasite which featured some killer riffage from Caine himself. Not failing to give the crowd more glimpses into his shredding capabilities, Caine tore into a scorching solo that entertained as the crowd jammed along, riding out the adrenaline that had been building all night. His solo paved the way for the home stretch of their set as the energy did not let up. A crowd sing along was summoned by Rooster as the band tore through
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Photo Kathy Wyras
Story by Dan Ursem
Leave Me Alone and Element before ending with what they claimed “was their most energetic song by far” that included an almost choreographed showcase of fretwork between the guitar and bass. They ended with a spastic metal freak out between bandmates and invoked cries from the crowd for one more song. Not without trying, Bloodline ended their set as the crowd was left itching for more. The Wrif’s Meltdown was on hand to introduce the evening’s headliners, Saliva. After a seemingly long wait, the floor was tightly packed in and ready to explode. Opening the show with Black Sheep the band powered through with intensity and Bobby was no disappointment behind the microphone either. The crowd was in full force and Saliva was just getting warmed up for a night of past hits and a taste of what to expect on the new album being released April 29th. The set featured standard hits, such as Ladies and Gentleman, Superstar, Click, Click Boom, and Always and although the band was able to keep the crowd engaged for most of the show, the set list seemed to a bit stale and pandering. It lacked a certain depth as they stuck with mostly radio hits. Not daring to dive much into their extensive catalog.
sounding much like the tracks that have already earned them notoriety on the charts.
The crowd was alive and aware, and quite frankly enjoying the show, as Saliva played for about an hour. Nearing the end of their set a fan friendly The new songs were decent and did not stray much clowning of sorts, the band playfully offered snippets from the bland, generic, hard hitting anthem sound of various 80’s and 90’s hits. that made them giants of the radio over a decade ago. Creatively speaking there seems to be little concern The evening was chocked full of energy and mayhem for musical evolution as the new tracks echoed as the Token Lounge played host to another great the age old notion of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” night of live music in Detroit.
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We Will Rock You -- The Musical by Queen and Ben Elton Since 2002, this hilarious, multi-award and recordbreaking phenomenon, built around 24 of Queen’s biggest hits, has been the ultimate tribute to one of the greatest rock bands this world has ever known. Over 15 million theater-goers have rocked out to this awe-inspiring production featuring special effects, sexy costumes and a boast of killer Queen tunes including We Will Rock You, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Another One Bites the Dust, We are the Champions, and Bohemian Rhapsody.
We Will Rock You has been staged in local productions in over 20 countries around the world, and has finally come to Detroit, which has a long and rich history associated with rock and roll. This ‘rock theatrical’ opened at the Fisher Theatre on April Fools Day through April 13, 2014. Writer, director and comedian Ben Elton set the stage specifically for the North American tour with more laughs and technology to reflect the cultural changes since the first storyline was composed. “Apart from addressing the broader social and technological changes, I also get the chance to update moments of topical humor,” says Elton. “New additions to the show include the most current pop culture references and the addition of a new song, You’re My Best Friend.”
By Karen Lemieux, Freelance Writer
to suppress their individuality and their love for music. Guess who ends up winning?”
In short, the show is really a celebration of live music. A seven-piece band becomes visible above the stage at the Fisher Theatre throughout the epic rock musical. Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor are musical supervisors to the show, taking an active role in not only casting the singers and actors, but the musicians for every production worldwide. The original production of We Will Rock You is a Phil McIntyre Entertainment, Tribeca Theatrical Productions and Queen Theatrical Productions presentation. We will Rock You is in the world of champion rock & roll musicals -- a show that rocks harder than any other. Don’t miss this opportunity to “rock out.” For additional information and future performances for We Will Rock You, please visit www.broadwayindetroit.com or www. wewillrockyou.com.
BRYAN ADAMSPhoto IN GRAND RAPIDS & Review By Jenne Barnes With only a black grand piano, guitar, and a microphone Bryan Adams turned the DeVos Place into an intimate acoustic atmosphere. Stepping out onto the stage in jean, a black shirt and a top hat he stepped to the microphone and lightly started singing.” She says her love for me could never die”, you could feel the excitement from the audience as they all began to sing along with Adams to Run To You. Improvising a drum beat he tapped the microphone with his hand to keep the crowd fallowing along.
Ruby Lewis, who portrays a rebel rock chick named Scaramouche, grew up listening to Queen’s Greatest Hits on repeat and is thrilled to sing these iconic songs here in Detroit. “Going into a new city, you never know if the audiences will appreciate the show fully and really ‘get’ the humor, but it was evident last night that Detroit is the perfect venue for this rock show,” stated Lewis. “You can tell rock is really alive here.”
We Will Rock You takes place in a future age of mindless manufactured music. Individuality is taboo. Music is generated by the corporation’s computers. Rock music is unheard of and all musical instruments are banned. The hope of breaking free rests with an alliance of rebel Bohemians, awaiting a hero (or two) to lead the battle to bring the power of rock back to the people. “This show is all about legend,” stated Elton. “We take the legend of Queen and create our own fantastical story of young kids battling the mighty corporation who wants
After playing quite a few of his hit songs Bryan stopped and asked the audience for song suggestions. People stood up and were shouting out personal favorites in hopes that theirs would be chosen. Straight From the Heart, Summer of 69 and One Night Love Affair request echoed off the walls of the DeVos place. Strumming his guitar waiting for fan reactions you could feel the emotion as Adams started with One Night Love Affair. One lucky lady was chosen by Adams himself to dance while he sang If You Want To BE Bad, You Gotta Be Good. She showed her wild side as the lights beamed down on her and as Byran put it her dance was quite sexy. As he sang to the fans he noticed a group of 8 lucky ladies sitting on the 3rd balcony and stopped the show and requested that they come down and join him in the front row. One of the female fans was so excited she climbed on stage and tried to steal a kiss from the performer, but was unlucky. Interacting with the fans throughout the performance and pausing at times to share stories about songs and other artist he shared the stage with such as Barbra Strisan. Tonight, at times, bryan shared the stage with his piano player, Gary Breit who is an amazing pianist. Breit was so into his performance and keeping up with a guitar solo of Adams, he kicked his bench out of the way and stood up to play his piano more intensely. Bryan Adams came back for a phenomenal encore which kept fans at their feet the entire time. While he sang a romantic ballad, Really Loved a Women it prompted a woman to say yes to a marriage proposal. Adams spoke with the couple after he finished singing and even snapped a quick photo with the couple phone. He invited fans to join him at the front of the stage as he sang You’ve been a Friend to Me. To end the night shared a memory with fans about DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
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Harley Wallen the next few months. The film was picked up for distribution by Lionsgate pictures. It looks like worst case scenario, would be Netflix… which is fine by me”. DC: What else do you have coming out? Wallen: I’m also working on one of the most interesting scripts I’ve ever scene. It’s called The Hundred Day Tale. I don’t want to give too much of it way but it’s basically the story of regular people who get super powers… for 100 days...Then, they go back to being mortal again… It’s a great story that explores aspects of the superhero genre that I’ve never seen done before. I’m very excited to see where it goes. I’m also working with M.D. White on the Horrorcore Hotel satire that I think is going to do well. It’s a behind the scenes short of the filming of the movie Horrorcore Hotel. But, while the actual movie is a full on horror movie, Behind the Scenes of Horrorcore Hotel is a fictional comedy. Harley Wallen is a prime example of using the gifts you’re given to carve out the life you want. As a young boy in Sweden Harley started Martial Arts at the age of 8. He was a talented fighter and eventually went on to become a member of Sweden’s national team and a professional MMA fighter. He began to study dance in his early teens and eventually found himself in theatric roles. His first official movie role was in a Swedish youth against violence film. As Harley says” I was new to the whole acting thing but after that experience, I was hooked” Yet it would be several years before Wallen could truly delve into the art of acting. In 1994 Harley moved to Detroit and immediately began landing acting and modeling jobs through agencies in Toronto and New York. “As soon as I got to America I landed acting and modeling jobs. But they quickly dried up, after that I found most of what I was doing was auditioning”. It was around then that Harley realized what his next step in his career would be. His background in Martial arts and his comfort in front of the camera opened opportunities as a commentator for mixed martial Arts fights. He began doing regular commentary for Fox Sports Detroit, Fox Sports Network as well as for Donofrio MMA, Xtreme Cagefighting Championships and Cage Combat. He enjoyed the work and his understanding of the industry made him a natural. Yet, Harley wasn’t done acting. Recently Harley re emerged on the acting scene by landing the lead role in the 2013 release “The Love interest” Says Wallen “the Love interest was a great learning experience. I was able to go through the whole process from beginning to end and gain a better understanding of the industry which really helped me with my role in the upcoming movie Number One Contender”.
DC: It sounds like you have no trouble keeping your schedule full. As someone who moved to Detroit from a foreign land what is your opinion of the city? Wallen: I love Detroit. It’s my home. I’ve been here since the mid 90’s and I feel right at home. DC: How does it compare to Sweden? Wallen: In some ways similar but in others very different. I mean I was raised in a pretty much traditional home where mom was at home and dad was the bread winner. In that aspect it was very similar. I’ll tell you one thing that’s different; in Sweden no one has guns and the extreme violence is less. Not only are there less legal guns but there are fewer illegal guns as well. So you’re probably a lot less likely to get shot in Sweden. Although you may be more likely to get into a bar fight over there. But the difference is, in Sweden that’s where it the fight ends. Over here you always have to keep in mind that the other person may have a gun. DC: Did it take a while to get used to things over here? Wallen: Not really. Detroit is not how people around the world assume it to be. I’ve never been intimidated by the city of Detroit. I’ve felt comfortable here from day one. As soon as I moved here I would walk around downtown at all hours, I never had a problem. I’ve always loved Detroit and am as excited to live here now as I was 20 years ago when I first arrived. The movie business in this area is fantastic and there are a lot of talented motivated filmmakers to work with. In addition I’m a great point in my career. I’m getting great film offers every day and staying busy working as an MMA commentator… right now, the future looks bright.
DC: Is Number One Contender your current Thanks for talking with us Harley… we’ll be project? watching for you at the movies… HW: Well… it’s one of them. We are currently finishing up filming and should wrap up within 22 LIVE
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KIP MOORE - FILLMORE DEC
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WXC 49 March Madness
By John Quiroz
What’s up fight fans? Last month I ventured into the freezing Michigan tundra to bring you an interview with the UFC’s fast rising lightweight star, Daron Cruickshank. Well this month my undertaking is to go and check out some Michigan mma for myself. Fast forward to March 21st when I found myself in route to an event called WXC 49 March Madness! Why the WXC? Well I was told by my two trusted sources (Cathy and Mardi) that they were a very professional promotion company and their shows were first class. So I did a little research and found that the WXC (Warrior Xtreme Cagefighting) is modeled after the UFC. Except that the WXC features amateur fighters mainly. They had their first show in Monroe, Michigan in 2008 and have gone on to become the largest mma promotion in Michigan. Well that was enough for me. So armed with invites from a couple of our invaluable MMA insiders and a well timed introduction to WXC president, Norbert Pasztor from our esteemed leader here at Detroit Live, Darian Counts, I knew that I’d have no trouble getting in even if it was completely sold out! The event was held at Wayne Tree Manor, a semielegant ballroom style setting which the WXC had transformed into a palace much worthy of high-level fisticuffs. Entering was a breeze when Mr. Pasztor himself greeted us at the door and with a smile reserved only for people who love what they do ushered us to some fantastic ringside seats. Waiting for the battles to begin was a surreal experience. I could feel the growing crowd bristling with anticipation. With intense music roaring through the speakers, vivid, multicolored lights flashing on the cage and a long gray runway, the stage was set for battle. And so was I! Just as I was being introduced to actor / commentator, Harley Wallen (see article in this month DL for more info on Harley) the crowd let out a huge roar for Daron Cruickshank (who this night was acting as referee). After a nod to Daron (he loved our interview), I was escorted backstage by Norbert Pasztor I was invited to sit in on the rules meeting where the rules (the WXC uses the same unified rules as the UFC except no elbows on the ground for amateurs) were explained to
the interested and primed to fight, room full of warriors of all shapes and sizes. The rest of the backstage area was transformed into a makeshift emergency triage unit complete with licensed medic, Cathy Harmon on hand further showing WXC’s commitment to fighter safety. As I was speaking with Norbert I learned a couple of things about him that I had already suspected. 1. Norbert is a martial artist himself 2. This is a labor of love for him. His cage has had over 2000 MMA fights in it, so that should tell you how deep that Norbert is involved in Michigan mixed martial arts.
lackluster rd. 1, TOM FUDOLI caught Haney in a well executed guillotine choke early in rd. 2. PITOCK VS TROMBLEY (for the 205 lb title) - From the opening of the fight, ADAM TROMBLEY wrecked Pitock with insane body slams ala Rampage Jackson! At times I thought that the cage was going to break. Pitock was tough though and took a lot of punishment and wouldn’t quit. This was a grueling fight and both fighters got winded. Trombley proved why he is a great champion by digging deep and pulling off a beautiful rear naked choke that stopped the fight in rd. 5.
SCOTT VS FLOWERS (for the 135 lb title) - Both fighters were game and they fought a tough fight. Most of the Next it was FIGHT TIME! Since there were 14 fights, I’m only going to give you my thoughts on the fights and fight was fought in the clinch until MURJAN FLOWERS showed championship form and ended the fight with an fighters who were the most outstanding. incredible arm bar submission in rd. 5. ZEPEDA VS MILLOWAY 155 lbs - Rd. 1 was a pretty even slugfest. JASON MILLOWAY then ended the fight with a All in all it was a great night of entertainment that I would recommend for people of all ages. The sport has vicious KO punch. Very impressive! a very cool culture within it. Its a culture of respect and McPHAUL VS LEONARD 125 lbs - This fight was very fast love for the sport. I saw no one in the crowd getting violent and the only fights were in the cage. The WXC paced with both fighters showing skills. The stoppage does it up right. WXC president Norbert Pasztor tells happened in the 2nd round when AARON LEONARD me that for the next show, he’s pulling out all the stops! finished the fight with a brilliant rear naked choke! And we believe it. WHITE VS POWERS 135 lbs - DARNELL WHITE was a cyclone! He manhandled Powers and finished him with a ferocious display of ground and pound. Spectacular performance!! DEBOIS VS DITZHAZY125 lbs - A dominant performance by JAKE DITZHAZY. He fought a frenzy of a fight and was not to be denied. Rear naked choke rd 1. MORSE VS BLASSINGAME 155 lbs - ANTOINE BLASSINGAME ended a lopsided fight in rd. 2 with a one punch KO over a game Morse. MAULDING VS BLACK 185 lbs - WILLIS BLACK is a monster! He annihilated Maulding from the beginning until the ref mercifully ended it in rd. 2. DEMATIO VS MORRISON - ERIC MORRISON dominated and finished Dematio with knees to the body in rd. 1. Morrison looks to have a great future in mma. FUDOLI VS HANEY (for the 125 lb title) - After a DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE.COM
WXC 50 will be held on Friday May 30th at the Southgate Civic Center. Tickets are very inexpensive
at $25 for general admission - $45 for VIP Cage side $400 for a VIP Cage side table for 10. For ticket info call - (734) 693-4353. Check out the WXC on Facebook or at
www.warriorxtreme.com
Bryan Adams cont from 19 writing music with his roommates and a cat that had a vendetta against his music and would pee on his guitar. Adams smiles and told the crowd ‘ this is a song I wrote when I was 18’. Straight From the Heart’ finished off the night perfectly. Bryan Adams put on a one of a kind acoustic show that was enjoyed by everyone at the DeVos place. He brought back memories with is music as the couples danced and even were engaged. With only his voice, guitar and occasional piano Adams won over Grand Rapids place. Music is magic was what he said has he ended the night. LIVE 27
A P R I L 2 0 1 4 Choice Cuts April 2014 Punk in Africa, : Director/producers Keith Jones and Deon Maas have created a documentary that truly speaks to the heart of the creative process. In this case it focuses on the underground rock scenes that emerged in the early ‘70s throughout South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Taking you right up to the present day, this is the story of folks who create music for survival, social change and, simply, because they have to! Amid apartheid, civil wars, economic struggles and racism great music was spawned by the likes of artists such as Johannesburg’s Suck, Durban’s Wild Youth and National Wake. In particular, during the tempestuous ‘80s, the southern regions of Africa were increasingly oppressive to both blacks and whites. A number of bands and nightclubs sprang up to inform and rally free-thinking people, as well as entertain. For those that seek a compelling story and are interested in the origins of alternative rock from a global perspective, this definitely is a must-have to include in your DVD arsenal!
Rock Candy Funk Party Takes New York: Live at the Iridium (DVD/CD, J&R Adventures, JRA44464): This is the follow up to their debut album We Want Groove and these cream-of-the-crop players still consider this well-rehearsed project their “hobby”! This time the jazz-funk-fusion group packs up their gear and heads out of an L.A. studio to the gritty streets of Manhattan. Guitarist Joe Bonamassa, guitarist Ron DeJesus, bassist Mike Merritt, keyboardist Renato Neto, drummer Tal Bergman and percussionist Daniel Sadownick come from all walks of rock, jazz, blues, world beat and pop. But when they got together for this momentous three night stint at the famed NYC jazz club in June, 2013 all egos were checked at the door and the musical sparks flew. The interaction of Bonamassa and DeJesus is textbook for guitarists and the rhythm section of Bergman and Merritt is what playing in the pocket is all about. The overall feel of their performance is balanced and relaxed, but they turn up the heat with some fireworks when needed. Also included is an audio CD of the concert and a behind-the-scenes DVD documentary on the making of the video. Jazz-rock and fusion is alive and well people, and RCFP is a fine example of why!
D.O.A., To Hell N’ Back: The Godfathers of Hardcore Live (DVD/CD, MVD Visual , www.suddendeath.com ): “Be your own boss….think for yourself. Effect some positive change into this world!” Those are some frank and honest quotes that have been the mantra of D.O.A. guitarist and front man Joe “Shithead” Keithley for over 30 years. Actually, it’s been 35 years and the storied Canadian hardcore punk band is celebrating that anniversary with this DVD/CD package. You get all the classic hits live—from 2011 and 2013—when they appeared at Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre, the Canmore Hotel in Alberta and Calgary’s Palomino Club. Keithley has never sounded better and, at nearly 60, has lost none of his passion or ire for social change. “Police Brutality,” “General Strike,” “I Live in a Car” and “I’m Right, You’re Wrong” are all here, along with a boatload of other grinders. Kudos to the current rhythm section of bassist Dan Yaremko and drummer Jesse Pinner too. These guys forge a pocket as huge as an I-75 pothole and really lock it down! Also included in this package is a full-length CD of 2012’s We Come in Peace. That is a great bonus as well as DVD extras of the band in the studio working on the album. Essential! 28 LIVE
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Suzanne Vega, Solitude Standing (DVD, Wienerworld): Filmed in 2003, this concert from Rome finds the somewhat introspective troubadour performing a seamless mix of greatest hits, album cuts and spoken word pieces. Her classic waif-like delivery grabs your ear right away as she certainly paved the way for many modern Americana and beat poet revivalists that have emerged in the last decade. It’s a very intimate and transparent performance; just Vega, her acoustic guitar and bassist/accompanist Mike Visceglia. She appears a little tentative at first but then dives right in to the tuneful “Marlene on the Wall.” She follows that with the spoken word “How to Make a Poem.” What’s interesting with that and all the other spoken word sections of the show is that she is joined onstage by interpreter Valerio Piccolo who translates Vega’s communication with the audience in Italian. It seemed a little distracting at first but soon became rather intimate and charming. Songs like “Some Journey” and “Penitent” are ethereal and alluring. “Left of Center” is fun and really grooves while concert closers “Luka” and “Tom’s Diner” bring the audience to their feet. Special features include a 12 minute interview with Vega and a gallery of the artist in pictures. RPWL, Wanted (Gentle Art of Music, GAOM 022, www.rpwl.net ): Here is the latest from the progressive German rock band as they continue their love affair with the concept album. It’s a tuneful collection of songs that tackle a number of monumental subjects; the inner liberation of the human spirit, freedom of thought, individualism, man’s relation with religion and war. It all sounds quite overwhelming but these guys lay it all out in a collection that is packed with great songs and memorable performances. Lead vocalist/keyboardist Yogi Lang has a somewhat smoky David Gilmour quality to his voice, and the overall feel of the album does have a late ‘70s Pink Floyd aesthetic. But the interludes of electronic snippets and hi-def sound design give it their own unique and modern neoEuropean point of view.
Wayne Kramer, Lexington (Industrial Amusement, www.industrialamusement.com ): The legendary former MC5 guitarist has always been about musical anarchy and challenging the perceptions of the listening public. He did that with his former band and he continued a trail-blazing path, with a series of well-received solo albums for the Epitaph label. But it is easily safe to say that you’ve never heard Wayne Kramer quite like this! Imagine if Al Dimeola partnered with Sun Ra and asked Miles Davis to sit in. That’s the kind of vibe that is at work here. To this reviewer’s knowledge, it’s unlike anything the leader has ever done before and one of his most impassioned and essential works to date! Kramer unleashes riffs like a madman, conjuring up a melting pot of free form jazz, blues, rock, world and everything in between. He’s got some other great Detroit musicians on here as well such as trombonist Phil Ranelin, bassist Robert Hurst and trumpeter Dr. Charles Moore. ###
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by Aluna Michaels, M.A.
Spiritual Horoscope for April by Aluna Michaels, M.A.
HOrOSCOPE
Aries (March 21 – April 19) – Happy birthday Aries! Many planets are moving around and can make you impatient, or want to jump to conclusions. The best thing is to meditate, which is against your grain when you’re riled up! Practice deep breathing/yoga; ask for guidance in dreams; create a vision board. If you take action only when you’re spiritually centered, you’ll have relationship and career breakthroughs!
BILLIONAIRES
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Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – April is a month of extreme development of your intuition! Release all previous expectations or disappointments around spiritual growth. Create space for fresh energy and new experiences. Mid-month’s total eclipse opens inner faculties if you’re prepared! Meditate and quiet your mind however works for you and just be open. Ask for the courage to change by acting on guidance when it comes. Allow for shifts in health, work and stuck ways of thinking!
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Gemini (May 21 – June 20) – Pluto moving retrograde and the total eclipse are working to heal sexual and financial issues. The roots are about trust, intimacy and selfworth. Try meditating and then writing about old wounds about not having your needs fulfilled with money, and also with intimate relationships. Release all this pain to the Universe by tearing up the paper, or burning it. Clear your mind, heart and karma and be ready for a new chapter in these areas! Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – This is a wild month with a total eclipse and many planets causing emotional chaos! Your spiritual step is not to be triggered by other people’s irritability and off-centeredness. Meditate each day – please! And see if any family members want to join you – even for a little deep breathing, inspirational reading or some yoga. Do not get attached to shifting moods. Focus on your unchanging spiritual core – and the spiritual core of everyone else! Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) – Please think (or better yet, meditate) before you speak! This month’s eclipse can make you jump to conclusions, or have scrambled thinking. But the eclipse can also give you deep spiritual insights and intuitions. To have the positive energy, address your stress level. Be kind to your body by cleaning up your diet and by resting more. Use affirmations and spiritual mantras to keep your mind serene. The breakthroughs you have create prosperity at work and intimacy in relationships. Stay spiritually poised to avoid potential emotional chaos! Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) – Ponder your budget and see if you are being too impulsive with spending. Don’t make big financial decisions this month if you don’t have to. Read books on spiritual prosperity. You can break through “lack consciousness”. You can balance how to treat yourself well, while also paying your bills. Meditation also helps you feel balanced in relationships in terms of giving and receiving love! 30 LIVE
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Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) – The eclipse is in your sign, giving insights into relationships, body image and self-esteem. It might dredge up issues from childhood. Meditate all levels of insecurities – emotional, financial, physical, whatever. Be willing to let them heal! Your anxieties can burden others (and are mostly only in your head!). Create loving affirmations to build inner strength. You’ll receive positive support from people effortlessly when you radiate spiritual sureness! Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) – Your spiritual step is to release paranoia. Meditate on trusting others – and the Universe! When you have negative or critical thoughts, challenge yourself to turn them into supportive and loving ideas. Most of these thoughts are about yourself, and you’ll notice a huge sense of relief when you stop the automatic negativity. You can also start a new relationship, or have a renewed sense of love in a current partnership! Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) – You value your freedom above everything . . . but what about intimacy? This month’s eclipse is asking you to connect more deeply – with relationships, with yourself, with the Universe. Meditate on your fear of being trapped, which covers your real fear of being abandoned and of failing. It’s time to ponder commitments. Taking those steps will bring your to a higher level of spiritual growth, bliss, prosperity and self-esteem! Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) – Like your Aries and Leo friends, you meditate before taking action this month. Talk with a trusted advisor so you see the whole picture reflected to you. It’s too easy to focus on one portion of an issue. It’s vital to get enough rest. Don’t push your body, since intense spiritual energy is coming into it! Be willing to let go of worn out situations to make room for new abundance. You might even start a new relationship, but start slow! Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) – It frustrates you to be ahead of your time. Meditate on forgiving people around you who are afraid to grow. Save your words, because you’ll be harsh with this month’s eclipse. Instead, take action in your own life. Live your truth and you will inspire others – maybe not the ones you intend to – but you will make a difference with your courageous choices. Also, seek guidance from your dreams and intuitions! Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) – Relationships are moving to a new level of depth and intimacy. As a Pisces, you value your privacy – but sharing your heart and soul is part of your spiritual journey. When you open to another human, it’s a mirror of opening more to the Universe. Forgive old hurts from throughout your life. Have good boundaries so you attract healthy partnerships, but don’t let your limits block love! Aluna Michaels is a second-generation astrologer and Soul Evolutionist practitioner. She also holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than two decades. Her book “Spiritual Gifts of the 12 Astrological Signs” is now on Amazon in Kindle version. Ms. Michaels is available for appointments in her home or by phone. Call (248) 583-1663 or visit www.alunamichaels.com
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