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HELSTAR
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October 2021
ANNIVERSARY ISSUE! NOW STARTING OUR 40th YEAR OF BUSINESS! Now, on to the new issue. In this issue, as usual, we have some great stories and information to pass on to you. Check out stories in this month’s issue on ALICE COOPER, HELSTAR, NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND, CAROLYN WONDERLAND, BLACK STONE CHERRY, TESTAMENT, BADFLOWER, GEOFF TATE, JACKSON BROWNE, SLIPKNOT and another installment of the original story, THE BIKER along with a lot more! Also in this issue are a ton of great pictures of bands performing that were submitted by you, the Music News Readers. Thank you so much for sharing your musical experiences with me and all my readers. I really appreciate it and I know the bands do as well. Keep it up... We would like to see more pictures from you. I sincerely hope that everybody reading this new publication finds something here that they like and I would like to encourage you to let your friends and colleagues know about us. Just look for us every month at http://www.houstonmusicnews.net. I would also like to encourage you to email us for a free subscription to Rock And Blues International as well. Just email us at musicnew@airmail.net and in the subject line simply put “Sign Me Up” and we’ll email you a copy each month when it is published.
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Contents
VOL. 40 NO. 1
OCTOBER 2021
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ISSUE NO. 504
HELSTAR Helstar perform at Helfest 2021 at The Concert Pub North on October 16th
10 ALICE COOPER
Alice Cooper Performs at Smart Financial Centre on October 18
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NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band perform at The Arena Theatre on October 24th
CAROLYN WONDERLAND
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Carolyn Wonderland performs songs from her new Alligator Records Release at The Height Theatre on November 5
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BLACK STONE CHERRY Black Stone Cherry perform at The Scout Bar On October 16
Contents
VOL.40 NO. 1
OCTOBER 2021
26 Page 48 Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo perform at Smart Financial Centre on October 25
ISSUE NO. 504
18 Jesse Cotton Stone 20 Larry Gatlin 26 Testament 30 Alastair Greene 32 Badflower 34 Geoff Tate 36 Jackson Brown 42 The Biker 44 Slipknot 52 Eric Clapton 55 and on RANDOM SHOTS
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Helstar Perform At Helfest 2021 At The Concert Pub North Well folks, we have some great news for you. On October 16th of this month, we have two great events for you at the same place. One is the Grand Re-Opening of The Concert Pub North. The other is Helfest 2021. If you’ve been wanting to see Helstar perform, then you won’t have long. This is the night for it. They will be headlining Helfest 2021.. Celebrating Helfest 2021 alongside Helstar will be Distance Of Thought, Squadryn, Shapeless Power, and Luna Tics. This is an all ages show, so yes, the kiddies can show up and rock too. The show is being produced by Venom Music Promotions. The doors open at 7:00 pm and the show starts soon after, so get there as soon as you can and watch the entire show. On top of this, tickets to the show are a steal at only $15. That’s 3 dollars per band to rock out all night. Congratulations goes out to Jay Dee for getting The Concert Pub North opened up again. It’s been a long time coming and now we have another great venue to party at on the north side of Houston again. The address for The Concert Pub North is 2470 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston. Headlining the show is Houston’s longest running and oldest Metal Band, Helstar. Larry Barragan originally formed Helstar in 1981. Larry felt that he needed a new extreme Metal project to sink his teeth in, so he formed Helstar using a few 6 Music MusicNews News •• November October December2021 2020
members of his previous band, Black Rose. He wanted something new with members that he felt complimented his writing style. By 1983 Helstar had finally settled into its first solid outfit with the addition of vocalist James Rivera. Also performing in the band were, Tom Rogers (guitar), Hector Pavon (drums) and Paul Medina (bass). It wasn’t long before the band cut their first 8-song demo which became a much sought after item among the Metal Scene. It wasn’t long before the folks at Combat Records received their copy and by November of the year and quickly signed Helstar to their label before any other company could snatch them up. The next year, in 1984, Helstar released their first album Burning Star to critical acclaim. The Metal community jumped on it quickly and sales were phenomenal and the press is quickly praising it for its twin guitar attack and the fantastic vocal ability of James Rivera. James’ voice is being compared to the likes of Ronnie James Dio and Rob Halford. Yes, the metal community has found a voice in Texas. Needless to say, Texas Metal History was kicked off with the release of Burning Star. It wasn’t long before the band was continued on next page
Helfest 2021 continued from previous page opening up for WASP. Regional touring around Texas helped to propel the popularity of the band and by 1985 the band found themselves back in the studio in California to record their second album, Remnants Of War. This led to an opening gig with Stryper in Houston’s Sam Houston Coliseum. The next year recording and production on Remnants Of War is completed and the album is released. More fantastic reviews from the press are rolling in now and the band find themselves on tour with…. hold it… are you ready… Megadeth! Yes, the boys have hit the big time. More opening slots start coming their way and now they’re on stage with King Diamond and Keel. Nothing is going to stop Helstar from becoming one of the best known Metal bands in the world, much less being the Metal ambassadors from Texas. Now, 37 years later, James River and Helstar have created quite a legacy for themselves. They have shared the stage with an unbelievable roster of Metal bands and have performed at countless festivals, not to mention headlining a plethora of shows. Nothing seems to stop these Metal Rockers. Their future still continues to look very bright. They also continued on to release great Metal material with the most recent being their 2020 album, Clad In Black. Here are the releases that James and the band have released so far: Burning Star (Combat Records 1984), Remnants of War (Combat Records 1986), A Distant Thunder (Metal Blade Records 1988), Nosferatu (Metal Blade Records 1989), Multiples of
Black (Massacre 1995), Twas The Night of a Helish Xmas (Metal Blade Records 2000) (live album), The James Rivera Legacy (Iron Glory 2001), Sins of the Past (AFM Records 2007), The King of Hell (AFM Records 2008), Rising from the Grave (Metal Blade Records 2010) (boxed set), Glory Of Chaos (AFM Records 2010), 30 Years of HEL (AFM Records 2013), This Wicked Nest (AFM Records 2014), Vampiro (EMP Underground 2016), and Clad In Black ( Massacre Records 2020). We had a chance to sit down with James and discuss Helstar and he had a lot of great information to tell us about what to expect at this year’s Helfest. Music News: So, what should we expect to be hearing at this month’s Helfest? James Rivera: At the last show we did, we came up with a really cool theme. Because we have so many albums out, we don’t have enough time to play every song. We always have people come up and say, ‘Hey man, you didn’t play this song from this album’. We’re not Rush yet, but we can play for about 4 hours, so what we did, and it went over very well and people loved it, was we decided to do the first opening track from every album we have ever done, all in a row. They weren’t exactly in chronological order, but it was the first opening track from every album. So that’s what I think we’re going to do again for this show. We just have to stick to the same set since we have so many shows coming up. We might as well keep delivering that show. That’s what people can expect. And then of course, there’s other favorites that will be done as soon as we’re done with the first song from every continued on next page
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Helfest 2021 continued from previous page album. Music News: For people that don’t have every album that you’ve done, what are some of the songs that we can expect to hear? James Rivera: Well, you’re talking “Burning Star,” off the first album, Burning Star, “Remnants Of War” from the second album, Remnants Of War, “The King Is Dead” from A Distant Thunder, “Baptized In Blood” from Nosferatu. Then we would jump to twenty years later to “The King Of Hell” from The King Of Hell, then from the Glory Of Chaos we would be doing the song called “When Angels Fall.” And then we move on to This Wicked Nest and we would be doing “Fall Of Dominion,” and then we would be doing “Awaking Unto Darkness” from the album Vampiro. Then we would be doing “Dark Incarnation” from the latest release that came out in February. The album is called Clad In Black. Music News: There’s bound to be a few songs that you have to play that aren’t the first cut on the album releases. What would be a few of those? James Rivera: Oh yeah, that’s obvious. It’s always going to be “Run With The Pack,” which is from the Burning Star album. It’s always our closing song. That’s our Beatles hit (laughs). And then just prior to the release of the EP, we did something really cool and different. We released a single for the very first time. In all these years we have never released a single. It was accompanied with a video that just blew up when we put it out. It’s our first Heavy Metal Ballad, so think of “Still Loving You” and “Beyond The Realms Of Death” by Judas Priest. I could go on and on. The typical Metal Ballad… we’ve never released one before. It’s called “Black Wings Of Solitude,” so that’s a ‘must’ now. It’s our official single. There are so many other songs that people think are a ‘must’, but that’s how we ended up in this situation where we can’t do them all. We figured at least this way we could no longer get that phrase, ‘You didn’t do one song from this album.’ Well, yeah we did, we did the first song. Music News: Good thing you don’t have another 20 albums along with the others under your belt. James Rivera: Yeah, I don’t know how people deal with that. Music News: There are bands out there like that with 20 or 30 albums under their belt. It’s got to be rough for them trying to figure out a set list. James Rivera: Oh, I know… Exactly. Music News: I think you’ve come up with a winning formula here. Your first song off the album is usually one of your heaviest. James Rivera: I think of in the realm of everything, not just us, but with any band, the first song is the most memorable. And it’s because it’s the first track. I can’t think of why a band would put the worst song on as their first track, so usually the first song is the best song on the album. 8
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Music News: Well, theoretically there’s not supposed to be a worst song on the album. James Rivera: No, not at all. There are songs that are called B-sides and there are songs that you call A-sides. You always pick the one that you want people to like. You want them to become hypnotized and captured by the rest of the album, but the first one does have a lot to say I believe. Music News: Tell me a little bit about the lineup for this show. James Rivera: Well, the lineup for this show as long as you’ve known us Kevin, has been the longest existed lineup for going on up to about 7 years now in a row. It’s the lineup that was official that came together in 2015, actually at the end of 2014. We released the album Vampiro with this lineup. That lineup is consistent. We have done quite a bit since then… a complete US tour, two times to Europe already, and it’s probably one of the most solid lineups we’ve ever had. Of course, me and Larry are still together since 1982 and that’s the lineup that’s going to be there that night, and we plan on being around for another 10 years or even longer. The good thing about it is the two main ingredients I think that sort of brings a lot to the table is guitar player Andrew Atwood, and bassist Garrick Smith. We call them ‘the kids’. They’re 30 years younger than I am, but that’s just how these kids are now, they’re learning younger and they’re unbelievable musicians. For me personally, they bring me a lot of ‘young ambition’ again, so it was a big plus. And then the drummer we have… he’s been with us for over 10 years now, maybe longer… that’s Mikey Lewis. He brought a lot to the table that really made the band heavier and darker than we were in the 80s, but that’s because his drumming lends that hand. And then, of course, we evolved with the times as a band too because we got into so many different kinds of music since the 80s. Needless to say, our interview went on for quite a while, but for the sake of this story, the main focus was what we can expect from this year’s Helfest. By the looks of things, Helstar is going to put on one of the best shows you’ve ever seen or heard. We can’t wait to get there. It’s going to be a blast. We’ve already given you a good idea on all the songs that they’ll be performing. There will also be a few more that we haven’t discussed here, so that will be a surprise for you. Mark your calendars and we’ll see you at The Concert Pub North for Helfest on October 16th.
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inductee, continues his reflections on a lifetime in music with Origins, Vol. 2. No stranger to cover versions throughout his musical history — having recorded, rebranded and repossessed such notable nuggets as “New York Groove,” “Do Ya” and “I Wanna Go Back” over the course of his eight previous studio efforts — this new collection presents a thoughtful and exciting selection of songs that inspired and helped shape the legendary guitarist. Foremost of importance to the original Spaceman is delivering an album his fans will enjoy, but one where every song also has a place in his life’s jukebox.
Alice Cooper Performs at Smart Financial Centre October 18 Alice Cooper will make his longawaited return to the road on a headline tour this September and October. The tour kicks off September 17 in Atlantic City and runs through October 23 in Atlanta. Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley will appear as special guest on all shows September 18 through October 22. Cooper, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, usually spends up to six months a year on the road, bringing his iconic brand of rock psycho-drama to fans both old and new, enjoying it as much as the audience does. Known as the architect of shock rock, Cooper (in both the original Alice Cooper band and as a solo artist) has rattled the cages and undermined the authority of generations of guardians of the status quo, continuing to surprise fans and exude danger at every turn, like a great horror movie. Alice Cooper concerts remain a “not-tobe-missed” attraction! Cooper’s universally acclaimed new album Detroit Stories is out now via earMUSIC. The record is a celebration of the sound and spirit of the Golden Era of Detroit rock, and debuted on the Billboard Album sales chart at #1 upon 10
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release in February. The Associated Press called Detroit Stories “a masterpiece of classic rock, soul and R&B in homage to the city that produced him,” while Entertainment Weekly proclaimed the release “a love letter from Cooper to his city, and one that encourages a deep dive into his own back catalog and that of his peers.” Variety deemed the album “a delicious tip of the hat to ’70s classics such as ‘Killer’ and ‘School’s Out’ without sounding like a throwback.” Rolling Stone enthused, “That spirit of rock & roll abandon still exists in Cooper’s music half a century later, and his inherent showmanship is why people still fill theaters to see his guillotine act. It’s also why his records are still fun to listen to: You never know where he’s headed.” Get it here. “We’ve always had fun touring together and it should be a heavy rock show with Ace and a great way to get everyone back to live concerts again,” says Cooper. “It should be a great night of virtuoso guitars!” Ace Frehley, KISS co-founder and 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
“I’ve known Alice for over 30 years,” says Frehley. “We’re good friends, and we’ve toured together numerous times and always had a blast. Our musical roots are very similar, and the combination of our two bands make for a great event that nobody is gonna want to miss. Being off the road for more than a year because of the pandemic has been tough on everyone in the music industry, and I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the fans happy, healthy, and ready to rock.” Alice Cooper pioneered a grandly theatrical brand of hard rock that was designed to shock. Drawing equally from horror movies, vaudeville, and garage rock, the group created a stage show that featured electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood and boa constrictors. He continues to tour regularly, performing shows worldwide with the dark and horror-themed theatrics that he’s best known for. With a schedule that includes six months each year on the road, Alice Cooper brings his own brand of rock psycho-drama to fans both old and new, enjoying it as much as the audience does. Known as the architect of shock-rock, Cooper (in both the original Alice Cooper band and as a solo artist) has rattled the cages and undermined the authority of generations of guardians of the status quo, continuing to surprise fans and exude danger at every turn, like a great horror movie, even in an era where CNN can present real life shocking images.
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OCT. 7 - The Drift OCT. 14 - Rick Lee OCT. 21 - Staci & The Big Blue OCT. 28 - Lightning Brothers October 16 - Nick Gaitan Dog Friendly
Mondays- The Evolution of Quiz Trivia October Live Music Schedule 10/1 Charlie & the Regrets 10/2 Kory Quinn 10/7 The Drift - Heights Blues Series 10/8 Robert Nathan Taylor 10/9 Texas Turbines 10/14 Rick Lee - Heights Blues Series 10/15 Gus Clark
10/16 Nick Gaitan 10/21 Staci & The Big Blue - Heights Blues Series 10/22 Ironsight 10/23 William & The Texas Starlight 10/28 Lightning Brothers - Heights Blues Series 10/29 Patrick B Ray 10/30 Western Bling October
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addition to some new stuff,” Hanna says. At the peak of their country career, the band toured Europe with Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, who hinted that they’d love to appear on a sequel to Will the Circle Be Unbroken, if the band ever decided to make one. That gesture convinced the band to get back in the studio to record another all-star album. Circle Volume II featured Johnny and June, as well as Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, Levon Helm, John Hiatt, Bruce Hornsby, John Denver, Ricky Skaggs, New Grass Revival, and many other marquee names – not to mention encore performances by Roy Acuff, Jimmy Martin, and Earl Scruggs. Released in 1989, the album won three Grammys and a CMA Award for Album of the Year.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Perform At The Arena Theatre October 24th With a refreshed lineup and newfound energy, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band remains one of the most accomplished bands in American roots music. Following an extended 50th anniversary tour, the ensemble grew to a six-piece in 2018 for the first time since their early jug band days. The group now includes Jeff Hanna (acoustic guitar, electric guitar), Jimmie Fadden (drums, harmonica), Bob Carpenter (keyboards), Jim Photoglo (bass, acoustic guitar), Ross Holmes (fiddle, mandolin), and Jaime Hanna (electric and acoustic guitar). All six members also sing, and when their voices merge, the harmonies add a powerful new component for the legendary band. And with the father-son pairing of Jeff and Jaime Hanna, the band carries on a country music tradition of blood harmony. Jeff Hanna says, “It’s like when you throw a couple of puppies into a pen with a bunch of old dogs. All of a sudden, the old dogs start playing, you know? That’s kind of what’s happened with us. The basic vibe is so up and positive, and the music– we’re hearing surprises from Jaime and Ross all night. And they’re encouraging us in the same way to take more chances. It’s opened a lot of doors for us, musically, and the morale is really great. That’s important for a band that’s been out there for over 53 years.” The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band played their first gig in 1966 in Southern California as a jug band and by 1969 had become a cornerstone of the burgeoning country-rock Photo by Jeff Fasano community. Their career breakthrough came in 1970 with the release of the record Uncle
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Charlie & His Dog Teddy and the single “Mr. Bojangles,” a folksy Top 10 pop hit that remains a staple of their live show. During a tour stop in Nashville around that time, Earl Scruggs and his family came backstage to say hello. That introduction led to a friendship and some of the connections the band needed to record Will the Circle Be Unbroken. That three-disc album brought Nitty Gritty Dirt Band together with a number of country, folk, and bluegrass legends. Heroes like Roy Acuff, Mother Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, Merle Travis, and Doc Watson joined the scruffy, young band to record country music standards such as “I Saw the Light” and “Keep on the Sunnyside.” The acclaimed project is considered a landmark recording in American music. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band earned a pop resurgence in 1980 with “An American Dream” and “Make a Little Magic.” Those singles also found traction on the country chart, setting the stage for a major run at country radio. The band secured 16 Top 10 country hits between 1983 and 1990, including three No. 1 singles: “Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper’s Dream),” “Modern Day Romance,” and “Fishin’ in the Dark.” Bernie Leadon, a founding member of The Eagles, played in the band from 1986 to 1988 filling a vacancy by longtime member John McEuen. With so much material to work with, the band is making it a point to shuffle the set lists more often, meaning that this isn’t the same Dirt Band show from years past. “We’re fortunate that we’ve got a deep songbook. That’s been on our list, to resurrect some of the tunes we haven’t done in a while, in
As the country music landscape shifted toward a youth market, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band kept on touring and recording. They played on two projects by The Chieftains, cut a song with Karla Bonoff for an album dedicated to the 1996 Olympics, and contributed “Maybe Baby” to a Buddy Holly tribute, Not Fade Away. Another collaborative album, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Volume III, arrived in 2003. Soon after, the band earned an additional Grammy for “Earl’s Breakdown,” which they recorded with Earl Scruggs, Randy Scruggs, Vassar Clements and Jerry Douglas. Meanwhile, both “Mr. Bojangles” and Will the Circle Be Unbroken were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band took a moment to acknowledge their incredible history by filming a 50th anniversary concert event at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Guests for that Circlin’ Back special included early Dirt Band member Jackson Browne, Sam Bush, Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, John Prine, Jerry Douglas, Byron House, Jerry Jeff Walker, and longtime Dirt Band member Jimmy Ibbotson. The concert aired as a nation-wide PBS Pledge special in 2016 and won a regional Emmy for Special Event Coverage. Today, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band consists of Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter, for years known as “the new guy,” and Jim Photoglo, a friend of the band whose credits include co-writing “Fishin’ in the Dark”, as well as touring and recording with Carole King, Dan Fogelberg, and Vince Gill. Newest members Jaime Hanna and Ross Holmes also bring years of experience to the band. Hanna toured and recorded with The Mavericks and Gary Allan, while Holmes toured and recorded with Mumford & Sons and Bruce Hornsby. “The energy these days is so up — and our fans have responded in a really great way,” Hanna says. “As a fan of other bands, I know how complicated it can be when members come and go. You can either embrace that or you don’t. Our fans are really gracious and I appreciate that. It’s been a really good run and there’s a lot of daylight ahead of us.”
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Carolyn Wonderland Celebrates New Album With A Live Performance In Houston! Award-winning Texas guitar slinger, singer, songwriter, and multiinstrumentalist Carolyn Wonderland will celebrate the October 8th release of her Alligator Records debut album, Tempting Fate, with a live performance on Friday, November 5, 2021 at The Heights Theater in Houston. The album, her 11th, was produced by famed master roots musician Dave Alvin, and features Wonderland’s signature, blistering sixstring and lap steel playing, her intense vocals and her original songs melding blues, rock and Americana. Concert attendees are strongly advised to contact the venue to confirm performance. Tempting Fate is the next chapter in Wonderland’s remarkable career, one that is already overflowing with countless, colorful, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. She spent the last three years as lead guitarist in blues legend John Mayall’s Blues Breakers, and has now joined the Alligator Records family as the first female guitar hero in the label’s storied 50-year history. But that’s not all. 16 Music News • October 2021
Her spine-chilling, soul-deep singing matches her guitar prowess note for note. And she has a knack for writing songs that sound like instant classics. Tempting Fate finds Wonderland delivering ten riveting songs, including five fiery originals and one co-write. Her vocals range from raw and fierce to subtle and gentle. Her guitar work, on both six-string and lap steel, is often explosive and always melodic. According to Dave Alvin, “Carolyn is unique, strong, soulful and sincere. She can pick and belt out the blues with the best of them, but her powerful, melodic vocals and six-string stylings are truly her own. Traditional yet innovative, tough yet tender, Carolyn always sounds like no one else but herself.” Wonderland has
been performing professionally since the age of 15. Her music is a bold mix of timeless original songs and reinventions of some of her favorites, ranging from blistering electric blues to deep, heartfelt ballads to cosmic country to soulful TexMex. Every song is fueled by Wonderland’s forceful yet melodic Texas-flavored guitar work and her fullthroated, heart-on-her-sleeve vocals. She has been a road warrior for over 20 years, and has played all over the U.S. and in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Panama, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, the Canary Islands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Japan. She just concluded a three-year stint as the lead guitarist in British blues master John Mayall’s iconic Blues Breakers. In addition to his legendary musical skills, Mayall is among the world’s greatest blues-rock guitar talent scouts. He personally chose Carolyn for the role formerly filled by Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Peter Green, Walter Trout, Coco Montoya, and more six-string luminaries. The Boston Herald describes Carolyn as “a dollop of Janis Joplin, a slice of Stevie Ray Vaughan, and a big load of soulful individuality. That’s Wonderland, a seething-hot Texas singerguitarist. And she can write, too.” Now, with Tempting Fate and a major tour in the works, Carolyn Wonderland is excited to get back out on the road and reconnect with her fans and friends. “We will play dang near anywhere that’ll have us,” she says. Of her chosen profession, the effervescent Wonderland told NPR Music’s Mountain Stage, “I wouldn’t recommend it for the faint of heart, but it sure is a good time.”
Rocky Mountain regions. In formative years he had the honor of learning from and sharing greenrooms, jam sessions and concert stages with the likes of B.B. King, Lonnie Brooks, Magic Slim, Honeyboy Edwards, Russell Jackson, Kim Simmons, Jerry Ricks, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, John Cephas, Phil Wiggins, Link Wray, John Jackson, Koko Taylor, Derek Trucks, and the Junior Wells Blues Band, to name a few. Before forming the Jesse Cotton Stone Band, at the age of 14, he performed at Kansas City’s Grand Emporium, the Kansas City Spirit Festival, Kansas City Blues and Jazz Festival, and the Memorial Benefit Concert for the late Junior Wells held at Chicago’s House of Blues in ’98. The Jesse Cotton Stone Band played 5 nights a week headlining clubs, theaters, festivals, and motorcycle rallies all over the Rocky Mountains and the Midwest from ’98 to 2001. After years of focusing primarily on blues and acid rock, Jesse began studying new styles of music and branching out beyond his roots. “I had a friend named Dug Grow who would speak often about the amazing master musicians he’d made records with who would later migrate to my home town for years to come. Upon their arrival I began jamming, recording, and studying under Poly-Free Jazz Guitarist, Barry Wedgle, and Fusion Bassist, Kim Stone, on a constant basis. This was the beginning of my interest in Jazz and World Music studies. I learned about a more universal application to what I had already been exposed to by the Blues Culture. This is what lead me to a path of enriching my own musicology through disciplinary studies.” After formal Theory, Harmony, and Ear training in College, Jesse Traveled the World for about a decade, studying different musical traditions including the Classical Music of Northern India under one of the greatest musicians of all time, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. “I realized that, in the 1960s, an evolutionary process of musical expression had begun in America and was continuing through the expansion of modern music with reference to the most traditional form of American music - the Blues.”
Jesse Cotton Stone Performs In Houston This Month Jesse Cotton Stone weaves together the stylistic threads of definitive regional traditions of Blues Music ranging from North Mississippi Hill Country Blues, Delta Blues, and Cotton Patch Soul Blues to the Urban Chicago Blues Roots of R&B, Soul, Funk, and Psychedelic Rock & Roll, bringing listeners through the doors of a Heart-Wrenching Boutique of Vintage-Toned American Blues Music with the relentless showmanship of a True Entertainer “Though Colorado born, my blues influence was rooted on the banks of the Missouri River, where my Fathers side of our family had migrated from Texas during the Great Depression. We lived many years there throughout my upbringing and spent most summers going to blues clubs, barbecues,juke joints, blues festivals, and National Gospel Choir competitions, throughout the midwest while on the road with the carnival circuit.”
In 2013, Jesse started his own multi-faceted record label and production company, Gypsy Magik Productions, in his hometown of Manitou Springs, CO., where he currently resides and actively continues writing, developing and producing a catalogue of new original music by the Jesse Cotton Stone Band, collaborative projects, a Blues Remix series, and his post-modern Electro-Industrial Blues Masterpiece, ALGODON A Multi-Sensory Concept Project based on the musicological evolution of Jesse’s influences. In the Summer of 2015, Jesse visited Clarksdale, MS.-MS.Birthplace of American Blues Music - for the first time during production of the “Blue Dream Documentary” directed by Charlie Smith of AWEN Productions, which entails the premise of a retrogressive chronological history of the Blues, paralleled with Jesse’s own journey of musical Evolution. Since that experience, Jesse has made the Southern U.S. a second home and has toured from Colorado to the Bayous of Southern Louisiana several times. His “Juke Spree” tours have included performances at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, AR., the Juke Joint Festival and Deep Blues Festival in Clarksdale, MS., not to mention the historic Red’s Lounge in Clarksdale, MS. and Teddy’s Juke Joint in Zachary, LA. Along the way he has jammed with, learned from, and shared stages with the likes of Cedric Burnside, Tab Benoit, R.L. Boyce, Deak Harp, Mark “Mule Man” Massey, Watermelon Slim, Robert Kimbrough Sr., Lightning Malcolm, Cameron Kimbrough, David Kimbrough,Trenton Ayers, Bill “Howlin’ Madd” Perry, and Mickey Rogers.
While working on the Midwestern carnival circuit with his father, Jesse heard the music of Jimi Hendrix and learned of the influence Blues Music had on his hero. This Experience inspired him to sell his childhood Matchbox Car collection for money to purchase his first electric guitar.
All of which, have deeply impacted and influenced Jesse in his most current musical direction featured on his debut self-release “Fires & Floods” and follow-up live in the studio record, “...cupcakes and go f#ck yourself”.
Jesse began cutting his teeth on the live stage playing blues jams and sitting in with anyone who would let him throughout the Midwest and
Catch Jesse this month when he performs at Katies Bar in Bacliff, Green Oaks Tavern in Humble, and The Big Easy in Houston.
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Green Oaks Tavern
211 E. Main St. 77 • Humble, TX • 281.570.4344 • www.greenoakstavern.com
JOHN DEL TORO RICHARDSON October 16
GROOVE ADHESIVE OCTOBER 8
JESSE COTTON STONE (Clarksdale, MS) October 22
October 2021 • Music News
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Larry Gatlin Performs at Main Street Crossing October 29th Larry Gatlin was born in 1948 in Seminole, Texas, the son of a driller in the oil field. The oldest of the three Gatlin brothers, he was by age seven, already accompanying younger brothers, Steve and Rudy in singing at family and church events. After high school, Larry went to the University of Houston on a football scholarship. Larry majored in English and developed “a love affair with the English Language” that later served him well in his songwriting. On the strength of his songwriting talents, Larry Gatlin became known throughout the Nashville music industry. While Steve and Rudy were finishing college, Larry was already touring the small club and listening room circuit as a solo act, looking forward to the time when he could afford to expand his live 20 Music News • October 2021
show to include his brothers. From 1976 to 1992 the brothers toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. They racked up hit after hit and and banked some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. Larry penned every Gatlin Brothers hit you’ve ever heard. Larry Gatlin has written songs that were later recorded by Elvis Presley, Glen Campbell, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Charlie Rich, Johnny Mathis, Dottie West and many more. December of 1992 marked a farewell to concert touring for the Gatlin Brothers as they completed their ADIOS TOUR with a CD of the same name. Then came a major turning point in his career. Larry took the lead role on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning musical “The Will Rogers Follies.” The
musical then toured throughout the nation to rave reviews. Throughout the next decade Larry would go on to write an autobiography, All The Gold In California, record a solo album, In My Life, and would occasionally tour solo. In the early 2000’s the brothers reunited for selective road dates and 2008, recorded their first album in nearly two decades, Pilgrimage. In 2015 the brothers celebrated 60 years of making music together and released a new album, The Gospel According to Gatlin. Larry currently resides in Nashville with the love of his life, Janis, to whom he’s been married for over 44 years. They are the proud parents of two children, Josh and Kristin. He is also “Papa” to Kristin’s daughters, Parker and Campbell.
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OPEN MIC EVERY WEDNESDAY HOSTED BY HEAVY HONEYS Friday, October 1 - Blackwell, Lucid Illusions, Black Kennedy, The Revision Saturday, October 2 - Sixth Sense, In Prism, Yig, Wasted Creation, Faithbreaker Sunday, October 3 - BRÜKA, WYRM CHASM, DIVINE VOID, PECCATORUM, KÖNSTRICTOR Thursday, October 7 - Vampires Everywhere, Assuming We Survive, Fate Destroyed, Mike D Friday, October 8 - 4MAG NITROUS, Zombieface, The Creeps, Exitium Saturday, October 9 - The Rotary Phones, Rhoads To Oz Sunday, October 10 - cece Censor , Planet Moon, Jesus Carlos Thursday, October 14 - Mvrker debut show + many more Friday, October 15 - Lucid Illusions, Surge, 307Departure Saturday, October 16 - Innrcor, The Regimes, Crushing Planes, 5Fifteen Sunday, October 17 - Parlor Chase, Tracing Paces Wednesday, October 20 - Michael Graves, Downfall 2012 Thursday, October 21 - Live Voltage - AC/DC Tribute Show, Lunar Radiant Friday, October 22 - Santa Oscuridad, Grand Andes, Metallize Saturday, October 23 - Epic Death, Bar Rats, Drotten, Life of Scars, Chaotic Justice, The Lockdowns Sunday, October 24 - TBA Thursday, October 28 - Silent Trust, Dauzat St. Marie Friday, October 29 - Crank Case, Big Balls - AC/DC Tribute, State of Mind Saturday, October 30 - The Devil’s Nightcall Sunday, October 31 - TBA October 2021 • Music News
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Black Stone Cherry Release Their Most Emotional Album Yet The Human Condition Black Stone Cherry To Perform at The Scout Bar On October 16 22
Music News • October 2021
By Kevin Wildman Black Stone Cherry has just released their seventh full-length album, The Human Condition, on Mascot Records. In addition to that, they have also released their new lyric video for the song, “Ringin’ In My Head. The first single from the album that was released prior to “Ringin’ In My Head” was the song “Again.” The new album will be available on Red Transparent Vinyl, Limited Edition CD Boxset and Digitally. Fortunately for the band, The Human Condition was recorded and completed just a few days before the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. “There was a real urgency and fear of the unknown during those sessions - it was a scary time,” recalls drummer, John Fred Young. “Every song on this album tells a story of the experiences we all go through - our happiness, our struggles, and how we have to adapt.” It’s certainly been a bit different for the guys in Black Stone Cherry due to the Covid-19 shutdown. We talked with guitarist Chris Robertson of Black Stone Cherry about how the shutdown has affected him and the release of the new album and he tell us that it’s a bit different than what he’s been used to. “I will tell you I’m pretty excited over this one,” says Chris. It’s been a new experience for me, working on a record and then not getting on a plane and going to Europe to do a press trip, and not getting on a plane to go to New York and do a press trip, and then not getting on a bus and going on tour. It’s a real different situation, so now I spend my days on the front porch doing interviews.” The album was tracked in bassist Jon Lawhon’s recording studio, Monocle Studios. The band went in with four songs ready to record and then wrote the rest of the material while there, along with revisiting some old favorites that they had never recorded before. Also for this recording, the band tried something new that they hadn’t done before. Instead of performing live in the studio as they had previously done on all their albums, they multi-tracked everything, concentrating on doing the best possible job on their individual parts. “I feel like it made it our best work yet,” explains Chris. “The way we used to track them was when a guy’s focused on his own part. You know you may have to fix something here, there or whatever, but the way we tracked this time, every single guy got to be focused
on every single part of the song and that just took us to a whole new level of detail. Everybody’s paying attention to every single part, its kind of all eyes on and all hands on deck on everything. For me that was the best part about it.” On the album, the band pulled some previous written unrecorded songs and reworked them for the new album. The album starts off with one of those, “Ringin’ In My Head.” It’s strange how songs that were written years ago can mirror the activities of today, like the Covid pandemic, but that was one. It is also the basis for their new lyric video. Chris tells us that, “Well, we wrote the beginning of that song and the first verse along with the chorus in 2016-17, somewhere around there. That was all written three or four years ago, and we really wanted to record that song. That song was already on the final wheels before the Covid thing even happened. The rest of the song just kind of took shape after that. It’s a really unique song. I love that the album opened up with that.”
the way he deals with it. He didn’t want to tell his fans that they needed to do to take care of their problems, but rather took the approach that this is what he does and it helps him. It was more along the line of showing them by example. “That one is pretty personal to me. I am manic-depressive and I see a doctor about it and I’ve been this way for a long time. I’m going on two years now. There’s such a stigma about mental health. I am a guy who knows about the deepest and darkest points of my life and a good doctor and faith actually pulled me out of it. I’ve always been very outspoken about mental health because I The first song that the band released as a single from this project was know it’s not the tough-guy thing to do to talk about it. Well, I don’t care, the song “Again.” That song really because if it reaches one person and they primed the field for these guys and had get some kind of help for it from me their fans waiting with baited breath to being honest about my experiences, then hear what the rest of the album was that’s what it is. That’s what the song’s going to sound like. The fans loved this about man, you know for what it’s one. “We came up with all the riffs and the music and then the chorus for “Again worth. The title of that song is “Push first. We had this melody and just off the Down And Turn” and I do that every morning. I have seizure medications I top of my head. I sang the line, ‘every take every morning and it allows me to time that I would come back to life I’ll see you again.’ and Jon just kind of looks wake up and see how beautiful life can really be, and for that, I’m grateful. So at me and said, ‘what did you say’ and I why not write a song about it? I’m not said it again. All four of us kept it going saying that this will work for everybody. and then Ben had that verse melody and Going to a doctor is not what’s right for the first verse lyrics, and then we hashed everyone. What the song is about, is it out and in about 30 minutes we had what works for me, and the biggest thing that song. That song to me is kind of in there it is being open and honest with like the story of the Phoenix and the people. Sometimes I wake up and I’m rebirth. It’s not what you go through on not the best version of myself, but I the way down, its how you recover from know that you can feel it when you wake that when you’re coming back up.” up, and you have to fight through those The song “Push Down & Turn” is continued on next page more of a personal song to Chris. It was based on a medical condition of his and October 2021 • Music News
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bassist Jon Lawhon came up with an idea as Chris explains, “ The title came after all the songs. We were in the process of being recorded. We’re working on vocals and some of the last stuff that we do on the records. We were throwing around different album titles and all at once our bass player John said, ‘It’s like a human condition. There’s a song for every aspect on this record’ and we just stopped and said, well there’s the title of the record. It just kind of summed up all the songs nicely. It just seemed like the right thing for the group of songs on this album. It just seemed to embody that entire thing.”
Black Stone Cherry continued from previous page days. Anyway, the first step of healing in any kind of situation in admitting there’s a problem. As heavy as this song is, I think it’s one of the most emotional and human involved songs on the record.” Another song on the album that Chris says is especially personal to him is “When Angels Learn To Fly.” Here’s another song that he had the music to it sitting on his computer for three or four years till he decided to revisit it for this album. The song is actually about his mother-in-law that passed away. He also tells us that it was a little hard to write and tears were flowing during the process. “It’s really beautiful music,” says Chris. All the music is exactly what it was about three or four years ago when we wrote it, but we never had lyrics. Sometimes you go through extremely tragic events in life and just like the song talks about, it’s about overcoming those things and how we get through those things that define you and who you are. My mother-in-law was one of the most caring woman I ever had the privilege of meeting. She took me in when I was 16 years old when I met her daughter, like I was her son. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with a very rapid form of cancer last year and passed away. And the song is just honestly about what it’s 24 Music News • October 2021
like dealing with that for me and my wife and my son. It was also inspired by the loss of Jon’s grandmother. For me, it’s just a song that I hope those two ladies can hear in heaven, you know, and smile, knowing how much they meant to the world and us.” Besides all the original songs on the album, the band also decided to add a cover song to the album. This is something that they like to do from time to time. This time they selected the song, “Don’t Let Me Down,” by Jeff Lynne and ELO. While the song sounds a bit like ELO, it definitely has a different flair to it as Chris explains, “We always do a cover here and there, typically for B-sides, so we were looking for a cover song. We looked at several songs, even a Fleetwood Mac song, and we just landed on that one. That’s like a fist in the air, like a little bit more of a rockin’ song than ELO did it. We’re all huge Jeff Lynne fans and we said, let’s just do it. Let’s just do it the way we would do it. We took out all the synthesizers and added more guitar parts and just made it out own tune.” After all the songs were recorded, the band sat down and brainstormed to try to find a title for the new album. After throwing around a few ideas,
“When I listen back to this record, I feel all these different emotions,” Jon Lawhon says. “We started when we were teens, and life has taken its course, especially now. Through it all, your heart and your perspectives change, but one thing that hasn’t changed is our connection as friends.” Chris affirms: “This is a brotherhood. It’s been amazing to stick around with all four original members and still be inspired. Here’s to 7 more albums and another 19 years!” There’s a lot of emotion packed into the original songs on this album. There are songs about politics, there are songs about addiction. They have a song for virtually every human emotion you can think of on this album. It’s probably the most emotional album that the band has ever released in their career. Some of the music from the songs comes from as far back as when the guy’s were just teenagers, but those songs have been revisited and updated and stand up with some of the best songs they’ve ever written. And without a doubt, this is one of the heaviest albums that the band has ever written. From the moment the album starts, you’ll find yourself captivated by the music filled with pounding drums, thunderous bass and some of the best melodies you’ve ever heard on a Black Stone Cherry album. Chris Robertson’s vocals are simply superb on this album. The emotion his voice generates at times will range from having your fist in the air pounding at the sky to even sitting there with a tear in your eyes. It gets very emotional at times. The album is so good, that no doubt you’ll find yourself playing it over and over again… each time experiencing a new emotion and feeling. A big congratulation goes out to Chris Robertson Ben Wells, Jon Lawhon, and John Fred Young for such a groundbreaking album. Yeah guys, you hit the ball straight out of the park. It’s definitely a home run.
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Testament Perform at White Oak Music Hall Testament is back on the road and will be appearing this month in Houston on October 17th at White Oak Music Hall along with Exodus and Death Angel. All of the bands were all on tour together in early 2020 in Europe and had to return home early as countries began shutting down in the face of the pandemic. Several of the bands’ members and crew contracted COVID-19. Death Angel drummer Will Carroll fell into a coma and was under intensive care at one point. He later told the story of how he dreamt he was in Hell and invisioned Satan before reviving and recovering from the virus. Testament guitarist Eric Peterson exclaimed, “Finally we are able to announce this suspended tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic! We are totally excited to get out on the road again and continue where we left off supporting our newest release ‘Titans of Creation!’ Along with our brothers of thrash Exodus and Death Angel! Get your tickets now! Horns up!!!!!” “YES!! Finally back on the road! This time we are bringing the ‘Bay Strikes Back’ to our own shores with our good friend’s Testament and Death Angel,” enthused Exodus’ Gary Holt. “To say this is awesome would be an understatement! Cannot wait!!” “At last the wait is over! We couldn’t be more pleased to announce the continuation of ‘The Bay Strikes Back Tour’ with our brothers Testament and Exodus! This leg takes us across the United States to bring our brand of Bay Area Thrash to live onstage, coming soon to a theater near you. Join us for a longoverdue release of some serious pent-up energy! We’re gonna blow the roof off these joints! Come be a part of these explosive performances,” added Death Angel. See you soon!”
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One of the most influential thrash acts to emerge from the Bay Area in Metallica’s wake, Testament, who initially operated under the moniker Legacy, helped to lead the genre’s second wave in the late 1980s. Part of the thrash metal “big eight,” which also includes Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Exodus, Overkill, and Death Angel, the band found mainstream success in 1988 with the release of their sophomore outing, The New Order. Despite enduring multiple personnel changes over the years — guitarist Eric Peterson has remained the group’s sole constant member — Testament have remained active for decades and experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 2010s with acclaimed efforts like Dark Roots of Earth (2012), Brotherhood of the Snake (2016), and Titans of Creation (2020). Influenced by the then-emerging Bay Area thrash metal scene, vocalist Steve Souza, guitarists Eric Peterson and Derrick Ramirez, bassist Greg Christian, and drummer Louie Clemente formed Legacy in late 1983. But it wasn’t until the arrival of lead guitarist Alex Skolnick and a name change to Testament two years later that the band’s Metallica-inspired thrash metal began distinguishing them from less-refined peers such as Forbidden and Vio-Lence. By 1986, the group were attracting record company attention, but they were handed a severe blow when Souza abruptly quit to join original Bay Area scene legends Exodus. Ironically, however, his departure would prove a godsend, as the band soon drafted a significantly more versatile (and downright intimidating) replacement in Chuck Billy. His greater melodic talents and inimitable, bowl-shaking growl would better complement Testament’s increasing diversity and mastery of melodic crunch. continued on page 22
Testament continued from previous page Signed by thrash metal mecca Megaforce Records, the group lent their original name to the following year’s remarkable debut, The Legacy. Hailed as an instant classic within thrash metal circles, the album’s coupling of furious riffs and harmonic sensibility stood second only to Metallica in controlled power, technical delivery, and sheer confidence. It also benefited from Megaforce’s recently obtained distribution deal with Atlantic Records, and Testament lived up to their promise while touring America and Europe in support of Anthrax, the latter then experiencing their own peak with the Among the Living album. Recorded on that tour, the Live at Eindhoven EP cemented Testament’s standing as champions of thrash’s second wave, and despite lacking the consistency of their debut, 1988's sophomore The New Order maintained their forward momentum and led to yet another lengthy world tour that took the band as far as South America. More focused and driven than ever, Testament took painstaking care in constructing their follow-up, 1989’s Practice What You Preach, a massive achievement that saw them expanding their melodic reach while losing none of their power and aggression. A year-long tour, including a long stint headlining over Savatage and Wrathchild America across the U.S., ensued and even MTV gave their videos a respectable amount of exposure. Testament truly seemed poised on the verge of greatness when everything started to unravel. Offered the chance to support Judas Priest on their career-revitalizing Painkiller tour (also featuring Megadeth), Testament rushed straight from the back of their tour bus and into the studio to record 1990’s Souls of Black. A hodgepodge collection of rehashed demos and unfinished ideas, the album stalled on record store shelves and the seeds of frustration and discontent were sown. Not even a coveted slot on the European leg of the Clash of the Titans tour, alongside Slayer, Megadeth, and Suicidal Tendencies, could stall the inevitable, and the band started tearing apart at the seams. By the time they regrouped with 1992’s somewhat improved The Ritual, grunge had arrived, musical tastes had changed drastically, and Testament were only one of countless casualties whose once highly anticipated albums fell on deaf ears. Ace guitarist Skolnick, who had long complained of the creative limitations imposed by the band’s style, was the first casualty, leaving to join Savatage. He was replaced by Glen Alvelais (exForbidden) for the subsequent tour, which also saw the firing of drummer Clemente midway through, replaced by another Forbidden alum, Paul Bostaph. Following the rather pointless Return to the Apocalyptic City EP, 1994's brutally negative Low — featuring journeyman James Murphy (Death, Obituary, Cancer, etc.) on guitar and Exodus’ John Tempesta on drums — would be their last with Atlantic. Tempesta was soon off to join White Zombie, and new drummer Jon Dette (ex-Evil Dead) only lasted long enough to perform on their next tour before also leaving to join Slayer. Amazingly, Testament persisted, launching their own Burnt Offerings label to release 1995’s Live at the Fillmore and another studio effort, 1997’s Demonic. The latter renewed their violent commitment to going back to basics, and featured legendary drummer Gene Hoglan (ex-Dark Angel, Death) and returning founding member Derrick Ramirez, now replacing departed bassist Christian. While their former home Atlantic was busy releasing the Signs of Chaos greatest-hits collection, Testament were moving forward with yet another independent release, 1999’s The Gathering, which saw usual suspects Billy and Peterson supported by bassist Steve DiGiorgio, returning guitarist James
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Murphy, and the awesome talents of original Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo. A major snag was right around the corner, however, when popular frontman Chuck Billy was diagnosed with cancer, prompting a slew of benefit concerts throughout the Bay Area to raise funds for his treatment. Thankfully, he recovered in due time, and Testament chose to celebrate by welcoming back former members Steve Souza and Alex Skolnick (now involved with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, but predominantly acting as a jazz player fronting his own New York-based trio) to participate in a personally sanctioned collection of their best-loved songs, released in 2001 as First Strike Still Deadly. Eric Peterson was also active with a black metal side project named Dragonlord around this time, and little was heard of Testament in the next few years. Another retrospective collection (Days of Darkness, featuring one disc of highlights from the group’s late-’90s releases and a second simply recycling First Strike Still Deadly) was released in 2004, and in 2005 Testament’s classic lineup of Billy, Skolnick, Peterson, Christian, and Clemente reunited for a tour including several major European festival engagements; occasional drummer John Tempesta spelled their long inactive original drummer on some of their more challenging material. In 2008, Testament released their first studio album in nine years, The Formation of Damnation, followed by a steady stream of live performances, including a stint as the supporting act for Judas Priest, Motörhead, and Heaven & Hell on the Metal Masters tour. The band’s tenth studio album, Dark Roots of Earth, arrived in 2012 on Nuclear Blast, followed in 2013 by the live double album/ DVD Dark Roots of Thrash. The bandmembers promised to start releasing music more frequently, and made good on their word with another new studio album in 2016, Brotherhood of the Snake. Named for an ancient secret society, it saw them return to their thrash roots with some of their fastest material in ages, and featured the return to the fold of bassist Steve DiGiorgio for the first time in 15 years. The 2020 follow-up, Titans of Creation, their 13th studio album, was coproduced by Juan Urteaga and tackled mythological themes. It marked the first time since 1992’s The Ritual that the band had recorded two albums in a row with the same lineup.
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Alastair Greene Performs at Laura Tate Releases Dosey Doe Her New “Live” album October 23rd Live From El Paso PHOTO: ROMAN SOBUS
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Whiskey Bayou Records Artist Alastair Greene Releases New Single Lies And Fear Produced By Tab Benoit LISTEN TO THE NEW SINGLE - LIES AND FEAR (LIVE IN THE STUDIO) https://smarturl.it/AGLiesandFearLive Alastair Greene’s new single, “Lies and Fear,” available now worldwide, was recorded live in the studio with Greene’s own touring band. Alastair notes, “’Lies and Fear’ was one of the songs I’d written before going down to Louisiana to make the album that became THE NEW WORLD BLUES with producer Tab Benoit for his Whiskey Bayou Records label. Lyrically it reflects a turbulent time in our nation’s history when it was hard to know who and what to believe at any given time.” This is Greene’s third single inspired by his critically acclaimed album since its October 2020 release. THE NEW WORLD BLUES has received major airplay on SiriusXM Radio including being featured by Joe Bonamassa on his show. And just as with the previous two singles, a new music video will be out soon. Greene’s first video single “Living Today” saw a world premiere from Relix magazine, while “Bayou Mile” had a week-long exclusive premiere hosted on DittyTV. Stay tuned for more on the release of the new “Lies and Fear” music video. Greene’s spring/summer tour with Tab Benoit and his band continues to be a huge success, performing at major PHOTO: ROMAN SOBUS
Tab Benoit and Alistair Greene
festivals, theaters, and music venues including a six-night “Chicago Takeover” at the City Winery. Alastair seizes the moment, executing a blistering opening set with Tab on drums and Corey Duplechin on bass, garnering standing ovations for this super-trio nightly. Then after Benoit’s legendary, high energy set, Alastair joins Tab for a rip-roaring, head banging encore. It’s truly a musical event not to be missed. The tour has just started up again and continues throughout the summer and beyond. The Austin, Nashville and Toronto based Atomic Music Group is an international booking agency representing established recording artists of all genres and is now representing Greene alongside The Blasters, Sue Foley, Petula Clark and more. Atomic Music Group enthusiastically welcomes Greene to their roster: “Alastair is an exciting guitarist, singer, and songwriter with one hell of a pedigree. We are looking forward to taking an active role in his artistic development.” That pedigree includes eight years of international touring on lead guitar and vocals with the Alan Parsons Project, major dates with Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, blues gigs as a longtime regular and host at the Memphis-based Blues Foundation events and showcases, featured performances at the Big Blues Bender and the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, a year of worldwide touring with the Sugaray Rayford Band, which was nominated for a 2020 Blues Music Award, the current 2021 tour with Grammy nominated Tab Benoit, as well as the Alastair Greene Band, which has drawn comparisons to Gov’t Mule, ZZ Top and Cream. You can find tour dates and more information at alastairgreene.com October 2021 • Music News
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Badflower Perform At Warehouse Live Badflower will be touring the U.S. and Canada to promote their sophomore album, This Is How The World Ends, which was released on September 24. The tour will be supported by alternative rock band Teenage Wrist and rock band Dead Poet Society. It will touch down in Houston at Warehouse Live this month on October 20th. The tour was announced on July 12, following the release of the album’s lead single titled “Family” on July 7. The song serves as the follow-up to the stand alone tracks “F*ck The World,” “30” and “Move Me.” Meanwhile, This Is How The World Ends will follow Badflower’s 2019 debut album, OK, I’M SICK. Los Angeles hard rock outfit Badflower brought grit and swagger inspired by the Sunset Strip when they made their debut in 2013. Armed with dark anthems that often grappled with themes like addiction, pain, and mental illness, they earned their first modern rock radio hit with “Ghost” in 2018. Their debut, OK, I’m Sick, arrived in early 2019 on Big Machine, topping the U.S. Heatseekers chart. Two years later, they returned with their sophomore effort This Is How the World Ends. The group initially got together in 2008 under another moniker, later changing bassists and their band name. The re-formed lineup — vocalist/guitarist Josh Cole Katz, guitarist Joseph Paul Morrow, drummer Anthony Sonetti, and bassist Alex Espiritu — released the Temper EP in 2015 on Hundred Handed Records. The blistering set included the arena-ready single “Animal” in addition to four other raw tracks that condensed the sounds of contemporaries like Royal Blood and Aeges with the fury of early Silverchair. Hit single “Ghost” — which dealt with depression and self-harm — arrived in 2018, rising to number two on the U.S. mainstream rock chart. That track, along with additional singles “x ANA x” and “Heroin,” landed on their official debut OK, I’m Sick, which was released in early 2019. The album charted on the Billboard 200 and rose to number ten on the Alternative Albums chart. The following year, Badflower issued the tortured single “30” on Katz’s 30th birthday. Another standalone track, the lurching, grunge-inspired “F*ck the World” arrived soon after. In 2021, the band kicked off a new album era with the single “Family,” from their sophomore effort This Is How the World Ends. 32
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Geoff Tate will be appearing on November 6th and the House of Blues in Houston with his Geoff Tate Empire 30th Anniversary Tour: Empire And Rage For Order where he will be celebrating the release of the albums Empire and Rage for Order, both of which will be performed in their entirety. Prior to the launch of the trek in early 2020, Tate told MisplacedStraws.com that he would take the “Empire 30th Anniversary Tour” to “as many countries as I can and playing the album in its entirety, which I’ve never done before. So that’ll be real fun. In fact, I think there’s some songs on that album that I’ve never, ever played live before, so it’ll be a treat — for me, as well, I think, for the audience too,” the former QUEENSR?CHE singer said. “I’m really looking forward to that.” Tate told Eonmusic that one song from “Empire” that was rarely performed live is “Anybody Listening?” “When QUEENSR?CHE was together, we never really put that song in our set,” he said. “We just had a hard time playing it, for some reason; it just never jelled or felt right. And I’d really like to play that song again, and play it right.” 34
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Multi-platinum selling, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Geoff Tate is best known for his 30-plus years as the creative and driving force behind the progressive metal band Queensryche. Since its inception with Geoff at the helm, Queensryche has sold over 20 million albums worldwide and has performed in upwards of fifty countries. Geoff is regarded as one of the most skilled vocalists in the genre with hundreds of modern, popular artists citing him and his former band as a major influence. Combining social consciousness and expertly crafted lyrics with high-energy, melodically complex music, Queensryche with Geoff Tate at the forefront became internationally recognized as the thinking man’s rock band. Empire is the fourth full-length studio album by Geoff’s former band Queensrÿche, which was released on August 20, 1990. The album stands as Queensrÿche’s most commercially successful release, reaching tripleplatinum status. The primary single, the power ballad “Silent Lucidity”, reached number 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks and number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Silent Lucidity” was also
nominated in 1992 for the Grammy Awards for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. The album won a 1991 Northwest Area Music Award for Best Metal Recording. In a June 2019 interview, former vocalist Geoff Tate announced his intentions to perform the entire album live in 2020 to celebrate its 30th anniversary. He also said that there will be a new 30th anniversary edition box set. Rage for Order is the second studio album by Queensrÿche, released on June 27, 1986. Rage for Order was more progressive than the band’s previous release, with a layered and complex musical structure that employs a two-guitar approach, but also brought keyboards forward in the mix. Lyrically, the album explored social/personal, political and technological themes, among others highlighting the dangers of artificial intelligence and government intrusion. The concept of robotics would also be emphasized through the use of staccato rhythms and vocal effects such as a reverse echo.
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Jackson Browne’s Downhill From Everywhere Debuts at #5 on Billboard On Tour with James Taylor with Show In Houston On October 18 Jackson Browne’s new album Downhill From Everywhere (Inside Recordings) recently debuted at #5 on the Billboard Current Album Chart, the Album Sales Chart, as well as the Americana Album Chart. In support of the record, Browne is on an extensive US tour with James Taylor throughout August and October, with a headline tour of his own in September. See full list of tour dates below. For more information, please visit www.jacksonbrowne.com The Beaver County Times reviewed the recent show with Taylor in Pittsburgh raving that Browne was “sounding highoctane as ever,” while the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted, “The evening ended with Browne back out for jubilant covers of his ‘Take It Easy’ and Carole King’s ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ that had people all over...singing and hugging like the pandemic never happened.” Reviewing the Blossom Music Center show outside of Cleveland, Ultimate Classic Rock said the album single “My Cleveland Heart” was “unsurprisingly, a big hit during the concert.” Downhill From Everywhere has been embraced by The Independent, Variety, Grammy.com, NPR’s Here & Now, Rolling Stone, AllMusic, Under The Radar, No Depression, and many more including the Associated Press who called it, “a 26 Music News • October 36 October 2021 2020
timeless rock album,” and Forbes who said, “Downhill From Everywhere is why Browne is in both the Rock And Roll and Songwriters Hall Of Fames.” Browne was also recently interviewed on WTF w/ Marc Maron and Here’s The Thing w/ Alex Baldwin, and performed “My Cleveland Heart” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Follow Jackson Browne: Website https://www.jacksonbrowne.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jacksonbrowne Twitter https://twitter.com/jacksonbrowne Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jacksonbrowne/?hl=en YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC1KYlOjI34ob_hicXVBuukA/featured
Saturday, October 9th Tony Vega Birthday Bash & CD Release Party for One Night In Houston featuring Alan Haynes
October 15th Keeshea Pratt Birthday Blowout!
October 2021 • Music News
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Music News • September 2021
Open 6 Days A Week Tuesday thru Sunday
Friday, October 1 - Chip Oliphant Saturday, October 2 - Keeshea Pratt Sunday, October 3 - - Katie’s Jam Hosted by James Wilhite Thursday, October 7 - James Wilhite Friday, October 8 - Brad Stivers (from Austin) Saturday, October 9 - Jerkwater Sunday, October 10 - Katie’s Jam Hosted by Hugo Jamz Thursday, October 14 - James Wilhite Friday, October 15 - Johnny Burgin (from Chicago) Saturday, October 16 - Big Daddy O (from New Orleans) Sunday, October 17 - Katie’s Jam Hosted by Mark May Thursday, October 21 - Jesse Cotton Stone (from Colorado) Friday, October 22 - Jordan Matthew Young (from Austin) Sunday, October 23 - Katie’s Jam Hosted by James Henry Thursday, October 28 - James Wilhite Friday, October 29 - Shandom Sahm Satuday, October 30 - Hugo Jamz Sunday, October 31 - Katie’s Jam Hosted by Chris Castanada
October 2021 • Music News
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1006 McGowen
713-650-1006
Leon’s Lounge Is Now Available For Private Parties! Make Your Reservations Now!! This October at Leon’s Lounge Friday, October 1 - Patriot Road Saturday, October 2 - Kim Foushee & The Alliance Sunday, October 3 - Gammaland Monday, October 4 - Kevin Jeffries Tuesday, October 5 - Black Ghost District Wednesday, October 6 - Music New Open Mic Night with Joe Cain Thursday, October 7 - Doug Westcott Friday, October 8 - The Esparza Project Saturday, October 9 - Joe Cain Sunday, October 10 - Gammaland Monday, October 11 - Life Of The Party Tuesday, October 12 - Chris Castro Wednesday, October 13 - Music New Open Mic Night with Joe Cain Thursday, October 14 - Amy N Me Friday, October 15 - Morgan’s Damn Good Band Saturday, October 16 - Ray Cashman Sunday, October 17 - Gammaland Monday, October 18 - Life Of The Party Tuesday, October 19 - TBA Wednesday, October 20 - Music New Open Mic Night with Joe Cain Thursday, October 21 - Randy Soffar Singer/Songwriter Song Swap Friday, October 22 - Max Burgess Saturday, October 23 - Chuck Kidd And The Raw Feed Sunday, October 24 - Gammaland Monday, October 25 - The Mighty Orq with Clint Boyd Tuesday, October 26 - Misery Loves Company Wednesday, October 27 - Music New Open Mic Night with Joe Cain Thursday, October 28 - Randy Soffar Singer/Songwriter Song Swap Friday, October 29 - Phoenix Rising Jazz Band Saturday, October 30 - Herschel Berry & MIckey Williams (solo acoustic show) Sunday, October 31 - Halloween Party and Costume Contest with Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place 38 Music News • August 2021 Entertainment by Kim Foushee and The Alliance
1006 McGowen St. Houston, Texas 713-650-1006
August 2021 • Music News
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The Biker, The Blues, And The Largest Beer Stein In The World Every once in a while you come across a really cool story about farmers finding another way to improvise and hold on. Well this story is way cool, trust me I’ve been there and you are going to dig this to the max. Two people, Woody and Minnie, were farming the land near a small town in Pennsylvania named Venango. The money from farming could be better so they decided to turn the barn into a brewery and a pub. After all they had some really fertile farming land and they knew they could raise some nice barley hops. So that is what they did. Friends came from all over the area to be a part of the transformation and soon they were pumping some class A beers. That led to hosting some first class blues and man were the locals eating it up or should I say drinking it up. Now these two folks just couldn’t stop there and soon the old silo was turned into a beer stein you could see for miles and miles. Oh and by the way you can take your pitcher of beer up on top and that is way cool. Right now they are getting ready for a get together, FYI - get together in Pennsylvania slang means big ass party. This one will be open to everyone. But I am getting ahead of myself. Ok so I was scooting down the road (off of route 90 just south of Erie you exit onto 6N into Edinboro and then hook a right and travel to Venango). So there I was coming up on a sign in the middle of nowhere that read Sprague Farm & Brew Works so of course as any good gentleman on the road would do I stopped to support the local industry. Not that my shovel’s rigid frame was telling my kidneys to take a break, oh no I am much too young for that but then again it was a relatively good idea just the same. So up the driveway I went and that was my first peek at the monstrous beer stein silo, so cool, so very, very cool. Next I noticed the expansive fields that stretched out behind what appeared to be a converted barn and I wondered well where is the brewery? A friendly voice said come in we’re not quite open but the beer is cold. Now there’s a pleasant greeting if there ever was one. Once inside I noticed down on the far end a guy was unloading amps and drums. I was curious and before I could review the line up of beers a warm smile and a stretched out arm said here try one of these which I did. OMG it was smooth, nice color, but I was curious how the rest of this place was laid out and what was going to happen later that day. So I made my way across the restaurant floor and ended up down by the band stand. The man unloading the trailer was Jake Banta of Jake’s Blues. He was another farmer that found another way to make his living and it would include blues rock. So we shook hands and before I knew it another beer had found its way to me. I had to smile because no one had even asked me for a debit or credit card yet. I told Jake that I was writing for a Rock and Blues publication based in Houston Texas and he immediately said then you will want to grab a place on this end of the bar which I did of course. People were beginning to come in, working class folks who were all smiles giving shout outs to Jake and the folks that worked there. The band fired up and I was totally blown away. Another round came my way and they still didn’t ask for payment although this brew was darker than the other two but equally just as good. Soon the dance floor was jam packed and even though my view was a bit obstructed I didn’t care as I was right in the middle of it all. Good tunes, good beer, good people you kidding me? This was a good time. I needed a bit of air so picked up my glass and the barmaid filled it continued on next page
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The Biker, The Blues, And The Largest Beer Stein In The World - continued before I left the table. I smiled, thanked her, and off I went to get a bit of fresh air. Once outside that huge beer stein was lit up and I could see people climbing the built in ladder to the top. Not one to shy away from adventure I went to the top as well. The fall air was pleasant and the moon was bright enough to reveal the fields just before the tree line of the woods. People were chit chatting about all sorts of things none of which were political in nature or demeaning in any way. Then I went down the ladder and back inside. At this time the waitress offered me a menu and it was time for sure. I ordered bar food and didn’t expect too much of it but when it came oh man it was good. Another beer, more music, and lots of smiles. Earlier in the day four ladies were selling brats and consuming beers at the same time. The gal third from the left was trying to out drink the gal on the far right but looking back I am not too sure who beat who. Later that afternoon once the outdoor concession shut down the four of them came inside and joined their neighbors on the dance floor. In a world so torn apart these days it’s good to fall into a place where that doesn’t air, where the music, the beer, and good friends just kick back. Now back to yours truly - the band took a break and Jake came over and asked how I liked it and I said are you kidding me this is terrific. I asked him if he toured and he said he used to but that’s just too much of a grind besides everything I want is close to home. After he walked away someone sitting close to where I was
said that the man draws a crowd of thousands one night a year in Erie Pa, many have named it Jake night. It’s always been said that the blues is universal and it is and every once in a while you get a chance to feel the roots of where it all comes from and this was one of those experiences. The well known Mississippi bluesman Dexter Allen told me a few months back that he was born in Mississippi, raised in Mississippi, and will undoubtedly remain near the family farm. Here I am in Western Pennsylvania and I am witnessing it first hand. The blues as a genre enjoys a number of sub-genres but the blues is blues no matter how you slice it and that is what allows all of us to relate to it so well. It’s the feeling you get and in this case as you travel the United States it’s the people that attend events like these that are real down to earth folks. Here I am in the middle of nowhere really and some folks traveled as many as fifty miles to be here, you got to love that for sure. In all that we see and hear that’s not positive it does your heart good to be with folks that are out to celebrate life with their friends and meet new friends. Two farmers trying to figure out how to make it all work out come up with an idea of raising a brewer’s crop, getting licensed to brew, and then build a world class cool place for folks to meet. A good ending or should I say a good beginning for two imaginative and gutsy people. Oh and one last thing to note - no one told me the alcohol content of the beer but you’ll have to ask them to find out. Blues, my bike, and America - rock on! www.spraguefarm.com October 2021 • Music News
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Slipknot Bring Knotfest To The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion On October 29th Slipknot is bringing their ongoing festival, Knotfest to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion this month on the 29th of October. Also on the bill with them will be Killswitch Engage and Fever 333. KNOTFEST is evolving. It is no longer just a festival, but a celebration of loud music, art & culture. In an effort to expand the genre and grow the community, KNOTFEST aims to fully captivate this culture in all aspects, offering fans an elevated experience in visual, audio, and written editorial focused on their music needs, content wants and more. Slipknot’s mix of grinding, postKorn alternative metal, Marilyn Mansonesque neo-shock rock, and rap-metal helped make them one of the most popular bands in the nu-metal explosion of the late 1990s and early 2000s. But even more helpful was their theatrical, 44 Music News • October 2021
attention-grabbing image: the band always performed in identical industrial jump suits and homemade Halloween masks, and added to their mysterious anonymity by adopting the numbers zero through eight as stage aliases. Add to that a lyrical preoccupation with darkness and nihilism, and an affectionately insulting name for their fans (“Maggots”), and Slipknot’s blueprint for numetal success was set. Emerging in 1995, the Grammy Award-winning band issued their eponymous debut album in 1999 and went mainstream with subsequent gold and platinum efforts like Iowa (2001), All Hope Is Gone (2008), and We Are Not Your Kind (2019). Slipknot were formed in late 1995 in the unlikely locale of Des Moines, Iowa; after some early personnel shifts, the nine-piece lineup settled around (in
order from number zero to number eight): DJ Sid Wilson, drummer Joey Jordison, bassist Paul Gray, percussionist Chris Fehn, guitarist James Root, sampler/programmer Craig Jones, percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan, guitarist Mick Thomson, and lead vocalist Corey Taylor. The music scene in Des Moines wasn’t much to speak of, and the band’s big-time ambition was usually met with disbelief and ridicule, which provided the initial spark for its mostly anonymous stage visuals. On Halloween 1996, Slipknot self-released an album called Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat., which began to build a buzz around the group once it found its way to several labels. It was picked up for distribution by the Nebraska-based ismist label, and also caught the attention continued on page 46
Saturday, October 2, 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm Bad S Icehouse 2315 FM 523, Oyster Creek, TX 77541 Sunday, October 3, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Drifter’s Icehouse 29293 FM 149, Richards, TX 77873 Friday, October 8, 8:00 pm - 12:00 am Jailhouse Saloon 310 Preston Ave, Spring, TX 77373 Friday, October 15, 9:15 pm - 1:15 am The Abbey Pub 2002 N Fry Rd, Houston, TX 77084 Saturday, October 16, 9pm - 1 - PLEASE NOTE:CANCELED D’s Irish Tavern 2717 N Alexander, Baytown, TX 77520 Saturday, October 23, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm San Jacinto Harley Davidson 3636 E Sam Houston Parkway S, Pasadena, TX 77505 Saturday, October 23, 9:00 pm - 1:00 am Sharkies On The Beach 10 Surf Dr, Surfside Beach, TX 77541 Saturday, October 30, 9:00 pm - 1:00 am BB Wolf 12220 Murphy Rd, Stafford, TX 77477 Sunday, October 31, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wild Hawgs Saloon 16908 Market St, Channelview, TX 77531 Friday, November 5, 8:00 pm - 12:00 am Capone’s Oven & Bar 2303 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098 26 Music News • November 2020
Saturday, November 6, 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm Bad S Icehouse 2315 FM 523, Oyster Creek, TX 77541 Sunday, November 7, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Drifter’s Icehouse 29293 FM 149, Richards, TX 77873 Friday, November 12, 9:00 pm - 1:00 am Aspens Bar & Grill 817 Clear Lake Rd, Kemah, TX 77565 Saturday, November 13, 9:00 pm - 1:00 am Sharky’s Tavern 504 25th St, Galveston, TX 77550
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Slipknot continued from previous page of Roadrunner Records, which signed Slipknot in 1997. Working with producer Ross Robinson, the band recorded their official self-titled debut album, which was released in 1999. They gradually built an audience through near-constant touring, working their way up to the summer Ozzfest package tour, which really expanded their audience. Their live shows were a much-discussed hit with metal fans, and the band performed with such energy that Crahan gashed his head open on his own drum kit twice that summer, requiring stitches both times. The tracks “Wait and Bleed” and “Spit It Out” got the band some airplay, but most of the buzz came from touring and word of mouth. Finally, in the spring of 2000, Slipknot was certified platinum; the first such album in Roadrunner’s history. The anticipation for Slipknot’s follow-up was intense, and many industry observers predicted that it would debut at number one; however, faced with some stiff competition that week, the band’s sophomore effort, Iowa, bowed at number three upon its release in 2001. More heavy touring followed, including another, more prominent slot on that summer’s Ozzfest. After a long spell on the road, Slipknot took a break while the members worked on side projects. The band set up its own label, Maggot Recordings, and signed a band called Downthesun, whose lead singer had served as Crahan’s drum technician. Wilson, meanwhile, began DJ’ing solo under the name DJ Starscream, and Root and Thomson both worked on solo material. Drummer Jordison worked with a side group called the Rejects, where he’d actually served for quite some time as guitarist. Taylor, meanwhile, started a side band called Superego, and also contributed a solo song, “Bother,” to the soundtrack of the 2002 blockbuster Spider-Man. That May, the band got some amusing press when some of its fans discovered the website of a British crocheting group also called “Slipknot” and flooded the members’ in-boxes with excessively rude e-mails. 46
Music News • October 2021
Guitarist Joey Jordison and StaticX guitarist Tripp Eisen teamed up that summer for the Murderdolls project, while Taylor re-formed his old band Stone Sour and released an album. By \winter, Slipknot had still not reunited, and Taylor wrote a commentary on the band’s website stating that they had not spoken in months, and that they’d rather break up than become “the next GWAR.” The statement sparked a quickly resolved mini-feud between Taylor and GWAR frontman Oderus Urungus, but it also sent many of the Maggots into a tailspin. By early 2003, Taylor had retracted his comments, and announced plans for a new Slipknot album. That August, the entire squad decamped Iowa for L.A., where they began work on the new record with producer Rick Rubin. “Pulse of the Maggots” appeared in early 2004 as an exclusive download; it was followed by a full track listing for Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses. Slipknot then embarked on a brief tour as a warm-up for their dates headlining Ozzfest that summer. (The group also debuted a fully redesigned third generation of their famous masks.) Subliminal Verses was released in May 2004. It peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, and the band toured steadily for the next year-and-a-half in support. They released a two-disc live album in November 2005, followed by a slew of side projects (Taylor and Root formed Stone Sour, while Jordison sat in with Ministry and Korn) before releasing their fourth full-length album, All Hope Is Gone, in 2008. Slipknot made a number of festival appearances during summer of the following year, and also embarked on their All Hope Is Gone world tour. On May 24, 2010, the body of bassist Paul Gray was discovered by a maintenance worker in an Urbandale, Iowa hotel room; he was 38 years old at the time of his death, which was later revealed to have been the result of an accidental drug overdose. The band decided to carry on without him, saying
it was what he would have wanted. Two years after suffering the tragedy of losing Gray, the band released their first compilation. Spanning 13 years of output, Antennas to Hell: The Best of Slipknot brought together the best studio cuts from Corey Taylor and co., along with a selection of bonus material, including their full performance at 2009’s Download Festival. In 2013 Slipknot started work on what was to become their fifth studio album. During the recording process, it was revealed that drummer Joey Jordison had left the band under murky circumstances which were widely thought to be acrimonious, and that the band had recruited a new rhythm section. Both drummer and bassist were still anonymous at the time of the album’s release, but were rumored to be, respectively, Jay Weinberg, formerly of Against Me, and Alessandro Venturella, formerly of Cry for Silence. Titled .5: The Gray Chapter in honor of their fallen bandmate, the album was slated for release in October 2014. Marking a return to a more raw, brutal, dissonant sound reminiscent of their earlier work, it was promoted with the singles “The Negative One” and “The Devil in I,” which featured music videos directed by Shawn Crahan. 2017 saw the release of the Crahan-directed film Day of the Gusano, which documented Slipknot’s first trip to Mexico and accompanying Mexico City Knotfest concert in late 2015. Also around 2015, the band hinted that they would return to the studio. It wasn’t until late 2018 that they delivered on the promise with the standalone single “All Out Life.” The band’s critically acclaimed sixth studio album, the Greg Fidelman-produced We Are Not Your Kind, arrived in August 2019 and debuted at number one on both the U.S. Billboard 200 and the U.K. Albums Chart. Original drummer Joey Jordison died on July 26, 2021 at the age of 46.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo Perform at Smart Financial Centre October 25th She’s always been a rule-breaker and a trail-blazer, she remains a bold and distinctive artist both on stage and on record, and now, after more than three decades in rock ‘n’ roll, she’s a bonafideliving legend. A four-time Grammy winner, Benatar is a classically trained mezzosoprano. During the 1980s, Benatarhad two RIAA-certified Multi-Platinum albums, five RIAA-certified Platinum albums, three RIAA-certified Gold albums and 19 Top 40 singles, including the Top 10 hits, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”, “Love Is a Battlefield”, “We Belong” and “Invincible”. During the early days of MTV Benatar was one of the most heavily played artists on the popular music channel.Her hits continue to be as unforgettable now as they were at the dawn of MTV, when Pat emerged, fearless, fighting and forging a path for other female rock stars around the world. Born Patricia Andrzejewski in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Lindenhurst, Long Island, Pat started singing in elementary school and never stopped, working on her craft throughout her teens. At 19, after one six months in college, she dropped out to marry her 48 Music News • October 2021
high school sweetheart Dennis Benatar, an army draftee who trained at Fort Jackson, South. The couple would eventually divorce, in 1979. In 1973, Benatar quit her job as a bank teller to pursue a singing career full time after being inspired by a concert she saw in Richmond, VA. She got a gig singing with a lounge band called Coxon’s Army, who soon became regulars at Sam Millers Basement Club and fairly well known in and around Richmond. In 1975,just as Coxon’s Army was about to break, and against the advice of everyone involved, Benatar quit the band.She packed everything she owned into her car and headed back to NYC alone, with only $2500.00 in her pocket. And she never looked back. One night in 1975 Benatar decided to try an open mic night at Catch a Rising Star. She was 27th in line to go on and didn’t hit the stage until 2:00am. Benatar’srendition of Judy Garland’s “Rock A Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody” sent the crowd reeling. Hearing the room explode, the owner of the club, Rick Newman, rushed in to see who could possibly be commanding such a response from the room. He watched the
rest of the performance, and when the band was finished, Newman approached Benatar and demanded ”Who ARE you?”. Thus began their relationship as manager and artist; a working relationship which would continue for nearly 15 years. Catch a Rising Star was not the only break Benatargot in 1975. She also landed the part of Zephyr in The Zinger, Harry Chapin’s off Broadway, futuristic rock musical. The production, which debuted on March 19, 1976, at the Performing Arts Foundation’s (PAF) Playhouse in Huntington Station, Long Island, ran for one month and also featured Beverly D’Angelo and Christine Lahti. Halloween, 1977, proved a pivotal night in Benatar’scareer. Earlier in the evening, she’d dressed up as a character from the cult sci-fi movie “Cat Women of the Moon” and headed with friends down to Café Figaro in the Village. She entered the clubs costume contest…and won. To celebrate, the group all went back uptown to their haunt, Catch a Rising Star and performed in costume. Despite performing her usual array of continued on page 50
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Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo continued from previous page songs, she received a standing ovation. It was not her first, but she knew that this spandexed stage persona was a hit. So she repeated the look again the next night and received the same reaction from the crowd. As the nights went by, the outfits were tweaked a bit, the spandex was modified, and the signature look that everyone came to know, was born. In 1978, in between appearances at Catch a Rising Star and recording commercial jingles for Pepsi Cola, Benatar headlined New York City’s Tramps nightclub, where her performance impressed representatives from several record companies. She was signed to Chrysalis Records by cofounder Terry Ellis. In the spring of 1979, producer and writer, Mike Chapman, introduced Benatar to Neil Giraldo, an up and coming guitarist. Giraldo began his career in 1978, as a key member of the Rick Derringer band, after beating out 200 other guitarists for the position. Chapman felt Benatar needed a musical director and partner who could establish a more aggressive sound and thought Giraldo was the perfect choice. In Giraldo, Benatarfound someone as strong as her, someone who could match the same fire-power, someone who could inspire her, while being inspired by her. Their connection was instantaneous……..It was indeed, a perfect fit. In the Heat of the Night, was recorded in June and July 1979. This was the first time the world was introduced to Giraldo and Benatar’s enduring partnership and their rock ‘n’ roll love affair. In The Heat Of The Night, which included the classic “Heartbreaker”, as well as the Giraldo-penned hit, “We Live For Love”, went platinum. 1980 Grammy winning album, Crimes of Passion, saw Giraldo arranging, playing guitar and keyboards and providing vocals for songs like “Fire and Ice”. The album included her signature song, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and reached quintuple platinum while giving 50 Music News • October 2021
Pat her first Top 10, million selling hit. The following year, Benatar and Giraldo cemented their place in music history forever, by being the first female and first guitarist, respectively, to ever appear on MTV, with the video for “You Better Run”. The duo continued in 1981 with Precious Time, which had Giraldo officially on board as producer and arranger; as well as guitar, keyboards and vocals. Precious Time delivered a second Grammy for Benatar, for the lead single, “Fire and Ice”, and went double platinum, outdoing its predecessor by hitting #1. These achievements cemented the Giraldo/Benatar partnership as an increasingly unstoppable force in the music industry. Of the ten Grammy Award ceremonies in the 1980s, Benatar was nominated for Best Female Rock Performance nine times, including for “We Belong” and “Invincible” in 1984, “Sex as a Weapon” in 1986, “All Fired Up” in 1988 and in 1989 for “Let’s Stay Together”. She won an unprecedented four consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Female Rock Performance from 1980 to 1983 for her second LP, Crimes of Passion, and the songs “Fire and Ice”,”Shadows of the Night”, and “Love Is a Battlefield”. Other platinum albums followed. The team repeated their musical arrangement on Get Nervous in 1982,which featured yet another Top Five hit and Grammy-winner, Shadows of the Night. 1983’s Live From Earth boasted the million selling Gold single, “Love Is A Battlefield”. The single peaked at Number 5 in the US, winning Benatar another Grammy along the way. 1984’s Tropico shined its spotlight on the Top Five as well, charting the Grammynominated “We Belong”. In 1985 Seven The Hard Way would hit the US Top 10 with the #10 single “Invincible” which also became the theme for the movie, The Legend of Billie Jean. “Sex As a Weapon” would climb as high as #28 in January of 1986. The album peaked at #26, earning an RIAA Gold certification (import cd). In 1988, Benatar released her 8th album, Wide Awake in Dreamland, primarily recorded in Giraldo’s studio,which spun off the Top 20 hit “All Fired Up.” The album earned her yet another Grammy nomination for “Let’s Stay Together” in 1989. In 1991 came the blues/swing-inspired True Love album, followed in 1993 by the criti-
cally-acclaimed Gravity’s Rainbow. In 1997, Pat released Innamorata on the CMC International label. Then in 1998, further celebrating Benatar’s live prowess, 8-18-80, a live recording of a concert at the Old Waldorf in San Francisco, was released. In 1999, Benatar and Giraldo opened their private vaults and compiled an extensive three-CD collection, Synchronistic Wanderings: Recorded Anthology 1979-1999. This impressive set includes songs from soundtracks (including Speed), contributions to tribute projects and benefits, previously unreleased live recordings, outtakes and demos, B- sides, and rarities never before available on CD. As if that wasn’t enough, in the summer of 2002, Benatar and Giraldo released a thrilling live CD and DVD. The CD, Summer Vacation Soundtrack Live, and the DVD, Summer Vacation Live, featured a 90-minute concert filmed at the Grove Theatre in Anaheim, California. In addition, they debuted four new songs (“I Won’t,” “Girl,” “Out Of The Ruins,” and “Please Don’t Leave Me”) as well as previously unrecorded acoustic versions of “We Belong” and “Love Is A Battlefield.” Summer Vacation Live DVDalso included behind the scenes footage and exclusive interviews. In August 2003, Benatar released Go, her first album of new songs in seven years. Benatar described the record as a “contemporary guitar-driven record” and “the natural progression of where we should be”. After being inducted into the Long Island Hall of Fame in 2008, Benatar released her long-awaited autobiography in 2010, the appropriately-titled Between a Heart and a Rock Place – which allowed the world a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of one of the most beloved female rock ‘n’ roll icons of all time. Pat Benatar is acknowledged as the leading female rock vocalist of the ‘80s – a feat marked by her unprecedented winning of four consecutive Grammy Awards between 1980 and 1983, as well as three American Music Awards – but Benatar and Giraldo remain a rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse today, selling out concerts and still wowing audiences after over three decades in music together. Theirs is a chemistry that will, undoubtedly, be thrilling music-lovers forever.
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Eric Clapton Delivers Fantastic Performance At Toyota Center
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By Kevin Wildman It’s certainly great to see concerts going on again. Thanks to Beaver Productions this night Eric Clapton treated us to a phenomenal concert at Toyota Center. The show September 17th was probably the most laid back show I’ve ever seen him perform. The numbers were considerably slower, but flawlessly delivered by Eric and his band. This show relied heavily on covers as opposed to his own hits, but I’m sure that everybody there was familiar with all the tunes performed. It’s got to be hard for someone like him to put together a set list considering all the hits he’s had over the years, but the selections for this show were top notch. His choice of sidemen was top not notch as well, all road veterans and people he’s performed with before. His 8-piece band included drummer Steve Gadd, longtime bassist Nathan East and keyboardists Paul Carrack and Chris Stainton. Joining him on guitar was one of Texas’ finest, Doyle Bramhall II, whose guitarwork definitely complimented that of Clapton. He started off with one of his most popular crowd pleasers, “Pretending.” From there he went into the Blues standard, “Key To The Highway,” which he popularized on his Derek And The Dominoes album. Next up was the Willie Dixon cover and Blues hit, “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man.” The crowd went crazy when he then launched into the Bob Marley penned “I Shot The Sheriff.” After the four openers, Clapton sat down and pulled out his acoustic guitar for an intimate sit down performance where he performed “Driftin’ Blues,” segueing into “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out.” Things got a bit more personal when he followed that with “Tears In Heaven,” the song he wrote out of pain for the loss of his 4-year old song Conor. He seemed to look a bit sad as he performed that one, as one might expect. He closed out his acoustic set with “Layla,” the song he wrote for his former wife Pattie Clapton. You could tell that Eric’s return to the stage was a bit personal with his selection of songs. He didn’t go for the flashier fast songs that he’s known for, he went for some more laid back songs for this tour. Clapton started off the second half of his electric performance with another Derek and The Dominoes song, “Got To Get Better In A Little While.” Up next was another nod to his ex-wife Pattie with “Wonderful Tonight.” Everybody knows that Robert Johnson was a big influence on Eric, so he of course brought out Robert Johnson’s “Little Queen Of Spades.” The main part of the show finished out with the ever-popular J.J. Cale hit, “Cocaine.” For the encore, Jimmy Vaughan joined Eric and the band onstage for the Joe Cocker cover “High Time We Went,” in which Paul Carrack delivered some fantastic lead vocals. Of course we could speculate on why Clapton omitted so many of his big hits, but suffice it to say, this was a fine show and both Clapton and the band put on a fine performance with the material they performed. And yes, I would like to see it all over again. It really made for a memorable evening and I can’t wait to see what he has in store with us the next time he tours.
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Peel Perform At The 19th Hole (Photos by Music News) October 2021 • Music News
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Ricky Jackson Band Perform at Katie’s Bar In Bacliff (Photos by Music News) 56
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Sins Of The Past Perform At The 19th Hole (Photos by Music News) 60
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Swimwear Department Perform at The Red Dwarf (Photos by Music News) 62
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Whiskey Flight Perform At The Jailhouse Saloon (Photos by Music News) 64
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Whiskey Fuel at The Acadia Bar (Photos by Music News) 66
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RANDOM SHOTS Randy Soffar’s Singer/Songwriter Song Swap at Leon’s Lounge
Randy Soffar and Maxwell Burgess
Randy Soffar and Chaz Nadege
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Glenn Bryant Band Perform at Leon’s Lounge (Photos By Music News) 70
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Brokynhartz Perform At The Continental Club (Photos By Music News) 72
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Mark And The Misphits Perform At Leon’s Lounge (Photos by Music News) 74
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Parabellum Perform at BFE Rock Club (Photos by Greg Holleman)
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Band On The Run Perform at Leon’s Lounge (Photos by Music News) 78
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Count-R-Feit Perform at The Acadia Bar (Photos by Music News)
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DirtyMindz Perform at The 19th Hole (Photo by Music
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Blurred In10tentions at Rise Rooftop (Photos by Greg Holleman) 84
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Kerosene Shores at BFE Rock Club (Photos by Greg Holleman) 86
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