Jan 26, 2012: 2 Plus Music welcomes to its roster the legendary axeman JAKE E. LEE
Jakey Lou Williams was born February 15, 1957 and raised in West Virginia, USA. His mother was Japanese, and his father was an American serving in the Navy. When the Navy relocated Jake’s father, the entire family would pick up and move at a moments notice. Finally, however, the Williams family moved to San Diego, California, where they stayed for a long while. Jake began diving into the local California culture, and he took a liking to skateboarding. His mother had forced him into classical piano lessons, but soon he was interested in the guitar. His sister, who had a tremendous influence on Jake as a child, let him listen to some of her records, including Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath. These bands led to Jake’s intense interest in the electric guitar and Rock and Roll music. Sadly, Jake’s sister passed away in a motorcycle accident.
During high school, Jake would walk around campus with his acoustic guitar strapped to his back. He never joined a clique or group, but he had the reputation as the cool guitar dude with long hair. He formed a band called Teaser, and they played one school dance before Lee was kicked out of school for changing the grades on his report cards. Teaser continued, however, and Jake played many clubs in the San Diego area. They developed a huge following, and packed clubs and parties where they frequented. He caught the eye of guitarist and good friend Warren DiMartini, and soon DiMartini was asking Jake for lessons. He also caught the eye of Stephen Pearcy of a San Diego band called Mickey Rat. Pearcy asked Lee to join his band as lead guitarist, and Jake accepted. They changed the band’s name to Ratt, moved to L.A., and began playing clubs. Soon, their following was huge, too, and they began gigging in popular clubs like the Whiskey and the Troubadour. Jake left Ratt for greener pastures, however, and was replaced by DiMartini, on Jake’s recommendation.
Jake played a few gigs as lead guitarist of Rough Cutt, and was discovered by Ronnie James Dio. Dio expressed an interest in working with Jake, but they only wrote a few tunes together before Lee left to seek further musical inspiration. Around this time, Ozzy Osbourne had began to contact him, inviting him to audition for the lead guitarist spot in his band. Ozzy had just lost Randy Rhoads, who had been a tremendous force in the metal scene. Jake knew that the shoes were huge, but he thought he could fill them. He auditioned amongst 500 other guitarists from around the world, and Ozzy at length chose Jake over all of them. Jake flew to England for rehearsal, and then went on tour with the legendary madman Ozzy Osbourne.
For four years, Jake toured with Ozzy. They put out “Bark at the Moon”, which eventually went multi-platinum, and quickly quieted critics who said Rhoads could never be replaced. The “Ultimate Sin” album followed, and was another grand success for Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy, however, was in the midst of his drug-and-alcohol days, and fired Jake in the middle of one of his rages. Contrary to common belief, however, Ozzy and Jake remain good friends to this day, and Ozzy has recently talked to Jake about a possible reunion, although Jake has repeatedly turned him down.
After the Ozzy Osbourne madness, Jake took a break. He wanted to spend more time with his daughter and wife. As soon as word spread that Jake was back on the market as a guitar player, however, the phone calls started coming in. Nothing interested Jake, however, until he received a phone call from ex-Black Sabbath lead singer Ray Gillen. Gillen was hoping to form a blues-based metal band with Lee, and Lee responded. Together, they recruited bassist Greg Chaisson and drummer Eric Singer, and formed Badlands.
Badlands put out their first album in 1989, self-titled “Badlands”. It was a mix of bluesy metal, powered by hard-driving guitar riffs, and it received critical acclaim. The band toured to support the album, and followed it up with “Voodoo Highway”. Voodoo was an even deeper dive into the blues, and again received acclaim from critics. However, due to internal pressures, Ray left Badlands, and the band didn’t last very long with his replacement, John West. Unfortunately, Ray Gillen would eventually pass away due to complications caused by the AIDS virus. In the year 2000, however, “Dusk” was released, which was recorded live in earlier sessions with Ray Gillen.
Since Badlands, Jake has been invited to play on several compilation and tribute albums, including tributes to Rush, Jeff Beck, and Van Halen. He also released a solo album called “A Fine Pink Mist”. There could be much more in store for this most excellent virtuoso guitarist. Hopefully the world will hear more from Jake E Lee
Dec 28, 2011: 2 PLUS to sign Japanese metal legends LOUDNESS to their management roster
2 PLUS MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT is signing Japanese metal legends LOUDNESS to their management roster.
Drummer MUNETAKA HIGUCHI and guitarist AKIRA TAKASAKI launched LOUDNESS in May 1981. The duo was joined by former EARTHSHAKER vocalist MINORU NIIHARA and Takasaki’s childhood friend MASAYOSHI YAMASHITA on bass. LOUDNESS ensconced themselves in the studio and three months later the band’s debut album, “THE BIRTHDAY EVE” was released. The second LOUDNESS album, “DEVIL SOLDIER”, was released in July 1982, followed by “THE LAW OF DEVIL’S LAND” in January 1983. In July 1983, the band conducted their first American tour, followed by a European tour one month later. An A&R man from Atlantic Records was impressed by the LOUDNESS shows in the U.S. between July 1983 and May 1984, which led to the band being signed by the label for an international record deal – a first in Japanese music history. In August ’84, LOUDNESS entered a studio in Los Angeles with producer Max Norman, renowned for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, among others, to record their first worldwide release, “THUNDER IN THE EAST”. The album was released January ’85 and went all the way to No. 4 on Japan’s domestic charts. The band then embarked on a US tour that April, and a month later the album appeared at No. 74 on the U.S. Billboard album charts. In August, LOUDNESS opened for Mötley Crüe on their US tour. On August 14, they became the first Japanese act in history to play at the prestigious Madison Square Garden in New York City. In December, the band went to the studio to record their second release on Atlantic, again with Max Norman manning the controls. “LIGHTNING STRIKES”, topped the band’s previous chart success, appearing at No.64 on the Billboard charts. As the band kept touring all over the US, they earned themselves a reputation as a great live act.
Despite their on-going success, Niihara left the band in December 1988. The news came as a shock, not only to the Japanese but also to the international rock community. After countless auditions, the remaining band members arrived at the conclusion that they would never be able find a Japanese singer to live up to Niihara’s talent, and hired former Obsession vocalist, MIKE VESCERA, in September 1989. The result was the album “SOLDIER OF FORTUNE”, followed by “ON THE PROWL” in February 1991, a compilation of cover versions of the band’s earlier work, as well as a number of new songs. Vescera left soon after the arrival of “SLAP IN THE FACE” in October 1991, followed by Yamashita, and the second LOUDNESS era came to an end in 1992. In the years following, the band’s line-up fluctuated, but Loudness remained active. In 2000, Takasaki began toying with the idea of a LOUDNESS reformation, featuring the group’s original members, and the news was formally announced in May of that year with the band going into preproduction soon afterwards. Multiple album and DVD releases followed as the band remained hugely successful in their homeland of Japan.
On November 30th, 2008 Munataka Higuchi sadly succumbed to liver cancer. “The Everlasting” release from 2009 would be the final recording with the classic Loudness line up. The remaining original members continue on with their new drummer Masayuki Suzuki. Loudness returned to the USA for their 30th Anniversary tour in May/June 2011. Upon completion of the tour, the band returned to Japan and put the finishing touches on their new studio album “EVE TO DAWN” which they hope to release in the U.S. and Europe in early 2012 with extensive worldwide touring to follow. “Eve To Dawn” finds the band rejuvenated and sounding hungrier than ever. Longtime fans will surely be pleased with the effort, but new fans will also be made with the excellent songwriting and absolutely blazing fretwork by Akira.
Dec 22, 2011: 2 PLUS MUSIC @ MIDEM 2012
Derek Shulman and Leonardo Pavkovic of 2 Plus Music & Entertainment to participate at MIDEM, the biggest music recording business fair in the world, on January 28/29/30/31 with CARVED RECORDS and more.
Oct 8, 2011: New Video single released by the seminal NYC hard rock band BLACK WATER RISING
BLACK WATER RISING from Brooklyn, NY, is managed by 2 Plus Music, and the band has just released their new video single “No Halos”.
“No Halos”, the new video from BLACK WATER RISING — the New York-based band featuring former members of BOILER ROOM and DUST TO DUST — can be seen above. The clip, which features Jose Hernandez Jr. (HBO’s “Oz”) in the starring role, was helmed by acclaimed director Noah Shulman (SOIL, HELLYEAH) and depicts religion as cult and uses media as a brainwashing tool. The viewer follows the preacher as he descends into madness caused by society’s ills.
Commented BLACK WATER RISING drummer Mike Meselsohn: “We are so proud and psyched to show our new video to the world. We jumped at the opportunity to work with Noah Shulman again and he didn’t disappoint. He came up with an awesome concept that really captures the vibe of the song and is visually captivating at the same time.”
The self-titled debut from BLACK WATER RISING was released in Europe on April 22 via Metalville Records, the band and label pool launched by the Cologne, Germany-based company Flying Dolphin Entertainment Group UG.
Available in the U.S. on Giddy Up! Records, “Black Water Rising” is described as a collection of soul-baring, angst-ridden, riff-heavy material that is proudly anchored in the foundations of traditional hard rock songwriting. Its giant, guitar-driven monster riffs are served up on a bed of crushing grooves with soaring melodic vocals and big hooks. Lyrically, the message is socially and politically driven by the dark times we live in. With darkness seemingly growing by the day, BLACK WATER RISING is a name that fits this band like a glove.
Band’s website: www.blackwaterrising.com
Oct 8, 2011: EDDIE TRUNK of THAT METAL SHOW visiting 2 PLUS office on October 3rd
American music historian, radio personality, talk show host, and author – EDDIE TRUNK – best known as the host of several hard rock and heavy metal themed radio and television shows, has visited 2 Plus Music office on October 3rd, 2011.
From left: Nick Tieder (of No Jacket Required Marketing, and 2 Plus Music’s associate), Leonardo Pavkovic (2 Plus Music), Eddie Trunk and Derek Shulman (2 Plus Music).
Oct 2, 2011: DEREK SHULMAN and GARY GREEN of GENTLE GIANT in Philadelphia, in-store appearance, October 1st
Former Gentle Giant lead vocalist DEREK SHULMAN and guitarist GARY GREEN made a very rare appearance in support of new digital and physical re-masters of OCTOPUS and THREE FRIENDS at FYE Music, 100 South Broad Street in Philadelphia, on Saturday, October 1.
Publicity Contact: Anne Leighton
Ph: 718-881-8183
E-mail: LeightonMedia@aol.com
Check remastered OCTOPUS and THREE FRIENDS on Amazon….
Sep 24, 2011: CIRCA: Featuring Former YES Members Tony Kaye and Billy Sherwood Release New CD ‘And So On’
CIRCA: Featuring Former YES Members Tony Kaye and Billy Sherwood Release New CD ‘And So On’
Los Angeles, CA – Prog fans across the globe are buzzing with excitement about the new CD release by CIRCA: featuring former YES members Tony Kaye and Billy Sherwood. ‘And So On’ is the 4th release from the innovative progressive rock ensemble and currently available at the band’s official website www.circahq.com Along with veteran YES rockers Tony Kaye (keyboards) and Billy Sherwood (guitar, vocals), CIRCA: features Johnny Bruhns on guitar and Ronnie Ciago on drums. “Although the album was not written as a concept record, the songs are somehow tied together and are all symbiotic,” Billy Sherwood explains, “it’s really just an evolution of CIRCA: music. This is our 3rd Studio release.”
The band was formed in 2007 by Tony Kaye and Billy Sherwood. The debut self-titled CD, ‘CIRCA:’, also featured YES drummer Alan White and Jimmy Haun on guitar, with guest appearances by Michael Sherwood and Cole Coleman. The album includes two tracks based on material Billy Sherwood co-wrote with Trevor Rabin in 1995. A two-track download-only EP was previously available for a short period in the United States. The band’s debut live show was on August 23, 2007 in San Juan Capistrano, with a set that included an extended instrumental medley of Yes tunes. A DVD of this show was released as ‘CIRCA: Live’ in February 2008. A few North American dates followed in early 2008, with Jay Schellen, a previous collaborator of Sherwood’s and Kaye’s, filling in for White on one date.
In July 2008, Jay Schellen permanently replaced Alan White, who chose to focus on his work in Yes. The new line-up recorded an album ‘CIRCA: HQ’ in the latter half of 2008, and was released on January 14, 2009. Early 2011 saw a band change, with guitarist Johnny Bruhns replacing Jimmy Haun and Ronnie Ciago replacing Jay Schellen, who wanted to focus on work with Asia Featuring John Payne. CIRCA’s next release ‘Overflow’ is a collection of extra bonus material from the first and second recording sessions, available only as a digital download via iTunes. And now in 2011, after years of anticipation from fans of the band around the world, the new CIRCA: CD ‘And So On’ is available! In support of the new CD release, plans to tour are in the works.
“There are plans to get out there and do shows,” says Billy, “we are heading to Mexico to play Mexicali and Ensenada in September and some Southern California dates to follow… it’s early going but we are working hard to get the band on the road.” Stay tuned via CIRCA’s official website for any updates regarding live shows.
“CIRCA: would like to thanks all the fans who have followed us from the start, along the way… and now into the future!”
CIRCA: is doing a mini tour of Southern California to promote the album:
October 6 – Agoura Hills, CA (The Canyon Club)
October 7 – South Bay, CA (Brixton)
October 8 – San Juan Capistrano, CA (The Coach House)
October 21 – Corona, CA (Marquee 15)
Please visit the online store at www.circahq.com and for Billy Sherwood solo works visit www.billysherwood.com where his forthcoming 5th solo CD titled ‘What Was The Question?’ is due out August of 2011.
http://www.facebook.com/circahq
http://www.circahq.com/CircaStore/
Sep 10, 2011: FRONTIERS RECORDS USA announces November 1st Releases
Frontiers Records is announcing 3 new cd releases (November 1st) to be distributed in the USA via EMI:
TRILLIUM “Alloy”
MECCA “Undeniable”
THE MAGNIFICIENT “The Magnifiicient”
For more info:
FRONTIERS RECORDS
www.frontiers.it
www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
twitter.com/FrontiersRec
Sep 10, 2011: GENTLE GIANT’s progressive rock masterpieces THREE FRIENDS and OCTOPUS finally re-mastered!
GENTLE GIANT’S ALUCARD MUSIC is finally releasing:
OCTOPUS and THREE FRIENDS
distributed through EMI, which unleashes New Digital and Physical Remasters (in digipack format) from the original 1/4 inch tapes of these Seminal British Progressive Rock Recordings on September 27, 2011. (Please note that this is the first ever digital remastering from the ORIGINAL TAPES, with the supervision of Derek Shulman and Alucard Music).
• Complete With Original Cover Art
• Contains Special Liner Notes, Photos & More
• Additional Previously-Unreleased Live Material Also Included!!
GENTLE GIANT – “Three Friends”
(Remastered From The Original 1/4″-Tapes)
Gentle Giant’s third album was their first concept album, based on three school friends who grow up, pursue different paths and fail to understand one another’s lifestyles. The music is astounding – ranging from raucous rock, to exquisite choral work, and ending with the stunningly beautiful title song. All of its’ original splendor and exquisite detail is revealed in this beautifully-executed remastering.
AVAILABLE now on AMAZON(<=click on) on PRE-SALE.
GENTLE GIANT – “Octopus”
(Remastered From The Original 1/4″-Tapes)
Gentle Giant’s fourth album has a harder, rockier edge – a striking contrast to their more symphonic third album – while still displaying a wide variety of sounds and textures. From the rocking power of “The Advent Of Panurge”, to the vocal intricacies of “Knots”, to the beauty of “Think Of Me With Kindness”, the signature GG grandeur is presented with ultimate clarity and impact on this fabulous remastered CD.
AVAILABLE now on AMAZON(<=click on) on PRE-SALE.
Support GENTLE GIANT on FACEBOOK
US Publicity by Anne Leighton Media E-mail: LeightonMedia@aol.com
Sep 10, 2011: SEBASTIAN BACH – “Kicking & Screaming” on Frontiers Records USA
SEBASTIAN BACH – “Kicking & Screaming”
on Frontiers Records USA
(album out on September 27, 2011)
In early 2011, Sebastian Bach signed a worldwide recording contract with the Italian-based label Frontiers Records (a rapidly rising star in the label world) and headed into the studio to record under the direction of Bob Marlette (Black Sabbath, Shinedown, Atreyu, Filter). The new album presents the debut of the talents of young virtuosic guitarist Nick Sterling and the drum pro Bobby Jarzombek (Halford, Riot, Iced Earth), alongside Bach’s inimitable, incomparable vocals. The result is a high-energy, hard rock album along the lines of `Skid Row’, `Slave To The Grind’, `Subhuman Race’ and `Angel Down’, but the songs, performances and sound quality are all heavy, interesting and completely rock `n’ roll. The “Kicking & Screaming” album cover, which was created by artist Richard Villa, reflects the lyrics as well as the brutality of the music. If you like rockin’ guitar riffs, high-energy songs and performances, deadly drums of doom, and ear-shattering screams, we got your rock `n roll fix right here!
For more info:
FRONTIERS RECORDS
www.frontiers.it
www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
twitter.com/FrontiersRec
Sep 10, 2011: URIAH HEEP – “Live In Armenia” on Frontiers Records USA
URIAH HEEP – “Live In Armenia”
on Frontiers Records USA
(album out on September 27, 2011)
Uriah Heep, who indisputably invented Hard Rock in conjunction with Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, have sold in excess of 30 million albums since their inception in 1969. From their early incarnation as The Gods and Spice, through record breaking tours, gold and platinum selling albums, timeless chart scaling anthems and a fiercely dedicated fan base of worldwide proportions, Uriah Heep can rightly claim to be one of the greatest U.K. progressive heavy rock bands of both the 20th and 21st centuries. Originally founded by vocalist David Byron and guitarist Mick Box, Uriah Heep have been through an incredible number of permutations, with Mick Box always at the helm. Ex Bowie/Ziggy band bassist Trevor Bolder joined in 1976, while keyboard player Phil Lanzon and vocalist Bernie Shaw were recruited a quarter of a century ago in 1986. Drummer Russell Gilbrook replaced long standing drummer Lee Kerslake, who had to leave the band due to ill health, about 5 years ago. In October 2009, Uriah Heep released their 40th Anniversary ‘Celebration’ album, containing new studio recordings of 12 of their most successful, classic tracks, plus two brand new songs. This recording heralded an exciting new phase for the band, taking their classic sound right into the future. The extensive tour that followed saw the band playing up to 250 shows a year to nearly 150,000 people, opening new Eastern European, Australian, Japanese and American territories and the band has played 53 different countries in total. The band’s motto has always been “if the people cannot come to see and hear Heep music, we will take it to them” and based on that when the band was invited to play for the first time in Armenia, they did not think twice and went for it. So when the band agreed they were approached by TV and film crews to document this concert which shows an epic performance and an incredibly strong and powerful audience reaction. “It was unique because it was a first for us, and the fact that our music meant so much to so many people, was just wonderful” says Mick Box. “It cannot get any better than that. There were some technical problems to overcome, as we played on hired equipment, but the emotion of the night won through, and if asked, we would indeed go back and play again”.
For more info:
FRONTIERS RECORDS
www.frontiers.it
www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
twitter.com/FrontiersRec
Sep 10, 2011: HOUSE OF LORD – “Big Money” on Frontiers USA
HOUSE OF LORD – “Big Money”
on Frontiers Records USA
(album out August 23, 2011)
Following on the heels of “Cartesian Dreams”, HOUSE OF LORDS is coming back with another amazingly strong release which presents again all the trademark elements of its melodic hard rock sound.
“I am very proud to have done four HOUSE OF LORDS CDs with the same lineup,” says singer James Christian. “I enjoy working with every one of them and plan to do many more records in the future. Mark Baker has now been on board as a co-writer for the last two CDs I love working with him. We are totally on the same page when writing new music.”
“Big Money” starts with the trademark vocals of James Christian and crashes into a power rock classic that you will not forget after the first listen, followed by in a song that Christian describes as “the band’s best work to date,” “One Man Down”. Each song has its own distinct quality as you would expect from the LORDS and once again the album is full of soaring choruses, awesome guitar work and songs that grab you from the first listen and don’t let go. “The elements we use on ‘Big Money’ are always the same for us and that is to write and record the best songs that we can,” explains Christian. “We always write enough songs for more than one CD and then we pick the best songs to make up the new record. We will always be a melodic rock group. It is the music that made us want to be musicians in the first place. So we will always stay true to that art!” James teamed up again on the songwriting with longtime friend and partner Mark Baker, along with the other bandmembers Jimi Bell and BJ Zampa and Swedish producer/guitarist Tommy Denander.
For more info:
FRONTIERS RECORDS
www.frontiers.it
www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
twitter.com/FrontiersRec
Sep 10, 2011: XorigiN – “Can’t Keep Running” on Frontiers Records USA
XorigiN – “Can’t Keep Running”
on Frontiers Records USA
(album out on August 23, 2011)
Melodic hard rock with a modern edge would be a fitting description of Xorigin’s music. Musically they draw on influences such as Giant, Toto, Foreigner and Yes to name a few, but still keeping their own personal sound and musical identity intact. Strong melodies, well crafted songs and catchy vocal arrangements are their trademark.
The band was originally named Orange Crush and was formed in Los Angeles in 1999, while the members where studying music at the Musicians Institute. The founding members Johannes Stole (vocals) and Daniel Palmqvist (guitar) later returned to their home countries of Norway and Sweden and continued collaborating on various projects in between their other engagements. Johannes is a sought after session singer/artist in Oslo, Norway and has released a critically acclaimed album with progressive rock band P:O:B. Daniel has released a well received instrumental solo album and is also the guitarist for the band The Murder Of My Sweet. Now they have once again teamed up with their long time friend, producer/drummer Daniel Flores to record their debut album which promises to put the band on the radar of all the classic Melodic Rock fans! You will certainly hear more from these guys! Bonus Video Track: Can’t Keep Running
For more info:
FRONTIERS RECORDS
www.frontiers.it
www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
twitter.com/FrontiersRec
Sep 10, 2011: TOBY HITCHCOCK – “Mercury’s Down” on Frontiers Records USA
TOBY HITCHCOCK – “Mercury’s Down”
on Frontiers Records USA
(album out on August 23, 2011)
Toby Hitchcock name and abilities came to the attention of Melodic Rock fans when former Survivor founding member Jim Peterik chose him as the lead singer for the band that would mark his return on the scene: Pride of Lions. With Pride of Lions, Toby had the chance to sing on three studio albums which are considered as true classic among the fans. Toby also appeared live fronting the band and his performances at the Lokerse Feesten in Belgium and at the United Forces of Rock in Germany created a vast consensus about his amazing abilities. Often compared to Bobby Kimball (Toto), Jimi Jamison (Survivor) or Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Hitchockc’s voice has the depth, the feeling and the extension of each of them, still keeping his own identity and trademark.
For more info:
FRONTIERS RECORDS
www.frontiers.it
www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
twitter.com/FrontiersRec
Sep 10, 2011: WORK OF ART – “The Great Fall” on Frontiers Records USA
WORK OF ART – “Live In Black”
on Frontiers Records USA
(album out on August 23, 2011)
2011 album from the AOR/melodic Hard Rock band. Following the much acclaimed debut record Art Work, Work Of Art have not been resting on laurels. While main songwriter and guitarist Robert Sall contributed heavily to the success of the W.E.T. project with Jeff Scott Soto and Erik Martensson and singer Lars Safsund kept busy singing on other projects, Work Of Art have been working hard to create the foundations of another amazing piece of music. In Progress gives the Melodic Rock fans exactly what they’re looking for, with songs that stick in the ears from the first second and amazing musical licks. The album shows three musicians who have matured a lot their abilities and gel together in a very natural way, presenting a sound which – still encompassing different influences – is now defined and recognizable as their own.
For more info:
FRONTIERS RECORDS
www.frontiers.it
www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords
twitter.com/FrontiersRec
