ACMJ International Blog

Sonic Station, new Westcoast-AOR project from Sweden will hit the globe next year!

The new AOR dream rising from Sweden! SONIC STATION to debut in February 2012 on Frontiers. If you are Westcoast oriented AOR fan, you might think this might be another too hard melodic rock album because of the basic preference of the label. As far as I listened to sample sound bytes of this project, it is not the case. This is really Westcoast style AOR. In this sense, if you would expect recent TOTO or Journey vein albums, this album would not meet with your favour, even though the below  official press release says the project has been based in the 80's AOR music influenced by TOTO, Mr. Mister and Journey. If I admit this, most light & mellow side of those bands.

Here is the official press release:

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the signing to the label of a brand new Artist SONIC STATION for the release of their self titled debut album on February 24th 2012 in Europe and February 28th in North America.

SONIC STATION is a new Westcoast-AOR Project put together by Alexander Kronbrink (a Swedish guitarist, composer and producer). Alexander is a young musician who learned his skills playing with Smooth Jazz star Jonathan Fritzén. Later on – after being introduced to Lee Ritenour - Alexander started to see a clearer direction in his playing. Through Ritenour he discovered the music of such giants as Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, composer and producer David Foster and guitarist Jay Graydon, among others. Alexander says: “I have always been interested in guitarists with the ability to play everything from Jazz, to Pop, to Country, to Hard Rock. I have listened a lot to American session guitarists such as Steve Lukather, Michael Landau and Dan Huff. I guess that type of guitar playing is what have influenced me the most.”
From the very beginning the SONIC STATION project has been based in the 80’s AOR music (influenced by Toto, Mr. Mister and Journey) and the West Coast-sound of Airplay and Chicago. The resulting album “SONIC STATION” is an expressive and warm record, where each song has an obvious and immediate hit feeling. “The focus is on melody and the SONIC STATION sound is a meticulous and exciting mixture of Pop, Rock and Jazz”, explains Kronbrink. To get the most quality out of each track Alexander, who composed ten of the songs and also produced and arranged the whole record, engaged four singers with different styles and voices: Marika Willstedt (from the Swedish TV show “Så ska det låta”), Magnus Bäcklund (member of the Swedish duo “Fame”), Kristoffer Fogelmark and Tove Lo. There are many musicians working on the album but the three contributing the most are Alexander’s close friends Jonathan Fritzén (on keyboards – a smooth Jazz solo artist who reached #1 on the Billboard Indicator Smooth Jazz Chart), Henrik Linder (on bass – Dirty Loops, Work of Art) and Aron Mellergård (on drums – Dirty Loops). All of them are accomplished musicians and gave their contribution for the final result. “I definitely think SONIC STATION will have a life on stage and I expect that we will be able to do some shows in the coming months” concludes Alexander Kronbrink. “Sonic Station” includes the following songs: Intro; Love's Gonna Show The Way (Feat. Magnus Bäcklund); I Wish I Could Lie (Feat. Marika Willstedt); Hold On To Me (Feat. Kristoffer Fogelmark); You Have To Let Me Go (Feat. Tove Lo); The Most Beautiful Fear (Feat. Magnus Bäcklund); Running Through The Night (Feat. Marika Willstedt); Never Let The Sunshine Die (Feat. Kristoffer Fogelmark); My Last Refrain (Feat. Marika Willstedt); Love You More (Feat. Marika Willstedt & Kristoffer Fogelmark); Reasons (Feat. Marika Willstedt) With SONIC STATION, Alexander Kronbrink has taken the 80’s into the future.

• Label: Frontiers Records, Italy
• Producer: Alexander Kronbrink
• Musicians:
  • Lead Vocals: Marika Willstedt, Magnus Bäcklund, Kristoffer Fogelmark & Tove Lo
  • Guitars: Alexander Kronbrink
  • Keyboards: Jonathan Fritzén, Marika Willstedt, David Larson & Alexander Kronbrink
  • Bass: Henrik Linder, Johan Hansén-Larson, Erik Metall, Kristofer Sundström & Johan Ivansson
  • Drums: Aron Mellergårdh, Thern Pettersson & Niklas Almgren
  • Percussion: Andreas Ekstedt
  • Backing vocals: Marika Willstedt, Kristoffer Fogelmark, Oskar Nilsson, Matilda Bådagård & Alexander Kronbrink
  • Saxophone: Conny Lindgren
  • Trumpet, Flugelhorn: Erik Palmberg

• Tracks
  1. INTRO(instrumental)
  2. LOVE'S GONNA SHOW THE WAY
  3. I WISH I COULD LIE
  4. HOLD ON TO ME
  5. YOU HAVE TO LET ME GO
  6. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FEAR
  7. RUNNING THROUGH THE NIGHT
  8. NEVER LET THE SUNSHINE DIE
  9. MY LAST REFRAIN
  10. LOVE YOU MORE
  11. REASONS

Janey Clewer "Love", new special compilation album featuring 4 new recordings, also being released!

It is not only "Fallen For Brazil" Janey will deliver us very soon!  Another one will be also coming. It is the album entitled "Love". "Love" is Janey's new compilation CD which will include selected collaboration tracks with your favourite vocalists and/or musicians, taken from her previous solo CDs after due consideration.  "Falling In Love" (taken from 1st solo "Janey" ) and "Forever Valentine" (from 3rd solo "When Stars Collide" are with Bill Champlin, "Two Shooting Stars" (from "Janey") with Mac Jordan, "Can't Let You Go With My Heart" (from "Janey") with Richard Marx… "Call Me Romantic", the title track of her 2nd solo is one of my timeless favourite tune featuring Jay Graydon's best solo guitar of mid 90's. Peter Cetera supports Janey on "God's Perfect Plan" and then  "Only Time Will Tell" duet with Eric Carmen would follow, taken from the same album. "Exposed" and "Lovers Are Never Lost" are picked up from  2005 album "Perfume". You must appreciate 4 brand new songs, including a special bonus track, “If Only For Tonight” (duet with Joey Chemay) for the Tsunami relief efforts. The title track, “Love”, is one of the best ballads of the decade featuring all-star cast of singers including Peter Cetera, Marc Jordan, Bill Champlin, Tamara Champlin, Jaimee Paul, Joe Chemay and Janey. "Impossible" (duet with Joshua Payne) might be another hidden gem for you. You must satisfy with "The Last Words You Said" is self-cover of another Janey's greatest composition co-written with RIchard Marx for Sarah Brightman's 1998 album "Eden".

• Release Date: January 25, 2012
• Label: Vivid Sound, Japan (VSCD-3543)
• Tracks:
  1. Love
  2. Falling In Love
  3. Won't Go Back
  4. Two Shooting Stars
  5. Can't Let You Go With My Heart
  6. Impossible
  7. Call Me Romantic
  8. God's Perfect Plan
  9. Only Time Will Tell
  10. Forever Valentines
  11. Exposed
  12. Lovers Are Never Lost
  13. The Last Words You Said
  14. If Only For Tonight

Janey Clewer "Fallen For Brazil " Official Release finally available soon !

Janey Clewer's new solo effort “Fallen For Brazil” complete version will be finally released in January 2012!  "Fallen For Brazil", Janey's neo-Brazilian styled album will be officially released in the complete shape after 3 years since its limited pre-release version was released on CD-R for the fans and digital downloads in January 2009. ItThis complete version would include 3 new tunes not on the pre-release; "Samba Sky", "Paparazi" and "One At Heart". There is one cover of “This Masquerade” an all-time personal favorite of Janey’s with 9 tunes appeared on the pre-release version as well as revised mixes and fully mastered tracks. Every track is drenched with timeless string arrangements and the incomparable John Patitucci on bass. Also featured is the vocal magic of Marc Jordan on the duet “ Make Her Mine” and Michael Sembello sings haunting Portuguese background vocals on “The Summer Wind”. The album also features the awesome acoustic guitar work of her husband, Bruce Gaitsch, flutes by Dave Boruff, vibes by Alex Poston and trumpet by Nick Newman. The timeless string arrangements of Boh Cooper and Janey brush each song with beautiful strokes of color. The string players are Nashville’s finest led by David Davidson, concertmaster of Orchestra Nashville. Open your finest Malbec, sit back and let your ears take you on a passionate musical journey to Brazil and beyond.

• Release Date: January 25, 2012
• Label: Vivid Sound, Japan (VSCD-3542)
• Producers: Janey Clewer and Bruce Gaitsch
• Janey Clewer: Lead & Background Vocals, Piano and Keyboards
• Musicians:
  • Guitars and Percussion Programming: Bruce Gaitsch
  • John Patitucci: Bass
  • Violin: David Davidson, David Angel
  • Viola: Monisa Angel
  • Cello: John Catchings
  • Flutes: Dave Boruff
  • Vibes: Alex Poston
  • Trumpet: Nick Newman
  • Background Vocals: Michael Sembello
  • Duet Vocal on "Make Her Mine":Marc Jordan
• Tracks:
  1. Samba Sky
  2. Paparazzi
  3. One At Heart
  4. Ooh Ooh
  5. I Should Let Go
  6. The Summer Wind
  7. Too Good To Be Real
  8. Picture This
  9. This Masquerade
  10. Make Her Mine
  11. Shangri‐La
  12. Fallen For Brazil
  13. Coup De Grace

(Remarks)Please note that the track listing shown on the VIVID SOUND official website and/or Amazon.co.jp would be by mistake the pre-release version's one, which should be amended properly in due course.

Peter Mayer Group new live CD "Under Your Spell" available now

On  December  6, 2011,  Little Flock Music, Peter Mayer's production/managment company has  announced the official release of the Peter  Mayer Group's new CD, "Under Your Spell."  The CD will be available at Peter's Stars & Promises concerts, beginning 6th Decmber in  Hopkinsville, KY USA, and will soon be available for purchase in their webstore. And I am pleased to confirm that you may get your copy at Little Flock Music.

 "Under  Your Spell" is a live, double disc collection of songs, covering a broad musical  history, beginning with songs written with the band PM, Peter's solo projects  and the current Peter Mayer Group.  The CD was recorded live at three  venues in July and August:  Freedom Hall/Nathan Manilow Theatre, Park  Forest, IL; The Duck Room, Blueberry Hill, St. Louis, MO; Rams Head on Stage!,  Annapolis, MD.  Musicians featured on this CD are:  Peter Mayer, R.  Scott Bryan, Chris Walters, Marc Torlina, Maggie Estes and special  guest, James Perretta.  "Under Your Spell" was co-produced,  recorded, edited and mixed by the very talented Alan  Schulman.

 Peter Mayer says, "For three dates in July and August 2011, we recorded the band of musicians that I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with for the past five years. With the sonic palette and stylistic abilities of Scott, Chris, Marc and Maggie, each night has been a new adventure. From time to time we’d be playing on a porch, in a living room or before a show and several of us would remark, 'this feels really good, we should record this.' We had been releasing our own sound board CDs after shows for several years, but never had put together a complete set of songs that could be recorded well, mixed and released as a full album. "

• Tracks:
  1. The Last Island
  2. Cool Blue Swing
  3. All The Tea In China
  4. Musicbox
  5. Blue Guitar
  6. Heaven
  7. Help Us
  8. Dirty Hands Dirty Feet
  9. Singing In Your Cage
  10. BB's Got The Blues
  11. Romeo's Garage
  12. Under Your Spell
  13. Approaching Caroline
  14. The Onion
  15. Moonlight Over Paris
  16. India / Teach Your Children
  17. The One For Me
  18. Chain Of Love
  19. Piece of Paradise
  20. Suzannah
  21. Faith In Angels / All You Need Is Love

Michael Thompson Band will return with a brand new album "Future Pas" in early 2012

 Cult AOR luminaries MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND return with a brand new album "Future Past". Frontiers Records, Italy is excited to announce the return of MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND with the release of the brand new album “Future Past” on February 24th in Europe and February 28th in North America.
 In 1988, after working to try and get a deal with his band Slang, guitarist Michael Thompson finally got signed by Geffen Records to release one album entitled "How Long", under the Michael Thompson Band (MTB) monicker. 
 On "How Long" some great studio musicians appeared as guests, in particular drummer-maestro Terry Bozzio, singer Moon Calhoun (ex The Strand), Pat Torpey (later on drummer with Mr Big), bassist Jimmy Haslip, John Elefante (Kansas), Toto's Bobby Kimball and Great White associates Michael Lardie and Wyn Davis (who also produced the album). Songwriters would include, among others, AOR stars such as: Jeff Paris, Mark Spiro, Billy Trudel and Brett Walker.
As of today “How Long” is still regarded as one of the highest examples of hi-tech AOR / West Coast, with a superb production and immaculate songwriting. “I think the album has stood the test of time with a great batch of songs and some really strong performances. It was heartfelt and I think people respond to music that comes from the heart. I'm glad that many fans of melodic rock still list this record amongst their favourites,” tells Michael Thompson. 
 “How Long” was reissued in 2007 with 3 bonus tracks and started a relationship between Michael Thompson and Frontiers Records, which finally brings the anticipated release of the new Michael Thompson Band album in early 2012. “I've tried to keep the new MTB album "Future Past" in the same spirit as "How Long". I'm hoping that people will hear the natural progression of my music and appreciate the new record as much as the first one,” continues Michael. “Although 22 years is quite a gap time-wise the music was recorded with the same feeling and spirit as I always had”.
 For the new album Michael teamed up with the awesome singer Larry King from Soleil Moon. Larry brought a new and more rocking approach to the MTB sound, but certainly the trademark elements of songwriting and melodies are still to be found in the new album “Future Past”. In Michael Thompson words: “When I was considering singers for this new record I said to myself “Who is the best rock singer that I know?” and only one person came to mind - Larry King. The guy has such a phenomenal range and texture and it goes perfectly with my guitars. We started writing songs together a little over a year ago and from the first song, "Can't Be Right", I knew we had something special!”
MTB 2012 lineup is rounded up by Khari Parker on drums and Alan Berliant on bass. “Larry brought them into the picture and it was a pleasure for me to work with some knew guys that I wasn't familiar with. It brought a fresh approach to the music,” says Michael.

 The production of “Future Past” is just flawless and the album is destined to become soon another AOR music classic. “I think that the title kind of says it all - "Future Past"” concludes Michael. “Larry and I are both big fans of Classic Rock and AOR Melodic Rock so we just naturally infuse that love into the music that we write. It's elements of the past with a modern approach”.
“Future Past” tracklisting includes: High Times; Can't Be Right; Future Past; When You Love Someone; Here I Am; Beautiful Mystery; Break Me Down; End Game; Gypsy Road; Can't Miss 2012; Fight For Your Life.
The first single “Can’t Be Right” can be listened in full in  streaming on the Frontiers Web Radio now! Tune in at: www.frontiers.it/webradio

 Michael Thompson is one of today’s leading guitar players of the world. He was awarded the "Distinguished Alumni" award from his Alma Mater Berklee College of Music to commemorate his contributions to the music industry. Berklee's program for the event noted that "he is widely regarded as being among the elite studio session players, and his amazing list of credits includes such prominent names as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, 'N Sync, Toni Braxton, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, the Scorpions, Vince Neil, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey, Bette Midler, Madonna, Babyface, En Vogue, Gloria Estefan, Stanley Clarke and Ricky Martin."

ONE FAMILY - raise money for Japanese Tsunami and World Disaster Relief by Terry Ilous & Jeff Paris feat. Eddie Money, Jim Jamison, Bobby Kimball

 

 

"One Family" is the charity single by UnitedRockers 4U featuring an all-star cast of rock performers from Eddie Money, TOTO, Survivor, Dokken, Great White, LA Guns, MSG, XYZ, Rough Cutt, Jeff Paris and more, along with Instrumental artists from such bands as Ozzy Osbourne, Poison, Foreigner, Whitesnake, Quiet Riot, Mr. Big, Hurricane and Michael Thompson Band. Proceeds from the sale of this charity will go to The American Red Cross for Disaster Relief. All the singers and musicians have graciously donated their time, talent and resources. Now they need your help. They are seeking donations that will be used to promote and market "One Family." The proceeds from the charity single will go to the American Red Cross for World Disaster Relief. No donation is too small. Please give whatever you can and thanks for your support.

If you will donate more than USD 25.00, you will receive special gifts from them in January 2012 following the official music release of "One Family." Please visit their special website "United Rokers 4U" for details.

Here is the message from Jeff Paris;

After the Japan tsunami in March, Terry Ilous (XYZ, Great White) and I ("a nice bloke"- Charlotte Bailey) approached the Red Cross with an idea to use music to raise money for disaster relief -- I know, it's not a revolutionary concept...but we're not Sting or Angelina Jolie.  Somehow we convinced them a couple of lowly rock dogs were worth listening to.  We were initially focused on Japan, but this year proved to be so catastrophe prone that we expanded to a global perspective.

It's been quite a learning curve, but everything's set up.  Our organization is called "United Rockers 4 U" (UR4U).  On December 12 we're releasing our single "One Family," featuring Eddie Money, Jimi Jamison, Robin McAuley (Survivor), Don Dokken (Dokken), Bobby Kimball (Toto), Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt), Michael Thompson, Ritchie Kotzen, and members of Whitesnake, Quiet Riot, Dio, Guns ‘n’ Roses and others.  All these artists donated their performances to our cause.  Beau Hill (Ratt, Winger, Warrant, Alice Cooper, Europe, etc.) mixed it and it's slamming.  It's straight up melodic rock, and really worth having.It'll be available on iTunes, Amazon, etc. shortly.

All proceeds from the sale of "One Family" go to the Red Cross.  So in order to handle some unavoidable costs (mixing, CD pressing, publicist, etc.) we're asking for donations.  If you want to help, and believe me, no donation is too small, go online to unitedrockers4u.org .  There's a PayPal button for contributions, and whatever you can do, we appreciate.

Terry and I are dads, and we saw clips on the news that just brought us to tears.  "That could be us," we said to each other.  Do you have to be Sting or Angelina Jolie to do something significant to help the afflicted?  Nah!!

Thanks for taking the time to read this.  Check out the website, and honestly, anything you do is awesome.

Thanks and happy holidays,

Jeff

Lance Jyo / Pacific Rendezvous

I have not reviewed so many CDs on this blog this year but it does not mean that there's not so many CDs worth being reviewed. Just only because I have been busy enjoying beautiful European cities and culture since I settled in London July 2010. As you know, VIVID SOUND JAPAN is keeping very aggressive to reissue many hard-to-get AOR / Westcoast masterpieces under Toshikazu Kanazawa supervising "Light Mellow Choices" series. I can say that it will be continued net year with not only reissued titles but also a certain brand-new releases. Toshiki Nakada's independent label COOL SOUND would not be so active but I believe he did not loose his passion for delivering the good music to you. In this sense, I should have reviewed this Lance Jyo's 2011 double CDs album "Pacific Rendezvous" early September. But I think it is my duty to let you have an opportunity to know this title before Christmas. This album is not Holiday Season album but it is very mellow and romantic one, which might be one of the good choice for your 2011 Holiday seasons rather than getting various Holiday Season releases.

I think it is better giving you Lance's message how he describes this release rather than my words, here is the words from Lance:

Aloha,
I wanted to thank you for taking the time to give this CD collection a listen.  First and foremost I need to acknowledge and thank my friend and Cool Sound Records President Toshiki Nakada for his constant support of my music allowing me to share these songs with you.
Pacific Rendezvous is actually two projects in one. Disc 1 features all new music I have worked on since the LA HNL TKY Project back in 2006.  I was fortunate to re-enlist producer/arranger/musician Raul Ferrando once again.  I am excited once again to share that the release of this collection coincides with the 13th Anniversary of Cool Sound Records. "The Best Is Yet To Come" was written especially to commemorate the occasion.  Once again featuring some of Toshi's stable of musicians.      
Disc 2 contains a collection of songs written from 1990 to the present.  Included are songs released on earlier projects, out-takes and unreleased tracks.  A songwriter's "musical journey" through time.  I have been blessed to have worked with so many talented musicians through this journey.  Nothing can compare to that excitement that comes from composing a new song.  And equally there's no more satisfying feeling than having other artists doing their renditions or your music.  I've included some of my favorite "covers"
Music can be spiritual, healing and has always been a source of inspiration for me.  I hope these songs touch you as they have me.   Special thanks out to all of my friends who continue to encourage my efforts and celebrate my passion in continuing to create music for years to come!
Mahalo,
Lance

• Label: Cool Sound, Japan (COOL-1310
• Release Date: August 31, 2011
• Producers: Lance Jyo, Raul Ferrando, David Kauahikaua, Joerg Alfter, Jon Basebase
• Musicians:
  • Lead Vocals: Kazutaka Ishii(Disc 1-Track2), Fukutomi Hideaki(Disc 1-Track2), Tetsuji Hayashi(Disc 1-Track2), Lance Jyo (Disc 1-Track2, Track11 / Disc 2-Track11), Galen Takushi(Disc 1-Track3,6 / Disc 2-Track4), Maurice Bega(Disc 1-Track4, 9), Jeff Pescetto(Disc 1-Track7), Dara Pestana(Disc 1-Track8 / Disc 2-Track4,8), Michael Ruff(Disc 1-Track10 / Disc 2-Track7,10), Zanuck Kapala Lindsey(Disc 2-Track1), Jon Basebase(Disc 2-Track2,5,6), Jonny Kamai(Disc 2-Track3), Garett Okubo(Disc 2-Track9)
  • Background Vocals: Dave Toma, Cheri Nakamura, Sunway Chong, Darla Pestana, Lance Jyo
  • Jay Graydon, Bruce Gaitsch, Ramon Stagnaro, Zanuck Kapala Lindsey, Dave Toma, Jon Basebase, Alan Kaneda, Ben Taaca, Jonny Kamai, Ben Vegas
  • Keyboards: Joerg Alfter, Raul Ferrando, David Kauahikaua, Jon Basebase, Dan DelNegro, Chris Saunders
  • Percussions: Adriano “Adj” Larioza, Jon Porlas
  • Sax: Todd Yukumoto
• Tracks (Disc 1 - Maukaï <ˆMountain Side>)
  1. Tantalus 7pm
  2. The Best Is Yet To come
  3. Tropic Paradise
  4. All My Life
  5. Falling
  6. Marina
  7. I Need Your Love
  8. If I Could
  9. Crazy About You
  10. Forever Love
  11. Anna
• Tracks (Disc 2 - -Makai <Ocean Side>)
  1. Cool Sound (new version)
  2. Believe In Me (new remix)
  3. Together As One (new version)
  4. True To You (new version)
  5. I Believe In You (new version)
  6. Only For You (previously unreleased)
  7. Lover’s Vows (new version)
  8. Forever By Your Side
  9. 9. I’ll Be There For You
  10. 10. Finally Found A Home (new version)
  11. Diamond (new remix)

Fergie Frederiksen / Happiness Is The Road

 Fergie Frederiksen, widely-known as the second TOTO lead siger and the voice of Trillion and/or Le Roux, is pursuing another era of his solo career. In 1999, Fergie released his solo album titled Equilibrium”, and since then, we could listen to his unchanged powerful voice on various project album including Mecca and Frederiksen/Denander. It was really shcoked for us to hear his announcement of June 2010 that he had been diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer.However, Fergie himself was so brave and very possitve to continue the recording sessions of his solo effort "Happiess Is The Road" as a therapy to regain confidence in himself and his strengths. In the summer 2011, Fergie finally completed the recording of the album and at the same time his cancer is being defeated. I am so pleased to know that Fergie is now back with a very special new album “Happiness is the Road”. This is the best solo album of Fergie's in terms of the quality of the songs, written by the familiar superior song writers; Jim Petrik, Joe Vana, Robert Sall and David Roberts. The two songs written by David Roberts, i.e. "I Still Believe" and "Love Waits For No One" would be giving the album some kind of good spice.

• Label: Frontiers Records, Italy (FR CD 531) / Japan: Rubicon Music (RBNCD-1071)
• Release Date: 14th October, 2011 (Europe), 18th October (USA), 26th October (Japan)
• Producer: Dennis Ward
• Musicians:
  • Dennis Ward - Bass Guitar, Guitars, Keyboards and Background Vocals
  • Dirk Bruinenberg - Drums
  • Nathan Eshman - Guitars
  • Eric Ragno - Keyboards
• Tracks
  1. Angel(Mirror To Your Soul)
  2. Elaine
  3. First To Cry
  4. Follow Your Heart
  5. Happiness Is The Road
  6. I Still Believe
  7. Lyin Eyes
  8. Love Waits For No One
  9. Writing On The Wall
  10. The Future Ain't What It Used To Be
  11. The One
  12. The Savior
  13. Follow You Heart (Acousic) (Japanese version only)

Here is the new Fergie's new video clip "Follow Your Hear" taken from the album. Enjoy!

Kenji Sano / Culture Chameleon

Kenji Sano is well-known as the bass player of Kalapana, the most acclaimed Hawaiian AOR/Westcoast Band and of Jay Graydon's super band. Early this year before the mega-earthquake in March, we heard the news that his first solo leader album would be released in April, but the release was postponed. In August, the revised release date was announced as September 14 but again it was shelved  for the time being. Finally we will have this album very soon. This solo effort includes 3 Kenji's original penned tunes and 11 covers of timeless classics and his favourites.  The album is opened by  "Double Love" originally performed by Crackin'. This opener features Arno Lucas, the original member as the lead singer. You will be pleased to know who sings Beatles' "Got To Get You Into My Life' for Kenji. Joseph Williams does!  Bill Champlin dedicated his talent to 2 songs; "Slippery When Wet" originally performed by The Commodores and "If You Want Me To Stay" originally performed Sly & The Family Stone. You will also appreciate when you will find the musicians credit including Jay Graydon, Carlos Rios, and David T Walker on guitar. Hope you will add this CD to your collection if you are one of the crazy Westcoast / AOR lovers.

• Label: Rhythm Zone - Avex Trax, Japan (RZCD-46990)
• Release Date: November 16, 2011
• Producer: Kenji Nakai
• Kenji Sano: Bass, Lead Vocal (Track 12)
• Musicians:
  • Guitar: Fred Shreuders, Michael Paulo, David T. Walker, Carlos Rios, Jay Graydon
  • Keyboard: James Studer, David Garfield, Bill Champlin
  • Drums: Land Richards, Greg Bisonette
  • Percussion: Arno Lucas, Alex Acuna, Sheila E.
  • Horns: Jimmy D'Hula and The Horny Horns
  • Lead Vocals: Arno Lucas (Track 1), Exile Atushi (Track 2), Joseph Williams (Track 3), Mika Lett (Track 4,7,9), Bill Champlin (Track 5,8)
• Tracks:
  1. DOUBLE LOVE
  2. WHAT'S GOING ON
  3. GOT TO GET YOU INTO MY LIFE
  4. FOR THE LOVE OF YOU
  5. SLIPPERY WHEN WET
  6. LA MIDNIGHT
  7. NEVER STOP
  8. IF YOU WANT ME TO STAY
  9. KILLING ME SOFTLY WITH HIS SONG
  10. HAVE A GOOD TIME
  11. VALDEZ IN THE COUNTRY
  12. IN MY LIFE IN MY LIFE
  13. CRUZIN' 2ND STREET (EXTRA TRACKS)
  14. FUNKIN' (EXTRA TRACKS)

Culture Chameleon

Kenji Sano

Bill LaBounty "Time Starts Now" The definitive Anthology 75/11

It might be quite natural that  Warner / Rhino Records France has released  Bill LaBounty's Definitive Anthology 4 CD Box set titled "Time Starts Now - The Definitice Anthology 75/11" on October 31st, 2011. Bill LaBounty is also very popular in Japan but he established his firm status in French Westcoast music scene over the years. The box set features remarkable Bill LaBounty's solo albums tracks since 1975, and 2 songs taken from his collaboration with his long-time friend Larry Carlton from the album "Larry Carlton Plays Sound of Philadelphia". Bill's 1975 first solo album "Promised Love" was never reissued on CD till now. The album features 9 tracks, among of which 4 tracks, i.e. "Open Your Eyes", "Lie To Me", "Crazy" and "I Hope You'll Be Very Unhappy Without Me" were put again on his 1978 2nd solo album "This Night Wo't Last Forever". When I interviewed him several years ago, Bill stated that Curb Records bought the master rights of "Promised Love" from 20th Century Records and put the same onto his 2nd effort. Therefore, rest of 5 tracks have been wanted to be reissued on CD sometime. Yes, this box set includes these 5; "Always Be Near", "Together", "Pretty Little Girl", "Take A Step (Yesterday's Waltz)" and "Another Drunk". This box set would give us much surprise. 18 previously unreleased demos are included on Disc 4 "Untold Stories" which includes mid 80's precious demos and never-materiallized album project for Warner Bros. This box set is definitely your must-have CDs.