ACMJ International Blog

Mastedon will be back with the brand new album "3"

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the European release of the brand new MASTEDON album “3” on November 6th 2009.

Mastedon is the Hard Rock band put together by ex KANSAS singer John Elefante, together with his brother Dino in the late 80’s. The band's name was a pachyderm-inspired reference to the brothers' last name. Although John was an accomplished vocalist and performer, the first two Mastedon albums featured multiple lead singers and performances by other artists, creating an eclectic sound anchored by John’s songwriting. His brother Dino played a prominent role, contributing songwriting and handling most of the guitar work. Some of the collaborators in the band's first two albums were Dave Amato (REO Speedwagon), Stef Burns (Y&T), bassists John Pierce (Richard Marx) and John Patitucci plus guest vocalists David Pack (Ambrosia), David Robbins (X-Sinner), Tom Bowes (Tower of Power), James Dean Longacre (Life9) and Perry Lee (Tracer Fox).

In 1996 John Elefante started a solo career that brought him to release three successful albums more in the Adult Contemporary - Pop Rock vein. After a few years of hiatus, John decided to go back to his roots sound with a brand new Mastedon album that - contrary to the predecessors – would only feature his amazing lead vocals. Musically, the new album, simply entitled “3” harkens back to the best of Mastedon and to his work with Kansas. None other than main Kansas songwriter Kerry Livgren appears on lead guitar on this new release, collaborating on a 11 minute piece of music that any Kansas fan will surely love! More famed musicians and such as Dave Amato (REO Speedwagon), Anthony Sallee (Whiteheart), Dan Needham (Michael McDonald, Neville Brothers, Amy Grant, Garth Brooks etc) and of course John’s brother Dino Elefante contribute to the performance of this superb new release.

Rich melodic harmonies and melodies are the keys to a Mastedon record and “3” is clearly an instant winner in all its moments and will remain as an hallmark in John Elefante's career for many years to come. Final tracklisting of “3” includes: Revolution of Mind; Slay Your Demons; Nowhere Without Your Love; One Day Down By The Lake (See You Real Soon); Water Into Wine (Fassa Rokka), Questions (It’s About Time); You Can’t Take Anything; Lying; The Western World; That’s What You Do; Dust In the Wind (exclusive bonus track).

As a companion to this new release, Frontiers managed to acquire the rights for the re-release of Mastedon’s legendary debut album “It’s a Jungle Out There!”. Released originally in 1989, it charted at #25 in the Billboard Top Contemporary Christian chart. To this day, this album is still considered classics in the genre and has reached some amazing prices in the trades on E-bay. Frontiers new reissue includes full lyrics and three bonus tracks “Wasn't It Love" (from the compilation “California Metal”) and live versions of “Islands In The Sky” and “Right Hand” recorded live at Cornerstone in 1991. Full tracklisting is below:

It’s A Jungle Out There; Glory Bound; This Is The Day; Love Inhalation; Islands In The Sky; Get Up; Love That Will Survive; Innocent Girl; Shine On; Right Hand; Wasn’t It Love *; Islands In The Sky (Live at Cornerstone '91)*; Right Hand (Live at Cornerstone '91)*

* Bonus tracks

BLANC FACES "Falling From The Moon" available in November

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of BLANC FACES new album entitled “Falling from The Moon” on November 6th in Europe and November 26th in the USA. In 2005 one of the brightest new stars on the Melodic Rock scene appeared during the hot summer time. In July of that year Blanc Faces, headed by the brothers duo, Robbie and Brian La Blanc debuted with their self titled album showing the world that the time for big harmonies was not over. With a stunning production and some truly brilliant songs, Blanc Faces managed to catch the attention of the entire Melodic Rock oriented press and loads of new fans. Following the huge responses, the band appeared for the first time in Europe at the first edition of the United Forces of Rock Festival in Ludwigsburg, Germany where they literally took the crowd by storm. Little by little the two brothers (who by the way have an outstanding career in music including providing background vocals on music involving Toto lead singer Bobby Kimball and legendary singer Ronnie Spector) started putting together musical material for the second album which they completed in the summer of 2009. ”My brother wrote most of the material, I wrote some lyrics for it” says singer Robbie LaBlanc. “It’s fumy when you think back on the time period you write something it parallels what’s going on in your life at that time whether you know it or not. When I’m listening to the new CD I can remember what I was thinking or feeling at that moment. My brother just likes to write melodic songs, I think the approach was pretty much the same as the last CD”. Not wanting to touch a team that gave superb results on the debut record, Blanc Faces worked again with Kyle Woodring (Dennis DeYoung; Survivor; John Mellencamp) on drums, Jeff Batter (Cannata) on keyboards, and Butch Taylor and Michael Patzig on lead guitar. “We are real happy that it’s done and sounding great” continues Robbie, “I took a lot more time with the vocals on this CD. There were songs that I thought were done and I’d listen back and want to do it again. Sometimes you can drive your self nuts with that but I usually know when something sounds right. We hope everyone feels the same way!” Just a few weeks after the completion of the record the sad news of Kyle Woodring passing reached everyone, so the entire album is dedicated to this amazing musician. Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Place Vendome etc.) delivered once again a superior quality in the mixing sessions so once again the end result is an astonishing album that restores the faith in Classic AOR / Melodic Rock music. If you are a fan of Journey, Foreigner and Survivor, you will love this recording!

AOR / Journey To LA

  In 2009, Frédéric Slama ,Tommy Denander and Philip Bardowel have teamed up again for a new album of the project AOR "Journey To L.A", which is due for release in Europe on August 28. With the help of top session players such as Steve Overland (FM), Steve Lukather & Fergie Frederiksen (Toto), Dane Donohue, Bill Champlin (Chicago), Bruno Levesque (Silence), David Williams (Michael Jackson, George Benson) and many more, Frédéric delivers by far his most impressive and melodic work in the vein of Toto, Foreigner or Survivor, mixing elements of westcoast with more aor rock oriented songs. Classic westcoast lovers won’t be disappointed too with several songs taking you back to the L.A. music scene of the early 80’s.

• Label: Escape Music, UK (ESM194)
• Release Date: August 28, 2009
• Producers: Frédéric Slama, Tommy Denander
• Musicians
  • Frédéric Slama : Guitars & Keyboards
  • Tommy Denander : All Instruments (Radioactive)
  • Lead Vocals: Philip Bardowell, Steve Overland, Fergie Frederiksen, Bill Champlin, Dane Donohue
  • Guitars: Frédéric Slama, Tommy Denander, Steve Lukather, David Williams, Eric Barkdull, Bruno Levesque
  • Keyboards: Frédéric Slama, Tommy Denander, David Diggs, David Getrau
  • Bass: Tommy Denander, David Diggs, David Getrau
  • Drums: Joey Heredia
  • Background Vocals: Philip Bardowell, Steve Overland, Fergie Frederiksen, Bill Champlin, Dane Donohue, Johan Sahlen
• Tracks
  1. Waiting In The Darkness
  2. Don't Turn Back
  3. Love Remains The Same
  4. Read The Signs
  5. Just For Love
  6. Desperate Dreams
  7. Never Surrender
  8. The View Of You
  9. Heartless
  10. West Into The Sun
  11. Lost In Your Eyes
  12. You're My Obsessio

Two long-time out of print albums Think Out Loud - S/T, Clif Magness - Solo are reissued!

A newly founded label based in Munich Germany, YESTERROCK started to reissue records that either haven’t been available for years or previously only released on vinyl but not on CD yet. The label gains essential support in the search for these hidden treasures from both UNIVERSAL and SONY amongst others. Various independent label’s and artist’s contributions also help that CD’s now can be released which lately - in particular cases - only have been available in used and overpriced status on common internet platforms such as Amazon and Ebay. On June 24, 2009, two noteworthy albums have been reissued.

One is "Think Out Loud - s/t" and the other is " Clif Magness -Solo".

"Think Out Loud" are a studio project featuring singer Peter Beckett best known for his group Player and Steve Kipner also known for his great solo album "Knock The Walls Down". They released the self-titled album in 1988 for A&M Records, with the remarkable additional musicians including Steve Lukather, Randy Goodrum, Tris Imboden, Bob Marlette and Michael Landau. Beckett and Kipner shared lead vocals through out the album and the album should be one of the best AOR works done in late 80's.

There's not any releases as "Think Out Loud" before 1997. It was really surprising incident that MTM Records, Germany convinced Peter and Steve to produce a follow-up album and "Shelf Life" was released, which featured eleven brilliant songs including the original version of "Invisible Man" performed by 98 Degrees, which ranked on number 12 Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart dated September 27, 1997.  

Clif Magness is widely known for his Grammy award winning and Oscar nominated Writer / Producer ' career rather than a singer. Clif started his professional music carrier in 1980 by 2 solo singles release titled "The Rest Of The Night" and "There's Nothing So Expensive As Woman Who's Free For The Night" under Scotti Bros., USA. Clif came across his fatal songwriting partner, Glen Ballard in 1983 and they wrote "It's Gonna Be Special"for the motion picture "Two Of A Kind" performed by Patti Austin. They started to produce many albums from 1984 such as "All I Need" of Jack Wagner. In 1991, The two talented songwriters released their own album with Jay Graydon as the super group Planet 3. After the success as a singer, Clif released his first solo album in 1994 by the request of Empire Records, Sweden. Throughout the 1990s and in to 2000, Clif continued to work with outstanding artists such as Celine Dion and Amy Grant. In 2003, Clif produced the biggest breakout artist of the year, Avril Lavigne.With the success of Avril Lavigne, Clif has continued to break new ground writing and producing a whole new group of young superstars including Cherie Amore, Jessica Simpson, Kelly Clarkson, O-Town and many others. In 2009, Clif re-released his solo album"Solo" available on iTunes. then finally Physical CD has followed by YESTERROCK . All tracks of the original album are digitally re-mastered and two unreleased bonus tracks "Black And White" and "Running Forever" are added to this reissue.

Ryo Okumoto / Makin' Rock

The 2009 first release of "Light Mellow Choices" will be the Japanese hard-fusion masterpiece, Ryo Okumoto's 2nd leader album "Makin' Rock".

Osaka born Keyboard player, Ryo Okumoto became known in Japan when Ryo toured with a Japanese group called "Creation" and recorded on their album "Best of Creation" in 1978. The next year Ryo toured with the legendary, "Kitaro" and recorded on Kitaro's album, "Live in Parco." In February 1980, Ryo's first leader album, "Solid Gold" with Canyon Records was released. He recorded this album at Air Studio in London with well-known musicians including Richard Baily (drummer for Jeff Beck). Only 2 month later, Ryo released his 2nd leader album, "Makin' Rock", which was recorded at Sound Labs Studios in Hollywood, having the best musicians : David Foster, Jay Graydon, Steve Lukather, Jeff Porcaro and Neil Stubenhaus.

Since 1994, Ryo Okumoto has been best known for his lasting tenure in the American progressive rock group Spock's Beard, but he has done a lot of different things before he joined. His track record includes recording sessions and live performances with pop and R&B artists like Peabo Bryson, Phil Collins and Aretha Franklin on the one hand. Some of AOR/Melodic Rcok freaks might recall his 2002 solo effort "Coming Through" again featuring Michael Landau, Steve Lukather, Simon Phillips and Bobby Kimball.

If I would discribe the music on "Makin' Rock" album very simply, it would be a kind of hard-progressive fusion, which I feel is very close to Karizma's or Los Lobotomys'. Someone says that the perfectness of the album outstrips Greg Mathieson Project's legendary live session recordings "The Baked Potato Super Live" (1982) featuring both Jeff Porcaro and Steve Lukather. Steve Lukather also dedicated his songwriting talent on 2 tunes and, Jay and David also arranged several tunes. Therefore, it should be worth buying for all of TOTO / Airplay fans.

• Label : Vivid Sound, Japan <VSCD3376> (Original: See Saw / Pony Canyon, Japan <C28R0053>)
• Rerelease Date: January 21, 2009 (Original Release: April 21, 1980)
• Ryo Okumoto:  Fender Rhodes Ryo Okumoto; Piano, Fender Rhodes, Obx, Arpsynthesizer,Vocorder＆Vocal
• Musicians:
• • Drums: Jeff Porcaro
  • Bass:Neil Stubenhaus
  • Guitars: Steve Lukather, Jay Graydon
  • Piano: David Foster
• Tracks:
  1. Keep On Rockin'
  2. Crystal Highway
  3. Solid Gold
  4. L.A.Express
  5. Freedom
  6. Original View Plus
     
  7. Mystery White
  8. Morinig Joint

Joseph Williams new solo "This Fall"

Joseph Williams' brand-new solo album called " THIS FALL" will be released in
Japan November 19 on WHD entertainment on HQCD format.
The album features guest appearances and songs co-written with Bobby Kimball
, Steve Lukather, David Paich( co-compose, piano, organ, lead
vocal), Steve Porcaro. Also.... Richie Zito, Jay Gruska, Mark T. Williams and Rick Marotta. All of the songs are composed or co-composed by Joseph and the album is self-produced. As far as we have heard, one of the great CCM singer/songwriter Chris Eaton also dedicated his songwriting talent for this album. Joey Carbone, the executive producer stated "Simply said, this album is BRILLIANT and will be a great fan pleaser. Joseph thinks that this is his best solo album to date."
And on the same date WHD also re-release 2 old Joseph's solo album. One is Joseph's self-titled first solo masterpiece "Joseph Williams" and the other is Joseph's early era's unreleased materials collection album "Early Years".

Asia / Phoenix

The original "ASIA"'s brand-new studio recording album entitled "Phoenix" will be released coming spring! Here is the official press release of Frontiers Records.

[QUOTE]

Frontiers Records is honoured to present the European release of ASIA come back studio album “Phoenix” on April 11th 2008 !

Geoffrey Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton, the four original members reunited in 2006, twenty-three years after all four had last played together. The much publicised reunion resulted in two highly successful world tours in 2006 and 2007; an acclaimed double live LP and DVD, (entitled “Fantasia: Live In Tokyo”); and an overwhelming response from fans and the media, which continues today.

Starting from the summer 2007, Geoff, Steve, Carl and John have been busy in the studio recording their brand new CD "Phoenix", the first studio album from the band's members since 1983. Eagerly anticipated by fans all over the world, "Phoenix" contains an eclectic selection of songs bound by the unique Asia trade mark.

Decades later, as if by destiny, the four of us are still here doing the one thing we are most passionate about - making music. The result of our latest endeavours is our new album, "Phoenix", says Geoff Downes

"Phoenix" has been influenced by the same fusion of talents and heritages which so excited the world in 1982 and has a very poignant underlying theme placed at the intersection of love, discovery and reflection, no doubt due, at least partly, to Wetton’s unexpected triple by-pass heart surgery which forced the cancellation of ASIA’s 2007 West Coast North American tour and an eagerly anticipated tour of the United Kingdom. Based on such personal events John was inspired to write "An Extraordinary Life", making the concept of Carpe Diem dramatically pertinent.

The album is a very adult, deep album both lyrically and musically and shows the development the individuals have gone through during their time apart pursuing other ventures” says Carl Palmer. “With songs like An Extraordinary Life and Alibis one can see the very strong English rock/pop/progressive style the group still retains. Lyrically the album is deep, to the point and highly personal. Coupled with the expertise and musicianship you have the band Asia”.

The new record include rockers such as "Never Again" (the first single) and "Nothing's Forever", power ballads such as "Heroine" and "I Will Remember You" and two mini-epics too, among a dozen new songs which presents all themes the band is very well known for. Steve Howe says: “This has been no ordinary reunion, the dates went well, the audiences have been encouraging as we have gone peacefully about our work. This new CD was really an enormous test, a challenge worthy of our intent. All the distractions usually evident vapourised, as we focused on collaborating to select and arrange these new songs, all in the style of “Asia ". Just 3 months later, the recordings demonstrate that professionalism, pleasure and hard work can go hand in hand with musical adventures, long may we revel!”. “We are neither over-confident, nor unsure of our ground. Each one of us is comfortable as a hu

man being, and the sound on the CD "Phoenix" finally reflects the collective maturity of these four people who are not only eager to explore, but also relaxed enough to luxuriate in the strength of the material", adds John Wetton, while Downes concludes “The 12 song collection seeks to transport the listener on a musical journey, sharing our own personal thoughts, emotions and experiences along the way. The CD sleeve is adorned with an exquisite Roger Dean painting depicting the Phoenix in ascendancy. Enjoy the ride!” The cd will also include an EPK playable on all computers, featuring video footage with interviews and live recordings.

“Phoenix” final tracklisting will include:

Tracklisting:

Never Again

Nothing’s Forever

Heroine

Sleeping Giant / No Way Back / Reprise

Alibis

I Will Remember You

Shadow of a Doubt

Parallel Worlds / Vortex / Deya

Wish I’d Known All Along

Orchard of Mines

Over and Over

An Extraordinary Life.

Includes: Electronic Press Kit playable on all computers

An Extraordinary Life [acoustic]*

* Bonus track only available on a Limited edition in slipcase

“Phoenix” will be released by Frontiers Records on April 11^th with King Records handling the release in Japan. More domestic releases (including USA, Brazil, Korea,Argentina, Russia and Taiwan) are planned at the moment with details to be released at a later stage.

[UNQUOTE]

Lionels's Dad (Mark T. Williams) / 11:11

Mark T. Williams has just released his 7th solo effort as the ablum entitled "11:11" featuring 13 songs, under the name of "Lionel's Dad" as usual. Some are very experimental and/or very rough-edged, and some are of quality. I would recommend you to listen to the second track "I Long For You", well-produced mid tempo ballad type song, reminding you of his young brother, Joseph Williams. The following "On A Holiday" would be worth listening. After the long lead-in with sax and guitar, mid-80's vein good Mark's vocal would follow. You must not ignore the track # 6. Yes, "Top Down Girl" written with and originally performed by his young brother on Joseph's album "3". Funky powerful rock tune "I Waited" would be a decent song.

Meanwhile, I am also pleased to let you know all of Mark Towner Williams' albums are now available again through CD Baby now, some of which had been difficult to buy for a long time, including 1998's album "In A Dream" featuring Joseph on backing vocals and 1995's first solo "Lionel's Dad" including "A Thousand Years" written with Joseph and David Paich, originally performed by TOTO. Or, how about 2nd one "Driving Music" including Mark's version of "She's Gone" also originally performed by Joseph on the album "3"?

Release Date: February 7, 2008

Tracks:

1. Listen

2. I Long For You

3. On A Holiday

4. I'm Here

5. I Wish I Never Saw You

6. Top Down Girl

7. All The Same To Me

8. I Waited

9 . The Sky

10 . When It Comes To You

11. Why Now

12. Mr. Segal

13. 11:11

TOTO new live CD/DVD "Falling In Between Live" release

Toto will release another live DVD filmed during the latest tour in Paris on March 26, 2007 is entitled "Falling In Between Live" and is scheduled for release at the end of September. (Japanese version will be released in October.) This DVD will feature the full show, nothing cut out. At the end of August in Europe, a double CD of the full concert will also be released. (Japanese version will follow on September 5.) Double CD tracks seems to be as follows:

[Disc 1]
01. Falling In Between
02. King Of The World
03. Pamela
04. Bottom Of Your Soul
05. Caught In The Balance
06. Don't Chain My Heart
07. Hold The Line
08. Stop Loving You
09. I'll Be Over You
10. Cruel
11. I Will Remember

[Disc 2]　
01. Rosanna
02. I'll Supply The Love
03. Isolation
04. Gift Of Faith
05. Kingdom Of Desire
06. Hydra
07. Taint Your World
08. Dying On My Feet
09. Africa
10. Drag Him To The Roof

MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND / "How Long" (1989) reissue

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the reissue of MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND’s masterpiece “How Long” on June 8th 2007. In order to coincide with the release of Michael Thompson’s new band debut album TRW’s “Rivers of Paradise”, Frontiers and Michael agreed that it was a perfect time to re-release this masterpiece on the same day. Michael Thompson is nowadays one of the most well known and respected guitar players. He played with Michael Bolton, Great White, Cher, Shania Twain, Leann Rimes, Jennifer Lopez, Richard Marx, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Madonna and several others.

In 1988, after working to try and get a deal with his band Slang for several years, Thompson got signed by Geffen Records to release one album entitled "How Long", under the Michael Thompson Band (MTB) monicker. The singer for this group was Rick 'Moon' Calhoun, previously front man for the AOR cult band THE STRAND, Michael's long time friend. Completing the line-up were another bunch of highly respected studio professionals such as: John Andrew Schreiner (on keyboards), Leon Gaer (bass), John Keane (drums). In 1989, the album "How Long" was released.

On "How Long" more first-call musicians appeared as guests, in particular drummer-maestro Terry Bozzio, Pat Torpey (of MR BIG), bassist Jimmy Haslip, ex KANSAS vocalist John Elefante, TOTO's Bobby Kimball and GREAT WHITE associates Michael Lardie and Wyn Davis (who also produced the album). Songwriters would include, among others, AOR luminaries such as: Jeff Paris, Mark Spiro, Bill Trudell and Brett Walker.

As of today “How Long” is regarded as one of the highest examples of hi-tech AOR / West Coast, with a superb production and immaculate songwriting. During the years it became more and more of a collector’s item and the prices paid on E-bay exceeded 80 dollars! This 2007 reissue comes completely remastered and adds 2 songs "Right To Be Wrong" and "Love Goes On" which were recorded during the original sessions and the first fruit of a reunion between Michael, Moon Calhoun and songwriter Jeff Paris entitled “Wheelchair”: an appetizer for an upcoming brand new album to be expected sometime in 2008 !

Label: Frontiers Records, Italy (FRCD-337) (Original Release: Geffen Records, USA)
Release Date: June 8, 2007 (Original: April, 1989)
Producers: Alan Niven and Wyn Davis
Michael Thompson Band is:
Vocals, Drums, Guitars: Moon Calhoun
Guitars: Michael Thompson
Keyboards: John Andrew Schreiner
Bass: Leon Gaer
Drums: John Kenae
Additional Musicians:
Drums: Terry Bozzio, John Robinson, Bernie Pershey, Pat Torpey
Bass: Trey Thompson, Jimmy Haslip
Guitars: Wyn Davis, Alan Niven
Percussion: Michael Fisher, Steve Forman, Wyn Davis
Background Vocals: Bobby Kimball, Billy Trudell, John Elephante, Tyana Parr, Patty Unaitis, Mike Lardie, Julia Waters, Maxine Waters, Myrna Mathews

Tracks:
1. Secret Information
2. Give Love a Chance
3. 1000 Nights
4. Wasteland
5. Never Stop Falling
6. Can’t Miss; Gloria
7. Stranger
8. Baby Come Back
9. How Long
10. Right To Be Wrong (bonus track)
11. Love Goes On (bonus track)
12. Wheelchair (2007 brand-new song)