ACMJ International Blog

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)

FREDERIKSEN-DENANDER / Baptism By Fire

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of the long awaited FREDERIKSEN / DENANDER album “Baptism By Fire” on June the 8th 2007 !

Best know for his role as lead vocalist in TOTO’s “Isolation”, Dennis “Fergie” Frederiksen is undoubtedly one of the most gifted singers in Melodic Rock history. He left his mark also on timeless albums such as Trillion’s debut, Le Roux “So Fired Up” and more recently singing on the awesome Mecca project. Hot on the heels of that recording Fergie, took the chance to work with Swedish guitar player Tommy Denander on his very popular Radioactive albums. Tommy is a very clever and respected musician and producer who has worked with an amazing number of artists and played on an equally impressive number of records (with more than 1000 albums on his credit list that can boast such names as Paul Stanley, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Richard Marx, Desmond Child, TOTO and many more).

Getting to know each other better and better, the guys started to focus on the idea of working on a full album together with Tommy working on the songwriting and production and Fergie offering his incredible vocal and of course songwriting skills. But of course when you have such amount of talent involved you can’t help but call… even more talent to help! Fellow Frederiksen buddy, Ricky Phillips (with whom Fergie released the successful Frederiksen / Phillips album in 1995) of Styx, Jim Peterik of Pride of Lions and Tommy’s songwriting partner on many albums Björn Lindbom – among others - offered their songwriting contributions to the project, while Michael Thompson (TRW), Steve Porcaro (Toto) appeared on guitars and keyboards respectively (completing the line-up on the record is NY session drummer Eric Z Daniels whose recent work include coming albums for Robin Beck, Radioactive and Jimi Jamison). After 3 long years of work, now the wait is over and the album is ready to be unleashed. This is an unashamedly, straight ahead Melodic Rock album with plenty of magnificent hooks and brilliant musicianship. Everyone who’s dreamed to listen again Fergie’s voice singing on material that can live up to the levels of the Le Roux or Toto classics, can now safely add this incredible record to his collection.

“Baptism By Fire” is a true Melodic Rock gem which just waits to be discovered on June 8th on Frontiers Records with a Japanese release on King Records.

Label: Frontiers Records (FRCD-335) (Japan: King Records)
Release Date: June 8th 2007
Tracks:
1. Let Him Go
2. Right Heart, Wrong Time
3. Silver Lining
4. Crossing Over
5. Written In Stone
6. Saving Grace
7. Baptism By Fire
8. Can't Get Enough
9. Never Try To Love Again
10. Dead End
11. Keep A Light On
12. Left With Nothing

TRW / Rivers Of Paradise

Here is the latest press release of Frontiers Records, the leading Euro Melodic Rock label.

Frontiers Records is delighted to announce the signing of TRW for the release of their debut album "Rivers of Paradise"! Behind the TRW acronym hides a trio made up of the most incredible musicians/session players that have literally played the history of Rock and Pop music !

T stands for Michael Thompson. A stunning guitar player, Michael is well known to the Melodic Rock crowd for his M.T.B. album “How Long” released in 1989. He has also released two solo albums titled, “The World According To MT” and “MT Speaks”. But he built his reputation playing with such megastar names as Shania Twain, Michael Bolton, Lionel Richie, Madonna, Cher and many many more. He is nowadays one of the leading names in the guitar world and is playing is instantly
recognizable and full of technique and feeling.

R stands for John Robinson: a real legend in drumming. He released one solo album titled “Funkshui” and played with an impressive list of artists. Some names include: Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Eric Clapton, Seal, Steve Winwood and of course Barbra Streisand. His discography (579 credits!) can be found following this link.

Last but not least, is Mark Williamson, the singer and bass player in the line-up. He came to the attention of the Melodic Rock fans - together with Robinson - on the superb TOTO-flavoured album as BRIDGE 2 FAR. Later he released one solo album for GRP, entitled "Time Slipping By", collaborated with Mike Oldfield and worked in sessions or live dates with many artists, including: Freddie Mercury, George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, Steve Winwood, Jeff Beck, Elton John, Peter Frampton.

"The concept behind TRW is that myself, Michael and Mark are true fans of classic rock and roll”, explains John Robinson. His friendship with Thompson dates back to their years in the Berklee College of Music when they were in classes together. "We have so many things musically in common that it was destiny forming TRW", continues Robinson. "We also play in David Foster's All-Star band. Michael and I have been writing together for many years now and by adding such a great singer/writer as Mark, it is just magic. We have formulated our own style with comparisons to many rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Journey and Toto".

The new album is everything one could expect from these monster musicians: brilliant musicianship, immense songwriting, soaring vocals and rocking attitude! "One thing that we pride ourselves on is all our songs have melodies that everybody will remember", concludes Robinson: "We all believe in great songs! Quincy Jones taught me about it and by the way, this is definitely not a one off. We have already plans to start writing by the end of this year for the 2nd CD".

“Rivers of Paradise” is undoubtedly a true Melodic Rock classic in the making which should not be missed by anyone. Songs in streaming can be heard following this link !

The release is scheduled for June 2007 on Frontiers Records, with more details (including an additional very nice surprise for the fans) to be announced at a later stage.

Weblink: www.myspace.com/trwrock

AOR (Frédéric Slama's project) / "L.A. Concession" re-release

MTM Music has announced that they will re-release AOR(Frédéric Slama's project) project first effort "L.A. Concession" on November 10.

Here is the quotes from official press release:

After having recorded a couple of solo albums and having produced some French and American artists, Frédéric Slama decided to start a "one man band". This marked the birth of his project AOR, always using the cream of US session players. In 2000, the first album "L.A CONCESSION" was released and gave Frédéric big respect in the Westcoast / AOR music scene. The second album "NEXT STOP L.A" was released one year later. It was in 2002 that Frédéric Slama released his third album "L.A. REFLECTION", which was considered to be the best Westcoast CD of the year by many journalists and fans. In 2003, Frédéric Slama returned with "DREAMING OF L.A" and in 2004, Frédéric released "NOTHING BUT THE BEST", a compilation album featuring the best songs from his previous CD's with unreleased tracks. AOR was back again in 2006 on MTM with a new cd called "L.A ATTRACTION "featuring as always the cream of L.A session players such as STEVE LUKATHER , PHILIP BARDOWELL, TOMMY DENANDER, MICHAEL LANDAU and many more. The current album "L.A Concession" was actually released in 2000 as a strictly limited "private pressing" on CD-R only. when this album appeared on eBay, prices usually ranged around 150.00 €. Finally, this extraordinary production finds its way into the record stores and mail orders as an official release. The CD now includes 4 previously unreleased bonus tracks, a new full colour booklet with lyrics which make this great fully remastered album even more attractive for all AOR / Westcoast and melodic rock fans!

Musicians:

Lead Vocals, Guitars: David Chamberlin
Lead Vocals: Doug St John, John Fluker, Kristoffer Lagerström
Guitars, Keyboards: Frédéric Slama, Tommy Denander, Peter Hume
Guitars: Steve Lukather, Michael Landau, Peter Friestedt, Michael Thompson,
Keyboards: David Diggs
Bass: Tony Franklin, Hussain Jiffry,
Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Porcaro, Carlos Vega, Gregg Bissonette
Percussion: Lenny Castro
Saxophone: Tom Saviano, Dan Higgins
Backing Vocals: Richard Page, Steve George

Tracks:
01. NEVER GONNA LET HER GO
02. ON DANGEROUS GROUND
03. CAUGHT INSIDE YOUR HEART
04. WORLDS AWAY
05. IN MY CRYSTAL BALL
06. THE WAY OF THE NIGHT
07. LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN
08. ONLY IN MY DREAMS
09. FROM L.A TO TOKYO
10. LOST IN YOUR EYES
11. DON’T LET HER GO
12. LOVE HAS FOUND ITS WAY
13. CAN ONE OF YOUR KISS DO ALL THIS? (bonus track)
14. SECRETS IN HER HEART (bonus track)
15. THE SPARK OF MY SOUL (bonus track)
16. NEVER GONNA LET HER GO (bonus track)

Two Joseph Williams related projects CD's available soon!!

We will have two Joseph Williams related new release soon. As everybody knows, Joseph was the 3rd lead singer of TOTO and recorded 2 albums: "Fahrenheit" and "The Seventh One". After leaving Toto, Joseph released two solo albums; "I'm Alive" and "3". In 1998, he recorded an a-capella album together with Bobby Kimball, Jason Scheff and Bill Champlin entitled “California Dreamin” followed the year after by a second album "Naturally". In 1999, he also briefly re-joined Toto in the memorable “XX” tour. Since then, Joseph basically concentrated on his work for films until 2003, when he accepted a proposal to be involved in the Vertigo project.

The first Joseph related release is "Two of Us", the suspended release known as "Beautiful Music edition 1 organized by TBC" originally scheduled to be released in October 2002. This is Romantic Love Songs collection album featuring Joseph's tender voices basically With only a piano as backing music. Joseph beautifully covers great tunes such as Boz Scaggs' "We Are All Alone", Richard Marx's "Now and Forever", Vanessa Williams's "Save The Best For Last", Bryan Adams's "（Everything I Do）I Do It For You", and Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me".

Label: WHD Entertainment, Japan (IECP-10038)
Release Date: May 24, 2006
Producer: Joey Carbone
Tracks:
1. Don’t Want To Miss A Thing 2. Unchained Melody 3. Because You Loved Me
4. Now And Forever 5. Your Song 6. （Everything I Do）I Do It For You
7. Have I Told You Lately （Have I Told You Lately That I Love You）
8. Can’t Fight This Feeling 9. We’re All Alone 10. Can’t Help Falling In Love
11. Save The Best For Last

The Second one is "Vertigo / 2", Joseph's melodic rock project's 2nd effort. The successful first album of this project was released in 2003 together with producer Fabrizio Grossi. The new album simply entitled “2” is another threat for the melodic rock fans and a real must for all lovers of the sound of Toto and of course for all those who have enjoyed Vertigo’s chapter 1. Once again songs have been supplied by long-time friend Joey Carbone and Joseph this time did also contribute to the songwriting with the mega-AOR uptempo "I Want To Live Forever". Some other songs were eventually selected through some of Joseph most contemporary influences and preferences. On Vertigo “2”, Joseph and Fabrizio are joined by world class players such as Alex Masi on guitars, Virgil Donati (Soul Sirkus, Ring of Fire) on drums and Jason Scheff (Chicago, background vocals on “Hold Me”). The resulting record, is another threat for the melodic rock fans and a real must for all lovers of the sound of Toto and of course for all those who have enjoyed Vertigo’s chapter 1.

Label: Frontiers Records, Italy (FRCD290) (Japan: King Records)
Release Date: June 9, 2006
Producer: Fabrizio Grossi
Tracks:
1. In The Blink of An Eye 2. All For You 3. Hold Me 4. Part Of Me
5. Holy 6. I Wanna Live Forever 7. Save It All Alone
8. Picking Up The Pieces 9. Together (Good-Bye So Long) 10. There’s A Reason.

CODE (Sherwood Ball meets Grand Illusion Update)

In February 2005, you might remember the article on this ACMJ blog noticing that Sherwood Ball, best-known for his contribution to Jay Graydon's project "Airplay For The Planet" was hardly working to record new songs for the new band with Anders Rydholm (bass, keyboards, guitars) and Ola af Trampe (guitar) from Swedish rock band "Grand Illusion". Now, here is the updated status:-

The name of this brand new band is published. It is "CODE". Since December 2004 they have been busy writing songs and reportedly almost 40 songs were ready for an album and among those songs they have narrowed it down to 14 which they recorded both in Sweden and the United States with 2 guest backgrand vocalists, Per Svensson and Rob Meister. They are now adding the final touch for this album. At this moment, the album will probably be released early summer 2006, but the exact date is not finalized yet.

The final 14 tracks for this album is yet to be announced, but the following 6 songs that are likely to be on the album: "In The Shadows", "Sign Up For Love", "My Time", "Alive", "Sworn To Silence", "Lucky Town".

A brand new website for the band Code have just been released so that you could keep track of all the things that's happening with the band Code, please go to www.codeband.net.