ACMJ International Blog

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

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!

The Best Of Franke & The Knockouts - Sweetheart Anniversary Edition (Original Recording Remastered)

One of the 1980's Soulful Melodic AOR band must be Franke & The Knockouts fronted by Franke Previte with Tico Torres (well-known drummer for Bon Jovi later). Their smash hits like "Sweetheart", "Without You (Not Another Lonely Night)" would remind us of TOTO of those days so much. Franke & The Knockouts original recordings have been unavailable for several years... that is until now. Friday Music, USA is about to release "The Best Of Franke & The Knockouts - Sweetheart Anniversary Edition" now. This stunning newly remastered Greatest Hits features 19 hit tracks including all of their classic songs, including two unreleased bonus tracks, the original rockin' version of "Hungry Eyes" and the power ballad "Beat Of A Broken Heart" with new liner notes by Franke Previte, unissued photos, and original artwork elements not seen in years.

• Label: Friday Music, USA
• Release Date: May 24, 2011
• Tracks:
  1. Sweetheart
  2. She'S a Runner
  3. Runnin' Into the Night
  4. Comeback
  5. You'Re My Girl
  6. One For All
  7. Annie Goes Hollywood
  8. Never Had It Better
  9. Without You (Not Another Lonely Night)
  10. Just What I Want
  11. Morning Sun
  12. You Don't Want Me (Like I Want You)
  13. Outrageous
  14. Come Rain or Shine
  15. You're All That Really Matters
  16. One Good Reason
  17. Blame It On My Heart
  18. Hungry Eyes [Original Version/Bonus Track]
  19. Beat of a Broken Heart [Previously Unreleased Bonus Track]

King of Hearts / 1989 now available in Europe

"1989" was the unreleased debut album of King Of Hearts. Songs in the Tim Feehan meets Richard Marx vein. King of Hearts are: Tommy Funderburk, Bruce Gaitsch, Kelly Keagy & George Hawkins, feat. Bill Champlin, CJ Vanston, and the Eagles members Timothy B. Schmit & Randy Meisner! After being shelved for almost a decade “1989” was first released in 1999 in Japan only. The Japanese edition is long out of print and has become a sought after item. With the current release through Avenue Of Allies all AOR and Westcoast fans will have the great chance to add the King Of Hearts debut album to their collections. The first pressing comes as a limited Special Edition in a jewel case with an individually numbered additional slipcase and an extensive booklet including lyrics, new liner notes by Bruce Gaitsch and previously unpublished pictures from the recording sessions.

• Label: Avenue Of Allies <Avenue 11 05 0025> (Original Release: COOL SOUND, Japan <COOL-029>)
• Release Date: April 29, 2011 (Original Release Date: May 25, 1999)
• Producer: David Cole
• Co-producer: Bruce Gaitsch
• King Of Hearts:
• • Tommy Funderburk: Vocals
  • Kelly Keagy: Vocals and Drums
  • George Hawkins: Vocals and Bass
  • Brue Gaitsch: Guitars
  • Additional Musicians:
  • CJ Vanston: Keys
  • Bill Champlin: B3
  • Timothy Schmit and Rand Meisner: Backing Vocals
• Tracklisting
1. Working Man
2. In So Many Words
3. Don't Call My Name
4. Smack Dab
5. Remember When
6. Hold On To Love
7. Under The Gun
8. Lovin' Arms
9. Was It Good 4 U
10. Everyday
11. King Of Hearts

Mr. Mister / Pull

There were several legendary unreleased albums AOR/Westcoast fans would pray for their official releases in late 80's and mid 90's. One was Boy Meets Girl's "New Dream", the other one was Chicago's "Stone Of Sisyphus". Those 2 albums were finally released and another one had been left. Yes, it is Mr. Mister's unreleased 4th "Pull". Only 1 song from the unreleased album "Waiting In My Dreams" was first featured on the band's "The Best Of Mr. Mister" CD. The album was recorded from 1989 to 1990, but due to the band's being left without a record company - and subsequent breakup - the album was left unreleased until 2010. Finally, the album was revisited by Richard Page, the voice of Mr. Mister (and Pages) and it has been remixed and finally become available through Richard Page's own Little Dume Recordings label. If you knew how the unreleased original version was, you might find that the track order is changed. In any event, this is the first official release of the long long awaited album "Pull". Now is the time to rediscover Mr. Mister.

• Label: Little Duma Records, USA (MMPULL2004)
• Release Date: November 23, 2010
• Producers: Paul De Villiers & Mr. Mister
• Mr. Mister is:
• • Richard Page - Vocals, Bass, Guitar
  • Steve George - Keyboards, Background vocals, Sax
  • Pat Mastelotto - Drums, Percussion
  • John Lang - Lyrics
    
• AdditionalMusicians:
• • Buzz Feiten - Guitar (Track 5,6)
  • Trevor Rabin - Guitar (Track 1,5,6,11), Additional bass (Track 1,6,11)
  • Doug Makaskell - Guitar (Track 3,11)
  • Peter McRea - Guitar (Track 9,10)
  • James Harrah - Guitar (Track 12)
  • Luis Conte - Percussion (Track 1, 4, 8, 11)
• Tracks
• 1. Learning To Crawl
     
  2. Waiting In My Dreams
  3. Crazy Boy
  4. Close Your Eyes
  5. Lifetime
  6. I Don't Know Why
  7. We Belong To No One
  8. Burning Bridge
  9. No Words To Say
  10. Surrender
  11. Awaya

Maxus / Maxus

Year 2010 would be one of the best year for AOR/Westcoast music lovers who seeks for the masterpieces reissued CDs. VIVID Sound and Japanese major labels such as Universal Music, Japan and Sony Music would is now very active to rerelease AOR/Westcoast masterpieces remastered on HDCD, high-definition CD format with LP style mini paper sleeves this summer and coming autumn. The opener of the reissues is the best of the best AOR/Westocast gem, Maxus (1981).
Maxus is said to be another early 80's super-unit of LA firstcall session musicians, rivaled to TOTO. The group Maxus was: Jay Gruska (pianos, lead vocals), Robbie Buchanan (pianos, synthesizers, vocals), Mark Leonard (bass, vocals), Doane Perry (drums, vocals) and a young Michael Landau (guitars). You can listen to Jay Gruska's high-tone vocal and amazing guitar play of Michael Landau's and perfect combination of the other band members on this album. Sadly Maxus turned out to be a short lived experience, they released only one album. in 1999, the album had been once reissued in Japan but out-of-print for a long time.

• Label: Vivid Sound, Japan (Original: Warner Bros Records, USA)
• Release Date: July 21, 2010 (Original:1981)
• Producer: Michael Omartian
• Maxus:
  • Lead Vocals and Pianos: Jay Gruska
  • Painos, Synthesizers and Vocals: Robbie Buchanan
  • Bass and Vocals: Mark Leonard
  • Drums and Vocals: Doane Perry
  • Guitars: Michael Landau
• Additional Musicians:
  • Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa
  • Synthesizers and Percussion: Michael Omartian
  • Background Vocals: Bill Champlin, Tommy Funderburk, Jennifer Williams
• Tracks:
  1. The Higher You Rise
  2. Nobody's Business
  3. What You Give
  4. Keep A Light On
  5. Your Imagination
  6. They Danced
  7. Part Of You
  8. Don't Try To Stop Me Now
  9. Where Were You

You should note that the reissues will continue. Bill Champlin, Marc Jordan and Steve Kipner follows in August. In September, more to come. Save your money for grabbing the masterpieces. As of today, CD Japan does not carry VIVID reissues. As you may aware, Amazon.co.jp and HMV.co.jp sells but their international shipping option is very limited and thus very expensive. As far as I found, YesAsia.com seems to be the best in terms of international shipping charges. Please click the below link if you are interested in buying Maxus and other VIVID reissues.

YOSO debut album "Elements" will be released in July

Frontiers Records to release the anticipated YOSO debut album Former members of YES and TOTO return with a new band! Here is the immediate official press release;

Napoli, May, 2010 – The term “Super-Group” can only describe the band arising out of two of the most creative bands of the past 30 years: YOSO is formed out of TOTO’s brilliant lead vocalist Bobby Kimball and the creative force of former YES members, Tony Kaye and Billy Sherwood, thus equalling the magic of YES with the voice of TOTO. However, YOSO is much more than a combination of two classic rock groups. The band’s debut album “Elements” - which comes together with a bonus live CD where the band plays some old and new classics – presents a fascinating combination of the sound of YES ("90125"/"Big Generator" era) and TOTO, with a very interesting and original sound that truly encompasses the styles.

"Elements” will see the light of day on July 2nd in Europe and July 27th in the USA, where the band has already scheduled a number of tour dates in support of the album’s release, on Frontiers Records. Even though the band's heritage is from 2 classic bands, YOSO intends to become its own identifiable entity in a very short time, YOSO’s collective mission is to make the next decade one where YOSO’s music will be held up alongside their classic rock backgrounds as a band as important as TOTO and YES.

Billy Sherwood recalls: "YOSO was started when I suggested to Bobby Kimball we should write some new music and form a band, we had been working together on various tribute projects I was producing and one thing lead to another, before too long we had 5 songs in the can and were well on our way to making a record and thinking seriously about taking it to the next level. Once there was a few songs underway the concept grew into the band we now have, " YOSO ". YOSO line-up was later rounded out with two amazingly gifted musicians: Johnny Bruhns as the guitarist and background vocalist and Scott Conner on drums, percussion and background vocals. YOSO does indeed have the magic of YES and the voice of TOTO. However, in 2010 the band intends to convince fans of both bands that the brilliance of YOSO will be just as celebrated in the years to come. “Elements”

tracklisting includes: Yoso; Path To Your Heart; Where You’ll Stay; Walk Away; The New Revolution; To Seek The Truth; Only One; Close The Curtain; Won’t End Tonight; Come This Far; Time To Get Up; Return To Yesterday. Bonus live CD: Yoso; Rosanna; Owner of a Lonely Heart; Walk Away; Good For You; Yes Medley (Yours Is No Disgrace/Heart of the Sunrise/South Side of the Sky/Starship Trooper/I’ve Seen All Good People); To Seek the Truth; Hold The Line; Cinema; Gift With a Golden Gun; White Sister. More song streaming, live clips and info available on: www.myspace.com/yosohq

YOSO - US Tour dates (more TBA)
11 August - Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA
12 August - The State Theatre, Falls Church, VA
15 August - Ramshead Tavern (Ramshead Onstage), Annapolis, MD
17 August - B.B. King's Blues Club and Grill, New York, NY
19 August - Kent Stage, Kent, OH
20 August - Syndicate Dinner Theatre, Newport, Ky
21 August - Lake Clementia Amphitheatre, Rancho Murieta, CA

YOSO
Bobby Kimball; vocals
Tony Kaye: keyboards, background vocals
Billy Sherwood: bass, vocals
Johnny Bruhns: guitar, background vocals
Scott Conner: drums, background vocals

TOTO reforming in Summer 2010

According to the official TOTO band statement dated February 26, 2010, former members of Toto are reforming for a brief tour this summer in Europe to honor their brother Mike Porcaro who is living with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). The line-up will include David Paich, Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro, Simon Phillips, Joseph Williams and special guest, Nathan East. Tour date will be published as soon as they are confirmed.   

Giant's come-back album "Promise Land" release and their acclaimed 1st album reissue

GIANT’s come-back album “Promise Land” will hit the market on February 26th in Europe and March 9th in the USA. In late 80's, Dann Huff and his drummer brother David hooked up with Alan Pasqua and Mike Brignardello to form Giant, and eventually signed with A&M Records and released 1989's “Last of the Runaways”, featuring a top-20 hit with "I'll See You in My Dreams". The follow up album "Time to Burn" in 1991 was more aggressive but still magnificent. Soon after the release of “Time To Burn”, Alan Pasqua left the band and went back to session work. The band toured o Europe without him, but soon after disbanded. Although the reunited album “III” was released in 2001, Dann’s busy schedule along with the other members’ commitments, made the reunion impossible to carry on. As time went by it became apparent that Dann Huff could not be a full part of this concept, even though he loved everything that Giant was. Thus original members, drummer David Huff and bassist Mike Brignardello, who wanted to go back to Rock, started an endless research for the right musicians that could be part of a renewed Giant line-up. And in the end the choice fell on singer extraordinaire Terry Brock (Strangeways, Seventh Key) and on John Roth (Winger) on guitars. In April 2009 the band started the writing and the recording sessions of the new album, with Dann Huff himself participating to the sessions, co-writing with the new line-up members. Please note that bonus track only available in the first pressing in digipak “Promise Land” was mixed by Ben Fowler and mastered by Joe Palmaccio.

• Label: Frontiers Records (FRCD449)
• Release Date: February 26, 2010 (Europe), March 9, 2010 (USA)
• Giant is:
  • Vocals: Terry Brock
  • Guitars: John Roth
  • Bass: Mike Brignardello
  • Drums: David L. Huff
• Guest Musicians:
  • Guitars: Dann Huff
  • Keyboards: Tim Lauer, Jack Holder
• Tracks:
  1. Believer
  2. Promise Land
  3. Never Surrender
  4. Our Love Prisoner of Love
  5. Two Worlds
  6. Plenty of Love
  7. Through My Eyes
  8. I'll Wait For You
  9. Dying To See You
  10. Double Trouble
  11. Complicated Man
  12. Save Me

In addition to the brand-new album release, Bad Reputation Records, France has just reissued their first album "Last of the Runaways" digitally remastered with 4 bonus live tracks taken from 1990 Japanese release "It Takes Two plus Giant Live!".

• Tracks:
  1. I’m A Believer
  2. Innocent Days
  3. I Can’T Get Close Enough
  4. I’ll See You In My Dreams
  5. No Way Out
  6. Shake Me Up
  7. It Takes Two
  8. Stranger To Me
  9. Hold Back The Night
  10. Love Welcome Home
  11. The Big Pitch
  12. It Takes Two (Live)
  13. I Can’T Get Close Enough (Live)
  14. Shake Me Up (Live)
  15. I’m A Believer (Edit)