Tag: Bill Leverty
1 New Liberty N’ Justice Song Featuring Jani Lane Available on Tuesday 8/15
We are deeply sorry for the untimely passing of Jani Lane. Like many stars, his light burned very brightly but faded too quickly. We have one of, if not the last, recording that Mr. Lane finished in the studio. We have witnessed an out pouring of emotion from the world’s music community regarding Jani’s death. We feel obligated to his family, friends, and fans to share one of his last artistic endeavors. This single “Sin”, was originally scheduled for release in early 2012 as part of a double CD from L ‘N J entitled ” The Cigar Chronicles.” The song along with Lane features JK Northrup of King Kobra (who recorded and mixed the track), Keri Kelli of Alice Cooper, and Bill Leverty of Firehouse.
The single, “Sin” from Liberty n’ Justice featuring Jani Lane will be available for digital download through itunes starting Tuesday 8-15-11 and other digital stores to follow in the next few weeks. The song was written by JK Northrup, Justin Murr, Jani Lane, Keri Kelli, & Scott Bolan. The song is published by Up-R-North Music (Ascap), Justin Murr Music (BMI), & Snare Enterprises (ASCAP).The I-tunes artwork was done by David Dluzak and other medias by Mark Lanoue.
Here is what people associated with the Liberty n’ Justice project had to say……..
“Jani Lane was the Vincent Van Gogh of “Hair Band Melodic Hard Rock.” A brilliant artist wrestling with his inner self. I came to know him through years of touring together and through many conversations. It was difficult to see him fight with his demons. He was my friend, my contemporary, and he will be truly missed.
This may be one of, if not his last recording.
The performance has a poignant message in relation to his life story. I know that for him, Rock and Roll Heaven is indeed, not too far away !!!
Nothing but Love to you my Brother, Jani.”
CJ Snare of Firehouse/ Rubicon Cross
“In March of 2011, I was asked by Justin Murr to play on a song called “Sin”. I gladly excepted the offer because Liberty n’ Justice always puts out great music. The demo had a scratch vocal by the co-writer, JK Northrup that sounded really good, but I did not know who was going to be chosen to sing the real vocal. I’ve just learned that I was matched up with Jani Lane. I will tell you that Jani did an amazing job with his vocals. I am truly honored to be playing on this recording, which is quite possibly the last recording Jani ever made. I have extremely fond memories of touring with him since 1991 when we all became good friends on Warrant’s “Blood, Sweat, & Beers Tours”. Firehouse has played well over a 100 shows since then with Warrant and with Jani’s solo gig. Our friendship has never faded. This song’s lyrical content is very timely, and shows Jani in an
extremely vulnerable and honest light, where he bares his soul in an uncanny way. RIP my brother, your music will always be with me…”
Bill Leverty of Firehouse
“Like everyone, I was shocked to hear about the passing of Jani. I was privileged to have opened a show with Warrant in Los Angeles at a large venue called “The Country Club”. It was a sold out show, and just before they got signed! It was easy to see why Jani and Warrant would make such an impact on the music world with his stage presence and song writing abilities. Now some 24 years later, I found myself working with Jani on a song called “Sin” for the upcoming album with Justin Murr’s “Liberty N’ Justice” called “The Cigar Chronicle’s”. Jani’s vocals and input on this song are very powerful! Although it was not intended for release until 2012, all involved felt the importance to get this song out to all of his fans to hear this amazing song. I know he will be smiling when this song is heard by all. My sincere condolences to all of his family and friends. He will be missed, but not forgotten! R.I.P Jani Lane!”
JK Northrup
0 M3 Rock Festival – Photo Gallery – Firehouse – 5/14/2011
Check out our Photo Gallery from the Firehouse Live Performance at the M3 Rock Festival on May 14th, 2011!
0 Liberty N’ Justice – Chasing A Cure EP With Vic Rivera (2011)
What does Paul Shortino, Ron Keel, and Eddie Ojeda have in common? They are all from successful bands from the 80’s, and they have performed together on the new Liberty N’ Justice EP, Chasing a Cure!
The lineup on this EP is a hard rock fan’s dream. Paul Shortino, Ron Keel, Eddie Ojeda, Philip Bardowell,Tony Palacias, Terry Ilous, Jeff Paris, Richard Kendrick,Donnie Vie, JK Northrup, Benny Mardones, John Pine and Bill Leverty have joined forces to create five new songs with a purpose.
With the Chasing A Cure EP, Liberty N’ Justice is trying to create awareness of epilepsy and raise money for research to find a cure. The disease hits very close to home for Liberty N’ Justice founder, Justin Murr. Justin’s oldest daughter, Trinity Paige Murr, was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 7. For the past five years she has battled through daily medication, hospital stays, cluster seizures, induced comas, three weeks in the ICU — and finally brain surgery.
Chasing a Cure is available through the Liberty N’ Justice website. 100% of the proceeds are being donated to the Epilepsy Foundation in Trinity’s name.
This EP is only available to those who donate through the Liberty N’ Justice website. It is not on sale in stores or online anywhere else.
So how is the music? It is easily the best melodic rock I have heard in 2011. I have been a fan of Paul Shortino and Ron Keel for a long time, and have been anxiously awaiting the release of the new King Kobra CD that Paul is singing on. Shortino and Keel’s voice blend together nicely for one rockin’ tune with “Say Uncle”.
“Paige’s Song” with Philip Bardowell and Tony Palacios reminds me a lot of a Mr. Big tune. It is a slower number, but the music is very good. Bardowell’s vocals are terrific, and Tony Palacios guitar licks truly enhance this song.
I always enjoy hearing new stuff from Donnie Vie. In my opinion, Enuff Z’nuff’s music is amongst the most under rated tunes in the late 80’s and 90’s. If you are an Enuff Z’nuff fan you need the song “Throwing Stones”. It does not disappoint!
Terry Ilous is one of those singers that could sing the phone book and sound good. Needless to say, his vocals here are terrific. Of course he has a little help from Jeff Paris (who has written more hit rock tunes than you can imagine), and Richard Kendrick from the Steve Blaze fronted Near Life Experience.
Remember Benny Mardones from the song “Into the Night“? I always though Mardones has a voice that was similar to ex-Journey front man Steve Perry. Ironically, the song “Chasing A Cure” sounds as if it could have been a left over Journey track.
The bottom line, if you are melodic rock fan, or of the musicians involved in this project, you are going to enjoy Chasing a Cure. When you donate money for this EP, you can feel good about your money going to a good cause, and get some great tunes in return! You can get Chasing a Cure, from the Liberty N’ Justice website at this location!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track listing:
- Say Uncle (Paul Shortino of Rough Cutt/Quiet Riot/King Kobra, Ron Keel of Keel, and Eddie Ojeda of Twisted Sister)
- Throwing Stones (Donnie Vie of Enuff Z’ Nuff and JK Northrup)
- Paige’s Song (Philip Bardowell of MAGDALEN/Unruly Child/The Beach Boys and Tony Palacios of Guardian)
- Playing God (Terry Ilous of XYZ, Jeff Paris and Richard Kendrick of Near Life Experience)
- Chasing A Cure (Benny Mardones, John Pine and Bill Leverty of Firehouse)
0 Bill Leverty To Appear On Hard Rock Nights Radio Show!
Firehouse guitarist speaks about his new solo release, ‘Deep South’
Guitarist Bill Leverty is the special guest on this week’s edition of Hard Rock Nights. Leverty speaks with JT about his new solo record, ‘Deep South,’ as well as his continued work with Firehouse and plans for a new Firehouse album.
With his guitar work as a member of Firehouse, Bill Leverty set the rock world ablaze with his fiery riffs and solos. But Leverty is no one-trick pony, as evidenced by his new solo release, ‘Deep South.’ Instead of focusing on the arena-ready rockers that his full-time band specializes in, ‘Deep South’ is steeped in tough blues and southern rock sounds – bringing to mind such legendary names as ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Allman Brothers.
In addition to supplying guitar, Leverty also handles lead vocal duties, as well as incorporating such uncommon instruments as a guitarelele and dobro into the mix. Featured is the album-opening “Trouble So Hard” (of which was made popular by Moby, who sampled some of the original in his hit single, “Natural Blues”), as well as the album’s first video, “Boll Weevil,” the sweet acoustic strum of “Walk Beside Me,” the muscular blues rock of “Samson and Delilah,” and a finger-snappin’ jazzy reading of the Ray Charles classic, “Hit the Road Jack” (which includes some impressive piano playing from Leverty, as well as vocals from his wife, Kris). Additionally, Leverty’s grandfather’s artwork adjourns the album’s front cover.
The interview can be heard on Hard Rock Nights September 4-10. Hard Rock Nights is a weekly syndicated radio program heard on a number of radio stations in the USA, Canada, and Europe (http://hardrocknights.wordpress.com/affiliates).
You can view the video for the first single from Bill Leverty’s ‘Deep South’ here:
2 Guns N’ Roses, Whitesnake Members Featured On Northern Light Orchestra Christmas Album
Northern Light Orchestra highlights majestic, orchestrated rock music featuring soaring vocals, incredible guitar solos worthy of true ‘guitar hero’ status, and pounding rhythms sure to impress and invigorate the baby boomer generation that grew up on what is today classic rock!
Combined with the talents of executive producer and longtime record mogul Russ Regan, (responsible for over 800 million record sales with such artists as Neil Diamond, Elton John, and Barry White as well as soundtracks such as Flashdance and Jesus Christ Superstar), NLO is slated to become a seasonal live performance and recording entity that provides the very best in entertainment!
The brainchild of re-mix keyboardist/writer Brian Stewart (Backstreet Boys, Robert Plant, Hall & Oates, POE) and produced by industry veteran Ken Mary (House Of Lords, Trik Turner, Alice Cooper, Beach Boys), NLO is designed to create a total musical experience combining the powerful drama of Webber and Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar with the emotionally moving musical styles of Electric Light Orchestra, Yes, and Kansas. Vocalists and musicians appearing on NLO have been responsible for the sale of over 200 million albums worldwide and include members and former members of household names such as the Beach Boys, Sly And The Family Stone, Alice Cooper, Survivor, Steely Dan, Firehouse, Megadeth, Sister Sledge, Quiet Riot, Vanilla Fudge, Winger, Bob Carlisle, Guns N’ Roses, Grand Funk Railroad, Kiss, House Of Lords, and Whitesnake, just to name a few. Live performances will highlight a spectacular light and video presentation, theatrical movements, as well as incredible musicianship all assembled to tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ over two thousand years ago.
The new nine-track release of Northern Light Orchestra, The Spirit Of Christmas, provides merely a hint of what is to come, with nine additional tracks already in production for next year
Vocals:
Phil Bardowell (Beach Boys, Magdalen)
Bob Carlisle (‘Butterfly Kisses’)
Eddie James (gospel singer)
Jon Gibson (Jon Gibson)
Robin McAuley (Survivor)
Debbie Sledge (Sister Sledge)
Rose Stone (Sly And The Family Stone)
Guitars:
Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake)
Kendall Bechtel (Fifth Angel)
Lanny Cordola (House Of Lords)
Jason Hook (Alice Cooper, Mandy Moore)
Bruce Kulick (Kiss, Grand Funk Railroad)
Bill Leverty (Firehouse)
George Lynch (Dokken, Lynchmob)
Elliot Randell (Steely Dan)
Bass:
David Ellefson (Megadeth, F5)
Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot, Vanilla Fudge)
Drums:
Ken Mary (Alice Cooper, House Of Lords)
Strings:
Kip Winger (Winger, Alice Cooper)
Keys:
Dizzy Reed (Guns N’ Roses)
Brian Stewart (Backstreet Boys, Poe)
For more info visit www.myspace.com/northernlightorchestra.
