Tag: msg
0 Gary Barden’s Eleventh Hour Coming in October!
GARY BARDEN belongs to THE voice of British hard rock. The first time BARDEN appeared in the scene was as part of the newly formed MSG (Michael Schenker Group) founded by the former SCORPIONS guitarist of the same name. Their first collaboration resulted in the highly acclaimed album “The Michael Schenker Group” which was released in 1980. Besides the great songs and the great guitar output BARDEN’s voice was one of the reasons why this album became a huge success and allowed the band to hit the road in Europe, Japan and the USA.
Their second album “MSG” saw the light of day in 1981 and followed an even more melodic direction than its predecessor. After the following world tour BARDEN was informed that he was no longer part of the band and replacement was found soon in ex-RAINBOW singer Graham Bonnet. Chrysalis, however, released a live disc recorded in Japan by the original MSG entitled “One Night At Budokan”.
Searching for a new band, BARDEN started to write some songs with the late THIN LIZZY guitarist GARY MOORE which later on ended up on MOORE’s “Corridor of Power” release. Their working period was short and so was the collaboration between Bonnet and Schenker. Bonnet sang on the 1982 record “Assault Attack” but BARDEN was back with MSG for some live appearances including Reading Festival in the same year and the 1983 record “Built to Destroy”. The label’s pressure to steer more into a commercial direction made the band quit business in 1984.
BARDEN moved on and found a new home in the business together with ex-THIN LIZZY six-string Brian Robertson and the band STATETROOPER, who put out their highly acclaimed self-titled debut album in 1987 and played a couple of live shows in the following months. Statetrooper was reissued on CD by Escape Music (ESM095).
After a long break BARDEN returned to the scene with PRAYING MANTIS’ “The Power of Ten” and the live album “Captured Alive in Tokyo City” (1996). In 2000, BARDEN hit the road again for a couple of live shows with COMPANY OF SNAKES and founded the band SILVER together with Michael Voss (CASANOVA) and Bernie Tormé (IAN GILLAN). STATETROOPER finally re-united in 2004 and put out the classy new record “The Calling”.
The Escape Music album “Past & Present” (ESM106) marked the first solo album by GARY BARDEN and offered a very personal collection of new, exciting interpretations of some all-time MSG classics, a selection of songs that both suited GARY BARDEN and MSG fans! With his long time pal ´Michael Voss´(Casanova, Bonfire) and a couple of friends he went back to the roots to perform his bluesy smoky songs that will touch your soul and are exemplified on the release “Agony and the Xtasy” (ESM128). In 2007 the more rockier “Love and War” (ESM161) was released by Escape Music and it has been a long anticipated wait for the next chapter.
Gary now presents us with “Eleventh Hour” which features 11 tracks of hard rock brilliance. These new songs are fresh and exciting and Gary has poured his heart and soul into them. Once again Michael Voss is ever present and the end result is just perfect. This is a hard hitting rock album that highlights what a great singer Gary is, his contribution to the British rock scene is just legendary.
Discography: Past and Present (ESM106) 2004 / Agony and Xtasy (ESM128) 2006 / Love and War (ESM161) 2007 Eleventh Hour (ESM231) 2011
Eleventh Hour Track Listing:
1- Baghdad
2- Fallen by the wayside
3- Child of Sorrow
4- What you wanna do
5- We are dead
6- All in
7- Blackmail
8- Shine a light on me
9- Easy does it
10- Before the eyes of the world
11- Don’t take me for a loser
Produced by: Michael Voss
Recorded and Mixed at Kidroom Recording Studio’s
Mastered by: Christoph Stickel at msm studio’s Germany
1 MICHAEL SCHENKER RELEASES NEW CD / VINYL AND RESCHEDULES IN THE MIDST OF BEAUTY TOUR DATES
The German Hard Rock Guitar Virtuoso Returns To America
With Gipsy Lady and His Highly-Skilled Group Of Musicians
Gipsy Lady, the first album from the Michael Schenker-Gary Barden Acoustic Project, will be available on CD and vinyl on May 19 (just before the US tour begins). Gary Barden’s vocals give the cleverly arranged songs just the touch of soul they need for full impact The long-term Schenker collaborator wrote the lyrics virtually off the top of his head. Also on board is Michael Voss, an experienced producer and second guitarist, who also provides background vocals. Kai Luennemann on percussion completes the team.
With such a distinctive, soft sound from Michael Schenker’s guitar, this album distinguishes itself easily. In this way, using a flamenco guitar with castanets in “Dance Lady Gipsy” conjures up a hot-blooded gipsy dancing before your eyes, while the fiddle and flutes in “Fight for Freedom” transport you to beautiful Ireland. The new album from Michael Schenker-Gary Barden Acoustic Project is more than an acoustic album; it demonstrates all Michael Schenker’s expertise as a guitarist and songwriter.
The live Michael Schenker experience will come to fruition through the “In the Midst of Beauty World Tour” headed for the United States.
The line up for the US Tour is:
Michael Schenker – Guitars
Gary Barden – Vocals
Chris Slade – Drums
Wayne Findlay – Guitar & Keyboards
Robbie Crane – Bass
The tour begins on Tuesday, June 9th in Hollywood:
06-09 – Key Club – Hollywood, CA
06-10 – Fat Cat – Modesto, CA
06-12 – Canyon Club – Agoura Hills, CA
06-16 – Club 101 – El Paso, TX
06-18 – Pontiac Garage – Dallas, TX
06-19 – House Of Blues – Houston, TX
06-20 – Camargo Park – San Antonio, TX
06-21 – Aces – Austin, TX
06-24 – Blender Theater at Gramercy – New York, NY
06-25 – Jaxx – Springfield, VA
06-30 – Pops – Sauget, IL
07-03 – Vinnies – Concord, CA
07-04 – 19 Broadway – Fairfax, CA
07-07 – Element – Victoria, BC
07-08 – Studio 7 – Seattle, WA
07-10 – Brixton – Redondo Beach, CA
07-11 – Galaxy – Theater Santa Ana, CA
Schenker is truly a legend From helping form the Scorpions to his stint with UFO, his guitar prowess has been electrifying from the beginning. “In the Midst of Beauty perfectly captures the MSG aesthetic and mystique, which makes sense as 4/5ths of the original MSG are back in the fold!
Singer Gary Barden and the rest of the band make this one of their best (and most highly anticipated) recordings and a return to classic MSG form. Pushing the boundaries of hard rock, heavy metal and blues rock to the limits which his old fans love and which will impress a wide range of new fans.
“In the Midst of Beauty was the first runner-up for Best Metal Album of 2008 on IGN.com – http://bestof.ign.com/2008/music/4.html
“…Rock and roll with a certified master guitarist.”
– Ralph Greco, VINTAGE ROCK
“Every song is well written, every band member’s performance is solid, and the axework is pure classic Schenker. “
– Steve Angulo, HEAVY METAL ADDICTION
Some of the best work Schenker has done in years.”
– Allan Athans, THE RIGHT TO ROCK
1 Michael Schenker Group – “World Wide Live 2004” DVD out soon in a new limited DVD+CD edition
2. Mother Mary (UFO)
3. Assault Attack (MSG)
4. Let it Roll (UFO)
5. Lights Out (UFO)
6. Rock’n’roll Believer (MSG)
7. Arachnophobiac (MSG)
8. Into the Arena (MSG)
9. Only You Can Rock Me (UFO)
10. On and On (UFO)
11. Too Hot to Handle (UFO)
12. Armed and Ready (MSG)
13. Doctor, Doctor (UFO)
14. Rock Bottom (UFO)
2. Mother Mary (UFO)
3. Assault Attack (MSG)
4. Let it Roll (UFO)
5. Lights Out (UFO)
6. Rock’n’roll Believer (MSG)
7. Arachnophobiac (MSG)
8. Into the Arena (MSG)
9. Only You Can Rock Me (UFO)
10. On and On (UFO)
11. Too Hot to Handle (UFO)
12. Armed and Ready (MSG)
13. Doctor, Doctor (UFO)
14. Rock Bottom (UFO)
0 V-Project – New Machine (Release Year – 2008)
Boston native, David Vaccaro returns in 2008 with his second output called New Machine. On this release he gets a little bit of help from former MSG front man, Robin McAuley, who sings on four tracks on this disc.
Vaccaro wrote and plays the majority of the music on this disc. While New Machine may not be a true band offering, it certainly sounds like it is.
Robin McAuley does a fine job on the songs he sings on, in fact his presence really gives the songs on New Machine a lift.
Exit Sign is a really good opener and shows off Vaccaro’s six string talents.
Somebody Like You has a cool 70’s rock vibe about it.
The Stake is a cover of the Steve Miller band song. I can’t say that I am familiar with the original, but this song has a cool Foghat style to it.
Disclaimer is a well written, catchy tune about product disclaimers. You have to hear this song to appreciate it.
Time To Move On is a simple but infectious tune that has a Beatles feel to it.
I am not really sure what to make of Desert Run. Some of guitar parts sound synthesized, and mixed with a lead Spanish guitar. This instrumental track is interesting but not essential.
Robin McAuley takes back over the vocals on You Don’t Care. This song has a flamenco style about it, with a keyboard mix. A good song but not great.
McAuley’s final appearance on New Machine is on the song, Tangled In Your Web. This song has a funky groove that gets its hooks into you.
The guitar riff on the song, On Yer Way, reminds me a lot of the Bad Company song, Feel Like Making Love. Vaccaro mixes a little bit of slide guitar in, for this cool sounding tune.
Back to My Baby is a another pleasing rocker, with an upbeat swing. This song has a little bit of saxophone mixed in. All in all, this is an enjoyable tune, and a good way to close out this disc.
The Bottom line: V-Project is a solid disc, with some very good guitar work, and excellent vocals by Robin McAuley. This disc is not too hard, and not too heavy, but has enough in common with 80’s classic rock to make it listenable for most rock fans. Diehard McAuley fans will want to pick this up. Others may want to check the tunes out before buying.
You can preview V-Project’s music, and purchase their CD, at this link for DMV Music.com
Track Listing:
1. Exit Sign
2. Somebody Like You
3. The Stake
4. Disclaimer
5. Time To Move On
6. Desert Run
7. You Don’t Care
8. Tangled In Your Web
9. On Yer Way
10. Back To My Baby
V-Project is:
David Vaccaro – Lead and Backing Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards and Drum Machine programming
Robin McAuley – Vocals (Exit Sign, Somebody Like You, You Don’t Care, Tangled In Your Web)
22 Michael Schenker Group – In the Midst of Beauty (2008)
Michael Schenker returns with a brand new CD, and quite possibly the best MSG lineup since the ’80s.
Gary Barden, who is often considered the best MSG vocalist, returns to the microphone on In the Midst of Beauty.
This disc also features the talent of Neil Murray (Whitesnake), Don Airey (Whitesnake, Deep Purple) and Simon Phillips (MSG, Satriani, Toto).
As always, MSG features the stellar guitar work of Michael Schenker. If you are familiar with any of MSG’s prior albums, you know you are going you are going to hear plenty of guitar riffs with that great Schenker trademark sound.
What is cool about this album, is that it seems to be more of a complete band output, than just Schenker playing over the top. Don Airey’s Purple-esque keyboards are often present adding a whole new layer to MSG’s music. This disc has a 70’s classic rock vibe about it, but the production and sound is top notch.
The last couple of MSG albums have been somewhat disappointing, and this is definitely a return to form for Schenker and company. This is easily the best album by MSG since the Robin McAuley era.
This CD will be released in May, and you will definitely want to add this to your list of discs to purchase soon! In the Midst of Beauty will likely find itself in many top album lists at the end of 2008!.
Track Listing:
- City Lights
- Competition
- I Want You
- End of the Line
- Summerdays
- Night To Remember
- Wings of Emotion
- Come Closer
- Cross of Crosses
- Nana
- The One
- This Time
Michael Schenker Group is:
Michael Schenker – Guitars
Gary Barden – Vocals
Don Airey – Keyboards
Neil Murray – Bass
Simon Phillips – Drums
1 MSG – Heavy Hitters (Release Year – 2005)
The 2005 Release, Heavy Hitters by the Michael Schenker Group is more of a star studded affair than a true band outing.
The list of guest stars on this disc is huge and includes: Joe Lynn Turner, Jeff Scott Soto, Sebastian Bach, Mark Slaughter, Jeff Pilson, Edgar Winter, Leslie West, Vinnie Appice, Phil Soussan, Bob Kulick, Paul Dianno, Tony Franklin, Marco Mendoza, and quite a few others.
I have seen a bunch of poor reviews on this disc, but you wont find one here. I have gotten quite a bit of enjoyment out of this disc. To me, this is a covers disc, that doesn’t feel like one. It could be because the only constant is Michael Schenker on guitar.
Michael Schenker’s guitar playing smokes on all of these tracks. I have always been a fan of his, and this disc shows that he can sound good, no matter who the front man of his group is.
There are quite a few stand out tracks on Heavy Hitters. Doctor, Doctor is near perfection, and JSS on vocals is very cool. I love hearing Ripper Owens wail on War Pigs. That brings a smile to my face every time.
Doctor Doctor
War Pigs
Out in the Fields with Gary Barden is great. Schenker’s guitars really howl on this song. Money with Tommy Shaw is pretty good as well.
You could spin your money in much worse way, while in your music store. Heavy Hitters is a solid listen from beginning to end.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. All Shook Up with Joe Lynn Turner on vocals (Elvis Presley)
2. Blood Of The Sun with Leslie West from Mountain on vocals(Mountain)
3. Doctor Doctor with Jeff Scott Soto on vocals(UFO)
4. War Pigs with Ripper Owens on vocals(Black Sabbath)
5. I’m Not Talking with Mark Slaughter on vocals (Yarbirds/Mose Allison)
6. Money w/ Tommy Shaw on vocals and Edgar Winter on the Saxophone( Pink Floyd)
7. I Don’t Live Today with Sebastian Bach on vocals (Jimi Hendrix)
8. Hair Of The Dog with Paul Dianno on vocals, and Vinnie Appice on Drums(Nazareth)
9. Out In The Fields with Gary Barden on vocals (Gary Moore)
10. Politician with Jeff Pilson on vocals (Cream)
5 Michael Schenker Group – Tales of Rock ‘N’ Roll
Damn it! I was really looking forward to this CD, and what I ended up with is a major disappointment.
The title of this CD is Michael Schenker Group Twenty-Five Years Celebration.
The sticker on the front says Featuring: All Original MSG Singers. (Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Robin McAuley, Leif Sundin, Kelly Kelling, Chris Logan, Jari Tiura)
What you really get is 12 tracks sung by Tiura, which is arguably the worst singer in the mix. Two Tracks from Kelly Keeling, and 1 each from Logan, Sundin, Bonnet and McAuley.
My question is this: How the hell is this a 25 year celebration when over 50% of the songs are by one singer? Sad!
Schenker sounds awesome. His playing is excellent as always. The vocals from Tiura just do not work for me at all. The writing on this CD seems kind of weak to me as well. I am having trouble finding a song that doesn’t sound like one of the others on this CD. The lone highlights to me, are Rock ‘N’ Roll (not the Zepplin song by the same name) sung by Graham Bonnet, and Tell a Story sung by Robin McAuley.2 standout tracks out of 19? Sad by any means.
Tread at your own risk with this one. For MSG diehards only.
Track Listing:
- Ride
- Setting Sun
- Angel of Avalon
- Dreams Inside
- Dust to Dust
- Voice of My Heart
- Journey Man
- Big Deal
- St. Ann
- Shadow Lady
- Love Trade
- Human Child
- Bitter Sweet
- Blind Alley
- Freedom
- Life Vacation
- Rock ‘N’ Roll
- Tell A Story
- Life Goes On (Instrumental)