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WATCH: STEVE LUKATHER 2021 INTERVIEW 0

Greg Phillips  Artists, Interviews

Steve Lukather aka “Luke” and Toto singer Joseph Williams both released individual solo albums on February 26, 2021 via The Players Club / Mascot Label Group.  Both artists have made significant contributions to the other’s album.

Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips caught up with Luke via zoom to chat about his solo album ‘I Found The Sun Again’, gear, Toto and more.

About Steve Lukather: Over the course of five decades Steve Lukather has placed an indelible stamp on pop culture. Alongside his tenure as the only member of Toto to never take a hiatus from the band, he has performed on thousands of albums as a session musician. Amongst these musical contributions are some of the most successful, influential and enduring records of all-time including Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Additionally, he released a memoir titled The Gospel According To Luke which was a global best-seller. He continues to be Toto’s band leader, a member of Ringo’s All-Starr Band, and a solo artist performing with multiple ensembles which include Nerve Bundle and Toxic Monkey.

Toto has enjoyed a celebrated resurgence over the last several years tied to the band’s 40^th Anniversary, wherein over a thirty-month period they performed for millions of fans across North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.  The band’s repertoire has been streamed over a billion times, while album sales exceed 40 million copies. Simply, Toto is one of the few 70’s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles, and 45 years in to a career enjoy a multi-generational fan base.

About the albums: Luke shares, “Never had so much fun recording in my life. Painless, fun and easy – and it just flowed.” The repertoire features five new original compositions, and three covers personally selected by Luke. Those are Traffic’s “Low Spark of High Heeled Boys,” Joe Walsh’s “Welcome To The Club,” and Robin Trower’s “Bridge of Sighs.”  Lukather offers in the liner notes, “ALL these tracks were cut LIVE – no clix – no fix – No rehearsal – one run thru – and record and the whole record was take 2. I did double a few guitar parts and ‘produced up’ a few tunes that are obvious but in the same time frame. I recorded the lead vocal right after we got the take same day. One song a day. Joe took it home and did some BG vocals but that’s it. I wanted to make as honest a record as I could in 2020 with 1970’s inspiration, and recording values, and techniques with a modern sound. Ken did that!” A portion of the proceeds from this album will be directed to The Ed Asner Family Center for Autism. For more information please visit https://www.edasnerfamilycenter.org/.

Williams shares, “’Never Saw You Coming’ is my first opportunity in ages to show my true sound.  Although my album is an eclectic collection of songs, this one tells you what you need to know to get a real sense of the whole. You can see where I’m going vocally for sure. It all starts with ‘Never Saw You Coming,’ plus I thought it was time we had a cool sexy song about death! Enjoy…”

Steve Lukather’s solo album titled I Found The Sun Again was co-produced by Ken Freeman, who also both engineered and mixed the new collection of repertoire.  The players feature many dignitaries that have been in Luke’s life for decades. Amongst those are drummer Gregg Bissonette, keyboardist Jeff Babko, and bassists Jorgen Carlsson and John Pierce. Life-long friend and Toto band-mate David Paich performs piano and organ across the album, while Joseph Williams sang on multiple tracks alongside writing string and horn arrangements and tracking keys on the aforementioned “Run To Me.”  Both Paich and Williams co-wrote that specific composition, while friend and band leader of the All-Starrs, Ringo Starr makes a special appearance on the recording and in the video.  Other co-writers include Stan Lynch, Jeff Babko, and of course Joseph Williams.

Joseph Williams’ Denizen Tenant was self-produced outside of the compositions “Black Dahlia” and “No Lessons” which were arranged and produced by Jay Gruska and mixed by Dave Way. The musicians and singers who made contributions in the studio reads like a who’s who of players that have been in the artist’s life over the past four decades. Amongst these contributors are band-mates from Toto David Paich and Steve Lukather. Simon Phillips, Leland Sklar, Lenny Castro, Nathan East, all of whom enjoyed tenures in Toto are also featured players on the album. Additional contributions include performances by Oscar Bugarin, Jay Gruska, Mike Landau, Barbara Gruska, Steve Overton, Dylan Ronan, Hannah Ruick, Steve Tavaloni, Weston Wilson, Ray Williams, and Mark T. Williams.  The album was produced and mixed at Digbyroad Studios, Sherman Oaks, CA.

Denizen Tenant features a dozen new recordings. Amongst these are a cover of The Beatles “If I Fell,” which Williams cites as the one specific song that taught him about the power of harmonies and vocal arrangements. On Peter Gabriel’s “Don’t Give Up,” a very special guest performance is featured in his daughter Hannah laying down a vocal track. Across the recorded repertoire, there is a consistent presence of performances by guitarists Steve Lukather and Mike Landau alongside percussionist Lenny Castro.  Williams reflects, “Mike Landau has been playing on my music since I was a teenager and he just knows what to do. His parts always inspire me. They help move me to the next step in the writing process. Steve Lukather is like this as well.” In reference to Lenny, he offers, “He knows exactly what is needed and he will give me so many choices. I always get what I want. Like Mike Landau I’ve been working with Lenny since I was a kid.” The record is a part of the continual, on-going collaboration of the triumvirate of Lukather/Paich/Williams. Williams co-wrote “Liberty Man” with Paich, while the keyboardist performed Hammond B3 on “Black Dahlia,” and shares, “I love writing with Dave. On this tune, like many others, we spent hours talking about history, religion, music, literature, movies etc. Always leading us like excited kids to a subject or concept for the song. Then we start throwing out phrases, collecting and discarding ideas. Shaping and reshaping melodies along the way.”  There are so many contributors with deep connections and history with the artist, all of whom have a significant footprint on Denizen Tenant. For a complete overview, click here: https://joeswill.com/liner-notes/.

The recordings are available individually on both CD and LP, alongside on all streaming services globally. A limited-edition deluxe edition is available with the two titles bundled together. Luke and Williams hope these albums present an enjoyable experience when listened to on shuffle.

For a complete discography, and more information click here: http://www.stevelukather.com/

KISS RESCHEDULE AUSTRALIAN DATES FOR 2021 0

WATCH: STEVE VAI TALKS ZAPPA DOCUMENTARY 0

Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips caught up with guitar great Steve Vai to chat about the new Zappa documentary (showing now), Steve’s time in Frank’s band, transcribing Zappa’s music and much more

Umbrella Entertainments proudly presents ZAPPA, the first all-access documentary on the life and times of iconoclastic musician Frank Zappa. Directed by Alex Winter (Bill of Bill & Ted, acclaimed maker of The Panama Papers, Deep Web and more), and produced by Winter and Glen Zipper (George Harrison: Living In the Material World, What’s My Name: Muhammad Ali and more), Zappa presents an intimate portrait of a late 20th Century iconoclast; a man whose prolific and brilliant work changed music and the music industry for ever, and whose cultural impact is far-reaching and enduring. With exclusive interviews and eye-popping unseen live and behind-the-scenes footage,  Zappa will open your mind to the creativity and fearlessness of a man whose “worldview, art and politics were”, in Winter’s words, “far ahead of their time, and profoundly relevant in our challenging times.”

https://www.thezappamovie.com/

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RIP JAZZ LEGEND CHICK COREA 0

by Greg Phillips

Armando Anthony Corea, more affectionately known as ‘Chick’ Corea and one of the true pioneers of jazz fusion has died, aged 79 from a rare form of cancer. His compositions Spain, 500 Miles High, La Fiesta, and Windows are widely considered jazz standards. Chick made a name for himself as a brilliant young musician in the early 60s as part of Miles Davis’ groundbreaking band, as well as playing with other jazz legends like Herbie Mann and Stan Getz. In the 70s he then formed one of the most influential jazz fusion bands of all time Return to Forever. Combining his light, playful melodies with the use of synthesizers and numerous electric keyboard instruments plus the incorporation of rock and Spanish rhythms, Corea appealed to an audience beyond the boundaries of the jazz market. After the demise of Return to Forever, he put together yet another acclaimed jazz rock group, The Chick Corea Elektric band, featuring Dave Weckl, Scott Henderson, Carlos Rios, and John Patitucci. Chick Corea is the fourth-most-nominated artist in the history of the Grammys, with 65 nominations, winning 23. He’s also earned 3 Latin Grammy Awards, the most of any artist in the Best Instrumental Album category. Corea was a regular visitor to Australia, performing here last in 2015 with another jazz legend Herbie Hancock.

The world was made aware of Chick’s passing this morning via this announcement on the artist’s Facebook page:

“It is with great sadness we announce that on February 9th, Chick Corea passed away at the age of 79, from a rare form of cancer which was only discovered very recently. Throughout his life and career, Chick relished in the freedom and the fun to be had in creating something new, and in playing the games that artists do.

He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, and a great mentor and friend to so many. Through his body of work and the decades he spent touring the world, he touched and inspired the lives of millions. Though he would be the first to say that his music said more than words ever could, he nevertheless had this message for all those he knew and loved, and for all those who loved him: “I want to thank all of those along my journey who have helped keep the music fires burning bright. It is my hope that those who have an inkling to play, write, perform or otherwise, do so. If not for yourself then for the rest of us. It’s not only that the world needs more artists, it’s also just a lot of fun.

“And to my amazing musician friends who have been like family to me as long as I’ve known you: It has been a blessing and an honor learning from and playing with all of you. My mission has always been to bring the joy of creating anywhere I could, and to have done so with all the artists that I admire so dearly—this has been the richness of my life.”

Chick’s family will of course appreciate their privacy during this difficult time of loss.”

Tributes have begun to flood onto social media from musicians of all genres

Steve Stevens
“Safe travels Chick Corea. While the English guys were creating progressive rock, here in the states jazz fusion was showing how adventurous music could be. I was listening to a steady diet of both. Chick’s compositions and playing were exquisite.”

Leo Sayer
“OMG! I can’t believe it. I was just listening to his latest piece of genius last night, and this morning I wake up and Chick Corea is gone! Farewell and thank you to one of the most selfless musical genius’ there ever was…”

Vernon Reid
“Just got the terrible news of Chick Corea passing. Stunned”

Donny McCaslin
“Heartbreaking to hear this. Chick was a genius musician and his contribution to jazz and all things creative was tremendous. Condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Nile Rodgers
“You came into my atmosphere and changed music forever. #returntoforever. My heartfelt condolences to your family and friends”

QuestLove
“How apropos that #ChickCorea is now returning…..to forever. One of the nicest warmest creative beings ever. Always took time out to talk & tell stories. Even weirder always asked ME questions—-I’m like “you’re CHICK COREA man!! —-the hell does he know about (name something I did here)——I was amazed at his willingness to still learn and be open to ideas and new music. I wanna be him when I grow up. The immortal colorful master @ChickCorea ….rest in melody.”

UNDER THE SOUTHERN STARS NEW DATES AND ADDS CHEAP TRICK 0

Someone had to be the first to test the new covid normal by touring international artists and the Under The Southern Stars concert series has stepped up to the plate to have a crack! The Under The Southern Stars spectacular rock music concert series is thrilled to announce their new show dates for April and May 2021 with new tickets on sale from February 5! The series is also very excited to announce that the one and only Cheap Trick have been added to the line up that features global rock superstars, Bush and the Stone Temple Pilots! READ MORE

EVH NEWS: JASON BECKER’S UNSEEN EDDIE VISIT • AUSSIE TRIBUTE TOUR 0

Greg Phillips Dec 14, 2020 Blog

Music fans are still coming to terms with the fact that guitar virtuoso Eddie Van Halen left us on October 6th this year. Those are pioneering guitar shoes that just won’t ever be filled. From the moment we all heard the 2 minute Eruption solo off Van Halen’s debut album, we were mesmerised by the man’s fretboard gift and he continued to amaze us over many years with his incredible recordings and live performances.

From all accounts from those who spent time with Eddie, he was a down to earth nice guy too. This fact has been further confirmed with the release of footage from EVH’s visit to ailing guitarist Jason Becker’s home in 1996.

Posted just a couple of days ago on Jason’s YouTube channel, the description reads as follows:
“An amazing meeting took place on August 31, 1996. That’s when Eddie Van Halen spent the day with a guy who had followed in his footsteps playing alongside David Lee Roth—Jason Becker. Jason had been diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and was not in good shape. Van Halen came to Jason’s house to give love and support—as well as a guitar—to his friend and to film an ALS awareness promotional video. During that time, Eddie told stories, talked about his creative process, and played amazing music, instantly sounding exactly like Eddie Van Halen even when playing Jason’s guitar through a small practice amp.”

“This never-before-seen footage shows a side of Eddie Van Halen that goes far beyond his brilliant musicianship: a sweet, caring, generous personality, devoid of the trappings of fame or rock stardom. The video also documents the incredible strength of Jason Becker, who had been deprived of his shot at fame as well as his genius guitar skills, but still found the courage and the will to battle a debilitating disease.”

“Eddie was such a beautiful person,” says Becker. “He was incredibly kind to me and my family. Not only was he my biggest influence, he had such a huge heart. He honestly saved my life.”

This video is a must-see piece of history, not just for guitarists but for everyone. It truly shows the magic of kindness, and a depth of emotion that we can all use more of.

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ICONS & LEGENDS – A Tribute To The Legacy Of Eddie Van Halen Australian Tour

There are not many iconic and legendary guitarists who hold the same esteem, respect and legacy as Eddie Van Halen. A guitarist who shaped generations, shaped genres and blew our minds with the heights he took his instrument to.

The death of Eddie Van Halen on 6 October 2020 will forever be a date etched into the collective memories of not only rock fans, but music fans in general. Much like the deaths of significant music icons before him (think Hendrix, Prince, Freddy Mercury, Michael Jackson), Van Halen’s death will further cement his legacy and, with the benefit of hindsight, collectively allow us to listen and appreciate, in awe – like it was the first time hearing it, the genius of his work.

In a bitter sweet twist of fate, the Frankies World Famous House Band (from Sydney rock institution, Frankies Pizza) had been, for months, rehearsing a Van Halen show to showcase in early December, as part of the venues week long 8th birthday celebrations. As fate would have it, the world lost Eddie Van Halen and this show took on so much greater meaning, purpose and feel. To put it in simple terms, the show was a resounding success, with queues of punters lining Hunter Street for hours to get a glimpse of the show.

Featuring Joel McDonald (one of Australia’s most sought after guitarists), Jordan McDonald (The Art, Mi-Sex), Bobby Poulton (Wolfmother) and guest vocalists: Spencer Jones, Simon Hill and Frank Lakoudis, the band tore threw a set of Van Halen album cuts and hits which left the crowd begging for more. The show was pure intensity and energy with the band, and in particular, Joel McDonald, delivering a world class performance that would have made Eddie Van Halen proud.

Silverback Touring is delighted to be presenting the Frankies World Famous House Band across Australia as they perform the songs of Van Halen in one massive tribute to the great, Eddie Van Halen. The show will also feature a range of all-star guest guitarists in each city all joining the show to pay homage to EVH. Fans can expect a night of guitar hysterics, some classic Van Halen from both the David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar eras as well as some album cuts that would not normally be heard live.

This show is an absolute must for any Van Halen, rock or guitar fan. This show is a celebration of music and rock ’n’ roll, and the importance of Eddie Van Halen to both.

Icons & Legends: A Tribute to Eddie Van Halen February 2021 Tour Dates
Friday 5th February – Perth, Amplifier Bar
Saturday 6th February – Adelaide, The Gov
Friday 12th February – Sydney, Max Watts
Saturday 13th February – Melbourne, Max Watts
Friday 26th February – Brisbane, The Triffid
Saturday 27th February – Gold Coast, Coolangatta Hotel

Tickets at https://www.silverbacktouring.com.au/icons-evh/

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WATCH: SIMON HOSFORD’S FAIR WARNING MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW PERFORMANCE
And if you haven’t watched it yet, check out Simon Hosford’s Fair Warning Melbourne Guitar Show performance of Van Halen’s debut album HERE