News
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.”
- Dom DiSisto
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
- Dom DiSisto
EVH NEWS: JASON BECKER’S UNSEEN EDDIE VISIT • AUSSIE TRIBUTE TOUR 0
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
- Dom DiSisto
IRON MAIDEN’S ADRIAN SMITH & WINERY DOGS’ RICHIE KOTZEN ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION 0
News
IRON MAIDEN’S ADRIAN SMITH & WINERY DOGS’ RICHIE KOTZEN ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION
Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith and Winery Dogs, Poison and Mr. Big’s Richie Kotzen combine for an exciting new side-project. Part-time LA neighbours, full time friends with a healthy mutual respect. Both artists are seasoned performers on the global stage, having honed their skills throughout their careers to create their own unique musical sound. READ MORE
- Dom DiSisto
UMG ACQUIRES ENTIRE DYLAN CATALOGUE 0
Universal Music Group (UMG), today announced the acquisition of Bob Dylan’s entire catalog of iconic songs by Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).
The deal covers 600 song copyrights including; “Blowin’ In The Wind,” “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” “Like A Rolling Stone,” “Lay Lady Lay,” “Forever Young,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” “Tangled Up In Blue,” “Gotta Serve Somebody,” “Make You Feel My Love,” and the Academy Award-winning “Things Have Changed.”
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016 – the first songwriter to receive such a distinction – cited by the Swedish Academy “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.”
Universal Music Publishing Group is a leading music publishing company, which under the leadership of both UMPG Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson and Universal Music Group’s Chairman and CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge has attracted some of the world’s most acclaimed and influential songwriters and their catalogs in recent years including; Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Bruce Springsteen, Bee Gees, Billie Eilish and Post Malone amongst others, becoming the partner of choice for many of the world’s most creative and successful songwriters.
Other talents and catalogs represented by UMPG include; Elton John & Bernie Taupin, Adele, ABBA, J Balvin, Coldplay, Beach Boys, Eminem, Irving Berlin. Leonard Bernstein, R.E.M., Justin Timberlake and Paul Simon.
- Dom DiSisto
MIKE CAMPBELL: DIRTY KNOBS ‘WRECKLESS ABANDON’ INTERVIEW 0
Back in September last year I was honoured to sit down with Mike Campbell, Tom Petty’s longtime songwriting partner and The Heartbreakers legendary guitarist at his Melbourne hotel. At the time Mike was on the Australian leg of the massive Fleetwood Mac world tour, which also featured fellow Mac newbie Neil Finn. Apart from discussing Tom and Fleetwood Mac at the time, we also chatted about his other band project The Dirty Knobs.
Interview: Greg Phillips Photos: Jason Rosewarne
Prior to the interview, I’d got to listen to some of the new Dirty Knobs tracks, which at that point was still in development as an album. On November 24th this year, the album Wreckless Abandon was finally released. In additional to Campbell, The Dirty Knobs are Jason Sinay on guitar and vocals (Neil Diamond, Ivan Neville), Lance Morrison on bass (Don Henley), and Matt Laug on drums (Slash, Alanis Morissette).
The Dirty Knobs is not a new band, Mike and his mates came together a dozen or so years ago as a less structured project that they could jam out with in between Heartbreakers’ projects. The guys played many gigs around the LA area, usually unannounced or incognito. When Tom passed away in 2017, Mike knew that he needed to find another outlet to express those classic-rock guitar vibes.
“The Dirty Knobs is just some friends that we were messing around with in the studio between Heartbreakers tours,” Mike Tells me. “We have been doing this for 12-15 years now. We started having so much fun, playing little clubs around LA and it turned into a great little band. I have had it in the back of my mind, if The Heartbreakers ever take a break or whatever, I am going to do this. I really want to do it and I believe in it. Now things have worked out the way they have, it is the time to do it. We did a record. We did it really fast, it’s mostly live with a lot of guitar. I love the songs, I love the playing. It’s a little edgier than The Heartbreakers, kind of Yardbirds, Kinks, sort of blues but rock ’n’ roll and a little humour. I just love playing with those guys, so when this tour ends I’m going to do that. We’ve got a record deal ready to go with BMG, which came to me, I didn’t even look for it. They came to me in Boston and asked if I wanted to do anything and I said I’ve got a record, so they are behind us. I gotta do The Knobs, that’s been my mission for a long time and this is the time to do it, while I still can. We’re going to go out and play next year. We have William Morris (agency) who are going to help us put a tour together. I want to start out small and do a few festivals. My goal is to build up to theatres. If we can get to filling out theatres, then we’re happy, we can pay our bills and have fun.”
Wreckless Abandon was produced by Campbell and George Drakoulias (The Black Crowes, The Jayhawks), with all songs written by Campbell. It features further contributions from Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and guitarist Chris Stapleton as well as fellow Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers founding-member, Benmont Tench. Additionally, Klaus Voormann, who is best known for doing the art for The Beatles’ Revoguitarlver, created the album artwork.
The song mixes I heard last year were very punchy yet loose and musical, typical Mike Campbell riffs in the vein of The Stones or Faces. I asked if there’d be likely to be any deviation come release time?
“Those are close to what it’s going to be like,” he says. “We’re not going to polish it up much. It’s mostly live, solos and whatever… ninety five percent, it’s just on the floor… I like to do it quick, I’ve always been that way. I don’t like to dick around. The Dirty Knobs stuff that you’ve heard, if you listen to it, the guitar parts … we learn the song … here’s how it goes … there’s a bridge, ok I get to the guitar solo, make something up. Three takes, ok I like take number two … NEXT! Once you get a basic sound and sounds aren’t that hard to get if you have good equipment … good guitar, amp, good mic, you get a good sound. It’s all how you play it. I don’t get into gadgets or nit-pick little bits, never have.”
“We cut over 20 songs. They are all really good it is just trying to get a package that says what we are. We have Klaus Voormann, who is going to help us with a cover and I’m just really excited to do it. It will be like starting over for me, Start at the bottom and work up again. I’m down for that.”
Lyrically there are a few character-based songs on the 13 track album. I wondered how much of himself Mike was revealing in these tunes? Irish Girl for instance … who is she?
“Irish girl is no one, it’s just a character,” he says. “It’s definitely inspired by Van Morrison. I was driving home one night in the car and heard a Van Morrison song and I just love his spirituality. I got home and picked up the guitar. I was trying to channel that kind of mood but it’s about nobody specifically, none of them are. I tell me wife, they’re all about you honey!”
Same with Southern Boy?
“That’s probably loosely me,” he admits, “but nobody in specific. I just try to get things to rhyme (laughs). Actually let me take it back, there is one song, I Still Love You, that’s to my wife. We went through a really bad spell once and that song came out of that so I am really close to that song, so there’s one exception.”
Wreckless Abandon is out now through BMG
https://www.thedirtyknobs.com/
See our original Mike Campbell interview HERE, in which he chats about writing with his friend Tom Petty.
The band have just debuted their new track and video, “Fuck That Guy,”
- Dom DiSisto
