Legendary YES Singer/Songwriter Jon Anderson and Counting Crows Matt Malley to Release Charity Single “The Family Circle”

GONZO Multimedia is proud to announce the release of a new charity single “The Family Circle” by legendary YES vocalist/songwriter Jon Anderson and former Counting Crows bassist Matt Malley. The money received from the single will go to the following charities: Flutie Foundation - www.flutiefoundation.org (Jon Anderson), Sahaja Yoga Meditation - www.sahajayoga.org (Matt Malley) and National Autistic Society - www.autism.org.uk (Rob Ayling, GONZO Multimedia president) 

“ 'Family Circle' came together when Matt sent me the beautiful music earlier this year. I sang the song and lyric idea and sent it back to Matt, thanking him for the great energy. Eventually, Matt added some more sounds and the haunting guitar solo. We decided to have all sale proceeds go to our respective charities. It's a pleasure to release this around Thanksgiving time, reminding us of our connection with our families and how our children keep us together, bonding our love of life.” - Jon Anderson

“Not only am I a fan of Jon's voice but I’m a fan of his fearless spiritual outlook which appears in all of his music. A mutual friend said we should meet and got us in touch and after talking a little, Jon said, 'So send some music!' - so I had a cup of my best Darjeeling tea, went into my studio and came up with the instrumental arrangement that you hear on 'Family Circle'. I sent the file up to Jon and it came back with his marvelous voice, lyrics…everything that brought the song to becoming fully realized.” - Matt Malley

Jon Anderson is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable voices in progressive rock as the original lead vocalist and creative force behind YES. Anderson was the author and a major creative influence behind the ground-breaking album 'Fragile' as well as the series of epic, complex pieces such as “Awaken”, “Gates of Delirium” and especially “Close to the Edge” which were central to the band's success. Additionally, Anderson co-authored the group's biggest hits, including “I've Seen All Good People”, “Roundabout”, and “Owner of a Lonely Heart”. In addition, Jon Anderson had great success with a series of albums he did with Vangelis, and most recently released the critically-acclaimed solo album entitled “Survival and Other Stories” (GONZO Multimedia). In the fall of 2014 Jon Anderson teamed up with jazz violin legend Jean-Luc Ponty to form the AndersonPonty Band.

Matt Malley is an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated songwriter who is best known for co-founding the multi-platinum selling rock band Counting Crows back in the early 90's. He appears as bassist on their biggest hit records and songs. In 2004 Matt retired from the band so he could work from his studio at home and be with his family. He is a student of the Indian Slide Guitar and a fan of Progressive Rock, Celtic Folk, World and Indian Music.

To purchase Jon Anderson & Matt Malley's “Family Circle”: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/family-circle-single/id911786898 

Read GONZO Weekly's 100th issue! http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-100.html 

Jon Anderson's official website: www.JonAnderson.com 

Matt Malley's official website: www.malleyablemusic.com

US 70’s Proto-Metal Power Trio BANG to Tour First Time In 40 Years!

Often called America’s answer to Black Sabbath, one of the most unsung bands in the history of US hard rock music, BANG, is back! With the heaviness of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, coupled with the groove of Grand Funk Railroad, BANG released three critically acclaimed albums on Capitol Records in the early 1970s before disappearing into obscurity for a number of years. Says original drummer and founding member Tony Diorio, “Basically we’re back to finish what was started a long time ago and cut short by forces out of our control.” 

BANG will be embarking on the band's first tour in over 40 years!

 

 

Tour Dates:

Oct 25 The Pyramid Scheme - Grand Rapids, MI

Oct 27 House of Blues - Cleveland, OH

Oct 28 Mr. Smalls Theatre - Millvale, PA

Oct 29 Baltimore Soundstage - Baltimore, MD

Oct 30 Johnny Brendas w/ Pentagram - Philadelphia, PA

Oct 31 ArtsRiot - Burlington, VT

Nov 01 Gramercy Theater - New York, NY

Nov 02 The Met - Pawtucket, RI

The 1971 self-titled debut album ‘BANG’ is considered an important forerunner to the early Doom Metal genre. Undoubtedly one of America’s heaviest ‘proto-metal’ bands from the period, BANG also had a strong sense of melodic power. The band’s versatility and songwriting skills are second to none. Highly regarded as a cult act by many for years, it’s now time for this truly amazing rock band to be enjoyed by a new audience worldwide!

Back in the spring of 1972, BANG was shaping up to be the proverbial ‘next big thing’. Signed a few months earlier to Capitol Records, the band’s first single “Questions” was taking off in the Billboard Hot 100. With the enthusiastic support of their record label, the trio’s self-titled debut album was also climbing in the charts. The group’s management had them opening shows for just about every major band of the era. Moreover, BANG had recently opened for their all time favorite band Black Sabbath, and by common consensus of opinion, stole the show! With two band members, guitarist Frank Gilcken and lead singer/bassist Frank Ferrara, still in their teens, and drummer/lyricist Tony Diorio, BANG seemed to be unstoppable!

Somehow, though, it didn’t quite work out. Even as “Questions” was charting, a corporate shakeup at Capitol saw the band’s supporters moving on and replaced by A&R men who had their own signings to promote. With the band’s producer, Michael Sunday, also leaving the label, BANG’s support system was crumbling. Their new producer engineered a change in personnel that led to drummer/lyricist Tony Diorio’s departure. Meanwhile, the label insisted that BANG develop a more mainstream, pop oriented sound. Trying to keep the dream alive, they changed management companies, only to discover that they were being blacklisted, making gigs scarce. With a much more commercial approach, the group released a 3rd album, ‘BANG Music’ in 1973, which, although did contain some great songs and performances, failed to chart. By 1974, just a couple of years after their initial success, a tired and disillusioned BANG had lost their direction, momentum and self-belief. They went their separate ways.

Despite the relative briefness of their career, BANG left behind a powerful recorded legacy: four albums, including their unreleased 1971 concept album ‘Death Of A Country’, as well as a trio of non-album tracks that were recorded as singles when their deal with Capitol was about to expire. In 1996, much to everyone’s surprise, BANG reunited! The band recorded and released in 1998 a new album titled ‘Return To Zero’, with the more metal-oriented album titled ‘The Maze’ (featuring new versions of old favorites “Love Sonnet” and “Bow To The King”) following in 2004, proving once again that the band still had the magic that made them great back in the early 70’s!

And now, much to the excitement of their fans, BANG is preparing to play live in 2014-15!  Frank Ferrara adds, “The three of us realized that BANG was still a musical force. And even though a lot of years have passed, we were writing songs as if it were yesterday. The dream is alive, and with renewed thirst and love of the music, we are resuming our quest.” With drummer Jake Leger, and the Franks, the band will remain a three piece, sounding just like the records!

BANG is making available free ringtones! Free Frank Gilcken guitar solos for iPhones and Androids! http://www.bangmusic.com/ringtones/ Also, all BANG songs are now available for 99 cents mp3 downloads http://www.bangmusic.com/shop/mp3s/ BANG’s complete recorded catalog is available as well through their website, which includes the band’s latest CD releases ‘Return To Zero’ and ‘The Maze’. To purchase BANG CD’s, Vinyl and Digital Album Downloads http://www.bangmusic.com/shop/cds-and-vinyl/ Also the website contains never seen videos of BANG! 

 

http://www.bangmusic.com/videos/ as well as the BANG story – a must read and see! http://www.bangmusic.com/bangstory/

For more information:

http://www.bangmusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/Bangtheband

 

Earliest Known "Bill Graham Presents" Event Posters 1965

John Lennon Recalls Opening for Little Richard & Gene Vincent (Radio.com Minimation)

Roger Waters Guitar Legend Dave Kilminster Releases Long Awaited New Solo Album ...and THE TRUTH will set you free... OUT NOW!

Guitar virtuoso David Kilminster, best known for his work with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson, is preparing to release an exciting new rock album titled '...and THE TRUTH will set you free...'! This incredible project sees Dave reunited with drummer Pete Riley and bassist Phil Williams who toured with Dave as part of the Keith Emerson Band, and also recorded with Dave on his first solo rock album 'Scarlet - The Director's Cut'.

Says Dave about his new CD, “I returned from THE WALL tour, both exhausted and exhilarated, and ready to direct all of that inspiration, passion and creativity into a new project.  A year later, I held the master for this album in my hand… knowing it's undoubtedly the best solo work I've ever done...”

For the last eight years Dave was the featured lead guitarist with ROGER WATERS, joining Roger on his last two record breaking world tours; 'THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON LIVE', and (the highest grossing tour by a solo act EVER) 'THE WALL LIVE'!

Critics agree that David Kilminster is one of the most extraordinary talents to emerge from the UK. He is a sought after collaborator, band member and solo performer. After touring and collaborating a number of years with ELP legend Keith Emerson, fans will also know Dave from his work along side luminaries John Wetton, Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes, Guthrie Govan and John Young, among others. 

Dave has released a series of instructional DVDs for Lick Library after the success of his global satellite series 'Killer Guitar'. Dave also won the inaugural 'Guitarist of the Year' competition, run by Guitarist magazine.

  And The Truth Will Set You Free

Kinks Legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Davies To Release New Album 'Rippin Up Time'!

The man who forever changed the sound of rock 'n' roll when he invented distortion, Kinks legend Dave Davies, has recorded a brand new solo album of all original material called 'Rippin’ Up Time' on New York based Red River Entertainment. Produced by Dave Davies & David Nolte, the new CD features 10 original new songs written in the classic Kinks style that fans of all ages will want to hear. Listen to 'Rippin Up Time' here.

Dave Davies founded the Kinks in the early 1960's and forever changed music after he sliced up the speaker cone of a little green amp and created a revolutionary, distorted guitar tone and frenetic solo on the song “You Really Got Me”. Musicologist Joe Harrington described the Kinks influence: “ 'You Really Got Me', 'All Day And All Of The Night' ... were predecessors of the whole three-chord genre ... The Kinks did a lot to help turn rock n roll into rock.” In 1998, writer Bill Crowley wrote, “As lead guitarist and founder of The Kinks, Dave Davies is one of the most unpredictable and original forces in rock, without whom guitar-rock styles including heavy metal and punk would have been inconceivable. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dave's massive guitar sounds have inspired bands from Van Halen to Green Day.”

Dave explains that 'Rippin Up Time' is about “a man's reflections of the past, his fears, anxieties and optimism about the present and hopeful expectations about the future. I had a lot of ideas in my head thinking about the past and how we started and the Kinks and my own life and the present and what's happening with my life now and concerns and worries, anxieties about the future. I suddenly had an image of all the times overlapping as if they're all in one place in my mind. I thought I'd just write it from the point of view of a dream. It's a mixture of emotions that I was going through as I was writing the songs, some would be happy or reflective or sad.”

Hard hitting tracks “Johnny Adams”, “Nosey Neighbours” and title track “Rippin Up Time” show Dave's classic riffs, distinctive singing and playing style while songs like “Semblance of Sanity” and “Mindwash” take the listener to otherworldly, inner landscapes. Dave's son musician/producer Russ Davies' appearance is a surprise treat with his smokey vocals on “In the Old Days” and “Through my Window”. Says Dave, “It was wonderful working with my son Russ Davies and old friend David Nolte on this project and am really excited about the album.” Dave's accent and cockney brogue gives a delightful English flavour to many tracks. He shows his sensitive side in the pensive, futuristic ballad “Between the Towers” while “King of Karaoke” takes a humorous look at many people's favorite pastime. David Nolte's musical contributions and thoughtful co-production throughout 'Rippin Up Time' reveals an inspiring creative collaboration. Former E1 and PolyGram executive Bob Frank's Red River label which is distributed via Sony RED in the US is proud to be releasing 'Rippin Up Time' due out on October 28, 2014. 

In a recent interview with Andy Greene of Rolling Stone, Dave imparted, “I like to work quick. You want to attack an idea when it's living and breathing. I didn't want to reach the stage where I heard the songs so many times I began to second guess myself, which has happened in the past." (read the entire Rolling Stone interview here)

Since the early days, Dave Davies has worked on a slew of critically acclaimed records, ranging from solo hit single “Death of a Clown”, to experimental Kinks records like 'Village Green Preservation Society' and 'Arthur' as well as the classic 'Lola' in the 70's. In the 80's Dave released experimentally prescient solo work like the eponymous album titled 'Dave Davies' or 'AFL1-3603' named after himself and/or the barcode symbol face cover art. His mainstream success continued in the 80's on hit Kinks albums 'Low Budget' and 'State of Confusion'. In the 90's he released more solo work such as 'Bug' and the compilation 'Unfinished Business'. His songs have been featured in films by John Carpenter and on TV shows like 'The Sopranos', which used his tune “Living On A Thin Line”. His tell-all autobiographical book 'Kink' was well received in the late 90's as well. In recent years, Dave has collaborated creatively with his sons. In 2010 he worked with son Russell Davies in the Aschere Project to create the hauntingly, beautiful rock electronica album 'Two Worlds'. The film 'Mystical Journey', directed by son Martin Davies, narrates Dave's longtime interest in the paranormal, Eastern philosophies and spirituality (the film inspired Julien Temple s BBC documentary 'Kinkdom Kome'). In 2013 Dave released 'I Will Be Me' on Cleopatra Records. No matter how diverse the ambition, Dave Davies puts his heart and soul in all of his projects.

Ever the visionary legend always ahead of his time, from slashing up a speaker cone all those years ago to his new release 'Rippin In Time', Dave Davies, rocks the past, present and, no doubt, the future! 

Tracks include:

1. Ripping Up Time

2. Semblance of Sanity

3. King of Karaoke

4. Front Room

5. Johnny Adams

6. Nosey Neighbours

7. Mindwash

8. Between the Towers

9. In The Old Days

10. Through My Window

Dave Davies 'Rippin Up Time' is available for pre-order on Amazon

Dave Davies embarks a 13-date American solo tour beginning November 11th in Milwaukee. He will be performing several songs from the new album, along with all the Kinks classics!

Dave Davies tour dates:

11th Nov, 2014 - Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI

12th Nov, 2014 - City Winery Chicago. Chicago, IL

13th Nov, 2014 - City Winery Chicago. Chicago, IL

14th Nov, 2014 - The Magic Bag, Ferndale, MI

18th Nov, 2014 - Pullo Center, York, PA.

19th Nov, 2014 - The Center for Arts in Natick, Natick, MA

20th Nov, 2014 - Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT

21st Nov, 2014 - Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT

22nd Nov, 2014 - Musikfest Café, ArtsQuest Center, Bethlehem, PA

24th Nov, 2014 - City Winery, New York, NY

25th Nov, 2014 - City Winery, New York, NY

26th Nov, 2014 - The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, MA

28th Nov, 2014 - BergenPAC, Englewood, NJ

Kinks news!

On October 14, Legacy Recordings will celebrate 50 years of Kinkdom with the historic release of 'The Essential Kinks', the first-ever career-spanning retrospective anthology comprised of key recordings made for the Pye/Reprise, RCA, Arista and Columbia labels (track list below), and fully endorsed by the band. On November 10, Legacy will release an expanded CD/DVD deluxe edition of 'Muswell Hillbillies', The Kinks' 1971 masterpiece of working class social observation, a musical statement remarkably relevant in today's world. Newly remastered from the original analog tapes, 'Muswell Hillbillies' includes the original album in its entirety as well as nine bonus tracks (seven of them previously unavailable in North America), and a DVD of rare 1972 television appearances (never released in North America).

For more information: www.legacyrecordings.com

Dave Davies official website: http://davedavies.com/

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