Rockin' News for Week of Oct 27,2008, p. 2
John Paul Jones confirms Led Zeppelin revival
however it won't be with Robert Plant
John Paul Jones, bass player with the legendary rock group Led Zeppelin was one of
the guests of the Manson's Guitar Show held over two days in Exeter, Devon last
weekend.
Jones was there to answer a Q&A session, which he concluded by playing a couple of
numbers to an excited audience of Led Zeppelin fans. After discussing the formation
of the band, the origin of the band's name, his favourite riffs, their song-writing
process, and his more recent work as a producer, he finally confirmed reports that
the rest of the band - following their one off appearance at O2 Arena, London last
year - were itching to get out on the road.
however it won't be with Robert Plant
John Paul Jones, bass player with the legendary rock group Led Zeppelin was one of
the guests of the Manson's Guitar Show held over two days in Exeter, Devon last
weekend.
Jones was there to answer a Q&A session, which he concluded by playing a couple of
numbers to an excited audience of Led Zeppelin fans. After discussing the formation
of the band, the origin of the band's name, his favourite riffs, their song-writing
process, and his more recent work as a producer, he finally confirmed reports that
the rest of the band - following their one off appearance at O2 Arena, London last
year - were itching to get out on the road.
*** *** *** ***
He confirmed that Robert Plant, the band's original lead singer, would be unlikely to join them, as he was committed to his work with
Alison Krauss, although they could be reunited with him in "a couple of years."
In the meantime, the band who now comprise of Jones,Jimmy Page and Jason Bonham (son of the original drummer, John, who Jones
referred to as useful 'archivist' of how Led Zeppelin played their songs live) were looking for a new frontman before hopefully taking to
the road.
Jones said, "As you probably know, Jimmy, Jason and I are actually rehearsing and we've had the odd singer come in and have a bash. As
soon as we know — which we don't — we will let you know. But we really hope that something is going to happen soon because we really
want to do it and we're having a lot of fun, actually, just rehearsing. Jason is actually tremendous... And what we've done so far sounds
absolutely fantastic. When it does come, it will come, and you'll know about it."
He then added, "We really wanna do something and Robert doesn't want to do this, at least for the moment. I don't really know what his
plans are. He really doesn't want to make loud music anymore. We do. I mean, I love acoustic music, but it doesn't stop me from turning
something up." Jones also indicated during the interview that there could well be a DVD of the O2 show released.
The Mansons Guitar Show showcased some of the latest technology in the music world, and guests included Jim Marshall, who founded the
amplifier company, Justin Hawkins former lead singer of The Darkness with his new band Hot Leg, JJ Burnell from The Stranglers, Jas
Morris a former Guitarist of the Year winner, Jethro Tull's Martin Barre, and Aziz Ibrahim of the Stone Roses.
(Article by: Scott Williams, courtesy of www.egigs.co.uk)
He confirmed that Robert Plant, the band's original lead singer, would be unlikely to join them, as he was committed to his work with
Alison Krauss, although they could be reunited with him in "a couple of years."
In the meantime, the band who now comprise of Jones,Jimmy Page and Jason Bonham (son of the original drummer, John, who Jones
referred to as useful 'archivist' of how Led Zeppelin played their songs live) were looking for a new frontman before hopefully taking to
the road.
Jones said, "As you probably know, Jimmy, Jason and I are actually rehearsing and we've had the odd singer come in and have a bash. As
soon as we know — which we don't — we will let you know. But we really hope that something is going to happen soon because we really
want to do it and we're having a lot of fun, actually, just rehearsing. Jason is actually tremendous... And what we've done so far sounds
absolutely fantastic. When it does come, it will come, and you'll know about it."
He then added, "We really wanna do something and Robert doesn't want to do this, at least for the moment. I don't really know what his
plans are. He really doesn't want to make loud music anymore. We do. I mean, I love acoustic music, but it doesn't stop me from turning
something up." Jones also indicated during the interview that there could well be a DVD of the O2 show released.
The Mansons Guitar Show showcased some of the latest technology in the music world, and guests included Jim Marshall, who founded the
amplifier company, Justin Hawkins former lead singer of The Darkness with his new band Hot Leg, JJ Burnell from The Stranglers, Jas
Morris a former Guitarist of the Year winner, Jethro Tull's Martin Barre, and Aziz Ibrahim of the Stone Roses.
(Article by: Scott Williams, courtesy of www.egigs.co.uk)
| Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Jason Bonham reunited in '07, but Plant could be out for '08 |
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Alice in Chains Using Foo Fighters / Stone Sour Producer For New Album
ALICE IN CHAINS will kick off 2009 with a main-stage slot on Australia's Soundwave Festival (February 21 - March 1) alongside such
acts as NINE INCH NAILS, LAMB OF GOD, ALKALINE TRIO, THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS and more.
However, more touring isn't the only thing up ALICE IN CHAINS' sleeve for 2009. There's also a new record on the way — the band's
first studio album since 1995. Right now, Jerry Cantrell (vocals, lead guitar), Mike Inez (bass), Sean Kinney (drums) and William DuVall
(vocals, guitar) are hunkered down in a Los Angeles studio crafting their latest opus. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS,
RUSH, STONE SOUR, TRIVIUM, SHADOWS FALL, DEATH ANGEL), the album promises to be a sonic journey guided by eerily
psychedelic solos, and unforgettable riffs.
ALICE IN CHAINS' manager, David Benveniste (Beno) of Velvet Hammer Music and Management Group, comments, "Our collective vision is
to extend ALICE IN CHAINS into phase two of their career worldwide. They have tremendous heritage, having sold some 15 million
records, and an amazing repertoire of new material that they've written. Most importantly, ALICE IN CHAINS will be on the road in
2009 bringing new music to fans everywhere."
The new disc will mark the recording debut with ALICE IN CHAINS of frontman William DuVall, who has been singing with the group since
they officially reunited in 2006. Original vocalist Layne Staley died in April 2002.
(Courtesy of 93x.com and blabbermouth.net)
Alice in Chains Using Foo Fighters / Stone Sour Producer For New Album
ALICE IN CHAINS will kick off 2009 with a main-stage slot on Australia's Soundwave Festival (February 21 - March 1) alongside such
acts as NINE INCH NAILS, LAMB OF GOD, ALKALINE TRIO, THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS and more.
However, more touring isn't the only thing up ALICE IN CHAINS' sleeve for 2009. There's also a new record on the way — the band's
first studio album since 1995. Right now, Jerry Cantrell (vocals, lead guitar), Mike Inez (bass), Sean Kinney (drums) and William DuVall
(vocals, guitar) are hunkered down in a Los Angeles studio crafting their latest opus. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS,
RUSH, STONE SOUR, TRIVIUM, SHADOWS FALL, DEATH ANGEL), the album promises to be a sonic journey guided by eerily
psychedelic solos, and unforgettable riffs.
ALICE IN CHAINS' manager, David Benveniste (Beno) of Velvet Hammer Music and Management Group, comments, "Our collective vision is
to extend ALICE IN CHAINS into phase two of their career worldwide. They have tremendous heritage, having sold some 15 million
records, and an amazing repertoire of new material that they've written. Most importantly, ALICE IN CHAINS will be on the road in
2009 bringing new music to fans everywhere."
The new disc will mark the recording debut with ALICE IN CHAINS of frontman William DuVall, who has been singing with the group since
they officially reunited in 2006. Original vocalist Layne Staley died in April 2002.
(Courtesy of 93x.com and blabbermouth.net)
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Move Over, Rover. Let Jimi Take Over
(By Nate Chinen, courtesy www.nytimes.com)
The Experience Hendrix Tour, which rolled into the Hammerstein Ballroom on Tuesday, borrows its name from the Jimi Hendrix Experience,
and from that band’s epochal first album, “Are You Experienced.”
It also shares a name with Experience Hendrix, the company that manages the legendary guitarist’s estate, run by some members of the
Hendrix family (but as copious legal records will show, not all of them).
What’s in a name? The tour, which features the surviving members of the Jimi Hendrix Experience along with a battery of impressive
stand-ins on guitar, lives up to its billing in terms of song choice, style and execution. But as a command and a promise, “Experience
Hendrix” can’t help falling short, if only because of the irrevocable absence at its core. There are more truthful, less sexy imperatives for
what this package ultimately entails: venerate, validate and commemorate, for starters.
That’s not to say there was a shortage of thrills on Tuesday night, especially for the guitar nerds in the house. During the first half Eric
Johnson confirmed his reputation for technical wizardry on back-to-back versions of “Bold as Love” and “Are You Experienced,” precisely
etching some phrases and artfully smearing others. In a rewarding contrast, he also teamed up with the Memphis blues guitarist Eric Gales
for “May This Be Love,” a dreamlike ballad based on a melodic drone.
Mr. Gales opened the show with “Purple Haze” and “Foxy Lady,” two classics just similar enough to warrant separation from each other.
But he did them justice, reworking the melodies to suit his deep and roomy voice. The predatory tempo of “Foxy Lady” worked well for
him, and he indulged in some Hendrixesque tricks: swiping an arm along the neck of his guitar, soloing with the instrument balanced behind
his head.
Billy Cox, who played bass with the second iteration of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, joined Mr. Gales and later intermittently returned.
As for Mitch Mitchell, the influential original drummer with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, he drifted on and off the stage, but in a
secondary capacity, as an accent or accessory. The principal drummer for most of the show was Chris Layton, a resourceful and
indefatigable presence.
Among the evening’s more faithful evocations were a subdued “Little Wing,” featuring David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos, and a
sprawling “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” featuring the raucous blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Even better along these lines,
though, was Jonny Lang, working in tandem with Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford on a powerhouse version of “Fire.” Though hardly the most
dazzling guitarist on the bill, Mr. Lang was among the better singers, and he threw himself headlong into the songs: he got equally strong
results out of “Spanish Castle Magic” and “The Wind Cries Mary.”
Still, it was a pair of elder bluesmen who brought the show to its logical conclusion. Hubert Sumlin, an acknowledged influence on Hendrix,
infused “Killing Floor” with spindly commentary, working with and against the groove. And Buddy Guy, in a track suit and a fedora, set out
to mop the floor with everyone who had preceded him. There was not a speck of deference in his playing: not on his own slow-drag tune,
“Out in the Woods,” and not even on “Red House,” a blues song written by Hendrix. But his defiant charisma felt true to the spirit of the
moment, and so did his scary authority. His was the kind of experience that counts.
Move Over, Rover. Let Jimi Take Over
(By Nate Chinen, courtesy www.nytimes.com)
The Experience Hendrix Tour, which rolled into the Hammerstein Ballroom on Tuesday, borrows its name from the Jimi Hendrix Experience,
and from that band’s epochal first album, “Are You Experienced.”
It also shares a name with Experience Hendrix, the company that manages the legendary guitarist’s estate, run by some members of the
Hendrix family (but as copious legal records will show, not all of them).
What’s in a name? The tour, which features the surviving members of the Jimi Hendrix Experience along with a battery of impressive
stand-ins on guitar, lives up to its billing in terms of song choice, style and execution. But as a command and a promise, “Experience
Hendrix” can’t help falling short, if only because of the irrevocable absence at its core. There are more truthful, less sexy imperatives for
what this package ultimately entails: venerate, validate and commemorate, for starters.
That’s not to say there was a shortage of thrills on Tuesday night, especially for the guitar nerds in the house. During the first half Eric
Johnson confirmed his reputation for technical wizardry on back-to-back versions of “Bold as Love” and “Are You Experienced,” precisely
etching some phrases and artfully smearing others. In a rewarding contrast, he also teamed up with the Memphis blues guitarist Eric Gales
for “May This Be Love,” a dreamlike ballad based on a melodic drone.
Mr. Gales opened the show with “Purple Haze” and “Foxy Lady,” two classics just similar enough to warrant separation from each other.
But he did them justice, reworking the melodies to suit his deep and roomy voice. The predatory tempo of “Foxy Lady” worked well for
him, and he indulged in some Hendrixesque tricks: swiping an arm along the neck of his guitar, soloing with the instrument balanced behind
his head.
Billy Cox, who played bass with the second iteration of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, joined Mr. Gales and later intermittently returned.
As for Mitch Mitchell, the influential original drummer with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, he drifted on and off the stage, but in a
secondary capacity, as an accent or accessory. The principal drummer for most of the show was Chris Layton, a resourceful and
indefatigable presence.
Among the evening’s more faithful evocations were a subdued “Little Wing,” featuring David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos, and a
sprawling “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” featuring the raucous blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Even better along these lines,
though, was Jonny Lang, working in tandem with Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford on a powerhouse version of “Fire.” Though hardly the most
dazzling guitarist on the bill, Mr. Lang was among the better singers, and he threw himself headlong into the songs: he got equally strong
results out of “Spanish Castle Magic” and “The Wind Cries Mary.”
Still, it was a pair of elder bluesmen who brought the show to its logical conclusion. Hubert Sumlin, an acknowledged influence on Hendrix,
infused “Killing Floor” with spindly commentary, working with and against the groove. And Buddy Guy, in a track suit and a fedora, set out
to mop the floor with everyone who had preceded him. There was not a speck of deference in his playing: not on his own slow-drag tune,
“Out in the Woods,” and not even on “Red House,” a blues song written by Hendrix. But his defiant charisma felt true to the spirit of the
moment, and so did his scary authority. His was the kind of experience that counts.