Music Blog covers the Indie Music Scene with a focus on the WNY area. Bands are encouraged to submit promo material for review. Listening to new music with an open mind is important. This blog is about exposing new music and promoting new bands that want a push. Music blog is sponsored by Buffalo Iron Works and Buffalo's best comic book shop Queen City Bookstore. Visit https://www.youtube.com/@joetellsmusicblog3095 for Joe Tell's music blog videos.
Welks Mice, Buffalo’s premier vibraphone and vocal DIY pop duo, is back with their long awaited sophomore effort “BLUB BLUB”. Released 10/19/24 on Peterwalkee Records, songwriter Max Weiss (he/him) and vibraphonist Andre Welks-Fabretti (they/them) deliver an 8-song EP exploring themes of openness, positivity, and hope. The anxious and incessant edges of the duo’s debut album “Songs in C” give way to softer song forms while maintaining their signature stark and minimalist pop aesthetic that keeps Max’s lyrics central for the listener.
Aiding the band this time around is engineer/producer/patient-angel Derick Evans (he/him) who meticulously captured and refined the duo’s first ever digital recordings. Alongside a sprinkling of cello by Katie Wiessman (she/her), Derick also contributes the electric guitar and bass heard here and there.
After nearly 6 years since beginning this effort, an interim filled with pandemic and lockdown, babies and marriage, growth, turmoil, equipment malfunction, enduring friendship, and some brutal self-editing that left several fully recorded songs on the cutting room floor, Welks Mice proudly and lovingly present “BLUB BLUB”. Enjoy!
WBNY 91.3 has a new local music show called Queen City Popped Radio hosted by program director Sugar D. Lip, Al Baker (Kreepie "That Zombie Guy" Terror Technologies), Vokillz (American Idol Contestant), Molotov Mall (Hip Hop Artist) and Jesses James (Hip Hop Artist) on Tuesday nights. This music blog piece will be focusing on the show that aired on Nov. 5th, which was a welcome distraction from the political scene. I was recommended to DJ Sugar to help out with the show and recommend some musical content. (Yay!) After learning that DJ Sugar was a big fan of the local band RULE! (Yay!) I suggested she contact Angst to do a live interview on air and away we go!...
Upon initially tuning in on my phone, I heard DJ Sugar mention my band, Huffer Vermin, plugging our latest gig (Thank You Sugar!) ... (shameless plugs for past and present bands mentioned included)...
Up next, I was pleasantly surprised to hear our song Headphones On live on the air (Yay!). Youtube link for Headphones On by Huffer Vermin https://youtu.be/6Ub9bxOimSo?si=qQi_oP78LI9YOjv8 Huffer Vermin is a WNY alternative rock band that includes ex-members of Ansley Court, Chunkpipe? and Forever Green. Headphones On features lyrics by Jeff, Vocals by Mike B and Kevin, Lead Guitar by Todd, Drums by Mike B and Guitar by CycoJoe. Recorded, mixed and mastered in the Dungeon of Doom.
As promised straight from California, Buffalo native lead vocalist Angst (The Real Rulers, RULE!, Pimpslap the Atmosphere, Dethed 925/716 etc. etc...) called in live to do an exclusive interview with DJ Sugar. Angst talked about his musical past, present and future, thanking all his fellow musicians and telling some memorable stories about the local scene. (Thank You Bill!)
This led into a throwback song from RULE! called New Way, A song on which Angst sang on along with Carcass (Justin Kubiak) on guitar, Deep on bass and Johnny Panic on drums.
Next up was a mention of Robbie Goo from one of the best bands to ever break out of the local music scene, the Goo Goo Dolls. This led into a discussion about this year's Music Is Art 2024 show in which Dethbed 925/716 and Pimpslap the Atmosphere performed. Angst mentioned a classic Goo Goo Dolls song Don't Beat My Ass (With A Baseball Bat) from the Goo Goo Dolls first vinyl release from way back in '87. I remember going to see the Goo Goo Dolls in Buffalo with Angst and the place was packed. From what I can remember there was broken glass all over the stage and the band continued to perform.
Don't Beat My Ass was rereleased in 2013 on the Made To Be Broken release.
Next was a in-depth look into the history of the east/west coast connection, which is Dethbed 925/716. www.dethbedmusic.com It all began in 2018 with the return of Angst to the 716 and a visit to Loft studios. Angst brought back together the original 716 line-up of the Real Rulers (Angst, Carcass (Justin Kubiak) on guitar, Johnny Panic on drums and Cyco Joe on bass.). The end result was 2 original songs which are on Youtube. The first song is called A Great Divide, and it features Dave McManamo on drums https://youtu.be/uNBIxxgzRNs?si=04lFziVK220LUv3a.
It's important to note that there were no rehearsals beforehand or road map followed, all the performances were improvised and made into tangible songs by Angst upon his return to California. (Thank You Bill).
A new band was on the horizon as Angst recruited Buffalo native, Rick Andolina on drums (RIP) from California, Ace on guitar from Arizona working with David Hughes at Shine On Studios in Oakland, California to compose some new music as Medic Sun. Soundcloud music link
After finishing the vocals, drum and guitar tracks, only 1 thing was missing...electric bass. Your favorite blogger, Cyco Joe Tell was recruited to overdub bass on the songs to finish them. The bass tracks were recorded at the famed GCR Studios in Buffalo NY. The end result are the songs Ex-Communicate, Wallow, How Bout Now and Real Good Medicine. Above and beyond being powerful and heavy, these songs have some interesting sounds and unique mixes, sure to keep the listener interested and tuned in.
After the untimely passing of Rick Andolina, Dethbed 925/716 loomed large on the horizon. After reuniting with Johnny and Cyco Joe, Angst along with Ace went into improvised jam sessions with Jay Zubricky and Marc Hunt at GCR Studios. Angst and Ace brought these tracks back home to California (925) to compose and flesh out the ideas into songs.
Here's the latest and greatest line-up of Black Widow...
NINO - Bass, DUSTIN - Guitar, LANA - Vocals and Nujoe - Drums.
This is the back of the custom Black Widow guitar, Cool!
The mainstay of the 48 time Buffalo Area Music Award Winning band, Black Widow, for the past 14 yrs. has been Lana Marie. I don't think anyone else in Buffalo can even come close to claiming 15 personal BMAAwards! See Black Widow next time they perform and you'll see why Lana and Black Widow are deserving of every award they have ever won!
Here's to many more in the future!
Joe Bonamassa 10/27/18, Saturday at 8 PM Shea's Performing Arts Center 646 Main St, Buffalo, New York 14202
Backed by a stellar band of legendary musicians including Anton Fig (drums), Michael Rhodes (bass), Reese Wynans (piano/organ), and featuring background singers and horns to bring a whole new life to the show which will feature brand new songs alongside career-spanning favorites.
Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold are BACK and they aren't pulling any punches with their latest politically-charged rock'n'roll anthem, “The Cure”.
Armed with her trusty six string, Perry has once again penned a tune that beautifully captures the current sociopolitical climate of heightened dissatisfaction with the ‘powers that be’…and it just so happens to be catchy as hell.
Managing to snarl while also sounding sweet, the band's frontwoman asks of listeners:
"Tell me, tell me, who are they fighting for when we’re all fighting to be heard?
Tell me, tell me who are we dying for when we’re all begging for the cure?"
Like her rock'n'roll predecessors who didn't shy away from challenging the status quo, Perry is intent on making ‘music that matters’.
Judging by the success of her band's last release, “Not My Time” (2022) - which achieved airplay on 50 stations across North America and over 100,000 views on Youtube, all on a shoestring DIY budget - the marketplace is ripe for the return of unapologetic in-your-face rock.
Powerhouse frontwoman, Rose Cora Perry and her band, may just be the answer to ushering in the next generation of women rockers and appropriately so, as she hails from the same province as her childhood hero, Alanis Morissette.
Exclusive interview with Rose Cora Perry by Joe Tell. 1. What first got you into music? My parents enrolled me in classical voice lessons at a very young age so I must have demonstrated some sort of interest or ability in music right from the get-go. Being that I was only four at the time, I don't remember how it happened exactly but I DO remember loving being on stage - even early on - and how that love continued to grow the more I performed. 2. Who inspired you to make music? The very first song I ever wrote was actually about my concerns on the effects of pollution and oil spills on the environment - pretty heavy subject matter for a seven year old. I guess you could say even before I acknowledged the power of music and how it's truly a universal language, I knew on some level it was a form of media through which you could reach others and discuss important issues. Where my inspiration comes from is still a mystery to me - I just "hear" melodies in my head and then set them to words. 3. How would you describe the music that you typically create? I was recently asked that when setting up the distribution for my band's new EP "Other Side of the Story" and the only option that seemed to make sense was "brooding". Lol. In other words, I think people would consider me a "serious" songwriter in that my music is inspired by very real events and very real emotions that I feel. I aim to write very authentically - without any preconceived notions of how a song "should" sound or flow. The same goes for my lyrics - I write what and how I feel from my heart. If I had to choose a genre, I suppose I'd say "alternative" because while my music is based in the rock genre, it embraces a wide range of influences from classical to jazz to metal and grunge. 4. What is your creative process like? Unpredictable and "odd". I'll have dry spells for some time wherein I won't write anything for months. Then, all of a sudden I write a number of songs in a row in one sitting. My emotions largely drive my songwriting too so I have to be in a particular state of mind to write and again, as already mentioned, melodies just kinda come into my head without warning. 5. Who would you most like to collaborate with? Ooooh that's such a tough question as there are so many incredible artists out there (past and present) that I'd be so very honoured to work with! I think vocally I'd love to be able to harmonize with my fellow Canadian talents Ian Thornley, Alanis and Loreena McKennitt. I would die and go to heaven if Richie Sambora wanted to play lead guitar on one of my songs. 6. If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be? Joan Jett or Pat Benatar or a double bill with both! 7. What is one message you would give to your fans? Follow your dreams and what's in your heart. You may not always find success, but it's a lot worst always wondering "what if" than never trying at all. 8. Do you sing in the shower? What songs? Yes and usually my vocal warmups. 9. Which famous musicians do you admire? My fav band of all time is Veruca Salt. I adore the songwriting and vocal chemistry of Nina and Louise - it's nothing short of magical. I respect the heck out of Madonna for all that she's accomplished throughout her incredible career and how much she's opened doors for women in music. I think Paul McCartney has gotta be the coolest most down-to-earth rockstar in existence and Steven Tyler is my fav rock'n'roll frontman. 10. What’s next for you and the band? I guess you'll just have to wait and see! Follow us on social media to keep in the loop: www.facebook.com/rosecoraperryofficial www.twitter.com/rosecoraperry www.instagram.com/rosecoraperry
Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold - Other Side Of The Story EP music review by Joe Tell.
The Other Side Of The Story is a great introduction to Rose's dynamic music and heartfelt singing. Don't let her good looks fool you, her fiery singing and raw guitar playing add plenty of passion and power to the heavy rhythms. The first thing you hear when you play the Other Side Of The Story is Rose's strong and striking mezzo soprano vocals alongside a muffled, distorted guitar. The intro on For What It's Worth conveys a feeling of anticipation and a tense buildup waiting for what's coming up next. The full band kicks in bringing a hard and edgy alternative rock sound to the song. The sound is big and powerful with its chugging guitars and multi-layered vocals. Next up is Easy Prey, Check out the Youtube video for the song below...
A slamming drum beat by Tyler Randall starts off the track before the band joins in. Cora sings an soaring operatic aria over a hard-hitting rhythm track. Don't is the most musically adventurous song on Other Side Of The Story. Rose delivers a strong vocal over an emotional and reflective rhythm track. The track takes a twist with a staccato driven passage. A familiar sounding guitar part starts to strum and Rose confirms that the music is Nothing Else Matters from Metallica which fits in perfectly with the tempo and feel of Don't. A cover of Rolling In The Deep by Adelle is up next. Rose proves that she has the talented vocal chops to pull this song off with as much passion as the original version. Check out the video on Youtube below.
Darkest Days has a melancholy feel. Rose's somber sounding lyrics float perfectly over the top of the heaviest track of Other Side Of The Story. The track breaks down featuring Rose's stirring vocals and her guitar carrying the song into its conclusion. To hear Other Side Of The Story online goto https://soundcloud.com/rosecoraperry/
Music & Lyrics by Rose Cora Perry except for Rolling In The Deep. Vocals & Rhythm Guitars by Rose Cora Perry. Lead Guitars by Rose Cora Perry & Tyler Randall. Drums by Tyler Randall. Bass parts written by Rose Cora Perry & Ariel Kasler, additional arrangement by Tyler Randall and Justin Dow. Bass Performed by Amber Gorham. Recording & Editing by Justin Dow, SLR Studios. Additional Vocal & Guitar Tracking for Rolling In The Deep by Jamie Dean, The Sugar Shack. Mixed and Produced by Kevin O'Leary Mastered by Roger Lian Photography by Mystery Man Hair, Makeup, Styling & Photo Editing by Rose Cora Perry CD art by HER Media Inc.
From Warped Tour to Music is Art “Rock’s Not Dead”…At Least Not for This Canadian Band Being handpicked by the founder himself to rock the final Vans Warped Tour. Being selected as the only Canadian act to showcase at Summer Namm. Getting the crowd revved up at the legendary Whisky a Go Go for Ultimate Jam Night. Opening for Smashmouth at Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Regatta. These are just a handful of standout moments Canadian rock band, Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold, have already accomplished since forming in 2016. Said to capture the vocal essence of Benatar paired with the punk rock sensibility of Jett, Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold are set to release their highly anticipated debut EP this year entitled, “Other Side of the Story”. In conjunction with their forthcoming disc, Perry and crew will be embarking on “Part Deux” of their “Canadian Invasion” tour, which last year saw them play close to 50 shows in 10 states, along with select performances within their locale of Southwestern Ontario. On Saturday September 7th, Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold will be making a pitstop in Buffalo for this year’s 17th annual Music is Art Festival. Each September, The Music is Art Festival attracts tens of thousands from WNY and the world for its one-day, all-day, admission-free summer farewell celebration. The annual homegrown festival showcases over 700 musicians, dozens of DJs, hundreds of dancers, and over 75 display and live artist installations. Family-friendly attractions include non-profit booths, an ever popular interactive kid’s village, an instrument zoo, and plenty of food and drink. The event runs from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at RiverWorks (359 Ganson St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA) and RiverFest Park (249 Ohio St, Buffalo, NY 14204, USA) Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold will be rocking the Ganson & Michigan Outdoor stage located at RiverWorks at 1:15 pm.
Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold, will be making their Buffalo debut on Thursday September 6th at Nietzsche's.
Award-Winning Canadian Act Makes Buffalo Debut Hot off of Vans Warped Tour, award-winning Canadian rock trio Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold, are slated to make their Buffalo debut on Thursday September 6th at renowned local venue, Nietzsche's. In support of Perry's latest album, "Onto the Floor", the band's Buffalo stop is just one of many US dates in their latest "Canadian Invasion" tour which has included boastworthy appearances at: The Whisky a Go Go (Los Angeles), International Pop Overthrow (Chicago), Jersey Shore Festival (New Jersey), East Coast Music Conference (Virginia), Twin City Ribfest (North Carolina), Taste of Wisconsin (Kenosha) and Yellow Streets Spring Fair (Ohio). Formed in 2016, within six months of coming together, Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold conquered audiences of 25,000+ , performing at notable festivals and winning over crowds of 20-somethings & babyboomers alike. Acclaimed one of the Top #10 talents across Canada, last year the group was selected as the only Canadian act to showcase at Summer NAMM (Nashville). A month following their "Music City" success, Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold took the stage as the opening act for 90's hitmakers SmashMouth at Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Regatta; an event which attracts on average, 1.5 million attendees. Other accolades the group has racked up include being: awarded Best "Pop Rock" Music Video for "Away I Go", nominated for "Best Rock Artist" at the Toronto Independent Music Awards and featured as an international "buzzworthy" act by MusicDish China. The band's Buffalo debut is 21+ with a $5 cover; Perry and crew are set to take the stage at 10:00 pm with local openers Radio Static & Rabbit Jaw. Doors open at 8:00 pm. To learn more about Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold, connect with them on social media at: www.facebook.com/rosecoraperryofficial www.twitter.com/rosecoraperry www.instagram.com/rosecoraperry
If you’ve been around the Greater Toronto Area, you’ve likely heard a calm wind blowing, carrying the sound of The Howlin’ Gales. Originating in 2022 as a rock 'n' roll duo, Mark Sinclair (Vocals, Guitar) and Marcelo Maltez (Drums) took the GTA by storm, playing over 100 shows and imprinting their name and music on the local scene. With the addition of Cassius Lucchetta (Bass, Vocals), formerly of the Rumble Sons, and Matthew Chiarotto (Keys, Guitar), a noted live music photographer, The Howlin’ Gales have nurtured a more refined sound, blending country-rock with folk and blues undertones.
Here's a couple photos of Jim Crean and Hair Nation from a recent performance at the Showplace Theater alongside Mr. Speed and Grosh. Special thanks goes out to Rob from Talkin Bout Rock!
Screamtaker
Jim Crean's latest project is called Scream Taker. Scream Taker features Jim Crean, Vinny Appice and Steph Honde.
Jim Crean was part of the MOB (Musicians of Buffalo) benefit concert in 2021. The All-Star band featured Billy Sheehan on Bass and Vincent James on Guitar.
Photos courtesy of Jim Crean and Ray Enzinna Photography.
Jim and Vince.
Serpentine Vol. III is Jim Crean's third release of cover material.
Serpentine is an interesting word in itself and here's a couple of definitions of serpentine, like a serpent or snake (cool) and cunning and complex. A unique and uncommon word that has several different meanings which makes for a great album title.
Here's a rundown of the song list with a little background on some of the songs.
1. For Whom The Bell Tolls by Metallica.
Based on Ernest Hemingway's war novel and known for bassist Cliff Burton's use of a wah pedal.
2. Back In The Saddle by Aerosmith.
This song was a top 40 hit for Aerosmith in the late 70's. Instantly recognizable from it's distinctive bass sound. Played by Joe Perry on a Fender Bass VI.
3. We Die Young by Alice In Chains.
Released on the band's first promo only EP. The vinyl and cassette copies have since become collector's items
4. I'm Insane by Ratt. From their 84' top 10 release.
5. Heaven Tonight by Cheap Trick.
6. Crazy Nights by Loudness.
7. Queen Medley - Death On Two Legs/I'm In Love With My Car.
8. Ain't Talkin' Bout Love by Van Halen.
9. Lights Out by UFO.
10. Fly Me Courageous by Drivin N Cryin.
11. Moving In Stereo by The Cars.
12. Rearviewmirror by Pear Jam.
13. The Mountain Song by Jane's Addiction.
14. Strange Wings by Savatage.
Serpentine Vol. III features performances by Jim Crean, Steph Honde, Artie Dillon, Dave Pontrello, Art Kalenda, Anton Shcherbakov and Jim Papafagos.
Review for Jim Crean's release The Book Of Cryptids Vol. II by Joe Tell.
The first track on The Book Of Cryptids II is Medusa from Anthrax. Anthrax was one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the east coast in the 80's. Medusa is great example of early thrash metal at it's finest. Jim Crean performs the soaring vocals of Joey Belladonna, hitting all the high notes.
Next up is Kings and Queens from one of my favorite bands, Aerosmith. Kings and Queens was originally released in '77 on the Draw The Line album and the lyrics call to mind a medieval fantasy. Jim crushes the vocals, handling all of Steven Tyler's raw inflections to perfection.
Mirror Mirror (Look Into My Eyes) was released by Def Leppard in 1981 on the High 'n' Dry album. Def Leppard quickly established itself as one of the finest bands to come out of the British Metal scene in the early 80's with its high energy music and performances. This song is a perfect choice for Jim Crean who matches the primal energy and passion of the original. This song inspired me to revisit one of the best metal albums of the early 80's.
A Criminal Mind by Gowan is a Canadian rock classic. It's a unusual stylistic choice for Jim but he performs the vocals on the synth/progressive rock track with ease. Gowan emerged from Canada in '82 and is now a member of the band Styx. A Criminal Mind showcases Jim's emotive vocal chops on top of the progressive rock track. I found myself enjoying the vocal melodies and becoming a fan of this song the more I listened. One of the best songs on the CD.
Jim shows his love for 80's music by covering the top 10 hit Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground) by Mike + The Mechanics from '85.
Cry For Freedom is from the hard rock band White Lion. The song was released on their '89 gold album Big Game.
Love Is another surprising musical choice. The song shows yet another side style of Jim's unique vocal talent. Love Is was a top 10 hit and was originally released by Vanessa Williams as a duet with Brian McKnight in '93.
Jim returns to the rock sound with the grunge rock Star Dog Champion from Mother Love Bone. Jim's vocal style is best suited for the rock sound and this song proves it in spades.
Once again, Jim shows his love for the metal band the Scorpions covering When The Smoke Is Going Down. Jim covered Falling In Love by the Scorpions on his last cover album, Gotcha Covered. (see review) Jim's metallic crooning really shines on this one. Great Choice!
The final track is my favorite on the CD. Jim covers all the classic vocals of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Mary Clayton on Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones. The music sounds exactly like the record and Jim conveys all the energy and emotion from the original track.
The playlist on this CD is sure to please and rock 'n' roll fan and keeps things musically interesting by covering a wide range of prominent musical artists'.
Special thanks to Jim Crean.
Video compilation cover.
The video compilation and the autographed pic and guitar pick were included in my pre-order.
Jim Crean "Mirror,Mirror (Look Into My Eyes)" Def Leppard Cover
Written by Rick Allen,Joe Elliot,Rick Savage,Steve Clark & Pete Willis
Appears on the Album Jim Crean "The Book Of Cryptids"
Jim Crean~Lead & Background Vocals
Produced By: Steve Major
Video Edited by: James Papafagos
Jim Crean "Stardog Champion" Mother Love Bone Cover
Written by Bruce Ian Fairweather & Andrew Wood
Appears on the Album Jim Crean "The Book Of Cryptids"
Jim Crean~Lead & Background Vocals
Produced By: Steve Major
Video Edited by: James Papafagos
Jim Crean "When The Smoke Is Going Down" Scorpions Cover
Written by Klaus Meine & Rudolf Schenker
Appears on the Album Jim Crean "The Book Of Cryptids"
Jim Crean~Lead & Background Vocals
Produced By: Steve Major
Jim Crean "Gimme Shelter" The Rolling Stones Cover
Written by Mick Jagger & Keith Richards
Appears on the Album Jim Crean "The Book Of Cryptids"
Jim Crean~Lead & Background Vocals
Produced By: Steve Major
Jim Crean: The London Fog/Gotcha Covered interview and music review by Joe Tell.
Exclusive interview with Buffalo Music Hall of Fame alumni, Jim Crean by Joe Tell. Jim is currently promoting his two latest releases, The London Fog and Gotcha Covered. The London Fog and Gotcha Covered can be purchased by clicking on www.jimcrean.net or www.visionarynoise.com
Hello Jim, -When did you start singing? I started at the age of 13 and then started playing clubs by 15. -Which instruments do you play? I play guitar and sing. -What was the first tune you learned to sing and play? Dream On by Aerosmith. -Was anyone in your family musical? My dad was a drummer. -Which famous musicians do you admire? There are so many but probably mostly Ronnie James Dio & Steven Tyler from Aerosmith.
-Which famous musicians have you learned from? I have been privileged to work with so many known high profiled musicians so It’s hard to pinpoint one person! -What are your fondest musical memories? There are so many it’s hard to keep track of, especially touring with Appice, however I just recently was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall Of Fame and that was a highlight being recognized in my own home town!
-Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones? My biggest records that influenced me were Animal Magnetism from the Scorpions and all of the Talas albums!
-Who are your favorite musicians? Every one that I have worked with. -Any major tours/plans for the future? Yes I am going out on tour with Appice in the coming year and The Jim Crean Band is planning on doing many shows along with releasing a Live album / DVD from the Whiskey A Go Go in Los Angeles that we recorded back in August.
Thank you Jim!
Jim Crean - The London Fog music review by Joe Tell.
One of Jim Crean's 2019 releases is an all original album called The London Fog. (Released on Visionary Noise records and produced by Jim Crean and Steve Major) The London Fog is Jim Crean's third major solo release. The guest stars that play on The London Fog is a list of who's who in the hard rock world. Guests' include Steph Honde (Cafe' Bertrand, Paul Di'Anno (Iron Maiden) Hollywood Monsters), Mike Tramp (White Lion, Freak Of Nature), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Yngwie Malmsteen, Dio, Blue Oyster Cult), Carmine Appice (Cactus, Beck, Bogert and Appice, Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart, Ted Nugent, Vanilla Fudge), Vinny Appice (Rick Derringer, Black Sabbath, Dio, Heaven & Hell, John Lennon), Frank Dimino (Angel), Tony Franklin (The Firm, Jimmy Page, Quiet Riot, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Whitesnake), Rik Fox (Steeler, W.A.S.P.), Colleen Mastrocovo, Robby Lochner (Great White), A.D. Zimmer, Ray Tabano (Aerosmith), Artie Dillon, Barend Courbois, Robbie Robson, Eric Lebailley, Chris Tristram (House Of Lords), Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P., L.A. Guns), Chris Konys, Dave Pontrello, Freddie Villano, Carl Canedy (The Rods) and Mitch Perry (Michael Schenker, Talas, Ratt). Wow, very impressive. The London Fog starts off with Scream Taker. The intro is reminiscent of the cool music you usually hear at the beginning of any classic hard rock album and the music the band plays before you would see them in concert. Nice piano and guitar touches. The song features an all-star cast with Steph Honde on guitar and keyboards, Rudy Sarzo on bass and Vinny Appice on drums. The hard driving music starts fast and will make you move or raise your blood pressure, like a good rockin' song should. The lyrics strike me as a tribute to the legendary metal singer Dio. Jim immediately makes his presence heard with a couple of aggressive screams. An absolutely killer solo is enhanced with some nice string sounds. Jim takes the syncopated music out with a couple more high-pitched screams. Jim's vocal performance on Scream Taker is one of the best on the album, full of passion, fire and a little brimstone. Conflicted continues the high energy vibe, the song features Steph Honde on guitar and keyboards and A.D. Zimmer rips a short but sweet bass solo reminiscent of Billy Sheehan. The guitar intro establishes the mid-tempo rocker. Jim gives another impressive vocal performance punctuating the music perfectly. The lyrics reflect the drama that only a rock and roll love affair can provide. The next song Broken was released with a accompanying Youtube video. The video features Colleen Mastrocovo and members of Jim's cover band Hair Nation, Dan Kaplin and A.D. Zimmer. Click on the arrow in the middle to watch the video.
Broken sounds like it was pulled directly off of an MTV Headbangers ball playlist. Jim Crean delivers an emotionally driven and strong vocal performance, the song is completed with some blazing lead guitar by Steph Honde. Aphrodisiac is an exciting song that stimulates the listener in more ways than one. The repeating musical figures have a mesmerizing quality and the amazing guitar solo raises the sexual tension even more. Lady Beware has a solid drum beat that will get your toes tappin'. Jim's aggressive vocals rise above the backbeat lifting the energy up and the quick, sharp solo emphasizes the quick tempo. Let It Go is a ballad that features a melodic piano track further emphasized by a brilliant backing guitar track. Jim delivers another emotionally charged vocal performance. Loaded lifts the energy and the tempo back up. Loaded delivers a head-banging, fist pumping musical track. Jim provides a melodic touch with the catchy chorus. A.D. Zimmer provides the thunder with a pounding and punchy bass track. Candle is a duet that features Mike Tramp on vocals along with Jim. Candle is a song that Mike Tramp wrote with Freak Of Nature, it appears on the Gathering Of Freaks album. If you haven't heard of this song before you are missing out. Jim's version puts a new spin on the killer track. 1981 sounds like it is from 1981, one of my favorite years for heavy rock music. Colleen Mastrocovo provides a pounding and intense drum track. Jim Crean is seemingly singing about and old flame that he still may hold a candle for. The guitar solo on this track is one of the best on the entire album, absolute shredding! I can envision a massive crowd singing along with the catchy chorus. Time Will Let You Know is a stylish and sophisticated rock ballad that was written by Robin Zander. Jim delivers the goods once again providing a passionate vocal performance. A cover of Rod Stewart's Passion is up next. This song features the killer rhythm section of Carmine Appice on drums and Tony Franklin on bass. Jim does a great hard rock version of this song that you can still dance to. To watch the video on Youtube click on this link https://youtu.be/xJYzNZAYDiQ Fool delivers an Aerosmith-like punch. Jim shows off his rock vocal chops by expertly singing on this track like only he can. Former Aerosmith member Ray Tabano plays guitar on Fool. Don't Take Your Love is another duet that features Angel singer Frank DiMino. This song is a classic 70s arena rock anthem. Don't Take Your Love was written by Angel and it appears on the Angel album Sinful. Tears closes out The London Fog. A heavy guitar track is provided by W.A.S.P. veteran Chris Holmes. Jim belts out a melodic vocal track in perfect contrast to the metallic strings.
Jim Crean's second musical release of 2019 is called Gotcha Covered. Gotcha Covered is a good mix of popular rock songs and a few lesser-known deep cuts. The metallic and heavy, Hall Of The Mountain King by Savatage kicks off Gotcha Covered. Next up is Like The Way I Do by Melissa Etheridge. Jim puts his own unique spin on the song adding a heavy touch. Hungry by White Lion, Outlaw by The Scream and The Last Time by Badlands are a few songs I've never heard of but after listening to them it's obvious that they are all killer choices. The popular Lonely Nights by Bryan Adams is rocked up by Crean and Mazzy Star's Fade Into You is a surprising choice. Jim creatively turns the song into a rock ballad. Bye Bye Love by The Cars draws the listener back in with its familiarity. Falling In Love by the Scorpions is a song I have always loved and Jim does a stinging version. Jim executes a great version of Saved By Zero by The Fixx. Fellow hometown heroes the Goo Goo Dolls are next up on the album. Jim keeps the song melodic while making the main riff even stronger and heavier. Cry No More is a deep cut by the band Arcade. Arcade was fronted by Stephen Pearcy (Ratt) and featured Fred Coury (Cinderella) on drums. When Heaven Comes Down by Dokken and Love Is Like Oxygen by The Sweet brings everyone back up to speed. A slammin', hard rock version of 25 or 6 to 4 by Chicago closes out Gotcha Covered in style.
