Thank You For The Music: Glenn Frey

Last week, another Musical Legend left us. Maybe not as high profile as David Bowie but just as talented. In fact, Glenn Frey, with his band Eagles and solo, has been played played many more times in Fleet Towers than Mr Bowie. It's just MY musical taste.

Glenn Frey was one of the lynchpins of one of the biggest bands ever to have emerged from the USA. The band was the Eagles. Together with songwriting partner, Don Henley, Glenn fronted the band for it's whole career. And within that group, wrote some of the best songs of the 1970s.

But, let's take a step back.

Glenn came to California in 1968 after a brief stint with Bob Seger aged 19 in his home town of Detroit. In California, he met up and shared a house with two fellow musicians who went on to have stellar careers in the Music Business, J D Souther and Jackson Browne.

And it was as part of a duo with J D Souther called Longbranch Pennywhistle, that Glenn first flexed his songwriting and vocal muscles. They released one album together. Good luck in finding one.

In 1970, fate stepped in - J D Souther had a girlfriend - a lady named Linda Rondstadt. She was a singer in need of a backing band. This band brought together Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Randy Meisner & Bernie Leadon. In 1971, they went on to form Eagles. The rest is indeed, History.

Glenn was on Vocals, Guitar & Keyboards - Don Henley on Vocals & Drums, Bernie Leadon on Vocals & Guitars and Randy Meisner on Vocals & Bass. 

Later to include Don Felder on Vocals & Guitars.

Eagles went on to produce 4 albums between 1972 and 1975 - that one a year. Eagles (1972) Desperado (1973) On The Border (1974) One Of These Nights (1975).

Glenn was the songwriter, with Jackson Browne, of Eagles first hit single in 1972 - 

the brilliant Take It Easy.

This started a run of classic hit singles which lit up the US charts in the early to mid 1970s.

All the singles were brought together for one of the biggest albums ever released - the seminal Eagles: Their Greatest Hits 1971 - 1975. This album alone has sold over 42 million records. And these were in the days where you physically had to make your way to a record store and buy a copy on either 12" Vinyl, Cassette or 8 Track Cartridge. In the 70s, it was absolutely everywhere. I think what sealed the deal in he UK was the fact that guys finally caught on that girls liked the album. You'd always see guys walking around with this album tucked under their arm heading to the nearest party. 

From their first album, Glenn had formed a formidable songwriting partnership with Don Henley and many of the groups best songs and hits contained the special (Henley/Frey) on the labels. 

This is one of those beauties - with Glenn on piano. Desperado.

Glenn was still writing with his first songwriting partnner, J D Souther and this is one is an absolute gem.

Although Don Henley carried the majority of the lead vocals, this just made it a bit special when Glenn took the lead.

Following on from the success of Greatest Hits - Bernie Leadon quit Eagles for pastures new and this brought in Guitar Hero, Joe Walsh into the fold and the recording took place of one of the biggest albums of all time  - The Majestic, Hotel California. Released on December 8th 1976, it went on to sell over 30 million albums. That's two of the biggest albums of all time - one after the other!

Again, the majority of the album was based around the songwriting duo of Henley/Frey - with one or two various co writers. Glenn had the lead vocals on one of the biggest hit singles on the album - New Kid In Town.

Although it's always given me a giggle that Eagles brought in a real rock n roll guitarist in Joe Walsh which, for many, signaled a toughening up of the band, and as his first song with his new group brought one of the sweetest songs the band ever recorded in Pretty Maids All In  A Row.

But the crowning glory of not only the album - but possibly of the whole Henley/Frey canon is the truly breathtaking The Last Resort

It was not until 1979 that Eagles got together again to record their follow up to Hotel California - it was a rather patchy album called The Long Run.

The songwriting duo of Henley/Frey came back yet again and Glenn provided lead vocals on Opening single Heartache Tonight.

The guys then called it a day until 1984 when the reunion album Hell Freezes Over - named after a famous quote by Don Henley about the band - was released with 4 new songs - one being Glenn Frey's The Girl From Yesterday with Glenn taking lead vocals.

Following The Long Run, Eagles disbanded to follow solo pursuits. And 1982 saw the first of 5 solo releases over the years with No Fun Aloud. 

In 1984 came the biggest success of Glenn's solo work with the album The Allnighter. It spawned two hit singles with Sexy Girl & Smuggler's Blues which was used in the Miami Vice show.

This year also saw Glenn contribute The Heat Is On to the soundtrack of Beverly Hills Cop - and was a worldwide smash hit.

1988 saw the album Soul Searchin again hit the charts and Glenn still had the knack of producing the hit single  with both the title track and True Love.

Many of Glenn's solo songs ( and some Eagles songs ) have been written with his old friend Jack Tempchin - a fine songwriter in his own right,

By the time Strange Weather was released in 1991 Glenn's solo work was finding itself a victim of the law of diminishing returns and his singles had now stopped troubling the charts.

The Eagles had re-established themselves as a band int he early 2000s and had finished several small tours before they got together to produce their last album with Glenn, 2007's Long Road Out Of Eden. But with 20  tracks on the double album, only 4 were written by that great team of Henley/Frey - all of the others were individuals bringing their songs for the band to perform. In my opinion it would have made a much better single album than the double it was released but perhaps the band felt they needed to get the songs out as they felt it could be their last Hurrah.

It was perhaps no surprise that the band returned to their Country Rock roots for lead off single How Long - written by J D Souther with Glenn on lead vocals - coming full circle and back to where they had all started.

But Glenn had one more solo album in him and 2012 saw Glenn go where many have gone before and produce an album of covers based on the Great American Songbook with a couple of songs by Brian wilson & Ranndy Newman thrown in for good measure. This album was After Hours.

So January 18th 2016 saw Glenn going to that Great Gig In The Sky but leaving us with a wealth of gorgeous music to continue to enjoy and probably now the final demise of one of the greatest bands ever to come out of America.

I, for one, salute you Glenn. You will be missed.

Thank You For The Music: David Bowie

This is NOT an obituary. Top Journo's write the obituaries. This is just one Music Lover's acknowledgment that today we have lost a shining light - not only in the field of Music but all aspects of the visual arts too.

I will say here and now that I am not a total fan of David Bowie. I had a few of his albums - together with ChangesOneBowie & ChangesTwoBowie but a lot of his material left me cold. But some was truly remarkable.

I first came across David Bowie by hearing my cousin Belinda's copy of Hunky Dory. 

I couldn't afford to buy a copy - so I taped it. That was about 1972 I think. I loved its theatricality looking back. I was just getting into Prog and Hunky Dory has some killer songs. Little did I know at the time that Prog God Rick Wakeman is all over the album.  Anyway, I know it was before Bowie's breakthrough performance on Top Of The Tops - his performance of Starman.

It was one of those Iconic moments that only Top Of The Pops could produce. It was the talk of the schoolyard the following day. And it started a spate of haircuts that must have kept the local hairdressers and barbers in hairspray and product for the whole year. I was lucky - Belinda was a hairdresser. The 'Bowie Cut' cost me and cousin Peter nowt. 

From this magnificently camp performance came the Ziggy Stardust album. I didn't enjoy this as much as Hunky Dory and the following several albums left me cold - save for the occasional songs and hit single such as The Jean Genie, Sorrow or Golden Years. And I let my hair grow long.

Where Bowie really got me back into the fold was on the next 3 albums - the Berlin Trilogy of Low, Heroes & Lodger.

This was music I was more in tune with. This was David Bowie at (up to then) his most experimental

.

Bowie was often great at finding the right collaborator and in Berlin he found a kindred spirit in Brian Eno. They brought the best out of each other at the time to produce three extraordinary albums.

If it was just for his career up to this point, David Bowie would be forever remembered. But there was so much more to him. He was a producer, songwriter for others such as Mott The Hoople, he was a painter and an actor.

Bowie never captured my Imagination to the same extent again. Yes he produced the occasional song that was superb out of leftfield. But by this point it was expected rather than surprising.

I have vivid memories of the great song that Bowie produced with Queen - Under Pressure.

1985 brought Live Aid and Bowie was one of the performers who played a blinder that day. 

He even gave up one of his songs to let the broadcasters play the video of the cars Drive. That one decision by Bowie apparently generated millions of pounds just by showing that one video with one selfless act. Nobody who saw that at the time will ever forget that moment.

The Cars Drive Live Aid Video introduced by David Bowie

Bowie did join forces with my favourite guitarist Pat Metheny for a song from the soundtrack of the film The Falcon & The Snowman called This Is Not America.

But, David Bowie went on to produce more varied and original work.

He was Fearless, He was an Innovator, He was an Inspiration.

In 2013, after a health scare and a ten year absence, Bowie returned to rave reviews with his album The Next Day. This one I liked. It was stately, elegiac and somewhat nostalgic and majestic in places.

And finally, just two days ago, he released his Swansong, Black Star. 

David knew his time was short. He knew it would be his last album. It got rave reviews before it's release. Now it will be dissected in a totally different light. 

He had time to plan his own goodbye. Black Star IS that goodbye. Make of it what you will. It still sees an artist working to push boundaries right up to the final moment.

David Bowie Blackstar

That is how I will see and remember

David Bowie. 

Above All - As An Artist.

My DISCOVERY of 2015: HUNGRYTOWN

If you are a music lover, there will always be a place for radio.

Gone are the days when your mates would come around to your house with their albums tucked under their arms ready to introduce you to this fantastic new band or artist they'd discovered. God, I miss those days.

The nearest thing we have these days is the radio. I don't mean the DJs who are only concerned with self promotion and opening their next supermarket or compiling their latest Ibiza mix cd. I'm talking about the kind of DJs who are more concerned with the music than themselves. People such as John Peel, Bob Harris or a name that might be new to you, Adam Wilson.

Adam Wilson presents a show called The Quiet Revolution - the name kind of speaks for itself - it's the quieter sounds of Folk, Americana, World and Blues music that Adam loves. And he shows this love every fortnight, on a Tuesday night at 10pm on Harborough FM. 

The Quiet Revolution

Adam Wilson with guest singer/songwriter Paul McClure

As I live in South Wales and could not pick up Adam's show on normal radio, I usually tune in via the internet or Tune In app on my phone.

It was on one of his shows early on this year that Adam played a track by Hungrytown. Once I'd heard it I rushed to find out more information immediately. I found their website and then ordered their first two albums via Amazon. 

I left their new album Further West to buy it directly from the duo as I also discovered they were touring and were playing a gig 5 miles up the road from my home. Result!

Hungrytown are Rebecca Hall & Ken Anderson - hailing from Vermont in the USA.

They are now three albums into their career together with the latest album Further West being released this year.

Rebecca & Ken play a delicious blend of acoustic based folk music with harmonies to die for. Often delicate, often reflective their music comes from the heart and the soul. Their latest album Further West is an album of journeys, journeys of the heart as well as the miles. Their harmonies are close knit as you could possibly be. 

I recorded this video of the performance I went to see earlier in the year. This was a very special gig indeed - they played with no amplification whatsoever and it was like having the duo in your front room, singing right in front of you. It was a magical evening.

All of the three albums - Hungrytown - Any Forgotten Thing and Further West are worthy of a place in your record collection.

And one final thing - Rebecca & Ken are two of the loveliest people out there - they come over t the UK every year - so seek out the show nearest to you and pop along to see them. You'll be most welcome and you'll have a fabulous evening of music to savour.

Twitter - @hungrytown

The Hungrytown Website

Albums of 2015: Prog Album of 2015 - Karnataka: Secrets Of Angels

Anyone who reads the pages of this Blog will be aware that I love all different types of music - but Prog was my first love - so I thought I would include it in my End Of Year offerings as a section of it's own as I listen to a lot of Progressive Rock.

Now - there is a moral to the tale this year - DO NOT throw away your Prog Magazines, for a year at least. In the beginning of December, as work and life commitments calmed down, I got a chance to revisit all this year's Prog Magazines and in the March 2015 issue I came across the article about the new album by Karnataka. I don't know how I missed it first time around but I did. Anyway, after reading the article I ordered the cd.  And what had I missed???

I didn't think I'd see a Prog album that would be better than Steven Wilson's Hand. Cannot. Erase. in 2015 - but I have!!!

Secrets Of Angels by Karnataka is simply magnificent.

I'm not going to go into great detail about the band here - they do a splendid job themselves on their website.

Karnataka Band History

But, just a little background to the release.

Karnataka is the brainchild of local boy (to me anyway i.e Swansea) Ian Jones.

It has taken several incarnations since it's conception in 1997 but today's line-up is probably the best they've had in my humble opinion.

With Ian Jones the sole member since it's conception, Karnataka now consist of Ian Jones on Bass & Keyboards, Enrico Pinna on Guitars, Cagari Tozluoglu on Keyboards, Jimmy Pallagrosi on Drums and Hayley Griffiths on Vocals.

there are other guest musicians on the album such as Seana Davey on harp

Secrets Of Angels is the band's 7th album and the first non-live album since 2010's The Gathering Light. 

Hayley Griffiths joined the band before their live album - 2012's New Light - which was also filmed for a dvd release.

Hayley has now become an integral member of the band not only as lead vocalist but also Co-writing a lot of the songs on the album with Ian Jones.

Jimmy Pallagrosi recording the drums for opening track Road To Cairo

Click for The Road To Cairo

So, three years in gestation, the album is a strident move on from The Gathering Light. The opening track The Road To Cairo sets the tone for what is to come. It may bring to mind bands such as Evanesence and Within Tempation. Karnataka have always had a folky and celtic side to their music but this first track brings in an eastern shade into their music which is a lovely addition to the Karnataka sound.

One feature of the album is that the first eight of nine songs are all around the 6 minute mark. This doesn't mean that the songs lack the creative journey of the older songs in the Karanaka repertoire. Indeed, it gives more urgency to several of the tracks and the dynamics of the songs on Secrets Of Angels is one of it's greatest strengths, shown on songs such as Because Of You and the string laden Poison Ivy, which also continues the Eastern sound within the album.

One of he strongest features of Secrets Of Angels is that it is dripping in melody. Be it Hayley's multi-layered vocal harmonies or especially some of the keyboard or string sections that permeate though the majority of the album.

There are three songs that could have single potential if the band so wished - one being the driving Borderline with it's soaring and harmonic chorus.

The next track on the album, the dramatic Fairytale Lies is another that could trouble the single charts if it was released.

For me, the two highlights of Secrets Of Angels are the final two tracks.

Firstly we have the melodious Feels Like Home. With a melody that is absolutely gorgeous, it grows from Hayley's solo soprano voice into a soaring multi harmony extravaganza with the boys joining in on vocal duties and a sympathetic guitar solo which is there for feeling and not for show.

So we come to the final track - the 21 minute title track, Secrets Of Angels.

The best thing about Prog is that it has the capability to enable artists to take on long form music which can capture a variety of moods and passions within a single song.

It has been attempted by many Prog artists and has not always been pulled off. But when it works, there is no music like it.

Think of YES's Close To The Edge or Genesis' Supper's Ready of two examples that work beautifully.

It may take several years to become acknowledged but I think Karnataka have achieved this kind of success on the track Secrets Of Angels. Not so much the delicacy of Close To The Edge but the dynamism of YES's other masterwork The Gates Of Delirium but with an Eastern/Folky side added to the mix.

All of the band pull out out all of the stops for this one track - the musicianship is right up there with the best that Prog has to offer. A special mention must go to Jimmy for such varied drumming and Ian with his bass lines and backing vocals, to Enrico who has a chance to showcase his guitar skills and takes the chance with relish and to Cagari who provides complimentary keyboard patterns and flourishes that enhance and not overpower the music. 

And keep an ear out for some sterling work from Troy Donockley of the band Nightwish.

But the real star of the track has to be Hayley Griffiths. God, I've listened to a ton of music in 2015 and this is the Best Female Vocal Performance of 2015 - without a shadow of a doubt. Hayley's harmonies and voice soars and sweeps above the music, especially in the final section.

Like the best Prog it is hymnal and extremely moving. And it leaves you with a feeling of euphoria.

If the album contained just this title track - then I would pay over the money thankfully.

Click to play The Secrets Of Angels

For an album of Majesty, Passion, Musicianship and soaring Melodies - look no further - 

Secrets Of Angels is your first stop.

Twitter - @Karnataka

KARNATAKA WEBSITE

My ALBUM OF 2015 - The Dreaming Spires - Searching For The Supertruth

I don't know much about Formula 1 - never really liked it. But I do know that if a car leads from the start it very often wins the race.

And as with Formula 1 - Searching For The Supertruth was my first album of 2015 and every album that came after it had to beat it. They didn't. This album has been with me for most of 2015. I have it on Vinyl & cd - an even my wife has a cd!

It is a terrific record. I said it all when I first reviewed it. So i'm not going to change my words now.

ENJOY!!!!!

The first album release of 2015 by Clubhouse Records was always going to be something a bit special. My favourite label keeps it's finger on the pulse of superb Americana, Country & Folk. And I was dying to see what came out of the traps first.

The beginning of the year brought us the sublime Darkest Before The Dawn EP by The Dreaming Spires, which was just the perfect aperitif for the main course to come.

Comprising of brothers Robin & Joe Bennett, together with drummer Jamie Dawson, The Dreaming Spires have brought us their sophomore release, the magnificent 

Searching For The Supetruth.

If their debut album, Brothers In Brooklyn, found the band searching for a sound, the Dreaming Spires have certainly found their sound with this album. It's a swirly, organic, joyous experience. With Robin Bennett writing all of the songs - the last 3 as co-writes - it's a natural progression from it's predecessor. 

Searching For The Supertruth opens with the 70s Glam Rock stomp of Still Believe In You. With a pounding beat, soaring harmonies, psychedelic guitar swirls, it calls to mind a 1960/70s soundscape brought right up to date in 2015.

Robin writes a lot of the songs based on real stories and experiences - the same characters keep popping up on various songs in The Dreaming Spires repertoire. This opening track, is one such song. But it doesn't mean that Robin can't be creative with his wordplay. 

'The revolution that you just can't feel holding on for something real in this endless galaxy, this strange depravity that holds you with its gravity down.'

The lyrics have definitely taken a more interesting route with this new album. Robin isn't afraid to ask the difficult questions and ponder on the even bigger ones.

 I haven't heard such a great opening track to an album for quite some time. It just makes you want to jump up and thrash that Air Rickenbacker 360/12.

photo courtesy of Megan Bennett

With just enough time to take a breath we're straight in with track two as the jangling guitars and speaker to speaker drums bring in All Kinds Of People. It's an anthemic joy and features questioning and anwering guitar phrases over tuneful drumming from Jamie that brings to mind Keith Moon from The Who. The track features a terrific wailing guitar that just begs to be answered.

'There are some kinds of people who don't think before they speak, there are some kinds of people who prey upon the weak.'

While you are left trying to catch your breath the boys just push the sound that much further with those jangling Rickenbackers & Danelectros, with what sounds like backwards guitar which The Beatles & The Byrds trademarked back in the 60s, which provide the backing to the truly magnificent title track, Searching For The Supertruth. The Spires have never been ashamed of showing their influences such as The Byrds, The Beatles, Big Star, Tom Petty - to name but a few. The guitars and multi-layered harmonies (the kind which only siblings can seem to conjure up) bring to mind these terrific musical influences.

'Sometimes you're a ripple, sometimes you're a wave, sometimes you're a footnote at the bottom of the page.'

After the breathtaking first three tracks, the Spires then slow the pace down with one of the more alternative sounding tracks on the album, the distinct shuffle of Strange Glue with an insistent piano riff. This is the first track that gets me thinking that Robin Bennett may have the spirit of Ray Davies buried underneath that skin of his. His wordsmithery and vocal phrasing bring to mind that great songwriter.

Although hailing from Oxfordshire, The Dreaming Spires have always had every other heartbeat in America and the next track up, the plaintive and intoxicating Easy Rider has the taste of the desert and the plains. It reminds me in structure of the excellent Johnathan Wilson track called Moses Pain from his Fanfare album. And at the moment, it is my favourite track on the album. It builds from a gentle balled into a widescreen epic. I have been privileged to see the guys perform this track live, with Simon from the band The Rosellys on extra guitar and it sounds like one of those 70s American classics like Freebird.

Robin Bennett & Simon Roselly

The next track sees the band return to America for their inspiration with another show stopping track (this album has SO many highlights) the EPIC Dusty In Memphis. The track has an autobiographical feel to it - again bringing to mind the great Ray Davies. The track starts off with a pounding beat and builds into a hymnic anthem with layered guitars and even sax provided by Geoff Widdowson (or Free Jazz Jeff) from Danny & The Champions Of The World (of whom Robin & Joe have been members in the past).

YOU KNOW WE GOT SOUL!!!!!

If this was the end of the album, you'd have thought that you'd have heard a classic album. But, there's even more....

The calm always follows the storm and after the emotional storm of Dusty In Memphis we are brought down to earth again with the beautiful, We Used To Have Parties. This is a glistening, shimmering, slow dance of a track featuring the sublime vocals of Sarah Cracknell (from St Etienne - with whom Robin & Joe have been working recently). It has a gorgeous melody and is coloured by the lovely lap steel of Joe Bennett.

This version with the excellent Lisa Redford on vocals

If I Didn't Know You sees The Spires return to the melodic, upbeat 60s jangling as Robin gives it the full McGuinn with lightning strumming opening into a song that Tom Petty or Roger McGuinn would have been proud to have written. It is joyous and uplifting and is really the only track that could have slipped easily onto their debut from this album. Such is the progression the band have made on Searching For The Supertruth.

Next up is the brief but slinky When The Magic Comes which sounds like a 70s track with it's electric piano & organ sounds.

The final track on the album is the 7 minute So Pretty. Based around an initial piano and bass riff, it sounds as if it's it's come straight from the Laurel Canyon writers of the 1970s. With Organ and guitars joining the magical swirling mix of the sounds. The Track then builds into an epic multi level musical experience. If last tracks often point the way to the next albums then we're in for a very interesting third album by The Dreaming Spires.

I have to admit that this record (yes, I have the vinyl version - which also includes the EP) has never been far from my music playing devices. I have played it countless of times and I still think it is a magnificent achievement. The songs are memorable and varied, both uplifting and emotional in equal measure.

The Brothers Bennett have created a majestic album only two albums in. What other musical beauties do they have up their sleeves? God Only Knows but any band that can namecheck Pacific Ocean Blue and The Madcap Laughs has a special place in my heart. And The Dreaming Spires certainly do.

And remember - The Answer's All Inside

Just get this album - if you have a turntable, invest in the vinyl. It's a double!

Get it here!

Twitter - @dreaming_spires

http://www.thedreamingspires.co.uk/

Albums Of 2015: Special Mention - Clubhouse Records

I had Great Expectations at the start of 2015 when I launched on this year's series of blog posts. For my Albums Of 2015, I was going to put up a post of each of my top albums of the year together with videos, pics, etc. As I have done in the past, but all over a few days at the end of the year. However, life and gigs got in the way this year so I will not have the time to give each album the attention I believe it deserves. Next year, it will be back to my normal postings of giving my albums of the year throughout the year, as they very rarely change. But this year - I will list the albums in FOUR parts - and THREE special posts. I have already put a few up which can be seen by clicking HERE. However - enough waffle - let's get started.

A SPECIAL MENTION FOR 
CLUBHOUSE RECORDS

I've made it no secret that Clubhouse Records is my favourite UK record label. 

But for one small independent label to come up with 4 killer releases in 2015 is truly astonishing.

I have already stated that both The Dreaming Spires and Don Gallardo are one of my albums of the year.

Joining those two brilliant records on my Albums Of 2015 list are

 The Rosellys - The Granary Sessions 

'Album number 3 by The Rosellys finds them in fine form. Led by Rebecca & Simon Rosellys who write all the songs, their authentic Americana/Country is born from years of touring the USA.

The album is produced by Alex Elton-Wall from another Clubhouse band The Redland Palomino Company.'

Twitter - @TheRosellys

The Rosellys Website

AND

Case Hardin - Colours Simple.

'This new work by Case Hardin is a cut above most of the Americana albums released this year. The band's songwriter Pete Gow has the soul of a poet and the spirit of a rocker as he leads the band through their strongest release yet'.

Twitter - @CaseHardin

The Case Hardin Website

Not only have Clubhouse released these 4 superb albums, they have signed American Country artist Cale Tyson and drawn together all of his initial EPs to release on an album Introducing Cale Tyson. Cale is set to release a new lp next year and a tour of the UK - so check him out.

Twitter - @caletyson

The Cale Tyson Website