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From the critical
acclaim of his Garsed and Helmerich releases, to his long-standing affiliations
with multi-platinum artists John Farnham and Nelson, Brett Garsed has
carved a niche in the guitar world of cult-like stature. Now, the
legendary Australian guitarist serves up a big helping of solo delights
on "Big Sky," his long-awaited debut.
Tapestry, the explosive debut release
from the L.A.-based band MOJO is sure to excite fans of intense, melodic
instrumental rock fusion! This trailblazing power trio features Kofi Baker
(son of drumming legend, Ginger Baker), guitarist Brett Garsed (Garsed
& Helmerich, John Farnham, Bobby Rock and Nelson ) and bassist Ricc Fierabracci
(Frank Gambale, Steve Smith, Andy Summers and Yanni). Tapestry combines
well crafted original songs with spirited improvisation and interplay
captured in a "live in the studio" context.
While the critically acclaimed Out of Body is widely regarded as Bobby's official debut, there was a cassette-only EP that actually came out first, back in 1994. Although it was primarily an underground release, distributed almost exclusively through live shows and mail order, the 5-song collection featured Bobby along with the twin-guitar attack of Brett Garsed and T.J. Helmerich and longtime bassist Carl "The Fox" Carter. But the EP had yet another interesting twist: a few vocal tracks! Big Ray Greene was brought in for those, and what you have is a very ecclectic and unusual blend of rock, funk, soulful vocals, great grooves and ensemble playing and plenty of burning solo work from all involved. The EP, now titled Groovin' in Tongues, was co-engineered (with Helmerich), co-produced (with Bobby) and mixed by legendary LA engineer David J. Holman (Bush, No Doubt, Nelson, etc.), and the new CD release includes a bonus track that was recorded at these same sessions but never released: the Isley Brother's "Climbin' Up the Ladder." Bobby explains: "Ironically, it was one of the strongest tracks of the batch, but we wanted to save it for the debut record. Unfortunately, though, when we decided to go the all-instrumental route on Out of Body, the tune was retired to the shelves of a storage vault." The remastered EP also features extensive
liner notes and a memoir by Bobby about his playing experiences in Houston's
violent 5th ward. So whether you picked up the original EP or not, this
one is an absolute must for the collection.
With 15 tracks comprising nearly one
hour's worth of progressive, instrumental funk-rock music, this trio-formatted
recording (with Brett Garsed on guitar and Carl "The Fox" Carter on bass),
"may prove to be one of the most important debut efforts from the instrumental
rock world in the last decade" (Indie Buzz International). In addition
to the seven new compositions and handful of interludes, Out Of Body
includes five different drum solo spots, incredible, instrumental
renditions of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" and Yes' "Roundabout," a special
re-edited remake of Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein" and a full-color, eight-page
booklet. CD only. Produced by Bobby and engineered by T. J. Helmerich,
Out of Body remains the definitive BR disc!
"This is unquestionably the be-all/end-all live record I've ever heard! ...(Rock is) simply among the best drummers on the planet...a hard-hitting, hard-groovin' madman who sounds like a mini percussion ensemble one minute and Buddy Rich on steroids the next!" American Underground Music Journal Hold onto your seat as Bobby teams
up with tour mates Neil Zaza and Bill "The Buddha" Dickens in this unparalleled
musical free-for-all. Recorded during the last month of their extensive
1997 North American tour, this double-live disc contains over 100 minutes
of the most over-the-top instrumental rock around as it features three
tracks from Bobby's debut Out of Body, the complete, unedited solo
performances from each member (including Bobby's unprecedented 18 1/2
drum solo opus, "Quadzilla"), and an in-depth interview with Bobby and
Neil on Cleveland's WCSB. The set is attractively packaged in a slim-line
2-CD jewel box with a full-color, eight-panel insert that features Rock's
complete '97 tour itinerary, a photo collage, and a personal memoir about
the tour written by Bobby.
From the Official Press Release: Legendary heavy metal bassist Rudy Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, DIO) and Doug Marks (man behind the Metal Method series of instructional videos for guitar) are among the guest musicians appearing on the new CD from world-renowned progressive rock guitarist Michael Angelo Batio, entitled Hands without Shadows. Hands without Shadows or "HWS" (M.A.C.E. Records) is Michael's most ambitious work to date featuring additional guest appearances by Mark Tremonti of ALTER BRIDGE and CREED, and virtuoso guitarist Bill Peck, and more. Bobby Rock (VINNIE VINCENT INVASION, NELSON) played drums on the entire CD. The primary bassist William Kopecky is a six-string and fretless virtuoso. Chris Djuricic engineered and mixed the CD, Dean Guitars graphic designer Stephen Jensen designed the "HWS" artwork and the disc was mastered by Trevor Sadler. "HWS" is a blend of Michael's own originals and classic covers requested by his fans. Michael's unique guitar tone and technical abilities are prominent throughout the entire CD while featuring guest performances from the above mentioned "master musicians." The title track "Hands without Shadows" promises to be his new signature song with a feel and skill level that listeners have come to expect and enjoy from Michael Angelo Batio. Tracks on the CD include "Burn" (DEEP PURPLE), "Zeppelin Forever" (described as "a LED ZEPPELIN medley like no other"), "Wherever I May Roam" (METALLICA), "Pray On, Prey", "Tribute to Randy" (Ozzy with Randy Rhoads), "Dream On" (AEROSMITH), "All Along the watchtower" (Jimi Hendrix-inspired) and more! Michael Angelo Batio is the inventor of the "Double V Guitar" and has been heralded in the major guitar magazines as the "No.1 shredder of all time" (Guitar One) and one of "heavy metal's top 100 greatest guitarists" (Guitar World). Hands Without Shadows is sure to gain the admiration and respect of critics and fans alike.
“The virtuoso's dream for technical perfection, vivid imagination, structural discipline and passionate creation comes true when albums like Neil Zaza's "Melodica" come out! From the first chords Neil manages to make us feel fine, our spirit elevates and some of life's worries are left behind! In a time where every clone of Satriani or Vai makes his own way by trying to get distinguished amongst others, Neil makes his own route and continues in his own melodic path he carved on his own.” - Metal Temple
The Definitive Collection 1992 - 2004 This two CD collection is a venerable history lesson in the music and career of Neil Zaza. Spanning over 12 years, this project presents material from Neil first instrumental effort, Two Hands, One Heart, through the current day opus, Melodica. Included with the standard NZ favs are unreleased demos, live cuts, and even the writing session for the song that would become “This Time”! If you think you have heard everything Neil has done, get ready to be surprised because this is the CD for you.
"Zaza's playing is a kind of aural psychedelia. He takes traditional music and makes it his own creation. It's recognizable, but it's like going on a familiar tour but with a guide who shows you things you haven't seen before.” - The News Leader
“Zaza adds a delicacy to his roster of colors which really does allow the listener to hear his instrument "sing." For a band that only sports Zaza on guitar and synths, Michael Papatonis drumming and producer Eric Fritsch on bass and keyboards, the sound is incredibly big. And it grooves, beautifully. There is so much depth to the originals that “Sing” really doesn't need any gimmicks or hype. It is truly a remarkable record by a man who has the chops to make some tremendous waves." - mp3.com
“Neil Zaza has an impressive list of co-stars on this album, but manages to outshine them all. It takes a great deal to impress me when it comes to instrumental albums, but Neil Zaza has done it. The reason is that not only does this album contain impressive guitar playing which showcases Neil's talent, but it also entertains as well.” - Mood Swings Melodic Rock Webzine
©1996-2005 Paranormal Records
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