by Matman

Last weekend legendary vocalist Brian Howe made his return to the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.  This was a thrill for me because I have never saw Brian Howe live and always considered hs voice one of the best and most recognisable of the 1980's and 90's!

For those who may not know his history, Howe hit the music scene as the vocalist for Ted Nugent on his PENETRATOR album, featuring the radio hit, Tied Up In Love.  From there he became the voice of Bad Company, recording four studio albums with the band, selling millions and having a handful of hit singles. 

...and here we are now!

Hitting the stage, Howe and his band kicked it off with his latest song, Hot Tin Roof, a rocker full of hooks and magic and got the crowd ready.  From there Howe took us through the musical history of Bad Company; the hits he recorded and the songs that made the band a household name in the 1970's.  From Ready For Love, Good Lovin' Gone Bad, Bad Company and Can't Get Enough, Howe and his band treated the songs with respect and presented them the way fans wanted...  lose and free flowing.  The set shuffled in the song's Howe recorded with the band like Holy Water, One Night and If You Needed Somebody and proved not only they are part of the same history, but Howe sings them all with heart and soul. 

In an era where our singing heroes still try to hang on, Howe's voice is still as strong as ever, despite not feeling well.  He hit all the notes he had to and made every song get you right in the heart.  As a performer Howe tells stories, jokes around with his band and the audience and has a lot of fun on stage and that is all you can ask for in your performers.  We want them to enjoy what they are doing and you could tell Howe and the guys in the band were having a good time, because the audience was as well.      

The show would not have been what it was if it wasn't for his amazing and talented band!  Guitarists Paul Warren and Christopher Turnbow traded off classic riffs and leads while commanding their sides of the stage.  Bassist Abe White was rock steady, holding it all down and giving everyone a solid foundation to play and show off. Finally, drummer Rick Brothers was a powerhouse behind the kit, laying down a solid beat, backing vocals and adding some nice fills here and there.  Despite the individual personalities and styles, the band kept the songs almost exactly as we remember them and that was very important for everyone. 
 He has found a n
Prior to the show I spent some time with Brian and wow... what a down to earth guy he is.  You'll hear the interview in a future episode of Power Chords, but let me tell you this...as nice a guy as he is talented... and he sure is talented!   

SET LIST
Hot Tin Roof
One Night
Ready For Love
Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy
Feel Like Makin' Love
Holy Water
Walk Through Fire
Movin' On
Good Lovin' Gone Bad
Can't Get Enough
If You Needed Someone
Bad Company
Hot Tin Roof - again!!!!

For more information on Brian Howe go to www.brianhowe.com

For information on shows at the Wolf Den go to                                                          mohegansun.com/events-and-promotions/schedule-of-events.mohegansun@venue_wolf-den.html

Opening Act: 
Dave Mustaine compares Dirk Verbueren to Gar Samuelson
25 Years ago, Nirvana was on MTV Unplugged
GoFundMe set up for Charvel Workshop that was destroyed in CA Fire (https://www.gofundme.com/wayne-guitars-wayne-charvel-shop) 
Haunted (Woodsview Murders #2) out now!! http://bit.ly/WV2-HAUNTED 

Ear Candy: 
Whitesnake: Slip of the Tongue (1989) 
Alcatrazz: Parole Denied Tokyo 2017 (2018)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Top of the Pops:
Billboard Rock Tracks for Week Ending Nov 18, 1989

Rockversation: K.K. Downing
Matt spoke with the legendary guitarist and longtime member of Judas Priest about his new book and life after the band.

Bonus Track: Fiction Syxx--Wind Reminds Me
From the upcoming album THE ALTERNATE ME, which you can preorder now at http://www.melodicrock.com/artist/fiction-syxx


Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at [email protected].

by Matman

On December 7th, two amazing albums will be released to you, the amazing music loving audience.  As Brian and I try to put together our 'Best Albums of 2018' list, these two releases now make an already hard decisions, EVEN HARDER!   


JOHNNY GIOELI - ONE VOICE (Frontiers S.R.L.)
Johnny Gioeli has been at the music thing a long time!  As the vocalist of Hardline, Gioeli made and still makes some of the best melodic rock out there.  With guitarist Axel Rudi Pell, his voice and style takes on a slightly different texture, a little more aggressive, but still smooth and full of emotion.  On his latest album ONE VOICE, Johnny Gioeli is in perfect form with some inspiring songs, thoughtful lyrics and infectious melodies.  From start to finish every song contains passion and is able to sound new yet remain true to his 80's roots.  I feel like this album more than any other in his career is the 'real' voice of Johnny Gioeli and comes across effortless, but I know a lot of hard work went into this release! 

Drive
It
One Voice
Mind Melt
Running
Deeper
Let Me Know
Hit Me Once, Hit Ya Twice
Price We Pay
Out Of Here
Oh Fathers

Produced by Alessandro Del Vecchio

Johnny Gioeli: Vocals
Eric Gadrix: Guitars
Nik Mazzucconi: Bass
Marco Di Salvia: Drums
Alessandro Del Vecchio: Keyboards

video for the song Drive - www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sRvq7h1lVY


MAGIC DANCE - NEW EYES (Frontiers S.R.L.)
There was a time when 'rock' would cover multiple genres and styles.  For many of us, Cyndi Lauper, The police, Pet Shop Boys and prince were as rock as ASIA, Whitesnake, Dokken and Ratt.  One listen to NEW EYES and you will hear that Magic Dance feels the same way.  With a heavy mix of keyboards, driving rhythms and sticky sweet vocals, Magic Dance has captured an era, a color and a mood that many of us remember with absolute fondness and love.  When you listen to their sophomore album, Magic Dance really has created something very special.  They may be the most melodic and softest band signed to Frontiers, but that only proves rock is rock!  If you want to put on some music that will make you feel good and fill your brain and heart with happiness, this album is for you!!!!!  

You're Holding Back
Never Go Back
These Four Walls
Please Wake Me
Cut Beneath The Skin
When Nothing's Real
Better Things
For A Time (The End Of My World)
Looking For Love
New Eyes 

​Produced by Jonathan Siejka
Jonathan Siejka - vocals/keyboards 
Kevin Krug -  bass
Jack Simchak - guitars
Tim Mackey - guitars 
Mike Peniston - bass
Kevin McAdams - drums

​video for the song Never Go Back - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZiDRcp69Lo

by Matman

When K.K. Downing walked away from Judas Priest in 2011 it was a move that sent shock waves through the entire music world especially the metal community!  After all, Downing was not just a founding member, he was also a major contributor to the bands sound, look and their identity.  Following his announcement, there were rumors, accusations and a lot of speculation as to his decision, and now K.K. Downing has laid this all to rest with his long awaited autobiography, HEAVY DUTY - DAYS AND NIGHTS IN JUDAS PRIEST from Da Capo Press! 

As a lifelong fan of Judas Priest,  I couldn't wait to read this book but to be honest, I was a bit concerned.  I didn't want to read anything that would tarnish my memories of the Priest or make me look at K.K. as someone who was bitter at his former bandmates.  Thankfully, none of that happened and after reading the book, I became a bigger fan of his.

What I first noticed is how easy this book was to read.  Downing (and co-author Mark Eglinton)  created a book that was so well written I could hear Downing's Birmingham accent in my head as I went from page to page.  From his rough and very emotional childhood to forming Judas Priest to worldwide success and finally, the end, HEAVY DUTY paints a very interesting picture.  It tells the story of a man who took whatever came his way and never gave up... he made his own opportunities, never rolled over, and always fought and most of the time he won! 

If you are looking for dirt on band members, and I'm sure there is plenty out there, but Downing didn't get personal or petty in his book.  He tells events from his point of view and doesn't declare them as facts, but tells it as HIS side of the story.  An eye opener was the almost non existent relationship between him and his guitar partner Glenn Tipton that I never knew.  When you would listen to the albums or see them live, the duo looked like two guys who were close as brothers, but this wasn't the case. 

Another thing that Downing did in the book was not go to much into the personal life of Rob Halford and I am thankful for that.  He tells of how it was for Halford to be gay in a time that it wasn't as accepted as it is now, how it was a non issue for the band and the turbulent time when halford left.  But, he dishes no dirt, tells nothing embarrassing and gives the singer room to one day tell his story. 

When I finished the book it left me with a sense of sadness that relationships in the band and with the women in his life weren't what K.K. wanted.  HEAVY DUTY is about music but it's also about relationships.  What happens to us when we are young can have a major and lasting impact on our lives later on, both good and bad.  HEAVY DUTY is not a book by a bitter rocker like I think some expected and wanted, it's the writings of someone who just wants to tell his side of the story and maybe find some closure.  

 http://www.kkdowning.net/ 
    

       

Opening Act: 
The End: Machine album due in June
Ozzy on tour with Megadeth this Spring
Top 30 Guitarists (All That Shreds)
Kansas fans are great
Riverdale pays homage to Dokken 

Ear Candy: 
Dio--Master of the Moon (2004)
Red Dragon Cartel--Patina (2018)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Comin Atcha live:
John Carpenter at the Hollywood Palladium 10/31

Rockversation: Geoff Downes
Matt recently spoke with the legendary musician and songwriter about his work with The Buggles, Asia, Yes and more. NOTE: Matt's cats make several cameo appearances on this one.

Bonus Track: Fiction Syxx--Tall Dark Secrets
You can keep up with the band at www.fictionsyxxrocks.com, and you can preorder their upcoming album and get some coll bonus stuff at www.melodicrock.com/tags/fiction-syxx. 


Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at [email protected].

by Matman

One of the greatest and most underrated voices in music history is hitting the road and coming to Connecticut on November 24th! 

In 1984 I was introduced to the amazing vocals of Brian howe through his work on the Ted Nugent album, PENETRATOR.  Although never a fan of 'the Nuge' I was instantly hooked by Howe's voice on songs like (Where Do You) Draw The Line and the single, Tied Up In Love.  Then as fast as he appeared... Howe was gone... but not for long!

Two years later Bad Company released their reunion album, FAME AND FORTUNE which found original members Simon Burke, Mick Ralphs and (sort of) Boz Burrell joined by Howe.  The result was to my ears, a modern take on the classic Bad Company sound and I loved it right away.  The album didn't do as well as expected, but the Howe led line-up would record three more studio albums in total; DANGEROUS AGE, HOLY WATER and HERE COMES TROUBLE.  In total the band would have 9 Top 40 Mainstream Rock hits (with two going to #1) and sell a couple million albums... not bad.  In 1994, Howe left Bad Company. 

Despite his accomplishments with Bad Co., Howe's contributions to their history seemingly has been erased from the books and that is a travesty!  As a lifetime fan I consider This Love and How About That as important to their history as Rock and Roll Fantasy and Silver, Blue and Gold!  In case you were wondering... those are my four favorite Bad Company songs, ever!  It may have been two different singers, but it was one band and one attitude!  

Foe us living in the New England area, we will be treated to Brian Howe live at The Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.  Considering I have never seen Brian Howe live I can't think of a better place to see and hear him than my favorite concert venue, The Wolf Den.  This hall has the best acoustics and there isn't a bad seat in the house... and it's a free show!!!!

For information about Brian Howe, click here

For Wolf Den information, click here

Hope to see you at the show!!!       



    

  

 by Matman

Following their first song, bassist Billy Greer says something to the audience that gives me chills everytime I hear it, ​"Ladies and gentlemen... welcome to Kansas!"   It's that welcome that makes you feel like you are not just in the audience watching a band, it is a friend (or friends) inviting you into their heart and soul, their music. 

Three years ago I saw Kansas for the first time, being invited by vocalist Ronnie Platt and the band's management.  I always considered myself a fan of the band but tended to hover closer to the hits than the deep album cuts.  When I saw Kansas it was the last of eight concerts in the span of two weeks and following the concert I looked at my wife and said they were the best band I saw in that span.  She told me it was the best band she had ever seen.  After seeing the band twice more since then.. I now agree with my wife.  Kansas is the best band I have ever seen live. 

So what is it?  Let's start with their catalog!  Since 1974 Kansas has recorded some of the greatest songs ever, like Carry On Wayward Son, Dust In The Wind, Point Of Know Return, Fight Fire With Fire, All I Wanted, The Wall, Play The Game Tonight, What's On My Mind... you get the point.  And Kansas still make amazing music with their last album, THE PRELUDE IMPLICIT being one of their most complete albums, ever. 

Next, let's look at the band!  The current line-up features two originals; drummer Phil Ehart and guitarist Rich Williams who represent the past and give the band a solid foundation.  On bass is Billy Greer who has been with the band since 1985's POWER and along with violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale, who has been with Kansas since 1991 are the bridge with vocalist Ronnie Platt, keyboardist David Manion and guitarist Zak Rizvi being the new blood, the future of Kansas.  The trio joined in 2016 and have all have added their personality and love and reverence of the music to the band.

What about the band on stage!!!!  There are fans of the band called 'Wheatheads' who have seen the band a lot, some over 100 times.  That much devotion isn't just because they like the music, it's because Kansas deliver live on stage!  When you see Kansas live you are seeing a band who is playing some very complex music that needs to be played exactly as the fans want to hear it; hooks, pauses and vocal cadiences.  With all that, the band are not rigid and by the numbers, they have a spark of spontaneity that show how much they love what they do.  Also, Kansas has been on the road almost non-stop since 2015, so you know they are tight and well rehearsed!

And finally... the fans!  Kansas fans are some of the most loyal and passionate fans in all of music.  This is something I see at every Kansas show, fans enjoying everything about the music, the hall, the band and each other.  In the audience you have the longtime fans who have been there since the beginning and coming in are a younger batch, introduced to the band by the show, SUPERNATURAL. I noticed at the last show a young girl with a Supernatural shirt, obviously waiting for Carry On, but until that song, she sang almost every other one.  That proves to me that great music is timeless. 

Kansas are out performing their 1977 classic album POINT OF KNOW RETURN in its entirety and they may be coming to a venue near you!!!!  For information, go to www.kansasband.com.