New Music Releases that are Must-Haves for Rocktober

Hello World Family,
It’s that time of year: time to look at the best of the best in music and film…and maybe even a few television shows, since some of the new stuff isn’t too bad;)

There are some great releases this fall, and Falcon and Dove have listened to the following ones intently and feel strongly that your music collection would feel bad without these strong tunes in your library.

11: 11-Rodrigo y Gabriel1a

If for some reason you don’t know who these two powerhouse guitarists are, go to their website, My Space, You Tube…Conan O’Brian…anywhere, and check them out.
This album is tremendous. Each song on the CD is dedicated to the guitar style of someone who inspired them in the past. It is a mighty project. “Buster Voodoo” is sweet and was performed on The Tonight Show a few days back. It was inspired by the genius that was Jimi Hendrix, probably the greatest guitarist that has ever lived. Their humble dedication continues with songs inspired by composers like Jorge Reyes to John McLaughlin, to Pink Floyd. “Hanuman” is a strong favorite, and gives kudos to Carlos Santana, one of Falcon’s personal favorites for its inspiration.

1 – ‘Hanuman’ – inspired by Carlos Santana
2 – ‘Buster Voodoo’ – inspired by Jimi Hendrix
3 – ‘Triveni’ – inspired by Israeli Oud three-piece Le Trio Joubran
4 – ‘Logos’ – inspired by jazz-rock master Al Di Meola

6 – ‘Master Maqui’ – inspired by Spanish guitar legend Paco De Lucia
7 – ‘Savitri’ – inspired by John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussian’s ground breaking 1970’s world fusion ensemble Shakti
8 – ‘Hora Zero’ – inspired by Argentine tango composer and bandoneon virtuoso Astor Piazzola
9 – ‘Chac Mool’ – inspired by Jorge Reyes, the Mexican composer who
10 – ‘Atman’ – inspired by Dimebag Darrell, never to be forgotten lead guitarist in Pantera and Damageplan, who was tragically murdered onstage in 2004.
11 – ’11:11’ – inspired by Pink Floyd.

Peter Janson: Compass Rose

Beautiful, powerful, melodic and sensual, Compass Rose is one of my favorite releases of the year. This project is up for Grammy consideration, as well it should be-Peter demonstrates why he is one of the most articulate and influential acoustic guitarists of our time with a CD that has modern influences with classical approaches, contemporary work with Celtic teeth and powerful imagery. He is a joy to see live on his Tippin Guitars. One my favorite tracks is “Sligo Creek” which holds a local point of affection, as there is a Sligo in Pennsylvania; this work has that green, lush mountain feel that you would sense here or in stringed soul and easygoing rhythms that are infused with a transportable flair. Want to hear some? Check out his website:
www.peterjanson.com

Beecake: Soul Swimming

Glorious Scottish roots, extremely strong songwriting, and the beautiful tenor of Billy Boyd (yes, Pippin from “The Lord of the Rings”, also in “Trainspotting” among other Glaswegian films). What more could you ask for? “Soul Swimming”, the title track of the new Beecake project (the long wait is over) is a powerful combination of melodies and styles. The band is solid as are the tunes. There isn’t a weak song on the CD. What kind of style, you ask? Well, it’s mixed. If you enjoy the music of The Beatles, Alan Parsons Project, early Genesis, and even some edgy stuff like LIVE, Nine Inch Nails, and Pearl Jam, you will probably love this CD. Boyd wrote every song (and co-wrote “Radio” with bassist Rick Martin), and it shows his range not only vocally, which is outstanding, but also his thematic attractions.

Falcon’s personal favorites include the Alan Parson-esque “Lost Direction” including Billy on harmonica, the profoundly brash and stinging “Radio” that questions the capitalist culture, and my favorite, “This is Not an Exit”, a pro-environment, anti-stupid, introspective examination of what makes us collectively queasy. “Rip It Up” has some of the strongest vocal stylizations on the project, there’s a little Dean Martin on the track “Friends and Lovers” and “Boy” may be in the top ten for most emotional songs ever written, examining a parent’s emotional turmoil after their adult child dies in war.

There are videos on You Tube of Beecake and on My Space:
www.myspace.com/beecakeband

Beecake is wonderful to see live. I was extremely lucky to see them at Tin Angel in Philadelphia, (where I got some lovely birthday gifts) a fantastic venue with yummy food (especially the tuna!). I have to say that I am working my way through their menu, and although half-way there, I have many more dinners to enjoy and awhile before I can get through their wonderful offerings.


No Look Escape

This band out of southern California has some strong chops in the Alternative Rock genre. The self titled project has some nice tunes with varied instrumental approaches and great vocals. Charlie has a clear, sincere voice, nice range, clean delivery. My favorite song from this project is “I’ll Be There” which has some serious R&B kinda Rockabilly thing going there. “Stand” is a stokin’ rock affirmation that will get you moving; check out the melodic “Home” a modern ballad with a classic feel. This project is available on iTunes.
Check them out on My Space:
www.myspace.com/nolookescape

I have not had the honor of seeing this group live, but would love to in the near future.

What I am getting in the next few weeks:

A couple of new CD’s and some classics:

Lita Ford-Wicked Wonderland
Cliudan-The Fair
Brother-the first CD “Pipe Dreams” is now available for download. This project has some brilliant songs, including their exceptional version of “Amazing Grace”.

Cliudan’s Summer/Fall Tour Schedule Heats Up; Oscar and Pavlo add tasty filling in P.R.O.!

Hello World Family,
Falcon, here with some tour updates of some of our favorite people. Things keep changing all the time, so we advise that you always check out the websites and their My Space, Facebook, Twitter, etc. for the latest news, since concert dates can be added pretty quickly.

Cliudan’s schedule is smokin’ and may be adding an additional show beyond what we have here on August 14, so make sure to check their pages:
www.cliudan.com
www.myspace.com/cliudan

These guys are out of upstate NY, and play a style of Celtic music that is soothing and invigorating at the same time. It’s refreshing, literally. Their intoxicating flute and soulful vocals wash away the tensions of the day while feeding the spirit to be ready for another day in the proverbial trenches. We are really lucky to have them on the East Coast. There are plenty of dates on this schedule to see them through mid-December, so start making plans! They really move you…

Cliudan Tour Schedule

August, 14 2009 08:00 PM – TBA
TBA (CNY or Catskills)
Details pending, either a CNY or Catskills show as we work our way towards the Hunter Mtn. Festival the next day. Please check back soon.

August, 15 2009 04:00 PM - Hunter Mountain Celtic Festival
Hunter Mtn. Ski Area
This will be our first year with this great event...looking forward to it!

August, 23 2009 05:00 PM - First Reformed Church of Schenectady
8 N. Church Street, Schenectady, New York –
August, 28 2009 06:00 PM - Buffalo Irish Festival
Buffalo, New York –
Our first year with this great event...very much looking forward to it. See you Fri, and get up early enought we’ll catch you Sat as well before heading up North for another show that day.
August, 29 2009 01:00 PM - Buffalo Irish Festival
Buffalo, New York

August, 29 2009 07:00 PM - Free Concert---Forestport NY
Forestport, New York -
A free concert sponsored by the lovely little historic town of Forestport, NY...an old logging town and rail crossroads with a ton of history and character. A great fireworks display directly following the show.

September, 5 2009 08:00 PM – TBA
TBA, Downstate, New York
Details pending on a downstate show as we work our way towards Kingston the next day, please check back soon.

September, 6 2009 05:00 PM - Hooley on the Hudson Irish Festival
Kingston, New York –
September, 7 2009 07:00 PM - Irish Day on the Canal (Locke 20)
Marcy, New York

September, 11 2009 08:30 PM - The Salty Shamrock
Herkimer, New York -
Our first of two 1/2 way to st. patrick’s day shows...both in CNY this year...for all of you that’ve been there for us from day one, and all the years since! We went well over capacity at this great little venue last time we rolled into town, and hope to do it again...see you there.

September, 12 2009 06:00 PM - Rochester Irish Festival
Rochester, New York -
We’re thrilled to be back for this incredible fest...all acts (and audience, and food, drink, vendors, kids zone, ALL OF IT!) under cover...this is THE rain or shine event of the festival season...and one of our all time favorite events. They’ll have the full line-up soon (and it’s always a very good one...truly something for everyone...and some of the biggest and best names on stage all weekend), take a look at www.rochesteririshfestival.org See you all out there

September, 18 2009 08:30 PM - ShamROCKS! Rock and Roll Irish Pub
Syracuse, New York –
Our second of two 1/2 way to st. patrick’s day shows...both in CNY this year...for all of you that’ve been there for us from day one, and all the years since! If you missed us in Herkimer this will be your chance to see us in Syracuse. We had a great time here back in March and are looking forward to coming back...see you there.
September, 19 2009 05:00 PM - IRISH 2000 Music Festival
Saratoga County Fairgrounds, Ballston Spa, New York –
The biggest and best!!! We’re thrilled to be back at Irish 2000 this year...this event needs no introduction or explanation...it’s one of our favorite events and with a venue change it’s now bigger and better than ever...NOT TO BE MISSED...SEE YOU THERE!

October, 23 2009 08:30 PM - The Shannon Pub
Buffalo, New York

October, 24 2009 08:30 PM - The Shannon Pub
Buffalo, New York

October, 25 2009 05:00 PM - First Reformed Church of Schenectady
8 N. Church Street, Schenectady, New York –

December, 11 2009 08:30 PM - The Shannon Pub
Buffalo, New York –

December, 12 2009 08:30 PM - The Shannon Pub
Buffalo, New York –

Oscar Lopez, who is one of the finest Chilean guitarists Falcon has ever heard, has some upcoming dates this summer and fall, including across the pond in Denmark. Falcon loves Oscar’s articulation and passion, particularly in pieces like, “Lucia”, “Gentle Seduction”, and “The Flavor”, of course ;).

OSCAR LOPEZ TOUR DATES

Aug 9 2009, 8:00P LIVE FROM THE ROCK Festival Red Rock, Ontario
Aug 27 09, 8pm TONDER FOLK FESTIVAL Tonder, Denmark
Nov 1 09 8pm UNIVERSITY THEATRE Calgary, Alberta
May 1 10 8pm BOW VALLEY MUSIC CLUB Calgary, Alberta

Need some more of Oscar, and his immensely talented brother, Pavlo (some of the fastest fingers on the planet) whose seductive pieces have moved many a feet and heart, will be performing with his brother in a series of dates in early 2010 with amigo Rik Emmett in the center, hence P.R.O. (Pavlo Rik Oscar), and a new website to boot: www.pavlorikoscar.com

Trifecta is the 11 track CD from the trio, available on the website.

Check out the current dates on the schedule as well as their websites and social networking pages. Here's one of my favorites:
www.myspace.com/therealoscarlopez

Jan 27 2010 8pm The Rose Theatre Brampton, ON (NOTE: This may be another Internet live broadcast date)

Jan 28 2010 8pm Dr, J.M. Ennis Aud Welland, ON
Jan 29 2010 8pm Markham Theatre Markham, ON
Jan 30 2010 8pm Gryphon Theatre Barrie, ON
Jan 31 2010 8pm Capital Theatre Port Hope, ON
Feb. 3 2010 8pm Lester B. Pearson Civic Ctr, Elliot Lake, ON
Feb 4 2010 8pm Classic Theatre Cobalt, ON
Feb 5 2010 8pm Centrepointe Theatre Ottawa, ON
Feb 6 2010 8pm Centennial Theatre Sherbrooke, QU
Feb 12 2010 8p River Run Theatre Guelph, ON
Feb 18 2010 8p L’Espace RONA St-Hyacinth, Quebec
Feb 20 2010 8p Theatre Hector-Charland L’Assomption, Quebec
Feb 23 2010 8p EA Rawlinson Centre/Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Feb 24 2010 8p Broadway Theatre Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Feb 25 2010 8p Casino Regina Regina, Saskatchewan
Feb 26/27 2010 8p Arden Theatre St. Albert, Alberta
Feb 28 2010 8pm Jack Singer Hall Calgary, AL
Mar 1/2 2010 8pm Empress Theatre Fort MacLeod, AL
Mar 9 2010 8pm Sid Williams Civic Ctr. Courtenay, BC
Mar 12 2010 8pm Port Theatre Nanaimo, BC
Mar 19 2010 7:30p Hamilton Place Hamilton, ON
May 29 20108pm Festival des Guitares du Monde Rouyn-Noranda, QC

This is a good group of dates; these guys are going to be worn out on some of these legs, but such is the life of the minstrel. This may be your last opportunity to see the “R" in this P.R.O. for awhile as he has indicated he might take a bit of a break, so get out and acquire these tickets as soon as they are available! It’s a unique opportunity to see some very strong guitarists.

Speaking of strong guitarists…

Falcon and Dove had the time of their lives last week at the House Party Concert with Ken Bonfield, Peter Janson, and Tim Farrell. We have posted pictures on our Facebook and My Space pages, so if you are friends, you can check them out. If not, never fear! We will be posting a few right here…with our review of the event very, very soon! The guys have some new music coming out, and we were honored to be some of the select few to hear it first! Watch the page…
Peace,
Falcon and Dove