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”.

World Premieres: Rik, Dave, Chaka, and Bo

Hello Brothers and Sisters,
So...how many of you watched and listened to the World Premiere of Rik Emmett and Dave Dunlop at the Rose Theatre on the Internet last night? Lots, by the emails, social networking and phone calls and text messages Falcon and Dove received. What a show!!! Too short, but awesome, just the same. So, let's review:

El Cuento del Gadjo, the only song in the group already released, and this was a modified version of the piece that Rik has performed for the last dozen years. It is a really strong, vibrant, challenging song, and the troubadours performed it smartly with Dave dressed in a Cabernet shirt and black jacket and Rik looking luscious in a black suit with a pure white button down shirt. They immediately went into the already released as a single, "Why, Baby?" that has had strong iTunes sales. I wondered what this was going to sound like as a guitar duet, since the studio recording is a well produced piece with a full band. I have to say, I like the duet better.

A new instrumental, "Red Hot"is just that; South American influenced meets Yes' syncopation in duality between Rik and Dave's guitar licks on steroids. A fierce song that will make the biggest guitar aficionados weep. It's sooooo good!

Unless you were at the Tin Angel in Philadelphia last winter, you never heard this one before, and it has had some final modifications before its final form on the new album Push and Pull, a line from this brand new piece, "A Deeper Kind of Blue" a melancholy lament to opportunities lost when life gets in the way.

One extremely fun piece was the tremendously impressive instrumental, "52 Pick-Up", which according to Mr. Emmett, can refer to the number of notes in the first few bars, or the card drop, or a vintage truck. Anyone with a musical ear and an appreciation for the impossible will be impressed by this force of nature; funky, progressive, and grabs at your heels a bit and makes you wanna dance.

The final song of the evening was a thoughtful piece, "Miracle", which has the trademark Rik and Dave harmonies, strong verse structure and articulate composition. It was introduced as a piece that lyrically transformed in its development, starting with a cynical, disbelieving character who, through the power of love, realizes he is more sacred and deserving of that love than he every imagined.

Rik Emmett has written some of the most inspirational anthems over his four decades of making music; some personal, some intimate, some universal, but all have had something for every listener. It may not be the same something, but it is something that can cause a change in perception if one is paying close attention.

For photos from last night's concert, and more information on the new album release, please go to:
www.myspace.com/rikemmettnetwork
www.rikemmett.com

NOTE: Rose Theatre and Orchard Studios do archive their concerts. Please see this link:
http://webcasts.myrosetheatre.ca/
www.orchardtv.com
Last night's concert is posted!

COMMUNITY PARTNERS CONCERT

For anyone in the Pittsburgh area June 25, 2009 at 8pm, Falcon and Dove are inviting you to a very unique opportunity. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is holding a most special event! With Lawrence Loh at the baton, the PSO will hold a Community Partners concert with R&B sensation, Chaka Khan! Lynn Swann (yes, the Steelers wide receiver from the 1970's Super Bowl years) will help host the evening, and the beneficiaries will be 50 community organizations. ALL proceeds will go to these tremendous organizations that do so much for so many during the year. Need ticket and information on how to support your favorite?

www.pittsburghsymphony.org
412-392-4900 or 800-743-8560

THE FIRST PUPPY
Well, the news and photos were leaked over the weekend, but Falcon and Dove held off on the big announcement until it was made official by the White House yesterday. Yes, the First Puppy has been chosen: a Porchie, that is, a Portuguese Water Dog, gifted by Senator Edward Kennedy (who has a soccer team of them), and his name is Bo. Bo is 3 months old, black curly hair and dark eyes, with a small white goatee, a white chest, and white sock style front paws. Just Google the words The First Puppy, and an article with a picture from the plethora of media that have covered this story will appear. Bo is adorable, dressed in a rainbow lei, and I hope the First Daughters enjoy their new little brother...and the responsibility that comes with him. Porchies need a lot of exercise...hehe.