BOULEVARD -'Boulevard IV - Luminescence' and SCHERER/BATTEN -'BattleZone' (Plus MP3 Singles)($36 including Worldwide Shipping)
Scherer/Batten is of course, none other than vocalist MARC SCHERER (Scherer/Peterik) and star guitarist JENNIFER BATTEN (Jeff Beck, Michael Jackson).
Together the pair have teamed up with the same musical talent that featured on the 2015 Peterik/Scherer album ‘Risk Everything’ together with some fresh new faces to help craft an absolute melodic rock gem.
‘BattleZone’ features material exclusively from the Jim Peterik(Ides of March, formerly of Survivor, Pride Of Lions) songbook. Featuring 8 rare musical gems from Jim’s songwriting vault, the album also features 3 brand new tracks, written for this project.
That’s 11 new classic songs, produced by Jim Peterik and featuring the impressive lineup of:
All Lead Vocals: Marc Scherer
All Lead Guitars: Jennifer Batten
Backing Vocals: Marc Scherer, Bill Champlin, Bryan Cole, Brian Hemstock, Danette Pahl
Alternate Lead and Rhythm Guitars: Jennifer Batten, Mike Aquino, Dave Carl, Jim Peterik
Bass Guitars: Bill Syniar, Klem Hayes
Keyboards: Jim Peterik, Christian Cullen, Chris Neville, Barb Unger
Drums: Dave Kelly, Ed Breckenfeld
Sax: Mindi Abair
Additional credits include:
Executive Producer: Danette Pahl
Engineered by: Larry Millas
Mastered by: Larry Millas at World Stage Studios and JK Northrup at Alien Productions
Mixed by: Jim Peterik and Larry Millas
Keyboard Programming: Larry Millas and Christian Cullen
Art Direction and Cover Art: Nello Dell'Omo
Jim Peterik comments: “As a long time enthusiast of Marc Scherer's vocal chops and the expertise of rock guitar goddess Jennifer Batten, you can imagine how excited I am at the release of Scherer/ Batten ‘BattleZone’ album.
As a song writer and producer, it was a dream come true mining some lost gems from my many years in rock, producing them to a new lustre and even writing three brand new cuts with Marc and Jennifer - Cuts Deep, The Harder I Try and the title track BattleZone.
Andrew McNeice and Danette Pahl of Melodic Rock Records gave me the artistic leeway and financial support to create the album of a lifetime.
Working with one of the best engineers in the business, Larry Millas, and musicians like multiple Grammy Award Winner Bill Champlin of Chicago, bassist Bill Syniar (formerly of Survivor), Mike Aquino (guitarist and singer from World Stage), and two-time Grammy Nominated saxophonist, Mindi Abair, along with Dave Kelly and Bryan Cole, brought depth and texture to the tracks that is palpable.
You can hear our excitement in every song. I guess you can see I'm pumped.
I dare you to crank up BattleZone or Tender Fire or Crazy Love and not rediscover why you fell in love with melodic rock in the first place. I double dare ya!!”
Jennifer Batten: “It was such a pleasure to jump into such a high level inspiring project! Marc’s vocals are out of this world, the grooves are kickin’, and working with Jim Peterik is so joyous and creative. I can’t wait to take this to the stage!”
And finally, the vocalist fronting this extraordinary project, Marc Scherer: “Even something as innocuous as lunch with Jim Peterik can inspire great things…
It was during one such meeting that Jim and I conceived of an album showcasing his lost musical treasures. Thanks to the contributions of long-time Peterik enthusiast and personal friend Danette Pahl of MelodicRock Records, we now have lift-off!
While the brain trust of talent surrounding Jim enhances any idea, this album is extra special because it features a collaboration with one of the world’s greatest guitarists, Jennifer Batten – who played three world tours with Michael Jackson and two with Jeff Beck. They say you know when it’s right in the first 30 seconds, but in this case, you can sense the magic in the first few notes. BattleZone blends the songwriting craftsmanship and storytelling genius of Jim Peterik with the artistry of some of the most amazing musicians in the business. As Jennifer observed, the battle can be internal: the fight to be better, to raise the bar and challenge yourself while stirring the musical cauldron. I truly believe that we have captured lightning in a bottle and I’m so eager for everyone to share in this experience.”
Scherer/Batten‘BattleZone’ will be released via MelodicRock Records on CD & Digital September 22.
The lead song ‘Cuts Deep’, which was premiered on the Steve Price Rock Show on ARfm this weekend past, will be released as a digital single this Friday.
For now, please enjoy a short album teaser, a taste of what’s to come:
MelodicRock Records is proud to announce the second release for September 22 – the AOR masterpiece that is BOULEVARD's‘Boulevard IV - Luminescence’.
It took just one listen to this supremely recorded album for MRR to realise that the guys had to be signed immediately.
For those fans of the band’s first two MCA released records – ‘Boulevard IV - Luminescence’ is so worth the wait.
NEW PREVIEW!
Track Listing:
01. Out Of The Blue 03:57
02. Life Is A Beautiful Thing 04:13
03. Laugh Or Cry 04:48
04. What I'd Give 05:16
05. Come Together 05:01
06. Runnin' Low 04:37
07. I Can't Tell You Why 04:04
08. Confirmation 04:41
09. Slipping Away 05:46
10. What Are You Waiting For 04:13
11. Don't Stop The Music 04:35
PRE-ORDER NOW
BOULEVARD -'Boulevard IV - Luminescence' ($15 + $5 Shipping Worldwide)
MRR September Deal:
BOULEVARD -'Boulevard IV - Luminescence' and SCHERER/BATTEN -'BattleZone' (Plus MP3 Singles)($36 including Worldwide Shipping)
From the breezy AOR perfection of Out Of The Blue, to the more intense and layered first single Life Is A Beautiful Thing and one of the best ballads you’ll hear in What I’d Give, to the moody essence that is I Can’t Tell You Why that features an outstanding lead vocal and accompanying saxophone; ‘Luminescence’ is a very diverse album, gelled by the performance of a lifetime and the best possible production and mix studios like Abbey Road can offer.
MRR and Boulevard are proud to preview the lead track off the new album 'Boulevard IV - Luminescence' - 'Life Is A Beautiful Thing'
Boulevard is a Canadian band that got their start in Germany with the release of their first single “Rainy Day in London” in 1984 which went to #45 on the Billboard charts in Europe.
Members are: David Forbes (vocals), Mark Holden (saxophone), Andrew Johns (keyboards, vocals), Dave Corman (Guitar, vocals) Randall Stoll (drums), Cory Curtis (bass). Known for their solid rhythms, layered melodies and vocal textures the band enjoyed success overseas prior to landing back in Canada.
In 1987 the band signed a deal with MCA/Universal, which would see their first internationally released album BLVD producing the hit singles ”Never Give Up” and “Far From Over” establishing them as a fixture of the Canadian Music scene in the 80’s. Their self-titled debut album was recorded at Ocean Sound and Little Mountain Sound in Vancouver by producer Pierre 'Baz' Bazinet and was mixed by notable rock producers Bob Rock and Mike Fraser and Umberto Gatica.
Following two very successful tours with Glass Tiger and Boston, in 1988 Boulevard were awarded the coveted Peoples Choice Award by Music Express Magazine as “Best New Group”.
Following the success of their first Album the band released Into The Street – in 1990, Produced by John Punter which produced the singles “Crazy Life” and “Lead Me On”.
In 2014 the band were invited to perform at Firefest in Nottingham England in front of many diehard fans. Many consider this to be one of the best shows ever at Firefest.
2015 the band released “Boulevard - Live from Gastown” a DVD which features all five of the bands Canadian top 40 singles, as well as some classic tracks from the bands repertoire. The DVD was filmed live on February 27th 2015 at Vancouver’s legendary Warehouse studio.
Boulevard is back, bigger and better than ever with a brand new album titled ‘Boulevard IV’.
The band stays true to their passion charged rhythms, textured melodic landscapes, and powerful lyrics in this this beautifully crafted body of work that will take the listener down the Boulevard of what is possible.
Credits:
Produced by Mark Holden, Dave Corman, and Eric Mosher
David Forbes: Vocals
Mark Holden: Tenor & Alto Sax
Andrew Johns: Keyboards & Vocals
Randall Stoll: Drums & Percussion
Dave Corman: Guitars
Cory Curtis: Bass
Recorded at:
Abbey Road Studio, London U.K.: Engineered by Chris Bolster, assisted by John Barrett.
Warehouse Studio, Vancouver B.C: Engineered by Eric Mosher, Zak Blackstone & assisted by Matt Harvey and Ryan Enockson.
Westsonic Music, Vancouver B.C.: Engineered by Dave Corman
Guest artists:
Keith Scott: Guitar on Slippin Away
Al Vermue: Guitar on Slippin Away
Artwork: Brent Lunney
‘Boulevard IV – Luminescence’ will be released worldwide September 22. Pre-order now.
'It is with regret that due to serious ongoing issues with Ginger Wildheart's mental health, we will be unable to fulfil any scheduled live appearances in the very near future.
Ginger is currently hospitalised and receiving around the clock care and is in the safest possible place.
We ask that you please respect the privacy of Ginger, and his family and friends at this difficult time.
Thank you for your continued love and support, it is very much appreciated. - Ginger Wildheart Team
The postponed shows are:
Friday 18th August - Manchester Dancehouse (warm-up show)
Saturday 19th August - London Union Chapel
The shows will be rescheduled but ticket refunds are available from point of purchase.
Normally anything with the name Magnus Karlsson attached to the credits would be an instant blind purchase. No questions asked! His output with Allen/Lande, Codex, Starbreaker and his own Free Fall project has been nothing short of exemplary.
Now we have The Ferrymen, a project with vocalist Ronnie Romero (Lords Of Black, Rainbow), together with drummer Mike Terrana.
I struggled with this from day one. And I kept at it because its Mangnus Karlsson right? But it didn’t take. Now after a month without listening, I’m again playing at maximum volume and really soaking up that monster guitar and rhythm section Magnus so easily delivers.
But the vocals still aren’t doing it for me. I’m used to a warmer, more melodic tone to accompany Magnus’ work. But more pointedly – I’m really still failing to connect with the songs themselves.
The opening bombastic anthem End Of The Road is cool; Still Standing Up has a good vocal melody and the ballad One Heart certainly has impact.
Tracks like Darkest Hour have the ingredients there, but just don’t have the warmth of past material.
The songs just aren’t there and the vocals leave me cold I’m afraid to say. There’s no issue at all with the musical performances or production, it is just a project that looked good on paper, but failed to deliver in reality.
Art Of Melody Music & Burning Minds Music Group are excited to announce the release date for the self-titled album by Italian melodic rockers AIRBOUND, scheduled for release on September 15, 2017 via Art Of Melody Music / Burning Minds Music Group in Europe, and in October via AnderStein Music in Japan.
Airbound represents their love of classic AOR and melodic rock music, shown through ten splendid tracks influenced by the likes of Journey and Survivor, but updated with a more contemporary and personal sound. To ensure brilliant studio performances and also an international dimension to their debut, Airbound involved in it as special guests the likes of Sven Larsson (Street Talk, Raintimes, Room Experience), Davide "Dave Rox" Barbieri (Wheels Of Fire, Raintimes, Charming Grace, Room Experience), Mario Percudani (Hungryheart, Shining Line, Ted Poley, Axe) & Josh Zighetti (Hungryheart, Charming Grace), who brought their experience and technical skills in order to perfectly complete a smart and focused melodic rock album.
The video of the first single "Till The End" is now finally available on YouTube.
The debut album has been produced by the band itself with the support of sound engineer Oscar Burato, who also mixed and mastered all the tracks in his Atomic Stuff Studio located in Isorella (BS - Italy). All graphics (including the alternative japanese cover artwork) have been designed by Aeglos Art (Viana, Charming Grace, Room Experience, Raintimes), and cd booklet features liner notes by Denis Abello, editor in chief of leading italian rock website Melodicrock.it. "Airbound" also represents the welcome return on the scene of singer Tomás Borgogna, already known in the underground melodic rock circles for his frontman role in Borgogna's "Something To Lean On", released back in 2010 by Steelheart Records. Airbound's first studio effort promises to appeal to classic melodic rock lovers, with brilliant melodies, winning hooks, pompous keyboards, and solid production. Their skilled musicianship brings a return to the great melodic rock sound of the golden years with style, panache, and indomitable passion.
Airbound Line-up:
Tomás Borgogna: Lead & Backing Vocals
Lorenzo Foddai: Guitar & Backing Vocals
Angelo Sasso: Bass & Backing Vocals
Alessandro Broggi: Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Riccardo Zappa: Drums & Percussion
Album Tracklist:
01. Have A Good Time
02. The Sun Tomorrow
03. Till The End
04. You Live & You Learn
05. Don't Fade Away
06. Zhaneta
07. Runaway
08. Wasted World
09. She's A Girl
10. Seven Seas
11. Till The End (Cinematic Version - Japanese Bonus Track)
