MelodicRock Records is thrilled to announce one of the biggest releases for the label thus far! How else could you describe an album featuring Dann Huff, Alan Pasqua, Jeff & Mike Porcaro, Jesse Harms and Denny Carmassi?
MRR will be the label finally able to extract one of the best “lost” albums of all time for an official release. Plenty have tried over the years, but timing is everything!
Nearly 30 years ago, what would have been an instant classic was relegated to storage thanks to the old story of record label machinations.
Of course, we are talking about the classic AOR masterpiece DON BARNES solo album ‘Ride The Storm’.
MelodicRock Records started a conversation with the legendary 38 Special vocalist nearly 12 months ago to the day, suggesting that more than enough time has passed and that this record deserves its time to shine.
So it is with great pleasure that MRR announces that DON BARNES‘Ride The Storm’ will be released worldwide June 30.
And even better news for fans and collectors that have had this record in its various MP3 forms over the years, what you have isn’t the main record you’re about to hear.
In searching for the original masters for ‘Ride The Storm’, after being lost for two decades, Don found the only existing copy of a ‘rock mix’ that was commissioned back in 1989 to take a look at how the songs would sound, remixed for a bigger ‘rock’ impact.
Ever the completist, MRR’s Andrew McNeice insisted that both mixes of the classic album were included in the release – as well as the three individual, heavily traded, solo demo tracks that were recorded but not included on the original album.
The complete ‘Ride The Storm’ release will therefore be a 2CD set, featuring the album in its intended form, plus the second ‘alternate mix’ disc, on which the three additional bonus tracks are added at the end.
PRE-ORDER DON BARNES 'Ride The Storm' NOW! Out June 30
As there was no original artwork yet conceived for ‘Ride The Storm’, so regular MRR artist extraordinaire Nello Dell'Omo was commissioned to come up with something amazing. And that he has. In collaboration with Don, who drove the vision and MRR, the end result might just be one of his best album covers yet!
Two individual sets of remastering also serve the album well – it sounds as fresh, punchy and as amazing as it ever has. Thanks to JK Northrup (Rock Mix) and Brian Foraker (Alt. Mix) for their vital work.
It’s time Don himself jumped in with the story behind this amazing solo album:
“Over two decades ago, with years of success as lead singer and guitarist with 38 Special, I was given an opportunity by A&M Records to create a side solo project as an artist. A&M suggested putting several top-rated musicians in the studio with me and I would write and co-produce the project. I set about co-writing songs and was honored to have some of the industry’s top musicians join me in the recording.
All of these players were extraordinary talents in the music business; the great Jeff Porcaro along with his brother Mike, respectively the drummer and bassist from the band Toto - and the best 'bottom-end foundation’ for any session - came on board to help forge a great rock record.
We also had the masterful veteran drummer Denny Carmassi from the band Heart, noted session keyboardist and composer Alan Pasqua from the band Giant on keyboards...along with another music titan, virtuoso guitarist and now-producer Dann Huff, all of whom brought such excellence and talent to the sessions that I just can't find enough words of praise and appreciation for them.
Additionally, I was privileged to work and collaborate with two extremely talented producers - Martin Briley and Brian Foraker - both of whom brought a wealth of experience and cool vibe to our sessions. We had always felt that the combination of these powerhouse players together created a very special album, a unique ‘rock classic.' Many who have heard the album say that description still remains true today.
Unfortunately, unexpected situations arose in the record business at that time and corporate transitions got in the way of the release date. The album was finished, mixed, and ready to go, but what started out as a great rock record turned into a series of disappointing twists and turns. Just as it was ready to be released, A&M Records was sold through a huge global acquisition and the company changed hands several times over the years. The new company and staff had their own difficulties getting accustomed to the transition and my project was put aside without a release date. My solo album became one of those music stories of a great rock record that started in one direction but had corporate business dealings move it to some other outcome.
I'm proud to finally present my solo album, complete with extras like the 3 additional recordings in demo form left off of the original group of songs, along with a second full CD of alternate mixes.
We had a great time recording these big, explosive songs, all presented here with newly re-mastered technology. You’ll hear the intensity and spirit of the songwriting, the excellence and power of talented players, and the absolute force we delivered on the recordings.
This album and these songs made it through a rough storm and they rock stronger than ever today. Turn it up and enjoy a great ride.”
- Don Barnes, May 2017.
And who is responsible for the contents of this album alongside Don? Quite simply the best of the best.
Track List and Player Credit:
1. Ride The Storm
Guitars - Don Barnes / Additional Guitar Solos - Dann Huff / Keys - Martin Briley / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Jeff Porcaro
2. Looking For You
Guitars - Don Barnes / Keys and Additional Guitar - Martin Briley / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Jeff Pocaro
3. I Fall Back
Guitars - Don Barnes / Keys - Martin Briley / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Jeff Porcaro
4. Don't Look Down
Guitars - Don Barnes / Keys - Jesse Harms / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Denny Carmassi
5. Maybe You'll Believe Me Now
Guitars - Don Barnes / Keys - Alan Pasqua / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Denny Carmassi
6. I'd Do It All Over Again
Guitars - Don Barnes / Additional Guitar - Dann Huff / Keys - Alan Pasqua / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Jeff Porcaro
7. Every Time We Say Goodbye
Guitars - Don Barnes / Additional Rhythm Guitar - Tim Pierce / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Jeff Porcaro
8. Feelin' Stronger Every Day
Guitars - Don Barnes / Additional Guitar - Dann Huff / Keys - Alan Pasqua / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Jeff Porcaro
9. After The Way
Guitars - Don Barnes / Keys - Martin Briley / Bass - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Denny Carmassi
10. Johnny Ain't So Cool
Guitars - Don Barnes / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Keys and Guitar Solo - Martin Briley / Drums - Denny Carmassi
In celebration of INGLORIOUS “II” UK Chart entry ( #22 in the official album charts and #1 in the Rock charts) the band are pleased to release the brand new video for “Taking The Blame”!
MelodicRock Records is once again tapping into the magic that is Sweden’s reservoir of talent to bring you a monster debut album from one of the country’s best young bands.
We’re very excited to announce the signing of RIAN – a melodic hard rock trio from Stockholm.
RIAN’s melodic hard rock sound is a unique combination of 80s AOR with a modern American rock sound.
RIAN is:
Richard Andermyr: Vocals, Guitar
Jan Johansson: Drums
Jonas Melin: Bass
The guys have spent the last year working on their debut album ‘Out Of The Darkness’ with producer Daniel Flores(Mind’s Eye, Find Me, The Murder of My Sweet). Frontman Richard Andermyr was a fan of Daniel’s work and wanted to see if he could imagine mixing their recordings. After listening to the demos, he instantly understood the potential and said that he was ready to not only to mix, but also to produce and record their album.
The result is ‘Out Of The Darkness’, a powerful, melodic hard rock record that is filled with hooks, harmonies and a gritty edge that gives them an original sound.
Their influences are many, including Bon Jovi, Chicago, Dokken, FM, Gary Moore, Giant, Journey, Metallica, Skid Row, Toto, Van Halen, Warrant, Whitesnake and Winger.
Richard Andermyr discovered his songwriting skills in the late 90s. In 2000 he moved to the USA for studies and teamed up with metal band Black Prizm. Back in Sweden Richard formed the hard rock band Whisperwave, who reached the finals in the Emergenza Festival 2 years in a row and were invited by Europe’s Ian Haugland to play live on the Swedish radio station “Rockklassiker”.
After spending some years playing covers, writing new material and building up his home studio, Richard teamed up with drummer Jan Johansson(Flower Punch, Kitto) in a new cover band. The musical connection was instant. Jan having heard some of Richard’s recordings, convinced him they needed to quit the cover scene and focus on original melodic hard rock. After auditioning several bassists, they found the right bass player in Jonas Melin(Asparagus, U R in Hot Water) and the lineup was complete.
The guys rehearsed and recorded demos in Richard’s basement; in the beginning of 2016 they started to see a strong album forming. They were right.
RIAN’s powerful debut album will be released worldwide on July 22 via MRR.
A video for RIAN’s title track ‘Out Of The Darkness’ will debut in the coming weeks.
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the signing of KEE OF HEARTS, a new band project built around two true melodic rock superstars: Tommy Heart, singer of Fair Warning and Kee Marcello, former Europe guitarist!
With a line-up rounded out by Ken Sandin (Alien) on bass and Italian drummer Marco Di Salvia (Pino Scotto), the guys started working on the album in late 2016. With their songwriting strongly focused on melodic rock songs, the album came to completion under the direction of producer Alessandro Del Vecchio and covers a wide spectrum of styles with a lot of attention given to crafting great hooks delivered by musicians that know how to deliver the goods!
Musically, the band operates in a territory defined by Scandinavian AOR meeting German melodic hard rock with influences from the classic U.S. AOR giants (think Giant, Journey, etc.).
All in all, an unmissable release and a highlight of the melodic rock scene! The album is planned for release in the late summer.
The rock world continues to mourn the “sudden and unexpected” death of Soundgarden frontman CHRIS CORNELL earlier today. His death is now being investigated as a suicide.
Statements from ANN and NANCY WILSON of HEART on the loss of Chris Cornell:
ANN WILSON: "It's important now to keep thoughts of Chris positive. He is on his way. We loved him well, now wish him well on his journey. He was and is a beautiful soul."
NANCY WILSON: "No one is ever prepared to hear about a death in the family. And today Chris Cornell my brother from my Seattle music family is gone. I thought his voice would forever grace the world of music. Devastating."
Here are some of the headlines being reported around the world:
Upon their arrival on the national music scene in 1990 with Shake Your Money Maker, The Black Crowes’ Stones-ish/Faces early ‘70s throwback sound was far from the Pop Metal/pre-Grunge musical fashion of the day. However, no one could deny the songwriting and authentic rootsy musical craftsmanship of the brothers Chris and Rich Robinson. Their second album, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (so named after a Civil War-era hymnal) released in May 1992 contained the songs “Remedy”, “Thorn in My Pride”, “Sting Me”, “Hotel Illness” and “My Morning Song” which found the album at #1 sales in its first week of release!
With the backdrop of the 1991 Rodney King beating in LA, first trial, and subsequent deadly destructive riots there, The Black Crowes recorded Southern Harmony “'and watched LA burn” reecalls co-founding singer Chris Robinson to IN THE STUDIO producer and host Redbeard.
“Some of us don’t hate people, and some of us understand that this government is run and fueled by one thing, and that’s greed' You don’t live in black or white neighborhoodss, you live in poor( or affluent ) neighborhoods' This is nothingg exclusive to this generation or any other, these problems have been around forever, it’s called manipulation' I understand everrybody being so upset and frustrated( about injustice)' I don 't think looting and violence and racial hatred is anyway to tell the government, ‘Hey, by the way, can you show us some compassion?’. - Chris Robinson 1992
IN THE STUDIO is syndicated on over 35 radio stations across North America. The Black Crowes/ InTheStudio program will air on radio this weekend.
Due out in 2018 as part of TOTO's 40th Anniversary Box Set - comprising every album recorded for Sony, remastered from original master tapes. New album featuring a few brand new tracks and 5 from the archives that feature Jeff Porcaro, Mike Porcaro and David Hungate that have been completed with new parts in 2017.
Ok, so half a dozen listens to the new MR. BIG album 'Defying Gravity'...
Easily the band's most diverse recording to date. And very raw, very 'live in the studio'.
Some very innovative tracks - very different for The Big.
Production from Kevin Elson is very raw - those with a dislike for Kevin Shirley's effort with the band will likely have the same view here.
A few new masterpieces as is always the case, awesome musicianship of course - but also a little mellower than the last two and ultimately - an album that I think will attract divided opinion.
Another 20 listens to go before I will review officially.
