The Michael Thompson Band is back with their brand new album, “Love And Beyond” on April 26, 2019! For this new release, Michael wanted to go back to the more polished AOR sound of the band’s debut album. Once again, he teamed up with Wyn Davis for the mix and also had the amazing Mark Spiro involved in the songwriting and appearing on vocals together with the awesome Larry King and Larry Antonino. Best known for being Unruly Child’s bass player, Antonino delivers a phenomenal vocal performance which can only be defined as stunning. Another Unruly Child member, Guy Allison appears on keyboards, while drums on the album are handled by Sergio Gonzalez and Tim Pedersen.
Amongst musician circles, Michael Thompson is considered one of the leading guitar players in the world. He was awarded the "Distinguished Alumni" award from his alma mater Berklee College of Music to commemorate his contributions to the music industry. Berklee's program for the event noted that "he is widely regarded as being among the elite studio session players, and his amazing list of credits includes such prominent names as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, 'N Sync, Toni Braxton, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, the Scorpions, Vince Neil, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey, Bette Midler, Madonna, Babyface, En Vogue, Gloria Estefan, Stanley Clarke and Ricky Martin."
Originally from New York, Michael moved to Los Angeles in 1979 to begin a studio musician career. In 1988, after working to try and get a deal with his band Slang, he finally got signed by Geffen Records to release one album entitled "How Long", under the Michael Thompson Band (M.T.B.) monicker.On "How Long", more great studio musicians appeared as guests, in particular drummer-maestro Terry Bozzio, singer Moon Calhoun (ex The Strand), Pat Torpey (Mr Big), bassist Jimmy Haslip, John Elefante (Kansas), Toto's Bobby Kimball, and Great White associates Michael Lardie and Wyn Davis (who also produced the album). Songwriters would include, among others, AOR luminaries such as Jeff Paris, Mark Spiro, Billy Trudel and Brett Walker.
As of today, “How Long” is still regarded as one of the highest examples of hi-tech AOR / West Coast, with superb production and immaculate songwriting. Reissued in 2007 with 3 bonus tracks, it started a relationship between Michael Thompson and Frontiers, who put out the new Michael Thompson Band album in early 2012.
For the second album which Frontiers released in 2012, Michael teamed up with the awesome singer Larry King from the band Soleil Moon. Larry brought a new and more rocking approach to the MTB sound, but certainly the trademark elements of songwriting and melodies were still to be found on the “Future Past”.
Vocalist/guitarist Alessio Garavello (Ex-Power Quest/Arthemis) and bassist Andrea Lonardi formed A New Tomorrow in London in 2009. The two were later joined by drummer Tim Hall and guitarist Michael Kew (Vega). The band have since honed their sound into powerful, uplifting, hard-hitting melodic hard rock, which drew the attention of Frontiers in 2018 and led to the band's signing.
Rock giants like Alter Bridge, Foo Fighters, Metallica, and Green Day are influential to A New Tomorrow’s musical roots and this rock solid foundation is the road map from which the band developed their sound. Conveying A New Tomorrow’s love for life and go-getter attitude, both on and off stage, their music is meant to motivate and inspire.
Drummer Tim Hall comments, “Several years of amazing times, full of both ups and downs, not just as a band, but as great friends, gave us the foundation to write something special for our music. Universe became the only title to encompass all our experiences as individuals and as a band, with themes - from fear and doubt to taking back the pursuit of our hopes and dreams - that I think all of us can identify with.”
Hall continues, “Expect dynamic and heavy songs, with intricate, interwoven grooves, alongside blankets of melodic guitars and powerful vocals. We feel invigorated playing this music and can’t wait to unleash that energy live in 2019.”
Alessio Garavello on signing to Frontiers: “It’s fantastic to start working with a label that shares the same vision for our music that we do! This union presents an opportunity for us to grow and evolve as a band and we really can’t wait to continue the journey in 2019 and beyond.”
For those unfamiliar with A New Tomorrow, check out videos for previously released tracks “Brighter Than The Sun” and “Damn You” HERE: http://www.anewtomorrowband.com/videos.html
Stay tuned for more info on UNIVERSE and the release of the first single from the album later this year.
Line-up:
Alessio Garavello - Vocals/Guitar
Andrea Lonardi - Bass
Tim Hall - Drums
Michael Kew - Guitar
What is certain to be one of the top rock performances of the summer has been announced, with the 2019 edition of the Tail Winds Music Fest. The all-day performance will be held on Saturday, June 29th at The Hudson Valley Regional Airport, in Wappingers Falls, New York (gates open at 11:00am). Headlining the show is Chris Robinson Brotherhood, with additional sets by the likes of Black Stone Cherry, Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime, King’s X, and Sass Jordan.
Pre-sale general admission tickets are priced at $55, and a VIP experience is also available for $150 (tickets for kids twelve years of age and under will be $25) - very affordable prices indeed for such renowned rock acts. Tickets are available for purchase via tailwindsmusicfest.com.
In addition to a day’s worth of great music, concert goers will also get a chance to dine and drink via a variety of craft beer and food trunk vendors, a VIP experience second to none, while mobile lockers and helicopter rides will also be available. The event has a number of sponsors so far, including iHeartMedia, Lexington Center for Recovery, and Kings Court Brewing Company. The event is benefitting the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation.
“We were excited about bringing together a varied line-up of electric rock bands on one show, as the area is missing an event like this. With bands, local food trucks, craft breweries and helicopter rides, it’s an experience you don’t see at other festivals, while also supporting local businesses and raising money for a terrific cause.” -Tail Winds Music Festival creators Matt Cavaliere and Chris Muratore
Be sure to mark June 29th on your calendar and get ready for a great day of rock n’ roll and summertime fun!
Former Guns N Roses Guitarist To Release First Solo Album In 15 Years!
GOLDEN ROBOT RECORDS Welcomes Gilby Clarke To The Family!
The world’s fastest growing independent record label, Golden Robot Records, continues it’s upward trajectory into 2019. Starting the year off with a bang, the label is honored to welcome to the family, the guitar icon Gilby Clarke!
Gilby recently signed a GLOBAL deal with Golden Robot Records which will see a brand new solo album - The Gospel Truth - released this year. This will be Gilby’s first in over 15 years!
Mark Alexander-Erber, Golden Robot Entertainment Group Founder and President: says of signing Clarke; 'I couldn’t be happier to sign such an incredible artist like Gilby Clarke to our GRR international roster. He is totally authentic through and through. He brings such a wealth of experience to his songwriting, playing and producing and I know the world is ready for his new solo album which is a long time coming. It is an honour to release this record.’
Clarke explains his excitement about the signing “I am so happy to be a part of the Golden Robot family for my new solo record. I use the word family because I feel like I found a home. We share the same passion for Rock n Roll! Rock N Roll is alive n’ well & together we will turn it up loud!”
Gilby recently did an interview with Gibson Guitars at the 2019 Namm show in Los Angeles where he discusses his upcoming album.
Watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFnVXj5JyCg
Best known for his tenure in the mighty Guns N Roses, Gilby has a long and storied career of which, GNR is only a part. Arriving in Hollywood as a 17 year old punk from Cleveland, Gilby soon found himself as a ghost writer and session player for former Runaway’s manager, Kim Fowleywho then urged him to join the band, Candy. Gilby proved a little too rough and ready for the polished power-poppers and found himself a home both with hard-rockers Kill For Thrills and as a songwriter for Virgin Records.
Then a late night call from Slash changed everything… Gilby joined Guns N Roses in late 1991, replacing the recently departed Izzy Stradlin. For the next 3 years, Gilby strapped in for the wildest ride of his life, playing stadiums the world over and appearing on Guns N Roses, Spaghetti Incident, Live Era ’88-’91 and The Greatest Hits albums. Now in 2019, Gilby is preparing to unleash his first new solo music in nearly two decades! An old school mash-up of Keef, Johnny Thunders, and B.B. King, Gilby’s new album is full of fist-pumping rock ’n’ roll songs with fat choruses, bluesy licks and trademark solos! It’s Classic rock, a new version of what Gilby likes to do and that’s… LOUD GUITARS!
The album features drumming from legendary John Mellencamp and Chickenfoot sticksman Kenny Aronoff and Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction, Porno For Pyro & Infectious Grooves. The Gospel Truth will be released in the first half of 2019. More details coming very soon!
Gilby joins fellow GNR band mate, Dizzy Reed who was one of the first international signings to Golden Robot Records and released his solo album, Rock N Roll Ain't Easy to critical praise in early 2018.
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Gilby Clarke is now part of an international roster that includes such iconic artists as, Guns ’N' Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed, Puddle Of Mudd, Little Caesar, Raveneye, The Lazys and the all star A New Revenge which features Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, Keri Kelli, Rudy Sarzo and James Kottak
Plus, Golden Robot Records boasts an incredible line up of Aussie acts, led by Rose Tattoo, The Superjesus, Misex and featuring Steve Kilbey, Palace Of The King, Jailbirds, Fyre Byrd, The Kids, Destrends, Flickertail and many more. Watch out for more incredible names who will be joining GRR’s international roster in the near future!
Golden Robot Records now own four record labels and have teams in every major market in the world: Sydney, Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Tokyo and Auckland. With globally experienced music industry veterans heading up key roles in A&R, Management, Marketing and Publicity, Golden Robot Records are able to give their roster maximum exposure and support.
Singer-songwriter Matthew Shad has just released the single 'Keep Holding On'. This is Matthew's first release since 2015's 'Heart Forgive Me' which was mixed by Kenny Scott (Swirl 360). It is available to stream or download at iTunes, AppleMusic, Spotify, Amazon Music and all other major digital outlets. You can hear the song on YouTube here:ww.youtube.com/watch?v=FhpXJojrjs4
From Matthew:
'Dear Friends of MelodicRock.com,
This might be a different type of press release, but I felt strongly about introducing myself to most of you for the first time in my own words. Since I first gained access to the internet, I became a fan of Andrew and MelodicRock.com. Like many of you, it became my morning paper. I love the genre of Melodic Rock so very much and am proud to share the release of my new song, 'Keep Holding On' with you. In this troubled world, I strongly felt a positive and uplifting anthem of a song was appropriate.
And now, a little about myself:
- I'm the guy that had the albums 'New Jersey' and 'Hysteria' on cassette in my car with all the text worn off from playing them so much.
- I'm the guy who makes singer-songwriter playlists of Mitch Malloy, Paul Gilbert, John Waite, Steve Lukather, Sammy Hagar, Jani Lane, Jude Cole, Mike Tramp, Zakk Wylde, Kip Winger and Butch Walker.
- I'm the guy that teaches his guitar students 'The Answer' from Richie Sambora and 'Rest In Peace' from Extreme.
- I'm the guy who thinks 'Kingdom Of Desire' by Toto and 'Talk' by Yes are masterpieces.
- I'm the guy who is still inspired by Neal Schon's solo in 'Still They Ride', Mark Kendall's solo in 'House Of Broken Love', Kee Marcello's solo in 'Superstitious' and pretty much anything Dann Huff recorded with Giant!
- I'm the guy who stood in the ticket line at 2:00 am for Steve Perry's 'For The Love Of Strange Medicine' Tour (2nd Row)!
- I'm the guy who pre-orders every House of Lords album. I'm also the guy who was lucky enough to see House of Lords open for Nelson (Ken Mary and Bobby Rock in the same night... Doug Aldrich and Bret Garsed in the same night... Vocals from Gunnar, Matthew and James Christian in the same night... Incredible).
- I'm the guy who thinks Mr. Big and Dream Theater must be immortal and been practicing for a million years (That's the only explanation).
- I'm the guy stood in the audience at an acoustic Shaw/Blades concert and knew after the first song that it was going to be one of the best night's ever.
- I'm the guy who knows you can always count on Night Ranger to put on the best rock show in town.
- I'm the guy who heard Vito Bratta's solo for 'Wait' and bought 'Pride' the next day.
- I'm the guy who cherishes albums from RTZ, Hardline, Tyketto, attraction 65, Blue Murder, Open Skyz, The Storm, Echo Jet, Jellyfish, Blue Tears and a thousand others.
Hopefully, you can hear all of that in this song. "Keep Holding On" feels like the first song I've recorded in the longest time that sounds like the music I listen to. Hopefully, you can hear the Boston, Bon Jovi, Journey and Def Leppard loud and clear. I'm extremely proud of this song and excited about releasing more music in the future. Please follow my social media listed below and send me a message letting me know what you think. I hope to see you out there on the road!
"I tip my hat to every original artist out there. It is an uphill battle from the get go and most let go early on in the game, but there are those who "Keep Holding On". Matthew Shad is one of those who do just do that." - Mike Tramp
About Matthew Shad:
Matthew studied at Berklee College of Music with the likes of Livingston Taylor and Jon Finn. He has gone from the studios at Berklee to recording at Full Sail, Gloria Estefan"s Crescent Moon Studios and Criteria"s The Hit Factory. In the 90's his band SHAD recorded a self-titled hard rock album and opened for acts such as Survivor and Bad Company. In 2010, he changed directions with the pop-rock group Stirling Road, releasing a an album and two singles including "Without You" which was co-written and produced by Swirl 360's Kenny Scott. His most cherished musical memory was in 2000 when he performed "Wanted Dead Or Alive" with recent Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame inductees, Bon Jovi, at a rehearsal for VH-1's Storytellers. His new single, "Keep Holding On" is out now!
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