Springsteen & I Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

Most musicians hope to have a fan base as rabid and devoted as that of Bruce Springsteen's. While there have been many features on Springsteen over the years, Mr. Wolf and Ridley Scott Associates have decided to pay tribute to his fans. Made with support from Springsteen, Springsteen & I combines homemade testimonials from fans, along with rare footage of The Boss in concert in a fitting tribute for fans and an attempt to convert the nonbelievers.

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Move Me Brightly Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

Jerry Garcia would have been 70 years old last August. In honor of that milestone event, fellow Grateful Dead band mate, Bob Weir, threw a star-studded birthday bash at his TRI Studios in San Rafael, CA. The concert was filmed, and makes up the Blu-ray, Move Me Brightly. Directed by Justin Kreutzmann (son of Grateful Dead drummer, Bill), the film mixes live performances with memories from friends, family and band mates about what Garcia meant to them.

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Lady Antebellum - Live: On This Winter's Night Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

On the heels of their holiday album of the same name comes Lady Antebellum's Blu-ray special, Live: On A Winter's Night. This concert by the country superstars was filmed at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center and showcases the band delivering several holiday classics, as well as their own original material, all while accompanied by a 40-piece orchestra.

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CeeLo Green is Loberace -- Live in Vegas Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

From the mind of CeeLo Green comes Loberace -- Live in Vegas. Part 70s soul singer, part Elton John, part Liberace, Loberace is a unique stage persona that is all Las Vegas. If it sounds tripped out, it is, but Green makes it work in this entertaining show that features dancing girls, numerous costume changes and many hits, both from Green's career and from artists he admires.

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The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert - SD Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

In the world of rock and roll, there have been few, if any, greater front men than Freddie Mercury. This was a man who while intensely private off stage, could command an audience of 100,000 and make it feel like an intimate performance. In addition to his showmanship, he had the voice and songs to match. When Mercury died in November 1991 at the age of 45 due to complications from AIDS, the band decided to, in the words of guitarist Brian May, "give him the biggest sendoff in history." They quite possibly may have achieved that on April 20, 1992, at Wembley Stadium in London. Available on Blu-ray for the first time, The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert featured the surviving members of Queen with a who's who of rock royalty paying tribute to the late singer.

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Morrissey - 25 Live Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

Throughout his career, both as the singer of the legendary British alt-pop band, The Smiths, as well as the 25 years he has spent as a solo artist, Morrissey has carved out a niche as one of the most enigmatic and enduring performers to come out of the 1980s. His live shows are musical events, filled with some of the most devoted fans in all of music and performances that are nearly therapeutic in their intensity both for the performer and the fans alike. Just one day after selling out the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Morrissey offered fans a rare chance at an intimate gig by performing at Hollywood High School. The 1,800 seats sold out in 12 seconds and Morrissey filmed the show, which is now available as Morrissey - 25 Live.

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Paul McCartney - New CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

For Paul McCartney's new album, appropriately titled New, he worked with four producers with the intent on finding one he liked and finishing the record with that person. What McCartney didn't envision was liking them all equally -- but he did -- and so Paul Epworth, Mark Ronson, Ethan Johns and Giles Martin all have credits on the album. As all four producers have very diverse styles and credits from artists ranging from Adele to Kula Shaker to Ryan Adams to Duran Duran, it's not surprising that McCartney's album is very diverse as well, but then again, so were The Beatles' best albums.

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Deep Purple - Perfect Strangers Live DVD Review

Written by General Jabbo

While every band seems to reunite these days, the 1984 reunion of Deep Purple's famed Mk II lineup was a major event in the music world. Rock and roll still dominated the charts and, after 11 years apart, fans welcomed the "Smoke On The Water" lineup of the band with open arms. During their time apart, Deep Purple briefly continued on with David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes handling vocals, singer Ian Gillan had a solo career along with a stint in Black Sabbath and Ritchie Blackmore had great success with Rainbow. Still, Mk II's chemistry was undeniable and, after 11 years and some soul searching, the band managed to heal old wounds to release a new album and tour behind it.

The album, Perfect Strangers, was a blockbuster for the band, going platinum and spawning two legitimate Purple classics in "Perfect Strangers" and "Knocking At Your Back Door." Still, live concerts are where the band built its reputation and the Perfect Strangers tour was no exception. Sadly, very little footage of the band's reunion has ever been made available, until now. The tour began in Australia and the band had the cameras rolling, resulting in the DVD Deep Purple - Perfect Strangers Live.

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New Model Army - Between Dog And Wolf CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

In the four years since their last album release, New Model Army went through a tumultuous period, having had their manager pass away, their studio burning down (with the rest of their gear being stolen, no less) and their bassist, Nelson, leaving the band. The group was, in many ways, forced to start over. New bassist, Ceri Monger, who at age 26 wasn't even born when the band first formed, has breathed new life into the group with his groove-oriented playing and the band decided to take a new approach musically as well. Drenched in lush keyboards and tribal drums, the band's latest album, Between Dog And Wolf, delivers on the promise of being very different from their previous releases.

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James Booker - Classified: Remixed And Expanded CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

As New Orleans musicians go, James Booker would certainly be at or near the top. A contemporary of Dr. John, among others, the self-proclaimed "Bronze Liberace" played on albums by a diverse group of artists ranging from Ringo Starr to Fats Domino to Maria Muldaur. He also served as a mentor for a young Harry Connick Jr. Booker was not without his demons, however. Long-term struggles with drugs and alcohol indirectly contributed to his death from renal failure at age 43 and he struggled with mental illness as well. His music remains timeless though and Booker has amassed a growing legion of followers in recent years. His final album, Classified, has been remixed and expanded, offering a fascinating glimpse at this troubled genius' last sessions.

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Bryan Ferry - Live in Lyon Deluxe Edition Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

As both a member of Roxy Music and as a solo artist, Bryan Ferry has carved out a four decade (and counting) musical career that blends elements of everything from the pre rock 'n roll era to blues to soul to rock and the avant-garde. With not only his original material, but also with well-chosen covers (ready mades as he calls them), he has managed to create a sound that is uniquely his. It's a testament to his talents that his covers often sound as if he had written them himself. While on tour in 2011 for his album, Olympia, Ferry and his crack band were filmed in Lyon, France. That show makes up the deluxe edition of the Blu-ray Bryan Ferry -- Live in Lyon.

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Peter Gabriel - Live in Athens 1987 Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

In 1987, Peter Gabriel was at the height of his powers both artistically and commercially. His most recent studio album, So, had turned him into a mega star with its critically acclaimed songs and groundbreaking music videos. The last night of the tour, a 1987 stop in Athens, Greece, was filmed and released in edited form on VHS as POV. Fast forward 25 years to the present to find that So was yet another classic album to get the super deluxe treatment, this time including a DVD of the entire Athens show as a bonus. Now the entire show -- including the opening set from Youssou N'Dour -- is available on Blu-ray as Peter Gabriel -- Live in Athens 1987.

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Elvis Presley – Elvis At Stax Deluxe Edition CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

The year 1973 was a good one for Elvis Presley. He was riding high from the success of the Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite TV broadcast and live album; he had signed a new record deal with his label, RCA; and he was the beneficiary of a $5 million buyout of his back catalog from the label. While that buyout ultimately may have been a bad deal for Presley, at the time it gave him the financial freedom to live the way he was accustomed to. In addition, his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, had formed a new publishing company, which freed Presley to choose what he felt was stronger material to record. In short, life was good. This being the world of Elvis Presley, it wasn’t without its complications, however.

Presley’s relentless touring schedule had left him exhausted. He was separated from Priscilla during this time, and his daughter was scheduled to visit him that July. The problem was, RCA decided they needed new material from Presley during that time and he was forced to accommodate him. American Studios, where Presley had so much success with songs such as “Suspicious Minds” just a few years earlier, had closed down, but another hometown label, Stax, was thriving during this period. Presley knew of Stax and its success, and its proximity to Graceland couldn’t be beat, so he scheduled sessions for July and December of that year. A plethora of material was recorded — enough for nearly three complete albums — and RCA, as they were apt to do, spread the material out over multiple releases. Elvis At Stax, a new 3-CD collection of Stax masters and alternate takes, attempts to rectify this, putting all the masters and many notable outtakes in one place and offering a fresh look at these sessions.

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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold Criterion Collection Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

The 1960s Cold War era proved a fertile time for the spy movie genre. James Bond offered a glamorous, high-tech version of events, with exciting locales and beautiful women. The spy game is not always glamorous, however, and The Spy Who Came In From The Cold represents the seedy underbelly of this dangerous practice. Based on the John le Carré novel of the same name, Martin Ritt’s gritty movie adaptation is getting the Blu-ray treatment, courtesy of The Criterion Collection.

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Songs From Scandal - Music For Gladiators CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

On the television series, Scandal, Kerry Washington plays Olivia Pope, a character loosely based on former George Bush press aide, Judy Smith. Like Smith, who represented the likes of Monica Lewinsky and Chandra Levy, among others, Pope is a crisis management person for the elite, making sure their dirty laundry never gets aired. The very nature of her business leads to much drama in Pope's life and, as such, a powerful soundtrack is in order to really bring the show to life. The Stax label has released Songs From Scandal -- Music For Gladiators, a strong collection of soul classics from the 1960s and 1970s that does just that.

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Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow -- Black Masquerade CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

In 1995, having left Deep Purple for good, Ritchie Blackmore took a band of unknowns out on the road in support of Stranger In Us All -- the final album by his other legendary group, Rainbow. The album and tour featured Doogie White on lead vocals, a man who had the unenviable task of filling the vocal shoes of Ronnie James Dio, Graham Bonnet and Joe Lynn Turner. The band also included a young Candice Night, now the lead singer in Blackmore's Night and Ritchie Blackmore's wife and songwriting partner. Rainbow was recorded live on a stop on the German television program, Rockpalast. That show makes up the new CD, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow -- Black Masquerade.

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Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow -- Black Masquerade DVD Review

Written by General Jabbo

The mid-1990s were a period of major change for Ritchie Blackmore. In 1993, he left the reformed Deep Purple -- a band with which he had a love-hate relationship for some time -- for good and set out to record a solo album. The album featured largely unknown musicians and record company pressure forced Blackmore's hand by insisting he call this lineup Rainbow to sell more records. The lineup turned out to be the group's final to date and the album, Stranger In Us All, featured Doogie White on lead vocals and Blackmore's future wife and musical partner, Candice Night, on background vocals. The band hit the road, and a 1995 visit to Germany was broadcast on Rockpalast. Long available as a bootleg, the show is finally getting an official release as Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow -- Black Masquerade.

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Santana & McLaughlin - Live At Montreux 2011: Invitation To Illumination Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

Carlos Santana and John McLaughlin have spent their respective careers on a spiritual and musical journey. The pair has blended world music and spirituality with jazz, Latin, rock, blues and even funk influences. The pair first collaborated on 1973's Love Devotion Surrender. The subsequent tour was the last time they had played a full-length concert together until 2011. That year, their old friend, the late Claude Nobs, invited the pair to play his famed Montreux Jazz Festival. Dubbed Invitation to Illumination, the concert was a magical event, pairing two virtuosos and musical soul mates and is the basis for the Blu-ray Santana & McLaughlin -- Live At Montreux 2011: Invitation To Illumination.

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Aerosmith - Rock For The Rising Sun Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

In March 2011, Japan was devastated by the effects of a massive earthquake and tsunami. To make matters worse, the Fukushima nuclear power plant suffered a meltdown. Tourists were advised to stay away for their own safety, but Aerosmith, never ones to follow the rules, had other ideas. The band had maintained a close relationship with its Japanese fans over the years and, against conventional wisdom, decided to help the country heal through their music, staging a series of concerts later that year. The shows were filmed and form the basis of the new Blu-ray, Aerosmith - Rock For The Rising Sun.

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Christopher Cross - A Night In Paris CD/DVD Review

Written by General Jabbo

As debut albums go, the self-titled release from Christopher Cross was as about as successful as anyone could have hoped for. Released in late 1979, it sold over 5 million copies in the United States alone (20 million worldwide) and garnered the singer five Grammy Awards in 1981. His second album, Another Page, was a success as well, going gold in the U.S. and spawning another top-10 hit in "Think Of Laura." As the years passed, Cross' releases became more sporadic, yet still achieved critical acclaim. In 2011, he released Doctor Faith, his first album of original material in over a decade. Cross was captured live on that tour at a stop in Paris, France. The April 2012 show makes up the CD/DVD, A Night In Paris.

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Status Quo - Bula Quo! CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

While they may not be household names in America, British rockers, Status Quo, have carved out a successful career in Europe that has lasted more than 40 years. They have performed at prestigious gigs such as Live Aid and were on the bill for Queen's legendary Wembley Stadium shows in 1986, but there's one thing the band hasn't done until now - record a movie soundtrack. Bula Quo! is the soundtrack to the film of the same name, which features the band as themselves (also a first). The soundtrack is a 2-CD collection featuring new original material, reworked tracks and live cuts.

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Queen V - The Decade Of Queen V CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

Through the past 10 years, Queen V has demonstrated one thing consistently - she rocks. In the male-dominated world of guitar-driven rock, Queen V has more than held her own, winning over tough audiences opening for the likes of Twisted Sister and Billy Idol. The best of her recorded work from the past decade makes up the new CD, Queen V - The Decade of Queen V.

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Last Stop Standing: The Rise, Fall And Rebirth of The Independent Record Store DVD Review

Written by General Jabbo

As music sales have declined over the last decade, the retailers hit hardest have been the independent record stores. In the UK alone, where there was once over 2,200 independent stores in the 1980s, that number has dwindled to 269 as of 2009. So what happened? Surely people still like music? Last Shop Standing: The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of the Independent Record Store aims to find out.

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The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations Tour DVD Review

Written by General Jabbo

In 1976, The Beach Boys were riding a wave of nostalgia thanks, in large part, to the "Brian's Back!" campaign. The Beach Boys' principal songwriter had spent the better part of three years in bed - eating, drinking and abusing drugs - and disengaged himself from not only the band, but also the world. After hiring the controversial therapist, Eugene Landy, Wilson was deemed ready for action once more. The results were the first Wilson-produced Beach Boys album in a decade, 15 Big Ones, and his return to the live stage to coincide with the band's 15th anniversary. To capitalize on the event, an NBC TV special was filmed, mixing live footage with interviews and comedy skits. This program makes up the DVD, The Beach Boys -- Good Vibrations Tour.

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Paul McCartney And Wings - Rockshow Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

In 1976, Paul McCartney and Wings mounted their only U.S. tour, the aptly nicknamed Wings Over America. The tour was a massive success and spawned a live album of the same name. It had been 10 years since McCartney had toured the U.S. on the Beatles' final outing and, with Wings at the height of their popularity, the time was right to return to the States. Sensing the enormity of the tour, McCartney had shows in New York, Los Angeles and Seattle filmed with the hopes of putting together a concert film.

The film was titled Rockshow, after the song of the same name, but didn't receive its theatrical premiere until 1980. By then, Wings had a different lineup and were at the end of their run due in part to McCartney's pot bust in Japan on the eve of the band's tour. Sadly, Jimmy McCulloch, the talented, but troubled lead guitarist in the Rockshow performance didn't live to see its theatrical premiere, having died of a drug overdose the year before. While Rockshow had been previously released on video, laser disc and DVD as part of The McCartney Years, none of those releases were the complete show. This has been rectified on the new Blu-ray, which is fully restored from the film and audio masters.

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Dio - Finding The Sacred Heart: Live in Philly 1986 CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

When the late Ronnie James Dio was on tour for his Sacred Heart album, he had a show on the second leg of the tour filmed for VHS release. The concert was significant as it was the first tour with new guitarist, Craig Goldy, who replaced original Dio guitarist, Vivian Campbell, after the first leg was completed. The original concert was incomplete, however. Now the full show is available for the first time, digitally remastered, as Dio - Finding The Sacred Heart: Live in Philly 1986.

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Dio - Finding The Sacred Heart: Live in Philly 1986 Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

The late Ronnie James Dio took his love for the mystical to a new level in 1986. While on tour for his then current album, Sacred Heart, he and his crack band played on a stage that resembled a giant castle, complete with an animatronic dragon. It was the perfect backdrop for Dio's powerful music. Fortunately for fans, a show in Philadelphia was filmed and released, first as a VHS and later as a DVD. Unfortunately, however, the show was edited in those releases. For the Blu-ray release, entitled Dio - Finding The Sacred Heart: Live in Philly 1986, the concert has been fully restored and is complete for the first time ever. The results show Dio in his mid-80s arena rock prime.

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The Moody Blues - Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970 DVD/CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

By 1970, the Moody Blues were arguably at the peak of their commercial and creative powers. Their newest album, and third in two years, A Question of Balance, hit number 1 on the UK charts and their previous two hit 1 and 2 respectively. Perhaps most telling is their position in the lineup at the legendary Isle of Wight Festival. In 1969, the band played on the opening day while in 1970, they were one of the headliners. That 1970 performance was filmed and makes up part of the DVD/CD set, The Moody Blues - Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970.

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The Rolling Stones - Crossfire Hurricane Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

Few performers have had the longevity of The Rolling Stones. In 50 years, they've gone from being the dangerous, anti-Beatles to being the elder statesmen of rock. In the band's own words, they went from being the group everyone hated to being the group everyone loves. In honor of their 50th anniversary, director Brett Morgen sat down with the individual members of the band, past and present, to hear them tell their remarkable story. That story is preserved on the new Blu-ray, The Rolling Stones -- Crossfire Hurricane.

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Styx - The Grand Illusion/Pieces Of Eight Live CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

On November 9, 2010, Styx followed the lead of many notable classic rockers, including Aerosmith, Peter Gabriel and Cheap Trick, by bringing not one (unlike those artists), but two of their biggest albums to the stage in their entirety during the same show. The albums in question were 1977's The Grand Illusion and 1978's Pieces Of Eight. The show, entitled Styx -- The Grand Illusion/Pieces Of Eight Live, was recorded and previously released in a number of formats, including DVD/CD, but this release marks its first appearance as a standalone two-CD set.

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Paul McCartney And Wings - Wings Over America CD/DVD Review

Written by General Jabbo

By the time 1976 rolled around, Paul McCartney and Wings were at the height of their popularity, having amassed numerous hits and successful tours abroad. There was one thing left to do however, something McCartney had not done since 1966 while still a member of The Beatles -- tour America. After a tour of Europe and Australia, Wings traveled to North America for their first (and only) tour of the continent.

The tour was a major success, with many cities hosting multiple sold-out nights. The live document of the tour, Wings Over America, also did well, reaching number one in the U.S. The album has recently been remastered as part of the Paul McCartney Archive Collection. This review focuses on the 2-CD Standard Edition as well as the DVD that is included with the Deluxe Edition.

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Rainbow - Live In Munich 1977 DVD Review

Written by General Jabbo

In 1977, Rainbow was on tour in Vienna, Austria, when trouble struck. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore didn't take too kindly to a bouncer getting physical with fans and expressed his displeasure by drenching him in beer. Blackmore's actions got him a night in jail, which posed a problem as the band was set to be filmed the following night in Munich. Luckily for fans, the next night was available and the band was filmed as scheduled for the German TV show Rockpalast. That show makes up the DVD, Rainbow -- Live in Munich 1977, and is the only complete concert on film from the Blackmore, Ronnie James Dio and Cozy Powell lineup of the band.

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Rainbow - Live In Munich 1977 CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

In 1977, Rainbow was filmed live in Munich, Germany, for an appearance on the Rockpalast television show. The show, recorded not long before Ronnie James Dio's final album with the band, Long Live Rock 'N' Roll, was released was, by many accounts, a stunning performance. The audio of this show has been newly remastered for the CD, Rainbow -- Live In Munich 1977.

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Deep Purple - NOW What?! CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

For NOW What?!, their first studio album since 2005, the legendary Deep Purple decided to enlist the services of an equally legendary producer. Bob Ezrin, who helmed classic albums by groups such as Kiss, Pink Floyd and Alice Cooper, is working with Deep Purple for the first time. The results are a strong album that mixes familiar Purple elements with modern production touches.

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Neil Cowley Trio - Live At Montreux 2012 CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

Neil Cowley has made quite a name for himself, both through his own music as well as his session work. The 2013 UK Jazz Artist Of The Year gained experience playing with the likes of Brand New Heavies and Zero 7 and, more recently, he played piano on both of Adele's smash albums, 19 and 21, exposing his playing to a wide audience, even if they didn't realize it was him. In 2012 while on tour for The Face Of Mount Molehill, Cowley and his crack band made their debut appearance at the famed Montreux Jazz Festival. The show was recorded and makes up the CD, Neil Cowley Trio -- Live At Montreux 2012.

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Alanis Morissette - Live At Montreux 2012 CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

Alanis Morissette was once considered the Canadian Debbie Gibson. She released two dance pop albums in her native Canada before undergoing a radical career makeover. 1995's Jagged Little Pill was the result of those efforts and it struck an emotional chord, especially with female listeners, selling over 30 million albums worldwide and making Morissette a bona fide superstar. A four-time guest of the Montreux Jazz Festival, her 2012 appearance in support of Havoc And Bright Lights was recorded and makes up the new live album, Alanis Morissette - Live At Montreux 2012.

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Michael Nesmith: Live in Ferndale, Michigan 4/8/13 - Concert Review

Written by General Jabbo

For years, Michael Nesmith famously avoided the concert stage, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Monkees. His last Monkees shows had been the European leg of the 1997 tour for Justus, while his last solo tour came in 1992. Fans clamoring for a live appearance by “The Wool Hat,” had learned to temper their expectations.

Then, in late 2012, Nesmith decided to hit the concert trail again, beginning with some solo shows in England and later reuniting with the surviving Monkees (Davy Jones died last February) for a reunion tour. The shows with the Monkees were Nesmith’s first in America since 1969. While he was possibly sensing his own mortality in light of Jones’ passing, Nesmith has stated he missed playing live — which brings us to 2013.

Nesmith is in the midst of a 17-city U.S. tour, which made its way to Ferndale, MI, just outside of Detroit on April 8, 2013. Backed by an ace band, which includes Boh Cooper on keyboards, Nesmith alums Paul Leim on drums and Joe Chemay on bass and Chris Scruggs (grandson of Earl) on pedal steel and lead guitar, Nesmith played songs covering all aspects of his solo career up until 2006’s Rays.

Photo by Kim Connell

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The Blue Planet: Seas Of Life - Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

In 2001, the BBC took on the daunting task of doing a comprehensive documentary on one of the least-explored regions of the Earth — its oceans. Narrated by David Attenborough and five years in the making, the documentary, known as The Blue Planet, covered each aspect of the world’s oceans in a series of eight 50-minute episodes. The show was an astounding success, capturing images of seldom (and sometimes never) seen sea life in its natural habitat. Its breathtaking images did not go unnoticed, as The Blue Planet won an Emmy Award for Best Cinematography — Non-Fiction. Likewise, George Fenton’s dramatic score won the Emmy in that category. The series is nothing short of a triumph for nature photography, with fans long clamoring for a Blu-ray release. Their wish was finally granted with the release of The Blue Planet: Seas Of Life.

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Thom Chacon - CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

On Thom Chacon's self-titled new CD, he delivers a gritty dose of Americana that betrays his age. Channeling his inner Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, Chacon sounds as if he's lived every one of these tales himself. Chacon even plays with Dylan's rhythm section, Tony Garnier and George Receli on the disc, which was cut live in an all-analog setting, which suits these songs well.

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Justin Hayward - Spirits Of The Western Sky CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

Throughout his four-decade-plus career, both as a singer/guitarist in The Moody Blues and as a solo artist, Justin Hayward has not only had commercial success with songs such as "Nights In Wight Satin" and "Your Wildest Dreams," but has also been at the forefront of the psychedelic and progressive rock movements. In addition, the Moody Blues pushed the envelope in terms of mixing classical and pop music on albums such as Days Of Future Passed. On Spirits Of The Western Sky, his first solo record since 1996's The View From The Hill, Hayward mixes his strong pop sensibilities with dreamy guitar parts, tender ballads and, on three tracks, takes a step into the world of country music.

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Glenn Hughes - Live In Wolverhampton CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

Glenn Hughes' career has seen many highs and lows, both on and off the stage. From his promising beginnings in Trapeze to a choice spot in Deep Purple to over a decade of substance abuse followed by more than two decades (and counting) of sobriety, he has seen and done it all, both musically and otherwise. After more than 40 years, Hughes is showing no signs of slowing down. In recent years, he has released three critically acclaimed albums with Black Country Communion, as well as his own strong solo albums. While on tour in 2009 for his album, First Nuclear Underground Kitchen, Hughes recorded a two-night stand in his hometown of Bilston, Wolverhampton, the results of which are captured on Glenn Hughes — Live In Wolverhampton.

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Deep Purple - Live In Paris 1975 CD Review

Written by General Jabbo

April 17, 1975. Not only was this stop in Paris, France, the end of the Stormbringer tour for Deep Purple, unbeknownst to the fans in attendance, it would be the end of an era. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore had expanded the sessions for what was originally to be a solo single into a new album and band, Rainbow, but that hadn't been announced to the public at large yet. In their eyes, it was business as usual as Purple took the stage. The band's management knew otherwise and preserved recordings of these last gigs and now, thanks to Eagle Rock, Deep Purple — Live in Paris 1975, has been rereleased in remastered form.

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Patti Smith - Live At Montreux 2005 Blu-ray Review

Written by General Jabbo

For nearly 40 years (albeit with a self-imposed hiatus for much of the 1980s), Patti Smith has mixed her unique blend of poetry, punk, folk and rock and roll, creating something interesting and powerful. She started strongly with Horses, her legendary 1975 debut, and has continued to push musical boundaries ever since. In 2005 while on tour for her album, Trampin’, Smith and her band, which includes original members Lenny Kaye and Jay Dee Daugherty, along with Television’s Tom Verlaine in a guest spot, were invited to play the famed Montreux Jazz Festival. The concert was filmed and is now available on Blu-ray as Patti Smith – Live at Montreux 2005.

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