I hope that everyone has a great new year in 2015.
It’s been awhile since I’ve had a chance to update the news part of my site- I enjoy answering and communicating with each and everyone of you and I appreciate the kind words and the fact that you take the time out of your schedules to email me- In recent times, I’ve been in your part of the world at some point or another- I’ve been fortunate that my phone has been ringing and I’ve had a chance to work with some great people. I did some work with Manny Charlton, a great Scotsman who wrote a considerable amount of Nazareth material- We went South into Mexico and Brasil and played a number of gigs including festivals, which was highlighted by the fact that Manny has so many dedicated, adoring fans that have supported him through his solo and Nazareth days. I got to share the stage with some new faces, as well as some old friends- Shouts out to Robin DeLorenzo, keep it up girlfriend, you are talented and just a phone call or a text away, my friend Matt Fullove, who I’ve actually played a lot of gigs with now, young and full of fire,we will continue to rock the other corners of the world, mon frere. Mr. McGrath, I appreciate the work. Cool to share the stage with Steve Priest, Joe Retta and Stevie.
I cut tracks with Gary on some records with some really talented people as well as doing some gigs. The “Love is a four-letter word” sessions were great, the talent lineup was impressive- All this material is available on Itunes, Spotify, CDuniverse and ReverbNation, for those of you that have been asking- Good times with Ann-Marita, Brian Friedman (RIP), Dean M, Brian Head, just to name a few. Great times also doing the KHTS tv and radio show with the legendary Stephen K. Peeples.
Also, Big Thanks go out to Kevin Cloud, fantastic drummer, as well as owner of Hubbadaddy’s studio. Along with some other great teachers’ there, we run an afterschool music program that has benefited the community as well as turn out some great talent and I’m humbled and grateful to be able to impart my teaching and wisdom I’ve learned along my musical journey to these superstars of tomorrow- Also, I wanted to send thanks to Peter Lennon and Helen Frater, which we couldn’t have done it without you.
Some other fun, memorable gigs have been with the Young Gunns, Alistair Tober and my old mate, Kenny Korade. Great 80’s throwback gigs, always a great time had by all. I got to play China for the first time in my career alongside Max, Dave Baker and Leland Grant~ Also, recorded with Michael Lee Jackson, solo artist as well as guitarist for Ian Gillan, with Nick Blagona engineering- That record will be coming out this year and we will probably tour to support it- Went to Seattle and Canada and did some gigs with the Jumping Jack Flash band, which is a Rolling Stones tribute band, nice working with Young, Joe, Pat and the young John McCracken, a fine drummer with a cool haircut.
Currently, I’m working with an old friend, Kenny Kanowski in a band called Chillin Sun. 2 different drummers in that band both named Dave, Dave Moreno and Dave Casanova. We’ve done a bunch of gigs together, almost 90, and we are starting to write for this new project. We should have a record out by summer 2015 and I will keep you posted on the progress.
I wanted to Thank Chris Cannella from ESP, who I began working with last year, and has provided me with some great basses, You ROCK, dude- Also, I recently found out that one of my old Lion bass’s is hanging in the Hard Rock Cafe in Moscow- pretty cool.
Over and Out until next time- Be Peaceful to each other.