Jim Peterik, His Words and Music

In talking to songwriters over the past several years, it becomes clear that although the end result is the same, the methods for pulling a song together can be very different. Some start with a guitar riff, and some have words just waiting to be put to music. Some get on their knees and pray for inspiration, and others, like Jim Peterik, can pretty much find inspiration everywhere.

Jim Peterik writes a lot of music, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends. You may have heard of one or two of his songs: “Eye Of The Tiger” for Survivor, “Vehicle” for The Ides of March, “Rockin’ Into The Night” and most every other charting song for .38 Special. But wait, there’s more… so much more.

Jim Peterik is also a published author. In addition to writing the very successful ‘Songwriting for Dummies,” he has just published his autobiography, aptly titled “Through the Eye of the Tiger.” The book covers all aspects of his life, from nerdy kid living in the suburbs of Chicago to Grammy Award winning and Academy Award nominated composer.

In support of his autobiography, Peterik was the center of attention at The Cutting Room in NYC for a book release party. Proving that not all rock stars are made equal, Peterik walked in on time, and greeted everyone in the room like an old friend, asking questions and remembering names. After an hour of working the room, it was time for Peterik to slip into his comfort zone. It was time for a little music.

For the story of the rest of the night, please jump over to "Jim Peterik, His Words and Music" over at onstagemagazine.com

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Jimi Jamison, When the Spotlight Fades to Blue

I can't even believe I am writing this tonight. It just doesn't seem possible that the news is real. But it is.

Jimi Jamison has died, and I need to write a few words about him.

Though I have a vague recollection of him as the lead singer of Cobra, really it was Survivor where most of us became aware of the voice and the entertainer that he was. I saw him for the first time in '87, actually a couple of times that year, then again in '91 and for me he was the epitome of a front man. He sang great, he looked great, he owned the stage.

I first met him in 2012 and shortly after I began asking him to do an interview. After a few months he agreed. Well, agreeing to and actually doing it were two different things, and it became a running joke between us of  exactly when the interview would take place. I'd email him, he'd promise we would do it. I'd see him at shows, he'd swear it would happen. When I saw him at a small show in March of this year, I felt something was different and this time it would happen.

I told people, even Frankie Sullivan when I was interviewing him, that I always kept the questions for Jimi's interview with me because I knew one day he would just call out of the blue and say let's do it. And that's pretty much what happened. It took two years but true to his word, he did the interview. He told me he waited so long because he wanted our interview to be special. Yeah, we both laughed at that one.

I don't pretend to have known him well, but over the course of a dance that lasted for two years, you learn things about each other, and you learn to trust. I'd like to think that's why he waited so long.

He was a good man and I will miss him.

The interview we did took place in May and if you'd like to see a little different side of him, click on the link below for the post in onstagemagazine.

"Catching Up with Jimi Jamison"

Easy Journey Jimi.

Survivor's Dave Bickler, More Than a Tiger's Tale

In the movie Rocky, Adrian asks Rocky why he wants to be a fighter. His response: “Because I can’t sing or dance.”  Dave Bickler can sing; “Eye Of The Tiger” proved that. Whether he or Survivor could have imagined that song would go to #1 all over the world, win a Grammy, a People’s Choice Award, receive an Academy Award nomination, and become one of the greatest motivational songs of all time, well, probably not.

Sometimes though, the taste of success can be bittersweet. Following an extended tour, Bickler developed vocal problems and was forced to leave the band. Memphis singer Jimi Jamison stepped into Bickler’s spot, and Survivor recorded the extremely successful Vital Signs album.

After two more albums, Survivor went on hiatus, regrouped with and without Bickler, and finally in 2013, the band toured with both Bickler and Jamison together. The experiment proved to be successful, and with the one-two punch of both lead singers, Survivor hit the road on a larger scale this year.

After interviewing original band member Frankie Sullivan during the first tour with the two lead singers, and Jimi Jamison as this tour was getting underway, I was lucky enough to hear the perspective of the Survivor journey from Dave Bickler.

Kath Galasso: I’m going to ask you a question I asked Jimi (Jamison) when I interviewed him. In your vocal process, is there a certain way you work into it, or do you just go in and sing?
Dave Bickler: Well, I do just go and sing, but singing does require some thought. You have to be sure that you have enough breath to get through it, there is some thought that goes on in my head while I’m doing it. I couldn’t explain it exactly, but you use different parts of your voice too. There’s a full voice, a falsetto that you can transition between for certain things. So I do think about that.

Going back to your first stint with Survivor, and when “Eye Of The Tiger” happened, that whole roller coaster ride, what was the most memorable thing, what stood out the most?
Obviously we had the hit record so then we went out on the road, and doing the big halls, the big sheds, that was amazing. And I do remember when the record went to #1. We were doing phoners for the record company and they told us “your record just went to #1.” That was a good moment. Cause that’s why I got into it in the first place. I wanted to be in a band, I wanted to make records, to be able to do it for my living, and all that stuff, from when I saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan. It’s cliché but it’s true.

For the rest of the interview with Survivor's Dave Bickler, click on the link to OnstageMagazine.
Survivor's Dave Bickler, More Than a Tiger's Tale

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Catching Up with Jimi Jamison

When you grow up in the shadow of such legendary recording studios as Stax, American, Sun, and Royal Studios, one can only imagine what a young singer from Memphis might dream. Starting out singing radio jingles and playing in a band or two, maybe. Singing live in front of more than a million people, and millions more globally over the internet… well, most of us don’t dream that big, let alone achieve it.

Jimi Jamison has.

The man who replaced Dave Bickler as the lead singer of Survivor, is currently back with the band, and sharing the vocal duties with Bickler, who returned to the group last year.

His first true taste of the rock and roll life occurred when Jamison, as part of the Memphis based band Target, recorded two albums for A&M Records. The band toured virtually non-stop in the late 70s, opening for bands such as Kiss, Black Sabbath, Styx, Robin Trower, Journey and Boston. From Target, Jamison joined Cobra and recorded First Strike for Epic Records in 1983. Soon after Cobra disbanded, Jamison was invited to audition for Survivor, when Bickler was forced to leave the band due to vocal issues. With Jamison as lead vocalist, Survivor then went on to record Vital Signs, which scored three hit singles.  Around this time MTV was changing the course of music history, and the video for “I Can’t Hold Back,” also off Vital Signs, was top in their rotation for several weeks, catapulting the band to another level of success.

After two more albums, Survivor went on hiatus, coming back with various different incarnations, both with and without Jamison. Over the course of his solo career, Jamison has released several  albums, including 2012’s critically acclaimed Never Too Late.

Jamison rejoined the Survivor lineup in 2011, and the band toured in 2012. The next year, original lead singer Dave Bickler was invited back to share the vocal duties, and the lineup of Jimi Jamison, Dave Bickler, Frankie Sullivan (lead guitar), Walter Tolentino (keys,guitar), Billy Ozzello (bass), and Marc Droubay (drums), is gearing up for a full schedule of tour dates in 2014.

After wearing out several pairs of running shoes, I caught up with Jimi Jamison, and we talked about life, looking back, and of course… music.

Kath Galasso: First what I’d like to talk to you about, is your approach to vocals. When you’re given a song to record, how do you begin the process of how you’re going to sing it?

Jimi Jamison: I really don’t form a judgment about it before I go into the studio and try to sing it. That’s how you find out if it’s something you want to do. I’ve been kind of lucky with the songs I’ve been doing. It’s really not a pre-planned thing. I listen to the song before I sing it, of course, but I always get in there and just sing it like I would sing it. That’s pretty much the only plan I have.

For the rest of the interview with Jimi Jamison, please jump over to Catching Up with Jimi Jamison over at onstagemagazine.com.

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Another Fun Saturday Night and the Pictures to Prove It

So, I went on a road trip this weekend to see a show.

And I took a few pictures.

And as usual I had stuff to say about it. Check it out here: Jimi Jamison and Hybrid Ice Rock Hard Again

It was fun and highly recommended.

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Wanna Rock Til You Drop?

Sometimes, you have to take the time to support those friends who have supported you. So, next Saturday, if you are in the mood for a real fun time, and I do mean a real fun time, then check out this little announcement and get your butts down there for the show.

Hybrid Ice, Jimi Jamison in Encore Performance

Hybrid Ice, Jimi Jamison, Holy Hannah

March 22^nd at 8pm

Washie’s, Danville PA

Local veteran rock band Hybrid Ice along with world acclaimed vocalist Jimi Jamison return to Danville for a highly anticipated one-night only show at Washie’s on March 22^nd.

Danville Pennsylvania area natives Hybrid Ice “The Most Famous Unknown Band in the World,” return to the local music scene for a full night of knock-you-down rock and roll. After the night starts with opening act Holy Hannah, Hybrid Ice will take the stage for a full set of their best known original and classic rock cover songs. Following their set, Hybrid Ice will support Jimi Jamison, the voice behind such hits from the 80s as: “High On You,” “Burning Heart,” “The Search Is Over,” and “I’m Always Here (The Theme from Baywatch.)

Tickets for the show at Washie’s, 400 Railroad Avenue, Danville PA, are $22 in advance and $25 at the door. The show begins at 8 pm, and the venue is expected to fill quickly. Tickets are available locally at Washie’s, or at Reichart’s Mardi Gras 1416 Montour Boulevard, Danville PA. For more information contact Rick Klinger at 570-441-2040 or check out the Hybrid Ice website.

Hybrid Ice built their fan base over years of supporting such bands as: The Beach Boys, Toto, Bad Company, Ted Nugent, Hall & Oates, Todd Rundgren, Kansas, Foreigner, Joan Jett, Steppenwolf, 38 Special, and The Outlaws. Known for their “Classic Rock Show,” Hybrid Ice delivers a first rate musical event which also features music from their three original albums.

Tennessee native Jimi Jamison first gained recognition with the local Memphis band Target, later becoming the voice behind Cobra, and Survivor. Still in demand world-wide as a solo artist, Jamison has played with Hybrid Ice many times over the past few years. The March 22^nd show will be a preview of the “Legends of Rock” vacation package to be held this May in Mexico.

With the usual above average support expected from the local community, this show with Hybrid Ice and Jimi Jamison is expected to be one night to remember.  Purchase your tickets early and get ready to rock.

www.hybridice.net

www.jimijamison.com

Washie’s 400 Railroad Ave. Danville PA (570) 275-2200

Rick Klinger (570) 441-2040

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The Magic Behind the Music

Like many of you, I've been to countless music shows, and have thoroughly enjoyed most of them. I've watched set-up, sound checks, breakdowns, the whole process. Last night, I was fortunate enough to enjoy the spectacle that is sound check, as well as a knock-your-socks-off show. So I thought I'd give you my observations on the evening.

Sometimes, and not always, when you do your job the right way it is appreciated, and trust and friendship develops. Through one of these friendships, I was invited to a private party with entertainment from two classic rockers, still at the top of their game. While I eagerly anticipated the show, I was front and center early to hang with the guys and watch the preparation for the show.

Set-up for a music show ain't pretty. It begins with boxes and cables and stands. Drums kits are pieced together, keyboards are hooked up to the computer, guitars are placed in stands. Then one by one, each piece is plugged in, attached or lined up, until the unit is complete. Now every hall, every venue has certain advantages and limitations, and it's up to the road crew to figure out what they are and make it all work.

Now it's time to tinker. The technicians test everything. When the task is complete, the band steps in to get it all up to their standards. Testing 1-2, is followed by phrases that while are technically in English, seem like they are another language. It's all the technical terms for what works and what doesn't. As the first performer steps in, the adjustments on his vocals and guitar take place. There's grunts and groans and stops and starts. Then through a maze of notes and guitar riffs, the sweet sound of a saxophone brings an instant sense of serenity to the scene.

Time for the second artist to check his vocals. A series of starts and stops, a verse here, a chorus there, getting the sound correct in everyone's ear, you wonder if they will get it together before showtime. While adjustments are made by the sound crew throughout the show, at one point during the sound check, it all kicks in. The stage once again is empty and we await the start of the show.

Hybrid Ice
John Cafferty and Michael "Tunes" Antunes
Jimi Jamison

Seasoned performers all. It was a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, as the performers are well acquainted with both the host of the evening and most of the crowd. It was like playing in front of old friends, and in fact, it was.

While the mood was intimate and jovial, the music was all business. It rocked. A lot.

And it was great.

Thanks guys, it was a blast.

Jimi Jamison Proves It's "Never Too Late"

A little fun today. Today a friend and fellow writer and I are both doing a album review, but we are guesting on each other's blog. So filling up the space here is Jim Wood from gojimmygo.net Read his take of the CD then jump over to his site to read mine.

Go Jimmy Go!

I have to give a big thank you to Kat for allowing me to guest post on her blog today.

Ironically, it was through a mutual admiration of Jimi Jamison and Survivor that brought us together. So for our first cross-post to be about Jimi’s new album, “Never Too Late” is pretty cool.

Kat and I both have had the pleasure of meeting Jimi on several occasions this past year. But once we discovered he was releasing a new CD, our eyes lit up like saucers.

As most writers do, (and admittedly with a bit of bias towards the subject matter) we both set forth to write a review of the new album. But once we realized just how amazing this new music was, we thought it might be even cooler to “guest post” our reviews on each other’s blog. So, without any further ado, here is my review on Jimi Jamison’s ‘Never Too Late’: the absolute BEST melodic rock album of 2012.

As most of you know, I’m a tried and true music fan of the 80′s. For me, growing up during the age of the Members Only jacket was a great time to be alive (at least as far as music is concerned).

Whenever my favorite bands would put out a new album, it was an event. I remember rushing home from the mall with my new found treasure and making my way to my upstairs bedroom, where an empty turntable eagerly awaited. For the next hour or so, it didn’t matter if the world was ending; the music was all that mattered.

A great album from the 1980′s would typically have at least three hits on it. Songs that would be regularly played on the radio. The remaining tracks were usually just as good, but although these gems would never find a place on the FM dial, they’d still become fan favorites.

Over the years, the “event” of buying and enjoying an entire album went the way of the dinosaur. Today, you’re lucky if there are even two songs from an album that are worthy of repeated listenings. But just when I thought I’d be lost in the wilderness of musical despair, along comes “Never Too Late” by Jimi Jamison.

Fresh off the heels of ‘Crossroads Moment’ and his duets album with Bobby Kimball, Jamison again proves why he’s one of the greatest voices in rock. In joining forces with writer/producer Erik Martensson, he’s given us a melodic rock treasure chest. One that’s filled with enough musical booty to fill the soul and immerse our senses in tasty hooks and melodies and reunite us once again with the voice that defined a generation.

It’s worth noting that all eleven tracks on ‘Never Too Late’ are worthy of a place in any music collection. From the opening piano intro on the track ‘Everybody’s Got A Broken Heart’, the entire album is a cacophony of sonic euphoria.

The standout for me though is the title track. With its multiple hooks and inspirational message, it’s reminiscent of many classic Survivor songs about keeping faith and finding love. A song that will certainly endure the test of time, and one that would surely blow up any arena wherever it’s performed.

On ‘The Air That I Breathe’, Jamison pours out his heart and soul about finding a complete love; even comparing his personal defenses and walls with sand. Brilliant. In ‘Heaven Call Your Name’, Jamison asks the question, Why? An emotionally haunting ballad that could easily be sung without music and still deliver the same impact.

‘Walk On (Wildest Dreams)’ closes out the album with the same power and intensity that began it all, and makes one lament why such a great collection of songs has to end. Fortunately though, 21st century digital technology makes it easy to simply press repeat rather than flipping over a piece of vinyl to Side A. I guess progress is a good thing.

In an age where talent shows give record deals out freely and careers are dictated by how many auto-tuned singles you can release at any given time, it’s rare to find an entire album that can be this darn good. ‘Never Too Late’ indeed.

For the next fifty minutes, I’d like you to conduct an experiment. Hop in your mini-van (or whatever it is we middle aged connoisseurs of real music own these days) and drive somewhere with ‘Never Too Late’ as your soundtrack; preferably through the back winding roads of your own hometown on a beautiful, crisp day. Make sure you play the album from start to finish, and don’t just listen to it; immerse yourself in it.

Do you hear it? Can you feel it?

It’s real music, and what could possibly be better than that?

Track Listing:
01. Everybody’s Got A Broken Heart
02. The Great Unknown
03. Never Too Late
04. I Can’t Turn Back
05. Street Survivor
06. The Air I Breathe
07. Not Tonight

Thanks for stopping by Jim. For Kat's review, go to...
gojimmygo.net

Walk This Way: Shuffle Baby

Took a three mile walk around the lake today, something I had not been able to do in some time. Walked back in the house and a grabbed a beer. While downing a bottle of water would probably been the healthier thing to do...nothing says a job well done better than an ice cold beer. But I digress.

As is my norm for my solitary stroll, I throw my iPhone on shuffle and just enjoy. Today my playlist was songs I've downloaded as opposed to uploaded.  Thought I'd just share a few today, and a couple of thoughts as I listened to them.

Walking out the door, one of my all time favorites. A song whose chorus has become a sort of anthem for how I feel about life.

"give me the beat boys and free my soul, I want to get lost in your rock & roll and drift away."

 "Dobie Gray with "Drift Away." ...just a joyful song


Next up was a song whose lyrics tear at your heart. A song about life at the Ronald McDonald House. Sung by Jimi Jamison, Knowing anyone, especially a child who has gone through cancer treatments, I dare you to not have a tear in your eye listening to it.  And all proceeds from the song go to the Ronald McDonald House.


"in this house that love built you'll be safe and warm, tears fill the wishing well from the occasional storm."


Jimi Jamison " House That Love Built"

Walking up a hill, I was given a real boost. A little Journey. What better than a summer afternoon walk hearing Steve Perry singing "Stone in Love"

"in the heat with a blue jeaned girl, burning love comes once in a lifetime. oh the memories never fade away...golden girl I'll keep you forever."

Hearing that, I could do another couple of miles...easy.

Went into some blues next...can't complain about that.

"lord i don't want to give up, i just need a reason for trying. so hide me away in the jungle before they feed me to the lions."

A little Carolyn Wonderland was up with "Feed Me to the Lions."

Back into rock, just a great sing-a-long, Rainbow's "Stone Cold"

"i try to run, i try to hide. from everything i feel inside, i just can't escape you..or your frozen eyes."

A few more tunes before I turn into the driveway...ending off with a little Tom Petty doing "You Wreck Me."

Three miles flew by, a great way to take a break on a Saturday afternoon.

Walk on...
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A Night With Survivor

Sunday May 6: Destination...Penn's Peak

The road trip from the weekend house to Jim Thorpe, PA wasn't too bad at all. Some smaller roads, but a few of them were roads we had traveled on before.  The new car was a joy to drive, especially on the return trip when the insanely great headlights lit the way. The 70 mile trip took about an hour and twenty minutes. Not bad at all.

The venue, Penn's Peak is spectacular. Perched on top of a mountain, the panoramic view from up top is breathtaking. The building itself is like a large wooden barn; inside are two levels with plenty of room and a friendly atmosphere.

Opening act was The Pat Travers Band. One of the first things Pat said Sunday night, was that they were gonna kick our asses. Well, they sho 'nuf did. You want loud and hard rock & roll...you got it.  A solid set fronted by a man who has paid his dues and still has the nerve to apparently love what he's doing.

Highlights included "Boom Boom...Out Go The Lights", which had a lot of crowd participation and "Snortin' Whiskey." After a terrific set, Pat & the boys had a fine Meet & Greet session with the assembled troops at Penn's Peak. Nice touch.

Next up, Survivor. Sunday night was the fourth show of this tour, which has lead vocalist Jimi Jamison fronting the band once again.

Opening the show with "Can't Give It Up," a nice surprise off the Too Hot To Sleep album. Second song in...must be time to throw in one of the hits: "Broken Promises," one of those songs which never fails to deliver the goods. Jamison and lead guitarist Frankie Sullivan both seemed relaxed...easily falling into a familiar rhythm, the payoff of doing years of live shows together.  "High on You" ...another crowd favorite was up next, followed by three songs which were not recorded by Jamison, but by original lead singer Dave Bickler. "Poor Man's Son," "Take You On A Saturday," and a gem version of "Summer Nights."... all from the 1981 album Premonition.

Jumping back into a Jamison era song, "Desperate Dreams" off Too Hot To Sleep, is a lyrically haunting song from the Peterik-Sullivan catalog.


"Two souls drawn to the fire in desperate dreams 
Two hearts lost to desire's desperate schemes 
One girl lost in a reverie 
Lost love found in a memory 
Those nights live on forever 
Two fools lost in a desperate dream"


The next song was a tasty treat to be sure. 38 Special had a #1 hit with "Rockin' Into The Night." Jim Peterik (former Survivor member and Sullivan's long-time writing partner) and Frankie Sullivan were two of the writers of that song. The crowd was pretty pumped up by this time, so this rocker was just throwing "a little gasoline on the fire."

Back to the hits: "The Search is Over," "I Can't Hold Back," and "Burning Heart"...how can you argue with the set choices there.


Another oldie from the pre-Jamison days "Somewhere in America" gave way to the finale, no surprise there... "Eye of the Tiger."  As the song approaches its 30th anniversary, it has become more than an anthem...for many people it has become their mission statement,


Survivor:

Drums: Marc Droubay has been with the band, well almost forever. Never missing a beat, his talent lies in complimenting the rest of the band and not overpowering it. As strong as ever.
Bass: Billy Ozzello is not a wallflower type bassist. A wild man with long flowing hair, his get-in-your face bass provided a huge dose of solid work and a lot of energy.
Keyboards/Guitar: Walter Tolentino is one nice surprise. Multi-talents and a great stage presence, boy it sure seemed like he had fun.
Lead Guitar: Frankie Sullivan works hard, real hard. Watching just how hard he worked got me a little exhausted to tell you the truth. And all the hard work pays off. He's damn good. Something which might go unnoticed is just how well his voice backs up Jamison's.  He fills in all the right places, creating a perfect blend.
Lead Vocals: Jimi Jamison, well that's the voice now isn't it? He is so acutely aware of his vocal abilities, it's scary. Still a master of the stage, throw in the still-strong vocals and you have one of the best singers to ever front a rock band.

This was a top to bottom fun show. The band is tight, talented and relaxed. With their music catalog, the choice of set list must be tough. At some point, would love to see them try something to knock the socks off the crowd...something like an acoustic set or letting Jimi back up Frankie on a song or two. It's early in the tour, hopefully they will continue to play nice together and record some new music.

The evening was definitely worth the road trip. A night to meet up with friends who like us, drove in from some distance and spent the night enjoying two old-school rock bands still ready, willing and able to "kick our asses."

...and that's how you do it son.

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The Music in Danville: Jimi Jamison Rocks Hard

Yesterday's post talked about Danville PA's own Hybrid Ice. After opening the night with a solid hour of rock, Ice then backed up former and soon-to-be-present lead singer of Survivor, Jimi Jamison.

In a venue this intimate, the performer quickly needs to establish a relationship with the audience...and he did. A man who is quick to smile, Jamison got the crowd engaged early with a Survivor classic "High on You" and lots of crowd interaction. After another Survivor song "Is This Love", Jamison went into the first of quite a few covers singing Gary Wright's "Love is Alive" which featured hard and heavy drums from Hybrid Ice's Rick Klinger. After "It's the Singer Not the Song" from Survivor's hit album "Vital Signs", the song chosen as one of the top ten catchiest ever "I'm Always Here" (the theme from Baywatch), was the next choice.

Then the real rocking began. Starting off with "Rock Hard" from his 1991 solo album "When love Comes Down", next up was one incredible cover of "Layla."  Doing "Layla" requires not only a good vocalist, but a guitarist and keyboard player to handle the solos that mark the true substance of the song.  Rusty Foulke on lead guitar and Bob Richardson on keys did just that...masterfully. As the song ended, I looked at my friend next to me and we both said at the same time "they nailed it."  Another friend, also a musician later told me it was the best version he had ever heard...aside from Mr. C himself.

Not missing a beat, Jimi Jamison then got everyone's 'motor running' with "Born to Be Wild." Talking 'heavy metal thunder'...yes, thunder courtesy of Mr. Klinger on drums. After a band breather with "The Search is Over," covers of "Separate Ways" and "Carry On Wayward Son," led the way for the song which rocketed Survivor to the top of MTV's 80's video rotation "I Can't Hold Back."

An excellent rendition of "Caught in the Game" was followed by another Survivor song "Didn't Know It Was Love", before leading into Jamison's title song from his solo album, "Crossroads Moment." CM featured really fine bass work from Jason Shaffer as well as a nice strong vocal from Jamison.

Tonight like most nights with Jimi Jamison, the final song was "Eye of the Tiger."  While not the original singer of the song, after many years and countless performances, Jimi Jamison is EOTT.

As a performer, Jimi Jamison owns the stage. Like the tiger, he prowls across it staking claim to every inch of it. Vocally, is the voice the same as it was 25 years ago? No, it is not, but would you really expect it to be? While the high range is not quite the same, a deeper, richer quality has taken its place. Instead of being all power, his vocals offer a give and take between power and pointed restraint.  This is a vocalist who knows his capabilities and delivers every millimeter of them to the crowd.

All in all, the night was an unending high note...so worth the road trip.

On a personal note, many thanks to both Hybrid Ice and Jimi Jamison for both a wonderful night of music and their personal grace. Their mommas definitely taught them "it doesn't hurt to be nice."

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The Music In Danville: First Up, Hybrid Ice

On Kat's Theory of Life, I've begun to tell the story of the road trip to Danville.  While the adventure will be continued there, the trip was after all, about the music.

A little while back, I conducted an interview with veteran rock group Hybrid Ice. This road trip was to see Hybrid Ice perform both alone and as the support band for Jimi Jamison (past & soon-to-be-present vocalist for Survivor). The location of the show was the hometown of Hybrid Ice, Danville PA.

Bob Richardson (keyboards), Chris Alburger (guitar)

Performing in front of a supportive crowd usually makes for a good show. This night was no exception. The assembled troops were ready to party for St. Patty's.  Everything from flashing green earrings to a woman wearing a green beard was in evidence last night. However nothing would detract from the rock-til-you-drop performance by the home town boys.

Rusty Foulke

With a set list encompassing both their original songs as well as a healthy dose of covers, Hybrid Ice showed what years of dedication to your craft can produce. When four of the five members of the group sing, the range of the artists catalog expands greatly. Going from fun songs like "Raise a Little Hell" and "Going Down for the Last Time" to classics such as "Baba O' Riley"  and "Rebel Rebel", Ice seamlessly threw in "Enter Sandman", "Dead or Alive" and a smoking version of the Starship's "Jane."

Rick Klinger on drums, Jason Shaffer on bass

The one thing that becomes clear after seeing and hearing Hybrid Ice is there is no weak link in the group. Bassist Jason Schaffer, the newest member of the group, plays well beyond his years with a pounding beat that along with the wild man drumming of founding member Rick Klinger, drives the rhythm of the band. Rusty Foulke showed throughout the night, both fine technique and a joyful enthusiasm in his role as a lead guitarist. The vocals of guitarist Chris Alburger were never more striking than when singing Hybrid Ice's own "Magdelene" and the man behind the keyboards, Bob Richardson delivers the goods with both precision...and fun.

Halfway into their hour long set, Ice hit the beat heavy and never looked back. With barely a breath between songs, they kept the audience on their feet and singing along for the rest of the set. The veteran rockers in my group all agreed, Hybrid Ice is an incredibly tight group of musicians, full of talent and still enjoying the ride.

Tomorrow: Hybrid Ice & Jimi Jamison

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Hot Vocals: Need Some Water For That Fire

Don't know why the taste of the day popped into my head this morning, but my morning tweet was a lyric from one of his songs. If I'm coherent enough, I like to start the tweeting day with a musical lyric, because..well it's music and there is no better way to start the day, get through the day, or end the day than with music. But I digress.

One of my first memories of Paul Rodgers was, I believe on Midnight Special sometime in the 70s. I'm a little hazy as to exactly when, but I am very clear about what I felt. As the frontman for Free, he came out with a full-balls on vocal of "Ready for Love."  I remember thinking...holy shit, this is one of the greatest vocalists I have ever heard...and this man is sexy as hell (yes, I was a lot younger then, but I ain't dead yet and can still appreciate today what I did back then. oh yes I can). But I digress. 

We all know Paul Rodgers went from Free to Bad Company to The Firm and last year he did a stint with Queen. But the raw vocals of his earlier career cannot be beat.

Here's a nice taste of Free doing a live cut of  "Fire and Water"

Next up a 2002 clip of "Ready for Love"...still sounding and looking fine some 25 years later.

And a nice acoustic version of "Seagull" from the Artists Support Japan series of videos made by a host of rockers/singers in support of the Japanese Tsunami victims.  If you have a chance check out some of those videos. Included in the series are songs by Glenn Hughes, Jimi Jamison, Vic Heart & Tommy Denander, Rosanne Cash and lots more.

Lots to taste today.
Hope you're hungry.

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Hybrid Ice: On Fire And Going Home (Part Two)

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview veteran rock band Hybrid Ice. The following is Part Two of that question and answer session. This interview first appeared on Technorati.com. This post contains some additional video links so you can enjoy just how good this band continues to be 30+ years later.



“The Most Famous Unknown Band in the World.” is how Hybrid Ice once described themselves. This year, that may change in a big way.

While this Pennsylvania-based band has toured with and supported some of the greatest names in rock history, a deal with a major record company has never materialized. But it isn’t for lack of talent or conviction. Coming up this year, Hybrid Ice will be the support group for such classic rock names as Jimi Jamison, best known as the former frontman for the chart-topping band Survivor, Bobby Kimball (Toto), Joe Lynn Turner (Deep Purple) and Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent). The first set of shows will feature Jimi Jamison, including a March 17th date in the hometown of Hybrid Ice…Danville, PA.

Recently, three members of Hybrid Ice answered a few questions about their approach to working as a support band, their 30+ year history and what’s in store for the upcoming shows with Jamison.

Hybrid Ice is: Rick Klinger (vocals/drums), Bob Richardson (vocals/keyboards), Jason Schaffer (bass), Chris Alburger (vocals/guitar) and Rusty Foulke (lead guitar/vocals).

In Part Two of the interview, Hybrid Ice discusses the band’s long journey, how they reunited, the current line-up and their expectations for the upcoming shows.

Kat's Theory (KT): Reading your bio, I was really impressed by the marketing ingenuity you guys possessed at such an early age, before you had the Hybrid Ice name. Since I think I’m about the same age as most of you, I can gauge pretty accurately and I know many of the things you tried would never have popped into my head. Example, renting the local Y, hiring a headline band and having your band open for them. Who was the entrepreneurial genius at work back then?

Rick Klinger (RK): If I remember correctly, that was Rusty. Jeff (Willoughby, former bassist) was responsible for the idea to buy old limos. Playing clubs like PJ'S in Daytona Beach for the purpose of finding out whether or not we could find a concentration of hot girls who liked guys in bands - that was me.

Bob Richardson (BR): The band has the ability to think outside the box. We did not have the internet back then and marketing was done the old fashion way. We earned it. One plan comes to mind. We wanted to play New York City at the same place Aerosmith was discovered: Max’s Kansas City. We hired two buses and brought our fan base to make an impact. It was a lot of fun and we had some interest from labels, but unfortunately nothing ever developed.

KT: With more than 30 years of music in the rear-view mirror and a legion of fans following you from the start, Hybrid Ice is a very odd success story. You’ve opened for some of the greatest musical acts, did some recording and had your music recorded by others, most notably Boston covering “Magdelene”…yet the brass ring was never quite in your hand. Do you think the music demise of the 1990s was a key factor?

BR: It is one of those mysteries that will never be solved. We had a regional hit on our hands but still could not get a record company to take interest. Looking back you can see that we were not alone. Record companies did not want to sign Rush or Boston either. Proves that the suits don't really have a clue when it comes to good music.

RK: Who knows for sure. We were told we had too many lead singers (like The Beatles or Styx). We were told we were too self-contained. This is true: We were actually told that a deal from a New York label was pretty much in the bag if Chris would shave his beard! I get your question though. All I know is that when I realized nobody recorded guitar solos anymore, our dream was probably toast.

KT: Bob, you started out as a drummer and switched to keyboards when you joined Hybrid Ice. That takes a lot of conviction in thinking this was the right band to join, when hooking up with another band and staying on the skins might have been an easier path. What did you see in Hybrid Ice that allowed you to make that decision?


Looks like Bob still has all the right moves!

BR: I had seen Hybrid Ice play before I joined and they were very impressive. They had talent and full production at a young age. The real question would be why did they hire me? When I played drums in my previous band I had a synthesizer at my side, so I guess this made me a keyboard player. The audition was shaky at best but I am glad they decided to take a chance on me. I wanted it so bad that I practiced 8 hours a day to get up to speed.

KT: Around 1998, the band went their separate ways for quite a few years. Now you’re back, sounding great and looking toward a very busy summer. What was the driving force for the reunion?

RK: A label in England contacted us wanting to reissue the first record, remastered, on CD. ( It was only ever out on vinyl ).

BR: The five that had recorded on the album had a meeting to discuss this. A reunion idea came up to support the release so we had intended to play one or two shows and go our own way. To our surprise it went over extremely well. This is too much fun, so we still do it.

RK: We recorded 2 new songs for it. That spawned the idea for the shows. We just never knew that they'd be so successful. So, 2002 became 2003 became 2004 - you get the idea. And here we are.

KT: Rick, you and Rusty are the two members with the most seniority. Having Chris on vocals and Bob back as well, the current line-up must be very comfortable for you.   With several other former members to choose from, how did this line-up come together.

RK: Myself, Rusty, Bob, and Chris, and at the time Jeff (Willoughby, who left the band in 2010 for medical reasons)…we're bandmates, brothers, the recording version of Hybrid. Rusty and I talked, then went to Bob to see if he wanted in. He said yes, and at that point we decided to " blow the dust off of Chris to see if he could still sing ". We had decided that in order to do reunion shows, we had to have all 5 original guys. Really, playing music with these guys is like putting on your favorite old comfy jeans. It just fits.

KT: The first shows with Hybrid Ice supporting the classic rockers begin in March with Jimi Jamison. One of those shows is in the town where it all began…Danville PA. It’s got to be a kick to be back performing to the fans who were there when you first started out, as well as backing up one of melodic rocks most respected voices. How fun is that night going to be?

BR: This is one of those moments that we will have to see before I can answer that one. It is a new thing for us to have a world renowned singer with us in our little home town. It is kind of strange.

RK: I'm sure we'll all relax, play loose, and kick ass. Not much happens around here. All indications are that this will be HUGE!

Jason Schaffer (JS): It’s going to be beyond a blast doing the shows. Can’t wait!

Kat’s Theory: Can’t thank you enough for your time and insight. Danville, PA is sure to be rocking on March 17th, looking forward to being there.


Hybrid Ice Interview (Part 1)


Enjoy a taste or three of Hybrid Ice.

Looking Glass

Never Coming Back

Magdelene

Find Hybrid Ice:
The Hybrid Ice Official Website
Hybrid Ice Facebook Page

Jimi Jamison Official Website

Article first published as "Hybrid Ice: On Fire and Going Home (Part Two)" on Technorati

Long Time... No, Short And Sweet

Recently, I’ve started reading the newsletter by music analyst Bob Lefsetz.  He gets it, I swear he does.  In addition to great music insights, he can explain complicated issues in a way that is both understandable and relevant.  He also bares his soul in a way that at times, has me re-reading a sentence or three…over and over.

A recent post called Rhinofy-Keith Urban, gave a great analysis of some songs by the country artist.  Since Keith Urban has never topped my playlist, I thought I’d give it a taste.  While I still don’t think I’ll be following the singer on twitter, Lefsetz was correct on several points.  Bottom line: Keith Urban puts out some kick-ass music…great guitar work with some plain old good rockin’, and if you watch some of the videos…he’s kinda easy on the eyes.

But the most interesting part of the post was how he related the songs to his personal history.  Never have I known a man to so fully dissect the ending of a relationship, the different ways men and women cope with it, and describe how keeping an open mind to new love is still worth the risk.  Amazingly, he conveys all these things in just a few sentences.  Such an outpouring of raw emotions has made me curious and determined to explore the man versus woman version of crawling from the wreckage.  Sometime soon on Kat's Theory of Life, we will do just that.

“I’ve got wounds that never heal

But I’m beginning to think that maybe they will.”

So, in keeping with that theme, today’s lick is a song about wanting to give it “one more try”..even though the broken heart has not yet recovered. 

“Never thought, never thought I’d see the day

Ooh girl, you take my breath away.”

“Long Time” is not “Layla.”…it doesn’t need to be.  Simple and to the point, it’s an easy listen with some poignant lyrics.  The band is “One Man’s Trash,” featuring Jimi Jamison and Fred Zahl.  This video was recorded New Year's Eve at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

A Monday morning treat...tasty as that first cup of coffee.