Yardbirds.US: News
Digital Downloads - January 22, 2009
The following albums are available as digital downloads for those who enjoy instant gratification:
BRITISH INVASION ALL-STARS: British Invasion All-Stars http://cdbaby.com/cd/britishinvasion http://payplay.fm/britishinvasion
DOWNLINERS SECT: Burning Snow http://cdbaby.com/cd/downlinerssect http://payplay.fm/downlinerssect
JIM MCCARTY BLUES BAND: Outside Woman Blues http://cdbaby.com/cd/jimmccarty http://payplay.fm/jimmccarty
STAIRWAY (JIM MCCARTY & LOUI CENNAMO): Raindreaming http://cdbaby.com/cd/mccartycennamo http://payplay.fm/mccartycennamo
YARDBIRDS: Yardbirds Reunion Jam http://payplay.fm/yardbirds
VARIOUS ARTISTS: Yardbirds Family Tree http://cdbaby.com/cd/yardbirdsft http://payplay.fm/yardbirdsft
THE PRETTY THINGS 'N MATES: Rockin The Garage http://cdbaby.com/cd/prettythingsnmates http://payplay.fm/prettythingsnmates
THE YARDBIRDS: Reunion Jam Vol II http://cdbaby.com/cd/yardbirds2 http://payplay.fm/yardbirds2
Jimmy Page presents - January 19, 2009
Jimmy Page will act as presenter to his longtime friend and former fellow bandmate Jeff Beck for Beck's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 4th 2009. Page and Beck were bandmembers in The Yardbirds during the 1960's. The 2009 ceremony will be held in Cleveland, Ohio and will be available to view live around the world on a streaming internet broadcast at:
WWW.FUSE.TV
The performer inductees are:
Jeff Beck
Little Anthony & the Imperials
Metallica
Run-D.M.C.
Bobby Womack
Early Influence Category Inductee:
Wanda Jackson
Sidemen Category:
Bill Black
DJ Fontana
Spooner Oldham
The 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performer inductees were chosen by the 600 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. Artists are eligible for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twenty-five years after their first recording is released.
Ticket Purchase Information:
MEMBER TICKETS: A limited number of pre-sale tickets to the Induction Ceremony at Cleveland's historic Public Hall will be available to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum members on Thursday, January 22 and Friday, January 23. Rock Hall members can purchase tickets by calling (216) 515-1999 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on January 22 and 23. Member tickets are being sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The Member pre-sale will continue until the member advance allotment is exhausted. Because of the demand for this event, there will be a two ticket limit on all orders. Individual tickets to the Induction Ceremony are available for $35 and $75.
PRE-SALE TICKETS: Pre-sale tickets will be available to the public for $35 and $75 during a one-day walk-up sale on Saturday, January 24 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Box Office. Pre-sale Tickets are also being sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The pre-sale will continue until the ticket allotment is exhausted. There will be a two ticket limit on all orders.
TICKETMASTER: Tickets to the Induction Ceremony will be available at all Ticketmaster outlets beginning at 10 a.m., Monday, January 26 for $35 and $75. Fans can contact Ticketmaster ONLINE or at 800-745-3000. Because of the demand for this event, there will be a two ticket limit on all orders.
WWW.FUSE.TV
The performer inductees are:
Jeff Beck
Little Anthony & the Imperials
Metallica
Run-D.M.C.
Bobby Womack
Early Influence Category Inductee:
Wanda Jackson
Sidemen Category:
Bill Black
DJ Fontana
Spooner Oldham
The 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performer inductees were chosen by the 600 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. Artists are eligible for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twenty-five years after their first recording is released.
Ticket Purchase Information:
MEMBER TICKETS: A limited number of pre-sale tickets to the Induction Ceremony at Cleveland's historic Public Hall will be available to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum members on Thursday, January 22 and Friday, January 23. Rock Hall members can purchase tickets by calling (216) 515-1999 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on January 22 and 23. Member tickets are being sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The Member pre-sale will continue until the member advance allotment is exhausted. Because of the demand for this event, there will be a two ticket limit on all orders. Individual tickets to the Induction Ceremony are available for $35 and $75.
PRE-SALE TICKETS: Pre-sale tickets will be available to the public for $35 and $75 during a one-day walk-up sale on Saturday, January 24 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Box Office. Pre-sale Tickets are also being sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The pre-sale will continue until the ticket allotment is exhausted. There will be a two ticket limit on all orders.
TICKETMASTER: Tickets to the Induction Ceremony will be available at all Ticketmaster outlets beginning at 10 a.m., Monday, January 26 for $35 and $75. Fans can contact Ticketmaster ONLINE or at 800-745-3000. Because of the demand for this event, there will be a two ticket limit on all orders.
Jeff Beck-inducted again - January 14, 2009
Jeff Beck inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for a second time.
When he joins the class of 2009 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cleveland on April 4th, Jeff Beck will join a short list of rockers that have entered the Hall of Fame twice: The guitarist was first inducted in 1992 as a member of the Yardbirds, and now 17 years later he’ll be honored for his solo career. (Coincidentally, Beck’s Yardbirds predecessor Eric Clapton is the only musician to be inducted three times: With the Yardbirds, Cream and as a solo artist.)
When he joins the class of 2009 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cleveland on April 4th, Jeff Beck will join a short list of rockers that have entered the Hall of Fame twice: The guitarist was first inducted in 1992 as a member of the Yardbirds, and now 17 years later he’ll be honored for his solo career. (Coincidentally, Beck’s Yardbirds predecessor Eric Clapton is the only musician to be inducted three times: With the Yardbirds, Cream and as a solo artist.)
Clapton back in Surrey - January 2, 2009
Eric Clapton made a suprise guest apearance on Monday 22 December at a special charity show at Cranleigh Arts Centre, Surrey, hosted by Paul Jones. In front of just 200 people, Eric performed 4 numbers, All Your Loving, Can't Judge A Book, Sleigh Bells Ringing and Everything's Going To Be Alright, backed by the Guy Tortora band and Paul Jones. Eric Bibb was also on the bill.
(Eric is starting to do some old Yardbirds songs again! Or rather songs that The Yardbirds used to do when E.C. was in the band)
(Eric is starting to do some old Yardbirds songs again! Or rather songs that The Yardbirds used to do when E.C. was in the band)
The 2009 Yardbirds - January 1, 2009
What will The Yardbirds look like in the year 2009? Hard to tell at this point. Singer John Idan will depart after a February tour of Canada then a replacement will have to be found. No word as yet on what the new line-up will look like. More news here as it becaomes available.
Jane Relf CD - November 14, 2008
Jane's Renaissance a double CD set is now available at Amazon.Com for just $13.98. Here is just one of the many glowing fan reviews:
Renaissance known for being the new direction the late Keith Relf and James McCarty took after the Yardbirds. This compilation gives the listener a comprehensive look at one of the key elements of the new band-Jane Relf (sister of the later Keith Relf). If any person have their doubts about how powerful this new direction was take a listen.
This is the only comprehensive overview of the Relf-McCarty band that also includes material by Illusion, Stairway the unreleased 3rd album by Illusion and more importantly the only place where you get all the lost gems by Jane Relf. The sound quality is excellent throughout including the recently unearthed demos of Carpet of the Sun. This project was the brainchild of Brian Williams and his love of the music shines through the sound and detailed notes. We also get a couple of melodies that were produced by Brian that will give you a different look at the band. If you are looking for a comprehensive look at Keith Relf, James McCarty band look no further than this release.
(by Rick Barnes)
Renaissance known for being the new direction the late Keith Relf and James McCarty took after the Yardbirds. This compilation gives the listener a comprehensive look at one of the key elements of the new band-Jane Relf (sister of the later Keith Relf). If any person have their doubts about how powerful this new direction was take a listen.
This is the only comprehensive overview of the Relf-McCarty band that also includes material by Illusion, Stairway the unreleased 3rd album by Illusion and more importantly the only place where you get all the lost gems by Jane Relf. The sound quality is excellent throughout including the recently unearthed demos of Carpet of the Sun. This project was the brainchild of Brian Williams and his love of the music shines through the sound and detailed notes. We also get a couple of melodies that were produced by Brian that will give you a different look at the band. If you are looking for a comprehensive look at Keith Relf, James McCarty band look no further than this release.
(by Rick Barnes)
No Led Zepp Reunion - October 10, 2008
Robert Plant Puts An End To Led Zeppelin Reunion
by Paul Cashmere -
Led Zeppelin will not be reforming in 2009. Lead singer Robert Plant has put an end to the speculation with an announcement at his official website.
Plant says “It‘s both frustrating and ridiculous for this story to continue to?rear its head when all the musicians that surround the story are keen to get on with their individual projects and move forward”.
However he did elude that Pages and Jones with Jason Bonham may be doing something together. “I wish Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham nothing but success with any future projects,” he added.
Page and Jones without Plant and John Bonham would be as much Led Zeppelin as Brian May and Roger Taylor is Queen.
Even when Page and Plant toured together, they toured as Page and Plant, not Led Zeppelin.
Robert says that after he finishes working with Alison Kraus on their current tour that he will not be working with anyone for “at least the next two years”.
His site is definite in its statement that “Contrary to a spate of recent reports, Robert Plant will not be touring or recording with Led Zeppelin”.
Led Zeppelin’s last show at the O2 Arena in London in December 2007 can now be officially considered a one-off.
by Paul Cashmere -
Led Zeppelin will not be reforming in 2009. Lead singer Robert Plant has put an end to the speculation with an announcement at his official website.
Plant says “It‘s both frustrating and ridiculous for this story to continue to?rear its head when all the musicians that surround the story are keen to get on with their individual projects and move forward”.
However he did elude that Pages and Jones with Jason Bonham may be doing something together. “I wish Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham nothing but success with any future projects,” he added.
Page and Jones without Plant and John Bonham would be as much Led Zeppelin as Brian May and Roger Taylor is Queen.
Even when Page and Plant toured together, they toured as Page and Plant, not Led Zeppelin.
Robert says that after he finishes working with Alison Kraus on their current tour that he will not be working with anyone for “at least the next two years”.
His site is definite in its statement that “Contrary to a spate of recent reports, Robert Plant will not be touring or recording with Led Zeppelin”.
Led Zeppelin’s last show at the O2 Arena in London in December 2007 can now be officially considered a one-off.
Idan quits Yardbirds - September 29, 2008
From John Idan:
For a while now, I've been thinking about how I should progress as a musician and as a person. I've covered great grounds in the last year and also travelled extensively and made huge advances over the last 13. Being a musician is certainly not the easiest of lives to lead and many things over the years have caused me troubles. You may be wondering what I'm leading up to and I have to sadly say that at the end of this year I will be leaving the Yardbirds.
For John's complete statement please visit http://www.johnidan.com
For a while now, I've been thinking about how I should progress as a musician and as a person. I've covered great grounds in the last year and also travelled extensively and made huge advances over the last 13. Being a musician is certainly not the easiest of lives to lead and many things over the years have caused me troubles. You may be wondering what I'm leading up to and I have to sadly say that at the end of this year I will be leaving the Yardbirds.
For John's complete statement please visit http://www.johnidan.com
Jeff Beck-nominated - September 22, 2008
From The Hartford Courant
www.courant.com
Jeff Beck, Chic, Wanda Jackson, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Metallica, Run D.M.C., the Stooges, War and Bobby Womack are this year's nominees for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Of the nine, five will be inducted into the Cleveland museum at a ceremony scheduled for April 4 at Public Hall in Cleveland.
First, how are the Stooges not in already? Their caveman rock has inspired punk, metal, alternative and industrial bands for 40 years.
And Jeff Beck? He's in for his work with the Yardbirds, which is gratifying, but the fact that it's taken him this long to be nominated on his own is a headscratcher. Speaking of which: No Rush. No Alice Cooper. No Kiss. No Jethro Tull. Influential acts, all.
Which brings us to the expected debate about the others.
For starters, there shouldn't be any question about Metallica. No one should be quibbling over Wanda Jackson, either. Sometimes called the first female rock 'n' roll singer and the queen of rockabilly, she was there when rock was born -- and she dated Elvis Presley!
Purists will argue against Run-D.M.C. because rap isn't rock 'n' roll (though the New York trio single-handedly revived Aerosmith's career with its cover of -- and video for -- "Walk This Way"). The same goes for Chic, a disco act nominated last year.
Womack ought to make it just for his session work on guitar and his songwriting: He played on Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds," Sly's "There's A Riot Goin' On," and the Rolling Stones' "Harlem Shuffle," among others. And he wrote Aretha Franklin's "Chain Of Fools," Wilson Picket's "I'm a Midnight Mover" and Janis Joplin's "Trust Me." Those are pretty solid credentials.
Little Anthony and the Imperials' doo-wop sound was certainly influential. Was it influential enough?
And War. Given the list above of eligible rockers who haven't made it in, War seems like a stretch.
www.courant.com
Jeff Beck, Chic, Wanda Jackson, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Metallica, Run D.M.C., the Stooges, War and Bobby Womack are this year's nominees for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Of the nine, five will be inducted into the Cleveland museum at a ceremony scheduled for April 4 at Public Hall in Cleveland.
First, how are the Stooges not in already? Their caveman rock has inspired punk, metal, alternative and industrial bands for 40 years.
And Jeff Beck? He's in for his work with the Yardbirds, which is gratifying, but the fact that it's taken him this long to be nominated on his own is a headscratcher. Speaking of which: No Rush. No Alice Cooper. No Kiss. No Jethro Tull. Influential acts, all.
Which brings us to the expected debate about the others.
For starters, there shouldn't be any question about Metallica. No one should be quibbling over Wanda Jackson, either. Sometimes called the first female rock 'n' roll singer and the queen of rockabilly, she was there when rock was born -- and she dated Elvis Presley!
Purists will argue against Run-D.M.C. because rap isn't rock 'n' roll (though the New York trio single-handedly revived Aerosmith's career with its cover of -- and video for -- "Walk This Way"). The same goes for Chic, a disco act nominated last year.
Womack ought to make it just for his session work on guitar and his songwriting: He played on Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds," Sly's "There's A Riot Goin' On," and the Rolling Stones' "Harlem Shuffle," among others. And he wrote Aretha Franklin's "Chain Of Fools," Wilson Picket's "I'm a Midnight Mover" and Janis Joplin's "Trust Me." Those are pretty solid credentials.
Little Anthony and the Imperials' doo-wop sound was certainly influential. Was it influential enough?
And War. Given the list above of eligible rockers who haven't made it in, War seems like a stretch.
Clapton plays The Yardbirds - September 19, 2008
He has played at some of the most famous venues in the world, but none would have given Eric Clapton more pleasure than the private gig he was performing in Soho last night.
Not only was he returning for the first time to the site of the legendary Marquee club, where his career began over 40 years ago, but his performance was in aid of the Countryside Alliance.
These days the once wild rock star is a devoted family man and consummate follower of country pursuits, fishing and shooting whenever he can.
More than 300 people were crammed into Floridita restaurant, including Ben Goldsmith, the Earl of Portsmouth and the family of meat baron Lord Vestey, for the private concert. Guests paid £1,000 a table for the privilege.
Restaurateur Ranald Macdonald - London chairman of the Countryside Alliance whose Pimlico eatery Boisdale is a partner with Floridita - tells me: "The event was over-subscribed.
"So many people wanted to hear Eric in a venue where he started his career. He is a terrific supporter of the Countryside Alliance and we are sure we will have raised a lot of money."
Cameras were banned from the event at which Clapton reprised hits from the Yardbirds** and Cream.
"It was the most exclusive event I have ever been at," says a fan. "To have Clapton playing his guitar in a basement in Soho was really special."
From www.dailymail.co.uk
Not only was he returning for the first time to the site of the legendary Marquee club, where his career began over 40 years ago, but his performance was in aid of the Countryside Alliance.
These days the once wild rock star is a devoted family man and consummate follower of country pursuits, fishing and shooting whenever he can.
More than 300 people were crammed into Floridita restaurant, including Ben Goldsmith, the Earl of Portsmouth and the family of meat baron Lord Vestey, for the private concert. Guests paid £1,000 a table for the privilege.
Restaurateur Ranald Macdonald - London chairman of the Countryside Alliance whose Pimlico eatery Boisdale is a partner with Floridita - tells me: "The event was over-subscribed.
"So many people wanted to hear Eric in a venue where he started his career. He is a terrific supporter of the Countryside Alliance and we are sure we will have raised a lot of money."
Cameras were banned from the event at which Clapton reprised hits from the Yardbirds** and Cream.
"It was the most exclusive event I have ever been at," says a fan. "To have Clapton playing his guitar in a basement in Soho was really special."
From www.dailymail.co.uk
New Jeff Beck DVD - September 18, 2008
Legendary Yardbirds and now solo guitarist Jeff Beck is to release a live DVD recorded over his six show residency at world famous jazz club Ronnie Scotts last November.
Backed by a full live band comprising drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, keyboardist Jason Rebello, and bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, Jeff Beck perfromed a wide selection of material from his 30 year career throughout the week.
The live footage called ‘Performing This Week… Live At Ronnie Scott’s’ also includes Beck's version of the Beatles "A Day In The Life" and is released on Eagle Vision on November 10, 2008.
The full lilve track listing is:
Beck’s Bolero
Eternity’s Breath
Stratus
Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers
Behind The Veil
You Never Know
Nadia
Blast From The East
Led Boots
Angels (Footsteps)
Scatterbrain
Goodbye Pork Pie Hat / Bush With The Blues
Space Boogie
Big Block
A Day In The Life
Where Were You
Backed by a full live band comprising drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, keyboardist Jason Rebello, and bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, Jeff Beck perfromed a wide selection of material from his 30 year career throughout the week.
The live footage called ‘Performing This Week… Live At Ronnie Scott’s’ also includes Beck's version of the Beatles "A Day In The Life" and is released on Eagle Vision on November 10, 2008.
The full lilve track listing is:
Beck’s Bolero
Eternity’s Breath
Stratus
Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers
Behind The Veil
You Never Know
Nadia
Blast From The East
Led Boots
Angels (Footsteps)
Scatterbrain
Goodbye Pork Pie Hat / Bush With The Blues
Space Boogie
Big Block
A Day In The Life
Where Were You
Page Closes Olympics - August 25, 2008
Jimmy Page, Leona Lewis and Placido Domingo joined Chinese performers including Wei Wei, Andy Lau and Karen Mok at the 2008 Beijing Olympics' closing ceremony last night (Aug. 24).
Held at the National Stadium (a.k.a. the Bird's Nest), the ceremony was held before a capacity crowd of 91,000 and hundreds of Olympic athletes.
Following the handover of the Olympic flag to Boris Johnson, mayor of 2012 Summer Olympics host city London, a red double-decker London bus entered the stadium. From the bus emerged singer Leona Lewis and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, who performed Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." The performance culminated with an appearance by international soccer star David Beckham.
Held at the National Stadium (a.k.a. the Bird's Nest), the ceremony was held before a capacity crowd of 91,000 and hundreds of Olympic athletes.
Following the handover of the Olympic flag to Boris Johnson, mayor of 2012 Summer Olympics host city London, a red double-decker London bus entered the stadium. From the bus emerged singer Leona Lewis and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, who performed Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." The performance culminated with an appearance by international soccer star David Beckham.
Clapton at Montreux - August 25, 2008
The melding of lead guitarist Eric Clapton, drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Marcus Miller, keyboardist Joe Sample (of The Crusaders) and tenor saxman David Sanborn into one superband performing on the prestigious Montreux stage means there’s going to be some sublime music-making headed your way! These are, arguably, the best musicians in the world, and when they came together on this night in 1997, the results were positively magic! Add to that the beauty and clarity of Blu-Ray, complete with stunning sound, and you have one heavy-duty 13-song 107-minute blockbuster Blu-Ray Event. It lands in stores September 30 (Pre-Book Date September 10, Retail Sales Price $24.98).
Legends Live At Montreux 1997 is the only known document of this allstar lineup, a lineup that never had the opportunity to record together. Filled with delicious jazz, blues and rock, the material gives each maestro the opportunity to stretch out and shine on his respective ax. The result is an intoxicating brew of improvisation and collective chemistry that has to be seen and heard to be believed. (The set is also available on DVD – released September 2005 on Eagle Rock Entertainment.)
Bassist Miller and Drummer Gadd had already played in Guitarist Clapton’s bands so their musical interaction was skin-tight. This Miller/Gadd allstar rhythm section is perfectly in sync with the master guitarist to the point of what can only be described as stageside mental telepathy. Miller, in fact, put this solid aggregation together for a ’97 Euro tour.
Track Listing
1) Full House
2) Groovin’
3) Ruthie
4) Snakes
5) Going Down Slow
6) The Peeper
7) In Case You Hadn’t Noticed
8) Third Degree
9) First Song/Tango Blues
10) Put It Where You Want It
11) Shreveport Stomp
12) In A Sentimental Mood/Layla
13) Everyday I Have The Blues
Eagle Rock Entertainment develops, acquires and produces music programming for a wide range of notable and high profile artists, which the company distributes on a worldwide basis. Eagle Rock Entertainment, Eagle Vision and Eagle Eye Media are wholly owned divisions of Eagle Rock Group, LTD.
Legends Live At Montreux 1997 is the only known document of this allstar lineup, a lineup that never had the opportunity to record together. Filled with delicious jazz, blues and rock, the material gives each maestro the opportunity to stretch out and shine on his respective ax. The result is an intoxicating brew of improvisation and collective chemistry that has to be seen and heard to be believed. (The set is also available on DVD – released September 2005 on Eagle Rock Entertainment.)
Bassist Miller and Drummer Gadd had already played in Guitarist Clapton’s bands so their musical interaction was skin-tight. This Miller/Gadd allstar rhythm section is perfectly in sync with the master guitarist to the point of what can only be described as stageside mental telepathy. Miller, in fact, put this solid aggregation together for a ’97 Euro tour.
Track Listing
1) Full House
2) Groovin’
3) Ruthie
4) Snakes
5) Going Down Slow
6) The Peeper
7) In Case You Hadn’t Noticed
8) Third Degree
9) First Song/Tango Blues
10) Put It Where You Want It
11) Shreveport Stomp
12) In A Sentimental Mood/Layla
13) Everyday I Have The Blues
Eagle Rock Entertainment develops, acquires and produces music programming for a wide range of notable and high profile artists, which the company distributes on a worldwide basis. Eagle Rock Entertainment, Eagle Vision and Eagle Eye Media are wholly owned divisions of Eagle Rock Group, LTD.
News from The Raveups - July 29, 2008
From The Raveups (Yardbirds Tribute Band)
It is a hot month of shows coming up for The RaveUps, at some great venues in August. August 8th we're doing a benefit for veterans at an event called East Bay Stand Down. It is an event to help vets get housing , jobs, counseling, etc. Also on the bill are The Sun Kings, an excellent Beatles tribute band. We will give these vets some great music to help lighten their load. Unfortunately this show is not open to the public
The next day, August 9th - Fire On The Mountain, finds us winding up into the mountains for the Sonora Blues Festival. It's also called the Fire On The Mountain festival, but we're not sure that's a good name to use in California this year . The RaveUps we're invited to play last year, and got a great response from the blues community. This year we will be on the big stage for one show, and on the indoor air conditioned stage for a show later in the day. A workshop is also planned, so we can share the British blues of the 60's with all who are interested.
The next weekend we'll be performing August 16th at The Mystic Theater . This show is another collaboration with The Sun Kings, and we'll be a great night of British Invasion music.
Finally on September 5th we will producing our 4th British Invasion Night show at the Great American Music Hall . If you've never been to one, treat yourself to a real trip back to the early sixties. Music from the Beatles, Yardbirds, and The Who will be performed by three great tribute bands. There will be a light show, go go dancers, and films from the era shown. A real English Bobby will greet you at the door to help you travel back to the sixties in England.
We hope to see our long time fans at one of these shows, and look forward to meeting the new ones.
Long live The Yardbirds !
The RaveUps
www.theraveups.com
It is a hot month of shows coming up for The RaveUps, at some great venues in August. August 8th we're doing a benefit for veterans at an event called East Bay Stand Down. It is an event to help vets get housing , jobs, counseling, etc. Also on the bill are The Sun Kings, an excellent Beatles tribute band. We will give these vets some great music to help lighten their load. Unfortunately this show is not open to the public
The next day, August 9th - Fire On The Mountain, finds us winding up into the mountains for the Sonora Blues Festival. It's also called the Fire On The Mountain festival, but we're not sure that's a good name to use in California this year . The RaveUps we're invited to play last year, and got a great response from the blues community. This year we will be on the big stage for one show, and on the indoor air conditioned stage for a show later in the day. A workshop is also planned, so we can share the British blues of the 60's with all who are interested.
The next weekend we'll be performing August 16th at The Mystic Theater . This show is another collaboration with The Sun Kings, and we'll be a great night of British Invasion music.
Finally on September 5th we will producing our 4th British Invasion Night show at the Great American Music Hall . If you've never been to one, treat yourself to a real trip back to the early sixties. Music from the Beatles, Yardbirds, and The Who will be performed by three great tribute bands. There will be a light show, go go dancers, and films from the era shown. A real English Bobby will greet you at the door to help you travel back to the sixties in England.
We hope to see our long time fans at one of these shows, and look forward to meeting the new ones.
Long live The Yardbirds !
The RaveUps
www.theraveups.com
Jazzy Jeff Beck - July 25, 2008
Richard Brooks, Arts Editor
Jeff Beck, the rock guitarist, was making a surprise appearance at the Proms last night — and creating a piece of musical history.
Beck, 64, who made his name with the Yardbirds in the 1960s, was due to play a guitar solo during a late-night concert of jazz and blues organised by Nigel Kennedy, the violinist. The two men have got to know each other over the past few months through a mutual love of jazz.
Kennedy, best known for his Vivaldi and Elgar renditions, invited Beck to join him in the Albert Hall. “It’s monumental to be playing at the Proms,” said Beck shortly before he was due on stage.
It is the first time a genuine rock star has played at the 113-year-old festival even if the Proms, which are mainly a celebration of classical music, have on occasion broken the mould with performances by Michael Ball and Ravi Shankar. Soft Machine, the avant garde jazz-rock group also played a Prom in 1970.
Beck, however, is a genuine rock legend who replaced Eric Clapton in the Yardbirds. He had a solo hit with Hi Ho Silver Lining before leading his own group with a young Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, to whom he bears an uncanny resemblance. In the cult 1966 movie Blow-Up, Beck breaks his guitar — a scene replicated in the spoof rock documentary, This is Spinal Tap.
“I’d long admired Kennedy both for his classical music and his jazz,” said Beck, who for 17 years lived with the 1960s model Celia Hammond, now better known for rescuing stray cats.
Last night Beck, who has won four Grammy awards for best rock instrumental performance, played a jazz number, Hills of Saturn, composed by Kennedy. Earlier in the evening Kennedy had performed Elgar’s Violin Concerto before coming back on stage with his own quintet, formed in Poland where he now lives for half the year after marrying a Polish woman.
“Nigel was particularly keen for me to do the Hills of Saturn solo,” said Beck, who played the track on his Fender Stratocaster electric guitar.
Beck’s career has had its ups and downs, although he says that he has few regrets — not even turning down the chance to join the Rolling Stones in 1974.
“I was asked over to Amsterdam for an audition after it was clear that Mick Taylor was leaving the band,” said Beck, who also played with Jimmy Page in the Yardbirds before Page formed Led Zeppelin.
“But I got fed up waiting for the audition. Anyway, I would not have liked all those girls and booze that the Stones were associated with. Also I had a better offer — for George Martin to produce an album of my work.” That album, Blow By Blow displayed Beck’s technical prowess in jazz-rock.
Beck laughs at his association with Clapton. “People always link us,” he said. “But we are very different and play very differently.” However, the two keep in touch with Clapton turning up to see Beck play recently at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in central London.
The rock star, who lives in East Sussex where he spends much of his spare time restoring American hot-rod cars, is particularly glad to have played with the Yardbirds because, he says, they were not a pop group but a band that tried all sorts of music.
Kennedy was delighted at his coup of getting Beck to play. The maverick violinist was making his first performance at the Proms for 21 years after falling out in the early 1990s with Sir John Drummond, then director of the Proms. Kennedy, now 51, still despises Drummond, who died in 2006.
In fact Kennedy has his knives out for the classical music Establishment. “Classical music itself is beautiful, but not the bureaucrats who run the industry. They stifle invention. It’s an incestuous world where the women are still in old Laura Ashley dresses and the men talk about their old school, Eton,” he said.
Jeff Beck, the rock guitarist, was making a surprise appearance at the Proms last night — and creating a piece of musical history.
Beck, 64, who made his name with the Yardbirds in the 1960s, was due to play a guitar solo during a late-night concert of jazz and blues organised by Nigel Kennedy, the violinist. The two men have got to know each other over the past few months through a mutual love of jazz.
Kennedy, best known for his Vivaldi and Elgar renditions, invited Beck to join him in the Albert Hall. “It’s monumental to be playing at the Proms,” said Beck shortly before he was due on stage.
It is the first time a genuine rock star has played at the 113-year-old festival even if the Proms, which are mainly a celebration of classical music, have on occasion broken the mould with performances by Michael Ball and Ravi Shankar. Soft Machine, the avant garde jazz-rock group also played a Prom in 1970.
Beck, however, is a genuine rock legend who replaced Eric Clapton in the Yardbirds. He had a solo hit with Hi Ho Silver Lining before leading his own group with a young Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood, to whom he bears an uncanny resemblance. In the cult 1966 movie Blow-Up, Beck breaks his guitar — a scene replicated in the spoof rock documentary, This is Spinal Tap.
“I’d long admired Kennedy both for his classical music and his jazz,” said Beck, who for 17 years lived with the 1960s model Celia Hammond, now better known for rescuing stray cats.
Last night Beck, who has won four Grammy awards for best rock instrumental performance, played a jazz number, Hills of Saturn, composed by Kennedy. Earlier in the evening Kennedy had performed Elgar’s Violin Concerto before coming back on stage with his own quintet, formed in Poland where he now lives for half the year after marrying a Polish woman.
“Nigel was particularly keen for me to do the Hills of Saturn solo,” said Beck, who played the track on his Fender Stratocaster electric guitar.
Beck’s career has had its ups and downs, although he says that he has few regrets — not even turning down the chance to join the Rolling Stones in 1974.
“I was asked over to Amsterdam for an audition after it was clear that Mick Taylor was leaving the band,” said Beck, who also played with Jimmy Page in the Yardbirds before Page formed Led Zeppelin.
“But I got fed up waiting for the audition. Anyway, I would not have liked all those girls and booze that the Stones were associated with. Also I had a better offer — for George Martin to produce an album of my work.” That album, Blow By Blow displayed Beck’s technical prowess in jazz-rock.
Beck laughs at his association with Clapton. “People always link us,” he said. “But we are very different and play very differently.” However, the two keep in touch with Clapton turning up to see Beck play recently at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club in central London.
The rock star, who lives in East Sussex where he spends much of his spare time restoring American hot-rod cars, is particularly glad to have played with the Yardbirds because, he says, they were not a pop group but a band that tried all sorts of music.
Kennedy was delighted at his coup of getting Beck to play. The maverick violinist was making his first performance at the Proms for 21 years after falling out in the early 1990s with Sir John Drummond, then director of the Proms. Kennedy, now 51, still despises Drummond, who died in 2006.
In fact Kennedy has his knives out for the classical music Establishment. “Classical music itself is beautiful, but not the bureaucrats who run the industry. They stifle invention. It’s an incestuous world where the women are still in old Laura Ashley dresses and the men talk about their old school, Eton,” he said.
CD quality downloads? - July 14, 2008
HDtracks.com, the new digital music store offering high-definition audio, announced a deal to sell works from renowned guitarist Steve Vai's Favored Nations record label.
In order to completely highlight the musical wizardry of the Favored Nations artists, HDtracks will make available albums from Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Tommy Emmanuel, Andy Timmons, Eric Sardinas, Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, THE YARDBIRDS and others as CD-quality lossless FLAC and uncompressed AIFF files, as well as high-resolution 320-kbps MP3 files. All three file formats are DRM-free and all HDtracks.com downloads are compatible for use with the majority of digital music playback devises.
Favored Nations was created by guitar virtuoso Steve Vai with the intent of bringing music fans music that's energetic and emotional, with performances by artists of the highest caliber. The artists signed to Favored Nations are a unique, dedicated breed that have attained the highest performance level on their chosen instruments.
Music enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of full liner notes and artwork with full-album purchases made from HDtracks. The unedited liner notes are included in PDF format allowing fans of Favored Nations artists to learn about the musicians who contributed to the works and experience these albums with all the information originally provided with the releases.
In order to completely highlight the musical wizardry of the Favored Nations artists, HDtracks will make available albums from Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Tommy Emmanuel, Andy Timmons, Eric Sardinas, Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, THE YARDBIRDS and others as CD-quality lossless FLAC and uncompressed AIFF files, as well as high-resolution 320-kbps MP3 files. All three file formats are DRM-free and all HDtracks.com downloads are compatible for use with the majority of digital music playback devises.
Favored Nations was created by guitar virtuoso Steve Vai with the intent of bringing music fans music that's energetic and emotional, with performances by artists of the highest caliber. The artists signed to Favored Nations are a unique, dedicated breed that have attained the highest performance level on their chosen instruments.
Music enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of full liner notes and artwork with full-album purchases made from HDtracks. The unedited liner notes are included in PDF format allowing fans of Favored Nations artists to learn about the musicians who contributed to the works and experience these albums with all the information originally provided with the releases.
Jimmy Page drops in - May 27, 2008
I received an e-mail from Jim McCarty this morning informing me that former Yardbird Jimmy Page had dropped in to see his old mates on the Yardbirds/Zombies tour. Pagey was duly impressed according to Jim.
Do I sense a reunion in the offing?
Do I sense a reunion in the offing?
Idan Album Update - April 10, 2008
We've got some news concerning the new album from Yardbirds singer John Idan
The album release date is June 2nd and we have got a single ("Banging My Head on the Wall") coming out on iTunes on May 4th.
The album release date has been put back because of the bank holiday here in England.
The album release date is June 2nd and we have got a single ("Banging My Head on the Wall") coming out on iTunes on May 4th.
The album release date has been put back because of the bank holiday here in England.
Alan Glen Update - March 19, 2008
Former Yardbirds harmonica man Alan Glen is working with the boys again. Alan will be filling in for Billy Boy Miskimmin at an upcoming gig in Iceland as well as future one-offs where Billy Boy might not be available.
Welcome back to the nest, Alan!
Visit 'The Bar Codes' (Alan's other band) at www.thebarcodes.co.uk
Welcome back to the nest, Alan!
Visit 'The Bar Codes' (Alan's other band) at www.thebarcodes.co.uk
Another Grammy For Clapton - February 11, 2008
Former Yardbird Eric Clapton garners yet another Grammy award:
JJ Cale and Eric Clapton Win Grammy for Road to Escondido
The Road to Escondido
Eric Clapton can add another Grammy to his collection. 2006's The Road to Escondido from Eric Clapton and J.J. Cale received a Grammy at last night's award ceremony for Best Contemporary Blues Album (vocal or instrmental). Also noteworhy was guitarist Brad Paisley's win in the Best Country Instrumental Performance category for "Throttleneck," which is from Paisley's 5th Gear album (Paisley also performed "Ticks" during the telecast).
JJ Cale and Eric Clapton Win Grammy for Road to Escondido
The Road to Escondido
Eric Clapton can add another Grammy to his collection. 2006's The Road to Escondido from Eric Clapton and J.J. Cale received a Grammy at last night's award ceremony for Best Contemporary Blues Album (vocal or instrmental). Also noteworhy was guitarist Brad Paisley's win in the Best Country Instrumental Performance category for "Throttleneck," which is from Paisley's 5th Gear album (Paisley also performed "Ticks" during the telecast).
New Charts On Amazon - January 14, 2008
Amazon.Com has recently started a new specialty charting system. Specialty charts include 'Best Selling Live Albums' and 'Best Selling Tribute Albums'
The Yardbirds 'Live At BB Kings' was recently in the Top 20 live albums on Amazon.Ca (Canada) and the Dave Walker & The Ambulators album 'Mostly Sonny-A Tribute To Sonny Boy Williamson (with former Yardbird Ray Majors) was at #17 on the U.S. 'Tributes' chart.
Both albums are available on the 'music shoppe' page.
The Yardbirds 'Live At BB Kings' was recently in the Top 20 live albums on Amazon.Ca (Canada) and the Dave Walker & The Ambulators album 'Mostly Sonny-A Tribute To Sonny Boy Williamson (with former Yardbird Ray Majors) was at #17 on the U.S. 'Tributes' chart.
Both albums are available on the 'music shoppe' page.
Mystery Of Being - December 28, 2007
The Yardbirds have been included on Little Steven's compilation series of albums called 'The Coolest Songs In The World...' Along with Mystery Of Being off of 'Birdland' Steven has picked some killer tracks from The New York Dolls, Joan Jett, Dave Davies and many others. Check out Vol IV of the series at www.wickedcoolrecords.com
Clapton/Winwood - November 8, 2007
Former Yardbird Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood will hit the stage together at New York City's Madison Square Garden, February 25, 26, and 28, 2008. The shows are being advertised as the duo's only North American appearances…
New album from Led Zeppelin? - October 30, 2007
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page has hinted the band may work together on new material following their reunion concert. The legendary rockers will reform for a one-off show at the O2 Arena in London next month and the 63-year-old isn't ruling out a follow-up album.
He says, "Look, I'd be really surprised if there wasn't - you know, I mean I just know the way we are. We're musicians. As we're playing we'll probably be coming up with all manner of things.
"And that will be fun. I mean that's what it's all about." The gig is being held to raise money for the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund, which pays for university scholarships in the U.K., United States and Turkey.
He says, "Look, I'd be really surprised if there wasn't - you know, I mean I just know the way we are. We're musicians. As we're playing we'll probably be coming up with all manner of things.
"And that will be fun. I mean that's what it's all about." The gig is being held to raise money for the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund, which pays for university scholarships in the U.K., United States and Turkey.