Danielz (T.Rextasy) talks of 'Highland Home'

After my blog / review of 'Highland Home' by Dave Bremner to be released on OK! Records, the frontman of T.Rextasy Danielz has written his review on this track. His words are below...

Dave has persevered and consistently strived to find the exact sound and temperament he has been after to record what has become the final version of 'Highland Home'. It has been structured beautifully and captures the essence of a vintage Scottish yesteryear life together with a message of today for each and every one of us. These tracks have been recorded in aid of the CLAN Cancer Support Group and is freely available for anyone that is affected directly or indirectly with Cancer. Dave has put his heart and soul into this project and this can be heard instantly by listening to this wonderful song. I hope that everyone will show support by purchasing this release for such a worthwhile cause. Danielz T.Rextasy www.trextasy.com/

Highland Home by Dave Bremner

I first got to know Dave Bremner & his music on Reverbnation then became friends on Facebook. We both sort of clicked due to our love for Marc Bolan which gave us a starting point to talk then go into Dave's own compositions. Dave has sent me various demo's via email over the past 2 years & to me he always has this big epic feel even at an early stage in production. So imagine how I felt when the MP3 of 'Highland Home' was sent to me entitled 'memo2'. I played it and was completely blown away by it's epic production. Yes it has strong Scottish roots within it's music & lyrics but you don't have to be Scottish to fall in love with this song on first play. My partner Heather heard this and commented that it to her was like a sound track that easy would fit the movie 'Braveheart' with Mel Gibson running with his masses. Saying that the lyrics do talk of Scotland's struggle through history, but I talked to Dave himself & we agreed it can also mean the struggles we all meat everyday in our life's. The epic sound gets me with a build up with acoustic guitar to electric guitar which Dave handles both like a master, then the sound of Scottish drums then the bagpipes that gives you goosebumps. Added to this is a chorus so easy to remember & becomes a chant sang by everyone who hears it. Dave told me he performed this live and over 100+ sang the chorus on their first time they ever heard it & he had lump in his throat. The song gives that feeling to me too.

Outside - This track is relationship based where Dave sings about that feeling we have all had like we are looking outside of the relationship looking in. The music has a beautiful acoustic guitar mixed with some wonderful electric guitar. Dave seems to write songs that you can either relate too or effect your emotions & this for sure is one of them songs.

Highland Home (Clan Home)- Money from all of these releases will go to The Clan cancer for all charity. This track is a re-working of the lyrics of 'Highland Home' but just as or in fact more emotional to many. I find for the price of a few downloads or limited CD you get wonderful emotional piece of music & the money goes to a charity that does so much to so many. Released on 23rd November on OK! Records www.okrecordsmusic.co.uk Highland Home a masterpiece from start to finish - Ace

PartaY on til Dawn (LIVE@THE VENUE)

On Oct 6th 2012 I went to The Venue in Chichester to watch a production entitled 'PartaY on til Dawn'. This show was amazing from start to finish, I was lucky to be invited to watch from sound checks, run throughs to the full show.
The show had a few special guests and to start the evening off with a 20min performance was The Penny Black Choir, now they really did surprise me how they performed well known songs from The Beach Boys to The Who but made them their own. The Penny Black Choir really put their hearts into every song & rightly so got the cheers from those who watched.

The next guest I only knew as a local radio DJ on Spirit FM, never heard him sing before. Mike has a massive wealth of background in music working with Robert Plant & Gary Moore to name just a few, check him & his music out at link below http://fryedmusic.com/
Mike Fry was just outstanding, he had great banter with everyone, laughs and knowledge of what he performed. He held everyone in his hand throughout his part of the show. The host Dawn Gracie remarked on how much his vocals sounded like Neil Diamond.

After a short break the main event The Steve Christopher Band featuring guests Sylvia McEwen & Bre Kilpin AKA Breeze. Now the tracks performed were taken from SCB's new album (*all except 'Lie To My Baby) and they really rocked.

Steve's guitar was as always singing like it was alive, Pete on bass really knows how to play & real strong backing vocals, Andy on rythmn guitar in some parts mirrored Steve's to give this totally awesome guitar sound of two fine axemen in total harmony. Dwight on drums, now his work was grade one top ranks he owned those drums total control & from such a small kit they sounded like thunder.




Sylvia her vocals were so rock and raunchy and on her own numbers from the album 'Rock n roll mama' & 'Promises' she really took the stage, her power & use of vocals are amazing. She really knows how to hold a note so impressed & loved talking listening to her tell me of her love for singing/performing.

Bre came on to perform two numbers, both written by Steve Christopher & one especially for her. I have known Bre and her mother Heather for some years but never met so it was real pleasure meeting & talking but to watch her handle THIS IS IT and LIE TO MY BABY it was heaven. Winner on Sky 1's 'Don't Stop Me Now' hearing her perform you know why in seconds why she won.

At the end of the show The Penny Black Choir returned to the stage to sing with SCB 'We Are The Children' this is a strong track on the album as they all are but to see this big production it was really emotional. It was a fab end to a great show, I had an amazing night with some extremely talented people.

The Chain Live @ The Elms review

Now a few years ago on this very blog I put together a review for this local rock band from Chichester. That band was 'The Chain' and since I have seen them a number of times in various locations.

You may ask then, why am I writing another review? Well since my last review a few years ago there has been a band line up change which to some fans who have not seen / heard the new line up caused concern.


So on Saturday September 1st at The Elms, Broadwater I took the opportunity to find out myself.
Band line up now has 2 Steve's now with me being Steve too talking to them I could hear Harry Hill's voice in my head going "3 Steve's, one pub, what's the chances of that happening ah?".

Seriously thou here is the new line up : -
Dawn - vocals & percussion
Steve C - lead guitar & vocals
Jo - Rythmn guitar & vocals
Steve - Drums
P - Bass guitar & vocals

So what is different from last time is a new drummer Steve and one less female lead singer.

The questions then is how did they sound as before so many talked of these two girls singing so well together complimenting each other? Could they still be as strong, rock and still have that energy they showed before?

Well as the band set up friends I know who have admired the band for a number of years turned up surprised at the change & talk started.
It was interesting hearing what others were expecting or not expecting, I won't go into what they were just will say they were not disappointed with end result.

The band kicked the show off with two slow more laid back numbers which was surprising to me, but the vocals by Dawn were so pure and P on bass supported her vocals was really lovely.

Someone standing near me said he felt the vocals were less confusing now as her voice (Dawn's) stood out on it's own instead of hearing two in harmony and not being able to tell who is who.

Also it was said every member can hold their own and with the new line up you can hear this band teamanship more as they all play as one.

Myself? Well I noticed a stronger confidence within Dawn coming to blossom like a sun flower does when it sees the sun, soon as the band starts those lights starts and she comes to life. Her vocals showed a stronger more various pitches & tones now as had no one to have to harmony with. It was really great to hear someone you know use a voice like you not heard before highlight of evening for me.

As ever thou Dawn knows how to hold everyone watching the band in her hand and reel them in so lots of funny banter in between tracks were had by all.

The energy of the band stood out all night as full speed cranked from start to end.
If anyone worried their be less energy due to one less they were proved very wrong.
It be fair to say every part of the stage and out on dance floor was used.

I was surprised at how many new numbers the band covered and could see why they now are now known as a Rock Anthem band as true rock classic's were outstanding.

To hear amazing covers of Reo Speedwagon, Queen, AC/DC, Bad Company, Billy Idol, Bon Jovi to just name a few got those with me rocking.
Steve C on guitar took on (sang) a few classic tracks & was teased with a feather boa while doing so, but like a pro kept going, playing in the style I have got to know him too.

Jo at the begining of the evening by all the band and myself was known to not be feeling too good. I doubt thou anyone noticed at once he picked up his guitar he played & sang to his normal high standard & my thoughts of his acoustic guitar playing has not changed, still not seen anyone play live as good as him.

P on bass OK for this blog he prefer not to have his name mentioned and I respect that, however cannot go write this without saying how amazing he was on bass, he now supports more on vocals and as I have said already compliments Dawn on backing really well. I heard him take over on one track for Steve c due to Steve C on lead guitar going into an amazing technical rift and thought to myself "P where have you been hiding these vocals?".

Steve on drums, well he really packs a punch as with some of the new rock tracks added to the set they have some really fast drum breaks and watching him go I thought he put Duracell to shame as WOW!
What got me with Steve too after first half of some real powerhouse drumming he walks to the bar not even broken a sweat 'cool guy or what?'

So I think personally no one needs to worry over THE CHAIN they still have what they always had plus I feel a bit more extra punch.
So Still recommend to go see them or book them

Offical website
www.thechain.biz

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/#!/thechainband

'PartaY on til Dawn' THE SHOW (The Venue, Chichester )

PartaY on til Dawn with Steve Christopher Band & special guests LIVE At The Venue Spur Road, Chichester, PO19 8PR on October 6th

'PartaY on til Dawn' the live show is the first Ace MegaRex Production and is mainly due to the amazing & very talented singer & songwriter Steve Christopher.

Steve Christopher has put a lot of thought, love, time, energy & WONGA to make this show very special to all those who attend.

These days all we seem to get for a price of a theatre ticket is a show where you get a support act, drink at the bar then on to main artist and after a "Oi clear off home" kinda of event.

Hey! not knocking that... but I miss the big shows of years ago that gave you a bit of everything.

Well 'PartaY on til Dawn' gives you that feeling as it is not JUST a show to launch the Steve Christopher Band's new album entitled funny enough 'PartaY on til Dawn', It also has a number of special guests throughout the show.


One of the special guests featured on the album & in the show is a lady with an amazing voice, Silvia McEwen
 

The next guest is as they say straight off TV as it is the winner of Sky 1's 'Don't Stop Me Now' Bre Kilpin A.K.A. 'Breeeze'. Below Bre is singing a track written by Steve Christopher

The show also has the very talented Mike Fry who lives in the Chichester area and is a local DJ

















Plus The Penny Black Choir and hosted by Dawn Gracie why don't you come along for a full night of all round entertainment?

Doors open at 6:30pm starts 7:30pm
Show finishes 11pm

TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Seated £12
Standing £8

Bar + merchandise stall.

Buy the album + buy tickets for the show here
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2512871828

Any purchaser of a ticket that is registered disabled will be entitled to bring a carer FOR FREE.. If this applies to you? merely contact us via text to 0758 3059685 the word CARER with your email address.

Lost Balloons by Baby Scream THE REVIEW

I have now lost count at how many reviews I have written on Baby Scream but each time it is always a pleasure.

Today's release is a FREE download on Eternal Sunday records entitled 'Lost Balloons'.

It reminds me of a bag of sweets children use to buy in UK from 1950s up to late
1960s called 'Jamboree Bag' as you buy it but not know what mix you get inside til you opened it or in this case press PLAY.

This album has such a wild mixed range Barry Parsons (CRMK Radio) told me "isn't it so awesome?"

The album kicks off with a short, quiet and relaxing acoustic 'We Are Against The System (One More Chance) which is a demo and sort of threw me really as with a title like that I expected a completely different sound.

As for track two 'Ball Of Fun' well you could be listening to any big name rock band as so heavy, in fact the most nearest to heavy metal I've heard Baby Scream. Talk about clearing the wax from your ears after track one
*NOTE - best played volume fully cranked

As the album moves on with 'I've Had Enough With You' we find we move more into a punk sound the sound sort of suits Juan Pablo Mazzola's vocals with really rough & agressive growl which is a far cry from his past Lennon influenced tones so many mention (including me).

This album has rock, punk, demo's and acoustic's but also it has a large number of cover versions.
The first cover on 'Lost Balloons' is a track first recorded by The Electric Prunes entitled 'Onie'. This is a wonderful acoustic & Juan's vocals are so soft & layered well to give a great pure sound with amazing backing by the band including a lovely piano solo.

'Revenge Of The Nerds' is a track you hear & swear you've heard before amazing guitar work & the drum beat gives an epic movie soundtrack feel to the song. Juan's vocals are rather haunting almost ghostly.

Don't be fooled by the start of the demo 'I Don't Wanna Wake Up From This Dream' as this rocks too or should I say R O C K S
I have played this track more than any other on the album.

'Barry's Blues' (The Groove Lounge) was recorded mainly as a radio jingle for Barry Parsons Wednesday's show on CRMK Radio. A Marc Bolan themed show Juan has appeared on a few times and I may add where I first met Juan. This track uses a Bolan style rift to give you the feel of what Barry's show gives you every week.

Now this track really confused me as it was the very first track I heard off 'Lost Balloons' sent by Juan. He said this is what my new album will be like, I played Tony Orlando's cover 'Tie A Yellow Ribbon 'Round The Old Oak Tree' and think huh!!!
My confusion soon passed when the cover was better than I expected as I had many doubts as the original was so cheasey & I was told by Juan that "trust me you love the album" he wasn't wrong.

'Sadly Beautiful' is a home acoustic cover of The Replacements which is so clear & again relaxes you to sink into a comfortable sofa & start to drift off to a world till BANG!!!! this loud rocking, punky fast, loud beat of 'When The Angel's Sing' a cover of Social Distortion shakes you to the foundations.

Don't think you can sit back down to relax again after that thou as what you think happens if I say it is followed by a two in a row of the Ramones covers 'Judy Is A Punk Rocker' and Beat The Brat' ?

CORRECT it sooooo rocks soooooooo punks up and I assure you there is full & total respect to the legends that were The Ramones so awesome.

The next two tracks are very personal to me as I first met Juan due to the original demo's on an acetate of Marc Bolan of these songs 'Song For A Soldier' and
'Reality'. The tracks were never released by Marc in his life time & sadly still have not been today as they are owned by a private collector. However Juan's take on these demo's are so fantastic there was much talk and interest & wait for them to become available. High Wire is another Marc Bolan cover (T.Rex) it is a wonderful acoustic ballad and I just love the vocals as Juan always shows his passion to Marc's work. Hard to believe this is only a demo.

The last two tracks of the album I was personally involved in as at the time I was working with DeafboyOne on a project entitled 'DUETS'. Pete Waller (DeafboyOne) who was (at time of recording) living in Sydney, Australia & I was finding artists around the globe to sing with him through the magic of Internet and Pete's master on the mixer friend/producer Rod Willner.

'Cosmic Dancer' was the 2nd take as Pete had recorded this on his own but Juan had requested to duet him on this track also. The sound of it being live was just so clever as really they were thousands of miles apart. I love too how adding bongoes gave it the old sound of Tyrannosaurus Rex which Marc's original of this classic he had moved away from.

As for 'Working Class Hero' it just had to be done as Juan is such a big fan of Lennon's & his vocals are always compared to his.
The duets introduced themselves to each other and are now good friends wanting at some point to meet up for real & record again.

That will be worth waiting for...

So that's my thoughts on this free download if you have not got all ready the link is below to go and do so - enjoy


Where to download full album & artwork FREE
http://www.eternalsunday.com.ar/promos/babyscreamlostballoons/

Dead or Alive (Single Mix) - Rick Page THE REVIEW

I first got to know Rick Page on MySpace some years back & at that time he was writing and recording an album with working title 'The Fence'. this album is now complete and one day hopefully released.

The track 'Dead or Alive' comes from that album but this release I am reviewing today is a single mix so different from one featured on the album. I was lucky to get two white label double discs of the album to hear the album & all it's different mixes & this track which opens the album is outstanding.

I looked into the back story and asked a few questions to help you the readers know what this hard fast full on rock track is about.
See we all have our hero in life all be it firemen, policeman, soldiers or nurses to TV The Lone Ranger, Superman or Batman. Well this song is based around two heroes of Rick's evolved into one character. The song was originally entitled 'White Steed' but after recording it Rick Page and James Marshall Black had a think about the title and as dead or alive was mentioned more times than white steed Rick decided to change it.

The original idea behind this song was just before 'Iron Man' the movie was released thinking of a hero in a metal suit another movie 'Robocop' came to mind, hence the line from the movie "dead or alive your coming with me" the lyrics then flowed along the lines what a hero would be doing for a town and of course a hero always rides a white horse or in robocop's case driving a silver patrol car.
Rick asked James Marshall Black who composed the music for the track to add sound effects of guns etc to make it sound like a gunfight in a street for the hero to come and save the day.

I (Ace MegaRex) asked James Marshall Black about the track & Rick's ideas & he replied...

"Rick asked me to add all the sound effects, and personally I think it was a stroke of genius. We now have this rather interesting super hero who wears a mixture of Iron man clothes and Knight's armour, carries a gun and a sword and charges around on a horse !!! I am considering re-visiting this song"

Well James indeed has revisted the song as the album track is now longer & bigger harder rock sound with amazing power vocals by Rick & harmony backing including James. Plus the single version still has that but has been remixed too so to give you two amazing versions of an epic of a track. I let a friend I know who worked with me on my old radio show DJ Rocky hear this track he said "this should be added to the epic rock opera tracks such as Meatloaf's 'Bat Out of Hell' as he has a steady fast build up to an epic climax"

The single is on sale now

You can buy on Amazon here by JMB records
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-or-Alive-Single-Mix/dp/B008M0MZRQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345465703&s=dmusic&sr=1-1

SAMPLE
https://soundcloud.com/rick-page-1/dead-or-alive-sample-of-album

Sky 1 'Don't Stop Me Now' ....was a Breeze

How fantastic was it to see our Bre Kilpin AKA Breeze not only appear on
Sky 1's 'Don't Stop Me Now' but to win it too.

I first got to know of Bre via 'You Tube' and also her mother Heather who was supporting another project I was working on at the time. Soon as I heard those golden vocals it was "WOW".

Since I've known & been helping/supporting Breeze I have introduced her to various artists from many musical backgrounds all were totally blown away by her vocal talents.

First was Pete Waller AKA DeafboyOne who used Bre's vocal talents on an alternative cover of a classic track 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' which stormed the Reverbnation charts and stayed No.1 almost all of 2009 left then took the top spot again.

She was also introduced to Steve Christopher (The Chain & Moondance) who worked with Bre & composed and recorded songs with her.
This Ocotober 6th in Chichester at The Venue Breeze will be appearing with The Steve Christopher Band a newly formed rock band featuring some very talented musicians.
Breeze will be performing the songs written for her so all exciting stuff and tickets for this event 'PartaY on till Dawn' can be brought via link below

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2512871828

So Well done Bre re -Sky 1 and cannot wait for the LIVE show hope to see some of you readers there too - Ace

THE ART OF WAR - Olivia In The Orchard REVIEW

I find it interesting how music is much like us humans where we live, move through life and pass on and we leave family trees spreading back generations.
In music connections from one artist to another seems to spread wild like roots of a tree.

It starts with the big legends and their influences which grow on other artists till we get to these new young artists who shine through with slight dustings of these original legends with a fresh sprinkle of something new.... their own personal touch.

Why am I saying this? Well through knowing one group Baby Scream who were influenced mainly by John Lennon who as we know was himself influenced by Elvis Presley, I have got to (like this family tree) find, discover another artist from this tree who is very much new, fresh in fact better word is refreshing.

Her artist name is Olivia In The Orchard. who signed late 2011 to OK Records.
She is a young singer songwriter from Worcestershire who when listening sounds so innocent in vocals but once you understand her lyrics & the structure of the songs and even the meaning of the composition you find there is one real smart cookie.

Many artists admit their influences like Olivia's base from original folk sound to artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Jefferson Airplane, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds but unlike other artists she does not obviously draw from them & their past classics but goes deep into old human cultures which is where 'The Art Of War' very much comes from.

Below is a review of this new release on OK Records to be released on 11th Feb on sites such as HMVdigital, Itunes, Amazon, play.com, virginmega.fr and many more.

THE ART OF WAR - The electric guitar opening to this reminds me of early T.Rex crossed with soundtrack to a U.S. TV show but it has this haunting sound that has a sort of a dramatic feel to it. Once the drums come in which Olivia says represents war drums the alternative folk sound really kicks in. The lyrics Olivia says is based on a story she once read about Native Indians 'The Girl Who Made Love To The Stars'. saying this thou Olivia has mashed cultures together to add a Chinese twist in the lyrics which makes it real neat & very clever.
as I said earlier her vocals sound very innocent and with harmony very enchanting.
It is sure a song that grows on you and the more you understand it's back story the more addictive it gets.

Mr. V.M. is a more up beat track drums by Mister OK Records himself Oliver Kirkham.
I love the vocals in this as Olivia tends to use the Chinese style in vocals structure use of chords, delivery. It makes the song very fresh & new and wanting more. The guitar layers sound raw but not in any bad way as they so work this way as it leaves that alternative sound that suits Olivia In The Orchard

The Art Of War (REMIX) I have played this to state of over kill since I received it as the production has made a great track to begin with into an epic. Olivia admits her writing she loves a song to build to a ultimate climax and this remix lives up to this.

I really recomend you checking out Olivia In The Orchard there is much more to come in 2012 for her with talk of an EP which I have already heard demo version of which is outstanding in it's demo format.

If you are on Facebook try this link below.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Olivia-in-the-Orchard/155694961193034?sk=app_178091127385

NEW ALBUM NEWS - Steve Christopher

Here is the latest news on Steve Christopher's 2nd album to follow 'MONNDANCE' featured on a previous blog.




Things are slowly progressing towards April as the release month for Album # 2.

On a recent radio show it appears to have assumed the name Partay til Dawn as the title track.. Who am I to argue. Tracks so far outlined and earmarked are:

Partay on til Dawn,

On the Level,

We are the Children,

Not letting go,

She will have her day,

Damned if I do (Currently my favourite),

Rock n Roll Mama,

Finally,

and W.Q.A.

The title for this last song comes from what was going through my mind when I had to save the work done on it. It does'nt really relate to the lyrics but it means. "What questions answered".

Partay... is what is suggests, Music... Parties.... Good sesh... You get the picture.

On the Level, is based on our recent re-involvement with children. Never lie to a child, always be open and honest and the rewards mostly will be trust and honesty back at you.

We are the Children, is along similar lines but more seeing the world through a childs eyes and heart. They need to be heard, loved and understood. That's our job as adults.

Not letting go, is a general opinion about how relationships can build and suffer because one partner was insincere in the beginning and folds the gaming table up and takes it with them (figuratively speaking)

She will have her day, is tracking the three main stages (very losely) of a girls growing from baby, to teenager to adult. I like the song and make no apologies for assumptions of the female psyche.

Damned if I do, is a remake of a song I originally recorded a couple of years ago called Drive to my Caravan. My partner Mel, felt that needed more work so I changed it completely and I love the result.

Rock n Roll Mama, was a throwback to my days jamming in Rock and Roll bands and doing sessions for anyone who would have me. It's tongue in cheek fun

W.Q.A, is purely written round a riff that I liked and expanded on. The lyrics grew as the recording went on about prejudices, reading a book by it's cover and about a particular one sided relationship I had with a very shallow person. You'll get the picture when you listen to the words....?

All these tracks are vocal tracks and as such are in keeping with the album mindset.

I sincerely hope you can get some enjoyment from this album. What will here is genuinely me exposed as a vulnerable person that has feelings. Just like you.

Steve Christopher