Category Archives: Blues

Red Sky Mary – There is hope for new Rock N’ Roll

by

1

red Sky mary

I don’t know how I came across Red Sky Mary, but I am glad that I did. The minute I listened to their music it was if a defibrillator shocked me back to life. REAL bluesy Rock N’ Roll music from a new band. The music that I found on you tube took me back to the time when it was all about the music and not the paycheck.  I used my internet detective skills and hunted down their contact info and was rewarded by a quick response from their label Carved Records. In the process of locking down an interview with Red Sky Mary I was given an advance listen to their upcoming release River Child which drops on May 12. River Child is everything I expected and then some! Soulful vocals that reach right in to you and tickles your inner self, LOUD guitar riffs that get the job done with being over pretentious, a rhythm section worthy of the power bands of old, and old school haunting harmonies. Hailing from Portsmouth, NH Red Sky Mary is made up of: Sam Vlasich (Vocals), Tom Boisse (Guitar), Gary Boisse (Bass), Barrett Goeman (Drums).

River Child is a 10 song shot in the arm to straight up Rock N’ Roll. The tracks are:

1. “All Hell’s Breakin’ Loose”
2. “Payback”
3. “Gone”
4. “Run Ragged”
5. “South OF The City”
6. “Howl”
7. “Pride”
8. “I Will Wait For You”
9. “Too Much”
10. “River Child”

     Stand out tracks for me are “I will Wait For You” which reminds me of the Black Crowes in their heyday. Blues based and soulful it drags all kinds of emotions out of you with it haunting melodies and vocals. The Album opener “All Hell’s Breaking Loose” is just that hell does break loose on this raucous track. A feel good rocker that will make you want to gather you best buds and ride around with the windows down and the music cranked. An infectious chorus with have you singing along with your fists in the air. The title track “River Child” carries you along with a cool groove. Again, the vocals and harmonies are top notch and rival many of the great bands from the past. “Howl” which is the lead off single will have you doing just that. Your blood will begin pumping and you will fell the magic of pure Rock N’ Roll course through your body.

     Red Sky Mary has a definite throwback sound to them and yet their sound remains fresh as well. I get the feeling this is band making music for the sake of making music. I would give the new Red Sky Mary release a 15 out of 10 stars in my book. This record has a definite spot in my top 10 of 2015 and is a contender for number 1.

     Some say Rock N’ Roll is dead, I laugh in their faces because bands like Red Sky Mary prove them wrong. Keep Rockin’ fellas because it’s working. Be sure to check them out online at:

https://www.facebook.com/redskymary

http://www.redskymary.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCorWo1Wb0EtFkwy9tODdF6Q

http://www.carvedrecords.com/artists/red-sky-mary/

     It’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Red Sky Mary!!!

     -the Hellion

Talkin’ with UFO bassist Rob De Luca

by

0

ImageProxy (2)

 

 

 

Having been a long time UFO fan, I jumped at the chance to sit down with bassist Rob De Luca. I have had Rob on my radar for a few years now and was excited to learn of his addition to the UFO lineup. We had a great conversation and are sharing it with you here:

     Thanks to Rob, UFO, and Jon Freeman for making this happen. Be sure to check out the new UFO release “A Conspiracy Of Stars”.

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!

     -the Hellion

Bar Bands, Bar Bands, Bar Bands…2

by

0

2014-02-03 17.57.33

 

First off I want to thank you all for the overwhelming response to last nights Bar Bands post. I was however, reminded of a few more things regarding bar bands and I am addressing them now.

Promoters, you need to do just that. I have seen an unfortunate trend as of late with putting up an event page on social media sites, dusting off your hands and calling it a day. I am sorry that is not good enough, period. I cannot tell you how many times at the last minute I get a message “hey you coming to the show tonight?” and because of the lack of show promotion this is the first time I hear of the show. Shame on you, shame. You are doing the band a complete disservice to say the least. EVERYONE should know about a show you put together.

Club owners, pay the bands a decent rate!!!!! These guys are traveling on their own usually on limited means throughout the country. Club owners wake up because you know they are talking to each other about clubs to play in and which to avoid. Imagine if you treat a band decently and they spread the word and you have bands knocking your door down to play your venue. Word gets around, locals will see the bands are dying to play your venue and will be beating your door down to attend.

Promoters and Club owners, ADVERTISE!!!!!! There are usually on most towns several means of advertising the show.  If people don’t know, they wont go!!! If you work with the advertising outlets I am sure a bond can be made and some kind of deal can be made.

Lastly, remember these bands are providing us a service and we should be thanking them.

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!

-the Hellion

Bar Bands, Bar Bands, Bar Bands…

by

0

rant

Recently a couple of people have made disparaging comments about bar bands. One person in particular  made it known that bar bands were beneath him and a waste of time. Well I am here to tell you that most bands you have heard of and listen to today got their starts in a bar somewhere. Ok, ok there are those few anomalies out there I’m sure who jumped immediately into arena gigs.

The Doors, Motley Crue, the Beatles, Guns N’ Roses, the list goes on and on. These bands played to small crowds at first and honed themselves into arena machines.

Now, in today’s world, arena bands are mostly extinct so the return of the bar/club band is more important than ever. There are several bar/club bands that live in my heart these days. They are there because I have insight as to the blood,sweat, and tears they exude. Their craft is important to them and they are willing to go that extra mile to give their all to their fans. I wish to personally thank the following bands/performers in no particular order: Dellacoma, Nomada, Skulldron, Throw The Temple, Scattered Hamlet, Darken The day, Wulf, Beard, Ragdoll, Crowned By Fire, Mike Araiza,  and many, many more. I salute you all for being the warriors you are and for flying the Rock N’ Roll flag high. All you other local bands, STEP UP!!! And to you naysayers out there, I’ll debate you on camera anytime, you know how to reach me.

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!

-the Hellion

 

 

Van Halen….again

by

3

Van_Halen_album

 

1978- Who doesn’t remember when you first heard “Eruption”? Myself and my local group of ne’er do wells were stopped dead in our tracks when we did. It was a sonic assault unlike any we had heard before. How could this be a guitar? Who could be behind this? And when it lead into “You Really Got Me” (being a Kinks fan I knew the track very well.) their rendition blew me away. I finally got my hands on a copy of this tasty piece of vinyl and proceeded to wear it the hell out. The raw power and swagger of this band was unbelievable. I found my self lost in the music and fancied myself a DLR clone. I mustered up as much swagger as I could and failed miserably, there was only one David Lee Roth.

Throughout the years I caught them every chance I could (Van Halen today remains the band I have seen live the most) and was never disappointed. The albums changed and the music evolved as did the members of Van Halen.

Things started going south for me with the 1982 release of Diver Down. Some of the tracks were incredibly awesome, and others left me scratching my head in bewilderment. What was going on here? I sucked it up however, and remained a loyal fan.

1984- WTF?!?!? What happened to my band of badasses? “Jump” really? As much as I tried to like this record it never really happened for me. And then, the king of swagger was gone David Lee Roth was no longer a part of the mighty Van Halen.

VanHalen_5150_fcover

I had been a fan of Sammy Hagar for quite a while when I heard the news of his replacing DLR. I thought to myself “this should be interesting with Sammy being quite an accomplished songwriter and guitarist. I waited in anticipation for the results.

When 5150 hit the stores I snapped it up eager to see what direction they were taking. While not the dangerous “you’re gonna go to jail if you hang out with those guys” band they used to be, it was good. Different but good. Van Halen had become a more mainstream act and it seemed stronger song writers. I found myself at that point in my life more mature as well, and I enjoyed the music. The four studio albums with Sammy gave some great songs and the memories that went a long with them .

Van_Halen_-_Van_Halen_III

And then, like a bad dream, Sammy was out and Gary Cherone (really guys, I thought to myself) from Extreme was in. it was 1998 and was a 34 year old family man now but still a loyal rocker. I put aside my misgivings and entered Van Halen III with an open mind. I actually found this record quite good, a departure from the VH sound but good. And then, again, Gary was out and so was Michael Anthony.

Van Halen then kind of faded away in the eyes and ears of most people. They remained ever present in the rotation of music that I played, never far from my ears. Rumors and stories abounded but never came to fruition.

A couple of Reunions with Hagar and Roth came and went and rumors of new album with Roth began. In 2012 we finally got A Different Kind Of Truth and learned that Wolfgang Van Halen was now the bassist for Van Halen. It was through this record I realized my precious Van Halen was no more.

I had been there though it all: Van Halen, Van Hagar, Extreme Van Halen, and now Van Halen3 plus Dave.

In the past few days Van Halen has been asplash on the internet with their appearance on Jimmy Kimmel. I watched with baited breath hoping to catch a glimpse of my heroes of old. Alas, I was disappointed and a little embarrassed for them. While Eddie as usual had killer tone and chops, and Alex still brought the thunder, Young Wolfgang was no Michael Anthony, and David Lee Roth, well, let’s just say sometimes it’s better to leave on a high note. I will not speak of the current Sammy project because this was about me and Van Halen and I want to keep it that way.

I will always love and respect the music Van Halen has given me throughout the years and yes I will buy any and everything they release, I just feel that it’s time to move on for them….

Van_Halen_logo

 

Van Halen I love you guys (all of you) now and forever

-the Hellion

 

 

UDR Music Announces TOMMY BOLIN “TEASER” 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set – Out May 19, 2015 in North America‏

by

0

UDR Music Announces TOMMY BOLIN “TEASER” 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set – Out May 19, 2015 in North America

 

TOMMY BOLIN (The James Gang, Deep Purple) – The Legend Lives On

 

Pre-Order Details Coming Soon

image001 (5)

image002 (2)

UDR Music celebrates the 40th anniversary of guitar god TOMMY BOLIN’s classic solo album Teaser with a deluxe triple-vinyl set – the TEASER 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set!

 

TOMMY BOLIN – recognized for his work with groups such as Zephyr, The James Gang, and Deep Purple – was a bright, young American guitar god who created a whirlwind with his loud, stylish, free-form fusion performances before his untimely death at the age of 25 in 1976. Released in 1975 during his time with Deep Purple, Teaser was the solo masterpiece and eventual cult-classic that Bolin never got the chance to properly promote.

Now, 40 years after the album was originally released and unfortunately buried with time, Teaser is finally getting its time to shine.

On May 19, 2015, UDR Music will release the official TEASER 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set, a three-album deluxe vinyl box-set supplemented with two live CDs, celebrating the 40th anniversary of this legendary release. Featuring long-lost outtakes and alternative mixes from the original Teaser studio sessions, plus two live CDs comprising performances from Ebbets Field, The Northern Lights, My Father’s Place and Albany, the TEASER 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set is set to satiate the appetites of Bolin fans worldwide.

Track list LP’s:

LP 1 – side A:

1.      Teaser

2.      Flying Fingers

LP 1 – side B:

3.      Wild Dogs

4.      Cookoo

LP 2 – side C:

5.      Chameleon

6.      Lotus

LP 2 – side D:

7.      The Grind

8.      Crazed Fandango

LP 3 – side F:

9.      People People

10.   Smooth Fandango

11.   Marching Powder

LP 3 – side E:

12.   Homeward Strut

13.   Dreamer

14.   Savanah Woman

15.   Oriental Sky

Track List Live CD’s:

CD 1:

1.     Teaser – My Father’s Place

2.     People People – My Father’s Place

3.     The Grind – My Father’s Place

4.     Wild Dogs – Live at The Northern Lights

5.     You Told Me That You Loved Me – Live in Albany

6.     Stratus – Live at Ebbets Field

7.     Post Toastee – Line in Albany

8.     Hoka-Hay – Energy KBPI Broadcast

9.     Homeward Strut – Live at Ebbets Field

CD 2:

10.  Shake The Devil – Live at The Northern Lights

11.  Marching Powder – My Father’s Place

12.  Lotus – My Father’s Place

13.  Homeward Strut – Live at The Northern Lights

14.  You Know, You Know – Live at Ebbets Field

15.  Crazed Fandango – Live at Ebbets Field

16.  Post Toastee – Live at The Northern Lights

17. Walk In My Shadow – Live at Ebbets Field

 

TOMMY BOLIN was a shooting star, a fiercely bright, ferociously driven and a guitarist whose soul spoke through his fingers and fretboard. Bolin was an American axeman of the caliber rarely seen or heard before (or since) his untimely death at the age of 25 on December 4th 1976. Bolin allowed the power of funk and the fury of rock to find such finite expression through his inspiration. His expression never sounded more fluent than on his 1975 solo album debut Teaser. The album embraced a tour de force of styles from jazz to hard rock to Latin music, all of which were expressed in a glorious musical stew.

At the age of 17, Bolin formed Zephyr, whose blues rock was coated in psychedelic tendencies. Despite opening for the likes of Led Zeppelinand growing a strong fan-base, Bolin left the group in 1971 to form Energy (a jazz-rock project) before Joe Walsh recommended him to The James Gang, where he recorded the Bang! and Miami albums in 1973 and ’74 respectively. Bolin also appeared on legendary drummer Billy Cobham’s Spectrum solo album, and his ability to enjoy (and make the grade with!) such improvisational jamming style sounds left Bolin as that rare bird. A man who could be a rock star or a man who could be a musician’s musician at cafes across America.

Bolin moved to LA seeking confirmation of the stardom his enormous talents promised, and the foundations for the legendary Teaser album were laid. Featuring session musicians such as Glenn Hughes, David Sanborn, Jan Hammer, Stanley Sheldon and Phil Collins, Teaser represents the fulcrum point of Tommy’s solo-artist work. As he completed work on it, Deep Purple’s Ritchie Blackmore quit the band, and Bolin was invited to join Purple by singer David Coverdale. Come Taste The Band came out towards the end of 1975, before Purple disbanded and left Bolin free to do his second album Private Eyes. Opening for Peter Frampton and Jeff Beck, Bolin was just starting to enjoy the sort of attention and recognition that would surly have seen him rise to the next level of revered guitar God. Sadly, Bolin’s addiction issues would not allow it, and in 1976, he died at the tragically young age of 25.

Bolin’s legacy is superbly reflected in TEASER 40th Anniversary Vinyl Edition Box Set – get your copy while they last!

Learn more about TOMMY BOLIN via http://www.tbolin.com.

 

This is a great album, one that should be in your collection.

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!

the Hellion Rocks

Covers! Covers! Covers!

by

0

rant

Ahhh the old cover issue again. I have been asked to revisit covers so here it is. I have stated in the pas that there are good, and there are bad, very bad. As I am writing this I am reminded of classic rock songs that are ruined by rap/hip hop artists. I am of the opinion that some artists cannot come up with something of their own so they cover an already successful song and others choose to pay homage to the artists which inspired them.

There are songs out there that achieved little or no attention by the original artists for example:

“I Love Rock ‘N Roll” which was written and recorded in 1975 by Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker of Arrows.

     And then there is the Joan Jett cover from 1982 which the world knows and loves.

  

     I am probably one of the few people who actually prefers the original but Joan stayed true to the original vibe of the song.

     “New York Groove” was written by Russ Ballard and first recorded by Hello in 1975.

     Then the world famous version by Ace Frehley of KISS in 1978.

     Ace stayed true to the original as well and, in this case, I prefer the Ace version.

     “Space Truckin'” by Deep Purple is one of my favorite songs in the world and was written in 1972.

     Tesla decided to take  on this hard charging track on their ambitious Real To Reel release in 2007.

     Tesla crushed this cover and kept to the original Deep purple vibe, but I still prefer the original.

     Now to the covers which leave me less enthusiastic. I have heard some people talking about these songs as if the covers were the original tracks which makes me nuts.

     Let’s go back to 1934 where Clarence “Tom” Ashley and Gwen Foster recorded an old folk song called “House Of The Rising Sun”

  

     This song was made popular by the Animals in 1964 and is probably the best known version of the track.

https://youtu.be/0sB3Fjw3Uvc

     which has led to the version Five Finger Death Punch recorded in 2013.

     While I happen to dig the vibe of the earlier versions I think the FFDP version is an abomination and shows no respect to the original song. I am embarrassed for the band and their version of it.

     “Good Times Bad Times” by Led Zeppelin was recorded in 1968 and was a blast to the ears and mind.

https://youtu.be/gAVB25yjY5I

     While I was an early Godsmack fan their 2007 version was a miss for me.

     

     I think it’s obvious that the Led Zeppelin version wins out for me.

     Ok, so all of this is just a matter of opinion for me and I mean no disrespect to anyone. Please share your opinions with me and the readers as we would love to hear them.

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!!

     -the Hellion

Dellacoma is back with South Of Everything

by

0

DEL SOE COVERDEL SOE BACK COVER

WAKE UP!!! There’s no sleeping when you fire up the new release from Dellacoma. This is a hard charging album straight from the gate!

Loud guitars, punchy bass, powerful drums, and vocals reminiscent of Rock Stars past, it’s all here.

Following the amicable dissolution of the Australian based Sunset Riot Dellacoma Rio found himself at a crossroad.Thankfully for us he chose to continue his musical journey.

Like a superhero,  Del summoned forth a new band of musical warriors to assault the world anew. Gathering fellow Australian Rick Reynolds on bass, and from Dallas Texas: Matt Cook on drums and Art Stuck on guitars, Dellacoma was complete.

They then went to ground and began recording the record that was to become South Of Everything. If you have ever felt music in the past and can remember how it made you feel you will welcome this album.

One can hear the many influences this band pays homage to and yet it remains distinctly unique. I find myself thinking of the swagger of Aerosmith and early Def Leppard to Buckcherry even.

The standout tracks for are “Under My Skin” which opens with drums that remind me of a Saxon tune and then quickly transitions into a sleazy rockin’ tune that is near and dear to me. “FJH (Get Me Out)” has a kind of Motley Crue vibe yet retains the Dellacoma swagger we all know and love. “Fame-Slaves-Gold” will take you back to when Aerosmith was still cool, powerful and bluesy I have hit repeat on this track several times.

Those are a few of the standout tracks for me on the record but believe me there is no filler here. This is the kind of record you want to put on in your car, roll the windows down, drive fast and share with the world.

I am proud to say that I have become close to Dellacoma Rio over the years and have seen the behind the scenes struggle this man has endured to get the music that burns so brightly within him out to the world. Now Del, Rick, Art, and Matt are proud to unveil their recipe for good rock n’ roll to the world.

As a bonus for me I was asked by Del to provide him with a photograph for inclusion in the cover art and I am proud to sat it was used for the back cover and CD face. Thank you for that Del and the gang.

Setting my friendship with Del and the guys aside and basing solely on the music I would give this record a solid 10 out of 10 stars. I say this because of this records ability to transport me to a different time and place, a feat that is hard to come by in this day and age of fast food music.

shock

Thank you Del, Rick, Art, and Matt for a kick ass rock n’ roll journey!

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s DELLACOMA!!!

-the Hellion

 

 

 

Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute – DVD thoughts and review

by

0

UDR0470_ecolbook_cover_preview_141220[1]

September 27 1980- My friend Brett came over to my apartment to hang out with me on my 16th birthday. He smiled as he handed me a wrapped package. I eagerly tore the wrapping off to discover the Blizzard Of Ozz record. “I knew you loved Sabbath so I saw this and figured you would enjoy it.” We raced to my room and found ourselves entranced by the music. I was most impressed by the guitar playing album on this record. The passion and power of the guitar playing on it was enough to make me weep. Brett and I instantly became Randy Rhoads fanatics. A lot of our friends were Eddie Van Halen nuts through and through, but there was something a bit more magical about Randy Rhoads for me. We read everything we could find and tried our best to wear out my copy of Blizzard Of Ozz.

1544507_10152426312240972_3185963585662640770_n

When Diary Of A Madman came out in late 1981 I was there at the record store and raced home to hear what Randy had come up with to blow our minds, I was not disappointed in the least. This record too found itself being quickly worn out on my turntable. Again, I read every bit of press, had the posters, t-shirts, and all of the necessary accessories. Brett and I even figured out the secret codes on the album. Then, miracle of miracles, Ozzy was coming to our town!!! I did odd jobs to earn my $8.50 for my ticket. We went and positioned ourselves in front of Randy and witnessed a show that has yet to be repeated. The way Randy commanded the stage was sheer magic, and the way he played the songs live was utter brilliance. We left the show elated and sold that Randy was the greatest guitar player ever. Then, three months later he was gone, and I openly wept.

1497508_10152176996365972_1398959902_n

 

 

         Now in March of 2015 I find myself watching a DVD about people who were influenced by Randy and his music. Kelle Rhoads let us into the world that he and his brother developed their musical skills in by walking us through the legendary Musonia Music School. Kelle told us of  how his mother, Delores, influenced Randy to audition for Ozzy. He also shared some moments of the younger Randy and himself performing is the school. I really felt the emotional bond and the sense of loss Kelle has for Randy when he showed the room where Randy taught guitar. It was stated that the room has been restored to the way it was when Randy packed up and left for his gig with Ozzy. It is truly a room frozen in time.

     The legendary Bob Kulick hosts Bob’s interaction with Kelle was enlightening and I learned new things about Randy. Bob spoke with drummer Frankie Banali and I learned things about the formation of the Ozzy solo band that I never knew. Dana Strum? Frankie’s involvement? You have to watch it and see. Hearing the stage stories from my friend Rudy Sarzo was amazing as well. Bob talks on with George Lynch, Doug Aldrich, Dweezil Zappa, Joel Hoekstra, George Lynch. Bruce Kulick, and Jon Donias. They all tell how Randy affected them musically.

     This DVD has led me to appreciate Randy “the person” more than I previously had. It is quite obvious how much his peers loved and respected him.  I am glad that the time was taken to produce this in tribute to the great Randy Rhoads who continues to live on inside me and others who listen and truly appreciate his musical legacy.  Please be sure to pick this up and allocate an hour and a half to learn about and share the life of this great musician and human being, you will NOT be disappointed. Randy truly is immortal.

     it’s loud, it’s beautiful, it’s Randy Rhoads

     -the Hellion

Bassist Joey Vera talks about MOTOR SISTER

by

0

PromoImage (2)

Yipee!!! (That’s me jumping for joy at the fact that someone remembered the band Mother Superior)

I recently learned that Scott Ian gave himself a birthday present that in reality gave back to all of us.

     For his fiftieth birthday, Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian wanted one present more than any other – the reunion of one of his favorite unsung heroes, Mother Superior – only he wanted to be a part of the lineup.

“They’re a great, classic band that hit me in the same spot as all my favorite ’70s bands, whether it’s UFO, Ted Nugent, Cheap Trick or KISS,” Ian explains. “I knew getting to play with them would be like joining KISS and getting to record all my favorite KISS songs with Gene and Paul.”

Thanks to Scott’s wife Pearl Aday, who has been working on her solo career with Mother Superior front man Jim Wilson for years, all it took was a quick phone call and the stage was literally set for Scott’s dream gig. “I wanted to cherry-pick a set list of my favorite Mother Superior songs and get these guys together and have the concert at my house,” Ian says of the event that eventually led to an album.

“[Mother Superior] frontman] Jim [Wilson] was totally into the idea. Pearl was a huge Mother Superior fan from way back and was in. I asked my good friends Joey Vera (Fates Warning/Armored Saint) and John Tempesta (White Zombie, The Cult) to be a part of it because I knew they were both big fans as well and with no hesitation they said, ‘We’re in.'”

Wilson, too, was stoked by the opportunity to dust off some songs he hadn’t played since his LA rock trio broke up in the early 2000’s after releasing eight albums and playing as Henry Rollins’ backing band.  “I definitely didn’t need any arm-twisting,” he says. “I was totally flattered and thought it was a great idea. I figured it would be fun and it was a great opportunity for a new chapter to be established in order to move forward.”

The band called itself Motor Sister after the Mother Superior song “Little Motor Sister” and got together the day before the party to rehearse in Ian’s jam room. For the party, they invited about 25 friends who were already Mother Superior fans and appreciated the significance of Wilson re-opening the vault.

“The energy in the room was amazing and we were great as a band playing those songs,” Ian says. “It felt awesome. We had no intention of doing anything after that. It was just something we did for fun and to celebrate my birthday.”

The crowd for the show may have been small, but it included several industry veterans who couldn’t stop raving about the performance. In no time, word got back to Metal Blade A&R man Mike Faley, who immediately realized the potential to capture the lightning in a bottle vibe the band exhibited that night and put it out on a record.

“He called me up and asked if I had any intention of doing anything more than that one show,” recalls Ian. “And I said, ‘It’s funny you should mention that because I was sitting in the kitchen talking to Pearl and I just said to her, ‘Imagine if we could make a record.’ And they said if I was serious Metal Blade would be happy to put it out.”

After the original Mother Superior broke up, Wilson recorded a solo album and played with Daniel Lanois, Emmylou Harris and Pearl. As rewarding as those projects have been, he was excited to return to the pedal-to-the-floor groove-rock he pursued for almost 18 years with Mother Superior.

“The minute I started to play with Scott, Joey and John the chemistry was amazing,” Wilson says. ” We sounded like a band that had been together forever. It was fresh, it was powerful. The original band had moments, but it was a power trio and it just never got its due. We were either a little ahead of our time or a little behind our time. When Pearl Jam and Soundgarden were taking over, we were rock and roll fans. We were being driven by classics like Humble Pie, Cream and KISS. Scott, John and Joey all come from that same place, too, so when we got together to play these songs that Scott had chosen it was like we were putting a fresh coat of paint on these old songs that still held up.”

Enthralled at the idea of making a record of his favorite Mother Superior songs, Ian emailed  producer Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Steel Panther) and asked if he thought it was possible to recapture the same spontaneous energy Motor Sister generated at their makeshift gig, and if an album could be recorded quickly. “He said, ‘Yeah, we can make the record in two days and we can make it sound really good.’ So that’s what we did,” Ian says. “A week and a half later, we made the record in LA over a two day period. We recorded the whole thing live in the studio and the set-up was just like it was at my house.”

For Wilson, revisiting Mother Superior classics with a second guitarist leant a new urgency to songs like “Devil Wind,” “Beg, Borrow, Steal” and “Dog House.” “I was always the sole guitar player of the original band. I overdubbed rhythm guitar in the studio, but it was all me,” Wilson says. “Now, there’s definitely a metal edge to these songs. It’s still blues-soaked rock and roll influenced by Zeppelin and the Stones. But it’s so great having Scott’s guitar in the mix. He’s playing on the left side and I’m on the right. Sometimes I jump in the center for a solo. But when you listen to the album it’s so cool to hear the two guitars and know who’s doing what. So if I’m doing a bluesy solo, you hear Scott on the left side adding his touch to the rhythms. And it sounds like him. I’ve never heard these songs sound more exciting.”

Ian, too, couldn’t be prouder of the album and insists he favorite tracks change almost every day. “I always go back to ‘Devil Wind’ because there’s something so epic about it,” he says. “If they ever finally make ‘The Dark Tower’ by Stephen King into a movie or TV series, ‘Devil Wind’ sound be the theme song.”

While everyone in Motor Sister is busy with their day jobs, they are all interested in playing live as much as possible. “We are a great live band” Ian says. “We proved it to ourselves in my jam room. It was our ability to play live together that made this happen and I can see us getting onstage and  playing this shit back-to-back, Ramones-style, and just blowing people’s minds with the power of these songs. And the door is always open to write more material because Pearl and Jim are always working together and I’m always with them. So we’ll see what happens in the future.”

“It would be great to keep this thing going,” Wilson concluded. “I enjoyed playing these songs with Motor Sister more than I’ve ever enjoyed them before. Scott’s like a brother, John Tempesta is such a monster drummer, Joey [Vera] is incredible and Pearl’s harmonies and background vocals are amazing. This feels like a continuation of trip I started long ago and it’s a real blessing.”

PromoImage (1)
     To top it all off I had the chance to speak with Joey Vera about the whole thing:
      it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!
     -the Hellion