Rock Workshop - With Alex Harvey & Ray Russell

A product of the early-70's, Rock Workshop were formed by Ray Russell and Alex Harvey and became an expansive band of thirteen musicians who created an innovative and technically articulate form of experimental rhythm and blues.

Ray Russell recalls that he was playing with Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames and then appeared in the 'Hair' musical together with Alex Harvey's brother Les. From this meeting, and Alex Harvey's involvement on backing vocals in the musical, the idea of Rock Workshop was born.

The collective's first album was issued in 1971 to great critical acclaim. However, due to their record company wanting to market them as an English 'Blood Sweat And Tears', they never achieved great commercial success. A second album was released before the band folded and Alex Harvey went on to great commercial and critical success with his own band.

Biography

Formed in 1970, this fluid but short-lived jazz rock group formed by Ray Russell (guitar) and featured several of the UK's leading young jazz musicians, and originally included Harry Beckett (trumpet/flugelhorn), Bob Downes (saxophone), Bud Parkes (trumpet) and Tony Roberts (trumpet/woodwind), Derek Wadsworth (trombone) Alan Greed (vocals) and Brian Miller (keyboards), Daryl Runswick (bass), Alan Rushton and Robin Jones (drums). Several were involved in other, simultaneous projects, notably solo albums by Downes and Russell and session appearances for albums at that time by Jack Bruce, Keef Hartley and Harvey. Wadsworth and Parkes appeared on the latter's solo album, Roman Wall Blues, and Harvey reciprocated by singing on most of Rock Workshop. Their second album For The Very Last Time featured percussionists Phil Wainman and Tony Uter in place of Jones, while Ginger Harper was added on vocals. The individual members then went their separate ways. Rock Workshop in particular remains an underrated gem, featuring Russell's frantic "Spoin Kop" and the evocative and brassy "Primrose Hill". Although both vinyl albums have long since been deleted, they represent a bold attempt at fusing what would be termed rock jazz as opposed to jazz rock. The debut was finally reissued in 2003 by Angel Air. This welcome release has bonus tracks and the running order changed yet the original version of "Primrose Hill" is sadly replaced by an inferior alternate take.
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Artist: Rock Workshop
Album: Rock Workshop (Bonus Tracks)

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TRACKS
1 Ice Cold (Russell, Shepherd) 2:58
2 Wade in the Water (Traditional) 3:45
3 Hole in Her Stocking (Harvey, Russell) 4:09
4 He Looks at Me/Mooncross Grov (Russell) 10:19
5 Spine Cop (Russell) 3:47
6 Born in the City (Russell) 3:01
7 Theme for Freedom (Russell) 7:34
8 You to Lose (Cameron, Russell) 6:41
9 Spine Cop (alternate take) (Russell) 3:50
10 Hole in Her Stocking (alternate take) (Harvey, Russell) 5:31
11 Born in the City (alternate take) (Russell) 2:47
12 You to Lose (alternate take) (Cameron, Russell) 5:25
13 Primrose Hill (Russell, Shepherd) 5:41
14 Return of the Goddess (Russell) 5:40
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CREDITS
Harry Beckett - Horn
Bob Downes - Wind
Alan Greed - Keyboards, Vocals
Alexander Harvey - Vocals
Robin Jones - Drums
Brian Miller - Keyboards
Tony Roberts - Wind
Darryl Runswick - Bass
Alan Rushton - Drums
Ray Russell - Guitar
Derek Wadsworth - Trombone

Link http://www.mediafire.com/?wdhze1if3nf

Sipder - Rough Justice

This is the second Spider album that gets released on CD, possibly for their first time ever, and it’s 1983s “Rough Justice” not to be confused with Tytan’s album by the same name.

By 1983, Spider had come along way in many many ways. They had switched half a dozen of labels, released as many singles or more in the process and had several tours with prestigious bands under their belts. 1983 found them signed with A&M, another prestigious label… and on the brink of releasing their sophomore effort. “Rough justice” kickstarts quite capably with the anthemic “Here we go rock’n roll” and contains quite a few more typical songs in the vein of their debut or even a tad heavier like ”death row”, but seems to drift away from the norm in a number of occasions, most notably the very melodic “Martyred (For What I love)” and the rather complex “The minstrel” and folky and longwinded “Midsummer morning” that show the bands capability to break away from the boogie niche… Unfortunately that would also seem to be the band’s down fall, as the public didn’t seem to pick on the bands slightly more refined direction. Troubles with the press and the fact that “Here we go rock n roll” and “Breakaway” a number based on an original by the relatively unknown combo DEAD END KIDS the singles that were released in support of the album, were met by general disinterest, forced the band to go into touring and label hunting immediately after the albums release. Another album which was closer to the bands original sound ensued on the smalltime RPT label (which KRESCENDO also intends to put out) after an unsuccessful attempt by Mausoleum to put it out, and the band disbanded a few years later in 1986… all in all it’s sad, since this second album shows the band maturing…

Sadly, I can predict the the good-for-nothing know-it-all journos of my homeland, will just squash this album without hesitation, just as if it were a spider, as it’s 2008 – and “we cannot be pretending it’s 1986 anymore” and well there is not going to be an ad campaign behind it… at best, they will do a 3 line review and give it a 5/10 just to say they ‘ve done something… such is life… which makes me wonder who the real insects are….


Worth bying if you ‘re into old school stuff and you like NWOBHM, URIAH HEEP and or STATS QUO.
Reviewer: Dimitrios Fatouros



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Krokus - Krokus (The first Album)

The so-called “Ice Breaker ”…the first steps for the founding members.

Line-up: Chris Von Rohr - Tommy Kiefer - Remo Spadino - Hansi Droz


Krokus also known - (by the band in particular) - as First Album, is the self-titled first album from Swiss Heavy Metal band Krokus. It was the only Krokus album to feature Hansi Droz and Remo Spadino. The album has become a collectors item since it was limited pressed and has never been reissued and is only available on the original vinyl.

The band name "Krokus" evolved from the word for a flower common to the region of southern Europe, the crocus. Early in the spring of 1975, band founder Chris von Rohr observed a field of these flowers while traveling by train. He was returning from L'Ecole des Chefs located in France after an aborted career in the culinary arts, and it was around this time the idea for a Metal band was formed. The band members stated that it was the perfect name, since it features "Rock" right in the middle

01. Majale
02. Angela Part 1.
03. Energy
04. Mostsaphin
05. No Way
06. Eventide Clockworks
07. Freak Dream
08. Jumpin' In
09. Insalata Mysta
10. Angela Part 2.
11. Just Like Everyday

Link http://www.mediafire.com/?go4zohwmdmy

Robin George - Go Down Fighting (rare single vinyl rip)

Issued after his work with the Byron Band, released on Arista records this single has done the rounds and is not in the best of condition Still if you like Robins music it is well worth giving it a listen



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Robin George - Dangerous Music (Vinyl Rip)

ROBIN GEORGE

Robin George is that rare thing amongst rock musicians – jack of all trades and remarkably adept at all of them. The fact that he hasn’t achieved the level of success he so richly deserves is one of life’s cruel injustices. On a number of occasions, this exceptionally gifted guitarist and song writer has seemingly been in the right place at the right time, only to have the rug pulled from under him. Consider this…

Just as his 1985 milestone release ‘Dangerous Music’ – a record that, in its scope and technical approach, pre-empted much of what was to follow in the latter half of the ‘80’s – was about to take off in major fashion, his label Bronze went bust, leaving Robin dazed and his career in limbo. And when, buoyed by enthusiastic support from A&R guru John Kalodner, the Notorious project (made with erstwhile Diamond Head vocalist Sean Harris) was cast adrift by Warner music within weeks of its release…well, let’s just say a pattern was beginning to emerge. Like ‘Dangerous Music’ before it, ‘Notorious’ was just a little ahead of it’s time and possibly more than people where ready for or could handle.

Having produced Diamond Head, Witchfinder General, Marshall Law and UK Glam rockers Wrathchild amongst others as well as producing his own work, Robin’s studio craft had been painstakingly honed and was – and is - highly regarded. He has written with and for Glenn Hughes and Robert Plant – indeed, his song ‘Red For Danger’ appears on Plant’s ‘Twenty Six To Timbuktu’ anthology release - and had his track ‘Go Down Fighting’ recorded and released by Ted Nugent.

Playing with The Byron Band – fronted by ex Uriah Heep vocalist David Byron – Roy Wood, Climax Blues Band and Magnum before opting for his own solo career, the man had paid his dues in the live arena as well. To add to all of this, he played alongside John Wetton, Carl Palmer and Don Airey in what was basically Asia by another name…and that is damn fine company to keep!

Having missed out on joining a reformed Thin Lizzy when Phil Lynott sadly died and turning down Duran (too pop) you could be forgiven for thinking that Robin was destined to be cursed with bad luck for the remainder of his professional life. Nothing could be further from the truth. Robin has continued to busy himself with numerous studio projects, a short-lived reformation of his previous band Life (with whom he had released an excellent but sadly overlooked album in the early 90’s) and a solo album in the shape of 2004’s ‘Bluesongs’ release. Now, in 2005, the man is back in the spotlight…

His most recent album, ‘Crying Diamonds’ is a finely crafted collection of modern hard rock songs that perfectly highlights Robin’s ability as a song smith. The title track itself is of particular interest, having been written with Thin Lizzy’s frontman Phillip Lynott just prior to his untimely death.

Robin has now formed Damage Control, the U.K.rock n’ roll outlaws featuring UFO bassist Pete Way, Quireboys vocalist Spike, and legendary drum powerhouse Chris Slade (Ac/Dc,).The self-titled Damage Control album will be released via Dingwall Music Japan on March 14th and Cargo records on March 19th. We can’t wait to hear that…!

So, as you’ll see, there are many ways to measure success. Many musicians who would consider that they’ve been successful would gladly give a week’s cocaine supply to have achieved a quarter of what Robin George can lay claim to. Not one to rest on his laurels, though, Robin will be keeping busy with plenty of new endeavours in the near future.


The style of UK-born guitarist/producer Robin George, despite his geographical origins, is pure US AOR. George began his career with his band Life, who released one single, "Too Late". The line-up also included Dave Holland (later of Judas Priest) and Mark Stanway (later of Magnum). He then played guitar in the Byron Band, fronted by one-time Uriah Heep vocalist David Byron. His fine guitarwork can be heard to good effect on their debut album, On The Rocks (Creole Records), in 1981, though after a year with them he left to pursue a solo career. He first signed to Arista Records in 1983, cementing the relationship with the release of a single, "Go Down Fighting", the melodic guitarwork of which quickly brought attention and a reputation as the UK's answer to Billy Squier. Despite this, Arista dropped him and he went on to work in a production capacity with Heavy Metal Records, helping various acts including Wrathchild (UK). In 1984 Bronze Records signed him, and the release of "Heartline" preceded his first full album, Dangerous Music - both releases were noted for their pristine production and the basswork of Pino Pallidino (Paul Young Band). Despite the good auspices, "Heartline" remained his only real success and was reissued in 1985, again selling well. He remained in production until 1990 when he formed a partnership with ex-Diamond Head vocalist Sean Harris in Notorious. This was an ill-fated project that advanced neither career, and they soon parted.

Tracks
1. Heartline
2. Spy
3. No News Is Good News
4. French Kisses
5. Stolen From My Heart
6. Shout
7. Showdown
8. Hitlist
9. Shoot On Sight
10. Dont Turn Away


Link http://www.mediafire.com/?1vf3zdzztze

Debbie Bonham - For You and the Moon (Vinyl Rip)

Born in Worcestershire, the younger sister of the late John and Michael Bonham. Deborah was only five when John joined Led Zeppelin, and this powerful introduction sparked in her the overwhelming desire to write and perform.

Her home was The Old Hyde farm, where she lived with her father, John Henry Bonham snr, known as Jack, in the cottage at the back of The Old Hyde Farm. Her brother, John and his family, lived in the main House.

While living there, Deborah and John's son Jason started playing and recording their own songs. At the age of 17, at Robert Plant's house in a nearby village, she recorded her first demos.

With some encouragement and advice from Robert, Deborah sent out the songs anonymously and soon landed her first record deal with the major label Carerre Records, for whom she recorded the critically acclaimed album "For You and the Moon". The album reached the top 5 in the NME chart, was Simon Bates record of the week on Radio 1 and sold extremely well in Europe, being voted "Record of the Year" by Musik Mart, Germany.

A period of recording for the Japanese Sam Corporation followed, and with press and radio promotion including interviews for Burrn and J Wave Radio. After this, English label RPM records released the single, "Perfect World" in 1995.

Deborah spent 1996 getting her new band together, new songs for an album and playing some great shows such as headlining the Belfast Festival and a sell out show at the Bottom Line, Shepherd's Bush to excellent reviews, honing a new direction for the forthcoming album.

The beginning of 1997 saw two extremely successful trips to the US. Firstly, she performed live on LA's Rockline radio to three million listeners throughout North America and Canada. This was followed by a special appearance with Jason Bonham and his band at the Whiskey A Go Go in Los Angeles, where she went down a storm!

The success of the first trip led to another visit to the US with her band to open for Jason Bonham Band's shows in Los Angeles 'House of Blues' with guests Slash and Terry Reid, Dallas Fort Worth, Houston, New York and Chicago 'House of Blues'. Subsequently, two more tours across America were secured.

Back in the UK and Europe, Deborah has toured and performed with Van Halen, Alannah Myles, Tim Rose, Uli Jon Roth, Paul Weller, Humble Pie, Donovan, Lonnie Donnegan, Jools Holland, Ann Peebles, Foreigner and Paul Rodgers. Played festivals from Glastonbury to Donnington, and twice at Fairport Convention's Cropredy Festival.


Deborah Louise Bonham (b. 7 February 1962) is an English rock and blues vocalist and the sister of John Bonham, the late drummer for the band Led Zeppelin. Born in Redditch, Worcestershire, England, she lived with her father in The Old Hyde farm, Cutnall Green, Worcestershire (the location where John Bonham's fantasy sequencewas filmed for The Song Remains the Same). While living there, she started playing and recording music with her nephew Jason Bonham who has played drums on her two most recent studio releases.



When Led Zeppelin was formed in 1968, Deborah was six years old. At the age of seventeen she embarked on a career in music under the tutelage of former Led Zeppelin front man Robert Plant. After circulating demos recorded at the estate of Robert Plant, she was signed by Carrere Records in 1985. In 2004, she recorded her second album on the Track label and toured in support of it. Neither of these first two albums were released in the United States. In June 2008, her third album Duchess was issued on ATCO by Rhino Records and released in the United States.


Deborah Bonham's (b. 1962) older brother was Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Their brother, Mick Bonham (1951-2000), was a disc jockey, author and photographer. John Bonham's son, Jason Bonham (b. 1966), is a rock drummer who is given performance credit on The Old Hyde (2004) and Duchess (2008). Jason recently played with Led Zeppelin on their one-off reunion show in December 2007, as well as their previous reunion at the Atlantic Records' 40th anniversary show in 1988. Bonham's daughter, Zoë Bonham, is a singer-songwriter and also appears regularly at Led Zeppelin conventions and awards.


For You and the Moon

Side One

1. "Sanctuary"
2. "It's Only Love"
3. "On The Air Tonight"
4. "Who Is The Enemy"
5. "Hungry Night"
6. "For You And The Moon"
7. "Fly Away"
8. "Lovers And Friends"
9. "Never Looking Back"
10."Sanctuary 1985 single mix"



















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Alaska - The Pack (Vinyl Rip)

Alaska was a British symphonic hard rock band led by Bernie Marsden and featuring Robert Hawthorn (vocals), Brian Badham (bass, piano), and John Marter (drums). They made two albums, Heart of the Storm (1984) and The Pack (1985), then broke up. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

Details : 1985, Bronze, LP

My reason for buying this was simply to check out just what guitarist Bernie Marsden did next after his departure from Whitesnake. This album was actually the second and final studio release from the four piece band but there’s enough here to tell he still had some prime blues-rock music within him although it does sound on occasions that the band were looking for a hit single too. The over-polished, smooth cover of Kim Carnes’ ballad “Miss You Tonight” is the most obvious hit-hunt. Owing a fair bit to “Drive” by The Cars its actually the only certainty I’d skip if this were on cd.

Positively though, there are four or five very decent blues-rockers on here, all of which you feel could have been candidates for inclusion on a Whitesnake album if Coverdale had decided to stick with the British flavoured sound rather than look for wider spread acceptance. “The Thing” has the nice soft acoustic start before building into a Zeppelin tinged rocker and its side one companion “Help Yourself” could also, with a bit of work on the chorus perhaps, have graced any early ‘Snake album. The final three offerings of side two are also in the classic blues-rock vein. Bass guitarist/piano player Brian Badhams solo composition “Woman Like You” offers a couple of all too brief solo spots reminding of why Marsden is a respected if un-celebrated guitarist whilst the punchy “Schoolgirl” and the excellent “Love Man” reminiscent “S.O.S.” both improve on that, the final track at last offering space for Marsden to really stretch out a bit and shine.

A different direction is taken with the other tracks. “Where Did They Go” has a more American flavoured AOR feel due in a large way to guest saxophonist Billy Paul taking the lead solo. More surprisingly, although perhaps not given the mid-eighties release, a couple of tracks have more in common with the pomp rockers Magnum. “Run With The Pack” isn’t a Bad Company cover but is more like a Bryan Adams number with hints of “Back Street Kid”, whilst the synthesiser and big chorus opener “I Really Want To Know” is pure Clarkin/Catley country.

In vinyl format especially you can’t help but notice the cover art. Credited to one “Gary Marsh at Clock This Ltd” he must have given many seconds to considering the band name and thinking “I’m seeing a snow covered scene here”. Fortunately the music is better.


British Hard Rock unit that was the phoenix which rose from the ashes of Bernie Marsden's short-lived S.O.S. band. In the studio and on record Robert Hawthorn's vocals contrasted subtly with the former Whitesnake man's famous blues influenced guitar style. Taking more of an AOR direction, they made two solid rock albums, 'Heart Of The Storm' (1984) and 'The Pack' (1985), then sadly broke up

Alaska are

Brian Badhams - Bass Guitat/Piano
Bernie Marsden - Guitars
Robert Hawthorn - Vocals
John Martyr - Drums

Very Special Guests:-

Don Airey - Piano andSynthesiser
Billy Paul - Saxophone on Where Did They GO?( Bonnyville Blues)

Backing Voices
The all new Oosley Brothers of Loftus Road - The hawthorns and Chetwode

All tracks recorded in Berkshire and

the Clock Studios in the City of London

Bray sessions recorded by Srewart Eales

Clock sessions recorded by Nick Cathcart-Jones

Final supermix by Stuart Epps atThe Sol in Berkshire assisted by Steve Privett

Produced by ALASKA for LONDONS PRIDE PRODUCTIONS 1985

direction: LONDONS PRIDE:JOHN COLLINS and JOHN LYONS

sleeve design: Gary Marsh at CLOCK THIS LTD




Link http://www.mediafire.com/?2uz0ud45m4z