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COLOR B&W OCTOBER 2018 | Issue #76 10 - Fall Out Boy, KD Lang, Niall Horan 11 - Night of the Dead 12 - , Paul Rogers & Ann Wilson PUBLISHER 15 - See It Live! Sean McCloskey [email protected] 16 - & Shaggy 18 - SENIOR EDITOR Todd McFliker 22 - [email protected] 26 - Scott Sharrard 28 - Scorpions DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Melissa A. Smith 30 - In The Studio w/ Day 4 [email protected] 35 - Dierks Bentley, Noah Cyrus & Jason Bieler

CONTRIBUTORS 36 - OTR2 Atlanta Rhythm Section Ray Anton Lori Smerilson Carson Tom Craig Paul Evans Megan Garzone Aaron Gilbert Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro Sean McCloskey Todd McFliker Angel Melendez Bellamy Brothers | Renegades WPB Jay Skolnick Photo: Sean McCloskey Melissa A. Smith Jason Valhuerdi Joseph Vilane

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COVER PHOTO Sean McCloskey

SFL Music Magazine is a community newspaper that is published monthly in Sunrise, Florida. All contents are copy- right The Sweet Music Group, Inc. 2018 and may not be reproduced without writ- ten permission of the publisher.

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KD Lang | Broward Center Niall Horan | Coral Sky Amphitheater Photo: Sean McCloskey Photo: Sean McCloskey

Fall Out Boy | Photos: Sean McCloskey 10 | www.SFLMusic.com Hot off the heels of the Day of the Day celebration in which USA Today called “one of the top 10 Days of the Dead celebrations in the country” is Revolution Live’s Night of the Dead festival featuring Dark Star Orchestra, Galactic and Bobby Lee Rogers Trio! Night of the Dead kicks off at 3PM on November 3rd includes an authentic Dia De Muertos experience of mariachi performers, calavera puppets and art. Darkstar Orchestra will be performing not one but two full sets! This family friendly street party is fun for all ages and celebrates the positive energy of the Grateful Dead music.

Tickets are $34.50, while VIP packages at $85. VIP tickets include access to Stache, private air-condi- tioned bathrooms, light bites bar, early access to the show, private side-stage viewing, commemorative laminate, access to the afterparty at Revolution Live with Crazy Fingers as well as drink specials. There is something for everybody at Night of the Dead.

Tickets available at www.jointherevolution.net Jeff Beck Ann Wilson Coral Sky Amphitheater | August 25, 2018

Iconic rock stars Jeff Beck and Paul Rodg- Audioslave and Amy Wine- ers joined forces with Ann Wilson of Heart house covers. Referencing and the mighty Deborah Bonham for the Glenn Fry, Wilson said her fa- Stars Align Tour on August 25 at Coral vorite Eagles number is “Life in Sky Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach. the Fast Lane” because “I lived Not even the thick humidity was enough to it, so I can identify with this. Se- slow down the spectacular performances, cretly, I think many of you can each filled with undeniable talent. As Paul too.” South Florida music lovers Rodgers explained in a press release, the also experienced sin- night was “a knock out combination of gles “The Real Me” and “Won’t music and musicians. I’ve always been a Get Fooled Again,” as well as Jeff Beck fan, who isn’t? He is in a league the high point of Wilson’s set, of his own. Ann Wilson has an amazing Heart’s “Barracuda.” voice and is a brilliant .” Thousands of concertgoers rec- Taking the stage first was Deborah Bon- ognized singer, songwriter and ham, sister of the mighty Led Zeppe- multi-instrumentalist Paul Rod- a bit of harmonica. Flickering white and lin’s legendary drummer, the late John gers from his bands, Free, blue lights danced over Rodgers and his Bonham. Her demanding, yet gorgeous and The Firm. At Coral Sky, he sounded gifted ensemble, who each took a turn voice complimented her self-described fantastic. Draped in blues jeans and a yel- with impressive solos. Every one of them “dirty blues.” Think Janis meets Joni. low shirt under long-sleeve white button- was on fire. Meanwhile, Bonzo’s son, , down and a thin beard, Rodgers had an watched from the side of the stage. Next, incredible stage presence, always aware When he wasn’t playing a red Coda tam- Ann Wilson delivered a short, but power- of his surroundings. He is a master of bourine, the center of attention was con- ful set of covers to promote Immortal, her his craft, controlling everything from the stantly dancing with his mic stand. Often new release of timeless covers. It is her stage. The skinny frontman clenched times, he twirled it above his head, resem- way of honoring many of her favorite art- his eyes shut as he delivered a handful bling Mick Jagger or Steven Tyler. “Ready ists who we’ve lost in the last few years. At of familiar tunes. We experienced Bad for Love” was dedicated to Paul’s darling the Stars Align Tour, was Company classics, such as “Can’t Get wife Cynthia. The celebrity also discussed paid respect, along with ’s Enough” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” with the tour and asked us all to sing along to 12 | www.SFLMusic.com “Shooting Star.” The extended conclusion couple standing ova- was quite memorable, as audience mem- tions for those signa- bers sang the familiar chorus. “I love this tures songs, followed humidity,” Paul expressed before “Rock ‘n’ by Stevie’s “Super- Roll Fantasy.” Both Deborah Bonham and stitious,” the number Ann Wilson joined Rodgers onstage to as- that Wonder origi- sist with vocals. Each woman wrapped an nally wrote for Beck. arm around Paul’s. “My fan- Again, people went tasy has completely come true,” he stated. nuts when “Super- Following a brief encore and Free’s radio- stition” went into an friendly “All Right Now,” a gracious Paul enlightening instru- mental of “A Day in Rodgers lined up with his bandmates, the Life.” bowed and waved goodbye to West Palm. Each time Beck plays Last to perform was perhaps the most in- the Fab favorite, the novative 74-year-old on today’s subtle sound effects touring circuit, 8-time Grammy winner Jeff are created in a dif- Beck. The man was as good as ever. Con- ferent way. Spectators could hear, see way he alternated between instrumentals certgoers could’ve been mesmerized by and feel why Mr. Beck is ranked #5 on the Yardbirds’ guitarist’s astonishing fin- and selections with vocals was brilliant. ’s “100 Greatest Beck is so skilled with a Stratocaster that gerwork and deep distortion coming from of All Time,” not unlike former Yardbirds his white axe. Touring with his 17th , watching him play had spectators in awe. and . And again, 2016’s Loud Hailer, Beck kept a youthful rather than simply the name on the bill, The Stars Align Tour was one of the best demeanor, sporting his trademark roost- every artist onstage was extraordinary, in- er-cropped haircut with a sleeveless shirt, concerts I’ve seen in years. Following the cluding longtime drummer Vinnie Colaiu- loose tie and sunglasses. “And now for show in West Palm Beach, the entertain- ta, bassist Rhonda Smith and cello player something completely different,” he an- ing trek concluded the very next night in Vanessa Freebairn-Smith. Vocalist Jimmy Tampa. I am confident the final perfor- nounced before paying homage to Jimi Hall of the Seventies Southern rock outfit mance was sensational as well. Jeff Beck, Hendrix with “.” Yet, the high- Wet Willy was superb. At the same time, light was an eerie instrumental with bend- Paul Rodgers, Ann Wilson, Deborah Bon- Beck was in a zone. The delightful mix of ing notes, “Cause We’ve Ended as Lov- ham and every musician they played with songs performed included blues, rock, fu- ers,” a Stevie Wonder cover. That led into are masters of their craft. - Todd McFliker sion and familiar instrumentals. He was all • Photos Sean McCloskey “Brush with the Blues” from Beck’s 1999 over the place and has mastered it all. The album Who Else! The group received a 14 | www.SFLMusic.com GO SEE IT One thing that south Florida does not have is a shortage LIVE!master Yngwie Malmsteen will be onstage at the Parker of music venues and during the month of October they are Playhouse on the 20th...The Fillmore is stacked during the over flowing with really amazing shows. Here is a list of month of October with three notables being The Breed- some of them you should not miss… ers on October 19th, Death Cab For Cutie on October 22nd and Hanson String Theory on October 23rd… meanwhile October 4th, fresh off their induction into the Rock and Roll two shows we don’t want to miss at the Funky Biscuit in Hall of Fame, the Dire Straits Legacy comes to the Parker Boca are Lauren Mitchell on October 5th and The Devon Playhouse to play all of the hits… Phil Collins kicks off his Allman Project, October 17th…Boynton Beach’s The Venu “Not Dead Yet” Tour, his first proper concert in South Flori- not only brings first class dining but top notch concerts in- da in 14 years at Sunrise’s BB&T Center on October 5th… cluding the Fleetwood Max tribute, Crystal Visions on Oct Blazing Hot British Alt-Rock band Nothing But Thieves 12 and the Fireside Prophets on Oct 27th…but the place to will be at Oakland Park’s Culture Room on October 6th… rock (and laugh) in October is the Hard Rock Event Cen- Young Country hit makers Thompson Square will make ter…they are bringing the Off Color Comedy Tour on Oc- their way to the beautiful Parker Playhouse on October tober 6th, Jim Jefferies on the 13th, R&B Superstar Maxwell 7th… Kelsey Theater is bringing the Electric Six on October on the 17th, Iggy Azalea on the 27th and hard rockers Alice 10th and The Jeff Jensen Band on October 27th…A trio of in Chains on October 28th and South Florida’s own shock shows come to South Florida on October 13th, Kid Rock rocker Marilyn Manson on October 30th. and Brantley Gilbert are bringing their “Redneck Extrava- ganza” to Coral Sky Amphitheater while Anderson East is If you are looking for the best in South Florida’s local talent headlining his first show at downtown’s Revolution Live, in Sunrise and Packy’s Sports Pub in Lighthouse then just up the road many a song will be sung with a Point rock the weekends away while City Place’s Copper pint in your hand at one of the most unique shows of the Blues brings in the talent each and every night. Be sure to month, Choir of Man, at Parker Playhouse…Metal catch them on the way up! Sting & Shaggy | The Fillmore Miami Beach

On Saturday, the Ides of September, a kaleidoscope of dancing spotlights, the and Shaggy a mock courtroom Sting and Shaggy put on a marvelously man never stood still, continually inter- drama. Sting was declared “Guilty as entertaining show at the Fillmore on Mi- acting with attendees. Occasionally, he charged” in a black and white striped ami Beach. The duo’s collaboration of asked the audience members to hold up prison shirt, while Shaggy dressed as a feel-good , 44/876, was released their phone and light up the room. Shag- judge in a robe and a wig of long white on 4-20 of this year. The title was taken gy also dressed more like a rock star in . The highpoint of the night was hear- from the country dialing codes of the black slacks with a flowered black button- ing Sting’s haunting lyrics in “Shape of pair’s homelands, the UK and Jamaica. down hanging open and a fedora cap. My Heart,” which led into ’s Onstage in South Florida, the 66-year- “” with Bob Marley’s old bass player from The Police was all Noteworthy numbers by The Police on “Get Up, Stand Up” meshed in. business. Meanwhile, the 49-year-old the set-list included “Every Little Thing vocalist from Jamaica danced around She Does Is Magic” and “Message in a The lengthy set wound down with “Rox- and got the crowd moving for more than Bottle.” During Shaggy’s “Gotta Get Back anne.” Sorry Sting, but being a child of 90 minutes. Concertgoers were thrilled to My Baby,” a fantastic female vocalist stole the Eighties, I can’t help but see and experience the boys’ new material, along the spotlight. “If You Love Somebody Set hear Eddie Murphy’s introduction to the with modern classics by The Police, pop- Them Free” was an undeniable highlight big screen in 1982’s 48 Hrs. Shaggy ular Sting singles and familiar Shaggy from Sting’s solo catalogue. When Shag- sang the funky “Boombastic,” and ev- cuts mixed with improvised sounds. gy sang the popular radio single “Angel,” eryone took a break. The band returned the entire room chanted the chorus. for String’s “Desert Rose” followed by A total of eight skilled musicians took the Shaggy’s denial-centric “It Wasn’t Me,” stage to handle drums, keys, and/ The first time either celebrity talked followed by the Police’s immortal ballad, or vocals. With no verbal introduction, the to ticketholders was when Shaggy “.” performance kicked off with Sting’s 1988 preached over background chorus to solo cut “Englishman in ” and a “Dreaming in the U.S.A.” He claimed the Throughout the concert, Sting stood in couple off their new album. Dressed like number was for the dreamers. “Wher- place, center stage behind his mic stand, an everyday chap you’d meet at a pub, ever you come from, all of us are broth- the artist focused on making music. At a gray-haired Sting wore black pants ers and sisters. Whether you are black, the same time, Shaggy was the enter- with a tight red and black striped t-shirt. white, Hispanic, Asian. In Jamaica, we tainer, putting on a spectacle and soak- Throughout the evening, there was zero have a saying, one people. So whether ing up the spotlight. However you feel talking from Sting. Shaggy didn’t talk or not you are a Muslim, Jewish, Rasta- about the partnership between Sting and much, besides his random calls for “reg- farian, we are all brothers and sisters.” Shaggy, there is no denying that they put gae people” to pick up their arms above on a fascinating show on South Beach. - their heads and make more noise. Under During 44/876’s “Crooked Tree,” Sting Todd McFliker 16 | www.SFLMusic.com

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THOMPSON SQUARE Thompson Square are big beach fans and that’s one of the With birds chirping in the background, we spoke to Keifer big reasons they keep coming back to Florida, a state they’ve Thompson over the phone ahead of their upcoming show. He visited many, many times. “What’s there not to like about it? told us about the new album and the band’s new start after Been all the way down to the Keys and all that stuff, man,” troubled times with their old label, while still maintaining who Keifer Thompson says. “Everything’s great. When you’re not they are and who fans have grown fond of. from there, everything’s great when you go down there.” SFL Music: The new record is called Masterpiece. One It’s with that same gusto the husband and wife team of Keifer your website there’s a quote referring to Masterpiece as and Shawna Thompson, two sweethearts, re- “an artist’s life work.” That’s a pretty bold title for a re- turn to the southern part of the state on Thursday, October 7th cord; is this your best one? Your peak form? at Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale. Keifer Thompson: “We had a few people that gave us a little People have been writing love songs for as long as the bit of grief for calling the album Masterpiece. They assumed it concept has pushed us to put romantic feelings into verse. was out of vanity. The title track is called “Masterpiece.” It’s a Thompson Square have made a career of doing just that, em- song I wrote about my son because he is my life’s work. He’s barking on what feels like a decade plus honeymoon. When the best thing I’ll be able to do; I’ll never be able to outdo a you’ve been married for as long as Keifer and Shawna have, human. part of keeping that spark going is to find new ways to say “I love you,” which they succeed at once again with their 2018 “So that’s why it called Masterpiece. It wasn’t because this release, Masterpiece. The record’s title is in fact a nod to what album was our masterpiece. Who knows what that is? People their love has produced, their son Cooper. figure that out once you’re dead and gone.”

The band’s original name was Thompson Squared, as in SFL Music: Does he go on tour with you? times two, but got lost in the process. Either way, they still wound up with the nickname T2. With the addition of their Thompson: “For the most part, yeah. He travels and we de- son, Keifer says the family sometimes referred to as T3. cided when we were gonna have a kid, hey, he’s gonna go 18 | www.SFLMusic.com with us or we’re not gonna have one. He’s a road dog. a five year break!’ We haven’t taken a break at all.”

SFL Music: What’s it like traveling with your son? SFL Music: What does success look like from here on out? Thompson: “It’s a lot of stuff, man. You gotta take car seats and strollers and bags. We have a really great nanny who’s Thompson: “My best case scenario, and I speak for Shawna instrumental in making this whole ship run. He kinda grew on this, is to do this on your own and have the fans support up on planes and on the bus so he’s really well adjusted. He you on your way. Via buying the record or streaming it, to the don’t mind being on the plane, ears don’t hurt, and all that point that you can survive. Without our fans buying tickets stuff. He’s a really great traveler. It’s a blessing to have him and coming to shows and all that stuff it’s very hard to run with us all the time. The good definitely outweighs the bad.” your business, and it is a business.

SFL Music: You’ve broken away from your original la- SFL Music: How many of your songs are written for one bel and your first two records garnered you a bunch of another or about each other? Does it ever get awkward awards and accolades. This seems like a fresh start, five putting into song what’s on your mind and having your years after Just Feels Good. Would that be a fair assess- spouse then join you on that journey? ment? Thompson: “No, it’s not really. I’ve been writing about Shaw- Thompson: “Yeah, you know it does. It was a forced new na since I met her. I’m madly in love with this girl and al- chapter. It wasn’t like we didn’t want to put new music out, ways have been and always will be. That’s the most impor- but when you’re stuck with a label that’s suffocating you cre- tant thing. Her and Cooper are the two pieces to my puzzle. atively, you don’t really have a choice. By some miracle we It’s never awkward writing a song about how much you love got out. It just doesn’t happen unless they let you go. something. The challenge is to say it in a different way every time.” - Angel Melendez “We were heartfelt in our request to get out and they re- luctantly let us out. It was good for everybody. Clearly they THOMPSON SQUARE couldn’t get anything done for us anymore, the desire wasn’t there anymore, and it hadn’t been for a few years. OCTOBER 7TH

“From the outside in, it looks like, for our fans, ‘man, they took PARKER PLAYHOUSE ad - MDC

20 | www.SFLMusic.com ad - MDC STEVE LUKATHERBy Angel Melendez • Photo Perou By Tom Craig Steve Lukather is probably best known overwhelming, my book just come out, season, I get to be drawn by Seth and the as a founding member of Toto but he has number one on . I’m just kinda guys, it’s my favorite tv show, I get in to also been a part of over 1,500 other tracks tripping out, here we are at sixty years old it, we laugh at this shit so hard. I mean with genres that cross the spectrum. Just getting all this love, young audience and I don’t care I can take the jokes, I mean before Toto kicks of the second leg of their selling out. And things are going smash- it is funny. What’s not funny about it, ya US tour, SFL Music has the chance to ing. In the memories of our brothers that know? But to be a part of pop culture is chat with Steve about the band, the tour have moved on, Mike and , a great honor man. I haven’t seen it yet, and his new autobiography, The Gospel I hope that they are watching, ya know. they invited us to a table read, I am such a According to Luke. Their hard work is being represented even huge fan. And the fact that our singer Jo- from beyond, ya know. seph, is John Williams son, and you know SFL Music: You got to be pretty excited how much Seth loves John Williams, so to start this second leg of this US tour. SFL Music: This Florida swing you’re it’s sort of a thing there. And Walter Mur- making the most extensive I could find phy, they guy that does their music has Steve Lukather: You know what, things that you guys have done since 1985. come to our shows and likes our stuff so are going incredibly well for us right now. you know when they make fun of us they I can tell you that and we love being on Lukather: I am excited about getting to do it with a little bit of love, it’s not hateful the road, ya know. Despite David Paige’s places like Florida, first off I love Florida. ya know. It’s an honor. It’s totally cool. I unfortunate illness, ya know right now, he The opportunities have opened up for us, gotta thank this 15 year old girl who that is just kinda chillin, he’s getting a little bit working with our agency WME who have made cut Africa, which gave them better, but we have this great kid Xavier done an unbelievable job for us. The doors a huge hit record and gained us a whole X from ’s band, he has just fit like a have opened, I mean, all of a sudden this legion of young fans, that are showing up glove as far as a sub, and all these young whole “Africa” phenomenon, we laugh, that were curious about “who is this Toto kids coming out from this whole Weezer let me first tell ya no one laughs harder band, I know this song” and bla bla bla, it’s phenomenon it’s been a wild ride this than we do at ourselves, we are going to been the cross pollinization that’s helped year. In a really positive way, it’s almost be Family Guy characters this upcoming both camps equally. Really, I mean, we 22 | www.SFLMusic.com have 2 million dollars of free promotion streaming went through the roof, 10 to 12 SFL Music: That was a hell of a band. out of this whole thing, it’s fantastic. And million streams a month, we are over half You guys put out some great music. I’ve never met these guys. And this would a billion over all, which is something qui- have never happened, this was an organ- etly, people don’t know. And since that’s Lukather: Thank you. We did try. It’s like ic thing, we could never have planned this the worlds radio station, that puts is up in any other thing, it’s not for everybody but or written this, who would’ve believed this the big leagues, ya know. We are the Tor- what is. I don’t love everything either so I story if you wrote it down. toise, in the Tortoise and the Hare story, if don’t mind if people don’t like the music you think about it. We have been slowly but we’ve taken a little more of our share SFL Music: So you’ve never met Wee- taking our punches, cruising along since of absolutely vicious criticism, to the point zer? 1977 and here we are all these years later they are so bad they are funny. I quote all of a sudden there’s, all the people who some of them in my book a couple of my Lukather: Never met them. I’ve talked to hated us and tried to rip us apart are ei- favorites. You have to be able to take a their manager cause I manage the Toto ther dead or retired and we are still here. punch or man you are in the wrong busi- band, so we went back and forth and we Was there reason to criticize us? Yeah ness. Who doesn’t get kicked in the nuts strategized a few things after this thing sure, there are lots of things to pick apart when they are sleeping when they are in blew up. The only cross pollinization phys- but you can do that to anybody. Not ev- show business right ya know. ically was showing up on erything we did was great but we’ve done Kimmel, and just doing the solo and walk- enough good work to have this career, an- SFL Music: David won’t be out on the ing off. It was a nudge, nudge, wink, wink other generation has gone “wow who the leg? moment. I was on the road with Ringo fuck are there guys” without knowing that Starr at the time. Which I am on the road there were people that are in their ‘70s, Lukather: David’s not well, it’s not cancer with Ringo right now. I’m in Cleveland. when we first started out who absolutely he’s not dying but it’s gonna take some tried to kill us and we wouldn’t die. Ya time, so like I said Xavier jumped on, SFL Music: I was so excited when know when the world blows up there will he’s a 26 year old genius kid who sings it happened and then you guys did be cockroaches, scorched earth and us. and plays his ass off, he’s Snarky Puppy “Hash Pipe.” camp guys, these young genius group of musicians that are coming up through so Lukather: They never expected us to do honored to know some of these guys, its a call and response. We put our heads inspiring to know there’s these 20 some- together and their fans are going “come thing guys who are killing it and they wanta on you gotta do one of theirs, ya know” hang out with us, it’s like wow that’s pretty So I was out in Europe, in July, with Ringo cool. Listen we have taken every punch, and I said to Steve “dude you produce this we’ve lost two brothers, a few different one, you run with this one and I’ll put my lineup changes, but I’ve been there from parts on once I get back, and I said “but day one, I’m the only guy who has been let’s make it our style, let’s do something there from day one to present say, Steve to it that would not just copy the record, Porcaro came back after 27 years of doing ya know” And we had fun with it, we put television and film and all this other stuff, it out and it was a really great positive Joseph Williams is better than he thing to do. It was fun for us, we play it ever did, so we got the right team together live and people flip out, they don’t expect as much of us that’s left, we have Lenny us to play Hash Pipe. Yes I do know what Castro back on percussion who was with the song is about. I made the crack about us from the very beginning, and Shan- it that we were smoking hash before they non Forest another “A” studio guy from were born, hahaha. I know songs about Nashville who is as close to Jeff in terms the dark side, the runaways and Santa of where he feels the groove, than any- Monica Boulevard and stuff like that, but body that we’ve had. People are showing I try to take the high road there and make up more than ever so I’d rather than jinx it a little joke out of it as opposed to digging and just be grateful for it ya know. into the real depth of the lyric.

SFL Music: I guess you might see a change in the audience with the sec- ond leg of the tour because that all kin- There is a whole da happened when you guys weren’t on the road. lot more to this

Lukather: We have, on the last leg of the story! Read the tour, there are all these 15 to 20 year old boys and girls showing up and they were entire interview at really digging the show, I mean, may- be they showed up out of curiosity and maybe we won a few over because our www.SFLMusic.com 24 | www.SFLMusic.com ad - Culture Room BW

B&W Jesse Guglielmo and the disc›s co-producer Scott Bomar on claps; and special guest Taj Mahal on vocals.

Saving Grace is one of those where I could just go straight down the list of excellent tracks and make positive comments on each and every one but since I just made my point, I’ll keep it to a few. One of the several soft and relaxed tracks is a titled “Faith to Arise.” It’s a beautifully sung number about a weary traveler look- ing forward to returning to his loved ones. With some silky-smooth help from Susan, Scott›s not only nail- ing it on the heartfelt lead vocals, he’s doing it on the slide and acoustic guitars as well.

With deep regrets, Scott emotionally and soulfully la- ments over the loss of the woman who always picked him up when he was down. She knew exactly how to get him through those tough times and bouts with low self- esteem. She was indeed, his “Saving Grace.” This, the title track, is the only one on the album that features just the nucleus of the band and in spite of the lack of add- ed horns, and extra percussion, it’s still a musical pow- erhouse. Chad (drums), David (bass) and Eric (B-3 and Scott Sharrard ) have the rhythm at a high level of intensity and Scott’s laying down some of the disc’s most serious blues Saving Grace licks on the guitar.

With his connection to , it’s a “Everything A Good Man Needs” is said to be the last song given that Scott Sharrard, Gregg Allman’s guitarist and written by the late and great Gregg Allman. Until now, the musical director, knows a thing or three about Southern song had never been recorded and the honor of doing jus- rock, some of which you’ll be hearing on Saving Grace, his tice to it with the vocal performance it warrants was given fifth solo release. On the other hand, you’ll also be hear- to the legendary Taj Mahal. Teaming up for their only ap- ing some soul, blues and R&B, with the keyword there pearance on the disc, Bernard Purdie and Brett Bass are being soul, and the influence of that Southern sound will putting out the tight rhythm; Also, on his only appearance, be quite evident in them all. Pete Levin, one of the disc’s four B-3 players, and Eric Finland on the piano, are totally killing it on the keys. Saving Grace contains eleven tracks with nine being Scott Sharrard originals, another being the last known composi- An obvious common denominator on so many of these tion from Gregg Allman and the other being the disc’s only songs is how beautiful they all sound and “Words Can’t cover. On the project, Scott Sharrard on vocals, electric Say” is the cream of that crop. The combination of the ma- and acoustic guitars and claps is joined by just under my jestic strings, the heavenly horns, the pulse of the B-3 and listing limit of thirty musicians. Instead of just referring to Scott’s exquisitely smooth and soulful voice all give this them as a “talented bunch of recognizable names,” it is ballad a hymnal feel. Like a flame thrower, “Sweet Com- my pleasure to mention each and every one. promise” starts off hot and never lets up. The guitars are smokin’, the rhythm’s rockin’, the horns are howlin’ and They are Howard Grimes, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, on an album that has so many monster organ players, Steve Potts and Chad Gamble on drums; Leroy Hodges, Eric’s pounding out some of the disc’s best B-3 work. If Brett Bass and David Hood on bass; Charles Hodges, this smoker doesn’t get you moving, you’ve spent way Alan Gamble and Pete Levin on B-3 organ; Eric Finland on too much time listening to music in an elevator, or worse Wurlitzer & electric piano and B-3 organ; Spooner Oldham than that, your pulse may have stopped. on Wurlitzer piano; Moses Patrou on percussion, backing vocals and claps; Mark Franklin on trumpet; Art Edmaiston Other tracks on the outstanding release include: “High on tenor sax; Kirk Smothers on baritone sax; Jesse Mun- Cost of Loving You,” “Angeline,” “She Can’t Say,” “Tell The son, Yennifer Correia and Wen Yih Yu on ; Jenni- Truth,” “Keep Me in Your Heart” and “Sentimental Fool.” fer Puckett on viola; Jonathan Kirkscey on cello; Susan Marshall and Pie on backing vocals; Charles A. Martinez, By Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro - www.Mary4Music.com

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Scorpions & Queensryche | Hard Rock Event Center A huge screen covered the entire stage showing only the Scor- ker, Guitarist , bassist Pawel Maciwoda and drum- pions logo, a robotic type figure with their name on the bottom. mer took the stage and played “Going Out With A Only minutes before this draped set up to prep for the Scorpi- Bang.” They wore their signature black leather, but Meine wore ons in the intimate arena setting of Hollywood’s Hard Rock Even a barret and sunglasses, Schenker had a red leather designed Center, another legend, Queensryche opened this concert with jacket and wore sunglasses, Jabs wore a black leather baseball an energetic bang that started the night right on key! cap, Maciwoda wore a black sleeveless button down, and Dee wore a black sleeveless tee with shorts. Todd La Torre, Guitarists and Park- er Lundgren, bassist and drummer Scott Rocken- “How are you all?” Meine asked the audience before the played field took the stage wearing their signature black leather stage their next hit “Make It Real” and they continued to command clothes and for almost an hour they played 9 of their hit songs the stage with a slight mellow edge but engaging the audience. that this audience went wild for. They started with “Best I Can,” Schenker played his black/white Flying V and Jabs jammed out then “The Needle Lies,” “Empire,” “Guardian” and when they on his white explorer with black stripes. Meine walked the width started playing “” the crowds exploded with cheers. of the stage playing a and when the song ended he They then played “” and “” addressed the audience. “Good to see you Hollywood Florida. which kept the high energy flowing throughout. Next they moved So Sorry we couldn’t make it last year. Sorry it took so long to get into “Screaming in Digital” and when they played their last song back. This one we go back tonight to the first album,” “Is There “Eyes of A Stranger” they utilized their light effects to have eyes Anybody There?” At this point Schenker’s leather jacket came off looking at the crowd though the drum floor toms. “Thank you for and the designed tank he wore had to certainly be cooler under being such a beautiful audience” La Torre announced as they the stage lights. Their back screen showed robotic type images were getting ready to depart the stage, but not without first thank- of the entire band playing. Then they rolled right into “The Zoo.” ing the Scorpions and letting everyone know they were getting The crowd roared with cheers and the enthusiasm began to rise. ready to see a great show. Red and yellow lights filled the entire stage as the audience sang along with Meine holding the mic out for all to participate. He So there we sat looking at the Scorpions screen waiting for played a cowbell and tossed several drumsticks to the people in next great show, (since we had just seen one) with severe an- front of the stage. ticipation. Finally, the screen abruptly came down, lightning bolts sparked from the logo, a helicopter city scene was on the back Schenker then took center stage to lead their incredible instru- screen with lights scanning the stage to reveal the headliners mental hit “Coast To Coast.” As the rest of the band joined in platform that span the width of the room, with a high rise back- with their guitars (Meine included) the audience rocked out with stage that housed the . Speakers created the wall behind approval. They held notes as the fans screamed with cheers the band as Lead Vocalist , Guitarist Rudolf Schen- and clapped. “Thank you so much,” Meine said. “Our songs go 28 | www.SFLMusic.com back to the 70’s.” He explained that party rockin as images of Lemmy were they were looking for a drummer back shown on the screen. Dee (former Mo- then and they found one from West torhead drummer) broke into his solo Palm Beach. The audience roared and had the audience fully engaged. with pride. “Joe Wyman, this is for you.” He kept them going with cheers and Meine shouted out only to then see hollers until he ended it with all Scor- Wyman walk up to him and greet him pion album covers showing on screens with a hug. Meine then told the story behind him and the band on the lower of when they were driving on the Auto stage. Bahn. “He had a serious accident. No one could speak English to tell him ‘hit “Blackout” was the next big hit played the brakes.’ So, his beautiful girlfriend and heads bopped with approval. “Big at the time said, “Joe, let’s go home.’ City Nights” kept the head banging go- We love to visit our friends here in Flor- ing as busy city street were shown on ida.” Here they played “Top of the Bill/ the screen. Arms were waving and the Steamrock Fever/Speedy’s Coming/ entire room sang acapella when Meine Catch Your Train.” Some guitar chang- held out the mic for the chorus. Schen- es were made as psychedelics danced ker ran in a circle to jump and end the on the back screen. Meine said, “it’s so song while Jabs threw picks to fans. much fun to play for you guys you know The bands lft the stage. why because we built this house on the rocks,” he shouted and all cheered as The crowd continued to cheer and clap they moved into “We Built This House” until the band returned prompting fans with words streaming the screen. “Deli- to roar with excitement. “Hollywood cate Dance” was next with a colored, Florida there’s .” Meine animated guitar neck that ran the wall announced as the band started to play behind the band. The audience was “No One Like You.” When this song end- captivated, but broke out of their trance ed he led the audience with “say yeah, into loud cheers when they started to say yeah. Would you like to rock like a play “Send Me An Angel.” Here, Jabs played his acoustic while ‘HURIICANE’ (the audience screamed). the audience sang along to every word. “Rock You Like A Hurricane” rang throughout the arena leaving this Scorpions loving crowd with elation and satisfaction of an Meine introduced the next song saying “after all these years we amazing show by phenomenal legendary musicians reaching the are still full of hope.” As the guitars lead into “Wind of Change” mountain top. - Lori Smerilson Carson • Photos Sean McCloskey Meine whistled into the mic bring fans back to the days when the song was first released. The wall behind them read ‘SAVE OUR EARTH. He held out the mic for the audience to sing on queue in unison, ringing throughout this cozy arena as if the room was filled with a choir. Arms were waving as Meine acknowledged various people. When Schenker played his solo cheers erupted while Meine was banging on the tambourine. The songs ends with everyone singing. “We love you Florida” Meine said as he started clapping his hands to start the next song “Tease Me Please Me.” As he played the Tambourine to rally the audience back into high energy mode, everyone followed.

This energy continued to radiate the room even when Meine took a serious note and dedicated the next song in memory of their good friend Lemmy from Motorhead. “Overkill” kept this house In The Studio - Vol. 1 with Day 4

By Lori Smerilson Carson

Last month SFL Music and PowerStation to it. It’s really kind of cool.” He chuckled. “I tered that really understands tuning drums is Recording Studios revealed how a local un- like it a lot!” more than just an application, but there’s an signed band is experiencing the opportunity art to it. So that’s fundamentally why I chose to record their music as if they were a signed SFL Music: Is there anything you changed him for this project because there’s a spe- and funded label artist. They completed for the recording today? cific direction that I wanted to achieve with Phase I and are now in the process of actu- the drum recording here. ally recording their music professionally in a Marsch: I’ve got a couple of things in my most productive manner. head that I want to try to work out. Normally, What we’re trying to do because it’s a rock for the sake of convenience I’ve been play- project there’s a bit of aspects of metal and PHASE II – FORMULATE ing on a lot smaller set. A Lot less symbols some other things, we wanted something because it’s too much to bring out. Then tight, punchy and fat. That’s what we’re Stepping into the first day of recording for the practicing, rehearsal, you’re on a time limit. really going for. We did a little bit different final product the energy was massive and So I’ve been cheating if you will, using half miking technique today to cater specifically uplifting. The band, Lead Vocalist Heather the amount of symbols, half the amount of for the sound of the band, so that’s why I Curi, Guitarist Adam Armaganian, Bassist drums. There are things that I want to do brought Armando in so the drum tuning ac- Harley Mitchell and Drummer Justin Marsch that I haven’t been able to try yet really that I centuated what we’re trying to get out of the are eager and ready for the foundation to be want to try to incorporate today, which I hope microphones.” laid. That is, the drums and then bass. As doesn’t take too long or take away from a lot we sat in the lobby area of PowerStation Re- because I’ve had it in my head, but I haven’t This is where engineer Brennen Fulton cording Studios the drums rang out from the really worked on it. Things you hear that you came in. “At this point I am just making sure recording room next door. Drum Tech/Drum- want to do, but I’m not going to bring out an 8 everything is set up and ready to go as far as mer Armando Arce was finalizing the tuning piece drum set and ten symbols every show, all the microphones and all the cable are run. for Day 4’s song “Save Me.” but I want to get the recording right.” Helping Everything is ready for the band to play.” him with his kit of course is Arce whom he As for the rest of the technical equipment be- SFL Music: What have you noticed that praised, “Armando is an excellent drummer, ing used Roy explained,” Well, the console is is different recording in PowerStation great ear too. Tuned the drums phenom- fully analogue, but we basically hybrid ana- Studios than previous experiences? enal. They sound great!” logue and digital. We are recording to pro tools with some of the highest quality digital Marsch: “This is all over top of the line PowerStation, co-owner (with Tony Bongio- converters out there and then we’re inter- professional. I’m sitting on the couch while ni) and Producer Rob Roy added, ”Armando facing with analogue gear. We have some my drums are being tuned up, levels are is one of our regular session drummers, Nieve 1-84 modules that were of the vintage checked. It’s like I’ve got people catering to amazing drummer, freakin’ little rock star. He console, we’ve got Motown EQ’s, Pultec me. I’m not used to it. Playing out live you plays on all kinds of sessions for us. One of from 1951 as well as Millennia Mic Pre, know I’ve got to lug my own stuff, break it the things I noticed about Armando is he’s a very modern piece of gear, LA 2’s, 1176 all down, pack the car up. I don’t have a very particular about drum tuning. Armando compressors. So we interface all of this and roadie or a drum tech ever so I’m not used is one of the few drummers that I’ve encoun- we have basically a little bit of everything at 30 | www.SFLMusic.com

Armaganian: “Because when I shred it gets so fuckin’ hot I need to cool down. That’s why I war Birkenstocks to play metal.”

SFL Music: So the motto for today is?

Mitchell: “We are Day 4 ready to crush skulls…in Birkenstocks!” Everyone laughs. “Our Genre is comfort metal.”

At this point she exited the soundboard room and entered the with Marsch who was already drumming. The Metronome started to click and the band began to play “Save Me.” Roy conducted, emphasizing the down beats for the rhythm section to follow. As soon as it ended Roy instructed, “Alright, lets take it from the top. I’ll flap my wings again. Just keep eye on me and I’ll keep you in the down beats.” They played “Save Me” again and when the song ended….

Roy: “That felt pretty good.” any given point and time. That’s one of the ous?” experiences we’re showing here today that Kronk: “That bridge section?” most bands don’t have a chance. The other Mitchell: Well, you know what I mean. Ev- is that drums are such a big fundamental erything matters, you know what you lay Roy: Yeah, you’re going to have to be my foundation to a recording. Additionally, we down.” ears because I’m listening to that click.” are known for our drum sound, so we are very particular about what we do.” Paul Kronk rolled his chair towards Arma- Kronk: “Lets take if from the break. Hold it ganian who was sitting in a chair next to forever. For-e-verrr,” he instructed Mitchell. These particulars became crystal clear as the soundboard warming up his guitar. He they prepared for the band to record with looked at the guitarist shoes and sarcastical- She plays and hold her last note. Then Kro- Marsch and Mitchell in the recording studio ly asked ”who the hell wears Birkenstocks to nk asked,” How did that feel for you? It felt a facing Armaganian and Curi in the sound play metal?” Everyone laughed. This group lot better for me.” Mitchell replied, “Yes, it felt board room to play along with their rhythm certainly showed the comradery they had a lot better.” Then the song was played back section. Just prior to Mitchell entering the working together. to check a couple of parts. studio she seemed relaxed yet eager to play. The next week, Mitchell: “We had this conversation the oth- SFL Music: So how do you feel about re- er night!” cording at PowerStation today? Have you SFL Music: How did you feel about the changed anything? recording when you finished the last take? Mitchell: “From the first time I started play- ing shows to now, I’ve been pretty simple Mitchell: “After I finished the last take, I with my gear. Just recently, I started using kind of felt sad at first.” She laughed. Al- a bass effects pedal to really EQ my sound. though this is only the beginning and I will So, now that we are at PowerStation and still have an input on my bass tone and having the opportunity to professionally re- the rest of the instruments, my parts were cord and have our songs produced, I feel done. It feels good knowing that when this excited that I can work on my “sound” as a is all done, I’ll be able to, not only hear my bassist. Before I was just going right to my bass, but our songs at a professional level. amp. It didn’t really matter. Now, we’re re- cording, it’s serious, everything matters.” There is a whole Roy: “Who said anything about being seri- lot more to this story! Read the entire interview at

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34 | www.SFLMusic.com Noah Cyrus | Revolution Live Dierks Bentley | Coral Sky Amphitheater Photo: Sean McCloskey Photo: Sean McCloskey

Jason Bieler | The Funky Biscuit Photo: Jay Skolnick The dancers take the stage with Beyonce’. Diva/Click the audi- ence literally links arms and surfs with her and the dancers. Jay- Z is then wearing a tee-shirt with a black jacket and black/white headband. This is where he jumped off of “Clique” and sang “.” A contortionist type dancer joined him on- stage. Jay-Z addressed the audience, “Everyone ready to have a good time?” He raised his arm and started bouncing it. The audience immediately followed his lead. “On To the Next” was next as the screen rolled with his image behind him. “I think Or- lando is ready to go all night!” This is when he rapped “Fuckwith- meyouknowigotit.” Their dancer was back onstage until Beyonce’ re-appeared wearing a black shorts/body suit with the bra top and the thigh high black . She and her dancers controlled the stage for “Flawless/Feeling Myself.” “Do we have any sexy ladies in the house tonight,?” she asked. Naturally there was an explosion of cheers. This is where she moved into “Naughty Girl.” Sitting in the back corner of a football arena, looking at two huge screens, the anticipation was felt all around the stadium, then A stairwell emerged on the stage and Jay-Z stepped out to rap grew into a deep, loud roar as the lights went out and words be- his “Big Pimpin’” hit wearing a blue jacket. No need to worry gan to fill the gigantic white backdrop. THIS IS REAL LIFE. ON about the as they had electric fans lining the stage so all THE RUN II… The crowd erupted into an even louder cheer as was well. This didn’t distract from the scene run- Beyonce’ and Jay-Z appeared on the screen before them. A short ning behind him as he went right into his “.” These video of the couple ran until they walked out on the stage hold- electric fans also added extra flair as Beyonce’s hair blew in the ing hands with two screen size crosses on either side of them. wind as she returned to the stage in a gold/silver body suite to Jay-Z wore a white suit with a gold medallion chain and Beyonce’ sing her “Baby Boy.” wore a silver and black dress with red and yellow. Black boots to match. The energy held strong and people were jumping when Jay-Z went right into his hit “Public Service Announcement.” He re- They start this over two hour set with “Holy Grail.” As he raps, peated, “Hands in the air, hands in the air!” Hands were in the she dances and mouths his lyrics. She said, “We love you guys. air, he bowed to the audience and he nodded with approval then Welcome to On The Run II.” Then they roll right into “Part II (On said, “Ok, thank you.” Then went into “The Story of OJ” as he The Run).” As they sang facing each other a beach scene is run- walked a runway. All of the sudden he stopped to chat with a fan. ning on the back enormous screens. The crowd cheered even “You want my jacket? My Chain? I’m at work now, I’ll talk to you stronger when they walked the two runways which stretched later,” giving her affirmation as a friend would. into the audience more than half of a football field. These two amazing performer acknowledged people in the audience, even “Are you having a good time?” he questioned and motioned the pointed to a few and Jay-Z seemed prompted to say “that’s right. crowd into hollers of confirmation. “Make some f** noise!” He You get it!” continued saying “Only love can conquer hate. .” Their guitarist and horn section (all female) played as they This Florida crowd did certainly seem to understand the energy wore red. and professional set up that Beyonce’ and Jay-Z had before them. This 2018 tour of only two dates in Florida, Orlando’s Camping Beyonce’ again emerged to take the stage this time in jean shorts, World OTR2August 29th and Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium August 31st. a white tank style top and red boots. “Déjà vu” started playing The original ‘On The Run I’ tour was four years prior so fans and the dancing continued. “To my ladies,” she held her mic out were definitely ready to see this dynamic duet! Whatever was for all of the ladies to yell. “To my guys..” She held her mic out expected Beyonce’ and Jay-Z far exceeded not just with their again for the men to out do the women. “” began massive screen spanning the width of the stadium, two runways and everyone sang along. Jay-Z rapped while Biance’ continued to engage the audience and risers that allowed them more per- her gift of song and dance with “Freedom.” Jay-Z now wearing sonal access to their fans. Not to mention 37 songs and almost a black leather/jean jacket along side of his guitarist played “U as many outfit changes! This couple also showed their grati- Don’t Know.” Fans raised their hands over their heads creating a tude toward their fans in an extremely big way as they awarded V with triangle fingers and bounced to the music. a young man in the community with a $100,000.00 scholarship from the Shawn Carter Foundation, just prior to starting their set. Jay-Z ended this amazing show with “ which got the crowd jumping with enthusiasm. The floor actually moved with Trees and a beach scene showing these two dancing and film- the rhythm. “Thank you for being a beautiful audience,” he said. ing each other ran on the screen as they started “’03 Bonnie and He introduced Beyonce’ and she introduced Jay-Z as they rolled Clyde” Beyonce’ said, ”you help me sing this next song.” She credits of all in their show on the huge screen behind them. “We walks out and down the runway as the crowd cheered and sang appreciate you all,” Beyonce added. “Give it up for yourselves! with her. She held out the mic for people to join in. Then she did Good Night. God Bless. Drive Safely.” a little spin before stepping into a rising staircase with rails that she leaned on as she sang “.” Jay-Z appeared in The lights came on as the stage went dark after this captivating black jeans and a black/white shirt. couple left. We were all in awe! - Lori Smerilson Carson

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