Interviewing the Legends: Rock Stars & Celebs Rock Raymond

DAVE EDMUNDS ROCKABILLY LEGEND

'THE LOST INTERVIEWS'

EPISODE 8

Guitar hero DAVE EDMUNDS has never followed music trends, and throughout what Edmunds jokingly remarks as a “semi-retired” music career, has probably been more devout and grateful to the original rock and roll format than any other musician.

Edmunds recently released his new album entitled ‘Rags & Classics’ via the MVD Entertainment Group. It’s an all-instrumental masterpiece that displays Edmunds’ proficient guitar work along with his brilliant multi-instrumental and production skills. Recorded in his home studio, most of the cover tracks on the new album have never been performed as an instrumental and are extremely difficult to implement as a one-man band.

 I really enjoyed ‘Rags & Classics,’ Edmunds did a remarkable job handpicking singles that are classics but rarely relished. Some of the more notable tracks are the Brian Wilson &Tony Asher “God Only Knows,” and the Elton John &Bernie Taupin ballad “Your Song,” Both tracks are remarkable instrumental renditions while acquainting the listener to a fresh prospective to an ageless classic. ‘Rags & Classics’ delivers an eclectic mix of captivating musical gratification … you’ll be delightfully swayed by Edmunds’ intricate instrumental renderings of Mason Williams’ “Classical Gas,” Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” tracks from Dave’s guitar heroes … Chet Atkins “Black Mountain Rag,” and Merle Travis “Cannonball Rag,” and a surprisingly but phenomenal finale to an exceptional album, Mozart’s Symphony No.40 in G Minor, Molto Allegro. Everyone will truly enjoy ‘Rags & Classics’ by guitar legend Dave Edmunds. ... (5) Stars!

DAVE EDMUNDS, Welsh guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer has collaborated with some of the greatest musicians the world will ever know, including longtime pal George Harrison. Edmunds is a 1950’s rock and roll purist and remains a loyalist to this day.

After his stint with the blues/rock band Love Sculpture, Edmunds scored big with his cover hit “I Hear You Knocking” (1970), a song written by Dave Bartholomew & Earl King and first recorded by Smiley Lewis in 1955. Edmunds’ rendition added authentic rock and roll dynamism and landed at #1 at Christmas on the UK charts and #4 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in the U.S.  It sold over three-million copies, was awarded a gold disc, and became a rock and roll standard worldwide.

In 1976, Edmunds began collaborating with British musician/singer/songwriter/producer Nick Lowe (Brinsley Schwarz) on several albums. Lowe and Edmunds were signed to different record labels and couldn’t record together as ‘Rockpile’ until 1980 when they released Seconds of Pleasure, their only album to feature the ‘Rockpile’ band name. Drummer Terry Williams and guitarist Billy Bremner were also in the group. Critics and music enthusiasts adored Rockpile. Edmunds describes Rockpile’s short and sweet musical career as a party band for four years which they never took seriously. Rockpile was also hailed as a band that laid the groundwork for ‘new wave.’

Between 1976 and 1981, Dave Edmunds released four albums on Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song Records. After Edmunds and Lowe went their separate ways, Edmunds collaborated and produced albums for an assortment of friends and musicians including … Paul McCartney, King Kurt, Stray Cats, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Status Quo, the Everly Brothers, Johnny Cash, and the Flamin’ Groovies. Edmunds also collaborated with singer, songwriter, composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist and record producer Jeff Lynne of the Electric Light Orchestra. Edmunds released a song written by Lynne entitled “Slipping Away” which became a Top 40 hit in 1983.

In 1985, Edmunds arranged and became the musical director of Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session, a televised concert held in London, England, featuring … Edmunds, Carl Perkins George Harriso

ROGER HODGSON THE VOICE OF SUPERTRAMP

'THE LOST INTERVIEWS' 

Episode 7

Roger Hodgson’s inspirational lyrics, enchanting vocals and virtuoso musicianship continue to astound audiences worldwide. Hodgson’s distinctive voice and profound musical arrangements have spawned numerous 'Top 40 Hits' for classic rock music legends Supertramp. Some of Roger’s most distinguished classics include, “Give a Little Bit,” “The Logical Song,” “Take the Long Way Home,” “Breakfast in America,” “Dreamer,” “School,” “It’s Raining Again,” and “Fool’s Overture.”

After performing to jubilant sold-out audiences worldwide, 'Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson' returns to the stage in 2013 on a new global excursion. Roger will be making a rare appearance at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida on Friday, March 22nd and for the first time in the U.S.; Hodgson will be performing with a Rock Symphony Orchestra.

After the release of their third studio album, Crime of the Century in 1974, Supertramp quickly captured the attention of music critics and aficionados across the globe. Crime of the Century was a superlative release. The creative writing collaboration of Hodgson and Davies, although contrasting, began a highly successful commercial period for a group comprised of highly esteemed musicians. Roger Hodgson penned; “Dreamer” became Supertramp’s first big hit. The album also featured two beautifully composed arrangements by Hodgson entitled ... “Hide in Your Shell” and “If Everyone Was Listening.”

Supertramp became a sought-out concert attraction because of their awe-inspiring musical abilities and riveting onstage presence. Their shows often spotlighted a movie projection that displayed the Crime of the Century album cover, an image of two hands clutching jail cell bars while floating in space. The projection synchronized hypnotically with the music above the stage.

Subsequent albums … Crisis? What Crisis? (1975) and Even in the Quietest Moments (1977) which produced “Give a Little Bit” (#15 on Billboard’s Pop Singles chart).

In 1979, Supertramp released what would become their highest selling album, Breakfast in America. The album spawned four U.S. Billboard Hit singles… “The Logical Song” (#6 Hit), “Take the Long Way Home” (#10 Hit), “Goodbye Stranger” (#15 Hit) and “Breakfast in America” (#62 Hit). The album remained on top of the charts worldwide and eventually sold over 20-million copies, becoming one of the biggest selling albums of all-time.

Supertramp made an amazingly smooth transition from a progressive rock scheme over album-oriented rock airwaves to mainstream Top 40 radio, and without compromising or sacrificing musical integrity.

The bands next album, ironically entitled …Famous Last Words (1982) would be the last featuring vocalist/lyricist/keyboardist and guitarist Roger Hodgson. The album reached #5 on Billboard’s Pop Album Charts and was certified Gold.

To date ... Supertramp has sold over 60- million albums.

Roger Hodgson officially left Supertramp in 1983 to pursue a solo career.

In 1987, after his second solo album was released, Hodgson fell and shattered both of his wrists. Doctors said he would never play music again, but his strong faith, positive thinking, self-healing efforts, and physical therapy would prove the medical profession wrong. Within a year and a half, Roger was playing his music once again.

Roger Hodgson released three solo albums since leaving Supertramp … In the Eye of the Storm (1984), Hai Hai (1987) and Open the Door (2000). He also released a live album entitled, Rites of Passage (1996).

In 2001, Roger was invited to play with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. The band’s lineup also featured Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople), Greg Lake (Emerson, Lake, and Palmer), Sheila E., Howard Jones and Mark Rivera.

In 2006, Hodgson released his first ever DVD entitled, Take the Long Way Home –Live in Montreal. The solo

AL KOOPER 'THE LOST INTERVIEWS' EPISODE 6

 

Singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist AL KOOPER continues to relish an incredible life of music. Although these days it’s mostly through his weekly online column for The Morton Report entitled ‘New Music for Old People’

Kooper reveals… “This column is like the title says - its intention is to fill the gap for those of us who were satiated musically in the '60s and then searched desperately as we aged for music we could relate to and get the same buzz from nowadays. iTunes was the answer for me in 2003 and I have been following the new releases every Tuesday ever since I realized there was an endless stream of music I could enjoy there. The reason I am writing this column is to make sure others don't miss this. These are not top ten items; but they SHOULD be!”

Kooper is also excited about the re-release of the classic ‘Super Session’ album featuring Al Kooper-Mike Bloomfield-Stephen Stills. The album is re-mastered with the latest (Hybrid Multichannel SACD) technology. The package includes new liner notes written by Al Kooper that tell the story of the Super Session album and the new 5.1 Multichannel mix. The 5.1 mix by Al Kooper with mastering by Bob Ludwig was never released and yet it has acquired some fame from industry insiders familiar with the Multichannel mix with comments like "excellent" and "it deserves to be heard. “The new mastering of the Stereo tracks for new SACD Stereo and CD Stereo audio are by mastering engineer Steve Hoffman. -The official release of ‘Super Session’ on amazon.com is -September 9th.

AL KOOPER: had a life changing undertaking technologically and musically after receiving a Webcor reel to reel tape recorder as a Bat Mitzvah gift in 1957.Born in Brooklyn and growing up in Queens, New York … Kooper began his incredible music career as a fourteen-year-old guitarist with The Royal Teens (“Short Shorts” #3 U.S. Hit in 1958).

In 1960, Kooper joined the songwriting team of Bob Brass and Irwin Levine and wrote “This Diamond Ring” (#1 U.S. Hit in 1965) for Gary Lewis & the Playboys. At 21, Kooper moved to Greenwich Village and began a momentous relationship with Bob Dylan. He performed and recorded with Dylan including adding his classic Hammond organ riffs on “Like a Rolling Stone”(#2 U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Hit in 1965). During those recording sessions, Kooper met Michael Bloomfield.

In 1967, Al Kooper joined The Blues Project as their keyboardist. He left the band before the group was to appear at the infamous Monterey Pop Festival, and instead, along with bandmate Steve Katz, formed the jazz/rock/psychedelic/ R&B/ group …Blood, Sweat & Tears.

Kooper left Blood, Sweat & Tears after their critically acclaimed debut release … ‘Child Is Father to the Man’ (1968). The album spawned the classic rock mainstays … “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” (Penned by Kooper) and “I Can’t Quit Her” (Written by Kooper/Levine).

Al Kooper recorded a jazz inspired jam entitled ‘Super Session’ in 1968 with Michael Bloomfield and Stephen Stills. The album spawned an incredible cover of Donovan’s “Season of the Witch” and my favorite track “His Holy Modal Majesty” (Written by Kooper and Bloomfield). The album peaked at #12 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold.

It was Al Kooper who called Judy Collins in the middle of the night and put Joni Mitchell on the phone to sing “Both Sides Now” which eventually became a huge hit for Collins in 1968.

Throughout the years …Kooper became a mainstay in the recording studio performing with The Rolling Stones, The Who, B.B. King, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, Alice Cooper, Peter, Paul & Mary, Joe Cocker, Tom Petty, and Roger McGuinn to name just a few.

Kooper discovered Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1972 after watching several of their appearances at a frequented club in Atlanta. Al moved to Atlanta and signed the band to his new

MICHAEL PINDER MOODY BLUES LEGEND 'THE LOST INTERVIEWS' EPISODE 5

Michael Pinder was affectionately labeled “Micky the Moonboy” as a youth for his preoccupation of the moon, stars, music and electronics. But who could have predicted that a silly nickname perhaps more suited for a sci-fi cartoon superhero would forecast his destiny. Pinder’s fascination with the cosmos and a life-changing realization that we are not alone in the universe became the basis for composing intricate and surreal musical masterpieces.

Michael played Hymns on the piano in Church every Sunday at his Colonel’s request; in return Pinder received an early discharge from the British Army. Pinder asked for the early-out after hearing The Beatles “She Loves You” on the radio. Ten days later, Pinder was back in Birmingham, England. He quickly found a job working with Streetly Electronics where he learned the mechanics of the Mellotron. Michael Pinder would become an illustrious keyboardist and trendsetter for the instrument.

In 1964 … Michael Pinder (piano, organ and vocals) and Ray Thomas (tambourine, flute and vocals) formed The Moody Blues along with members …Denny Laine (guitars, harmonica and lead vocals), Clint Warwick (bass guitar and vocals) and Graeme Edge (drums and vocals). The R&B/Rock/Pop Birmingham band scored a Top 10 hit in the U.S. with “Go Now” (1965) from their debut album The Magnificent Moodies. The Moody Blues became part of ‘The British Invasion’ and supported The Beatles on their final UK tour in December of 1965. They followed the tour with their first trip to the U.S. appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show. In 1966 … after the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick … The Moody Blues reformed with old friend John Lodge (bass guitar and vocals) and Justin Hayward (lead vocals and guitars) who was recommended to Pinder by Eric Burdon of The Animals. The band had an awakening after a disgruntled audience member visited their dressing room complaining about their music. The group immediately changed their musical direction and style, hence … the commencement of one of the most amazing transformations in rock history. Meanwhile …Michael Pinder suggested to his friend John Lennon that The Beatles use the Mellotron on Magical Mystery Tour …and they did. Pinder’s Mellotron influence is undeniably detected on “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Pinder and bandmate Ray Thomas were also invited to play harmonica on the tracks… “I Am the Walrus” and “The Fool on the Hill.”  “In 1967 …The Moody Blues first attempt at a dissimilar musical direction had consummated with an awe-inspiring masterpiece entitled… Days of Future Passed. It would be the first Decca/Deram Records release in stereo. Michael Pinder’s Mellotron ingrained a brave new transcendental manner and Progressive Rock was born. The proficient players of The Moody Blues were also accompanied by The London Festival Orchestra while creating the band’s first concept album. Days of Future Passed spawned two of the band’s biggest commercial hits with its new lineup … “Nights in White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon.” Pinder wrote the tracks… “Dawn is a Feeling” and “The Sunset.” Pinder’s dramatic reading of “Late Lament” added a mind-blowing conclusion to a superlative album. Producer Tony Clarke’s influence also had a huge impact on the group. The Moody Blues subsequent release … In Search of the Lost Cord (1968) was recorded without an orchestra … although Pinder’s ingenious performance on the Mellotron often sounded like a symphony. Pinder composed “The Best Way to Travel” and “Om” on the album. “Ride My See-saw” became a commercial hit for the band.

In 1969 … The Moody Blues released On the Threshold of a Dream. The group’s signature sound became exclusive to the rest of the rock world. Pinder had considerable songwriting duties on the album with … “So Deep Within You,” “Ha

GARY WRIGHT 'THE LOST INTERVIEWS'

EPISODE 4

with RAY SHASHO

Gary Wright (April 26, 1943 – September 4, 2023)

 

Gary Wright is a celestial keyboard virtuoso, idyllic songwriter, and vocalist with powerful soulful pipes. Wright is an innovator of the synthesizer and over the years has managed to condense his many synthesized melodies into a single keyboard strapped around his neck.

Although born and raised in Cresskill, New Jersey, Wright founded the British rock group Spooky Tooth in 1967. Wright would later become most recognized for his two solo hit singles “Dream Weaver” in 1975 and “Love Is Alive” in 1976. 

Gary Wright will be joining the ‘Sail Rock 2013’ tour along with Christopher Cross, Orleans, Firefall, John Ford Coley, Robbie Dupree and Player beginning August 5th in West Allis, Wisconsin. Visit Pollstar.com for all the latest concert dates. 

SPOOKY TOOTH: Gary Wright joined the band 'Art' in 1967. The ‘V.I.P.’S’ morphed into 'Art' after several lineup changes since its inception in 1963. The British R&B music ensemble had featured various distinguished musicians including Mike Harrison, Greg Ridley, Jimmy Henshaw, Keith Emerson, Luther Grosvenor, Walter Johnstone and Mike Kellie. 

Keith Emerson (The Nice, ELP) left in 1967 when the name was changed to Art. The band eventually turned into Spooky Tooth with a lineup of Wright (organ, keyboards, and vocals), Harrison (vocals, keyboards) Ridley (bassist), Grosvenor (guitar, vocals) and Kellie (drums).

In 1968, Spooky Tooth released their debut album entitled … It’s All About. The album featured covers by Janis Ian and Bob Dylan. Most of the other tracks were either written or co-written by Gary Wright.

The bands next release Spooky Two (1969) released on Island Records was hailed by critics as one of their finest recordings. The album featured many of the bands standards including “Evil Woman” and “Better by You, Better Than Me” a tune written by Wright and eventually covered by Judas Priest in 1978.

Spooky Tooth quickly became a highly sought concert attraction and a mainstay on progressive rock radio. The band shared the stage with such legendary music acts as Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones.

Bassist Greg Ridley left in 1969 to join Humble Pie, Andy Leigh replaced him. 

Also in 1969, the group released Ceremony (Spooky Tooth and Pierre Henry album) a progressive collaboration with the French electronic composer.

Session musician: Wright left Spooky Tooth briefly to produce albums for Traffic and Rolling Stones producer Jimmy Miller and his production company. Gary Wright became an esteemed session musician and was asked to play on George Harrison’s triple- album set All Things Must Pass (1970).

Wright and Harrison began a long lasting friendship and musical collaboration that included Wright playing or sharing songwriting tasks on several of Harrison’s subsequent albums including … Living in the Material World (1973), Dark Horse (1974), Extra Texture (Read All About It)(1975), Thirty Three & 1/3(1976), George Harrison(1979), Cloud Nine (1987).

The Last Puff album (1970) primarily featured Mike Harrison while Wright focused on other projects. The release featured an incredible cover version of The Beatles, “I Am The Walrus.” Joe Cocker Grease Band members Henry McCullough, Chris Stainton and Alan Spenner were brought into the studio to work on the album.

In 1971, Gary Wright performed “Two Faced Man” with George Harrison on the Dick Cavett Show. He also played piano on Harry Nilsson’s #1 hit, a Badfinger cover tune entitled, “Without You.”

In 1972, Gary Wright and Mike Harrison reformed Spooky Tooth with a different lineup. The new lineup featured future Foreigner founder and guitarist Mick Jones.

Subsequent Spooky Tooth albums … (You Broke My Heart So I Busted Your Jaw (1973), Witness (1973), The Mirror (1974) and Cross Purpose (1999) (Reunion album without Wright, Greg Ridley returne

IAN GILLAN DEEP PURPLE LEGEND

THE LOST INTERVIEWS EPISODE 3 

 

Ian Gillan is the legendary charismatic frontman for one of the greatest bands in rock and roll history. Deep Purple is essentially known for its hard rock pulse. Its musical schemes have encompassed progressive rock, blues, R&B and even jazz.

Keyboardist Jon Lord received a telegram from Tony Edwards stating that he’d back Lord in putting a band together; later Edwards called Ritchie Blackmore to meet with him. In December of 1967, the two musicians met up and collaborated for the first time. John Lord had already asked Nick Simper to play bass, a former bandmate with ‘The Flower Pot Men.’

While living in Hamburg, Germany, Ritchie Blackmore saw drummer Ian Paice performing onstage with his band The Maze. The group was fronted by singer Rod Evans. Evans auditioned for the lead vocalist role for a scheming new (Deep Purple) band and won the spot. Blackmore remembered Paice from Hamburg and asked Evans to bring him along. Blackmore and Lord were a bit worried that Evans mannerism was much like Tom Jones or Engelbert Humperdinck. Jon Lord later stated, “We’d eventually beat him into shape.”

In 1968, Deep Purple was officially formed. The band was named after a Nino Tempo and April Stevens song of 1963, believed to be Ritchie Blackmore’s grandmother’s favorite song.

Deep Purple’s musical styles intentionally mimicked the American rock group Vanilla Fudge (“You Keep Me Hangin’ On”). The group quickly scored commercially with their Top 40 hit single “Hush” (#4 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart) and became overnight sensations in the U.S.

Ritchie Blackmore’s vision for the band was to implement heavier rock techniques, and while Rod Evans and Nick Simper were in the group it may never have been accomplished. After Rod Evans was dismissed from Deep Purple, he went on to form Captain Beyond in 1971.

Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover were performing at Woodford Green in London with their British pop rock band ‘Episode Six.’ Their lead singer Ian Gillan was noticed by Ritchie Blackmore and Jon Lord. After watching Gillan’s performance, they offered him the lead singer position for Deep Purple. Eventually Roger Glover would be asked to join the band, while securing one of the greatest music lineups in rock history.

Also in 1972, under resistance by the band, they recorded a double live album in Japan entitled, Made In Japan. The album was essentially the Machine Head tour. The band recorded (3) concerts ... (2) in Osaka and (1) in Tokyo. Most of the material came from the second night in Osaka. Made In Japan also went platinum and the live version of “Smoke on the Water” became instrumental to the song’s success.

Smoke on the Water” (#4 Hit on Billboard’s Hot 100) was officially released as a single in 1973 and became one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock and roll history. Deep Purple were now international superstars in the studio and on the road.

At the peak of their success, Ian Gillan gave a six month notice and stated that he was leaving the band after fulfilling all of his commitments in 1973. The album Who Do We Think We Are was released in January of 1973. The release generated the hit single “Woman from Tokyo.” “Smoke on the Water” was also busy that year becoming Deep Purple’s biggest hit of all-time.  Who Do We Think We Are was the last studio album to feature Ian Gillan as their lead singer until the 1984 reunion LP Perfect Strangers.

Deep Purple did six American tours before Ian Gillan and Roger Glover left the band. The grueling touring schedule and fatigue became the reason for their early departure from the band. In 1973, the band had eleven different entries in Billboard and became the top-selling artists in the U.S. But without its lead singer and bass player the band felt like it was the end.

Deep Purple brought in several lineups through the years. Lead singers that inclu