Daeodon (day-o-don), the broad-ranging, post-grunge rockers named for a pre-historic creature, sometimes called a “hell pig,” delivers music with “teeth” on its new CD album Forever Strangers....
Janet Jackson made some great records with the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis back in the day, but mostly staked her claim to fame on being Michael Jackson’s hot sister. And, really, was her music ever rock ‘n roll? The Rock Hall has always had an uneasy relationship with reality....
With the “Studio 54” movie by Matt Tymauer a regional hit here in New York City, we decided to take a look book at one of the definitive stars of those halcyon times when disco ruled in the ’70s and early ’80s....
Elton John made a two-night stand at his favorite venue in the world, Madison Square Garden in New York City, as part of his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour,” and it was star-studded in more ways than one....
Tom Petty died suddenly one year ago from an accidental drug overdoes, robbing rock music of one of its most enduring artists. For me, it seemed as if Petty would always be around delivering his rock solid music....
When celebrity author Mark Bego originally wrote his 1989 biography, “Aretha Franklin: Queen of Soul,” he had no idea that it would be updated three times, the latest being the new “Tribute Edition” of the book by Skyhorse Publishing, which puts her career in perspective since her death at 76 in August....
Hozier, the pulti-platinum singer/songwriter, has released has released his latest EP, Nina Cried Power, via Columbia Records. The 4-track set is the first collection of new music Hozier has shared since the 2014 release of his critically acclaimed self-titled debut album....
The re-constituted Fleetwood Mac appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show (their first-time ever on TV) performing “The Chain” and “Gypsy.” At first blush, with new additions Neil Finn and Mike Campbell replacing Lindsay Buckingham, they pretty much sounded the same. And that’s a good thing....
Ian McDonald, best known for founding British supergroups King Crimson and Foreigner, takes the prize as the most interesting old-new act in music. His new group, Honey West, released their debut album, Bad Old World to rave reviews for its sound and lyrics. The album features Honey West founder, accomplished actor and neighbor Ted Zurkowski (the Actor’s Studio)), McDonald’s son Maxwell on bass, and Steve Holley from Paul McCartney’s Wings on drums....
Rock and roll biographer Mark Bego is shifting gears with a big, bold and colorful cookbook. But he’s not straying too far from his genre. His latest is “Eat Like a Rock Star,” a compilation of recipes recommended by 46 artists, plus several of his own. Boz Scaggs, Richie Sambora, Joey Fatone, Micky Dolenz, Mary Wilson and Michael McDonald are among his rock star chefs. ...
Who has the song of Summer 2017? Ed Sheeran? Kimberly Davis? Harry Styles? Miley Cyrus? Would you believe Raspin Stuwart? His ethereal, 2012 reggae-themed tune, “Smoke The Hookah,” is the most radio-requested song this summer. The song (produced by Steve Reid and Bo Astrup) has also racked up an impressive number of downloads....
Mike Greenly is probably best known as the world’s first “interactive journalist” but he’s had a second career all along as a songwriter. He’s now working with the likes of producer Tony Moran and vocalist Jason Walker. In fact, he penned Walker’s No. 1 dance record “Say Yes.” Now 72 and residing in New York City, Greenly is still writing speeches for the likes of Exxon/Mobil and Tito’s Vodka, but his songwriting is also continuing to flourish....
Elvis Costello’s career, like his music, has been multi-layered and ever changing, delighting and sometimes baffling fans and critics alike. But he finally puts it all in perspective in a just-released DVD from his recent solo “Detour” tour. It’s stripped down and simply terrific. The DVD, “Elvis Costello Detour: Live at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Featuring Larkin Poe,” is best described as a musical documentary....
Ryan “Gooch” Nelson, a New Jersey singer-songwriter, has done the impossible. A quadriplegic who was recently diagnosed with cancer, he’s conjured a rip-snorting, foot-stomping songs for his debut album Comin’ Home. It’s a tribute to anyone who’s undergone personal tragedy. In 2004, Gooch was in a terrible car accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Five years later, he was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia....
