It’s a miracle if a band lasts more than five years these days. And yet, others seem to have that “something” that keeps them together through thick and thin. Many bands end up being shadows of their former selves, bordering on self-parody. (I mean, c’mon, have the Rolling Stones actually made a solid album since the early 80s?) Yellowjackets, though, have evolved and grown. This is readily apparent if you listen to their earliest self-titled album, or even Robben Ford’s The Inside Story, which is where the band actually first played together, then compare it to a recent album like Altered State or their latest release, Twenty Five. On the new release, actually released last year, you have a retrospective of Yellowjackets songs spanning all the way back to “Matinee Idol” from their first album, up to more current songs…all of them done in the current Yellowjackets style. The package includes both a CD and DVD, which are from two different concerts. The DVD itself is quite interesting, as there is a collection of promotional videos as well as present-day interviews with the current band and alumni (Robben Ford, Ricky Lawson, Marc Russo and Will Kennedy). Fans of both “classic” and “current” Yellowjackets will enjoy this set–I recommend it highly!
Yearly Archives: 2007
Malicious Software Alert: SAM Computer Literacy/Thomson Course Technology
Normally I would not waste space on this site for software that does not pass muster. Nor would I devote any space to malicious software such as spyware, viruses or malware (although I will provide a list of helpful applications in the future). But, when I feel that software is evil enough to cause serious damage to computers, I feel it is necessary to alert every one to it…and since we are spidered by Google, this should help get the word out about a legitimate program that is malicious in many ways.
Continue reading Malicious Software Alert: SAM Computer Literacy/Thomson Course Technology
Genesis on SACD: why bother?
For the past two years, Genesis fans such as yours truly have heard about impending SACD surround releases of the entire Genesis catalog. As of this writing, the first set has been released, and in the hands of fans around the world who have now given it a listen. I was very anxious to hear the first installment of the set, and anticipating buying the set in the near future. However…
New Jean-Luc Ponty Album Due May 22
From Jean-Luc Ponty‘s website comes this exciting bit of news:
A new studio album with new compositions performed by JEAN LUC PONTY & HIS BAND entitled THE ACATAMA EXPERIENCE will be released on MAY 4th in the USA by Koch Records and in some European countries after May 21 by Universal (TBA). This new album also features two great guitarists: Allan Holdsworth appears in one piece and Philip Catherine contributes solos in two other songs.
Jean-Luc and his band will also be touring this summer in support of the band. Tickets are on sale now for selected dates. Also, recent Jean-Luc Ponty projects are scheduled for re-release by Koch Records, including his previous Life Enigma album (on 4/27/07), the live Semper Opera and In Concert CDs (7/31/07), and the In Concert DVD (8/14/07). We will features these titles here in the Rudy’s Corner Store.
Joe Sample: “Carmel”
I’ve been revisiting an “oldie but goodie” over the past few days. Several years ago, I found the Joe Sample Collection CD on GRP, which had highlights of all of his solo recordings for MCA Jazz. Since then, I have picked up a handful of his albums on CD, as well as a couple on vinyl. Prior to that, I owned a CD from the early 90s, Spellbound, which featured guest vocalists Al Jarreau, Michael Franks and Take 6 on three separate tracks. And, I have the landmark Crusaders recording featuring Randy Crawford on “Street Life”, one of my favorite tunes of that era (even in its extended 11 minute version, which passes in the blink of an eye), along with a few other Crusaders albums dating back into the 70s. I’ve recently just pulled out another favorite of mine and am giving it another spin right now.