Rock Lines- August 2012: Jon Lord, Asia, Neal Morse, Uriah Heep and Souvenir

Memorial to Jon Lord

 

On July 16^th, Jon Lord passed away at 71 years of age. The former founding member of Deep Purple had been seeking treatment for pancreatic cancer passed away due to a pulmonary embolism.

Jon Lord’s heavy style of incorporating classical music with hard rock began with Deep Purple in 1968. His Hammond B3 signature tones and musical overtures were a powerful display of his immense talent and will live on indefinitely.

Jon appeared on 16 studio recordings with Deep Purple. Jon’s imminent sound is often copied. Songs such as: “Child in Time” with its classically inspired keyboard tickling of the keys, the fierceness of “Space Truckin’” and the intro to “Hush” come to mind as Jon’s testament to the traditional sound of Deep Purple and the sounds of the Hammond B3.

After the split up of the Mk III version of Deep Purple, Jon formed a group with Ian Paice and Tony Ashton aptly named- Paice, Ashton and Lord.  The band lasted a year and produced one album entitled: Malice in Wonderland.

Jon also recorded with Nazareth, Cozy Powell (RIP) and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd).

Jon eventually teamed up with Ian Paice to join David Coverdale’s band- Whitesnake. Jon was a member of Whitesnake (1978-1982) until the Mk II version of Deep Purple reformed in 1984 to record Perfect Strangers followed by a world tour.

 Once again Jon’s writing and heavy keyboard sound would take the forefront to songs such as the intro of “Perfect Strangers” and the rhythm throughout “Knockin’ at your Backdoor”.

I had the privilege of watching Jon once in 1985 at The Richfield Coliseum near Cleveland, Ohio. Witnessing him tilt the B3 forward and backwards as he was performing was magnificent!

I also saw the Mk IV version with Steve Morse in Las Vegas on the heels of the Abandon release in 1998. The mature Jon Lord was inspiring to watch as he traded keyboard, vocal and guitar riffs with Ian Gillan and Steve Morse; much like Jon did with Gillian and Blackmore did years ago. The solo passages were moving and classically inspired, while the chordal dexterity and fluent phrasing was effective and simply stunning!

After retiring from Deep Purple in 2002, Jon briefly recorded two records with vocalist, Jimmy Barnes in Jon Lord and The Hoochie Coochie Men in Australia.

Jon Lord’s main focus after retiring from Deep Purple was focused on composing, recording and performing classical music solo or with various symphonies and orchestras in Europe.

Just prior to his passing, Jon was involved working with the supergroup- WhoCares featuring Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi, Nick McBrain(Iron Maiden), Jason Newsted (Metallica) and Mikko Lindstrom (HIM).

Earlier in July, Jon was forced to cancel a concert featuring his “Durham Concerto” in Germany.

There was even talk of reforming Deep Purple MK III by David Coverdale and Glen Hughes for a benefit concert. It would have been interesting to see who would have replaced deceased guitarist Tommy Bolin (Steve Morse?).

For several days after his passing, I was amazed at how many of his former musical partners displayed a landing page for a memorial view in Jon’s honor. Deep Purple, Glen Hughes and Whitesnake shut down access to all of their other website pages to focus on a memorial page for Jon. Respect at its deepest meaning.

Even the website of Uriah Heep displayed Jon’s passing as a headline above other Heep information and Jon wasn’t even in the band.

Meanwhile Ritchie Blackmore was busy-well- being Ritchie!

Jon Lord was a legend, master musician and a true gentleman.

I am happy you are not suffering and although we never met, my life is richer for hearing your musical voice of the Hammond B3.

RIP Jon!

ASIA

Asia photo used courtesy of: Mathew Becker.

Asia began thirty years ago when four of progressive rock’s most accomplished musicians came together to create the super group. The band features John Wetton (lead vocals and bass), Carl Palmer (drums), Steve Howe (guitar) and Geoff Downes (keyboards). The band members had previously been members of ELP, Yes, King Crimson, UK and The Buggles.

Now, Asia has a new CD out and the reviews are exceptional. The new CD is fittingly titled- XXX.

You may order a copy of the deluxe edition with accompanied DVD here.

Neal Morse 
 

Many of you may not be familiar with Neal Morse. Neal is perhaps one of the busiest progressive rock musicians on the planet. The former lead vocalist, guitarist, and keyboard player and epic songwriter notably started his rising career as a member of Spock’s Beard.

After his faith led him to a solo career, he collided to form the supergroup- Transatlantic. Transatlantic featured Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater on drums) along with bassist- Pete Trewavas (Marillion), Roine Stoit (The Flower Kings) on guitar and Neal Morse. Transatlantic is one of the most prolific supergroup in progressive rock history.
 

Since then, Neal has released and been involved with many side projects with Mike Portnoy and bassist Randy George (most notably on Testimony I and 2).

His solo release entitled One and the astounding writing and musicianship was a progressive rocker’s dream come true. Besides Portnoy, George, and Morse; One featured Phil Keaggy.

Most recently, Neal is involved in another supergroup- Flying Colors which features Morse, Portnoy, Dave Larue (Dixie Dreggs) on bass, vocalist Casey McPherson, and Steve Morse (Deep Purple) on guitar released their debut CD earlier this year. Flying Colors are planning a tour beginning in September.

Phew! Are you still with me?

On September 11^th, Neal Morse is releasing a monumental CD of and it is an epic entitled- Momentum. The video of the title song blew me away. Here is the edited version.

Momentum features Portnoy, George, Morse, Paul Gilbert on guitar, and a bevy of additional musicians.

Neal also held “open” auditions for many of the positions within the touring version of his band through his website and Facebook (although Randy George will appear at all dates and Mike Portnoy a few) on the upcoming tour in October.

Don’t miss the Momentum CD or subsequent tour of this incredibly passionate songwriter, musician and his stellar group of musicians.

I guarantee you- Neal will leave you wanting more!

Uriah Heep in Ohio?

 

Uriah Heep have scheduled a short tour of the US in November. Mick Box and company have not performed in Cleveland, Ohio since the days of the old Cleveland Agora on East 24^th street in the 1980’s.

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Heep has performed at (Cleveland Municipal Stadium (World Series of Rock), The Richfield Coliseum, Blossom Music Center and Cleveland Public Hall during the height of their career in the 1970’s. Their upcoming tour has the band scheduled in a suburb of Pittsburgh with no dates scheduled in Ohio.

It would be fantastic if the House of Blues or some club could book the band.

Throughout 40+ years of existence of Uriah Heep, I’ve seen the band 17 times in Ohio. I would like to see them again, a little closer to home.

If you’re interested in booking Uriah Heep contact: Paradise Artists.

Thank you.

Souvenir Anyone?

Souvenir

 

I am looking forward to attending a private party soon. The Cleveland based band Souvenir hosts a reunion show every couple of years. Souvenir was one of the regular house bands scheduled at the old Cleveland Agora in the late 1970’s on Friday or Saturday evenings.

 

Several of the former members Souvenir went on to work with other professional artists such as Joan Jett, Michael Stanley, Glen Burtnik, Blondie,  and Lana Lane.

Souvenir was once considered the finest club band in the State of Ohio.

 

 

 

Look for photos and information of the gig featured in the next Rock Lines regarding this very special talented band!

 

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

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Rock Lines: A Musical Tribute and Memorial to Billy Atkins

I often write about “something meaningful that matters” in many of my blogs.  My hope is to inspire people and perhaps make a positive difference in their lives. In today’s fast paced world, we often fail to take the proper time to reflect on the special people in our lives and how much they mean to us.  Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a tragic event for us to realize how truly blessed we are.

Note: This is the updated blog which includes links to song s Bill Atkins performed, listened to often and loved. Many of these songs were taken from the musical tribute at Billy’s funeral service.

 I was honored to have been asked to arrange the music at Mr. Atkins funeral memorial. I have added other songs which may not have been appropriate for the funeral service or dropped due to time constraints.

This is only a minute segment of his taste and love for good music. Please click on any RED link - to hear and see a small part of his spirited life.

A week ago, I learned of the sudden passing of my best friend- Billy Atkins. Our bond lasted 40 years. His legacy will last much longer!

Billy’s older brother Donald “Tudor” Atkins was the guitarist for The Music Explosion. Bill was very proud of Tudor’s musical accomplishments. The Music Explosion had a top 10-hit with “Little Bit O’ Soul” in 1967.

We attended school together in Lexington, Ohio and became friends.

I attended my first rock concert with Billy and Trent Edgerton. William drove us down to the French Field House on the campus of The Ohio State University to hear Spooky Tooth, Fleetwood Mac, and the headliners- Uriah Heep. We would see Uriah Heep perform many times during our friendship.

 In 1971, William joined a band called “Avery”. The hard rockin’ quartet consisted of Kirk Luther on (Hammond B3 organ), Steve Haverfield (drums), Stan Diener (guitar) and Billy Atkins playing his Hoffner “Beatle” bass guitar.

The band played locally at WJ’s Club on Walker Lake Road (fantastic club) and The Hide-Away located on North Main Street in downtown Mansfield, Ohio (Jimmy Papas ran the establishment). Surprisingly Avery were respected enough to play at Fergies BlueNote and another all-black bar located on the square of Mansfield, Ohio.

The band performed songs by hard rock bands such as:  Black Sabbath, Bloodrock, Cactus, Deep Purple,  Jo Jo Gunne, Led Zeppelin, Spirit  and Uriah Heep.  Avery played several original catchy tunes which were co-written by Billy Atkins.

In 1972, Avery competed in two different “Battle of the Bands Contests” held in Columbus, Ohio on the same day. Avery won both events.

 I can still visualize Billy performing “Gypsy” by Uriah Heep with his bass guitar- above his head, behind his neck and behind his back (backwards). People were amazed at his showmanship. I was stunned- he was only 15 years old!

Following the breakup of Avery, William joined Don Brody, violin virtuoso- Brad Oviatt and the talented Craig “Haskell” Gandert on harp (harmonica) for a bluegrass project. By this time, besides being talented on acoustic guitar, Bill had picked-up the mandolin. The band played many fast-paced Bluegrass numbers with relative ease.

In the mid-1970’s, Country/Rock music was taking off. Mr. Atkins was already inspired by artists such as: The Byrds, Poco, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Eagles, and Jackson Browne. California was the “melting pot” for Country/Rock. So, he loaded up his Volkswagen Beetle and headed to California! His friends missed him dearly.

A couple of years passed with Billy living in San Diego, California and finally we heard the good news. Strike up the band-Billy was coming home!

Attending concerts  and clubs with musical entertainment played a prominent role in our lives together.

On Saturday evenings, Billy and several of us would travel to Cleveland, Ohio, book rooms at The Holiday Inn on Lakeside Avenue, take a taxi cab to 1730 East 24^th Street and catch the Cleveland based band- Souvenir at The Cleveland Agora.

Those were legendary nights of friends and music at the “old” Cleveland Agora.

Billy always had a soft spot in his heart for bands from Ohio. Glass Harp featuring Phil Keaggy on guitar was one of his early favorite bands. Breathless, The James Gang, The Michael Stanley Band, Owen B, The Raspberries and Pure Prairie League often graced his turntable and he attended their concerts when possible.

His small bedroom at his Mom’s home was fittingly setup using his own PA system for speakers. Quite powerful, their presence let you immediately know how serious he took his music!

Anytime I would call Billy and discuss bad news, he would ask me over to his house and before I knew it (after listening to me vent) he would slap a record on his turntable or pickup his acoustic guitar and sing a song too uplift my spirits. Before you knew it, he had you smiling and your problems were forgotten.

Just like the lyrics of one of his favorite songs by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band “Bayou Jubilee”-Billy could make you “forget about your troubles with a party and a song.”

Helping family and friends was something William always found the time for. He never put himself above the needs of others.

Whether it was an all-night chat while driving around in his Volkswagen, a job, a hot meal, a place to stay, or just getting together-Billy was always there.

I never once heard him complain or regress. Somehow, he understood a role that was one of his greatest assets.

His smile, the twinkling of his eyes and upbeat spirit always made us feel special.

Billy probably saved my life and the lives of others many nights, driving me around chatting until I was sober enough to make it home. He would have gladly driven me home, but I’d rather spend those nights in his company.

Strangely, he shared the same idea of my next book on the subject of Ohio Rock History. Without him knowing, I was already planning this adventure. He would have played a major role in providing me information throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s.

The upcoming book will be dedicated to William Atkins. Music played an important role in his life.

I always wanted to put a band together with Billy. We discussed this a month ago. I had just joined Street Foxx. He shared the same thought and he assured me it would come about down the road.

Knowing Billy, he already has a band waiting in Heaven. They are probably making a “joyful noise” consisting of a fog machine, blasting PA system, the swirling sound of a Hammond B3, soaring guitar riffs and a bass player in vibrant perfect health- grinning from ear to ear.

Billy,

I loved you like a brother. You were my closest friend for 40 years.

I could never repay what you given me.

I will spend each day “paying forward” your message of hope!

May God Bless You and hold you in the palm of His hand.

Your spirit is free.

To have known you was a blessing.

To walk beside you was a gift!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells-The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com