Graydon & Goodrum ='s a big "JaR" of success!

Well this continues to be a great year for some very solid records (yeah I still call em' that). Just when I thought you can't touch Lukather or Champlin this year out comes a fantastic new project from session ace's Jay Graydon & Randy Goodrum. The new project has them combining their talents to form a project simply titled "JaR." The recording, titled "Scene 29," is a 11 track gem of top notch musicianship, with crafty songwriting, featuring stellar vocals from both. That is the one thing I always "dug" about the both of them. Always known as great producers, songwriters and session players, Graydon and Goodrum really shine when they are out front. They step out front in a big way on this project. Some are saying it sounds like an homage to Donald & Walter but I think it is 110% Jay & Randy. If anything I think Fagen & Becker might be jealous after listening to this project! All the cuts are great, but "GPS" has to be one of the coolest songs ever written.

Besides the great vocal harmonies, there are so many infectious grooves on this recording that you will need to phone a Dr! Graydon's guitar solo's only get better. He is such a clean and tasty player and Goodrum's keyboard parts are both funky yet layered with a heavy dose of jazz chord structures that are very pleasing to any set of ears.

You really can't put a label on this record, nor would I want to. It is flavored with Pop, Jazz, what they call AOR and even R&B. I call it a superb record by two guys who really deserve high props for what is just a big "JaR" of success. Do yourself a favor and find this record. You can thank me later.

Find it at:

http://www.jarzone.com

Brian Pearson

Deacon Grooves Media

Chicago, IL

Bill Champlin's New Album Hits 9/23

Yep, the baddest blue eyed soul cat on the planet, Mr. Bill Champlin drops his new solo release on us in a digital way, Tuesday, September 23rd via iTunes and Amazon.com. "Funky as a 3 day old band-aid," is nothing more than an understatement when describing this new project. The well-versed Champlin truly is a gift to the music biz and is someone who has always risen above the industry's bland, predictable and repetitive scene.

If you dig soulful singing from the gut, fat B3 grooves, intricate harmonies, arrangements that are off the hook and top rate musicianship it is classic Champlin, and then some. You won't find a more talented guy in the biz (or nicer one for that matter). Do yourself a favor and follow this blog to Bill's website where you will find the motherload of all things Champlin.

http://www.billchamplin.net

As I was needing a Champlin fix over the past few years this was well worth the wait. Look for a special retail CD & DVD package coming soon! Also look for a "feature piece" review once I get the full length project.



Brian Pearson
Deacon Grooves Media

Steve Lukather's "Ever Changing Times"

I have to admit, I was bummed out when it was announced that Toto is no more but if this is what I have to look forward to then this writer is one very happy fan. Anyone who really listens to and appreciates not only great music but top notch musicanship should already know about TOTO's lead guitarist, vocalist and session ace Steve Lukather. His new CD "Ever Changing Times" is about to drop here in the US and all I can say is "buckle up" because you are in for one heck of a ride. There are 11 cuts in all, each of them showing Luke's versatility and overall strength in not only being one of the best players in the biz but also showcasing his already strong vocal talents and songwriting skills. He was the driving force in TOTO for years and with this new solo offering LUKE is really given the green light to do what he does best and that is rock out. Of course he surrounds himself with some pretty bad cats too. Added to the mix is former Toto lead vocalist, Joseph Williams, bassist Lee Sklar, drummer Abe Laboriel Jr and the always soulful Bill Champlin who all lend their talents to this project. From the rockin' title cut to the Donald & Walter inspired "Stab In The Back," this CD will NOT be one you skip from track to track. It is by far the best CD of 2008. Do yourself a favor and check it out and catch Steve on tour this summer in the USA.

One of my fave' video's on YouTube. Luke, meeting one of his guitar heroes. Like a little kid in a candy store..


Find all that info and more at: http://www.stevelukather.net

Brian Pearson
Deacon Grooves Media
Chicago

Journey Is Back !

Tomorrow marks the day of Journey's return to the music world. Though I was never a huge fan I always appreciated Steve Perry's legendary voice as well as Neal Schon's passion to keep the band going. He had a vision starting his own band while he was a member of Carlos Santana's band in the early 70's. Through many changes, as most bands go through the true magic of this band happened in the late 70's when Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain & Steve Smith joined the band. Millions of records sold, followed by sold out tours and several hit records made this band one of the biggest selling acts in music history. Then came the fall out. As many know Steve Perry announced that he needed hip replacement surgery. Not knowing who to side with the band waited it out for Perry's return yet he never had the surgery. This led to a split as well as Journey continuing on with 2 new lead singers that really never recaptured the true sound of Journey. By doing this their loyal fan base was also split, some siding with the band while the other sided with Perry, waiting for him to return to where he belonged.

Fast forward to 2007 and Neal Schon is surfing the web and comes across this video clip on YouTube.

As you can see and hear, an amazing voice with a remarkable story to go with it. If this story does not move you then there is something wrong with you.

It's such a great story proving to all that you never know what can happen during life's "journey." The new album which is a special 2 CD and DVD package hits all Wal Mart retail locations tomorrow.

I couldn't think of a better title than "Revelation."

BP
Deacon Grooves Media
6.2.2008