UNISONIC Live at Wacken earMUSIC [Release date 21.07.17]
Unisonic are the band formed by ex-Helloween members Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen (of Gamma Ray fame), joined by Denis Ward (Pink Cream 69 and many production credits), Mandy Meyer (Asia/Krokus) and drummer Kosta Zafiriou (ex-Pink Cream 69) – he bowed out after this gig to retire from music and focus on management.
The band have released two studio albums and a couple of EP’s to date, so they have a decent catalogue to draw upon for this gig. They have a sound not unlike Gamma Ray and Helloween as you’d expect, although Unisonic go for a harder rock sound and less metal in parts than those aforementioned bands.
Recorded at last year’s Wacken the band sound in good form, with a couple of Helloween covers in the set, namely ‘A Little Time’ and ‘March Of Time’. Of the band’s own tunes ‘Star Rider’ and the Iron Maiden sounding ‘My Sanctuary’ are the pick of the bunch.
Unisonic seem to be on hiatus for now as both Kiske and Hansen are involved in the upcoming Helloween reunion tour dates. Until we get any new songs from Unisonic this live CD and DVD will do for now. ***1/2
Review by Jason Ritchie
RON POPE Work www.ronpopemusic.com [Release date 18.08.17]
I reviewed the Ron Pope & the Nighthawks album at the start of 2016 and very impressive it was. Now Ron Pope has a solo album out and he is joined by Jay Collins on sax (Gregg Allman Band), Mike Riddleberger (drums), Andrew Pertes (bass), Kai Welch (keys/accordion), Jeff Malinowski (guitar), Alex Brumel (guitar/pedal steel) and Charles Ray (flugelhorn/trumpet).
Like the Nighthawks album Ron Pope delves into a few musical pots, be a little of the Rolling Stones/Black Crowes on the insanely catchy ‘Let’s Get Stoned’ or the Americana flavoured ‘Can’t Stay Here’.
The title track again shows what a strong lyricist Ron Pope is with the refrain ‘Working to live beats living to work anytime’ – a sentiment many can relate to. The music on the song suits the lyric perfectly – gentle guitar, a little accordion and a gentle swish on the drums.
Do yourself a favour and grab this album when it comes out as Ron Pope captures the everyday in such a succinct way. Strong voice, lyrics and wonderful music, what’s not to like? ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.
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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
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