Yes, we know the great one time Deep Purple and James Gang guitarist died in 1976, but Great Gypsy Soul, out on March 26, features outtakes and alternate versions of his solo material, with current musicians playing and singing along to Bolin’s own guitar and vocal recordings.

Here’s the track listing for the CD:

1. The Grind (with Peter Frampton)
2. Teaser (Warren Haynes)
3. Dreamer (Myles Kennedy, Nels Cline)
4. Savannah Woman (John Scofield)
5. Smooth Fandango (Derek Trucks)
6. People, People (Big Sugar and Gordie Johnson)
7. Wild Dogs (Brad Whitford)
8. Homeward Strutt (Steve Lukather)
9. Sugar Shack (Glenn Hughes and Sonny Landreth)
10. Crazed Fandago (Steve Morse)
11. Lotus (with Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Nels Cline)

There’s also a deluxe edition, with the following tracks on a bonus CD:

1. Flying Fingers (Oz Noy and Nels Cline)
2. Marching Bag – Movement One (Nels Cline, Tommy Bolin, Greg Hampton, John Scofield, Sonny Landreth)
3. Marching Bag – Movement Two (Nels Cline, Tommy Bolin, Steve Lukather, Derek Trucks, Peter Frampton)
4. Marching Bag – Movement Three (Gordie Johnson, Tommy Bolin, Nels Cline, Oz Noy, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Joe Bonamassa)
5. Marching Bag – Movement Four (Nels Cline, Tommy Bolin, Warren Haynes, Joe Bonamassa, Oz Noy, Brad Whitford, Peter Frampton)

The album is out on May 21 in an exclusive Classic Rock Fan Pack form – providing a unique collectable package containing the studio album with bonus tracks, alongside a specially created magazine with unseen behind-the-scenes content put together by Classic Rock.

The Fan Pack format will also come with free gifts including a pin badge and artwork poster and will be available to buy via more than 2000 retail outlets on newsstands nationally as well as the traditional high street and online music retailers.

Roadrunner Records will simultaneously release the record digitally. The standard physical release of the Slash album will follow through Roadrunner Records on June 18.

The album, currently being produced by Eric Valentine, doesn’t yet have a title. But it sees Slash working with vocalist Myles Kennedy, bassist Todd Kerns and drummer Brent Fitz.

Pre-order your Fan Pack here.

The band will be playing at the Download Festival in June.

See Slash and his band  in action in the studio here.

Find out more at www.slashonline.com

Here they are:

Megadeth

Slash featuring Myles Kennedy

Black Label Society

Kyuss Lives!

As I Lay Dying

Steel Panther

Billy Talent

Rise Against

Fear Factory

Five Finger Death Punch

Terrorvision

Periphery

Ginger Wildheart

Reckless Love

Find out more at www.downloadfestival.co.uk

Words: Malcolm Dome

It’s a busy time to be a Pink Floyd fan, with their whole catalogue being  overhauled by EMI. Wish You Were Here is the latest album to get the deluxe treatment. This is now available in what’s being called Immersion and Experience formats, with lots of extras spicing up the classic original. Something for dedicated Floyd fans.

Floyd  have also just released the compilation A Foot In The Door – The Best Of Pink Floyd. This has 16 of their most iconic tracks, selected by the band to provide what they believe is an introduction to their music. Hard to argue with the choice of material, as it does represent some of the finest moments in music over the last 40 years and more.

Curved Air have also had a massive reissues campaign, with their first eight albums now available again through Repertoire. Their early work still sounds supreme and idiosyncratic, with the Airconditioning, Second Album and Phantasmagoria albums especially enticing. These were all done by the band in their first flush of inventiveness, before they split up in 1972.

There are so may releases from Rush at the moment that it’s easy to dismiss Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland (Roadrunner) as just another live album from the Canadian greats. But it does capture the band in quite breathtaking form, on a set that crosses the years. Maybe not quite as spectacular as All The World’s A Stage, nonetheless it does underscore that Rush are still among the most vital live acts around.

Rick Wakeman offers five CDs on Caped Crusader Collectors Club: Bootleg Box Vol. 2 (Repertoire), which is a boxed set of live recordings, the earliest of which goes back to 1974 and the most recent is from 1997. It takes in some of his best solo work, as well as showcasing his vast musical aspirations and comedic moments. Fun in a suitably proggie manner, even if the sound quality is variable. The recording from Crystal Palace in 1974 was obviously done on a cassette from close to the back of the crowd. You can even hear conversations going on around the bootlegger.

Slash offers three formats for Live – Made In Stoke (Eagle Vision). You can get the Blu-ray, DVD or CD of his performance in the city where he  spent some of his formative years. Recorded and filmed on July 24 this year, when he played his first ever gig in Stoke, it underlines his prowess and acumen as a master craftsman and entertainer, in a set that spans his career to date. And Myles Kennedy’s vocals are stunning.

Roy Wood has been on the scene for about 45 years. A prime force with The Move and then early Electric Light Orchestra, Wood has created a breathtaking catalogue of brilliant songs, taking in pop, classical, metal and jazz motifs. Music Box (EMI) is a double CD that spotlights just why he should be revered as a songwriter, musician, visionary as well as for being downright bonkers!

Talking of bonkers, that’s the only way to describe the latest album from Acid Mothers Temple And The Melting Paraiso U.F.O. Not to beat about the surreal bush, Riffer At The Heavens Gates Of Dark (Riot Season) is an ethereal dreamscape, ambiently spiritual and a space rock trip leaping right off the edge of the furthest corner of reality. It is compulsive, in an astral projection kind of way. Because it does make you feel as if you are removed from all connections with our dimension.

Acid Empire are a progressively inclined band, with lush orchestral ideas and melodic calmness, plus a real metallic significance. Their self-titled debut is dramatic, pugnacious yet surprisingly sophisticated. A real find, with Damian Wilson guesting on vocals for the song Into The Void. Find out more at http://acid-empire.com

Finally, the documentary God Bless Ozzy Osbourne (Eagle Vision) shows Ozzy in a different light to the way he’s usually portrayed. Made by his son Jack, this is not the baffled buffoon or stumbling clown we’re so used to seeing. It’s a more thoughtful, but no less entertaining, man. The DVD includes extra scenes.

Words: Malcolm Dome

Acclaimed as one of the best albums of 2010, the self-titled debut from Slash (Roadrunner) has now been reissued on a deluxe format. The added extras are three acoustic tracks with Myles Kennedy on vocals and a DVD. Is it worth getting this album a second time for these? Your choice.  But the acoustic performances (including Velvet Revolver and Guns N’ Roses covers) are good, while the DVD is entertaining and informative.

The continual resurgence of back catalogue reissues from Savatage continues with Gutter Ballet (earMUSIC). Originally released in 1989, this is one of the great albums from the band, bringing together orchestration and power in a surging collection of songs with epic soul and esoteric passion. Perhaps more relevant now than 20 years ago.

You always know what you’ll get from Robin Trower. And The Playful Heart (V-12/Repertoire) fits right into the pattern. Some wonderfully evocative guitar moments on sumptuous songs, with the vocals of Davey Pattison very impressive. If you enjoy what Trower does then this will delight you. It plays to his strengths as a musician and songwriter.

From Sweden, Machinae Supremacy are now on tour in the UK, opening for Children Of Bodom. So, The Beat Of Our Decay (Spinefarm) is a rather timely compilation. It has tracks from their last three albums, and shows the way this band have matured from being almost industrial-lite pop rock band to becoming a formidable, epic metal beast. There’s also a cover included of Lady Gaga’s Paparazzi, which is really thunderous.

While we wait for the release of new U.D.O. album Rev Raptor, a four-track EP titled Leatherhead (AFM) gives us all a taste of what’s to come. There will be inevitable comparisons between this and the recent Accept album Blood Of The Nations. The problem here is that the songs are somewhat superficial and never really open up. This has more to do with the format than any lack of writing or musical talent. Hopefully, the full length album will be far sturdier.

The Trews are Canadians with a real penchant for intelligent pop rock. Hope & Ruin (Bumstead)  is their fourth studio album, and it is an emotional rollercoaster. There’s real depth here, with some wonderful playing augmenting songs blessed with subtle melodies and potent lyricism. Early Bryan Adams with touches of Rush.

Often overlooked, Blue Oyster Cult’s 1985 album Club Ninja (Lemon) suffers through comparisons with what had gone before. However this reissue, with a much more elaborate and firm mix, is a reminder that there are some stunning songs. Dancin’ In The Ruins, Perfect Water and Shadow Warriors would all have been hailed as classics had they been on the Fire Of Unknown Origin or The Revolution By Night albums.

Finally, a slice of terminally tempestuous metal from Australian cult heroes Destroyer666. To The Devil His Due (Hellsheadbangers). This is actually a collection of the band’s early seven inch singles, long since out of print. While you expect brutality, what surprises is the deep lying groove in each song. A stunning compilation.

Called The iTunes Session, it features vocalist Myles Kennedy and has the following track listing:

1.  Back to Cali
2. Communication Breakdown (Led Zeppelin cover)
3. Fall To Pieces
4. Rocket Queen
5. Starlight
6. Sucker Train Blues

You can purchase a copy here.

The guitarist filed the papers in August, citing irreconcilable difference with his wife Perla, whom he married in 2001. Now it seems the pair have sorted out their problems.

On the musical front. Slash release an expanded edition of his self-titled, debut album on March 7.The CD will not only have the original album, but also bonus acoustic versions of Back To Cali, Fall To Pieces and Sweet Child O’Mine, all with Myles Kennedy on vocals.  There will also be a DVD, with promo videos, live footage and a documentary on the making of the album. The full track listing for this is:

1. Making Of The Album (documentary)

2. Back From Cali (live from the Roxy in Hollywood)

3. By The Sword (promo video)

4. Making Of By The Sword Video

5. Back From Cali (promo video)

6. Beautiful Dangerous (promo video)

7. Starlight (live from MTV Classic launch)

8. Mean Bone (live from MTV Classic launch)

9. Track by track interview with Slash

Find out more at http://www.slash.ultimate-guitar.com/

WHERE: Newcastle O2 Academy

WHEN: Monday, October 17

The welcome return of a band who’ve become very popular with UK audiences since they released their debut album, One Day Remains, in 2004. Now as, they put out new album ABIII (their third) vocalist Myles Kennedy, guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips are back, playing bigger venues than ever.

This comes after a period when Alter Bridge have taken a brief break. While Kennedy’s been working with Slash, the other three were part of a Creed reunion. But, the forntman feels trhis has, if anything, sharpened them up.

“I think the fact that Mark, Scott and Brian were touring with Creed and I was out with Slash kept our road chops in tact. There was very little down time between tours which kept musical atrophy from setting in.”

Kennedy also feels the band now better than ever, with the new album taking them into new areas.

“Though I felt like we found our voice as a band by the time we completed Blackbird (their second album, released in 2007), the general consensus is that our sound moved into a darker and heavier direction both lyrically and musically with AB III. Maybe by the time we record AB IV we will evolve into something completely different. Perhaps we will integrate some disco into our jams…nah, I’m kidding!”

The band’s live set this time around will be divided between the three albums to date. Sadly, though, they won’t be doing any of those trademark covers, which have delighted audiences in the past.

“We will probably just stick with our songs on this run. A lot of folks, who have been following us over the years, have mentioned that they would prefer to hear a set comprised of nothing but AB tracks this time around.”

You can expect the four members to be very busy next year as well.

“We are going to find a good balance with all of our musical endeavours. With that said, some of us will be on the road nonstop for a long time to come. I can speak for myself and say that in the immediate future,  There is no such thing as “home” in the traditional sense. The road is home.”

After Newcastle, the band have the following shows lined-up in England:

Oct. 19: Manchester Academy

Oct. 20: Nottingham Rock City

Oct. 22: London Hammersmith Apollo

Oct. 23: Southampton Guildhall

Oct. 25: Birmingham O2 Academy

Oct. 26: Bristol Colston Hall

Find out more at www.alterbridge.com

Words: Malcolm Dome

Voodoo Six are one of those Brit bands who’ve been threatening a breakthrough for some while. Well, Fluke? (Powerage) could just be the album to do the trick. It introduces new vocalist Luke Purdie, who’s edgy style suits the songs.  This could be an important time for the Six.

Stringer Beasant are Gary Stringer and Jack Beasant from Reef. And, thankfully their debut album together, Yard  (Xtra Mile) doesn’t sound like Reef. Only because there would be no point in doing an album that’s merely a copy of what you do in that band. This is more acoustic, introspective and laidback. But showcases Stringers’s voice rather well, and also Beasant’s guitar talent.

Joanne Shaw Taylor is a blues rocker who really is the true deal. Diamonds In The Dirt (Ruf) is a low-slung selection of gritty songs, with Taylor’s voice telling a life lived in bars and hustling on the road. Which may or may not be true, but the combination of that voice and some sharply observed guitar work makes this something of a killer.

Kobra And The Lotus are Canadians who’ve got an almost British sense of power and urgency. Out Of The Pit, their debut, rides high on the NWOBHM era, with vocalist Brittany Paige providing some modern swagger. Of interest here is that not only is producer Kevin Shirley involved, but so is Greg Godovitz, and some of you might recall him from Goddo, a cult Canadian from the late 1970s. He’s produced all the music here. The band tour the UK next month, and you can find out more at www.kobraandthelotus.com

The return of Strangeways has been heralded by some as the AOR equivalent of finding Elvis’ false teeth buried at the bottom of your garden. In other words, it’s momentous for aficionados, but puzzles everyone else. Now, the Scottish rockers did come up with a couple of gems in the 1980s, and Perfect World (Frontiers) is a genuine grower. With American vocalist Terry Brock back, the band don’t go for the obvious, but deliver an album that gets better with every listen. Classy stuff.

Cradle Of Filth have, it must be admitted, been treading water for a while. Once the proud leaders of a new dawn in the black metal world, in recent times they’ve been left somewhat behind by defter and dafter bands, who’ve been prepared to try out fresh ideas. However, Darkly, Darkly Venus Aversa (AbraCadaver/Peaceville) sees Dani Filth et al slowly clawing back lost ground. By no means a masterpiece, but a return to more brutal basics, and better use of orchestration than has been the case on the last few albums, makes this nightmarish fairy tale a decent descent into Hell, Filth style.

By contrast Dimmu Borgir have been getting more elaborate and expansive with each album. The danger always was that the Norwegians would one day place style over substance. Well, that day has arrived. Abrahadabra (Nuclear Blast) is much ado about not a lot. There are massive symphonic statements and sweepingly portentious epics. But it all feels vacuous and a little pointless. Shame.

Given the fact that all four members have been otherwise occupied recently, the third Alter Bridge album could easily have ended up as an afterthought. But ABIII (Roadrunner) is their best yet. Perhaps the time apart, when Creed reunited and vocalist Myles Kennedy got involved with Slash’s solo project, has done them a power of good. This is everything you want from the band, only taken to a new level.

King Crimson continue their campaign of reissues to celebrate their 40^th anniversary. Beautifully packaged and wonderfully remastered, both In The Wake Of Poseidon and Islands (Panegyric) sound better than ever. Each comes with a bonus DVD, which includes 5.1 surround sound remixes.

Finally, a weighty book on AC/DC. High Voltage Rock ’N’ Roll: The Ultimate Illustrated History (Voyageur Press) has been put together by veteran British journalist Phil Sutcliffe. It’s stuffed with good photos (some rather rare) and info, although most of the latter will already be well known to fans. However, the idea isn’t to give an amazingly new insight into the band (no revelations here about Bon Scott actually planning to do a six-hour opera, based on the life of Kierkegaard!), but to celebrate their achievements. It does this rather well. It is a hard back book, therefore slightly more expensive, but with Xmas coming up, time to persuade someone this is the ideal pressie.

This has been expanded to three discs. There are to be two CDs, including 13 bonus tracks such as demos, plus a 52-minute DVD with behind the scenes footage on the making of the album, and also live performances from Los Angeles and Australia.

Slash has also told The Pulse Radio that he intends to tour next year, with Myles Kennedy remaining on vocals, despite his commitments to Alter Bridge:

“We have it set up so that he does Alter Bridge from October ’til January. And then we start up January through May or April. And then he does Alter Bridge from May through — into July, and then we do July through August, September. And so we’re just juggling. And then during those periods that we’re off, I’m doing Velvet Revolver and hopefully we’ll find a singer and get that together.”

Find out more at http://slash.ultimate-guitar.com/