Simon Barrett

The newest album from San Francisco-based rocker Ray Vaughn may be called Wounded Bird, but he’s really more like a phoenix rising from the ashes of a forgotten San Francisco music scene. Wounded Bird picks up where his last solo album left off, and now Ray Vaughn’s songs have grown from the more stripped down singer/songwriter arrangements of Way Down Low to full-band productions. Ray’s new album will be released worldwide both physically and digitally on November 4, 2016, through his own independent record label, Rayoso Music.  

Another busy week, Clinton is fighting Wikileaks and Trump Gropegate. I wonder if this is what the american people want to really put this at the forefront when the election is 3 weeks from now? I personally don't think so, I would much prefer to hear policy discussions, but that does not seem to interest either of them.

The good news is that the election is a month away.I for one will be glad when it is all over. Trump has not had a great week, the audio tape from 2005 is unlikely to help him in his quest to court the votes of women. The timing was priceless, it took the wind out of the sails of Wikileaks

Much to the excitement of music aficionados worldwide, prog legends Stick Men will be releasing their new album “Prog Noir” on October 21, 2016. It is now available for pre-order as a single disc edition and a super deluxe box set, which contains an additional bonus CD with exclusive material, a double vinyl version of the album, a t-shirt and poster. The band, featuring members of King Crimson, has also released a new lyric video for the track, The Tempest’ A departure from their previous efforts, “Prog Noir” includes song oriented material, featuring vocals on several tracks. Says Tony Levin, “The album is somewhere between being the best of our current compositions, and having a unifying concept overall. Part way through the our recording process, the ‘Prog Noir’ title, lyrics and idea came up – it sort of shone a dark, noir light on what had come before, and it influenced what came after (including some ‘noir’ instrumental interludes that will be part of the box set version.) For me that’s a good way to

Inspired by the unspoken and hidden truths behind our daily reality, “Emergent” is the third in a trilogy of collaborative works by bassist Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree/Metallic Taste of Blood/O.R.k etc) and experimental US guitarist Jon Durant, under the working name Burnt Belief.   “Emergent” builds on the duo's previous work whilst still exploring the fundamental aspects that define Burnt Belief's sonic world, namely hypnotic rhythmic elements seamlessly blended with lush guitar led soundscapes and deep ambient atmospherics. “Emergent” also showcases the intense and unpredictable, yet satisfying guitar playing from Durant, who manages to tame elemental, skittish and frequently unsettling tones, by subtly wrapping them in layers of magnetic aura. Drumming throughout is Vinny Sabatino, who brings an inventive, muscular and precise beat to complement Colin Edwin's expansive and expressive fretless and upright basses.

The Trump v Clinton battle rumbles on, mostly fueled by zealots from the left and right.

Much to the anticipation of guitarists worldwide, guitar virtuoso Gustavo Assis-Brasil has released a new album “Chromatic Dialogues”! The tracks were conceived and recorded in Boston, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh during the Fall of 2015, and brought to Grammy winner engineer Dave Darlington for mixing and mastering at Bass Hit Studios, New York City, in January 2016.   Says Gustavo, “The main idea of recording this album was to combine compositions with improvised musical dialogues (duets). The result was an original blending of spontaneous instrumental conversations with intricate and introspective musical statements.

So we have the most negative presedential race in living memory. Why is that?

Charles Xavier, aka “The Xman,” is a visionary producer, composer, electronic musician and percussionist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a work ethic matched only by his creative madness, Xavier is releasing his sixth full-length album, Happy Note Records Sampler 2016, on October 14, 2016. This powerful new compilation spans 20 plus years of The Xman’s releases, featuring contributions from Satori, The Messengers, and genres including Jazz, Electronic, New Age and Ambient music. In the past 30 years, Xavier has built multiple businesses, was a key contributor to a million-dollar audio recording business, and has undertaken several endeavors in music. His own independent record label Happy Note Records is a multifaceted entertainment company promoting “Unconventional Music for Unconventional Minds.”

Another busy week in politics. Clinton takes a page out of the trump playbook and abuses his supporters. Matt Lauer is accused of giving Trump an easy time in his 'Town Hall'.  

Another busy week. A question for you  all, The IRS handed down a fine for illegal political contributions made by which foundation? a) Clintton Foundation or b) Trump Foundation? What is Trumps position regards Mexico? Wednesday left me confused. Does clinton have a memory problem?

Known for (what the band likes to call) Modern Classic Rock, Neon Alley takes you back to an era when Rock wasn’t about making a quick buck, but about songs written and performed from the heart. I will be talking to David Vaccaro about his new venture Neon Alley, It is loud, it is brash, it is exactly what Classic Rock should be.

The fight for the White House gets stranger and strnger by the hour. The Trumpers and Trumpettes want Clinton in jail. The Clinton supporters are shouting from the rooftops that Trump is unfit to host a childrens birthday paty at Chucky Cheese, never mind be CIC. The polls are showing one clear thing, the electorate do not like either of them. 75% are voting for someone because they just hate the other one. This begs the question, is 2016 going to see a record turn out? Record high or record low?

The Trump roundabout of who is running his campaign continuues. The Olympics are concluding, Clinton fights to shake off 'them damn emails'.

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Billy Livesay and his band The Livesays will be releasing their new album “Hold On... Life Is Calling” on October 3, 2016! Memorable pop-rock tunes, soulful vocals, wailing slide guitar and riveting live performances are The Livesays signature. Best known for his work with Bruce Springsteen sax legend Clarence Clemons, Billy Livesay's new album is an exciting collection of Neo-Classic Rock gems born, raised and developed in the heat of south Florida.

Much to the excitement of music fans worldwide, alternative Christian blues rock guitarist singer/songwriter Lloyd Miller will be releasing his new EP titled “Light Is Rising” on July 9, 2016! This is Lloyd's sophomore release and once again shares a message of inspiration and hope.

Prog duo Middlesong has release a new three-song EP titled “Directions” featuring YES legend Billy Sherwood. With Joe Schneider (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Phil Tomczak (keyboards, guitars), Middlesong has heavy Prog and Classic Rock influence, along with hints of Folk, Pop and Americana. Middlesong's eclectic sources produce a universal sound that musicians and non-musicians will appreciate!

Our weekly look at politics  and current events. Trump has had yet another bumpy week, with most of the problems being self inflicted. Clinton seems to have taked a page out of the Trump playbook, don't let the facts get in the way of the story. All eyes are on Rio for the Olympic games, and true to form NBC has irked viewers by timr delaying the broadcast of the opening ceremony. Will they never learn?

Much has been made of the Dem and Gop conventions. But does any of it matter? I read a rather interestng comment by my son who lives in Canada. He extolled the virtues of the canadian system which is a 6 party rather than 2 party system. As this creates a situation where there can never be a clear majority the waring factions are forced to work together. We alas prefer gridlock. Can anything change this?

It has been a busy week. It was revealed what ailes Fox News, The GOP had their convention, unfortunately most of the press coverage involved Melania Trumps borrowed speach and Ted Cruz's un-endorsement of Trump. The Dems kick off their Conventions on monday, and already there are issues, DNC Debbie seems to be in trouble.