Blues

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Band

Michael Lee Firkins announces new tour dates

September 23, 2014

One of our highlights from the Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3 was the great performance by Michael Lee Firkins.  It was amazing as always to watch and Michael is captivating on guitar. He brought the perfect fusion of blues and rock to life at the venue and everyone was enjoying it. Michael has announced a string of tour dates for October and November. Check out the dates below and see if he will be coming to a venue near you: To get you ready, check out the photos by our Rockin Ryan of Michael’s performance at the Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3.  When Michael plays, you are drawn to him as he stuns the crowd with his slide playing, singing and fueling the crowd with funky rockin blues. The notes and tones he brings out truly highlight the extreme talent as a guitar player. I would highly recommend you picking up his latest album, Yep which was released last October. You can pick it up on iTunes here.  Make sure to visit his social [Read More]

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Blues

Ray Goren displays such a maturity with his spectacular songwriting on his new EP Save My Soul

September 23, 2014

  Ray Goren may be only 14 but you would have never guessed with the talent and maturity that he displays in his new EP, Save My Soul. This is one talented young man who has everyone taking notice. His new EP which features 5 emotionally driven songs that will take you on a musical journey of loss, love, hope and so much more. His ability to create a connection with the listener through his songs at such a young age, has me excited for what the future holds for him. The EP was produced by Justin Glasco and John Sosin and  shows the maturity and songwriting of a master craftsman. Like his previous EP “LA Sessions” (produced by Eddie Kramer), Goren played guitar parts and other instruments while his producers added additional instrumentation and Chaun Horton added drums. One of my favorite tracks is the inspirational and moving song, Rise Together. It will grab your attention and awaken your senses. The bluesy title track of Save My Soul has such a smooth groove to it [Read More]

Band

The Iron Heart truly brings passion into their hard rock style and is a Phoenix Theater highlight

September 11, 2014

The Iron Heart is a powerful hard rock trio from Napa that melts influences of blues and even punk which is quite welcoming. We caught them perform last Saturday at The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma. They were the headlining set after BullyWest, Kingsborough and Bad Jones, and really made a bold statement with their music. All the bands were great that night and I hope you take the time to check them all out. The Iron Heart capped it all off with an energetic hard rocking blues infused set. The Iron Heart is: Thomas Fine – Vocals/Guitar Justin Altamura – Bass Joel Fennie – Drums They have a great hard rock style and it is fueled with the passionate vocals of Thomas. His soulful unique voice really evokes a lot of emotion when he sings and you can’t help but feel a connection to the music. Justin has this sexy swagger when he plays and it is infectious as you find yourself moving around with the sultry basslines.  Joel on drums brings out a great big [Read More]

Band

Bad Jones deliver a heavy dose of Rock n Roll recharge into the music scene

September 11, 2014

You might have heard from reading headlines like, Gene Simmons announces Rock Is Dead, or a dozen other people who are talking about the dwindling passion for rock n roll. I don’t buy it, I don’t believe it and with bands like Bad Jones, the flame of Rock N Roll will never be extinguished. Formerly known as Soul Pie, this Bay Area band are truly doing their part in bringing a strong resurgence into Rock infused with their blues and funk. We caught Bad Jones performing last Saturday at The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma and their were incredible! Searing vocals, stellar blues riffs, hard and edgy melodic rock that will rewaken all your senses. Their energy is fierce as they really bring their powerful sound to the forefront. I love that they have keyboards which really brings such depth to their music, something that is often missing these days. It is infectious as you can feel their music traveling through your body and pulsing through your veins. Check out some of the photos by our Rockin [Read More]

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Acoustic

Kingsborough’s set at Phoenix Theater puts them into the spotlight where they belong

September 11, 2014

Last Saturday at The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, I was able to finally catch a set of Kingsborough. I have been hearing a lot of great buzz about this band for a couple years now. We missed them this summer at Bottle Rock in Napa, and we have been waiting ever so impatiently to find the right time to see them. Well the stars aligned and the music gods made it happen. They were playing at The Phoenix and we were not going to miss them, especially for such a close show for us. Kingsborough is: Billy Kingsborough: Vocals Alex Leach: Guitar Chris Mangione: Bass John Whitney: Drums Well, they did exactly what I had expected, actually they exceeded my expectations and completely blew us away with their performance. These guys must eat adrenaline filled Wheaties because from the moment they hit the stage to the time they step off, they are giving a full 150% of their energy. When asked about their energy and if they have any pre-show rituals to harness their energy, Billy [Read More]

Americana

BullyWest proves that nothing can stop their need to Rock!

September 11, 2014

BullyWest, an indie rock band from Oakland may have had to weather a few bumps in the road, but these determined rockers prove that nothing can stand in their way and their need to ROCK! With a sound that blends grunge/rock/alternative/blues/americana and classic rock into their own unique style, they will truly capture your attention. We had the chance to see BullyWest perform at The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, last Saturday night and they blew us a way. I was bummed to have not heard of them before because it would have insured Music Junkie Press’ presence at their performances! The band has had to endure through the recent challenge of having thousands of dollars of their gear stolen at a recent show. This in no way, will stop them from forging ahead. Their fans and friends quickly stepped up with support and they held a benefit concert with Iron Heart, Six Gun Saints and other bands performing at Red Hat. They raised some money but still have an upward climb to replace their gear. [Read More]

Blues

Richie Kotzen awakens your every sense with his performance at Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3 Festival.

September 4, 2014

Last Saturday, we had an amazing time covering the Jason Becker Not Dead Yet 3 Festival at the Great American Music Hall. It was a night full of spectacular music and Richie Kotzen headlined the event after some stellar sets by  Michael Lee Firkins  Spiralarms and Ben Woods. The event which is put together by Dave Lopez and is a benefit with proceeds going towards medical supplies for Jason as well as his future care. It was a magical night where many great musicians came to honor the amazing fighting spirit of Jason as he battles ALS. Jason was in attendance with his family and friends as we all enjoyed a fantastic night of amazing music. Richie completely rocked the place and his energy on stage is unstoppable. His passion and emotion came through strongly with each note and word. Richie has one of the most powerful voices out and when he sings, his voice just travels through your body, awakening every sense, inviting you to move and then touches your heart.  It was quite an emotional [Read More]