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MELODICROCK CLASSICS LATEST

GOTHAM Cassette Classic From 1989 Reissued via MRC May 30

VISIONARY MAN Album Released From The Vault April 11 on MRC

DOUG VARTY Archive Comes To MelodicRock Classics April 11

SCHERER/BATTEN 'BattleZone' Deluxe Edition Out July 26 on MRC

RIO 'Dangerzone' Out June 30 - The Bands Second Album Repackaged & Remastered

CHRIS ANTBLAD – Collected Works Vol. One, 6CD Set Due March 29 on MRC

MARTEE LeBOW 'Rock Anthology' Gathers 80s Material & Unreleased Demos

AVION Finally Gets Official CD Release via MRC February 23

Thu

03

Apr

GOTHAM Cassette Classic From 1989 Reissued via MRC May 30

Artist:

Gotham

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

MelodicRock Classics jumps back to 1989 and teams up with classic melodic pomp rock outfit GOTHAM to release their very obscure, but very special, cassette only released one-off album ‘Home Sweet Home’.

This album has deserved the remaster treatment for years and the audio for this release is straight off the original master tapes.

The release has been re-titled ‘Pictures’ and adds 3

You might know them as Manito Park but these guys had a previous life of creating meticulously grand 80s AOR. Evoking memories of early Honeymoon Suite, Da Vinci, Touch and Le Roux, Gotham were pure and masterful 'feel-good' bliss.

Formed in the heart of Spokane, Washington, Gotham began as a trio of passionate musicians eager to leave their mark on the Pacific Northwest music scene. Lead vocalist and keyboardist Dave DuPree, vocalist and bass player Cary Bear, and vocalist and guitarist Bob Burdett first made their presence known in the small bars and resorts of Eastern Washington and North Idaho, creating a sound that resonated with both the rugged outdoors and the vibrant, gritty energy of the local scene.

In 1989, with the addition of drummer Rusty Knorr, the band transformed into the powerhouse unit that would go on to record their debut cassette release, Home Sweet Home. This bold new era for Gotham was defined by a fresh direction in sound, blending rock, pop, soulful melodies and flawless vocal harmonies into an unforgettable mix that captured the spirit of a generation.

From Spokane’s underground venues to the very heart of the Pacific Northwest music culture, Gotham’s raw energy, unforgettable hooks, and honest lyrics continue to echo through the ages. Their journey was one of persistence, a passion for live gigging, and a love for creating music. Better days, indeed.

GOTHAM ‘Pictures’ will be released worldwide by MelodicRock Classics on May 30.

Track Listing:

Gotham (Remixed and Remastered from Original Master Tapes)

01. Prelude

02. Let It Go

03. Pictures

04. Dirty Love

05. House Grey Light

06. Stolen Moments

07. Brother Sung Unhero

08. I'll Be There

BONUS TRACKS:

Manito Park (Remixed and Remastered from original Master Tapes by Max Norman)

09. Girl In Green

10. One Last Look

11. Daydreamer

Tags:

Gotham

Manito Park

Wed

02

Apr

TRILLION To Release Acclaimed EP on CD For The First Time via MRC

Artist:

Trillion

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

MelodicRock Classics is honoured to partner with classic pomp-rockers Trillion for a physical release of their acclaimed 2011 EP ‘Trillion III’.

For this occasion, the release will be re-titled ‘Ray Of Light’ and feature brand new artwork by resident MRC graphic artist Nello Dell’Omo.

The songs were written and recorded by early band members Thom Griffin, Frank Barbalace, Bill Wilkins and CJ Vanston as well as bass by Dave La Rue.

As a very special bonus, we are adding 5 solo tracks from singer/songwriter Thom Griffin to round out the release. The 5 singles were individually released digitally by Thom over over the last several years, haven’t yet been cemented into history with a physical release.

Bill Wilkins sums up the band’s feelings: “I had always wanted to pick it up again and just see what might happen. After a number of years and a move back to Chicago I decided to test the waters and see if there was any interest. Thom Griffin, Frank Barbalace and I met together at a drum clinic given by Steve Smith of Journey fame. It was the first time we'd been together in the same room in years. We weren't sure if there would be anything like the chemistry we had in the past but we were excited to find out.

We hope you'll feel the same energy and excitement that we felt writing and recording the five songs that the three of us have contributed to this CD as well as the wonderful songs that Thom has contributed with so many talented artists that you'll recognize. If you close your eyes you just might be able to see the crowds and that Golden Sun Beyond!”

Thom Griffin added a few thoughts about his solo songs: “I just recorded and released each song as it came to me. When my “music muse” pays a visit, I try to pay attention! I still love doing this, the music has never failed me!”

The Trillion III Featuring Thom Griffin release ‘Ray Of Light’ will be released via MelodicRock Classics May 30.

Track Listing:

Trillion III

01. Ray of Light

02. Golden Sun Beyond

03. She Hates Sunday

04. In My Blood

05. Innocence

Thom Griffin

06. One Last Time

07. How Long

08. One Fine Day

09. Eight Get Bye

10. Stand By My Side

Tags:

Trillion

Thom Griffin

Fri

14

Mar

DOUG VARTY 7 VISIONARY MAN Pre-Sale Open

PRE-ORDERS NOW OPEN

Audio Delivery scheduled for this weekend. Pre-orders do help MRC greatly - please consider.

Usual outlets will all carry of course.

500 of each ONLY!

http://melodicrockclassics.com

Tue

11

Mar

VISIONARY MAN Album Released From The Vault April 11 on MRC

Artist:

Visionary Man

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

MelodicRock Classics kicks off what could be the biggest year of the label’s existence yet, with two releases due April 11.

The two albums will both be part of the 500 series, meaning once gone, they’ll be gone!

Full details of the second title is as follows:

VISIONARY MAN – Visionary Man

The second title is a previously unreleased album featuring New Orleans born Dean Vallecillo (Lead and backing vocals, Bass guitars) and Dare Force and solo guitarist Brian Bart. Brian previously worked with MRC for the release of his rocking solo album ‘Future Vision’.

The band Visionary Man features 3 members of Dare Force and was recorded after the original Firepower album.

We’ll dig further into Dean and Brain’s past and the details of the band’s all too-short existence with the full press release.

Safe to say, it’s another quality slice of American melodic hard rock.

Dean has been singing since the age of 5 and began playing several instruments in school. He received his first bass guitar at the age of 13 in 1973.

From 1983 to 1989, Dean played in three of the greatest unsigned bands in the United States: Heyoka and Winterkat from San Antonio, Texas, and Minneapolis’s own Dare Force.

Brian Bart’s resume now goes back 40 years. He has been a stalwart of the Minneapolis rock scene since the start of the 80s – as a guitarist, songwriter, producer, engineer just for starters.

In recent years Brian has been the owner, engineer and producer at Logic Studios & Logic Recordings. He has recorded over 400 albums, played multiple instruments on over 150 records, including ten of his own.

Visionary Man came to life with the impending dissolution of Dare Force after the release of ‘Firepower’. Dean had already written four songs for the follow-up. Although these songs were still in their infancy stage at the time, he had a head start on what would eventually become a solo album. With his years of songwriting and studio experience, along with the production prowess and iconic guitar work of Brian Bart, Visionary Man was painstakingly assembled.

However, the completion of the Visionary Man project coincided with another significant musical shift, rendering these songs somewhat outdated—for a time. Nevertheless, Dean and Brian kept the spirit alive, believing that someday the project would find its moment.

Now, that time has come—Visionary Man!

Available for pre-order this week and out April 11. Strictly limited to 500 units only.

Direct pre-orders get the advance audio delivered same day.

Track Listing:

01. Small Change 0.40

02. Visionary Man 4.53

03. Fantasy Satisfier 4.48

04. Heart And Soul 5.45

05. Eyes On You 4.39

06. Hold On 4.47

07. All Come Home Again 5.15

08. Defiant 6.00

09. Never Cry Again 4.38

10. What Love Should Be 5.24

11. The Line In My Hand 7.44

12. One Big Change 5.39

Tags:

Tue

11

Mar

DOUG VARTY Archive Comes To MelodicRock Classics April 11

Artist:

Doug Varty

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

MelodicRock Classics kicks off what could be the biggest year of the label’s existence yet, with two releases due April 11.

The two albums will both be part of the 500 series, meaning once gone, they’ll be gone!

Full details of the first title is as follows:

DOUG VARTY – Keep The Dream Alive

‘Keep The Dream Alive’ is a compilation of unreleased material from Canadian singer/songwriter and guitarist DOUG VARTY. Doug has fronted the Doug Varty Band; recorded with legendary producers Jack Richardson (The Guess Who), Terry Brown (Rush, Blue Rodeo), and David Tyson (Hall and Oates). He won a major recording deal as “Canada’s Best New Original Act” in Labatt’s Band Warz, a Canada wide Battle of the Bands with 2000 entrants.

He’s appeared live with Bob Seger, Tina Turner, The Tragically Hip, Jeff Healey, The Beach Boys, John Mellencamp, and Rush, to name but a few. He’s toured Europe, Mexico, the USA, and Canada extensively over his career.

There have been many recordings made of Doug’s music over the years, but these tracks, some of them his most favorite songs and performances, have not seen the light of day. “I’m really excited to see the release of this album. Some of my best songs and vocals are captured on it. Happy that I finally get to share them with fans new and old.”

Available for pre-order this week and out April 11. Strictly limited to 500 units only.

Direct pre-orders get the advance audio delivered same day.

01. Keep the Dream Alive 3.32

02. Solid Ground 4.02

03. Make It All Right 3.58

04. Everybody Needs A Lover 3.03

05. Sleepwalking 3.56

06. Girl’s Already Gone 3.03

07. Just Say Hello 4.44

08. Leave My Heart Alone 3.16

09. The Right Mistakes 4.16

10. Hurricane Jane 3.36

11. Drive On 3.28

12. Sweet Temptation 2.49

13. This is My Country (Live) 5.15

14. Sleepwalking (Demo) 4.01

15. This Is My Country (Demo) 4.04

WebLinks: www.melodicrock.com / www.melodicrockclassics.com

Tags:

Doug varty

Doug Varty Band

Fri

14

Jun

VAN STEPHENSON & SCHERER/BATTEN - Pre-Orders Now Open

PRE-ORDERS NOW OPEN - http://www.melodicrockclassics.com

Fri

14

Jun

SCHERER/BATTEN 'BattleZone' Deluxe Edition Out July 26 on MRC

Artist:

Scherer/Batten

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

MelodicRock Classics dives back into the original MelodicRock Records catalogue for the fourth time to reissue an album long out of print, but still in high demand.

Scherer/Batten – ‘Battlezone’ was one of the most acclaimed releases signed to MRR. The 2017 release featured vocalist MARC SCHERER (Scherer/Peterik) and star guitarist JENNIFER BATTEN (Jeff Beck, Michael Jackson) alongside Jim Peterik and band.

For this 2024 re-issue, MRC is offering the Battlezone Deluxe Edition, which gathers the original album plus a selection of rough mixes and demo versions, plus 2 additional unreleased writing demos, ‘Change Everything’ (from MRCD9) and the bonus track ‘Blue Letter’, which previously appeared on the MRR100 compilation release.

Thanks to Danette Pahl, Marc Scherer and Jim Peterik for the assistance in getting this reissue going. It will be limited to just 500 units only.

Track Listing:

CD1:

01. Crazy Love 04:22
02. Rough Diamond 04:05
03. What Do You Really Think 04:14
04. The Sound Of Your Voice 05:14
05. Battle Zone 04:30
06. It Cuts Deep 05:59
07. The Harder I Try 04:58
08. Dreaming With My Eyes Wide Open 04:06
09. Space and Time 04:43
10. Tender Fire 05:30
11. All Roads 04:47

CD2:

01. Sound of Your Voice (Rough Mix)

02. Dreaming With My Eyes Wide Open (Demo)
03. Rough Diamond (Rough Mix)
04. What Do You Really Think (Demo)
05. Space And Time (Rough Mix)
06. Harder I Try (Rough Mix)

07. Tender Fire (Rough Mix)
08. Change of Heart (Writing Demo)
09. In My Lifetime (Writing Demo)

10. Change Everything (Writing Demo)(From MRCD9)

11. Blue Letter (‘The Blue Letter Breakdown’)(From MRR100)

‘BattleZone’ features material exclusively from the Jim Peterik (ex-Survivor, Pride Of Lions, The Ides of March) songbook. Featuring 8 rare musical gems from Jim’s songwriting vault, the album also features 3 brand new tracks, written for this project.

That’s 11 new classic songs, produced by Jim Peterik and featuring the impressive lineup of:

All Lead Vocals: Marc Scherer

All Lead Guitars: Jennifer Batten

Backing Vocals: Marc Scherer, Bill Champlin, Bryan Cole, Brian Hemstock, Danette Pahl

Alternate Lead and Rhythm Guitars: Jennifer Batten, Mike Aquino, Dave Carl, Jim Peterik

Bass Guitars: Bill Syniar, Klem Hayes

Keyboards: Jim Peterik, Christian Cullen, Chris Neville, Barb Unger

Drums: Dave Kelly, Ed Breckenfeld

Sax: Mindi Abair

Additional credits include:

Executive Producer: Danette Pahl

Engineered by: Larry Millas

Mastered by: Larry Millas at World Stage Studios and JK Northrup at Alien Productions

Mixed by: Jim Peterik and Larry Millas

Keyboard Programming: Larry Millas and Christian Cullen

Art Direction and Cover Art: Nello Dell'Omo

Jim Peterik comments: “As a long-time enthusiast of Marc Scherer's vocal chops and the expertise of rock guitar goddess Jennifer Batten, you can imagine how excited I am at the release of Scherer/ Batten ‘BattleZone’ album. As a song writer and producer, it was a dream come true mining some lost gems from my many years in rock, producing them to a new lustre and even writing three brand new cuts with Marc and Jennifer - Cuts Deep, The Harder I Try and the title track BattleZone.

Andrew McNeice and Danette Pahl of Melodic Rock Records gave me the artistic leeway and financial support to create the album of a lifetime.

Working with one of the best engineers in the business, Larry Millas, and musicians like multiple Grammy Award Winner Bill Champlin of Chicago, bassist Bill Syniar (formerly of Survivor), Mike Aquino (guitarist and singer from World Stage), and two-time Grammy Nominated saxophonist, Mindi Abair, along with Dave Kelly and Bryan Cole, brought depth and texture to the tracks that is palpable.

You can hear our excitement in every song. I guess you can see I'm pumped.

I dare you to crank up BattleZone or Tender Fire or Crazy Love and not rediscover why you fell in love with melodic rock in the first place. I double dare ya!!”

Jennifer Batten: “It was such a pleasure to jump into such a high-level inspiring project! Marc’s vocals are out of this world, the grooves are kickin’, and working with Jim Peterik is so joyous and creative. I can’t wait to take this to the stage!”

And finally, the vocalist fronting this extraordinary project, Marc Scherer: “Even something as innocuous as lunch with Jim Peterik can inspire great things…

It was during one such meeting that Jim and I conceived of an album showcasing his lost musical treasures. Thanks to the contributions of long-time Peterik enthusiast and personal friend Danette Pahl, we now have lift-off!

While the brain trust of talent surrounding Jim enhances any idea, this album is extra special because it features a collaboration with one of the world’s greatest guitarists, Jennifer Batten – who played three world tours with Michael Jackson and two with Jeff Beck. They say you know when it’s right in the first 30 seconds, but in this case, you can sense the magic in the first few notes. BattleZone blends the songwriting craftsmanship and storytelling genius of Jim Peterik with the artistry of some of the most amazing musicians in the business. As Jennifer observed, the battle can be internal: the fight to be better, to raise the bar and challenge yourself while stirring the musical cauldron. I truly believe that we have captured lightning in a bottle and I’m so eager for everyone to share in this experience.”

Scherer/Batten ‘BattleZone Deluxe Edition’ will be released via MelodicRock Classics on CD & Digital July 26.

Tags:

Scherer/Batten

Wed

29

May

VAN STEPHENSON 'Same Pen, Different Voices' Arrives July 26 on MRC

Artist:

Van Stephenson

The arrival of any new VAN STEPHESON music is met with huge anticipation. This release is just a little different from the norm, but no less exciting or musically brilliant.

This is Van Stephenson, but with a little help from his friends.

As most will be aware, over the course of the last couple of years, I have been archiving Van’s vast collection of unreleased songs and demos. There are more than 500, covering all styles from 70s singer/songwriter, 80s AOR and pop to 90s country…and then some.

The ultimate goal is to pay tribute to Van with some form of all-inclusive box set/s. During the course of sorting the archives into categories, a certain number of tracks were found to feature vocalists other than Van. I decided that the box sets should be dedicated to just Van with his songs, so the idea came to put together a separate release that featured these songs - Van’s own or co-written demos and the various vocalists used on those original sessions.

Hence the title – ‘Same Pen, Different Voices’.

And while Van’s voice may be absent from this release – his spirit and his style are all over it, with some absolute melodic classics about to be launched. This is a double disc of lost Van Stephenson tunes written with many of his regular writing partners such as Dave Innis, Sam Lorber, Robert White Johnson, Bob Farrell and Dave Robbins.

But that isn’t all. Lost among the hundreds of songs were a set of session tracks written with Dann Huff for the classic Giant ‘Time To Burn’ album. One of those songs has already been featured on the ‘Van’s Versions’ release (‘Get Over It’), but I’m excited to announce the others will all make their debut on this release and they all feature the voice of Dann Huff himself.

Three of these tracks have never been released before and I must thank Dann for his co-operation in this release and allowing the tracks to finally see the light of day.

They may have been lost for 30 years, but they are magnificent!

It doesn’t stop there – there is a trilogy of songs co-written with Jaime Kyle (previously released), two featuring vocalist Robert White Johnson and another featuring TJ Seals, son of Dan Seals.

Sadly, we couldn’t ask Van himself about the details behind these songs, so many are still missing credits and even the vocalists themselves are unknown in many cases. I have managed to fill in the details behind some of them thanks to the co-writers, but to all those that are featured on the songs – thank you for adding your talents to Van’s legacy and please know that the performances delivered some 20-30 years ago now live on today and sound as good as ever.

Disc 1 is all male lead vocals; Disc 2 is mostly female lead vocals.

Van Stephenson – Same Pen, Different Voices 2CD set will be released by MelodicRock Classics July 26.

The debut of the rocking Giant demo ‘Holding On For Dear Life’ will happen this Saturday on Steve Price’s Rock Show on ARfm – tune in via www.arfm.co.uk

The song will be launched online here next week.

The awesome cover art is the brainchild of Arnaud Leger.

Track Listing:

CD1:

01. Holding On For Dear Life

(Van Stephenson, Dann Huff)