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John Waite All Access
1.
NEWS 2013
Live album out now!
1. Change 2. Better off Gone 3. If You Ever Get Lonely 4. Head First 5. Mr. Wonderful 6. In Dreams 7. Evil 8. Saturday Night
John Waite, hardly needs an introduction, with some 10 albums under his name, with memberships,
in some of the most illustrious rock bands in the 70s in the 80s, such as the The Babys and Bad English,
the man has seen the world from the top of the charts multiple times, I guess, yet well in his career he keep on "doing it”,
in front of smaller audiences, in smokey bars – with an amazing bunch of musicians, kicking up some serious rockin’ booty. Why? For the love of it I bet! He doesn’t have to prove a damn thing. The inclusion of these songs in collections and films must have left him with a sizable fortune, but the man, is seemingly a musician that has to go out there and strut his stuff, do his thing and that he does, with utmost finesse and with the amazing aplomb!
In this wee, self-produced affair, that comes out, from his own "No Brakes?” label and seems to be available for the time being exclusively at his shows?!” on CD and online from iTunes, fans are treated to a bunch of songs from the golden man’s career that try to cover – oh well – they can’t even start to cover "chapter 1”... apparently, John mentioned, he might be doing more of these, if this proves to be a popular purchase, so this might be fun and a nice memento for Waite fans if he does say 4 or 5 volumes of these, so anyhow, in "Live: All Access” fans are treated to what seems to be live performances culled from Philly Sound, obviously in Philadelphia, PA and Palace Theater in Manchester, NH. Waite and his band of Merry fellows "The No Brakers” that include, Keri Kelli (also with Alice Cooper) on guitars, Rhondo on drums, and Tim Hogan on bass, go through a bunch of nice tunes that mix the old with the new.
We’re treated to oldies such as "Change” from John’s debut "Ignition” that is quite an energetic way to start this collection and then the grittier "Better Off Gone” and "If You Ever Get Lonely” both from the recent "Rough & Tumble are a lot more melodic and sensational and a lot slower, but then again, they display another side of John's style and talent.
"Head First” is a rockin’ "Babys” tune and it’s quite different, more staccato and a little more screamo, in a 70s way... however! Awesome little gem of a song! And to follow it with the wonderful – "Mr Wonderful” again from the debut (excuse the pun) is kind of wonderful – oops I did it again – haha! "In Dreams” from the "Temple Bar, is a measured slow number that really, makes you want to pour a stiff drink and dream of a loved one... oh oh in my dream, I believe and in all your lives you believed in dreams… ooopphh...” someone, please, scrape me off the floor! Damn you JW!
"Evil” is a nasty little, underground nugget from "Rough & Tumble” that livens up the things again and steals your soul, like an evil woman does, without you taking notice...
Finally "Saturday Night” from the sophomore album "No Brakes- hey hey- see where they came up with the name for the company!?” rocks like there’s no tomorrow and if it wasn’t for a slightly abrupt fadeout, that sounds a little odd, without some sort off a goodnight, goodbye, this would have been perfect, but I guess the nature of "piecing this together” like a little Frankenstein didn’t help much with such a plan!
Well minor qualms would be the "non consistency” of the show and I suppose the fact that the physical form of the CD is a cardboard sleeve. The pros are that you’ll feel that you’re in the middle of the show, the recording quality is SUPERB, the mixing is amazing, and well balanced, I felt like I was in the middle of the first row and believe me I have BEEN there and this is exactly how the man and band sounds like! THAT GOOD! Ehm, obviously 8 songs are too few, but still I loved the "weird selections” he doesn’t even have to play "Missing You”! He still ROCKS, like CRAZY! You get some songs, that you’d not expect to hear that easily, getting played. Maybe if there’s a Vol. 2 people will get what’s "missing” and a whole lotta more, haha!
For me – people head over to John Waite’s site – and to iTunes and get this pronto! Waite-ing for the next installment already!
.The interest in a new release, and a live one at that, from legendary vocalist John Waite would, you'd imagine, garner a fair bit of attention, surely enough to warrant a record label chancer to put his money where his mouth is and maybe make a little more.
But no, despite the former frontman of The Babys and Bad English being hugely respected as one of the finest vocalists of his generation, quite a few others too as it happens, this new release, 'Live All Access', has been released by Waite's people (the Waiters?), initially on iTunes and as a physical disc from the famed English singer's live shows and official website.
While an eyebrow or two may well be raised at this development, especially knowing some of the flaccid 'rock' flogged to death by desperate labels these days, it is a fist of defiance that I raise in the direction of Waite: thing is, while the majority of 'veteran' rock vocalists in their sixties are peddling substandard product and over-inflated concert tickets for their 'event' freakshows, Waite appears to be tapped in to what is happening in the music industry....if it can still be called an industry.
Instead the industrious and adventurous make, and walk, their own paths, John Waite doing so by way of an initial download-only album that makes a mockery of product from the so-called superstars of this (rock) world. Dollars in the bank can buy you as many wigs and gastric bands as you like.....but they can't buy you a voice: John Waite's voice on this impressive live album will embarrass every Paul Stanley, every Joe Elliott, every past-it preening peacock of a frontman who still has the cheek to put 'singer' next to their name on a record. That Waite has suggested that he release new product every eight months or so further proves that you simply don't have to stop evolving, musically or professionally.
If the attraction of Waite himself - number one singles on the Billboard chart rarely get forgotten - isn't enough to tempt you into this album, then the addition of guitarist Keri Kelli to his band (alongside Tim Hogan on bass, and drummer Rhondo) may well be another masterstroke, the former Alice Cooper/Pretty Boy Floyd guitarist surely drawing attention from fans of a more 'glamorous' sub-genre to the party. Kelli, after joining Waite's band in the summer of last year, thrills on this disc, his solos as simply effective as required, his tackling of some timeless melodic rock riffs impeccable. But, while Kelli (in his forties) may well be the new kid on the block, it's the frontman a couple of decades his senior that really pushes every button required.
"Raw, no overdubs or bullshit" is how Waite has described 'Live All Access' and, man, does the record profit from that admirable stance; there's no Sebastian Bach-style gobbing, then fobbing, off here. John's voice, from opener 'Change' (his first solo hit single) to album closer 'Saturday Night' (from the massive 1984 album, 'No Brakes'), sounds as fantastic as you'd imagine. It breaks from time to time, of course, but it's the finest instrument on the album, the man shaming his contemporaries, you'd wish, into retirement.
Waite has gone on record and said that the decision to record this live album came as a result of trying to capture the energy, bottle the lightning, that came with Keri Kelli's addition to his band's ranks and, while the six stringer's performance is choice, the other real star of this album, second only to Waite's tremendous tonsils, is the setlist. It's a little short at just eight songs - the only hint of a negative surrounding this release - but it sparkles with tunes that prick the senses and caress the memory.
Songs like 'If You Ever Get Lonely' (from the 2011 album 'Rough & Tumble') sound like they've been set regulars for years - convenient really seeing as four songs from that album appear here - while 'Head First' takes you right back to The Babys in their prime, coming from the band's hit album of the same name. 'Mr. Wonderful', from the debut solo record, appears also, alongside an emotion-tickling 'In Dreams', taken from the 1995 album, 'Temple Bar'.
That's right, there's no 'Missing You', the number one single from 1984. Tells you a little more, I guess, about where Waite is today. With half this live album's tracklisting coming from his last studio album, Waite obviously still sees himself as a valid musician in this new century...and long may that continue - no mailing in performances and picking up the pay check for this legend, you'd guess.
Instead of remortgaging your home to see a stadium rock show event featuring a band of decrepit leeches, invest in 'Live All Access' and support a proper rock star who, not only deserves that status, but also deserves your attention for refusing to pander to the masses and, instead, is still making admirable marks in this tired business.
3. Review from Lazyrocker Magazine
Reviewed by Marc 'Lazy Rocker' Schneiders
English rock singer John Waite is truly one of the best classic rock acts around. He had huge success as lead vocalist with his bands The Babys in the late 70's and Bad English in the late 80's and early 90's. And as a solo artist, he scored a #1 hit in the United States with "Missing You" in 1984. John Waite already released 10 solo studio albums. With this album "Live: All Access" the man is releasing his third live album.
On this self-produced affair, that comes out from John's own "No Brakes” label and seems to be available for the time being exclusively at his shows or at his website on CD and online from iTunes, there are 2 things that you notice at first sight: only 8 songs and nothing of the man's greatest hits (maybe except for "Change"). With even half this live album's tracklisting coming from his last studio album "Rough & Tumble" (2011), it is obvious John is not living in the past. And btw "In Real Time" (2010), John's previous live album, already contained most of his well-known classics.
With the first tones of the album you immediately forget what you noticed at first sight. Opener "Change" from John’s debut "Ignition” is quite an energetic way to start this collection followed by the grittier melodic rocker "Better Off Gone”. "Raw, no overdubs or bullshit" is how Waite has described 'Live All Access'. Well, he told the truth! The beautiful ballad "If You Ever Get Lonely” (recently covered by country rockers Love & Theft) captures that "live on stage" feeling very very well.
"Head First" takes you right back to The Babys in their prime, coming from the band's 1979 hit album of the same name. First time I "met" John was when the Bad English ballad "When I See You Smile" got heavy rotation on MTV. However, there are no Bad English songs included on this album as, unfortunately for me, John seems to be not proud of this part of his career at all.
In "Live: All Access” fans are treated to what seems to be live performances culled from Philly Sound, obviously in Philadelphia, PA and Palace Theater in Manchester, NH. With the addition of guitarist Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper/Pretty Boy Floyd) alongside drummer Rhondo and Tim Hogan on bass John's No Brakes Band sounds as tight as never before while John's powerful but also vulnerable voice is crystal clear and still hitting every high note. just listen to the guitar driven "Mr. Wonderful” or the emotion-tickling ballad "In Dreams", taken from the 1993 movie soundtrack "True Romance". Great performances!
The nasty "Evil” from "Rough & Tumble” and uptempo rocker "Saturday Night” with great guitar solo makes you want to hear more. Well, John mentioned, he might be doing more of this kind of releases every eight months or so, if it proves to be a popular purchase. So head over to John Waite’s website or to iTunes and get this release ASAP...!!
·Produced By: John Waite ·Running Time: ·Release Date: 2013 ·Released: Digital / Online ·Musical Style: Melodic Rock ·Links:John Waite
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The legend returns with a new live album – a follow up to 2010's live release In Real Time.
But this time around we have a different band in tow.
Bassist Tim Hogan remains, joining in now is guitarist Keri Kelli and drummer Rhondo.
A tight little outfit is on show here.
There's only 8 tracks on offer – roughly half the length of a full JW live show,
but they are 8 great songs.
And what's better – this is about as raw and live as it comes.
A straight feed from the show itself, with no overdubs.
Big credit to the recording engineers – this set sounds amazing – really loud and in your face,
but without some of the naturally occurring sonic flaws live albums can have.
And John's lead vocals are really superb here – powerful and crystal clear.
I like the fact we have basically 8 album cuts here, the nitty gritty of what makes
John Waite such an engaging artist.
Kicking off is Change, the marvelous lead track from one of melodic rock's
most consistent and brilliant debut solo albums (Ignition).
Then we get a taste of the current album in Better Off Gone –
quite simply one of the best John Waite songs ever written.
And is sounds great in this raw, electric, engaging format.
The also brilliant If You Ever Get Lonely (now a verging hit song from country band
Love and Theft),shows John's powerful and unique vocals off nicely. Head First delves back into the 70s with Keri Kelli's guitar adding a nice raw,
hard edged approach that I loved with John's first few solo records. In Dreams sees things stripped back to an intimate level, with some emotional
vocals piercing the atmosphere of the recording. Mr. Wonderful is another classic cut from the Ignition album and sounds great again
here with Keri killing it on guitar – complete with a nice long solo intro. Evil is another masterpiece track from the Rough & Tumble album.
Honest to God, it is a serious injustice that this song wasn't a hit single.
With Matchbox Twenty all over the radio and their guitarist Kyle Cook
partnering with John on the album version, the pure commercial aspect of this song
and its killer hook is undeniable. This rawer, heavier live version is a treat.
And closing the album is one of John's best hard rockers –
the double timed rocker Saturday Night – the lead track from the classic No Brakes album.
This is a great version too, extended and energetic – wonderful to hear it included in the live set.
The Bottom Line
So that's a wrap, so to the negatives – well, there is only 1 really.
It's such an enjoyable set of songs; to have only 8 to feast upon seems cruel!
This is primarily a digital release, so the physical copy is a no-frills CD Single style slip cover only.
That's ok, a full jewel case would have been nice,
but perhaps when there is a second live release (as John has commented upon),
perhaps there will be a deluxe CD featuring tracks from both, fully packaged.
But for now – all John Waite fans need this now.
A wonderfully powerful and engaging live recording,
featuring some great songs from the Waite catalogue.
Rock singer John Waite admits to having a growing addiction to the concert stage.
Fans have praised the former singer-bassist for The Babys for his studio work, as well as for Waite’s urgent, on-stage delivery. For Waite, that energetic effort under the spotlights reflects the metaphorical torch he carries for live work.
Waite’s new CD, "Live — All Access,” gives listeners a sonic slice of that in-the-moment atmosphere. Available at iTunes.com and at Waite’s concerts, the CD spotlights solo favorites "Mr. Wonderful” and "Change,” among others.
"After about a month of playing together, we reached another level,” Waite said of his current band during a recent telephone interview. "We started playing in a freestyle way, and I was singing a lot better.”
With guitarist Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper, Slash), bassist Tim Hogan and drummer Rondo in tow, Waite decided to record two concerts in an old church in south Philadelphia, which resulted in part of the "Live — All Access” album.
"I bought three kegs, and we played for about 400 people, and it was incredible,” said Waite, who now lives in Santa Monica, Calif. "Then we recorded a killer show in Manchester, England, and I picked the songs that we played the daylights out of for the live album. It made the album wild, beautiful and not hit-laden.
"The live album reflects what live music is, which is what we wanted it to do,” Waite added in a proud tone. "There’s not a single overdub on it.”
"I’m excited to get out and play,” said Waite. "I want for us to play bigger stages. Hopefully we can pick up a slot, too, to open for someone else to play some really big places.”
For more than 30 years, Waite has enjoyed artistic and commercial success. The sweeping, anthem-like catalog he helped create for The Babys from 1976-80, and his No. 1 hit solo smash from 1984, "Missing You,” are just two chapters in Waite’s busy, complex life.
"With The Babys, it was — it was weird,” Waite said. "I believed in The Babys, but it just wasn’t meant to last.”
Featuring a pre-Journey Jonathan Cain and future Styx bassist Ricky Phillips, The Babys scored respect with songs like "Back on My Feet Again,” "Every Time I Think of You,” "Midnight Rendezvous” and "Head First” before the band quietly, dissolved at the end of 1980. In 1989, Waite, Cain and Phillips joined Journey guitarist Neal Schon to form the short-lived band Bad English, whose hit, "When I See You Smile,” topped the Billboard singles chart for two weeks.
"There’s more life experience in my music now, I think, and it’s about growing up,” Waite said. "I’m not dumbing down my work to try and achieve record sales. I’m not trying to prove anything.”
Waite seemed less confident in 2003, when he was recruited as the bassist for Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Tour. Waite said "yes” to Starr’s invitation, even though he hadn’t touched a bass since 1978.
"That tour was a real nail-biter,” Waite said. "I mean, it’s Ringo Starr of The Beatles. You’re on stage and Ringo is looking over at you. At that moment, you hope you’re playing the right notes.”
Waite laughed.
"The monitors were bad on that tour — I couldn’t hear — but it was a really fun tour,” he said. "I was looking at Ringo and saying, ‘This guy was in The Beatles. He’s played with bassists like Paul McCartney and Jack Bruce. What am I doing?’
"But now, I just never play bass, ever,” Waite added. "There are so many people out there who play bass better than me — people like former Free bassist Andy Fraser — that I don’t see why I should play. I concentrate on singing. That’s my role — a singer who loves bluegrass and blues music, standing with a microphone in front of a rock-and-roll band
Live album out now!
.The interest in a new release, and a live one at that, from legendary vocalist John Waite would, you'd imagine, garner a fair bit of attention, surely enough to warrant a record label chancer to put his money where his mouth is and maybe make a little more.