New blues release from Jefferson Starship guitarist!

NEW CRAIG CHAQUICO ALBUM NOW AVAILABLE! Craig Chaquico, platinum-selling lead guitarist and songwriter with Jefferson Starship as well as a chart-topping smooth jazz solo artist, takes a walk on the bluesier side of the street with the release of his Blind Pig  debut, Fire Red Moon.     From the radio-friendly opening tracks, "Lie To Me" (with vocal by Noah Hunt of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band) and "Devil's Daughter" to the thunderous conclusion of Robert Johnson's "Crossroads," Chaquico explores the thoroughfares and back alleys where blues and rock intersect. There's an instrumental version of Albert King's signature tune, "Born Under A Bad Sign," a rousing cover of Muddy Waters' "Rollin' And Tumblin'," and sterling originals that echo the stylings of blues/rock forerunners such as Cream, Jimi Hendrix, ZZ Top, and Steely Dan. There's even an instrumental tune entitled "Blue On Blue" that would appeal to Craig's many smooth jazz fans. As a teenager, Chaquico (pronounced Cha-KEY-so) was invited by Paul Kantner and Grace Slick to join Jefferson Starship  and played a seminal role in making that group (later re-named Starship) one of the top selling bands in history, earning twenty platinum and gold albums.  On the best-selling album of their career, Red Octopus, Rolling Stone remarked that "the emergence of guitarist Craig Chaquico resulted in the finest San Francisco music since the heyday of the Haight." Chaquico became a central figure in the band, playing lead guitar on all their hits from 1973 to 1990 including "Miracles," "We Built This City," "Sara" and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," and developing into one of their main songwriters.  He wrote or co-wrote some of Starship's most memorable songs such as "Find Your Way Back," "Jane," "Layin' It On The Line," and "Rock and Roll Is Good Time Music."  While others came and went, Craig is the only person in the band to appear on every recording, tour, MTV video, album, and hit song during that time. Then, after finding himself at the top of the national charts in each of three consecutive decades, Craig left the fast-paced pop world of arena rock and reinvented himself as a top-selling contemporary jazz/New Age guitarist, once again topping the Billboard and radio charts.  Altogether, the acclaimed guitarist has sold over a million albums as a soloist.  He was also voted the "Best Pop Instrumental Guitarist" by the readers of Guitar Player while Jazziz magazine listed him as one of the "Top 100 Most Influential Guitarists of All Time." Now entering the fifth decade of his illustrious career, with the release of Fire Red Moon Chaquico continues his improbable journey from the boy-wonder of 70's rock to genre-defying success as a top jazz and new age guitarist, returning now to the roots blues he listened to in his early teens. Says Chaquico, "The multi-platinum stadium rock period in my musical life was as rewarding as it was fun, and part of my higher musical education. And as much as I still love instrumental smooth jazz, which for me was always blues-based anyway, I sometimes missed the edge that I could experience with blues-based rock and roll." Blind Pig's signing of Chaquico continues something of a trend for the label, and the music business in general it seems - the release of roots blues albums from well-established rock stars. In recent years Blind Pig has released titles by two members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Ray Manzarek of The Doors and Jeremy Spencer of Fleetwood Mac. Meanwhile, the market has seen very successful blues releases from pop star Cyndi Lauper and even well known TV actor Hugh Laurie. For more info on Craig Chaquico's new album, to hear samples from the release, or to purchase it for only $15, please click HERE.  To get the CD for only $10 as part of our special 5 CDs for $50 offer, please click HERE.  For digital downloads, please visit the iTunes store HERE.  For a limited time, you can get a free download of "Lie To Me," the lead track from the CD featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd vocalist Noah Hunt, by clicking HERE. For more information visit www.blindpigrecords.com.

Blind Pig Records artist: Craig Chaquico - Fire Red Moon - New Release Review

I just got the chance to review the new release, Fire Red Moon, by Craig Chaquico (to be released on October 16, 2012). Chaquico, once the fiery guitar sound of the Jefferson Starship, has spent the past few decades forging his way as a smooth jazz solo artist. This newest effort is a crossover from previous efforts to a more rock and blues format but still including some pretty hot riffs. The release opens with Lie To Me, a Chaquico original with Noah Hunt of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band on vocals. This is directed to airplay using a bluesy shuffle with a smooth jazz guitar solo style. Devils Daughter is a tame blues rocker mixing Steely Dan and Joe Walsh again well suited to the airwaves. Booker T. written (made famous by Albert King), Born Under A Bad Sign gets a funky jazz instrumental makeover. Chaquico knows how to meld the sounds and come up with a pleasing result. Bad Woman has a different style altogether sounding a bit like a mix of later Leslie West as a guest star of Pink Floyd. Interesting concept. Perfect for those who love guitar ballads. Rollin' and Tumblin' is next up on the instrumental list with an interesting interpretation of the Morganfield blues classic. The title track, Fire Red Moon, is an instrumental primarily comprised of blues guitar riffs and Wade Olson on drums. Little Red Shoes is a uptempo blues rocker with a jazz flare. This track could also catch a bit of airplay attention just based upon the hook and danceable rhythm. Chaquico plays some scorching riffs on this track in duet with Bill Slais on Piano. Blue on Blue is a simple guitar ballad with heavily over driven overtones and electric piano with drums. Fogtown Stroll, keeping with the lead jazz guitar instrumental over sonic rhythm guitar and keys, is a pretty natural path for Chaquico to show his chops. Robert Johnson's Crossroads begins with some funky slide but quickly turns into an updated version of Creams cover of the Johnson track from the early 70's. The vocals and some of the arrangement are totally different but I will comment that Clapton's guitar solo seems to have remained intact. I read once that Clapton found himself playing a smoking guitar solo and upon conclusion realized that he was playing Mike Bloomfield note for note. Nothing wrong with playing a great solo anytime. In any case, if you like guitar and you like it smooth but with some fire.... this may be your ticket. If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

New Craig Chaquico album out Oct. 16th!

NEW CRAIG CHAQUICO ALBUM OUT OCTOBER 16th Craig Chaquico, platinum-selling lead guitarist and songwriter with Jefferson Starship as well as a chart-topping smooth jazz solo artist, takes a walk on the bluesier side of the street with his Blind Pig debut, Fire Red Moon. The American roots music label has announced an October 16, 2012 release date for the recording. From the radio-friendly opening tracks, "Lie To Me" (with vocal by Noah Hunt of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band) and "Devil's Daughter" to the thunderous conclusion of Robert Johnson's "Crossroads," Chaquico explores the thoroughfares and back alleys where blues and rock intersect. There's an instrumental version of Albert King's signature tune, "Born Under A Bad Sign," a rousing cover of Muddy Waters' "Rollin' And Tumblin'," and sterling originals that echo the stylings of blues/rock forerunners such as Cream, Jimi Hendrix, ZZ Top, and Steely Dan. There's even an instrumental tune entitled "Blue On Blue" that would appeal to Craig's many smooth jazz fans. As a teenager, Chaquico (pronounced Cha-KEY-so) was invited by Paul Kantner and Grace Slick to join Jefferson Starship and played a seminal role in making that group (later re-named Starship) one of the top selling bands in history, earning twenty platinum and gold albums. On the best-selling album of their career, Red Octopus, Rolling Stone remarked that "the emergence of guitarist Craig Chaquico resulted in the finest San Francisco music since the heyday of the Haight." Chaquico became a central figure in the band, playing lead guitar on all their hits from 1973 to 1990 including "Miracles," "We Built This City," "Sara" and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," and developing into one of their main songwriters. He wrote or co-wrote some of Starship's most memorable songs such as "Find Your Way Back," "Jane," "Layin' It On The Line," and "Rock and Roll Is Good Time Music." While others came and went, Craig is the only person in the band to appear on every recording, tour, MTV video, album, and hit song during that time. Then, after finding himself at the top of the national charts in each of three consecutive decades, Craig left the fast-paced pop world of arena rock and reinvented himself as a top-selling contemporary jazz/New Age guitarist, once again topping the Billboard and radio charts. Altogether, the acclaimed guitarist has sold over a million albums as a soloist. He was also voted the "Best Pop Instrumental Guitarist" by the readers of Guitar Player while Jazziz magazine listed him as one of the "Top 100 Most Influential Guitarists of All Time." Now entering the fifth decade of his illustrious career, with the release of Fire Red Moon Chaquico continues his improbable journey from the boy-wonder of 70's rock to genre-defying success as a top jazz and new age guitarist, returning now to the roots blues he listened to in his early teens. Says Chaquico, "The multi-platinum stadium rock period in my musical life was as rewarding as it was fun, and part of my higher musical education. And as much as I still love instrumental smooth jazz, which for me was always blues-based anyway, I sometimes missed the edge that I could experience with blues-based rock and roll." Blind Pig's signing of Chaquico continues something of a trend for the label, and the music business in general it seems - the release of roots blues albums from well-established rock stars. In recent years Blind Pig has released titles by two members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Ray Manzarek of The Doors and Jeremy Spencer of Fleetwood Mac. Meanwhile, the market has seen very successful blues releases from pop star Cyndi Lauper and even well known TV actor Hugh Laurie. Publicity: Debra Regur pigpress@blindpigrecords.com 415-550-6484 Radio: Peter Robinson radio@blindpigrecords.com 773-772-0043 For more information visit www.blindpigrecords.com.

Craig Chaquico signs with Blind Pig!

CRAIG CHAQUICO SIGNS WITH BLIND PIG RECORDS! Craig Chaquico, a chart-topping guitarist in both the rock and jazz fields, has signed with noted roots label Blind Pig Records to record a blues-based album. Chaquico was a central figure in the legendary multi-platinum selling rock band Jefferson Starship, one the most successful arena rock bands of the 1970s and early '80s.  In the 1990s, Craig left the fast-paced pop world and reinvented himself as a major force on the contemporary jazz landscape, becoming  an  award-winning solo artist in that field. Chaquico said of the signing, "I am really excited about beginning a project that has been in the back of my mind and at the front of my heart and soul for years.   Now it's going to become a reality...my very first blues album for the premier blues label on the planet - Blind Pig."   "As the lead guitarist, songwriter, and sometimes co-producer for the preeminent American band Jefferson Starship for nearly 20 years, I was always encouraged by my more established iconic bandmates to play rock and roll the way I saw and felt it, even though I was the "baby in the band" and even if the styles of that band evolved quite a bit (with me as the only single constant band member from '73 to '90)." "I felt that my guitar playing was always blues-based through all those style changes, though not necessarily inspired by going all the way back to the Robert Johnson or Delta blues days.  My "roots blues" is probably more rooted in my current Blind Pig record collection, as well as people I listened to in my early teens - Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter, B.B. and all the Kings, Jeff Beck, Santana, Led Zep, ZZ Top, Pink Floyd, Allman Brothers, Free, Bad Company, and of course, Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna." "Finding myself in a major rock band while still in my teens, the multi-platinum stadium rock period in my musical life was as rewarding as it was fun, and part of my higher musical education.  After that I was fortunate to be able to create a twenty year, million-selling, Grammy-nominated, #1 on the charts musical life in the world of acoustic instrumental Smooth Jazz." "As much as I still love instrumental smooth jazz, which for me was always blues-based anyway, I sometimes missed the edge that I could experience with blues-based rock and roll.  For some time now I have been thinking about doing my own heartfelt modern blues project that could be the best of all those musical worlds and planets I've visited since my teens." "And now, thanks to Blind Pig and all those who have inspired, encouraged, and helped me get to the top of different musical charts and styles for five consecutive decades now, the time has come for my very first ever official version of the blues from my own musical world.  Blues that often actually makes ya happy!" "See you on that world - and don't ya be late.  Thank you, Blind Pig, for truly making a dream come blue."

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”