Keith Richards and Steve Miller Do More for Les

DOVER, NJ – Keith Richards takes to his official Facebook, Twitter and YouTube with an exclusive “Ask Keith” video clip answering the question “What was it like to work with Lou Pallo?” on the new Les Paul tribute album, Thank You Les.

“He came up with the most perfect song”, said Richards, referring to his collaboration with Pallo on the Les Paul and Bing Crosby 1941 hit, It’s Been a Long, Long Time.  “He’s known as the Man of a Million Chords and he can find a chord for every different note you’re singing, which fascinates me.”

Pallo, who met Les Paul in 1963 and is credited for bringing Paul out of semi-retirement for 30 years of steady Monday night gigs in New York City, recently released the CD/DVD tribute to his friend and mentor with not only Richards and Steve Miller in tow but Slash, José Feliciano, Billy F Gibbons (ZZ Top), Eddie Brigati (The Rascals), Bucky Pizzarelli, Johnny A and other notable artists.  The 21-track luscious analog recording, and documentary featuring insight to working with guitar icon Paul, is hitting the jazz charts while also garnering airplay on Jazz, Blues and Triple A radio stations.

Steve Miller, Les Paul’s Godson, who flew in to New York to perform at the Thank You Les release party, penned the packages liner notes.  “Even after becoming one of the most influential musicians and inventors of the 21^st Century, Les Paul always had time for everyone from Tony Bennett to Johnny Rotten to anyone in between.  It’s a tribute to the kind of human being Les was that he was always willing to share his spotlight with any musician that was brave enough to come forward and say hello.”

To view the Keith Richards video click here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ0tAmJ9NR4

To view Steve Miller’s complete liner notes click here

http://www.stevemillerband.com/thankyoules.html

To view the trailer from the Thank You Les DVD click on this link:   http://www.thankyoules.com/index.php/component/allvideoshare/video/highlight-reel

Showplace Music Productions: Lou Pallo of Les Paul's Trio - Thank You Les - New release review

I have been listening to Thank You Les, the recent tribute release by Lou Pallo of the Les Paul Trio. This recording features a veritable who's who of special guests including Keith Richards, Steve Miller, Billy Gibbons, Jose Feliciano, Slash, Bucky Pizzarelli, Nokie Edwards, Melinda Doolittle and more. The recording features 21 of favorites by Les Paul done in a somewhat traditional way. Mr. Day/Tell Me What's The Reason, featuring Miller has a distinctive Steve Miller sound done in a light swing jazz styling with a cool guitar interlude is actually quite relaxing. Caravan, an instrumental featuring Nokie Edwards is a cool track and Edwards not only demonstrated his acuity on the fingerboard but also his knowledge of Pauls unique styling. Tennesse Waltz featuring Micki Parrott demonstrates finesse and smooth harmonizing. September Song featuring Billy F. Gibbons is really clean and trick. It doesn't have any ZZ Top overdrive, but beautiful clean guitar runs and electronic echo/reverb on the rhythm and firm confident lead guitar riffs (with some blues in the stew). Really nice. I'm Confessing That I Love You featuring Eddie Brigati Jr. and Bucky Pizzarelli is one the stronger tracks ... Pizzarelli handles the guitar magnificently. Least likely to win any accolades from me, Mr Sandman featuring telemaster Arlen is really quite cool. Roth of course is a spectacular player and master of style. He not only captures the spirit of Paul but also keeps his own personality. Possibly my favorite track on the release is Besame Mucho featuring Jose Feliciano. I have to admit I haven't heard Feliciano on over 20 years but he demonstrates here why his name is still held in high regard. Not only is his singing beautiful but his guitar playing is exemplary. Brilliant! Brazil, another instrumental featuring Frank Vignola is done with a Latin rhythm and the guitar runs on this track are amazing (and in keeping with Paul's own style. Vaya Con Dios featuring Lexie and Arlen Roth is another beautiful track not only because of the lush guitar work but Lexie really is perfect for this track on vocals. Steve Miller has demonstrated his capabilities as a serious jazz musician on his own recording in the past but accompanied by Lou Pallo, I believe this may be some of his most significant work outside of the rock scene. Definitely worth the listen. Memories of You is a simple guitar duet featuring Tommy Doyle and Lou Pallo. The work is straight up clean and very enjoyable. Carioca, another instrumental featuring Frank Vignola with Lou Pallo brings out the beautiful Spanish harmonies of this original track. Very nice Spanish/jazz guitar work! Just One More Chance again featuring Pizzarelli on guitar is bright and airy. This is just perfectly orchestrated and executed. St. Louis Blues is done in a retro down and dirty manner. Featuring John Paris on vocals, slide and harmonica this is a track very different from the rest and Bob Levine on trumpet is magnificent. This may not be a blues recording, but if you love guitar, love Les Paul or just love well performed music... this is one to get!
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”

All-Star Cast of Musicians Joins Les Paul Trio Guitarist Lou Pallo on Special CD/DVD Tribute to the Guitar Master, "Thank You Les"

An All-Star Cast of Musicians Joins Les Paul Trio Guitarist Lou Pallo on Special CD/DVD Tribute to the Guitar Master, Thank You Les

Special Guests Include Keith Richards, Steve Miller,

Billy F Gibbons, Jose Feliciano, Slash, Bucky Pizzarelli, Nokie Edwards, Melinda Doolittle plus More Notables and Members of the Les Paul Trio

DOVER, NJ – An amazing array of all-star musicians join guitarist Lou Pallo in paying tribute to the legendary Les Paul with the September 11 release of a unique CD/DVD titled Thank You Les, produced by Showplace Music Productions in Dover, NJ, and distributed in the U.S. and Canada by the Allegro Corporation. The exciting new release plays as a love letter to the iconic guitar player and recording innovator from these artists who were influenced and inspired by his artistry and innovation. The music covers styles ranging from pop and jazz, to country, rock and blues. The guest artists include guitarists Keith Richards, Billy F Gibbons, Steve Miller (who also penned the package’s liner notes), Jose Feliciano, Slash, Johnny A, Bucky Pizzarelli, Arlen Roth, Nokie Edwards (The Ventures), Frank Vignola, Bob Leive, Tommy Doyle and Jon Paris, as well as singers Eddie Brigati, Jr. (The Young Rascals) Blondie Chaplin (Rolling Stones), Nicki Parrott (Les Paul Trio), Lexie Roth, Melinda Doolittle (finalist on “American Idol” season six) and members of the Les Paul Trio.

The 21 tracks of pure guitar bliss on Thank You Les, including many of Paul’s personal favorites plus others from the great American music songbook, were recorded organically on analog tape by Ben Elliott, Chief Engineer at Showplace Recording Studios. Thank You Les will be available as an individual CD and DVD, as well as in a combo package including both discs. The DVD documentary is a full-length, fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of the album, and is loaded with interviews, rare photos, musical performances and bonus features.

The musical thread that runs throughout the CD and the DVD film documentary is the relationship between Les Paul and his long-time friend and rhythm guitarist, New Jersey-based Lou Pallo, who many credit with helping Les Paul revitalize his career as a live performer after they first met in 1963 and soon after began performing together. It was Pallo who stood on stage with Les for his extended run of weekly performances in New York City starting in 1984, first at Fat Tuesday’s in Greenwich Village for 10 years, and later at the Iridium on Broadway, which became the “hot ticket” destination for not only thousands of music fans, but also for any musician in town who wanted to tip their hat and worship at “The House that Les Paul Built.”

“Les was my guitar idol and I was honored to work beside him and call him my friend for so many years,” says Lou Pallo. “This tribute allows Les’ musicianship and sense of humor to take center stage giving everyone the opportunity to experience the Les Paul we knew well and the music he adored.”

In his loving remembrance of Les Paul in the package’s liner notes, guitar great Steve Miller fondly recalls not only Les Paul the musician, but also the family friend (Les was Miller’s Godfather) who spent part of his honeymoon with Mary Ford visiting at the Miller family’s house in Wisconsin. “Even after becoming one of the most influential musicians and inventors of the 20^th century, Les Paul always had time for everyone from Tony Bennett to Johnny Rotten and anyone in between,” writes Miller. “He never judged you by how you looked or what kind of music you played, but by your character and your commitment to music. It’s a tribute to the kind of human being Les was that he was always willing to share his spotlight with any musician brave enough to come forward to say hello.”

“So, this album is a tribute to Les Paul, truly one of the most enjoyable and creative musicians to ever live. He was a modest man who always gave more than anyone I’ve ever known. It’s a heartfelt thank you from just a few of his many friends for his wonderful music, inspiration and friendship.”

Plans are in the works to celebrate Thank You Les with a CD/DVD release show in New York City featuring Lou Pallo and special guests. To view a trailer from the Thank You Les DVD: http://www.thankyoules.com/index.php/component/allvideoshare/video/highlight-reel For more information, visit www.thankyoules.com

Thank You Les – Partial Recording Credits

1) Avalon – featuring Frank Vignola – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

2) Mr. Day/Tell Me What's the Reason – featuring Steve Miller - guitar and vocal;

Lou Pallo - guitar

3) Caravan – featuring Nokie Edwards – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

4) Tennessee Waltz – featuring Lou Pallo – guitar; Nicki Parrott - bass and vocals

5) September Song – featuring Billy F Gibbons – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

6) It's Been a Long, Long Time – featuring Keith Richards - guitar and vocal; Lou Pallo - guitar and vocal

7) I'm Confessin' That I Love You – featuring Eddie Brigati, Jr. – vocal; Bucky Pizzarelli – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

8) Mister Sandman – featuring Arlen Roth – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

9) Bésame Mucho – featuring José Feliciano - guitar, vocal, congas, shaker; Lou Pallo - guitar

10) Brazil – featuring Frank Vignola – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

11) Vaya Con Dios – featuring Lexie Roth – vocals; Arlen Roth – guitar; Frank Vignola – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

12) Deep in the Blues – featuring Slash – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

13) Nature Boy – featuring Steve Miller – vocal; Lou Pallo - guitar

14) Memories of You – featuring Tommy Doyle – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

15) Smile – featuring Blondie Chaplin – vocal; Lou Pallo - guitar

16) Carioca – featuring Frank Vignola – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

17) Just One More Chance – featuring Bucky Pizzarelli – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

18) St. Louis Blues – featuring Jon Paris - vocal, slide guitar, harmonica; Lou Pallo - guitar

19) Sweet Georgia Brown – featuring Johnny A – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

20) Out of Nowhere – featuring Nokie Edwards – guitar; Lou Pallo - guitar

21) Over the Rainbow – featuring Melinda Doolittle – vocal; Lou Pallo – guitar

Steve Miller Band (1968-1970) - First 5 Albums Reissued

Edsel is proud to announce its reissue programme of the legendary first five albums by the Steve Miller Band, originally released between 1968 and 1970, and now issued in Special Digipak Editions. The albums will be released on Monday 8th October 2012.

After the success of his European tour in 2010, Steve Miller is returning for a 10-date European tour in October 2012, including a prestigious concert at London’s Roundhouse on 22nd October. More info: http://bit.ly/NeAKxr.

The CD booklets included in the Special Digipak Edition releases contain all the lyrics, exclusive booklet notes written by the San Francisco Chronicle’s Joel Selvin based on new 2012 interviews with Steve Miller, plus rare photos from Steve’s personal archives.

One of rock music's all-time greats, the Steve Miller Band has sold more than 30 million records in a career spanning more than 40 years. Miller’s trademark blues-rock sound made him one of the key artists on classic rock radio. The Steve Miller Band is brand name rock that millions have come to trust. The new digitally re-mastered digipak reissues are no exception.

CHILDREN OF THE FUTURE (1968)
[Special Digipak Edition, EDSA 5003]

The first album “Children Of The Future” was produced by Glyn Johns at Olympic Studios in London, and released in April, 1968. The original five-man line-up featured Steve Miller (guitar, vocals), Boz Scaggs (guitar, vocals), Lonnie Turner (bass), Tim Davis (drums) and Jim Peterman (keyboards).

Side 1 of the album features a suite of linked psychedelic songs, while Side 2 starts with two Boz Scaggs’ originals before culminating in a selection of blues cover versions.

Bonus track is the non-album single side Sittin’ In Circles.

SAILOR (1968)
[Special Digipak Edition, EDSA 5004]

Second album “Sailor” was produced by Glyn Johns at Wally Heider’s Studio in Los Angeles, and released in October, 1968.

The album features the last recordings of the original five-man line-up, as Boz Scaggs and Jim Peterman left soon after.

The album includes the classic opening instrumental Song For Our Ancestors, perennial concert favourite Living In The U.S.A. and three Boz Scaggs songs.

BRAVE NEW WORLD (1969)
[Special Digipak Edition, EDSA 5005]

Third album “Brave New World” was produced by Glyn Johns at Sound Recorders in Hollywood, California, and released in June 1969.

The album was the first by the three-man line-up featuring Steve Miller, bassist Lonnie Turner and drummer Tim Davis, and featured guests Ben Sidran, Nicky Hopkins, and Paul McCartney on drums and vocals on My Dark Hour, credited as Paul Ramon.

Also featured is the classic “Seasons”, still a staple in Steve’s set-list today.

YOUR SAVING GRACE (1969)
[Special Digipak Edition, EDSA 5006]

Fourth album “Your Saving Grace” was produced by Glyn Johns at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, California, and released in November 1969.

The album was the second by the three-man line-up featuring Steve Miller, bassist Lonnie Turner and drummer Tim Davis.

The album includes guest performances from Ben Sidran, and Nicky Hopkins in a tour-de-force on the epic Baby’s House.

NUMBER 5 (1970)
[Special Digipak Edition, EDSA 5007]

Fifth album “Number 5” was recorded at Area Code 615’s studios in Nashville and released in July 1970.

The band for this album featured Steve Miller, drummer Tim Davis, and new bassist Bobby Winkelman (from Frumious Bandersnatch).

Special guests included Ben Sidran and Nicky Hopkins and Buddy Spicher, Wayne Moss and Charlie McCoy of Area Code 615.

Steve Miller Band - Biography

The Steve Miller Band was formed in 1967 in San Francisco, California. The band is led by Steve Miller on guitar and lead vocals, and is known for a string of (mainly) mid-1970s hit singles that are staples of the classic rock radio format.

In 1965, Steve Miller and keyboardist Barry Goldberg founded the Goldberg-Miller Blues Band along with bassist Shawn Yoder, rhythm guitarist Craymore Stevens, and drummer Lance Haas after moving to Chicago to play the blues. The band was contracted to Epic Records after playing many Chicago clubs. They also appeared on Hullabaloo with the Four Tops and the Supremes.

Miller left the group to go to San Francisco where the psychedelic scene was flourishing. He then formed the Steve Miller Blues Band. When they signed with Capitol Records in 1967, they shortened the name to the Steve Miller Band.

The band, consisting of Miller, guitarist James Cooke, bassist Lonnie Turner, and drummer Tim Davis (who replaced the departing Lance Haas on drums), backed Chuck Berry at a gig at the Filmore West that was released as the live album, Live at Fillmore Auditorium. Guitarist and vocalist Boz Scaggs joined the band soon after and the group performed at the Monterey Pop Festival in June.

In May 1968 while in England, they recorded their debut album Children Of The Future. The album did not feature a hit single and did not score on the Top 100 album chart, but standout tracks were the acoustic tune Baby's Calling Me Home and funky blues number Steppin' Stone. Closing the album is a slow version of the blues standard Key To The Highway.

The Steve Miller Band's second album Sailor appeared in October, and climbed the Billboard chart to # 24, and included the singles Living In The U.S.A., Lucky Man, and Boz Scaggs’ Overdrive and Dime-A-Dance Romance.

Miller's audience expanded with each album: Brave New World (# 22, 1969), which featured the song Space Cowboy and the track My Dark Hour (co-written by and featuring Paul McCartney on drums and vocals), followed by Your Saving Grace (# 38, 1969) and Number 5 (# 23, 1970).

In 1971, Miller suffered a broken neck after a car accident, and Capitol Records released the album Rock Love. The album featured unreleased live performances and studio material. It was followed in 1972 by Recall The Beginning...A Journey From Eden and the double album compilation Anthology, featuring 16 songs from the band's first five albums. The Joker (# 2) was released in 1973. The title track became a # 1 single and was certified platinum for reaching over one million sales.

Three years later, the Steve Miller Band returned with the album Fly Like An Eagle, which charted at # 3. Three singles were released from the album: Take The Money And Run, Fly Like an Eagle and their second Number One success, Rock’n Me. Book Of Dreams (# 2, 1977) also included three successes: Jet Airliner, Jungle Love, and Swingtown. 1982's Abracadabra album gave Steve Miller his third Number One success with the title track.

Released in 1978, The Steve Miller Band's Greatest Hits 1974-1978 has sold over 13 million copies and Miller continues to perform successful sold-out concert performances. Bingo!, a new album of blues and R&B covers, was released in June 2010. Let Your Hair Down, a companion release to Bingo!, was released 10 months later, in April 2011. On November 10, 2011 the band played inside the Boeing factory in Everett, Washington to celebrate the successful delivery milestones of the 747-8 program. They opened the set with Jet Airliner.

Steve Miller Band – Official Website

Mercury Blues - Steve Miller

Steve Miller Band is an American rock band formed in 1967 in San Francisco, California. The band is managed by Steve Miller on guitar and lead vocals, and is known for a string of (mainly) mid-1970s hit singles that are staples of the classic rock radio format.In 1965, Steve Miller and keyboardist Barry Goldberg founded the Goldberg-Miller Blues Band along with bassist Shawn Yoder, rhythm guitarist Craymore Stevens, and drummer Lance Haas after moving to Chicago to play the blues. The band was contracted to Epic Records after playing many Chicago clubs. They also appeared on Hullabaloo with the Four Tops and the Supremes, and gigged at a Manhattan club.

Miller left the group to go to San Francisco where the psychedelic scene was flourishing. He then formed the Steve Miller Blues Band which, when they contracted with Capitol Records in 1967, they shortened their name to the Steve Miller Band. The band, consisting of Miller, guitarist James Cooke, bassist Lonnie Turner, and drummer Tim Davis (who replaced the departing Lance Haas on drums), backed Chuck Berry at a gig at the Fillmore West that was released as a live album. Guitarist Boz Scaggs joined the band soon after and the group performed at the Monterey Pop Festival in June. In May 1968 while in England, they recorded their debut album Children Of The Future. The album did not have any successes and did not score among the Top 100 album chart, but standout tracks were the acoustic tune "Baby's Calling Me Home" and funky blues number "Steppin' Stone". Closing the album is a slow version of the blues standard "Key To The Highway".

The Steve Miller Band's second album Sailor appeared in October, and climbed the Billboard chart to #24. Successes included the singles "Livin' In The USA", "Lucky Man", and Boz Scaggs "Overdrive" and "Dime-A-Dance Romance".

Miller's audience expanded with each album: Brave New World (#22, 1969), which featured the successful song "Space Cowboy" and the track "My Dark Hour" that was co-written by and featured Paul McCartney (aka Paul Ramon) on bass, Your Saving Grace (#38, 1969), Number 5 (#23, 1970).

In 1971, Miller suffered a broken neck after a car accident and Capitol Records released the album Rock Love. The album featured unreleased live performances (including an eleven minute jam on the title track) and studio material and is one of two of Steve Miller Band albums not to be released on CD, the other being Recall the Beginning...A Journey from Eden. It is on this album the song "Fandango" (Track 8) appeared. The first lyrics of the song read, "Kim, come and play the drum." This song was written as an invitation to drummer Kim Kopko of the band, The Black and Blues, to, as the next lyrics call, "come and join the fun."[citation needed] Although it was believed at the time that Miller was reaching out to a recently departed lady friend. In 1972, the double album compilation Anthology was released, featuring 16 songs from the band's first five albums.

The Joker (#2, 1973) showed audiences a new style of the band. The title track became a #1 single and was certified platinum for reaching over one million sales.

Three years later, the Steve Miller Band returned with the album Fly Like An Eagle, which charted at #3. Three singles were released from the album: "Take The Money and Run" (#11), "Fly Like an Eagle" (#2) and their second Number One success, "Rock 'N Me". Miller credits the guitar intro to "Rock 'N Me" as a tribute to the classic song by Free, "All Right Now".

Book Of Dreams (#2, 1977) also included three successes: "Jet Airliner" (#8), "Jungle Love" (#23), and "Swingtown" (#17). 1982's Abracadabra album gave Steve Miller his third Number One success with the title track. Miller's hit pushed Chicago's "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" out of the #1 spot, similar to his "Rock N' Me" knocking Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now" out of the #1 spot in 1976.[3]

Released in 1978, The Steve Miller Band's Greatest Hits 1974-1978 has sold over 13 million copies and Miller continues to perform successful sold-out concert performances.

Long time member Norton Buffalo died from lung cancer on October 30, 2009.

Bingo!, a new album of blues and R&B covers, was released on June 15, 2010. Let Your Hair Down, a companion release to Bingo!, was released 10 months later, on April 18, 2011.

James Cooke died from cancer on 16 May 2011.