Tag: Billy Sheehan

Octavision – ‘Coexist’ (2020) – Album Review (The Jeff Scott Soto Series)

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Jeff Scott Soto has played with some incredible musicians throughout his career, and this album sees some players that are beyond description. Octavision is the brainchild of Armenian guitar virtuoso, Hovak Alaverdyan, who wanted to put together music with Middle Eastern and Armenian folk musical sounds and styles into a heavy metal, progressive rock sound. I would say he achieved his goal with the release of ‘Co-Exist’. The album came out on December 29, 2020 in the States and in Japan was released on March 24, 2021 which is the copy I have complete with the precious OBI Strip.

How was Hovak able to create such a worldly sounding record? It was the amazing musicians he surrounded himself. And it is an impressive list to say the least. He had not one, but two bassists including Victor Wooten who is a master-class Jazz/Fusion bassist who has played with the likes of Bela Fleck and then rock & roll bassists extraordinaire, Billy Sheehan who has played with Jeff in Sons of Apollo along with Mr. Big and David Lee Roth. On keyboards, he brought in Murzo (aka…Ara Torosyan) who is an Armenian born cinematic music arranger.

Those guys are great, but he needed people to help capture that particular sound he was looking to achieve. For that, he brought in Avo Margaryan on the blul (which is an open-ended shepherd’s flute if you didn’t know…I didn’t) and Artyom Manukyan on cello. Not pictured in the album sleeve is another musician to help with the sound and that was Anahit Artushyan on kanun (I know what you are thinking..what is kanun…it is a horizontal harp, similar to a zither or dulcimer, I’m sure that helped a lot). And lastly, we need a drummer. For that task, he recruited Czechian, Roman Lomtadze, who is more than up for the task of beating the skins to make sure the rock & roll part of this band shined through.

I haven’t mentioned what Jeff does yet. Jeff, obviously, is on vocals. However, out of the 7 tracks, only 2 have vocals. So like his work with Yngwie, Jeff is here to add flavor to the music and although he isn’t on all the tracks, he is the only singer which is why I included this in the review series. If ‘Rising Force’ can be included, so can this one. And when you hear it, you will thank me for it as well.

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My Sunday Song – “Yankee Rose” by David Lee Roth

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For My Sunday Song #447, we are talking David Lee Roth’s “Yankee Rose”. The song was the debut single off his first full length album, ‘Eat ‘Em And Smile’. ‘Yankee Rose’ was released on June 18, 1986 and went to #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on the Mainstream Rock Chart. The song was a statement piece for David as this was his first album since his parting ways with Van Halen. And I will admit, between ‘Eat ‘Em And Smile’ and Van Halen’s first album, ‘5150’, with their new singer, Sammy Hagar, I like this album and song the best.

The song was written by David Lee Roth and his shiny new guitarist, Steve Vai. If there is anyone that can compete with Eddie Van Halen on creativity, it might be Steve. The song is about the Statue of Liberty as there are numerous references to her and America in general. The Statue was in the public eye back in 1986 as she was getting a major renovation for her 100th anniversary of her standing and welcoming the world. There are a lot of great lines celebrating America such as national anthem, apple pie, sea to shining sea, firecrackin’ on the fourth of July and many others. A very, fun and patriotic song.

Musically, it is simply stellar. The drum beat that opens and then the conversation between David and Steve Vai’s guitar. The guitar would speak, literally, and Dave would reply back. Steve Vai could make the guitar do whatever he wanted. His playing through out is inspirational. The quick riffs, the killer solo all make this song heads and shoulders better than most out there at the time. David was the same old cocky self. He did his usual speak/sing style of lyric delivery and you realize that his Van Halen was the best…arguments can begin below in the comment section. The song is a pure 80’s rocker and just slays. Now, the rest of the band was pretty killer too as you had Billy Sheehan on bass and damn he slaps that baby hard. On drums is Gregg Bissonette and he lays down a great beat and keeps the song pounding forward. All together, this was on unstoppable force…for at least one album anyways.

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David Lee Roth – ‘The Warner Recordings: 1985-1994’ (2025) – Box Set

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Released on February 21, 2025, ‘The Warner Recordings: 1985-1994’ celebrates 40 years of solo David Lee Roth. His debut E.P., ‘Crazy From the Heat’, was released on January 28, 1985 and the last album on Warner Records was ‘Your Filthy Little Mouth’ which was released on March 8. 1994. In just shy of a decade we received 4 studio albums and 1 E.P. and they are all captured in this box set. I went with the CD as I already had these on vinyl and since there are no bonus tracks or anything extra, no need buying those again. So, I opted for the cheaper CD version and figured I save some bucks.

The box set comes in a nice cardboard box with an open side the CDs slide in and out of as they are housed in mini-LP type cardboard jackets. There is no booklet, but each comes with an insert with credits and lyrics for the songs. And I will admit, at my age, it is really hard to read those lyrics as these inserts are CD size and that is a lot of lyrics to put on one side of the insert. The album jackets are faithful recreations of the original artwork and they are all sensational. Overall, a nice job of packaging. But it is the music we want to know about so let’s go through each of them.

‘CRAZY FROM THE HEAT E.P.’ (1985):

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David Lee Roth – “Goin’ Crazy!” – 7″ Single

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Back in 1985, David Lee Roth was working on a feature film called “Crazy From the Heat” which of course was the same title as his debut E.P. David had written the screenplay and actually received funding from CBS Theatrical Films for $10m. David left the band to purse this, but in November of 1985, CBS pulled the funding and the film was shut down to never be made. David was undaunted and kept pushing forward. Taking the songs he had written for the movie and putting them towards his debut album ‘Eat ‘Em and Smile’. The title track to the movie and one of the song son this album was “Goin’ Crazy!”.

The song was written by David Lee Roth and Steve Vai and was released as single in September 1986. The song did get massive play on MTV as I remember it vividly. The song only went to #66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #12 on the Rock Chart. Not as good as you would’ve thought based on the videoplay on MTV. The version of the single I have is a Promo copy as it says on the label below…”Promotion Not For Sale”. But the B-Side was not on the English speaking album as it is the same song, but in Spanish and called “Loco Del Calor!”. And that is because David Lee Roth also recorded and released the album in Spanish.

A-SIDE:

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Sons of Apollo – ‘MMXX’ (2020) – Album Review (the Jeff Scott Soto Series)

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After playing over 80 shows together to support the debut album, Derek Sherinian, Mike Portnoy and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal joined up at Mike’s studio and started working on the new album. The three gelled and wrote the album in around 3 weeks. Of course, after that, the songs need lyrics and that is were lead singer Jeff Scott Soto comes in as he wrote all the lyrics for the album (with minor exceptions of help from Mr. Sherinian on some of the melodies). And the songs were ready to record. Writing and recording happened over 8 months and each member of the band, including bassist Billy Sheehan, able to work in their own studios for their parts.

The album was called MMXX which is 2020 in Roman Numerals and the time when it was released which was on January 17, 2020. The album’s sound changed a little from the last album which had a lot of sounds from the past as it had some Dream Theater elements as well as some classic rock. This time around, they went for a more modern sound and a much more polished feel which is why the cover with the band’s crest seems more polished. The prior songs were more mythical and now they are more futuristic. Is the change in a sound a good thing or is it a bad thing? I guess we need to go through the tracks and find out.

The opening song and first single (came out on November 15, 2019), “Goodbye Divinity”, brings the prog right out of the gate as it goes on for about 2 minutes before Soto gets his pipes in the mix. After that happens it becomes a solid rock song with ample time for each musician to show what they can do. With not just hints of Dream Theater’s sound, but obvious stamps that show their roots are front and center. Honestly, it is a good song, but not as strong as the opener “God of the Sun” from the debut in my opinion. The working title on this one was called “Blood Orchid” which was inspired by a riff by Derek that he did during one of his live solos (thanks wiki for that one).

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Sons of Apollo – ‘Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony’ (2019) – Album Review (the Jeff Scott Soto Series)

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This is not a side project, the band has made that clear and one way to prove that Sons of Apollo is a band is to tour and they did. But the show they decided to record wasn’t just a tour show, Nope! It was so much more. And it needed to be. They needed to capture the true essence of what this band is about and I have to say, I believe they did that and then some. They recorded the show back on September 22, 2018 at The Ancient Roman Amphitheater in Plovdiv Bulgaria and what a beautiful setting it is. Worthy of the Sons of the God Apollo. And the show couldn’t just be the band playing, Nope. It needed a little something extra so they brought in the Plovdiv Orchestra and a choir nicely named for this show as the Psychotic Symphony. This isn’t a band playing their songs with a symphony like so many bands, this is different, fresh and exciting.

You get it all packaged in a 3 CD set, that is right…3 CDs cover the whole entire show. Over 2 1/2 hours of rock & roll & prog bliss!! And if that isn’t enough, they throw in a DVD of the entire show as well. And the DVD is really where it is at in my book. Listening to the CD is great and you will enjoy the show, but when you watch it live and see these guys in action, Holy Shit!! These guys can play and they put on a master class of what musicianship really is. With Jeff Scott Soto on vocals, Mike Portnoy and drums, Derek Sherinian on Keyboards, Billy Sheehan on bass and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal on guitar, these are some of the best in the field and they show you how it is done.

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Sons of Apollo – ‘Psychotic Symphony’ (2017) – Album Review (The Jeff Scott Soto Series)

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The roots of Sons of Apollo stem back to the band Dream Theater as both Derek Sherinian and Mike Portnoy were once members. They both left Dream Theater (Sherinian fired in 1999 and Portnoy left in 2010) and eventually teamed back up for a short-lived instrumental project called PSMS with Billy Sheehan and Tony MacAlpine. Billy had played with Mike in the band The Winery Dogs. Eventually, Derek, Mike and Billy decided to make it a full time band (not a project) and they started Sons of Apollo. They needed a guitarist and Mike suggest Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal because why not, he’s fantastic. They also needed a singer and Mike suggested Jeff Scott Soto as his band had opened for The Winery Dogs and I am guessing Mike was impressed. The band was complete and ready to go.

The band recorded in only 10 days as their schedules were busy. They were produced by the dynamic duo called The Del Fuvio Brothers. What? You never heard of them…well…it is the nickname that both Derek and Mike had while in Dream Theater so they used that as the Producer name since they both produced the album. The band’s sound is a pinch of early Dream Theater and a dab of pure Classic Rock. Musically, the songs were written mostly by Portnoy and Sherinian with help from Bumblefoot and Billy. Soto handled most of the lyrics, but there was input Sherinian and Portnoy on a lot of the songs as well. It was a team effort (led by Derek & Mike).

The cover art work on the album was handled by Mike Portnoy. He had the vision. It was going to be two lions facing each other, but Derek suggested that his lion be an eagle and you can see it holding the keyboard while the lion is holding the drumsticks. There is a crown with a bunch of Bumblefoot and Billy’s headstocks form their guitar and bass behind it. I am not sure what part represents Soto. Is it the crown because he is the king of vocals or are the 3 spikes in the center actually pipes which would represent his vocal pipes? I don’t know, I’m making things up as I go along. The album title comes from the song “Lost in Oblivion” which has the line ‘Psychotic Symphony” in one of the verses. The album was released on October 20, 2017 to much critical acclaim and was a resounding success.

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David Lee Roth – “Just Like Paradise” – 7″ Single

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During the last Record Show I went to in May 2022 here is Charlotte, as usual, I found a handful of singles. First up to discuss is the 7″ Single for the David Lee Roth song “Just Like Paradise” off his 1988 album ‘Skyscraper’. The song was written by David and Brett Tuggle (keyboardist for his band) while produced by Mr. Steve Vai along with Dave. The single was released on December 30, 1987 and was the first single from the album. Dave’s success continued as it went to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped the album go Platinum.

Tuggle came up with the song after the ‘Eat ‘Em & Smile Tour’. He composed on the keyboard and he roughed out the drums. Vai added the guitar parts and then Tuggle took it to Dave who composed the lyrics before the band’s next rehearsal. The song is basically about the excitement and joy of young romance.

A-SIDE:

The song is pure fun. It is upbeat and has this whole Beach Boy surfer vibe to it. It is light and airy and David sings it only the way Dave knows how. Vai’s solo wasn’t overly involved. It was simple and kept to the song still having that fun, sunny vibe. If you are looking for a good time song, this would fit the bill.

B-SIDE:

The bottom line is with the heavy double kick drum from Gregg Bissonette, a great bass line and bass solo from Billy Sheehan and we also get a slick solo from Vai. It is solid rocker with a great rhythm section which might be the highlight. It does get a little deflated with the keyboard sound and would probably be better without it but I still like it. David does his sort of speak/sing vocals with a deeper tone this time around, however, it is still classic Dave. Easily could’ve fit on the debut album.

And there you have it. I hope you enjoyed it. Still a handful more to go. See you next time and thanks for stopping by.

My Sunday Song – “Coming Home” by Sons of Apollo

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For My Sunday Song #287, we are going to discover the first single from one of the most talented bands Jeff Scott Soto has been in. The song is “Coming Home” and it is off the album ‘Psychotic Symphony’ from the band Sons of Apollo. Why do I say most talented, let’s look at the players. Obviously you have Jeff Scott Soto on vocals or this post wouldn’t be happening, but you also have Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal on guitar, Billy Sheehan on bass, Derek Sherinian on keyboards and Mike Portnoy on drums. It don’t get much better than this. This song was the world’s introduction to the band and what a statement they made with it.

Normally, I go in to the song meanings before I get in to the music, but I can’t wait to talk about the music. That opening keyboard riff by Derek Sherinian is classic and brutal. If you expected the album to be all prog rock, you’d be wrong. This song is pure Hard Rock reminiscent of Van Halen but maybe even heavier. Bumblefoot’s effortless riffs dance throughout the song, Sheehan’s bass gives us a new sound from what you’d expect from Billy and it adds so much groove to the song. And you can’t forget Portnoy’s drums which are as immense and immersive as you’ve ever gotten from him. It is pure power! Speaking of power, Jeff Scott Soto attacks the vocals and they are filled with such anger and intensity that you feel it throughout your body and those screams are piercing and yet so beautifully done. This was so unexpected and totally amazing and you have to hear it to believe it.

And what does the song mean, who cares. Just put it on repeat and let the abundance of sound fill every void of your body and rock the hell out of you. Each time you hear it, there is something you hadn’t heard before as there is so much going on musically you can’t help but be blown away.

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The Winery Dogs – Dog Years: Live in Santiago & Beyond 2013-2016 – Album Review

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The same day I received Def Leppard’s Hysteria 30th Anniversary Box Set, I also received this gem, The Winery Dogs ‘Dog Years: Live in Santiago & Beyond 2013-2016’.  The Special Edition set includes the Live concert filmed in Santiago, Chile on both Blue-Ray and DVD as well as the concert on 2 CDs.  Lastly, you get a bonus EP of Dog Years.  I will go through each for you, but I won’t go song-by-song as there are 30 songs in total and I can’t write that much and you would get bored with me repeating how great each song is…mostly.

To avoid typing out all the songs, I will get lazy and show you the back cover of the CD with the song listings.

IMG_0269

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