Musical Gypsies

Continuing with their eighteen month world tour on the strength of their last studio album…”Outsider”, ”Uriah Heep” have also released a new DVD package that shows us why they are still a sought after live act, and below we can get a glimpse as to what drives these musical gypsies!

Bruce:  Watching this new DVD package certainly shows us why “Uriah Heep” are still such an influence on the modern rock scene!  Did you ever imagine that you and the boys would still be rocking as hard as you are in the 21st century?

Bernie Shaw: The thing is with being in a rock band is that you never ever dwell on age or time... it’s a bit like being in the Peter Pan business really.  Growing up and growing old is what “other people” do in the outside world. Touring musicians who tend to live out of suitcases, never slow down enough to think of time in that sense, so I guess the answer is YES, of course I just assumed I’d still be singing with Heep and the band still playing in excess of 100 shows a year as we always have done ... and will continue to do so... As long as we are selling tickets, we’ll be around.

Q: This combination of your older material with the newer music works so well and on many levels…and it works so naturally, can you take us through some of the creative process—and has it changed throughout the years?

A: We are very lucky that Heep had such a distinctive sound and style back in the 70’s. A trademark sound that set them apart from all the rest of the Big Five (Zeppelin, Purple, Sabbath, Tull and Heep). That song writing chemistry still runs true with Mick and Phil today and they still seem to capture the magic in the melody and harmony that played such important part of early Heep’s sound. Add the fact that we still prefer to record all together in one room at one time and you can’t help but get the sound of the 70’s, amps on 10! Giving it yer all!! That’s rock and roll at its basic level. Include 5 guys that are all on the same page musically, you can’t help but end up with a great sounding album. True Heep, end to end.

 

URIAH HEEP “Live at Koko”

(Frontiers Music s.r.l.)

One listen, or for that matter-one viewing of this new live CD/DVD production from Uriah Heep will tell you why this iconic group are still making an impact! “Live at Koko” is a living testament of the high level of craftsmanship and musicianship this group has. From some of their earliest compositions to their very latest creations: Uriah Heep’s performances here are flawless! Join their journey through four decades-and then some-of stately progressive renderings delivered with the same energy that we witnessed back in the ‘70’s! A fabulous performance from an equally fabulous band of musical gypsies, one can be totally immersed in the sonic brilliance that is now and always was the essence of Uriah Heep! A dazzling performance from a long standing innovative British super group, nothing more needs to be said other than… Uriah Heep “Live At Koko” is a “must-have” release for all respecting Rockers!!

 

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Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

The Blue Gator:    Zamboni Brothers:  April 17^th & April 18^th and April 23^rd   Rumble 100:  April 24^th & April 25^th 

Doc Willoughby’s:    Agent Orange with In The Whale:  Apr. 28^th

Fernando’s Pub:  Fever Feel:  April 15^th    Sam Weber:  April 18^th

O’Flannigan’s Pub:  Young’Uns:  April 17^th & 18^th  Linus:  April 24^th & April 25^th

Whiski-jack’s Pub:   Jimmy LeGuilloux Band:  April 17^th  & 18^th

Notable Concerts:   

Prospera  Place:    Counting Crows:   April 29^th   Diana Krall:  May 12^th     Aerosmith:   July 13^th

Kelowna Community Theatre:    Los Lonely Boys:  May 10^th   April Wine:   May 11^th

South Okanagan Events Centre:   Journey:   July 10^th  “Weird Al” Yankovic:  September 9^th   Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band-(featuring Todd Rundgren, Steve Lukather, Gregg Rolie plus others!!)   October 10^th

 

   …if you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  [email protected]  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!!.....

 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.