THE HELLECASTERS
''ESCAPE FROM HOLLYWOOD''
1994
57:17
1 - Danger Man 3:56
2 - Inspector Gadget 2:39
3 - Valley Of The Pharaohs 4:16
4 - Son Becomes Father 4:41
5 - Hanging At Tom & Rita's 5:03
6 - Axe To Grind 3:35
7 - Between Twilight & Dawn 5:57
8 - Mad For Mothra 3:28
9 - Lost In Kashmir 5:29
10 - Le Journee Des Tziganes 5:43
11 - Bordertown 4:02
12 - A Point In Time 4:31
13 - Major Troutage 3:51
Album Notes
by cdbaby
What happens when three of the world's greatest guitarists get together to form a band?
They call themselves The Hellecasters and go on to record some of the most incredible instrumental music ever. Each world-renown in their own right, combined they make music that takes your breath away.
John Jorgenson, Jerry Donahue and Will Ray are each involved in numerous projects that have them traveling the world, so getting together to write and record is a challenge.
John Jorgenson has been voted guitarist of the year by the Academy of Country Music consecutively for three years.
is known as one of the pioneers of the American gypsy jazz movement. He has performed as a solo artist as well as collaborated with other musicians all over the world. His articles and lessons on gypsy jazz have appeared in prominent guitar magazines and he has given master classes around the country, and he has performed with some of the most respected European proponents of this style, Bireli Lagrene and Romane. His playing has been included on a CD with Babik Reinhardt and Jimmy Rosenberg, and on another featuring Angelo Debarre and Moreno. In 1988 Curb Records released Jorgenson's After You've Gone CD, a collection of Reinhardt- and Goodman-styled 30's swing, featuring guest artists Darol Anger and David Grisman. John is a founding member of the Desert Rose Band, the Hellecasters, and six-year member of Elton John's band. Artists ranging from Barbra Streisand to Bonnie Raitt to Earl Scruggs have sought out Jorgenson's guitar work. Recently, John Jorgenson was chosen to portray Django Reinhardt in the feature film Head in the Clouds.
Jerry Donahue is ranked by Guitar Player Magazine among the elite where he has, for most of this decade, held the position as one of the three best country guitar players in the world for five years running. Guitar Shop Magazine describes his gift for guitar playing as a "freak of nature." Jerry's bio includes performances with George Harrison, Elton John, Robert Plant, Roy Orbison, Joan Armatrading and Gerry Rafferty. Danny Gatton once called him "the string-bending king of the planet." An American growing up in England, he superbly filled the shoes of Richard Thompson's departure from Fairport Convention. He appeared at the Cropredy Festival in the UK last August celebrating Fairport's 30th anniversary. In addition to his role as lead guitarist with a variety of bands, Jerry can be found world-wide through his instructional videos, clinics and live solo appearances.
Will Ray's unorthodox playing style of using B-Benders along with ring slides on both hands has made him somewhat of a cult figure within guitar circles. In 1992, the California Country Music Association voted him Guitarist of the Year. Artists such as Carlene Carter, Tom Jones, Steve Earle, Joe Walsh, Thomas Dolby and Solomon Burke have all benefited from Will's truly original style of playing. In addition, Will has released 2 instructional videos: B-Bender Mania and Stealth Slide Technique. He has also unleashed a solo CD entitled Invisible Birds, which finds him singing and playing like a madman.
John, Will and Jerry are largely responsible for the recent upsurge and popularity of instrumental guitar music. It all began with their first album, Return of the Hellecasters. John Jorgenson's rock-influenced harmonics, Will Ray's quick-pickin' and two-handed slide tricks, combined with Jerry Donahue's outrageous string-bending techniques created the unique sound of The Hellecasters. It was voted Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year by Guitar Player Magazine's Reader's Poll, and Guitar Shop Magazine declared it Album of the Year.
Their second project was called Escape From Hollywood. Each player contributed tunes and a distinct sonic signature. "Inspiring and mucho fun!" stated Guitar Player Magazine's Reader's poll for the Best Overall Recording. With the release of Hell III - New Axes to Grind, their newest record, each bring to the table his own special forte of spicy guitar playing.
REVIEW/AMG
By Mark Vanderhoff
On the Hellecasters' sophomore effort, Escape From Hollywood, the trio of rock virtuoso guitarists returns with another collection of progressive, zany, instrumental numbers. Forsaking all other guitars for Fender Telecasters, the trio plows through a repertoire ranging from kitschy, sci-fi rockers to breakneck, finger-picked country. While the technical mastery that all three musicians display is jaw-dropping, they never sound like they're showing off. Perhaps most impressive is that all three guitarists are able to spread their wings while maintaining a tight sound that never becomes cluttered. The slower numbers, such as "Son Becomes Father" and "Between Twilight and Dawn," are soulful and poignant, while "Mad for Mothra" and "Danger Man" would be right at home in an old horror movie or cop show, respectively. These tracks, as well as the album title itself, carry on the B-movie theme that the group started on its first album, Return of the Hellecasters. They even borrow a few bars from the Inspector Gadget theme song on the tune of the same name. While much of the rock world is busy taking itself way too seriously, it's refreshing to see a group of incredibly gifted musicians who aren't afraid to have some fun.
ABOUT THE BAND/OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Will and Jerry bumped into each other by chance at The Palomino, a popular LA area music club, on a Tuesday night in April of 1990. Both had individually gone to check out the acts that were scheduled to play that night. At that time, The Palomino hosted a presentation called "The Barndance", in which local acts were invited to showcase a repertoire of five or six selections each in the American Roots genre. And the admission was free! So, that couldn't be missed. Having arrived at the door at the same time, Jerry and Will sat down at a table together to enjoy the show. During one of the changeovers, Jerry casually mentioned how cool it would be if they were to come together, backed by a rhythm section to play a short set with a slightly different approach to the norm. In contrast to the common procedure of battling it out like gunslingers, (in an effort to determine who can outplay the other!), they would actually work closely together, producing interesting arrangements, harmony parts, etc., in the manner of a good horn section. And with Will's wild-man slides and Jerry's crazy bends, they'd be presenting a new sound all their own!
Will loved the idea but quickly noted that, as with horn sections, at least one more player would complete the picture, so that three-part harmonies could be achieved. The obvious choice was John, as half a decade earlier, they had come together along with two others to record an instrumental that Will had written, arranged and produced for release at that time ("Hollywood Roundup" by The Superpickers!).
Less than a week later, when John was back from touring, Will enlisted him and he (John) then came up with the trio's bohemian moniker! Subsequently the trio got together to arrange the short set and then brought in the rhythm section for an afternoon's rehearsal.
Ronnie Mack, creator and presenter of "The Barndance", was then approached and the first available date was reserved, about six weeks later in June. In the meantime, every Tuesday leading up to the début show, Ronnie promoted the new union so effectively that the Palomino was packed solid! Multiple demands were soon made for a return performance!
Due to everyone's prior commitments, the next possibility was to reserve a date in December, when everyone would be back for the Holidays (all lived in the Hollywood area at that time). Again the club was packed and, due to strict fire regulations, people were actually being turned away! This led to the guys agreeing to yet another date, which ended up being in April of '91. In the audience that night was video pioneer, Michael Nesmith, previously of 'The Monkees' fame. A record deal was offered on the spot and that is how 'The Hellecasters' became a bona fide entity - despite the three guys' original plan to join forces only for that one Palomino spot in June of '90!
BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA
The Hellecasters are an American guitar group. Composed of Nashville session players Will Ray, John Jorgenson (Desert Rose, and Elton John's backup band), and Jerry Donahue (Fairport Convention, Fotheringay), they all play modified versions of the Fender Telecaster as their main instruments. Their name, it has been speculated, comes from a pun, wherein they claim to play the hell out of their Telecasters. They came together at the behest of Michael Nesmith of the Monkees to record an album. Their first two albums, The Return of the Hellecasters and Escape from Hollywood, were released by Nesmith's Pacific Arts Audio label.
WEBSITE
TO THE TOP
''ESCAPE FROM HOLLYWOOD''
1994
57:17
1 - Danger Man 3:56
2 - Inspector Gadget 2:39
3 - Valley Of The Pharaohs 4:16
4 - Son Becomes Father 4:41
5 - Hanging At Tom & Rita's 5:03
6 - Axe To Grind 3:35
7 - Between Twilight & Dawn 5:57
8 - Mad For Mothra 3:28
9 - Lost In Kashmir 5:29
10 - Le Journee Des Tziganes 5:43
11 - Bordertown 4:02
12 - A Point In Time 4:31
13 - Major Troutage 3:51
Album Notes
by cdbaby
What happens when three of the world's greatest guitarists get together to form a band?
They call themselves The Hellecasters and go on to record some of the most incredible instrumental music ever. Each world-renown in their own right, combined they make music that takes your breath away.
John Jorgenson, Jerry Donahue and Will Ray are each involved in numerous projects that have them traveling the world, so getting together to write and record is a challenge.
John Jorgenson has been voted guitarist of the year by the Academy of Country Music consecutively for three years.
is known as one of the pioneers of the American gypsy jazz movement. He has performed as a solo artist as well as collaborated with other musicians all over the world. His articles and lessons on gypsy jazz have appeared in prominent guitar magazines and he has given master classes around the country, and he has performed with some of the most respected European proponents of this style, Bireli Lagrene and Romane. His playing has been included on a CD with Babik Reinhardt and Jimmy Rosenberg, and on another featuring Angelo Debarre and Moreno. In 1988 Curb Records released Jorgenson's After You've Gone CD, a collection of Reinhardt- and Goodman-styled 30's swing, featuring guest artists Darol Anger and David Grisman. John is a founding member of the Desert Rose Band, the Hellecasters, and six-year member of Elton John's band. Artists ranging from Barbra Streisand to Bonnie Raitt to Earl Scruggs have sought out Jorgenson's guitar work. Recently, John Jorgenson was chosen to portray Django Reinhardt in the feature film Head in the Clouds.
Jerry Donahue is ranked by Guitar Player Magazine among the elite where he has, for most of this decade, held the position as one of the three best country guitar players in the world for five years running. Guitar Shop Magazine describes his gift for guitar playing as a "freak of nature." Jerry's bio includes performances with George Harrison, Elton John, Robert Plant, Roy Orbison, Joan Armatrading and Gerry Rafferty. Danny Gatton once called him "the string-bending king of the planet." An American growing up in England, he superbly filled the shoes of Richard Thompson's departure from Fairport Convention. He appeared at the Cropredy Festival in the UK last August celebrating Fairport's 30th anniversary. In addition to his role as lead guitarist with a variety of bands, Jerry can be found world-wide through his instructional videos, clinics and live solo appearances.
Will Ray's unorthodox playing style of using B-Benders along with ring slides on both hands has made him somewhat of a cult figure within guitar circles. In 1992, the California Country Music Association voted him Guitarist of the Year. Artists such as Carlene Carter, Tom Jones, Steve Earle, Joe Walsh, Thomas Dolby and Solomon Burke have all benefited from Will's truly original style of playing. In addition, Will has released 2 instructional videos: B-Bender Mania and Stealth Slide Technique. He has also unleashed a solo CD entitled Invisible Birds, which finds him singing and playing like a madman.
John, Will and Jerry are largely responsible for the recent upsurge and popularity of instrumental guitar music. It all began with their first album, Return of the Hellecasters. John Jorgenson's rock-influenced harmonics, Will Ray's quick-pickin' and two-handed slide tricks, combined with Jerry Donahue's outrageous string-bending techniques created the unique sound of The Hellecasters. It was voted Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year by Guitar Player Magazine's Reader's Poll, and Guitar Shop Magazine declared it Album of the Year.
Their second project was called Escape From Hollywood. Each player contributed tunes and a distinct sonic signature. "Inspiring and mucho fun!" stated Guitar Player Magazine's Reader's poll for the Best Overall Recording. With the release of Hell III - New Axes to Grind, their newest record, each bring to the table his own special forte of spicy guitar playing.
REVIEW/AMG
By Mark Vanderhoff
On the Hellecasters' sophomore effort, Escape From Hollywood, the trio of rock virtuoso guitarists returns with another collection of progressive, zany, instrumental numbers. Forsaking all other guitars for Fender Telecasters, the trio plows through a repertoire ranging from kitschy, sci-fi rockers to breakneck, finger-picked country. While the technical mastery that all three musicians display is jaw-dropping, they never sound like they're showing off. Perhaps most impressive is that all three guitarists are able to spread their wings while maintaining a tight sound that never becomes cluttered. The slower numbers, such as "Son Becomes Father" and "Between Twilight and Dawn," are soulful and poignant, while "Mad for Mothra" and "Danger Man" would be right at home in an old horror movie or cop show, respectively. These tracks, as well as the album title itself, carry on the B-movie theme that the group started on its first album, Return of the Hellecasters. They even borrow a few bars from the Inspector Gadget theme song on the tune of the same name. While much of the rock world is busy taking itself way too seriously, it's refreshing to see a group of incredibly gifted musicians who aren't afraid to have some fun.
ABOUT THE BAND/OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Will and Jerry bumped into each other by chance at The Palomino, a popular LA area music club, on a Tuesday night in April of 1990. Both had individually gone to check out the acts that were scheduled to play that night. At that time, The Palomino hosted a presentation called "The Barndance", in which local acts were invited to showcase a repertoire of five or six selections each in the American Roots genre. And the admission was free! So, that couldn't be missed. Having arrived at the door at the same time, Jerry and Will sat down at a table together to enjoy the show. During one of the changeovers, Jerry casually mentioned how cool it would be if they were to come together, backed by a rhythm section to play a short set with a slightly different approach to the norm. In contrast to the common procedure of battling it out like gunslingers, (in an effort to determine who can outplay the other!), they would actually work closely together, producing interesting arrangements, harmony parts, etc., in the manner of a good horn section. And with Will's wild-man slides and Jerry's crazy bends, they'd be presenting a new sound all their own!
Will loved the idea but quickly noted that, as with horn sections, at least one more player would complete the picture, so that three-part harmonies could be achieved. The obvious choice was John, as half a decade earlier, they had come together along with two others to record an instrumental that Will had written, arranged and produced for release at that time ("Hollywood Roundup" by The Superpickers!).
Less than a week later, when John was back from touring, Will enlisted him and he (John) then came up with the trio's bohemian moniker! Subsequently the trio got together to arrange the short set and then brought in the rhythm section for an afternoon's rehearsal.
Ronnie Mack, creator and presenter of "The Barndance", was then approached and the first available date was reserved, about six weeks later in June. In the meantime, every Tuesday leading up to the début show, Ronnie promoted the new union so effectively that the Palomino was packed solid! Multiple demands were soon made for a return performance!
Due to everyone's prior commitments, the next possibility was to reserve a date in December, when everyone would be back for the Holidays (all lived in the Hollywood area at that time). Again the club was packed and, due to strict fire regulations, people were actually being turned away! This led to the guys agreeing to yet another date, which ended up being in April of '91. In the audience that night was video pioneer, Michael Nesmith, previously of 'The Monkees' fame. A record deal was offered on the spot and that is how 'The Hellecasters' became a bona fide entity - despite the three guys' original plan to join forces only for that one Palomino spot in June of '90!
BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA
The Hellecasters are an American guitar group. Composed of Nashville session players Will Ray, John Jorgenson (Desert Rose, and Elton John's backup band), and Jerry Donahue (Fairport Convention, Fotheringay), they all play modified versions of the Fender Telecaster as their main instruments. Their name, it has been speculated, comes from a pun, wherein they claim to play the hell out of their Telecasters. They came together at the behest of Michael Nesmith of the Monkees to record an album. Their first two albums, The Return of the Hellecasters and Escape from Hollywood, were released by Nesmith's Pacific Arts Audio label.
WEBSITE
TO THE TOP
No comments :
Post a Comment