10527 - THE JON BUTCHER AXIS - EXPERIENCED (2014)

THE JON BUTCHER AXIS
''EXPERIENCED''
2014
38:22

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1 Spanish Castle Magic 03:22
2 Foxy Lady 03:54
3 If 6 Was 9 04:33
4 The Wind Cries Mary 03:30
5 Crosstown Traffic 02:23
6 Are You Experienced 03:52
7 Manic Depression 03:50
8 Axis Bold as Love 03:01
9 Wait Until Tomorrow 02:53
10 Kiss the Sky 04:00
11 Electric Lady 02:58

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Jon Butcher/Guitar, Vocals
Chris Martin/Bass Guitar
John Anthony/Drums, Vocals

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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10526 - THE JON BUTCHER AXIS - AXIS 3 (2013)

JON BUTCHER AXIS
''AXIS 3''
2013
40:25

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1 Ocean in Motion 02:56
2 Dream Fields 04:23
3 Life Takes a Life 05:34
4 Axis Bold as Love 03:03
5 Wishes 03:51
6 Sentinel 04:56
7 Holy War 04:54
8 Dog Days 04:31
9 Somewhere over the Rainbow 03:45
10 Old Atlanta 02:28

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Jon Butcher/Guitars, Vocals
Chris Martin/Bass Guitar
MUZZ/Drums

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ABOUT THE ALBUM
Arthur Orfanos, www.performermag.com
“Vibrant and energetic”

When you typically think of a guitar slinging front man “rocking out” with a Fender Stratocaster, you typically think of someone like Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughn. One other name also comes to mind—Jon Butcher. Axis 3 is a great package that includes a variety of Butcher classics both old and new; kicking off with the lively “Ocean in Motion,” followed by familiar greats, “Holy War,” “Wishes,” and an enjoyable, comparable remake of the Jimi Hendrix classic, “Axis: Bold as Love.”

There is no question that Butcher’s abilities to deliver as a top-notch recording artist/performer have not lost any steps. Axis 3 is an electric vibration; Butcher’s robust vocals and silky, vibrant guitars are glued together by drummer Muzz, and bassist Chris Martin’s solid performances.

The virtual “side two” includes new songs “Sentinel,” a ‘Jeff Beck-ish’ instrumental; groovy, hypnotic “Dog Days,” and “Old Atlanta,” a melancholy country ditty that takes you back to early American folklore. The surprising twist is a pleasant finale of Butcher’s smoky/jazzy and intimate remake of the classic “Somewhere over the Rainbow.”

One might not expect to find Butcher on the other side of the curtain, but he is a definite candidate to pull the strings—all six of them, that is—with or without electricity and an amplifier. Axis 3 commands your attention as you find yourself reaching for the knob to turn up the volume. A must have, and highly delectable treat for any music lover.

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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10525 - BAREFOOT SERVANTS 2 (2005) (REPOST)

BAREFOOT SERVANTS
''2''
2005
47:11

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1/Pharaoh's House
Jon Butcher/3:43
2/I Don't Care at All
Jon Butcher/3:14
3/Crazy
Jon Butcher/4:21
4/When the Day Comes
Jon Butcher / Leland Sklar / Neal Wilkinson/2:46
5/Rude Boy
Jon Butcher/2:51
6/Take My Breath Away
Jon Butcher/3:55
7/Bells of St. Mary's
Jon Butcher/3:37
8/Brown Penny
Jon Butcher/4:32
9/Monsters in Bethlehem/3:08
10/Crack the Sky
Jon Butcher/3:35
11/Love You Too Much
Jon Butcher/3:05
12/Dog Days
Jon Butcher/4:38
13/Phases of the Moon
Jon Butcher/3:46

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Jon Butcher /Guitar, Vocals
George Massenburg /Vocal Coach
Ben Schultz /Guitar, Vocals
Leland Sklar /Bass
Neal Wilkinson /Drums, Sound Effects

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REVIEW/AMG
Joe Viglione
Eleven years after the Barefoot Servants' debut on Epic Records in 1994 came the return of this four-piece supergroup of session players with a supremely commercial outing that begs for airplay and recognition. Cleverly titled Barefoot Servants 2 from the Bob Dylan song "All Along the Watchtower," the 15 compositions have passion and distinct identities -- no two songs sounding alike. Where the Section, a '70s ensemble which also featured Leland Sklar, had somewhat faceless compositions, these players decide to model songs which sound like their favorite artists -- some of whom they've played with. Guitarist Ben Schultz's time with Rod Stewart is documented here in "Brown Penny," an Every Picture Tells a Story-styled ballad featuring Jon Butcher at his throaty raspiest. There's no denying that opening track "Pharaoh's House" has Exile on Main St. overtones absent from the Rolling Stones' 1990s efforts, while "Love You Too Much" is a sequel to "She Drives Me Crazy" that Fine Young Cannibals could never find. These seasoned pros attack the original material with a seriousness, and that's how they pull off the tongue-in-cheek nods to their respective careers. As Jon Butcher has never denied his adoration of Hendrix, there's the obligatory nod to Jimi's genius. "Over Lovin' You" would make the guitar master proud, and it's probably the only place where Butcher indulges his own passions, displaying an ability to change genres as each song demands. The record is an absolute delight, mirroring the band RTZ's Lost album, where Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau from the band Boston take on styles and sounds that they hold near and dear. The independent Atom Records label has reissued the album with two additional tracks, as the first pressing sold out rather quickly. Drummer Neal Wilkinson has played with a diverse bunch, from John Tesh and Livingston Taylor to Brit-rock phenoms Ultravox. His percussive genius lifts "Crazy" to a unique space. The quartet may not have the name recognition of the individual members of Blind Faith, nor does this album tread that sacred ground, but it's clear that these journeyman know their trade and it's also very clear that their combined chops and intelligence have created a record which actually sounds as fun as it probably was to make. These days that is truly something special, putting Barefoot Servants 2 in a league all its own.

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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10524 - JON BUTCHER - AMERICAN DREAM (2004) (REPOST)

JON BUTCHER
''AMERICAN DREAM''
JANUARY 1 2004
50:07

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1 - American Dream/3:46
2 - Fire Down The Well/6:57
3 - Higher Ground/5:06
4 - Long Way Home/4:18
5 - Writing On The Wall/3:30
6 - Holy War/4:11
7 - Heaven/5:58
8 - Life Takes A Life/4:50
9 - Wishes/4:01
10 - Goodbye Saving Grace/7:24

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Derek Blevins - Percussion, Drums
Jon Butcher - Guitar, Vocals
Thom Gimbel - Keyboards, Saxophone, Vocals (Background)

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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10523 - JON BUTCHER AXIS - AN OCEAN IN MOTION: LIVE IN BOSTON 1984 (2002) (REPOST)

JON BUTCHER AXIS
''AN OCEAN IN MOTION: LIVE IN BOSTON 1984''
2002
48:18

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1/Ocean in Motion
Jon Butcher/2:54
2/Victims
Jon Butcher/4:56
3/Life Takes a Life
Jon Butcher / Christopher Martin/4:42
4/Fairlight
Jon Butcher/4:42
5/Sentinel
Derek Blevins / Jon Butcher / Christopher Martin/6:24
6/Walk Like This
Jon Butcher/3:15
7/Walk on the Moon
Jon Butcher/5:23
8/New Man
Jon Butcher/4:46
9/It's Only Words
Jon Butcher/3:30
10/Not Fade Away
Buddy Holly / Norman Petty/3:11
11/Don't Say Goodnight
Jon Butcher/4:28

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Derek Blevins - Percussion, Drums
Jon Butcher - Guitar, Vocals, Producer
Thom Gimbel - Keyboards, Saxophone, Vocals (Background)

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REVIEW/AMG
Joe Viglione
Jon Butcher cut a path through the Boston rock & roll scene when his Johanna Wilde band started making some noise as a terrific mainstream act like their contemporary, Charlie Farren, bucking the "new wave" trend and establishing a presence by staying true to the music's mission. Johanna Wilde evolved into Jon Butcher Axis, and that both of his 1980s major label releases on Polydor are out of print in the new millennium certainly leaves a void for fans, of which there were many. Ocean In Motion: Live In Boston 1984 helps fill that void, despite its flaws. An allegedly "live" CD of vintage Jon Butcher Axis -- said to be from Boston's The Channel Club in 1984 -- sounds too clean to be recorded in front of an audience. The same loop of applause with an annoying and lengthy whistle comes up in between tracks (most noticeably on an otherwise excellent "Don't Say Goodnight.") The Dayton, Ohio label Atom Records must be commended for getting Butcher's music out there, but it's like that studio version of "Fortune Teller" that the Rolling Stones tagged on to Got Live If You Want It!: the fake applause just desecrates otherwise fine music. Seven tunes can be found on the first Polydor LP, Jon Butcher Axis released in 1983, three also appeared on the follow-up, Stare At The Sun: the songs "Victims," "Walk On The Moon," and "Don't Say Goodnight," while the 11th title, "Not Fade Away," is a cover of the Norman Petty/Charles Hardin song made famous by the Rolling Stones. Foreigner's Thom Gimbel, who performs with Aerosmith and is producing Adrian Perry, son of Joe Perry, appears on all tracks on keys, backing vocals, and saxophone, though he wasn't an official bandmember. Jon Butcher gives anecdotes and impressions about his material in the colorful six-page liner note booklet, and that is very substantial. It's an elegant package chock full of photos and insight. It's too bad there's not a Jon Butcher Axis live album from the time this group was busy opening for the J. Geils Band when that ensemble was at the height of their fame. Yes, it's great to have this music available on CD, and maybe Scott Kinnison and Atom Records will go through the vaults for a broadcast from radio station WCOZ and/or find other material from the day. Just hearing this material again makes one point very clear -- Jon Butcher put together some of the most concise and melodic hard rock/pop tunes from Boston's '70s/early '80s scene, and deserved much more success than he achieved. www.jonbutcher.com is the official web page.

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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10522 - JON BUTCHER AXIS - JBA ARCHIVES - A STIFF LITTLE BREEZE (2001) (REPOST)

JON BUTCHER AXIS
''ARCHIVE: A STIFF LITTLE BREEZE''
SEPTEMBER 17 2002
45:07

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1. A Stiff Little Breeze/2:43
2. Tie The Devil Down/3:37
3. Red House/4:39
4. Tiger In The Tall Grass/4:42
5. Big Guitars/3:29
6. Love Is A River/3:36
7. Bats/1:27
8. High Road To Heaven/3:17
9. Money (Don't Mean A Thing)/3:34
10. The Dreamer/3:13
11. Wicked Woman/3:57
12. When The Heart Beats Once/2:14
13. A Little Texas Rain/3:15
14. Beal Street/1:26

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REVIEW/AMG
A Stiff Little Breeze is a superb album from the Jon Butcher Axis, getting straight As in pacing, performance, and material. Jon Butcher personally essays, the tales behind each tune found in the eight-page booklet brimming with photos and rich in band history. As the music crosses decades, Butcher cleverly splashes some of his favorite phrasings throughout the melodies and production, making it very, very appealing. "The Tiger in the Tall Grass" borrows heavily from early Rod Stewart/Faces, Beatles backing vocals, and, most notably, Paul McCartney's "That Would Be Something" from his first solo album. "Wicked Woman" (the title of a Janis Joplin bootleg, a fact that couldn't have escaped Butcher's notice) adds some culture shock from what precedes it -- the kind of polished '80s rock that Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" provided, only this Jon plays it so cool, slipping in a bit of "Purple Haze" into the mix. And speaking of such things, "Red House" is a standout. This artist has certainly come up with enough diverse sounds to separate him from his major influence -- but when he dives into Hendrix territory, it is with true understanding and wild abandon. Jimi's friend Buzzy Linhart heard this version of "Red House" and noted that the tune has become the "Stormy Monday Blues" of the new millennium, Linhart most impressed with what Butcher did with this often overworked cover. "A Light Texas Rain," like the title track that begins the set, is short, sweet, and gloriously simple. Many Butcher albums have seeds of greatness, but A Stiff Little Breeze is no mere collection of B-sides and outtakes; it is an impressive blend of this important artist's thoughts, emotions, and performances. "Money" is like some catchy response to Cyndi Lauper's hit "Money Changes Everything," with a clever aside from Butcher in the liner notes. "Beal St." is Robert Johnson/Mick Taylor slide guitar blues, the final of 14 tracks that make up this favorite of all of Jon Butcher's releases. The excellent cover art features the state of Massachusetts on a map that looks like parchment an archaeologist would read from to find hidden treasure. Most appropriate.

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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10521 - THE BEST OF JON BUTCHER - ...DREAMERS WOULD RIDE (1998) (REPOST)

JON BUTCHER
''THE BEST OF JON BUTCHER: ...DREAMERS WOULD RIDE''
JUNE 30 1998
65:52

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1/Might as Well Be Free
Jon Butcher/4:32
2/Life Takes a Life
Jon Butcher / Christopher Martin/3:54
3/Goodbye Saving Grace
Jon Butcher/4:16
4/Holy War
Jon Butcher/4:11
5/Don't Say Goodnight
Jon Butcher Axis/3:23
6/Stop
Jon Butcher/4:11
7/Sounds of Your Voice
Jon Butcher/3:41
8/Waiting for a Miracle
Glen Ballard / Jon Butcher/5:19
9/May This Be Love
Jimi Hendrix/3:08
10/Wishes
Jon Butcher/4:01
11/The Ritual
Jon Butcher / Thom Gimbel/2:57
12/Whiskey River
Jon Butcher/3:47
13/If I Love You
Jon Butcher/1:42
14/Send Me Somebody
Jon Butcher / Ronnie Lee Sage/4:07
15/This Raging Fire
Bob Halligan Jr./4:10
16/It's Only Words
Jon Butcher Axis/3:48
17/Division Street
Jon Butcher/4:45

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REVIEW/AMG
A fixture on the live scene in his native Boston, guitarist Jon Butcher never quite broke through on a national level, although he did attract a following with a string of moderate AOR hits during the '80s. Dreamers Would Ride is highlighted by Butcher's accomplished playing and, although it's all relatively straightforward blues-based rock, there's more attention to the songs as a whole than on most guitar-hero records. "Might As Well Be Free" is surging and anthemic and "Holy War" has a Middle Eastern boogie feel to it. Other highlights include the urban narrative "Life Takes a Life," the lovely, understated "Wishes," and the scorching "Whiskey River." There's also a solid cover of "May This Be Love" which reveals the Hendrix comparisons that he often received, although his bluesy growl of a voice is reminiscent of Phil Lynott. With extensive, well-written liner notes, a balanced sampling of material from throughout his career, and several perks for collectors (including the stripped-down ballad "If I Love You," an unreleased track), Dreamers Would Ride is a well-done collection that will please fans.

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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10520 - JON BUTCHER - ELECTRIC FACTORY (1996) (REPOST)

JON BUTCHER
''ELECTRIC FACTORY''
SEPTEMBER 9 1996
50:17

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1/Rocket Ship
Jon Butcher/6:25
2/Chili Sauce
Jon Butcher/6:23
3/Rather Go Fishin'
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/3:14
4/Cactus Flower
Jon Butcher/7:08
5/A Sea of Blues
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/5:04
6/The Fireman's Ball
Jon Butcher/3:19
7/Gambler
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/5:07
8/Yes, She Does
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/3:45
9/Brian's Electric Factory
Jon Butcher/5:24
10/The Coleman Mine
Jon Butcher/1:04
11/By Railroad Line/3:24

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Jon Butcher - Multi Instruments
Kelly Rucker - Harp
Ben Schultz - Multi Instruments

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REVIEW
by Jason Anderson
Around the time that Jon Butcher assembled Electric Factory, the musician/songwriter was also shifting his career focus away from solo rock performing. Film and television soundtracks were becoming his new bag. Working out of his studio that shares this record's name, Butcher began to specialize in traditional American music for producers looking to add an earthy tone to their cinematic vision. Hoping to become a kind of down-home Danny Elfman, Butcher began writing emotive, bluesy songs, dripping with gospel and rural imagery. Electric Factory is a bonus collection of the blues-rock tracks that were born out of Butcher's feverish woodshedding. If this International Blues Bureau release was more of a textural showpiece than a conceptual statement, it's still a powerful effort. The Ry Cooder-meets-Steve Earle "The Coleman Mine" is a mellow highlight. But more aggressive numbers like "Rocket Ship" and "Gambler" provide the mid-tempo rock pulse of Electric Factory. Not exactly important or groundbreaking, this 1996 offering still should be a fine addition to any modern blues-rock fan's collection.

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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10519 - JON BUTCHER - POSITIVELY THE BLUES (1995) (REPOST)

JON BUTCHER
''POSITIVELY THE BLUES''
OCTOBER 24 1995
45:09

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1/Cadillac Limousine
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/2:54
2/Clean-Up Time
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/6:52
3/Taxman Blues
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/3:39
4/Union Hall
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/2:19
5/Honey Bee
Bobby "Blue" Bland / Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/3:47
6/Here I Am
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/2:54
7/20 Years
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/3:47
8/I Hate Myself
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/3:00
9/At the Feet of the Master
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/5:53
10/Two Penny Nail
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/4:13
11/High Heel Shoes
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/4:07
12/Sail On
Jon Butcher / Ben Schultz/1:44

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Jon Butcher - Dobro, Guitar, Vocals
Ben Schultz - Guitar, Keyboards, Slide Guitar

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REVIEW/AMG
Jason Anderson
After contributing to two Blues Bureau compilations, Jon Butcher signed with the Mike Varney-led specialty label in 1995 and released Positively the Blues. As usual, Butcher sings and plays with supreme confidence and conviction on this, his first full-length foray into the blues genre. Energetic Chicago- and Texas-style numbers like the opener, "Cadillac Limousine," have a distinctive rock sheen that fans of Butcher's earlier work will recognize and enjoy. The swinging "Union Hall" almost matches the soul and dexterity of blues godhead Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the Hendrix/Vaughan-influenced "At the Feet of the Master" is probably the standout cut on Positively the Blues, as the track features some of Butcher's most incendiary guitar work on record. Listeners who are fond of the bluesy classic rock that Butcher specialized in during the '80s will definitely appreciate this powerful and emotive effort.

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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TO THE TOP

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10518 - BAREFOOT SERVANTS (1994) (REPOST)

BAREFOOT SERVANTS
''BAREFOOT SERVANTS''
1994
47:19

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1 Jealous Man/3:29
2 Box Of Miracles/3:42
3 Love's Made A Fool/3:32
4 It Hurts Me Too/4:40
5 Foolish Behavior/4:10
6 Drinking Again/3:09
7 Whiskey Man/0:34
8 Red Handed/3:39
9 Fire And Gasoline/3:28
10 Better Off Dead/2:42
11 Blackbird/5:15
12 Muscle Car/4:14
13 Bound For Glory/4:16
14 Railroad Line Revisited/0:21

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Ray Brinker /Drums, Percussion
Jon Butcher /Guitar, Vocals
Craig Doerge /Dulcimer, Organ (Hammond)
Michael Frondelli /Producer
Meredith Marshall /Vocals (Background)
Bill Payne /Piano
Chris Pierce /Vocals (Background)
Ben Schultz /Guitar, Mandolin, Slide Guitar
Leland Sklar /Bass

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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TO THE TOP

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10517 - JON BUTCHER - PICTURES FROM THE FRONT (1989) (REPOST)

JON BUTCHER
''PICTURES FROM THE FRONT''
1989
44:44

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1/I'm Only Dreaming/5:18
2/Might as Well Be Free/4:58
3/Live or Die/4:47
4/99 (May Be All You Need)/4:37
5/Beating Drum/4:36
6/The Mission/2:41
7/Send Me Somebody/4:06
8/Division Street/4:47
9/Come and Get It/3:36
10/Waiting for a Miracle/5:18

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Glen Ballard - Keyboards
Jon Butcher - Guitar, Vocals
Jammin' James Carter - Bass Guitar, Vocals
Thom Gimbel - Guitar, Horn, Keyboards, Vocals
Jamie Hunting - Bass Guitar
Ronnie Lee Sage - Percussion, Drums, Vocals
Timothy B. Schmit - Vocals

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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TO THE TOP

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10516 - JON BUTCHER - WISHES (1987) (REPOST)

JON BUTCHER
''WISHES''
1987
43:19

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01 - Goodbye Saving Grace/4:09
02 - Living For Tomorrow/5:07
03 - Holy War/4:07
04 - Wishes/3:57
05 - Churinga (Instrumental)/3:40
06 - Long Way Home/3:58
07 - Show Me Some Emotion/3:56
08 - A Little Bit Of Magic/4:00
09 - Angel Dressed In Blue/3:49
10 - Partners In Crime/3:17
11 - Prisoners Of The Silver Chain/3:13

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Derek Blevins - Percussion, Drums
Jon Butcher - Bass Guitar, Guitar, Percussion, Vocals
Thom Gimbel - Horn, Keyboards
Rob Jefferies - Bass Guitar

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REVIEW
By Joe Viglione
Jon Butcher says he never should have bet his heart if he "couldn't pay the price" in Wishes, which might be the guitarist's most introspective album and most potent artistic statement. The production by Butcher and Spencer Proffer is crisp and elegant. Here's a songwriter controlling his own destiny with help from Foreigner/Aerosmith sideman Thom Gimbel, longtime drummer Derek Blevins, and bassist Rob Jeffries. These are all Jon Butcher originals with one co-write, "A Little Bit of Magic," which has the assistance of a person with one name only, Raun, from another Pasha/Spencer Proffer group, Isle of Man. "Living for Tomorrow" continues the spirit of the first tune, "Goodbye Saving Grace," with the singer's strong voice augmented by guitarmanship finally coming into its own. His musicianship takes a backseat to the song and production though, which is a good thing -- leave the flash for the stage. Wishes has solid statements in each song and throughout the grooves. The old adage "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride" is changed here to "If wishes were horses...then dreamers would ride," written over and under a solitary picture of Butcher on the inner sleeve. He sounds like Paul Rodgers on "Holy War" taking much from the Firm, a group who hit two years before this 1987 disc. "Holy War" takes on Jimmy Swaggart, Jerry Fallwell, Billy Graham, and other evangelists to great effect, while the title track treads on ground more familiar to Butcher, the music of Jimi Hendrix. "Wishes" is a wonderful tune which borrows heavily from "The Wind Cries Mary" both lyrically and musically before emerging halfway through as its own entity. "Churinga" closes out side one, a creative instrumental displaying this band's ability to groove. These grooves immediately make their way to side two with "Long Way Home," a blending of percussion and Jon Butcher's gritty guitar. "Show Me Some Emotion" harkens back to the sound of early Jon Butcher Axis, with better production than their Polygram debut. The co-write, "A Little Bit of Magic," picks up where "Wishes" left off, and though the lyrics may be the weakest on the disc, the song's climbing guitar evokes Santana from that guitar star's "She's Not There" period ten years earlier. "A Little Bit of Magic" should have been a big hit. So too "Angel Dressed in Blue," elements of commercial artists from the day blend into the mix, making this a stronger album from Spencer Proffer than his Quiet Riot smash three years earlier. Rather than "bang your head," the music here is articulate and determined. "Partners in Crime" and "Prisoners of the Chain" add to this dynamic effort, the final track a hard ballad which would have been a nice direction for Bad Company. It sounds like that band seeking more modern sounds and closes out an impressive work by a journeyman revising the formula which brought him regional success in the Boston area.

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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TO THE TOP

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10515 - THE JON BUTCHER AXIS - ALONG THE AXIS (1985) (REPOST)

THE JON BUTCHER AXIS
''ALONG THE AXIS''
1985
42:20

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1/Stop!
Jon Butcher/4:14
2/Electricity
Derek Blevins / Jon Butcher / Thom Gimbel/3:35
3/Sounds of Your Voice
Jon Butcher / Thom Gimbel/3:38
4/Only the Fox
Jon Butcher/4:07
5/Along the Axis
Jon Butcher/3:40
6/Two Hearts Running
Jon Butcher/4:29
7/I've Got Money
Jon Butcher / Spencer Proffer/3:45
8/Between the Lines
Jon Butcher/4:38
9/Carrie
Jon Butcher/3:34
10/That's How Strong My Love Is
Jon Butcher/3:29
11/The Ritual
Jon Butcher / Thom Gimbel/3:11

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Randy Bishop - Vocals
Derek Blevins - Drums
Larry Brown - percussion
Jon Butcher - Guitar, Percussion, Arranger, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Ava Cherry - Vocals
Thom Gimbel - Guitar, Arranger, Horn, Keyboards, Vocals, Vocals (Background), Maxtone
Jimmy Johnson - Bass Guitar
Moneygrabbers - Vocals
Spencer Proffer - Arranger

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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TO THE TOP

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10514 - THE JON BUTCHER AXIS - STARE AT THE SUN (1984) (REPOST)

JON BUTCHER AXIS
''STARE AT THE SUN''
1984
38:43

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1 Wind It Up 3:20
2 Victims 4:14
3 Dreams Fade Away 4:05
4 Stay Low 3:53
5 Can't Tell The Dancer From The Dance 3:42
6 Don't Say Goodnight 3:22
7 Walk On The Moon 5:24
8 Call To Arms 3:43
9 Eros Arriving 3:40
10 Breakout 3:12

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Derek Blevins – Drums
Jon Butcher – Guitar, Vocals
Christopher Martin – Bass
Pat Moran – Producer

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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TO THE TOP

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10513 - JON BUTCHER AXIS (1983) (REPOST)

JON BUTCHER AXIS
''JON BUTCHER AXIS''
1983
33:08

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1 Life Takes a Life 3:53
Jon Butcher / Christopher Martin
2 It's Only Words 3:02
Jon Butcher
3 Ocean in Motion 2:21
Jon Butcher
4 Can't Be the Only Fool 3:23
5 Sentinel 3:18
Derek Blevins / Jon Butcher / Christopher Martin
6 New Man 3:10
Jon Butcher
7 Fairlight 3:22
Jon Butcher
8 Send One Care Of 3:43
9 Walk Like This 3:01
Jon Butcher
10 We Will Be as One 3:55

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Derek Blevins – Drums
Jon Butcher – Guitar, Vocals
Christopher Martin – Bass Guitar

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REVIEW/AMG
Joe Viglione
Jon Butcher is a journeyman guitarist whose Johanna Wilde band was legendary in the New England region in the late '70s. While the "new wave" and "punk rock" scenes were exploding, Butcher kept to what he did best: mainstream hard rock. By the time this Polydor deal materialized, much of his better-known tunes had been in circulation for quite some time. "New Man" originally appeared on a 1980/1981 compilation from radio station WCOZ, it opens up side two here, but, like most of the album, is hampered by Pat Moran's pedestrian production."Cant Be the Only Fool" and "Send One Care Of" lack personality here, the producer and record label failing to polish Jon Butcher's consistent songwriting. Add to that mix the fact that his management company had a falling out with the major concert promoter in his hometown, and you have an act that had to move to Los Angeles in order to find an environment more conducive to the creative process. "Life Takes a Life" is haunting here, and may be the best track on the record; "It's Only Words," "Ocean in Motion" and "New Man" were popular live and remain highlights of this record, but the power trio never got to shape their own identity. The crunching chords made Jon Butcher more like Pete Townshend performing in the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Like Robin Trower, Butcher performed in the shadow of Jimi, good material but not as creative and memorable as the prototype, and without the production and promotion skills of a Chas Chandler. A decent album that could have been so much more if the people around this artist understood what the music was all about.

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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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BIOGRAPHY/WIKIPEDIA

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WEBSITE

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TO THE TOP

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3126 - BAREFOOT SERVANTS 2 (2005) (By Request)

BAREFOOT SERVANTS
''2''
2005
47:11

1/Pharaoh's House
Jon Butcher/3:43
2/I Don't Care at All
Jon Butcher/3:14
3/Crazy
Jon Butcher/4:21
4/When the Day Comes
Jon Butcher / Leland Sklar / Neal Wilkinson/2:46
5/Rude Boy
Jon Butcher/2:51
6/Take My Breath Away
Jon Butcher/3:55
7/Bells of St. Mary's
Jon Butcher/3:37
8/Brown Penny
Jon Butcher/4:32
9/Monsters in Bethlehem/3:08
10/Crack the Sky
Jon Butcher/3:35
11/Love You Too Much
Jon Butcher/3:05
12/Dog Days
Jon Butcher/4:38
13/Phases of the Moon
Jon Butcher/3:46

Jon Butcher /Guitar, Vocals
George Massenburg /Vocal Coach
Ben Schultz /Guitar, Vocals
Leland Sklar /Bass
Neal Wilkinson /Drums, Sound Effects

REVIEW
by Joe Viglione
Eleven years after the Barefoot Servants' debut on Epic Records in 1994 came the return of this four-piece supergroup of session players with a supremely commercial outing that begs for airplay and recognition. Cleverly titled Barefoot Servants 2 from the Bob Dylan song "All Along the Watchtower," the 15 compositions have passion and distinct identities -- no two songs sounding alike. Where the Section, a '70s ensemble which also featured Leland Sklar, had somewhat faceless compositions, these players decide to model songs which sound like their favorite artists -- some of whom they've played with. Guitarist Ben Schultz's time with Rod Stewart is documented here in "Brown Penny," an Every Picture Tells a Story-styled ballad featuring Jon Butcher at his throaty raspiest. There's no denying that opening track "Pharaoh's House" has Exile on Main St. overtones absent from the Rolling Stones' 1990s efforts, while "Love You Too Much" is a sequel to "She Drives Me Crazy" that Fine Young Cannibals could never find. These seasoned pros attack the original material with a seriousness, and that's how they pull off the tongue-in-cheek nods to their respective careers. As Jon Butcher has never denied his adoration of Hendrix, there's the obligatory nod to Jimi's genius. "Over Lovin' You" would make the guitar master proud, and it's probably the only place where Butcher indulges his own passions, displaying an ability to change genres as each song demands. The record is an absolute delight, mirroring the band RTZ's Lost album, where Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau from the band Boston take on styles and sounds that they hold near and dear. The independent Atom Records label has reissued the album with two additional tracks, as the first pressing sold out rather quickly. Drummer Neal Wilkinson has played with a diverse bunch, from John Tesh and Livingston Taylor to Brit-rock phenoms Ultravox. His percussive genius lifts "Crazy" to a unique space. The quartet may not have the name recognition of the individual members of Blind Faith, nor does this album tread that sacred ground, but it's clear that these journeyman know their trade and it's also very clear that their combined chops and intelligence have created a record which actually sounds as fun as it probably was to make. These days that is truly something special, putting Barefoot Servants 2 in a league all its own.

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3125 - JON BUTCHER - American Dream (2004) (By Request)

JON BUTCHER
''AMERICAN DREAM''
JANUARY 1 2004
50:07

1 - American Dream/3:46
2 - Fire Down The Well/6:57
3 - Higher Ground/5:06
4 - Long Way Home/4:18
5 - Writing On The Wall/3:30
6 - Holy War/4:11
7 - Heaven/5:58
8 - Life Takes A Life/4:50
9 - Wishes/4:01
10 - Goodbye Saving Grace/7:24

Derek Blevins - Percussion, Drums
Jon Butcher - Guitar, Vocals, Producer
Thom Gimbel - Keyboards, Saxophone, Vocals (Background)

BIOGRAPHY
by Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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3124 - JON BUTCHER AXIS - An Ocean In Motion: Live In Boston 1984 (2002) (By Request)

JON BUTCHER AXIS
''AN OCEAN IN MOTION: LIVE IN BOSTON 1984''
2002
48:18

1/Ocean in Motion
Jon Butcher/2:54
2/Victims
Jon Butcher/4:56
3/Life Takes a Life
Jon Butcher / Christopher Martin/4:42
4/Fairlight
Jon Butcher/4:42
5/Sentinel
Derek Blevins / Jon Butcher / Christopher Martin/6:24
6/Walk Like This
Jon Butcher/3:15
7/Walk on the Moon
Jon Butcher/5:23
8/New Man
Jon Butcher/4:46
9/It's Only Words
Jon Butcher/3:30
10/Not Fade Away
Buddy Holly / Norman Petty/3:11
11/Don't Say Goodnight
Jon Butcher/4:28

Derek Blevins - Percussion, Drums
Jon Butcher - Guitar, Vocals, Producer
Thom Gimbel - Keyboards, Saxophone, Vocals (Background)

REVIEW
by Joe Viglione
Jon Butcher cut a path through the Boston rock & roll scene when his Johanna Wilde band started making some noise as a terrific mainstream act like their contemporary, Charlie Farren, bucking the "new wave" trend and establishing a presence by staying true to the music's mission. Johanna Wilde evolved into Jon Butcher Axis, and that both of his 1980s major label releases on Polydor are out of print in the new millennium certainly leaves a void for fans, of which there were many. Ocean In Motion: Live In Boston 1984 helps fill that void, despite its flaws. An allegedly "live" CD of vintage Jon Butcher Axis -- said to be from Boston's The Channel Club in 1984 -- sounds too clean to be recorded in front of an audience. The same loop of applause with an annoying and lengthy whistle comes up in between tracks (most noticeably on an otherwise excellent "Don't Say Goodnight.") The Dayton, Ohio label Atom Records must be commended for getting Butcher's music out there, but it's like that studio version of "Fortune Teller" that the Rolling Stones tagged on to Got Live If You Want It!: the fake applause just desecrates otherwise fine music. Seven tunes can be found on the first Polydor LP, Jon Butcher Axis released in 1983, three also appeared on the follow-up, Stare At The Sun: the songs "Victims," "Walk On The Moon," and "Don't Say Goodnight," while the 11th title, "Not Fade Away," is a cover of the Norman Petty/Charles Hardin song made famous by the Rolling Stones. Foreigner's Thom Gimbel, who performs with Aerosmith and is producing Adrian Perry, son of Joe Perry, appears on all tracks on keys, backing vocals, and saxophone, though he wasn't an official bandmember. Jon Butcher gives anecdotes and impressions about his material in the colorful six-page liner note booklet, and that is very substantial. It's an elegant package chock full of photos and insight. It's too bad there's not a Jon Butcher Axis live album from the time this group was busy opening for the J. Geils Band when that ensemble was at the height of their fame. Yes, it's great to have this music available on CD, and maybe Scott Kinnison and Atom Records will go through the vaults for a broadcast from radio station WCOZ and/or find other material from the day. Just hearing this material again makes one point very clear -- Jon Butcher put together some of the most concise and melodic hard rock/pop tunes from Boston's '70s/early '80s scene, and deserved much more success than he achieved. www.jonbutcher.com is the official web page.

BIOGRAPHY
by Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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3123 - JON BUTCHER AXIS Archives: A Stiff Little Breeze (2001) (By Request)

JON BUTCHER AXIS
''ARCHIVE: A STIFF LITTLE BREEZE''
SEPTEMBER 17 2002
45:07

1. A Stiff Little Breeze/2:43
2. Tie The Devil Down/3:37
3. Red House/4:39
4. Tiger In The Tall Grass/4:42
5. Big Guitars/3:29
6. Love Is A River/3:36
7. Bats/1:27
8. High Road To Heaven/3:17
9. Money (Don't Mean A Thing)/3:34
10. The Dreamer/3:13
11. Wicked Woman/3:57
12. When The Heart Beats Once/2:14
13. A Little Texas Rain/3:15
14. Beal Street/1:26

REVIEW
by Joe Viglione
A Stiff Little Breeze is a superb album from the Jon Butcher Axis, getting straight As in pacing, performance, and material. Jon Butcher personally essays, the tales behind each tune found in the eight-page booklet brimming with photos and rich in band history. As the music crosses decades, Butcher cleverly splashes some of his favorite phrasings throughout the melodies and production, making it very, very appealing. "The Tiger in the Tall Grass" borrows heavily from early Rod Stewart/Faces, Beatles backing vocals, and, most notably, Paul McCartney's "That Would Be Something" from his first solo album. "Wicked Woman" (the title of a Janis Joplin bootleg, a fact that couldn't have escaped Butcher's notice) adds some culture shock from what precedes it -- the kind of polished '80s rock that Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" provided, only this Jon plays it so cool, slipping in a bit of "Purple Haze" into the mix. And speaking of such things, "Red House" is a standout. This artist has certainly come up with enough diverse sounds to separate him from his major influence -- but when he dives into Hendrix territory, it is with true understanding and wild abandon. Jimi's friend Buzzy Linhart heard this version of "Red House" and noted that the tune has become the "Stormy Monday Blues" of the new millennium, Linhart most impressed with what Butcher did with this often overworked cover. "A Light Texas Rain," like the title track that begins the set, is short, sweet, and gloriously simple. Many Butcher albums have seeds of greatness, but A Stiff Little Breeze is no mere collection of B-sides and outtakes; it is an impressive blend of this important artist's thoughts, emotions, and performances. "Money" is like some catchy response to Cyndi Lauper's hit "Money Changes Everything," with a clever aside from Butcher in the liner notes. "Beal St." is Robert Johnson/Mick Taylor slide guitar blues, the final of 14 tracks that make up this favorite of all of Jon Butcher's releases. The excellent cover art features the state of Massachusetts on a map that looks like parchment an archaeologist would read from to find hidden treasure. Most appropriate.

BIOGRAPHY
by Greg Prato
Jimi Hendrix disciple Jon Butcher achieved some moderate chart success in the mid-'80s as the singer/guitarist for the Jon Butcher Axis. Coming out of the Boston club scene in the early '80s, the Butcher Axis (which also included members Chris Mann on bass and Derek Blevins on drums), issued such albums as 1983's self-titled debut, 1984's Stare at the Sun, and 1985's Along the Axis (Butcher dropped the Axis for such releases as 1986's Wishes and 1989's Pictures From the Front), opened for local Boston heroes the J. Geils Band in addition to other harder-edged bands, and issued a few singles that enjoyed some success on radio and MTV -- "Wishes," "Goodbye Saving Grace," and "Life Takes a Life." Butcher continued issuing solo albums in the '90s -- Positively the Blues (1995) and Electric Factory (1996) -- while a hits compilation (1998's The Best Of: Dreamers Would Ride) and an archival concert (1999's King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents) were also issued. In addition to his musical career, Butcher founded the Electric Factory Recording Studio, which focuses primarily on film, TV, and multimedia work.

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