MR. BIG will release its ninth studio album, “Defying Gravity”, on July 7 via Frontiers Music Srl. The effort will be available at traditional retail and all digital
service providers, as will a deluxe edition version with CD and bonus DVD that features music videos and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new album. The album will also be made available on vinyl in the coming months.

Matt Starr joined original members Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan and Pat Torpey as well as producer Kevin Elson (who was behind the boards for the band’s 1989 self-titled debut, 1991’s “Lean Into It” and 1993’s “Bump Ahead”) for an intensive six-day recording session in Los Angeles. While Torpey was unable to perform on “Defying Gravity” due to a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, Matt Starr has been filling in for him on a majority of the album. Starr also been touring with the band for the past couple of years, with Torpey able to play a couple of songs at each stop.

“We tracked 11 songs in 6 days. Everything was live. I really enjoyed the process,” says Starr. “It was really cool to work out the parts with Pat and then to have him be in the control room while we tracked, it was like having a dedicated Drum Producer. He did all the percussion, so then it was my turn to sit back and listen. The whole experience working with Pat and the band has been amazing. I’m grateful to have been included on the new record.”

As for gear, Starr says, “I played my Ludwig Legacy kit, 24, 14, 18, 20 with my 6.5 chrome over brass and black beauty snares. My Paiste cymbals were a combination of 20” & 18” 2002’s, and 15” 2002 sound edge or 14” RUDE hats, depending on the song and of course my 1976 22” 2002 china. For rides I either played a 24” 2002 ride or a 22” 2002 crash if I needed more wash. Heads were Evans coated G2’s on top, coated G1’s on bottom and heavyweight on the snare. I always use Canopus 42 stand snare wires, nothing sounds better.”

The band will embark on a world tour in support of the record starting out with a four week run in the US at the end of May. “2017 is filling up quickly with tour dates all around the world,” proclaims Paul Gilbert. “I can’t wait to play the newsongs, and, of course, our favorites from the old days, like ‘Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy’, ‘Just Take My Heart’, ‘Green Tinted Sixties Mind’, ‘Wild World’ and ‘To Be With You’.”

“Defying Gravity” track listing:
01. Open Your Eyes
02. Defying Gravity
03. Everybody Needs a Little Trouble
04. Damn I’m In Love Again
05. Mean To Me
06. Nothing Bad (About Feeling Good)
07. Forever And Back
08. She’s All Coming Back To Me Now
09. 1992
10. Nothing At All
11. Be Kind

Making-of “Defying Gravity” video:

Tour dates, Leg 1:

5/31 Milwaukee, WI Potowatami Casino
6/2 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theatre
6/3 Wetland, MI The Token Lounge
6/6 Warrendale, PA Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
6/7 Newton, NJ Newton Theatre
6/9 Uncasville, CT The Wolf Den/Mohegan Sun
6/10 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
6/12 Nashville, TN Basement East
6/14 Lexington, KY Manchester Music Hall
6/16 Dallas, TX Gas Monkey Live
6/17 Houston, TX Scout Bar
6/19 Kansas City, MO Knuckleheads Saloon
6/22 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre
6/23 Agoura Hills, CA Canyon Club
6/24 Pasadena, CA The Rose

More to be announced soon.

More information at http://www.mattstarrmusic.com – http://www.facebook.com/mattstarrmusic