Neal Schon, Founder and legendary lead guitarist for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Band JOURNEY, has announced, with Strax Technologies Inc., the launch of a new augmented reality application, “StraxAR™“, that will combine entertainment, exclusive “sneak peek” distribution of new music and events, and present rewarding retail opportunities. Augmented Reality brings the digital world together with the physical world by “augmenting” digital content or a digital experience onto a physical object or image. In the case of “StraxAR™”, millions of Schon’s album covers, posters, and other imagery are being combined to form a network that will be able to showcase his legendary music, performances, and new material for fans around the world. “StraxAR™” also will enable Schon to change content at will, effectively “broadcasting” it across millions of target images continuously. For launch, Schon will be adding to the image library every “STOP” sign in America – the signs being one of the image targets.
“Last week we launched our commerce site, NealSchonMusic.com, and promised more to come – today we are fulfilling our promise by delivering an exciting app that gives the fans a whole new way to get closer to what we are doing,” said Schon, “the platform will allow us to very quickly release material worldwide and share it in this unique way, combining it with all kinds of rewarding experiences for our fans.”
“Neal has incredible insight into how people think and feel and a creative mind that never stops” said Eric Singleton, CTO of Strax Technologies, “during the development process it was invaluable to have his feedback as we brought the whole concept together to deliver an experience fans will want to have again and again.”
“The opportunity to film Neal Schon and Journey Through Time in the studio has been incredible, requiring a new production approach for AR, capturing the authenticity of the moment”, said Lee West, creative officer for Strax.
To use the application, one simply launches it on their device (iPhone or Android) and points it at the “target” image. In seconds the experience begins. There is an “Image Targets” button in the app that references which images are active (at the moment every major album cover that Neal Schon has played on, and any STOP sign in the country too).
“This approach to augmented reality delivers a powerful expression of music and entertainment in the real world the user is immersed in,” said Alan Mariotti, technologist and cybersecurity advisor for Strax Technologies, “its simplicity and ability to deliver multiple experiences quickly jumps over earlier boundaries.”
The new album “Triumphant Hearts” from JASON BECKER will be released on December 7th, via Mascot Records/Mascot Label Group. The album features Marty Friedman, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, Uli Jon Roth, Richie Kotzen, Gus G., Jake Shimabukuro, and many more.
Watch the lyric video for the stunning ‘Valley of Fire’ ft. The Magnificent 13 here:
The Magnificent 13 are: Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Marty Friedman, Michael Lee Firkins, Mattias IA Eklundh, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G, Steve Hunter and Ben Woods.
Mascot Records are extremely excited and honored to present the new album ‘Triumphant Hearts’ from Jason Becker, which will be released on 7th December 2018.
Jason Becker’s story is one of brilliance, talent, determination, adversity, and, ultimately, triumph. A child prodigy on guitar, Jason rose to prominence as a teenager when he was one half of the technical guitar duo Cacophony, with his great friend Marty Friedman. In 1989, at only 19 years old and after wowing audiences all over the world, the young virtuoso became the guitarist for David Lee Roth, following in the huge footsteps of Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He wrote and recorded on his 3rd solo album ‘A Little Ain’t Enough’ and was poised for superstardom when a nagging pain in his leg was diagnosed as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. Maybe.
That was 29 years ago. He lost the ability to play guitar, walk, talk, and breathe on his own. But never lost his will to live or his desire to create music. Communicating through a series of eye movements with a system developed by his father, Jason spells out words as well as musical notes and chords. He imparts his musical vision to his team who then can input the notes into a computer, edit the parts to his exacting standards, and then generate charts for session musicians. His inspiring music and life story have been the subject of countless news articles, magazine cover stories, and an award-winning documentary, Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet.
The album’s 14 tracks showcase Jason’s gift for melody and his deep knowledge of classical composition and orchestral arrangement. Many of the guitar parts are performed by a who’s who of 6-string gods including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, and many others. And, in what will absolutely delight his fans, Jason’s amazing guitar playing—recorded in the ’80s and ’90s—features throughout.
The first song to be released from the album is the beautifully mesmerizing 9 minute and 5 second instrumental ‘Valley of Fire’ that features The Magnificent 13 – Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Marty Friedman, Michael Lee Firkins, Mattias IA Eklundh, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G, Steve Hunter and Ben Woods. A phenomenal cast to feature on a single song.
The album opens with the title track, featuring Jason’s old bandmate Marty Friedman and an astounding violin performance. “I wrote ‘Triumphant Heart’ and it made me feel triumphant,” says Becker. “When Marty found out I was making this album, he told me he would play anything I needed. I sent him this, and his wife, Hiyori Okuda, who is a cellist, also offered to play on it. The great violinist, Glauco Bertagnin, recorded my violin parts in Italy. That fast solo section I wrote is way too hard; I don’t know how Glauco pulled it off. He put so much soul in the whole song.”
‘Hold on to Love’ is the first vocal song on the record, although it didn’t start out that way. “It was going to be an instrumental,” explains Jason, “but after I wrote the chorus with lyrics, I knew I had to tell my story, to explain how I can continue living without feeling hate. I hadn’t written many lyrics before.”
In addition to its beautiful, gospel-tinged choir, the heartfelt song features Bay Area singer Codany Holiday on lead vocals.
‘Fantasy Weaver’ displays the 4-string magic of world-renown ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro and harp arpeggios that were written back in his Cacophony days. ‘Once Upon a Melody’ not only features two Jason Becker guitar solos from his Cacophony era, but also audio of him as a three-year-old. The full-circle nature of having little boy Jason, guitar virtuoso Jason, and modern-day composer Jason all on the same song is a breathtaking accomplishment while ‘We Are One,’ features soulful Flipsyde vocalist Steve Knight, and more Jason Becker guitar delights.
Uli Jon Roth appears on ‘Magic Woman,’ along with ex-Megadeth guitarist Chris Broderick who counts both Uli and Jason as big influences. Fans of Jason’s work with David Lee Roth will be thrilled by the inclusion of two previously unreleased outtakes from the ‘A Little Ain’t Enough’ sessions, the hard rocking ‘Taking Me Back’ and the blues-infused ‘Tell Me No Lies.’ There are also performances by Joe Satriani, Guthrie Govan, Steve Morse, Trevor Rabin, and many others.
“Some people feel sorry for me,” he concedes, “and I understand that. I really feel lucky though. I don’t miss playing guitar anymore. I’m sure that’s out of necessity, but I am grateful for so much more. I am surrounded by loving people, and I can still make music.”
Tracklisting:
Triumphant Heart (feat. Marty Friedman, Glauco Bertagnin, Hiyori Okuda)
Hold On To Love (feat. Codany Holiday)
Fantasy Weaver (feat. Jake Shimabukuro)
Once Upon A Melody
We Are One (feat. Steve Knight)
Magic Woman (feat. Uli Jon Roth & Chris Broderick)
Blowin’ in the Wind
River of Longing (feat. Joe Satriani, Aleks Sever, Guthrie Govan, Steve Morse)
Valley of Fire (feat. The Magificent 13)
River of Longing (feat. Trevor Rabin)
Taking Me Back
Tell Me No Lies
Hold On To Love (feat. Codany Holiday) [Chuck Zwicky Remix]
You Do It
Metal Shock Finland has teamed up with Mascot Label Group Scandinavia to premiere Neal Schon‘s new track “Tortured Souls” exclusively for Finland. The song comes from Neal’s upcoming album Vortex.
Comments Metal Shock Finland‘s CEO/Founder and President, Tarja Virmakari:
“It’s our great pleasure and honour to premiere this amazing track exclusively for Finland. Tortured Souls, and the whole Vortex is an unforgettable journey, which leaves you speechless! You just let yourself be led along with these tunes!”
Mascot Label Group‘s Music Theories Recordings and Neal Schon recently announced the release of Vortex on June 23. The 2-CD all-instrumental album utilizes rock as its foundation, while also embracing elements of jazz, classical and world music in an 18-track stunning, sonically explosive collection of original compositions. The release is dedicated to Schon’s best friend and wife, who serves as his true inspiration every day (Both “Lady M” and “Triumph of Love” were written for her, the latter of which he performed at their wedding on December 15, 2013). Schon shares, “This is an evolutionary album for me. I’ve always aspired to be a better player and push musical boundaries. And sure, I’ve sold 80-million records with Journey, and I’m proud of that, but this album is really me — all based on my guitar, which is my ‘voice.’ It’s bold. There’s love, and there’s definitely fire and an element of danger. And the energy level is off the hook.”
Also check out HERE the track “El Matador” from double disc all-instrumental album featuring legendary guitarist Schon with keyboardist Jan Hammer and Journey’s Steve Smith.
Vortex track-listing:
CD1
1. Miles Beyond
2. Awakening
3. Cuban Fly Zone
4. El Matador
5. Eternal Love
6. In A Cloud
7. Irish Cream
8. Lady M (Our Love Remains)
9. Airliner NS910
CD2
1. Tortured Souls
2. Schon & Hammer Now
3. NS Vortex
4. Unspoken Faith
5. Twilight † Spellbound
6. Triumph Of Love
7. Mom
8. Talk To Me
9. White Light
That’s evident from the first, mysterious-sounding measures of “Miles Beyond,” the scalding tribute to jazz genius Miles Davis’ pioneering fusion recordings that opens the album. The tune blends Schon’s soaring leads, tectonic plates of grinding rhythm and brilliantly layered melodies within an arrangement that embraces Middle Eastern flourishes plus flashes of African drumming by Steve Smith. “Schon & Hammer Now” is a furious jam between the guitarist and his longtime friend and creative foil, Grammy-winning keyboardist Jan Hammer, whose many accomplishments include charter membership in the groundbreaking Mahavishnu Orchestra. And the two match their brilliant technique and relentless invention throughout, sparring with the grace and speed of a young Mohammad Ali. Schon reveals, “Jan is all over this album. I wrote the material to give Jan room to stretch. There are not many three minute ditties. It’s all huge, epic, bombastic…futuristic.” After hearing the completed album for the first time, Hammer made a succinct observation, “This is fucking amazing.”
“Airliner NS910” is further proof. It’s all speed and swagger, with Schon skywriting the song’s sweetly singing theme in the indelible vapor trail of the instantly recognizable operatic tones of his signature model Paul Reed Smith guitars. He reflects, “Since Vortex is a two-record set, it’s both my ninth and tenth solo albums. That’s where the ‘NS910’ comes from.”
The music of Vortex originated in the hard drives that Schon is constantly filling with ideas for riffs, melodies and chord progressions at home. But they came to life at Berkeley’s Fantasy Studios, his preferred spot for recording since Journey cut the 10-times-platinum number-one album Escape there in 1981. Schon states, “It’s my home away from home. I spend so much time there that they’ve given me my own locker.”
Schon produced and played bass on Vortex, too, and was joined in the studio by Smith and keyboardist Igor Len. Hammer and Len also appeared on Schon’s seventh solo album, The Calling, which was followed by the blues-inspired hard rock album So U. He offers, “Igor and Jan complement each other, and me, beautifully.” And Vortex’s “Eternal Love” is a testament to Len’s creativity. The song, a richly emotional ballad, features Len alone on piano. The guitarist observes, “He sat down and played the tune spontaneously, and it was so gorgeous and deep that I had to have it on my album.” Schon offers his own reflective solo performance on Vortex with the sparsely arranged acoustic guitar meditation “Mom,” dedicated to his mother, Barbara Schon. He reveals, “Like most of the performances on this album, it wasn’t premeditated. I’d just pick up a guitar and tell my engineer Jesse Nichols to hit ProTools.”
The intensely creative guitar giant has always had a seemingly innate ability to make glorious music. He began playing at age five and was inspired by soul vocalists like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight, and blues and jazz guitarists ranging from B.B. King Albert King, and Eric Clapton to Wes Montgomery. When Schon was just 15 years old, Carlos Santana invited him to join his band. Schon’s recording debut was on the classic 1971 album Santana III. He played the solo on the LP’s hit single “Everybody’s Everything.” Recently Schon has been working with Carlos Santana on a new album, co-writing songs and playing key performances including homecoming Santana concerts in Guadalajara and Mexico City that included Journey as the opening band.
Schon formed Journey in 1973 and has led the band through its astonishing 42-year history. Along the way Journey has sold well over 80 million albums, amongst which the band’s Greatest Hits release was certified Diamond by the RIAA for sales in excess of 10 million copies. To date sales now exceed 15 million copies. Eight other Journey album releases have been certified multi-platinum. Neal Schon co-wrote the timeless hit “Don’t Stop Believin,’” which now holds the title as the most digitally downloaded song in history. Seventeen additional Journey singles were Top 40 hits, Schon has received multiple Grammy award nominations for both his work with Journey and his solo recordings. And Journey has been nominated for the Rock ‘n’ Hall of Fame.
Besides solo albums and tours and his historic work with Journey, Schon has an extensive history of blue-ribbon collaborations. These include co-founding the supergroup Bad English and forming bands with vocalists Paul Rodgers and Sammy Hagar. He released two collaboration albums with Jan Hammer, Untold Passion and Here To Stay, while also performing on releases from Michael Bolton, Return to Forever’s Lenny White and many others.
One thing he’s never done is considered resting on his laurels. Schon reflects, “I feel more aware and alive now than I’ve ever been. Part of that is the sobriety I’ve had for the last seven years. I’ve also evolved as a person and a player though understanding the value of being in the moment – letting things happen and not thinking too much. There’s an old blues saying: ‘If you’re thinkin’, you’re stinkin’. When you stop thinking and just play from the heart, you discover your own voice. That’s the real thing, and that’s what Vortex is about for me.”
Mascot Label Group‘s Music Theories Recordings and Neal Schon have announced the release of Vortex on June 23. The 2-CD all-instrumental album utilizes rock as its foundation, while also embracing elements of jazz, classical and world music in an 18-track stunning, sonically explosive collection of original compositions. The release is dedicated to Schon’s best friend and wife, who serves as his true inspiration every day (Both “Lady M” and “Triumph of Love” were written for her, the latter of which he performed at their wedding on December 15, 2013). Schon shares, “This is an evolutionary album for me. I’ve always aspired to be a better player and push musical boundaries. And sure, I’ve sold 80-million records with Journey, and I’m proud of that, but this album is really me — all based on my guitar, which is my ‘voice.’ It’s bold. There’s love, and there’s definitely fire and an element of danger. And the energy level is off the hook.”
Lead track “El Matador” from double disc all-instrumental album featuring legendary guitarist Schon with keyboardist Jan Hammer and Journey’s Steve Smith is streaming below:
That’s evident from the first, mysterious-sounding measures of “Miles Beyond,” the scalding tribute to jazz genius Miles Davis’ pioneering fusion recordings that opens the album. The tune blends Schon’s soaring leads, tectonic plates of grinding rhythm and brilliantly layered melodies within an arrangement that embraces Middle Eastern flourishes plus flashes of African drumming by Steve Smith. “Schon & Hammer Now” is a furious jam between the guitarist and his longtime friend and creative foil, Grammy-winning keyboardist Jan Hammer, whose many accomplishments include charter membership in the groundbreaking Mahavishnu Orchestra. And the two match their brilliant technique and relentless invention throughout, sparring with the grace and speed of a young Mohammad Ali. Schon reveals, “Jan is all over this album. I wrote the material to give Jan room to stretch. There are not many three minute ditties. It’s all huge, epic, bombastic…futuristic.” After hearing the completed album for the first time, Hammer made a succinct observation, “This is fucking amazing.”
Photo by Robert Knight
“Airliner NS910” is further proof. It’s all speed and swagger, with Schon skywriting the song’s sweetly singing theme in the indelible vapor trail of the instantly recognizable operatic tones of his signature model Paul Reed Smith guitars. He reflects, “Since Vortex is a two-record set, it’s both my ninth and tenth solo albums. That’s where the ‘NS910’ comes from.”
The music of Vortex originated in the hard drives that Schon is constantly filling with ideas for riffs, melodies and chord progressions at home. But they came to life at Berkeley’s Fantasy Studios, his preferred spot for recording since Journey cut the 10-times-platinum number-one album Escape there in 1981. Schon states, “It’s my home away from home. I spend so much time there that they’ve given me my own locker.”
Schon produced and played bass on Vortex, too, and was joined in the studio by Smith and keyboardist Igor Len. Hammer and Len also appeared on Schon’s seventh solo album, The Calling, which was followed by the blues-inspired hard rock album So U. He offers, “Igor and Jan complement each other, and me, beautifully.” And Vortex’s “Eternal Love” is a testament to Len’s creativity. The song, a richly emotional ballad, features Len alone on piano. The guitarist observes, “He sat down and played the tune spontaneously, and it was so gorgeous and deep that I had to have it on my album.” Schon offers his own reflective solo performance on Vortex with the sparsely arranged acoustic guitar meditation “Mom,” dedicated to his mother, Barbara Schon. He reveals, “Like most of the performances on this album, it wasn’t premeditated. I’d just pick up a guitar and tell my engineer Jesse Nichols to hit ProTools.”
The intensely creative guitar giant has always had a seemingly innate ability to make glorious music. He began playing at age five and was inspired by soul vocalists like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight, and blues and jazz guitarists ranging from B.B. King Albert King, and Eric Clapton to Wes Montgomery. When Schon was just 15 years old, Carlos Santana invited him to join his band. Schon’s recording debut was on the classic 1971 album Santana III. He played the solo on the LP’s hit single “Everybody’s Everything.” Recently Schon has been working with Carlos Santana on a new album, co-writing songs and playing key performances including homecoming Santana concerts in Guadalajara and Mexico City that included Journey as the opening band.
Schon formed Journey in 1973 and has led the band through its astonishing 42-year history. Along the way Journey has sold well over 80 million albums, amongst which the band’s Greatest Hits release was certified Diamond by the RIAA for sales in excess of 10 million copies. To date sales now exceed 15 million copies. Eight other Journey album releases have been certified multi-platinum. Neal Schon co-wrote the timeless hit “Don’t Stop Believin,’” which now holds the title as the most digitally downloaded song in history. Seventeen additional Journey singles were Top 40 hits, Schon has received multiple Grammy award nominations for both his work with Journey and his solo recordings. And Journey has been nominated for the Rock ‘n’ Hall of Fame.
Besides solo albums and tours and his historic work with Journey, Schon has an extensive history of blue-ribbon collaborations. These include co-founding the supergroup Bad English and forming bands with vocalists Paul Rodgers and Sammy Hagar. He released two collaboration albums with Jan Hammer, Untold Passion and Here To Stay, while also performing on releases from Michael Bolton, Return to Forever’s Lenny White and many others.
One thing he’s never done is considered resting on his laurels. Schon reflects, “I feel more aware and alive now than I’ve ever been. Part of that is the sobriety I’ve had for the last seven years. I’ve also evolved as a person and a player though understanding the value of being in the moment – letting things happen and not thinking too much. There’s an old blues saying: ‘If you’re thinkin’, you’re stinkin’. When you stop thinking and just play from the heart, you discover your own voice. That’s the real thing, and that’s what Vortex is about for me.”
Vortex track-listing:
CD1
1. Miles Beyond
2. Awakening
3. Cuban Fly Zone
4. El Matador
5. Eternal Love
6. In A Cloud
7. Irish Cream
8. Lady M (Our Love Remains)
9. Airliner NS910
CD2
1. Tortured Souls
2. Schon & Hammer Now
3. NS Vortex
4. Unspoken Faith
5. Twilight † Spellbound
6. Triumph Of Love
7. Mom
8. Talk To Me
9. White Light
REVOLUTION SAINTS is the new hard rock / melodic rock eponymous debut album from Doug Aldrich (ex-Whitesnake), Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and Deen Castronovo (Journey). The new album will be released on CD, Deluxe Edition, Digital Download and 180 gram vinyl by Frontiers Records in Europe on February 20, in the UK on February 23, and in the USA on February 24.
Superbly handling drums and lead vocals is Deen Castronovo. Already renowned for his drum talents and backing vocals in Journey, Bad English and more, Deen‘s excellent vocal talents are in the spotlight on the album. On bass, and co-lead vocals on a few tracks, Jack Blades is well known for his melodic, yet hard rocking approach to songwriting and playing via multiple classic albums by his main band Night Ranger, as well as with the Damn Yankees and the Shaw/Blades releases.
On guitar, Doug Aldrich was excited to lend his fiery blues guitar attack to such a unique and melodic band. Doug, who just left Whitesnake after a fruitful 12 year run (including co-writing 2010s critically acclaimed “Forevermore” release) and also of Burning Rain and formerly of DIO, has a deep pedigree and is one of today’s most respected guitarists.
The debut album brings back the classic melodic rock style to where it should be: inspiring, uplifting vocals, soaring melodies and musicianship to die for, and features special guests including Alessandro Del Vecchio, and Journey’s Neal Schon and Arnel Pineda.
Album Tracklisting:
Back On My Trail
Turn Back Time
You’re Not Alone (Feat. Arnel Pineda)
Locked Out Of Paradise
Way To The Sun (Feat. Neal Schon)
Dream On
Don’t Walk Away
Here Forever
Strangers To This Life
Better World
How To Mend A Broken Heart
In The Name Of The Father (Fernando’s Song)
Guitar legend Neal Schön teams up with Marco Mendoza and Deen Castronovo for smoking new fusion and blues-inspired hard rock album.
“So U” due out May 20th via Frontiers Records
Guitar legend Neal Schön has joined forces with bassist Marco Mendoza (Black Star Riders, Ted Nugent, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy) and drummer Deen Castronovo (Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Vai, Hardline) to create a unique body of work with jazz and blues-inspired virtuosic hard rock playing, entitled SO U. The new album features Schön, Mendoza and Castronovo splitting vocal and writing duties, with many of the tracks also co-written by Night Ranger/Damn Yankee’s songwriter, singer and bassist Jack Blades. Please see below for the track listing and click here to access the album cover for SO U. Of SO U, Neal Schön commented, “This is a great new record that features all three of us – Deen, Marco and myself – sharing lead vocals. Enjoy!”
Best known as founding member and lead guitarist of Journey, Neal Schön has enjoyed a remarkable career as one of rock n’ roll’s top virtuosos, with a hand in creating some of the most popular songs of all time. Beginning his career more than 35 years ago in the San Francisco Bay area, the 15-year-old guitar prodigy left home to join Santana. Schön moved on in 1973 to form Journey. With Journey and other projects, he has earned 19 Top 40 singles and 25 platinum and gold albums, was awarded the prestigious “Legend Of Live Award” at the 2011 Billboard Touring Awards, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005 and was individually inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall Of Fame in 2013. As the only member to record on all of Journey’s albums, Schön continues with the band today in its latest incarnation.
In addition to 6 solo albums and 14 studio albums with Journey, Neal Schön has also performed with Joe Cocker, Sammy Hagar, Paul Rodgers, Larry Graham, Betty Davis, Michael Bolton, fusion legend Jan Hammer, Hardline and supergroup Bad English, as well as a variety of side projects. His latest instrumental solo album, THE CALLING, released in 2012 via Frontiers Records, won rave reviews from fans and the media alike, with Vintage Guitar declaring “THE CALLING is a fine piece of work demonstrating that Schön still has it going on – and then some… The songs are strong and his guitar tones are absolutely luxurious.” In demand as one of the leading guitarists of his generation, Schön also worked with Gibson to manufacture his own limited edition “Neal Schön Signature Model Custom Les Paul” guitar, but now uses custom PRS Neal Schon LTD Private Stock guitars, made especially for Neal by Paul Reed Smith.
SO U track listing:
1. Take A Ride
2. So U
3. Exotica
4. What You Want
5. Love Finds A Way
6. On My Way
7. Serenity
8. Shelter
9. Big Ocean
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 