Classic Rock Bitesize

Preview of the upcoming show with Blues sensation ZZ Ward. ZZ was compared by the New York Times to Aretha Franklin, and Tina Turner and for good reason ZZ has one of the most powerful and distinctive voices in music today and does the seemingly impossible of blending a multitude of sounds from classic blues, rock,pop,country,soul and hip hop into a totally unique sound. ZZ is on the next show in the meantime here is a short preview of the conversation we has this week talking about "Liberation" #zzward #theblues #bluesmusic Acclaimed singer-songwriter ZZ Ward is back with her most authentic and blues-infused work to date. Liberation, her debut album on the iconic Sun Records, is set for release on March 14th, marking a bold new chapter in her celebrated career. Leading the charge is the album’s first single, “Love Alive,” available now alongside its striking music video. Drawing inspiration from the blues greats and her own life’s most transformative experiences, Liberation is a fearless exploration of empowerment, authenticity, and self-discovery. Written during her journey through motherhood, the album finds ZZ returning to her blues roots, reflecting the raw, unfiltered emotions of life’s trials and triumphs. “I didn’t plan to make a blues album about motherhood, it just sort of happened naturally,” ZZ shares. “I’ve always written to get through things in life. Suddenly, I was faced with a new job that’s 24/7 with no breaks, and that’s what I wrote about. But when you get tested, you discover who you are, and this album comes from a feeling of empowerment.” ZZ’s relationship with the blues began in her early childhood, spurred on by her father, a bluesman with a rich record collection that became a soundtrack for her upbringing. She started singing the blues at age 8 and performing by the time she was 12. But as her career evolved, ZZ often found herself navigating industry expectations that pulled her away from her blues roots. “I used to care so much about what other people wanted my music to sound like, but after I became a mother, my priorities changed,” she says. Liberation marks a triumphant return to her formative influences, blending them with her singular voice and vision. “Love Alive” is the perfect introduction to this new era, conjuring the haunting echoes of Son House with clapping, hollering, and a signature ZZ twist. The song’s emotionally resonant chorus reflects the struggles and hopes of maintaining connection in the face of life’s challenges. “Having kids can really test your relationship. This song is about keeping the love alive during the trying times of early parenthood,” ZZ explains. The music video for “Love Alive” further amplifies the song’s emotional core, with striking visuals that mirror its themes of resilience and vulnerability.

Extended clip from the upcoming show with Andy Fairweather Low talkinmg about the very first time he saw and heard Jimi Hendrix live when his band Amen Corner were touring with Jimi in 1967.

The one man phenomenon Steve Hill is on the upcoming show here is a clip from the show with Steve recalling a first meeting with BB King and the influence of Jeff Healey. “I’ve been a touring musician for thirty years,” reflects Hill. “I have experienced too many accidents and bumps in the road to remember all of them, but I remember a few. Car crashes, waking up in a house on fire, a plane crash, broken ribs, a broken hand and a broken heart. So far, it’s been quite the trip and I’m looking forward to the rest of it because it’s all worth it. For two hours when I’m on stage I can make the crowd forget about their worries and that makes me happy. That’s my job and I love it to death.” Recorded and produced by 10 X Grammy Winner Darrell Thorp (Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Paul McCartney) and mastered by 6 X Grammy Winner Michael Romanowski, Steve Hill’s latest album is as close to the heart as you can get. Decades of dedication to the lifestyle of a working musician have shaped him and his craft, and Steve's new batch of songs are based on his own successes and failures and the life lessons he's learned from them. The album starts with the line "Woke up in a house on fire" and the conception of the album started with that line. Steve had just finished a tour in Western Canada and was sleeping in a friend's basement when he woke up surrounded by smoke. Like the song says, “I got my buddy out of there. Good thing I generally have a hard time sleeping…” He then went to the airport and before taking off, posted a photo of him on his socials, with these words: Woke up in a house on fire. His buddy Brian Laudenslager who owns the Lauten Audio microphone company wrote back, "Man, that's a good line for a song!" to which Steve agreed! Brian had been telling Steve to record in Los Angeles for years. “He had hired me in the past to do demos of his microphones at events like the NAMM show and other industry events,” says Steve. “His good friend, 10X Grammy winner Darrell Thorp, was the sound engineer whenever I did those shows.” A few days and conversations later, Brian had booked Darrell and the Foo Fighter's Studio 606 (yes, the one with the classic Neve console that used to be at Sound City) to record his next album. He then had 90 days to write an album's worth of material and learn how to play it live (he recorded every instrument at the same time in the studio). He spent five days a week in his home studio for three months crafting the songs and was ready to nail it all down. He flew to LA where his friend and songwriting partner Johnny Pilgrim picked him up at the airport and 20 minutes later, they were hit by another car that ran a red light. This was his second car accident in less than a year, as he had previously totalled his van, fallen asleep at the wheel coming home from a gig nine months earlier, and miraculously survived a massive wreck that all witnesses said should have killed him… He did his best to record with some broken ribs, but his injuries got the best of him and the producers decided to postpone the recording. He healed and perfected the songs for another three months and finally came back to 606 in January 2024, and this time nothing could stop him... He had six days to record the album, and he did it in 5! Never were more than 3 takes needed and most of what you hear are first or second takes. Says Steve, “I’ve never been prouder of anything I’ve done in all my life. This is the music I’ve been wanting to do and never thought I could ever perform that as a one-man band. Raw, in your face and straight to the point. This record is about perseverance, resilience in the face of adversity and my never-ending love for guitar music.” “I truly believe this to be my best work so far and I hope you enjoy it, too.” We've heard a lot about Steve Hill over the past 30 years, and we're about to hear a lot more. From backing up some of the biggest acts in his native Quebec as a teenager, to becoming a bandleader in his 20s, to solo artist, to writer, performer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, to one-man band extraordinaire, Steve has followed his own path for most of his life. That path has brought him Juno Awards and Maple Blues Awards along with accolades from the biggest guitar magazines on the planet. The man has had an incredibly busy life and more than his share of ups and downs, but you haven't heard the best of it yet… His latest album is as close to the heart as you can get. Decades of dedication to the lifestyle of a working musician have shaped him and his craft, and Steve's new batch of songs are based on his own successes and failures and the life lessons he's learned from them. His latest album, Hanging on a String, a true "concept album by accident", shows this one-man orchestra at its best, on an extraordinary recording that is undoubtedly the finest of his career.

Leslie Mandoki has a remarkable story to tell from escaping communism in the 70's by walking 4 1/2 miles through a railway tunnel in the dead of night , becoming an unlikely pop star and in the process representing Germany in the Eurovision Song contest and forming the Mandoki Soulmates the collective who between them have 35 Grammy's and have sold over 350 million albums .In this clip Leslie talks about how he came to convince so many rock legends including Jack Bruce, Clapton,Anderson,Frampton, Jon Lord to name just a few to become involved with his project.

DeWolff just released a great new abum "Muscle Shoals" which should hopefully elevate the standing and status of the boys from the Netherlands when they hit these shores for the first time over a year ago I met up with them backstage for a chat so they could introduce us to who they were and how they became influenced by the legends of classic rock that has shaped their sounds , enjoy this short conversation with the guys check out the new album and check out the tour dates for Europe this spring when they are again sharing the stage with Silver Roller another band with roots in 70's classic rock who you need to check out. DeWolff, a talented young band from the Netherlands,. known for their exceptional musicianship, they seamlessly blend rock, blues, and jazz fusion to create a unique sound that appeals to a wide range of music enthusiasts. With their energetic and captivating live performances, DeWolff has gained a loyal fan base across Europe and beyond. Their music is a mix of powerful guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and intricate instrumentals, resulting in a captivating experience that leaves audiences craving for more. Having already proven themselves on the international stage, DeWolff is considered one of the most promising bands to emerge from the Netherlands in recent years. Their ability to effortlessly blend different genres and create their own signature sound sets them apart from many of their contemporaries. Whether you're a fan of rock, blues, or jazz fusion, don't miss the chance to witness this talented Dutch band in action as they continue to make waves in the music industry. Latest album is out now and they have promised they will be on the road again and heading to the UK next March and the US in due course.

Richie Kotzen remembering the very first live acts he saw as a kid growing up and they may surprise you catch the full conversation with Richie here on you tube or on the website www.theclassicrockpodcast.com where we look back at his career from his days as a guitar prodigy up to the present day and the release of his fine new album Nomad.

Back in the early 70's Nektar took the trip across the pond to try their luck at breaking the American market and found an audience ready and willing to embrace their talents this came as much of a shock to the band as it did to the management but within a short space of time Nektar were playing to 10,000 plus audiences in territory across the USA. Last surviving member of the original band Derek Moore joined us recently here is a clip talking about the explosion of interest they encountered on arriving in the USA.

Chris Slade looks back at the 80's supergroup that never quite fullfilled expectations "The Firm" with Jimmy Page and Paul Rodgers produced 2 well-received albums and then concluded business. The talk of a re-union has been extensive but what is and was the obsticle. Those lucky enough to have seen the tours and if you were in UK that consisted of 2 live shows, recall a great live band who they were disappointed didn't continue. #jimmypage #ledzeppelin #paulrodgers #thefirm #classicrock