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Doogie White and Ritchie Blackmore

Doogie White – A Scottish Rock Vocalist

Doogie White

La Paz, Iron Maiden, and Rainbow

“Doogie” White is a Scottish rock vocalist. His first band, La Paz, in 1984, was with guitarist Chic McSherry. The band played throughout Scotland, and released two albums during 1988. Doogie joined the band, Midnight Blue in 1988, and they released one album in 1994. Doogie auditioned for Iron Maiden in 1993 after vocalist Bruce Dickinson left for a solo career.  He was a close contender, but lost out to Blaze Bayley. Not too long after the Iron Maiden audition, Doogie received a call from Ritchie Blackmore, as he was looking for singers.  Ritchie had heard Doogie’s demo tape given to his management a few years earlier and called him to audition for the new Rainbow he was putting together.  Doogie’s audition was a success and went on to record the new Rainbow album, Stranger in Us All.

Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, and more

After the end of the Rainbow in 1997, Doogie worked with former Midnight Blue guitarist Alex Dickson, and the band Cornerstone. In late 2000, Doogie joined Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force, and stayed through 2007. In 2008, he joined the band, Tank, as well as the Michael Schenker Group (MSG) and continues to play with Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock. Doogie also has many other projects over the years, including his solo album in 2011.

Video interview with Doogie White

Doogie White with Ritchie Blackmore

Here are links to Doogie

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Angus Clark

Angus Clark – Guitarist for Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Angus Clark – Guitarist

Kitaro and Rock of Ages

Angus Clark is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer. He has toured with Grammy-winning, New Age artist Kitaro, and has recently toured with Cher. He was the guitarist for the Broadway musical, Rock of Ages. Angus has been a touring guitarist with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra since 2001..

Trans- Siberian Orchestra

Angus’ history with TSO goes back when he was part of a guitar workshop that Marty Friedman of Megadeth attended in 1994. Years later, while at a Kitaro show in LA, Marty attended a backstage party (Kitaro had previously helped to produce one of Marty’s solo albums) and reconnected. Sometime later, Al Pitrelli of TSO and who was in Megadeth at the time, told Marty that he was looking for another guitarist for TSO. Marty recommended Angus and was soon touring with TSO.

Producer, Teacher, & More

Angus has written and/or produced album projects with Anna Phoebe (Jethro Tull), Peter Shaw (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Jill Janus (Huntress), and many others. In addition, Angus has written and recorded music for television (A&E’s “Parking Wars”), video games (“Top Gun 2” for iPad/iPhone), and more.
Angus has been teaching guitar throughout his career. He teaches guitar at the National Guitar Workshop, a music school; as well as private lessons. He holds a Master’s Degree in Music from NYU and a Bachelor’s from USC’s Studio/Jazz Guitar Program.

Video interview with Angus

Trans-Siberian Orchestra- “The Mountain”

Here are links to Angus

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Chuck Burgi – (Part 1 of 3)

Chuck Burgi- Drummer

Growing up in Montclair, NJ with Joe Walsh

Chuck Burgi’s musical career is simply amazing! He started out in Montclair, New Jersey, and he went to the same school as Joe Walsh, who has been a family friend to this day. Currently, Chuck is the drummer for Billy Joel, and has been for the last 12 years.

Allman Brothers Band, Al Anderson & Brand X

After high school, Chuck went to Berklee in Boston, with his friend, Al Anderson. They got a chance to meet The Allman Brothers Band when they came to town, and even jammed with them. Jamming with The Allman Brothers Band was the turning point for both he and Al. Chuck went on to a successful career, and Al eventually became the lead guitarist for Bob Marley. Chuck’s career has never been dull or status quo. He has played and recorded with many artists, including Brand X, Hall & Oates, Glen Burtnik, Rainbow, Meat Loaf and many more

Billy Joel & Tokyo Motor Fist

In 2002, Chuck debuted on Broadway drumming for the smash musical, Movin’ Out, which featured the music of Billy Joel. Movin’ Out lasted three and a half years before closing in 2005. While playing the final shows of Movin’ Out, Chuck was approached by Billy Joel to join his band.
He also appears with former Rainbow bandmate and bassist, Greg Smith, Danger Danger vocalist, Ted Poley, and Trixter guitarist, Steve Brown, on the hard rock-styled Tokyo Motor Fist. Their sophomore album, Lions, was released in 2020.

Interview with Chuck Burgi (Part 1 of 3)

Tokyo Motor Fist “Pickin’ Up the Pieces”

Here are links to Chuck Burgi

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Danny Miranda – Part 2

Danny Miranda

We Will Rock You, Queen, Paul Rodgers, and Meatloaf

In part one, Danny talked about his influences as a bass player and how he joined Blue Oyster Cult. In part two, we discuss when he left BOC to audition for the We Will Rock You musical in 2004, and the Queen and Paul Rodgers Tour that followed. They released one album, The Cosmos Rocks. Danny went on to play with Meatloaf until 2017, and later, he found himself rejoining BOC. Eric Bloom and Buck Dharma told Danny that BOC is his home and he is always welcomed. Blue Oyster Cult released their new album in August, The Symbol Remains.

Video interview with Danny Miranda

Blue Oyster Cult “That Was Me”

Here are links to other things related to Danny Miranda

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Greg Smith – Bassist for Ted Nugent (Part 1 of 2)

Greg Smith- Bassist for Ted Nugent

A bassist who jumped on opportunities

Greg Smith, a bass player with an extensive career in the rock n’ roll world, is currently the bassist and co-vocalist with Ted Nugent. His first break came when he was invited by Gene Simmons to join the touring band in support of Wendy O. Williams’ first solo album in 1984. He then went on to work with Vinnie Moore, and shortly thereafter, was asked to join Alice Cooper in 1991. Greg recorded three albums with him, and officially left Alice Cooper in 2002. During his time with Alice Cooper, he was also working with Tonto Tonto and Red Dawn in 1992 and 1993, respectively. In 1994, Greg was invited to audition for the new Rainbow band that Ritchie Blackmore was putting together, and stayed with the band until 1997. In 2000, Greg jumped at the chance to audition for the Billy Joel musical play, Movin’ Out, The idea and initial rehearsal started in 2000. The pre-Broadway run began in 2002 in Chicago. He stayed through the duration until 2007. In 2007, Greg received a phone call from Ted Nugent to join his band and has been with him since.

Other artists Greg has played and recorded with

Never one to sit still, Greg is also part of bands, Tokyo Motor Fist,  and holiday band, Wizards of Winter. Greg has also worked with rock icons, Blue Öyster Cult,  Dokken, Joe Lynn Turner, Tommy James & the Shondells, Alan Parsons, The Turtles, Felix Cavaliere, Chuck Negron, Joey Molland, Denny Laine, and Mitch Ryder.

Video interview with Greg Smith

Tokyo Motor Fist “Pickin’ Up the Pieces”

Here are links to other things related to Greg Smith

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Phil Varca and The SlamJammers

Phil Varca and The SlamJammers

A Blues Rock Trio from Long Island

Phil Varca & The SlamJammers, a powerful rockin’ blues band from Long Island, New York. The band formed in 1989, with Phil Varca, guitar and vocals, and drummer, Russell Stone, who have been together since the beginning.  Current bassist, Tom Porter, has been in the band since 1998.

First album and live performances

The band released their first album in 1992 “Lightning & Thunder,” an original five-song collection. The release was was met with great response, and the band was chosen to appear at The New York Music Seminar in 1992, and the 1993 South by South West Music Conference in Austin, Texas. Their first full album, Ready, Willing, and Able,” was released in 1997, a culmination of eight years’ persistence, hard work, and determination, landed the group coveted showcase slots at the 1997 North by North East Music Conference in Toronto, Canada, 1998 CrossRoads Music Conference and BluesStock 1999, both held in Memphis, Tennessee.

The band’s live shows are where they show their talent. Extended improvisational jams and musical interplay have come to define the group’s live performances and reflect their experience. They are a solid working unit that consistently delivers. 2004, saw the release of “Live at Riverhead – recorded live at the 2002 Riverhead Blues Festival in Riverhead, New York. The recording features extended versions of original and cover material and a guest appearance by guitarist, Andy Aledort, senior editor for Guitar World magazine.

Video interview with Phil Varca

Phil Varca and The SlamJammers “Don’t Push Me”

Here are links to Phil Varca and The SlamJammers

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CC Coletti- Meat Loaf, Solo Career & Janis Joplin Tribute

CC Coletti – Vocalist

CC Coletti Band

CC, a New Jersey native, started singing and creating music at a young age. Her main influences are: Janis Joplin, Robert Plant, and Aretha Franklin. CC has two solo releases, Woodstock Lane, released in 2008, and her sophomore release, Let It All Hang Out in 2013. In addition to her second solo release in 2013, she recorded Bring It On Home with Chesky Records, a modern play on Led Zeppelin songs. Her latest release is a single with Anthony Krizan, called Crazy.

The CC Coletti Band has been the opening act for: The Doobie Brothers, Meat Loaf, The Outlaws, Brett Michaels, The Smithereens, South Side Johnny and The Asbury Jukes, and more.

Experience Janis

In 2009, CC put together “Experience Janis,” a tribute  to Janis Joplin.  The first song she learned to sing was, Me and Bobby McGee, so it came naturally for her to form the band. The success of “Experience Janis” has grown enough where the demand requires them to play theaters.

Meat Loaf 2003-2011

CC Coletti (Carolyn Coletti Jablonski) is known worldwide as a background vocalist with rock and roll legend, Meat Loaf and his Neverland Express World Tours from 2003 through 2011. CC can be heard on the Bat Out Of Hell Live With The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra CD/DVD and 3 Bats Live DVD.

Video interview with CC Coletti

“Mercedes Benz” Video

Here are links to other things related to CC

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