Adrian Galysh taps Alice Cooper Drummer Glen Sobel for New Album

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Guitarist Adrian Galysh has enlisted Alice Cooper stickman Glen Sobel to lend his talents to Venusian Sunrise: 20th Anniversary Edition. Sobel brings both world-class drumming and a wealth of experience to the project, including touring and recording with such legendary artists as: Paul Gilbert, Jennifer Batten, Tony MacAlpine, Beautiful Creatures, and, of course, Alice Cooper. 

Galysh has been described as “A virtuoso of modern electric and acoustic guitar techniques” by 20th Century Guitar magazine. He’s been dazzling audiences for over 20 years, whether backed by his own band, or as sideman for ex-Scorpions guitar-god Uli Jon Roth. 

Prior to being recruited by legendary shock-rocker Alice Cooper, Sobel performed regularly with Galysh, making him an easy and evident choice for the project.

“Glen is the perfect drummer for instrumental guitar music,” declares Galysh. “His curriculum vitae of recordings with Gary Hoey, Jennifer Batten, Tony MacAlpine, Impellitteri, and Paul Gilbert, make his playing instinctively ideal to the genre.” Galysh continues, “Glen is already familiar with the material, having played much of it live with me years ago. Of course, he also has the chops to take this record to the next level.”

Drums for Venusian Sunrise will be recorded by Ryan Greene (Megadeth, NOFX, Dishwalla) at Validus Recording in North Hollywood, California. 

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut release, Venusian Sunrise (1998), Galysh will be re-recording the entire work, recalling that, “Venusian Sunrise was recorded in my parent’s basement on a single Alesis 8-Track ADAT recorder. While the performances are commendable for their time, given limited resources at the age of 22—it lacks what 20 years of experience and advancement in recording technology can now easily provide—richer guitar tones, advanced recording techniques, the palatial keyboard and realistic orchestral sounds of today, and maybe most importantly…real drums!” 

Galysh adds, “The new version of Venusian Sunrise will be performed and recorded the way I wished I could have done it back then, but with the tools and know-how that didn’t exist in the day.”

Production limitations notwithstanding, Venusian Sunrise was one of Galysh’s best-selling albums, released during the halcyon years of compact disc sales and the burgeoning days of independent record labels. As an independent release it garnered coverage in guitar magazines and a growing number of online review websites, firmly establishing Galysh as an up-and-coming player in guitar circles of the time.

Venusian Sunrise: 20th Anniversary Edition will be released this summer and available at all online retailers.

Venusian Sunrise: 20th Anniversary Edition is available for pre-order at https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/venusiansunrise

For more information, please visit www.AdrianGalysh.com 

The story of INTO THE BLUE, Writing and Recording Detailed Track by Track!

Here is the story of INTO THE BLUE, track by track!

1. “Let Your Hammer Ring” (Galysh) - This was originally supposed to be a vocal song, based on the chain gang work-song chant you hear sampled throughout the song, but it didn't make sense to have Kacee sing it as the original lyrics were from a male perspective - and I couldn't do it justice. Instead of scrapping the tune altogether, I decided to make it an instrumental. After it was finished and mixed, I decided to make it the album opener as it sets the tone for the album really well.

2. “Barstool Monarchy” (Galysh/Clanton) - This upbeat song started with the opening riff, which is revisited throughout the song. Very much inspired by Jimi Hendrix and Deep Purple. This song features a great '69/'70 Fender Stratocaster I acquired at auction. The guitar was all original, sounded GREAT, and delivered the perfect Hendrix-era Strat tone for this tune!

3. “Unloveable Me” (Galysh/Clanton) - Inspired by the tone of that '69/'70 Stratocaster, I started writing this ballad with the descending rhythm guitar part that opens the song. The chord progression wrote itself in a day, and I was off and running, overdubbing more guitars, bass, organ, piano and strings, aiming to achieve a classic blues ballad sound. All of the solos are the original takes from the demo, and just came out so well, I refused to retake them. The whole song was there, solos and all. Then Kacee came up with lyrics and a hell of a melody. This song has my favorite guitar solo on the album.

4. “Messin’ With The Kid” (Mel London) - This is a very fun tune to play live, and a song I know I wanted to record as soon as I decided to make a blues album. This song goes over really well in concert and has a fun audience participation section that I included on this recording. I wanted to bring a modern approach to this classic song that I first heard the Blues Brothers do, and came up with a Robben Ford-esque arrangement, and invited guitarist Carl Verheyen lay down a guest guitar solo. 

5. “Nobody Knows You (When You’re Down and Out)” (Jimmy Cox) - This is a song I first heard from another guitar teacher, while teaching at the National Guitar Workshop about 9 years ago. I loved hearing it then, and sought out the the version he referenced from Derek and The Dominoes. While I like that version, I found the performance could have been more dynamic. So, I set out to make my version THE definitive version. I think it turned out very well, with a very powerful and dynamic performance, especially Kacee's vocals. She's such a great singer, and did may be two takes and that was it, perfect.

6. “The War” (Galysh/Clanton) - The main riff and chord progression was inspired by the Peter Green/John Mayall song "Another Kind Of Love", but totally sped up. I dug the sound I ended up with, but at that tempo it seemed to lose the blues shuffle feel. Thankfully vocalist Kacee Clanton wrote some great lyrics to this that really took it to a mother level. This song successfully brings together all my favorite 70s influences including Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Uli Jon Roth and Robin Trower.

7. “Who Am I To Say” (Galysh/Clanton) - I had the idea for the acoustic rhythm guitar parts for a long time, but I've never had the right opportunity to use this them until now! I borrowed the tuning from Jimmy Page, and naturally the song takes on a Led Zeppelin-like quality. The tuning is from low to high: D - A - D - A - A - F#. 

In the middle of the song, you hear some bluesy slide guitar solos, but I'm a horrible slide guitar player. I own a slide. Two in fact, but completely suck at using them! After some failed attempts at playing proper slide guitar for the solo sections, I ended up recording "faux" slide, using the Floyd Rose whammy bar on one of my Brian Moore guitars. So far, no one can tell!

8. “Further On Up The Road” (Veasley/Robey) - A classic blues song that I've been including in my live set for years. I changed up the usually rhythm guitar parts, wanting to get a more driving feel from the whole rhythm section. This song features myself on vocals, and special guest guitarist Johnny Hiland from Nashville. Johnny sent me six takes, five of which were pretty rockin' with tons of gain, but in the end I knew I wanted his signature chicken picking sound and went for that. He knocks it out of the park - a real fun track, for sure. 

9. “Why Am I Singing The Blues” (Galysh/Clanton) - This is one of the first songs written for INTO THE BLUE. A bluesy ballad, that started with me exploring a Jimi Hendrix style approach to rhythm guitar, similar to songs like "Little Wing", "Wind Cries Mary", and "Hey Joe", with that gospel style sound. That was the basis for the song, and the first part recorded. Just about everything was in place on the demos before the lyrics were written and recorded: Lead guitars, rhythm guitars, B3 organ, piano, strings, bass and drums. I had a rough draft of lyrics and the idea of the title, "Why Am I Singing the Blues", which Kacee refined and rewrote to give a clear story line to the song. My original idea of the vocal melody did't sit well with her vocal range, and at first we thought Id' have to rerecord the whole song in a different key, but after spending some time with it, she came up with a much better melody that did't require a key change - thank god! This is my favorite song on the album, and I think it successfully combines my guitar style and song writing style with a very organic, bluesy sound.

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Family, friends, and fans…. I’ve spent the last 27 years practicing my passion of creating and performing melodic rock guitar music. My friends and family who know me can tell you how independent, focused, and entrepreneurial I am. I have independently released four solo albums, an album of jam-tracks, and an instructional guitar book.

http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/adriangalysh

While my last album, Tone Poet, was a strong effort, it is my hope that my next album will take me to new musical ground, and even broader audiences. The next album will be squarely focused on bringing a fresh perspective to blues-rock music.

This blues record will be an exciting vehicle to debut my vocals in addition to my guitar playing, as well a feature a number of very special guests.


By pledging you’re not only pre-ordering the album, but you’ll also be getting a very unique all-access pass to the inner workings of the recording process including exclusive updates and behind the scenes video footage.

Partial proceeds exceeding my goal will go to ALS TDI, a charity that funds medical research and therapy for people suffering from Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I hope we can knock it out of the ball park!

-Adrian Galysh

What Everyone is Saying about 'Tone Poet' (Press and Reviews)

Below you will find all reviews and press for my newest album, "Tone Poet". Keep checking this blog entry as more press and reviews will be added as they come.

"Tone Poet is definitely one of those albums where the sum is greater than the parts and the way the album flows across styles so effortlessly is one of its main strengths. The recording too is excellent – the punchiness of the drums really adds a lot to the dramatic impact here that Galysh has strived for." - ProgMetalZone.com

     Read the whole review by clicking here: http://www.progmetalzone.com/2014/spotify-friday-review-108-adrian-galysh-tone-poet/

"Technical proficiency is alive and well on this offering of half pop-metal songs, and half melodic prog instrumental workouts". - Modern Drummer 

""Tone Poet" presents an entertaining balance of melody and menace - power and passion." - Prognaut.com

    Read the whole review by clicking here:  http://www.prognaut.com/reviews/adrian-galysh3.html

Artist Empowerment Radio Podcast Interview

*An interview with Bob Baker for his podcast, "Artist Empowerment Radio". Bob is the author of the excellent book, "Guerrilla Music Marketing for Musicians", which I highly recommend! 

    *Have a listen to Part 1 here: http://bob-baker.com/buzz/music-endorsements-sponsorships/
    *Have a listen to Part 2 here: http://bob-baker.com/buzz/guitar-instruction-videos/

Seymour Duncan Interview

Adrian talks Tone with Seymour Duncan pickups' Jay Hale in this interview. Read the complete interview here: http://www.seymourduncan.com/blog/backstage-pass/adrian-galysh-the-tone-poet/

"Guitar fans will love this album as will prog metal fans as Adrian’s playing and songs complement Mark Boals vocals so well." - GetReadyToRock.me.uk

    Read the whole review by clicking here: http://getreadytorock.me.uk/blog/2014/02/album-review-adrian-galysh-tone-poe/

"Every once and a while a musician comes along and releases an album that truly deserves attention and accolades.  In 2013, that musician is guitarist Adrian Galysh and the album is Tone Poet... Tone Poet rocks, is creatively excellent and sonically superb. Buy this one and play it loud and often." - ClassicRockRevisited.com

     Read the whole review by clicking here: http://www.classicrockrevisited.com/show_review.php?id=1205

Guitar Player Feb. 2014

"You don’t even have to be a “guitar guy” to get into this one, you just have to have an appreciation for rock music that’s on the creative side." - HardRockHaven.net

     Read the whole review by clicking here:  http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2014/01/adrian-galysh-tone-poet-cd-review/

"In the daily muddle of music submissions, every once and a while, there comes an album that's bright and refreshing, even unexpected. Such is the case with guitarist and composer Adrian Galysh's fourth album, Tone Poet." - DangerDog.com

     Read the whole review by clicking here:  http://www.dangerdog.com/2013-music-reviews/adrian-galysh-tone-poet.php

9/10! "This is something different and wonderful, and it should be savored". - Power Play Magazine (April 2014)

"It's remarkably understated for a solo album by a virtuoso guitar player and is full of really nice melodic moments and can be rewarding to repeated listens. If you have wide musical horizons and enjoy tasteful musicianship then 'Tone Poet' is definitely worth a listen." - MetalTalk.net

     Read the whole review by clicking here: http://www.metaltalk.net/columns/20106627.php

"If you seek music that is different, moving, and mind expanding; your search is over, 'Tone Poet' is sure to satisfy and it's a keeper. The musicianship on this recording is truly world class." - Tony Cruz Sison

      Read the whole review by clicking here: http://thededicatedrockersociety.blogspot.com/2014/01/cd-reviews-for-january-2014.html

Interview with Dedicated Rocker Society 

"Hailed by critics and fellow musician alike, Los Angeles guitarist Adrian Galysh, showcases his guitar talents with anthem-like instrumentals, that put the focus squarely on catchy, memorable melodies. "I suppose its because I grew up listening to the hard rock bands of the 70s and 80s, like Van Halen, Scorpions, and Deep Purple," Galysh testifies, "I always enjoyed big riffs, catchy choruses, and interesting musical hooks". - The Dedicated Rocker Society

     Read the whole interview here: http://thededicatedrockersociety.blogspot.com/2014/01/featured-interview-with-adrian-galysh.html

Interview with Classic Rock Revisited

"Classic Rock Revisited caught up with rock guitarist Adrian Galysh’s new album titled Tone Poet, which features vocalist Mark Boals and Styx drummer Todd Sucherman.  The album is a rich, well crafted, brilliantly composed work of art. In the interview below, Adrian takes time to share how the album came to be, his creative process, how he approaches guitar solos and his future plans.Enjoy this interview with a guy that may be under the radar, for now, but with Tone Poet, will be growing in both reputation and popularity."

     Read the whole interview by clicking here: http://www.classicrockrevisited.com/show_interview.php?id=1011

"Although Adrian was soloist, but this album Tone Poet, contained half vocalized track. This unfortunately makes him 'half-banned' from the guitar shred instrumental album. But his half of instrumental tracks really paid off the situation and make it great for guitar fans. Check him out as well as this awesome album." - MetalHarem.blogspot.com

      Read the whole review by clicking here: http://metalharem.blogspot.com/2014/01/favorite-guitar-shred-instrumental.html

"Melodic, yet powerful is how I would sum up the music of  Tone Poet from Adrian Galysh. The fluidity of his work on the fret-board is hypnotic and magical. If you love music made for the love of music Tone Poet by Adrian Galysh is a necessity in you music collection." - TheHellionRocks.com

      Read the whole review by clicking here:  http://thehellionrocks.com/2013/12/04/adrian-galysh-tone-poet/

"Galysh has crafted an album with an abundant musical landscape with plenty of multi layered musical pieces featuring choral vocals, orchestral pieces and keyboards alongside his guitar which obviously takes the focal point of all the tracks." - Woody's Melodic Rock and AOR Reviews

     Read the whole review by clicking here:  http://www.woodysrockreviews.co.uk/album-reviews/adriangalysh-tonepoet

"The album begins with a church-like choir, bringing Galysh's two-minute solo on to a higher purpose in "Resurrectis." The band moves like a tight unit through "Brick By Brick" as Galysh combines orchestration with his hard rocking solo. The tempo slows down quickly for the power ballad "When You Fall," which showcases Boals' vocals perfectly." - JP's Music Blog

   Read the whole review by clicking here:  http://jpsmusicblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/cd-review-new-symphonic-rock-from.html 

"A chorus, an orchestra, and Adrian Galysh's guitar opens Tone Poet. His lead lines weave over piano and something seems to be brewing, as if this is an opening overture to a larger experience." - SeaOfTranquility.org

     Read the whole review by clicking here:  http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=15725

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Adrian Galysh's Gear & Live Rig Overview

I wanted to share with you a run down of all the gear, guitars, effects and amps that I use. This is the stuff I use live as well as in the studio.

As you may know by now, my main axe is the iGuitar Workshop/Brian Moore Guitars "Adrian Galysh Signature C90F". http://iguitarworkshop.com/C-90FAdrianGalysh.aspx

Features and specs:
• Adrian Galysh Signature Headstock
• Comfort Contoured Mahogany body
• Spalted maple top with Satin finish
• 22 fret Maple neck 25.5" scale, 15" radius
• Rosewood fingerboard • 6105 Frets
• Matching Sculpted Headstock • Abalone "M" logo
• Seymour Duncan Alnico II neck
• Seymour Duncan JB bridge
• Floyd Rose tremelo
• Gold Hardware • Sperzel locking tuners
• Available left handed at no extra charge
Available factory direct, and customizable with optional left handed model, piezo pickup, and 13 pin synth access.

My other "main" guitar is a green Brian Moore C-55. It has a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge position and two Hot Rails, with a 7-way super switch as well. Beyond these two work-horses, I have my first electric guitar, a 1987 black Gibson Les Paul Standard, which sounds great for tracking rhythm guitar. I also use a Yamaha APX 9C electric acoustic guitar for recording and the occasional live performance. This guitar is used a lot on the new album, Tone Poet. Also in the "vault" (ok, my studio closet...) are a Epiphone Jeff Baxter electric acoustic, an ESP Eclipse Gold Top, a custom Peavey "Ecoustic" with scalloped fretboard, an white Ibanez Jem 777 (signed by Steve Vai!),  a Gretch  Electromatic, an Ibanez Artcore hollowbody, and a Brian Moore i9 with MIDI access. 

For Strings, I exclusively use SIT Strings' "Power Steel" stainless steel Light Gauge, and Royal Bronze .011's for acoustic guitars. They sound great and last long. Visit www.sitstrings.com for more info.

My live rigs consists of: Marshall JMP 1 Preamp, Alesis Quadraverb, Peavey Classic 50/50 Power Amp, Morley ABY, Bad Horsie, Boss Tremolo, MWR Phase 90, MXR Carbon Copy. Visit www.morleypedals.com for more info. 

Leave a comment below and let me know what your guitar rig is!

Visit www.AdrianGalysh.com

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