MP3 Clever Bastards - The Great Unconformity

If you like classic rock, you'll love this totally original, new, classic rock album.

13 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Classic Rock, POP: British Pop



Details:
The Birth Of A Band
By Roger Fisher ©2002

In September of 2001, Mars Recording Studios got a call from a guy who said he wanted to record some of his original songs. He made an appointment, came out and saw the studio, and we began talking about how best to record him. His name was Mike Curley, a Brit with wit but no hit, from Birmingham. I listened to him sing one of his songs and I have to admit I was caught off guard! The song was very good, involving me emotionally, and his singing and guitar playing undeniably had stellar potential. I listened to a few more of Mike's songs before telling him he couldn't record in my studio. He looked at me as if I'd just slapped him. I told him that we should start a band.

I'd been talking about forming a new band anyway, with long-time friend, Rick Knotts. I met Rick in 1976 when his rock group, Rail opened for Heart at the P.N.E. coliseum in Vancouver, Canada. I remember our first meeting vividly because I was struck with Rick's completely uninhibited, unpretentious nature.

Over the years Rick and I had remarked many times that we'd like to play together. Early in 2001 we had agreed to finally do it, and I knew when Mike Curley left my studio that day, we had a very strong start to a new band.

Mike, Rick and I went to a drum seminar starring Kenny Aranoff and Mike Derosier. After Mike's demonstration, we three were convinced that more than any other drummer, we wanted Mike. We had learned three songs together and recorded them roughly. I gave a CD of the material to Derosier, my buddy from Heart days. I told Rick that if Mike liked it, then we've really got something. After hearing it, he said he'd like to get together and play to see what the chemistry was like. That first night, it was very apparent that magic was happening! After Derosier left - although he didn't say anything regarding it - Rick and I looked at each other and knew he was in!

We began recording our first song, Part Of Me, all agreeing that we were recording an album.

One obvious thing about our personal chemistry was the sense of humor that pervaded our sessions. We were really having fun! Also, the level of intellect and artistry dovetailed nicely with the standards we set for ourselves as a group.

After trying several talented and likeable bass guitarists, we acted on a hunch that Derosier had. Lynn Sorenson had been playing live with Paul Rodgers. A seasoned pro, Lynn played with a style Mike thought would be perfect for our music. He was right. Lynn was the iron fist in the velvet glove, with a nonchalance that belied his many musical talents. We employed his abilities on bass guitar, as well as violin and viola on the second song we worked on together, All We've Ever Asked For.

The third song that inspired the band to record it was one of Curley's (as were the first two), entitled Hold For Me. We took his original tempo and sped it up drastically. Rick came up with an arppegiating, darting guitar riff that begged for a harmony, and soon the song had taken on another unique character, a third face to the multi-faceted Big Game.

In the words of Mike Curley, " Never ask when you know it smells of excellence, for the sheer arrogance of light shines through the fear of dark, and though appearance is merely a cloak, worn correctly with honor and grace, will keep you safe and warm on
your journey home".

We're still trying on different names for the band. Ideas?

Roger Fisher was born on February 14th in Seattle, Washington.

As a boy he taught himself to play guitar and knew it was something that would forever remain a major part of his life.

Roger is probably most recognized for shaping the legendary electric guitar sound of the band Heart. To this day, the opening riff of Barracuda is one of the most learned, played and memorable riffs in rock and roll. However, guitar is not Roger's only point of interest. He also enjoys adding mandolin, bouzouki, bass guitar and vocals to the mix. He has patents on a guitar and a speaker box, has built the Mars Recording Studio, and has produced and recorded hundreds of musicians over the years.

When Roger isn't immersed in music he is very athletic and loves the outdoors. On any given weekend you can find him slipping off somewhere to go snowboarding, hiking or camping. And don't be surprised if you find him with a camera slung over his shoulder - Roger is quite an avid photographer.

Roger believes that music comes from the deepest place inside oneself, and that everything flows from there. With the new band, he hopes to see this group of talented, powerful entities attain one mindset and create a synergistic masterpiece. He believes this will happen by "being worthy of success, achieving it with grace and surviving it with integrity."


Roger uses Floyd Rose, Fender, Taylor & Fisher guitars and Fisher speaker boxes.

By C. Sanches 2002

Rick Knotts was born on September 10th in Norfolk, Virginia.

He is best known for his work and success in the band, Rail (MTV Basement Tapes Winner - EMP Inductees).

Rick realized at a young age that playing guitar would take him places. With mentors and influences such as Alvin Lee, Steve Howe and Jimmy Page, Rick has continued to master his baritone, 6 and 12-string guitars. Beyond guitar playing, he co-invented the sustainer (currently offered on Jackson, Kramer and ESP Japan Guitars), and holds five patents. He has a BA in Business Administration from the University of Washington, and is the plant manager for Floyd Rose Guitars.

Rick's real passion is playing the guitar. He has now teamed up with the players of this new band, and believes them to be a great combination of personalities, humor, intellect, and a perfect dovetailing of musical abilities.

Rick uses Floyd Rose, Larivee, Dan Electro, Epiphone, and Gibson Guitars.

By C. Sanches 2002

Mike Curley was born on March 8th in Birmingham, England.

All great songwriters, British rock music, and European dance music influence him. His goal is to leave an undisputed legacy of great music on an international level. He believes music can enlighten, enforce and "basically part the f**kin' sea!"

Mike plays acoustic guitar, percussion, and is the band's lead vocalist.

His insight into the lyrics follows:

Hold For Me: is about self-important people trying to tell you how to live your life.
All We Ever Asked For: is about challenging faith and spirituality, and about his father and grandfather.
Mike uses Gretch and Yamaha Acoustic Guitars.

By C. Sanches 2002

Lynn Sorensen was born on December 10th in Twin Falls, Idaho.

He is influenced by Vivaldi, Tony Bennett and Led Zeppelin.

Lynn is no stranger to rock and roll. He has been a touring and session musician for many years. For the past several years he's been touring with Paul Rodgers.

Lynn is a multi-talented musician and felt very comfortable joining the band as their bass player, but is equally enthusiastic about being able to utilize his talents as a keyboard, guitar, violin and viola player.

Lynn's goal is to be creative, to have fun and to one day be able to say,
"I'd like to thank my mom and the Academy!"

Lynn uses Zon Bass Guitars & Xeta Fiddles.

By C. Sanches 2002

Mike Derosier was born on August 24th in Seattle, Washington.

He has gained much success and satisfaction over the years as the drummer for the chart-topping bands Heart, Alias, and Richard Marx.

Whether it be as a touring musician, session player, or doing seminars sharing his background and knowledge with others, Mike has a reputation as one of the most solid and original drummers in the business.

Mike isn't all business. When he wants to get away for a while, he jumps on his Harley and heads out for the open road.

Mike uses Ludwig, Mapex and Slingerland Drums

By C. Sanches