The Joe Lynn Turner Official Web Feed

2 and 1/2 hour special on JLT to air on WMMT radio

Sat, 25 Feb 2006 16:41:27 GMT

Greg Napier will host a special devoted to Joe on WMMT radio March 5 starting at 10:30pm Eastern Time.

"The Usual Suspects" ranked in Top 20 of 2005 at Melodic Rock Dot Com

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 17:08:20 GMT

Melodic Rock posted the results of its 7th Annual MelRock Awards and JLT and his latest CD received some accolades. Andrew McNiece, of Melodic Rock says, "This is the biggest single feature of the year and definitely the most popular, taking in everything that was 2005 and looking ahead into the year ahead, one which I know is going to be an interesting ride. This is the biggest awards feature put together for the site and it contains more thoughts, views, reflections and information than ever before." To check it all out go here.

JLT headlines the Main Stage at The River City Bike Fest, San Antonio, Texas

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 17:06:40 GMT

April 7-9 Joe heads to San Antonio, Texas. It's been called the most amazing Motorcycle Rally that has ever been seen in the Southwest (USA). For three entire days, the Alamo Dome will be Ground Zero for 72 straight hours of Custom bike builders, music, motorcycle stunts and partying. JLT will be on the main stage during the festival with exact days and showtimes to be announced soon. Please check the Official Website for ticket info and event schedule: www.rivercitybikefest.com

Akira Kajiyama and JLT's "Fire Without Flame" To Be Released in December

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 13:35:21 GMT

This long awaited collaboration with Japanese musician Akira will finally hit the stores in Japan on December 7 via Yamaha Records. Joe has raved about this record in interviews stating that it is a must for all melodic hard rock fans. Akira, who has contributed to songs and played guitar on previous JLT albums, plays all instruments while Joe sings on all tracks. Click here for more information.

Do You Want a Chance to Jam With JLT?

Sat, 12 Nov 2005 14:07:39 GMT

Joe will be one of the instructors and performers at "So You Wanna Be A Rock Star" on January 26 - 29, 2006, in the heart of New York City. The event is sponsored by radio station Q104.3. The extended weekend, which teams aspiring rockers with real rock stars, is a playground for music enthusiasts to rock out and rub elbows with their all time favorite artists. Participants will receive small group instruction from celebrity rock and roll musicians and a chance to jam with them in rehearsal studios among many other activities. To read more, go to Q104.3's website.

All Access Magazine Reviews "The Usual Suspects"

Wed, 09 Nov 2005 14:32:58 GMT

The popular Southern California magazine says, "Overall, to me it sounds similar to the first HTP album from 2002. Another classic Joe Lynn Turner album! You don't have to be a longtime fan to enjoy JLT's brand of feel-good rock music." Go here for the whole review.

All Access Magazine Interview

Wed, 09 Nov 2005 14:28:41 GMT

California based All Access Magazine talked to Joe about several things including his recent show dates on the West Coast (USA) and another forthcoming project. Joe describes it as, "A new album for Frontier Records. All the songs have that AOR sound to them. Some songs were written by Jim Peterik from Survivor and Pride Of Lions. The songs are very commercial oriented. This album is going to be 12 songs of that melodic rock vibe." To read the whol interview, click here.

Joe and some of the "Usual Suspects" join Jim Breuer on Sirius

Tue, 16 Aug 2005 00:47:41 GMT

JLT, Greg Smith, Al Petrelli, Karl Cochran and who knows who else will drop by the Jim Breuer show on Sirius satellite radio channel 147

Metal Invader Greek E-zine talks to Joe

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 13:52:46 GMT

JLT responds to a tough question in this interview about some journalists. He states, "If you say there are journalists who have said these things then I will respond to that. I have learned a long time ago to not care what simple minded people say. If they think they are being macho by being derogatory then that is what they need to validate their life." Read it, here.

Stickman Radio Review of "The Usual Suspects"

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 13:50:29 GMT

In this honest and candid review, the reviewer states, "I hate self doubt, but I may have to consider that I never gave Joe his due in the past. I am just hoping that doesn't mean that I have to rethink my position on Malmsteen as well." Go here for the entire review.

Joe slated to appear at annual NY KISS Expo

Tue, 05 Apr 2005 13:17:38 GMT

If you are a New York City area fan, you can meet JLT, purchase his new CD, "The Usual Suspects" and get it autographed at the 19th Annual Kiss Expo. Richie Ranno, of Starz fame, puts together this gathering every year and it always brings out plenty of VIPs. Joe's friends Karl Cochran, ZO2 and Chris Caffery are also on the bill. To read the press release and get more info, <a href="javascript:openStdWindow('/servlet/JltPopUpReader?page=KissExpo')"> click here

JLT USA concert dates

Tue, 05 Apr 2005 13:15:18 GMT

Be sure to check out our Tour Dates section to keep current on confirmed concert dates. While Joe is not planning an official tour of the USA at this time he is playing some shows in selected markets.

The Usual Suspects gets a whopping 92 out of 100 from Melodicrock.com

Wed, 16 Feb 2005 13:35:02 GMT

Melodicrock.com says, "Joe Lynn Turner has had a long and distinguished career---one which continues to roll on unabated. How can an artist, who has been in the business some 30 years manage to record and release what could arguably one of his best albums to date? Well, simply from recognizing what his strength's are, writing great songs around that premise and having people around him that drive him to outstanding performances. To read the entire review, which also unveils a track-by-track synopsis, go here.

JLTs Studio Report for The Usual Suspects in his own words

Tue, 08 Feb 2005 16:56:26 GMT

STUDIO REPORT: December 2004

Joe Lynn Turner (JLT)
"The Usual Suspects"
Release Date: TBA; February or March 2005

JLT comments on...

THE OVERALL SOUND OF "The Usual Suspects"
"I have been defined many times in my career and identified with many rock genres from blues to metal. This particular album is a return to my more melodic rock sound. In a sense, it is where I come from according to people who first got to know my work with Rainbow. In some ways it is better written than my previous disc, 'JLT.' It's got bigger choruses, stronger hooks and amazing production. Yet just because I am using the word 'melodic' does not mean it is wimpy. It has a definite edge to it. Like good sex....you have the rock 'em sock 'em moments and extremely tender moments. It is multi dimensional."

THE TITLE...
"For those who may not know, 'The Usual Suspects' is the title for a Kevin Spacey movie but that really is not where the album title came from. My collaborators and I were sitting around having lunch and joked about how we have always referred to each other as 'the usual suspects.' And then we thought, 'what a great name for the CD.' That is what my manager, Mark Wexler and I have always called everyone who plays on this album. This has always been an inside joke. So now it's out in the open. The musicians on this record are people who have always been there for me, happy to help out and devote their time. We all toured together as the 'JLT All Star Band' in the 1990s and they all have played on one or more of my albums in the past."

THE WRITERS...
"Chris Marksbury, who I worked with on "JLT" returned with some great material. My dear friend and producer, Bob Held contributed. An old friend, who I worked with in the past, Vick Le Car, wrote some songs and I also collaborated with my fellow Hit Squad buddy, Ricky Byrd, who worked with Joan Jett and other artists."

THE PLAYERS...

Guitars: Al Petrelli (Alice Cooper, Megadeth, Savatage, Trans Siberian Orchestra)
Guitars: Karl Cochran (Ace Frehley, Steve Marriot, Eric Singer)
Drums: John O'Reilly (Rainbow, Ritchie Havens, Blue Oyster Cult)
Keyboards: Paul Morris (Rainbow, Doro)
Keyboards: Andy Burton (Ian Hunter)
Bass: David Z (ZO2, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Trans Siberian Orchestra)
Backing Vocals: Nancy Bender (Internationally popular session singer)

RECORDING PROCESS...
"We recorded at Al and Karl's home studios. When we needed a big studio for drums we went to Bear Tracks in Suffern, New York. That's the same studio Rainbow recorded part of 'Bent Out of Shape' and where I mixed 'Rescue You' at back in the 1980s. It's a great place! We also used Paul Morris's home studio. It's really amazing now with the technology that you can record in such intimate places. I actually laid down most of the vocal tracks and keyboards in my own home. We moved the studio equipment into the living room on the lower floor. One of my wife's clinics is also in our house so she and I had to coordinate my recording time so that it did not conflict with her clients' appointments. It was a challenge but also very comfortable to be able to sing in my own living room. Gary Tole, who has also worked with Bonjovi and other artists, engineered again. We also used him on 'JLT' and really like his work."

THE TECHNOLOGY...
"As long as you have the right technology you sound just as good if not better whether you are recording in someone's home or a studio. The key is a decent sounding room. In my case, we experimented with the vocals in my lower level living room and it sounded great. No soundproofing at all but hopefully we did not keep the neighbors awake. And if we did, maybe they liked what they heard. Gary Tole's rig is portable and had everything we needed. The beauty of this style of recording is there is no clock ticking away, no worries about how much studio time you are taking. This enhances the creative process. It's also one of the reasons the album took so long to record. Because we had this luxury of using mobile units and home studios we did not want to sacrifice quality and sometimes quality takes time."

THE CREATIVE PROCESS...
"We re-wrote 4 tracks and had to cut 4 or 5 good songs that we hope can re-surface later at some point. We shifted direction a bit. The decision to make it a bit more melodic came very natural. For example, the song, 'Power Of Love' on the demo was much lighter and when we did the track it ended up being much heavier. The song transformed itself in the process. That is really how it is supposed to happen…the magic of the process of creativity. You never really know what is going to come out. It is like being pregnant with a child and not knowing what that child will look or be like until birth! You may have a pre-conceived idea but you are always somewhat surprised by the outcome."

The Tracks...(random anecdotes from JLT)

ALL ALONE
True story. The rise and fall of an individual. Someone who went from prominence to anonymity.

WHAT CAN I DO
Wrote with Ricky Byrd. Rocky, blues, uptempo. It's a "have fun" kind of number. About a guy screwing up with his girl, what he can do to get her back. Jerry Lee Lewis piano stylings.

DEVILS DOOR
About temptation. How many times you keep repeating bad behavior and patterns. You know it doesn't really serve you in a positive way but you do it anyway.

REALLY LOVED
It's been around for two years but did not fit the other albums. Mid tempo. A soulful Street of Dreams type song. Rhythm and Blues tinged with harmonies. About someone who has missed out on love. Begging the question are you ready to be really loved?

REST ON MY LIFE
Having a fantasy about loving someone and then finding someone who fulfills your fantasy. Melodic. Big chorus.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Uptempo rocker. A road song about a guy who gives up everything, including love, for his music. His mistress is his music.

BLOOD MONEY
Political situation. People who really make money on the misery of man or at the expense of others. Dark, heavy, moody.

INTO THE FIRE
Not seeing the truth. Afraid to take chances. Afraid to open your mind. You have to get into the fire and be burned by the truth sometimes.

JACKNIFE
About a back talking bitch of a woman. Her words just cut you to the bone, like a jacknife.

BALL AND CHAIN
About something or anyone that drags you down. In this case it was about a disease but we did not really describe that when we wrote it. It can mean many things to many people.

LIVE AND LOVE AGAIN
It is about someone still searching for that love. After a broken love affair they are still searching and asking themselves if they will ever find true love?

POWER OF LOVE
Anyone or any place where there is a struggling against the odds to make things work and the incredible power that love has to beat those odds.

AEROSMITH GUITARIST & SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY MAKE SURPRISE APPEARANCE WITH N.Y.C. HITSQUAD

Fri, 21 Jan 2005 17:55:32 GMT

AEROSMITH GUITARIST & SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY MAKE SURPRISE APPEARANCE WITH N.Y.C. HITSQUAD

Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford and Southside Johnny were surprise guests last night (Wednesday, January 19th) in New York City with the N.Y.C. HitSquad, which includes singer-guitarist Ricky Byrd from Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, drummer Liberty Devitto and sax player Richie Cannata from Billy Joel's band, and ex-Deep Purple and Rainbow singer Joe Lynn Turner, among others. Whitford and Johnny joined the band for versions of Chuck Berry's "Little Queenie," Little Richard's "Keep A Knockin'" - which featured a slight detour into the Jeff Beck Group's version of the blues standard "Going Down" - and the show closer of Wilson Pickett's "634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)."

Folk-pop-jazz singer Phoebe Snow was also a special guest at the show, taking lead vocals on Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me" and joining in on "634-5789."
The N.Y.C. HitSquad, which gets together for fun when the members have some free time, also played soul and rock standards including "Can't Get Next To You," "My Girl," "Route 66," "C.C. Rider," and "I Wish It Would Rain."

JLTs New CD Titled

Wed, 05 Jan 2005 21:09:16 GMT

"The Usual Suspects" is the title of JLT's next solo CD

Joe has finished mixing his latest solo CD. He describes the album as a return to a more melodic rock sound, "Like a FOREIGNER '4' and a little JOURNEY mixed in injected with some rockin, tough edges!" He decided to call it, "The Usual Suspects," partially because many of his favorite friends/musicians wrote songs for and play on it. It's scheduled for release through Yamaha in Japan and Frontiers in Europe late February 2005. Joe recently talked to journalist Martin Popoff for Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles Magazine and gave him a preview. To read the article, click here. You can also check out the Frontiers Records news release and audio samples, Here.

Joe and Glenn Studio Report from Russia

Wed, 05 Jan 2005 21:09:08 GMT

Turner and Hughes: Studio Report From Moscow

JLT and Glenn Hughes were in Russia during the Fall of 2004. They teamed up with musician Mikhail Men, the Deputy Mayor of Moscow, and contributed vocals and lyrics to his latest CD. At this Inna Records link, you'll find a studio report with photos. They also made several media appearances and talked about their involvement in this unique project that has been described as "quality melodic rock." To check out an article that appeared in the Russian newspaper, Pravda, go here. To read a recent piece from the Moscow Times, click here.