Thanks to Ken Ubinas for waiting in line at the Moody Blues ride at the Hard Rock Park. Ken supplied us with a picture of the entrance to the new Moody Blues amusement ride, "Nights in White Satin". Ken said the Eagles were at the opening the first night, but the crowd was larger the second night for the opening of the Moody Blues Ride!
Fans get up close and personal with the tron. The source of the power behind the ride revealed to fans waiting in the queue.
My guitar sings softly/I believe/It's inside me," sings Matt Pinder on The Pinder Brothers' sophomore effort Ordinary Man. He's not kidding. The sons of Moody Blues founder Mike Pinder, Matt and his brother Michael Lee have got music in their blood. But DNA aside, Ordinary Man, is one of the most fully realized pop albums in recent memory. Armed with the immediacy of Material Issue "Dear Diane") and the prefect brotherly melodicism of Evan and Jaron ("Hold Me Tonight") The Pinder Brothers know exactly how to land a pop uppercut. Keeping this in boxing terms, Ordinary Man is a pretty clean knockout. "Holiday" brings to mind Dulicnea-era Toad The Wet Sprocket, "Inside Me" suggests Crowded House and the thoughtful "Waves Crash" is a ruminative wonder. Elsewhere, the dead-on harmonies of "Oh Woman" are crushingly beautiful; the punchy pop of "Whisper" is hard to resist and the album closer "Empty Street" is truly elegant. Like The Feeling, whose Twelve Stops And Home single-handedly brought back the notion of a song boasting a catchy chorus, The Pinder Brothers don't shy away from the big hooks. So it's no surprise that they reel you in every time.
--Alex Green
Band Members of Blue Onyx
The Moody Blues tribute band the Blue Onyx came about because of a concert held by founder members Steve Hutchinson (vocals and percussion) and Tim Lake (keyboards) to celebrate Steve's 50th birthday. The Band played several Moody Blues' classics and their audience loved it. Steve and Tim decided they wanted to give lots more people the chance to appreciate the music of the Moody Blues. So, together with devoted Moodies fan and top guitarist Mike Cousins, they put together a seven piece band whose sole air is to share their love of music and the music of the Moody Blues.
The band has a version of Melancholy Man on their website, vocal by Jeremy. Mike enjoyed it, however Mike does think Jeremy should shave his head to get the look just right on stage!
Tom Savell CD
Tom Savell CD
Emotionally charged singer and guitarist / violinist Tom Savell began his music career playing violin in orchestras at an early age. By age 13 he was earning union-scale as a member of AFM Local 1 while attending the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, OH. He was also a member of the youth division of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, performing to crowds of up to 5,000 people in joint concerts. He eventually moved to San Diego, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Music from UCSD.
Tom received “Best Musician” in the 2007 Santa Cruz Metro Goldies Awards. And radio personality Sleepy John of KPIG in Freedom, CA says he has “a powerful voice”. A highly sought-after musician for both recording and live performance, Tom has appeared on many stages, both large and small. He has opened up for acts such as Bela Fleck, Arlo Guthrie, Dougie MacLean, and more. Tom is also an audio chip architect, a published author in the field of digital audio, and holds several patents in digital audio processing.
Tom has recorded on numerous albums including Gregory Page's nationally released Romantic Adventures of Harry (Bizzare/Planet Records). He has also recorded with drummer Aynsley Dunbar (Zappa, Journey, Jefferson Starship, Whitesnake) and percussionist Jorge Bermudez (Malo, Crowded House). His 2007 solo debut You Just Gotta Love It, a collection of songs about love, features Aynsley Dunbar along with a number of other top musicians.
Tom has recorded both Mike Pinder Compositions Simple Game and So Deep Within You for this CD. Both songs have been charting for Tom on AC/Hot AC Main Chart for Airplay! Mike is very pleased for Tom as a musician and happy his message his still finding fresh ears and new hearts!
Mike with Glen Banks
Long time friend of Mike Pinder, Glen Banks just starting blogging. He put some fun pictures and rememberances up of Mike during his ATS tour. Glen is a talented piano player and Moody Blues / Mike Pinder fan. Thanks for the trip down memory lane Glen!