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| Announcements |
New Review of Jeff Larson/Gerry Beckley Collaboration |
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Posted by: admin on 09/02/2010 04:07 AM
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 From the current edition of "Hittin' The Note" Magazine
Heart of the Valley
Jeff Larson
Human Nature Records
by John Lynskey
Interpreting someone else’s songs is tricky business – an artist must walk the fine line between paying homage to the music while maintaining individual identity and style. It takes a musician with real strength and confidence to pull this off, and on Heart of the Valley, Jeff Larson succeeds completely.
The California singer/songwriter, who usually pens his own material, collaborated with Gerry Beckley of America and recorded 11 of Beckley’s original tunes for Heart of the Valley. Beckley also contributed background vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards and production to this absolutely delightful release.
With its easy, gentle vibe, the title track sets the tone for the album, while the melodic chorus of “Sudden Soldier” will stick in your head all day. “Minus Marci” has a joyous bounce, and it is followed by the longing feel of “Calling” and the perfectly harmonious “One Way Ticket.” The full depth of Larson’s impressive vocal abilities is displayed on “Five Mile Road”; this compelling piece is augmented by haunting pedal steel from Rusty Young, and is a true highlight of the CD.
The last three songs are the epitome of Larson/Beckley teamwork:“Two People at Once” is probing, “Wishing Well” brims with hope, and “One Lit Window” closes out Heart of the Valley with delicate optimism.
Gerry Beckley knows how to write tender love songs, and Jeff Larson can really sing them. On Heart of the Valley, you get the very best of both.
(www.jefflarson-music.com) |
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History Charts on Amazon |
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Posted by: admin on 03/17/2010 03:43 PM
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St. Patrick's Day 2010 shows America's Greatest Hits - History
is doing very well on Amazon's MP3 Downloads chart:
Download your copy of America's Greatest Hits - History
and enjoy it along side your corn beef and cabbage with a half pint of Guinness! h/t to Freddy and Cat. |
Nice Dewey Birthday Wish |
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Posted by: admin on 01/20/2010 11:03 PM
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Artvoice.com street correspondent John Duke reports:
The rock band America, composed of two 20-year-olds and a teenager, released their first album in 1971. Dewey Bunnell wrote, sang, and played guitar. His most well-known compositions are “A Horse with No Name,” ” Ventura Highway,” and “Tin Man.” The band’s mystique and its music quickly became international favorites. The song “A Horse with No Name” raced to No. 1 and knocked sound-alike Neil Young and his song “Heart of Gold” off the top of the charts.
READ THE REST HERE... |
Offbeat Christmas Songs |
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Posted by: admin on 12/22/2009 04:39 AM
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Brynna Campbell (Rich's daughter) has uploaded the Campbell Family Christmas Album to her website at brynnacampbell.com. This is a very eclectic collection of holiday songs performed by the entire Campbell family for anyone interested in some seasonal melodies in rather unusual styles. Priced to move (mostly to cover the host server fees), we hope you enjoy these in health and surrounded by family and friends.
All the season's best! |
Healthy, Happy Holiday Harmony To All! |
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Posted by: admin on 12/20/2009 03:31 AM
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Artpark Flashback with "One and One" |
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Posted by: admin on 09/11/2009 06:03 PM
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 As Summer began, the rock band America (Horse with No Name, Tin Man and countless other chart topping hits) performed at Artpark in Lewiston. Summer in Western New York doesn’t begin until America does so; it’s part of some cosmic agreement written somewhere...
Read More Here...
On a related note... |
New Maplewood Release |
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Posted by: admin on 08/11/2009 06:40 PM
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  [Click for previews] | From Tapete Records: "For me, there is something wonderfully familiar about the sound of Maplewood. Ever since McGuinn started combining those basic elements—chiming 12-string, soaring harmonies, laid-back California cool—so many years ago, the genre itself (call it what you will) earned the right to be called timeless. Maplewood are a much newer band, but their sound rings as true to me now as when I bought my first acoustic guitar back in the late sixties. I speak from experience when I say that a lot of work can go into something sounding so effortless. Maplewood understood this from the start. I have always been a fan... from the opening bars of "Indian Summer"—a song we were destined to cover (& we rarely do covers )—to this latest collection. I was an early convert and it's clear I'm not alone. The sound that Maplewood wears with such ease has never felt better.... If you're not already a fan, this new record will soon convert you. Enjoy." gb (Gerry Beckley, America) |
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Review of America's Thrilla in Manila |
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Posted by: admin on 08/03/2009 07:18 AM
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Happily, there’s still America
By Pocholo Concepcion
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:52:00 08/02/2009
MANILA, Philippines – We were curious to see the band Ambrosia, but ended up marveling at how one other group in the show, America, has kept its music vital and refreshing.
...READ MORE... |
Gerry Beckley Produces New Jeff Larson CD |
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Posted by: admin on 07/20/2009 07:38 PM
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From JeffLarson-Music.com:
"The new album, "Heart of the Valley", IS NOW SHIPPIING on Human Nature. The release consists of 11 new songs produced (and largely written) by Gerry Beckley (America) with a couple GB / JL co-writes in the mix. Special guests include Dewey (Bunnell), Rusty Young, Rich Campbell, Jeff Foskett, among others."
Further details on the release can be found at JeffLarson-Music.com
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Michael Jackson Song "A Place With No Name" |
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Posted by: admin on 07/18/2009 05:38 AM
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| TMZ covers the breaking story of Michael Jackson's recorded but unreleased interpretation of America's "Horse With No Name" ...CLICK HERE FOR MORE... |
Review From AcrossThe Pond |
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Posted by: admin on 06/01/2009 07:09 AM
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America Live Review @ The Sage (Gateshead) - 17 Mar 2009
Because this band is so damned good, these words write themselves... line-up - originals Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley (vocals, semi-acoustic guitars, electric guitars, keyboards, they formed the band on graduation from American college in London, 1970), Michael Woods (guitars and keyboards, 31 years service), Willie Leacox (from Stockton California - drums, 37 years in) and Rich Campbell (bass and vocals, greenhorn with a mere 6 years under the flag), they kick off with Riverside, semi-acoustic heaven, a driving beat and harmony vocals to make CSN green with envy.
The opening chords of Ventura Highway (US top five in 1972 and sampled by Janet Jackson in 2001) prompt a welcoming cheer from the audience as the song unfolds ...more... |
Mistaken Identity |
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Posted by: admin on 02/10/2008 09:34 PM
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| VERY IMPORTANT! PLEASE NOTE: Recent posts seem to imply that this is the "VH Board." America.AccessBackstage.com is NOT run by nor endorsed in any way by VenturaHighway.com, America or it's management. We are a fan site run for and by fans. |
America Live In Concert - Wildwood Springs |
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Posted by: admin on 12/20/2008 12:03 AM
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America is pleased to announce a new CD release in 2009 of an acoustic show captured live at Wildwood Springs, nestled in the woods of Steelville, Missouri. The new CD features all the America hits from Gerry and Dewey, and some rare live performances not available anywhere else, with even a special guest appearance by slide-guitar legend Rusty Young. Look for it on Amazon.com and CDBaby.com. It will also be available from iTunes with three additional bonus tracks when you purchase the album for download.
Happy trails from America.AccessBackstage.com!
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New America Live From Chicago DVD |
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Posted by: admin on 06/17/2008 06:25 PM
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The early-‘70s light folk sound that became popular in America was defined by the very band that shared a name with the country that embraced them. America ruled the Top 10 charts of that era with their evocative harmonies and acoustic-styled musicianship. America’s performance on the acclaimed PBS concert series Soundstage features all their greatest hits along with riveting versions of "California Dreaming" and "Nowhere Man" – plus an interview with founding members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell.
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Recent Reviews |
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Posted by: admin on 02/10/2008 09:38 PM
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"The concert they have recorded is among their best work ever and deserves to be heard..."
America: Live in Concert Wildwood Springs celebrates a line that started with the release of their first album in 1972. Both releases open with Riverside, a song which perfectly captures America’s greatest assets, pure harmonies and damn near perfect songwriting. Inspired by the success with their last release, (2007’s Here and Now), they sound as alive as they did they first formed in high school in 1969. Recorded in front of an intimate audience at Wildwood Springs in Missouri, America has made their finest live release and one of their best albums ever. The 19 songs emphasize the acoustic side of America that first brought them to our attention all those years ago.
Over the course of the concert America pulls out a few hits as well as some obscurities from their massive catalog. The connecting point for all the songs is that, stripped of synthesizers and forced orchestration that seemed to show up on so many of their later releases, America has always created the perfect mixture of the Beatles and Crosby Stills and Nash. Like the Beatles they came with a very strong pop sensibility. George Martin didn’t work with America for so long because they are idiots. He knew how gifted as songwriters they are. Like CSN, they understand harmony as only the Beach Boys, The Everly Brothers and the very best of Do Wop groups seem to. It is an instinctive and natural understanding that makes singing sound so pure, so easy, that you either fly with them or die of envy.
While the release holds it’s share of hits, it is the more obscure songs from the America catalog that prove to be the real gems. We have all heard Ventura Highway, I Need You, Tin Man and Sister Golden Hair . However, when placed besides Windwave, Submarine Ladies or especially Cornwall/Blank/Hollywood, you begin to see how strong America has been all these years. New songs from Here and Now such as Chasin’ the Rainbow and Ride On fit seamlessly into the set and sound as if they were always there.
It is the willingness of Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell to rely on the songs themselves that really makes this such a great CD. Everything they play is stripped to it’s essence. The piano and slight tapping on the bass that open Daisy Jane only needs the addition of a single guitar and the faultless harmonies to open the song up. When the bass kicks in after the first chorus it creates such a warm intimacy that you feel as if you are eavesdropping on the singer as he confesses to his girl. As often as I have heard this song, it sounds brand new.
Their debut featured a fair amount of acoustic jamming. As they became successful so quickly, America tended to steer clear of this and concentrate on the tightness of the song. Wildwood Springs sees America stretching out on one or two songs and doing it with some strong results. Judging from the applause that greats the middle of Cornwall Blank when they start to attack the heck out of song and than, without blinking, move it straight into a very forceful version of Hollywood that leaves the original stranded in the hills, this is something they should do a little more often.
In the three decades plus that lay between the 1972 debut and the new live album America has traveled the world and become road warriors, armed with acoustic guitars and voices that melt together. Featuring a memorable guest spot by Rusty Young (Poco) near the end, Live in Concert Wildwood Springs perfectly reminds us what is missing from so much of music today; musicians who can sing without pro-tools, songwriters who craft a hook from their heart instead of their previously sampled chart success, and especially performers who don’t take their audience for granted.
This release to may be a bit to find. You might have to go through CD Baby to get it. It will be worth the effort. The concert they have recorded is among their best work ever and deserves to be heard.
-Mark Squirek/MusicTap.net
Sunday night’s show at the Granada offered the best of both worlds, with swirling psychedelic pop and shimmering harmonies cloaking gentle lyrics and universal themes. The Santa Barbara Independent
" Backed by three tight-sounding and talented musicians -- long-time members Willie Leacox on drums (35 years), smiling lead guitarist Michael "Woodsy" Woods (30 years), and bassist Rich Campbell (six years), Bunnell and Beckley, now both in their mid' 50s, have aged remarkably well.
With both Woods and Campbell helping out on harmonies, their combined voices soared high and strong, and the 2,300 or so assembled audience members who braved Friday's fierce winter storm were appreciative."
READ MORE FROM THE TORONTO SUN |
Happy New Year! |
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Posted by: admin on 01/01/2008 04:35 AM
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Happy New Year to everyone here at AccessBackstage from America, band and crew! 2007 may well have been one of the busiest year in America's history, racking up shows in Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Italy, Singapore, the Philippines, India as well as the US and Canada, and saw the release of the first new album in nine years, charting on the Billboard hot 100 for the first time in even more years.
A personal thanks to all who have shared a kind word or a great story over the past year and before, and a tip of the cup to next year and our next tour where we hope to see you all, healthy and happy.
All the best, always!
P.S. Looking for America tickets? Search for "America" or any of your favorite artists below:
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Posted by: admin on 09/06/2007 09:14 PM
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The Vocal Group Hall of Fame was created to present the music of the Inducted Vocal Groups to people of all generations, to educate, entertain and enlighten the world to the astounding legacy of music left by these Vocal Groups of the past and to pave the way for Vocal Groups of the future.
Induction ceremony and information will be made available at The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame website. |
Password change requests |
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Posted by: admin on 03/05/2007 08:41 AM
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If you receive a "password change request" email, but did not ask for it yourself, you can safely ignore it. Spammers seem to be attempting to log in under regular usernames, but only the official registered email address can verify any changes.
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Here & Now Charts! |
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Posted by: admin on 12/18/2006 06:31 PM
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 Billboard.com and SoundScan certified Here & Now the 52nd most popular album in the entire country in it's debut week! This is the highest America chart debut since 1977!
You can download Here & Now from iTunes now or order Here & Now on Amazon.com for $11.99. If you've already pre-ordered, Amazon will give you the lowest price offered before the official release date, so if you already ordered for $14.99, you just saved three bucks!
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Current Events |
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Posted by: admin on 11/21/2006 06:40 PM
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- America's longtime drummer Wil Leacox is inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time. Congratulations, Wil!
- SIRIUS Satellite Radio features interviews and songs from America
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lia href="http://www.aetv.com/search/schedule.do?keywords=Breakfast+With+The+Arts&linkedBy=text" target=new">Breakfast With the Arts A&E TV special America performance was aired Sunday November 26th from 8am-10am AND WILL AIR AGAIN Sunday January 21st from 8am-10am
- Listen to America's featured performance on NPR's World Cafe" on January 19, 2007
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| Welcome to America.AccessBackstage.com |
Breaking News
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Rich
Campbell |
Dewey
Bunnell |
Will
Leacox |
Gerry
Beckley |
Michael
Woods |
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Website bonus! Here's a FREE Windows Screensaver featuring cover art from Highway, America's box set CD collection, with a clock and date making it not just colorful, but USEFUL, too! RIGHT CLICK HERE and "Save target as..." to your desktop, then just double-click it to install. It's about a 2 megabyte file, so dialup users should take about three minutes to download. Enjoy!
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Contact: Webmaster for info. Visit Gerry's brother Michael Beckley's new website! and friend of the band Kathy Miller Photography
Copyright 2005-2009 All Rights Reserved - Rich Campbell tribute page to Rock and roll supergroup America featuring Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnel fan site with photos and stories about touring and recording. America songs: Horse with No Name, Sister Golden Hair, Ventura Highway, Don't Cross The River, The Last Unicorn, and many more. America - the band - on tour - and on CD. Jerry Becklie and Dewy Bunel.
Created on 02/04/2003 10:24 AM by admin
Updated on 08/26/2010 03:31 AM by admin
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