Tesla
Rock concert breaks out at country bar
Rachel Steele and Jeff Keith – Click for more images
It was a magical night at Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill in Folsom, California as singer, songwriter Rachel Steele and country band Road 88 were joined by the venerable rocker Jeff Keith, lead singer for the rock band Tesla.
Keith joined forces with Steele and her band to celebrate the release of his new CD “Jeff Keith and Country Music Friends.” The Album is the result of a side project Keith’s been working on with friends Kent Goodson and Pat Boone from The George Jones band. Pat Boone is not the really old guy who likes to drink milk, but the not-so-really old guy who likes country music.
Frank Hannon – Click for more images
When Steele was halfway through her set Keith, donning a cowboy hat and blue jacket, jumped up onstage singing several songs from his new album. As if that wasn’t enough to get everyone on their feet, Tesla’s Troy Luckketta (drums) and Frank Hannon (guitar), who were there in support of Keith, joined him to perform Tesla’s hit “Signs,” followed by a fantastic rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” Only Brian Wheat (bass) and Dave Rude (guitar) were missing from Tesla.
Frank Hannon and Billy Haggard
Road 88’s guitarist Billy Haggard and Hannon brought the house down with a killer battle of guitars, with Hannon finishing off the battle playing the guitar using a beer bottle up and down the neck of the guitar.
It gave more than a few people the goosies!
Road 88’s members include Scott Prentice (guitar, vocals), Billy Haggard (guitar), Charlie McGimsey (drums), Todd Prout (bass), Paul Southerland (lap/pedal steel, dobro) and Maggie Keith (backup vocals).
So how did Keith get mixed up in all things country?
Jeff Keith (center) and Road 88
Apparently Goodson and Boone met Keith after a Tesla concert in Canada and the next thing you know, the three of them are paddling around in a pontoon boat somewhere in the middle of Nashville, slamming down sasparillas, and singing country songs – go figure.
The album is solidly in the country genre with song titles like “Same Ol’ Cowboy,” Oklahoma Bound,” and my favorite “Oh Hell.” You can read the complete review here.
Keith also wants to assure all of his Tesla fans that he’s not quitting his day job – or would that be his night job? He remains with Tesla and they are currently planning out their 2013 schedule, including the Monster of Rock Cruise in March.
Jeff Keith’s Country side project
It’s like he’s gone to the dark side – at least for this project.
You rockers out there know what I’m talking about. You listen to hardcore rock while those “other people” listen to that country music stuff, and now it’s invading the pop-music scene thanks to the likes of American Idol.
You make sure everyone around you knows how much you hate it too! When Carrie Underwood comes on the radio and starts tearing up that pretty little souped up four wheel drive, you dive (rocker style) for the radio to change the station. But secretly, when no one is around, you start tapping your toe and daydreaming of riding that bucking bronco down at your local country bar – not that you know where the country bar is, let alone if it has a bucking bronco.
But wait!! Don’t touch that dial. The next song you hear could be one of your bestest most favoritest rockers of all time. No not Steven Tyler, that other rocker guy Jeff Keith, lead singer extraordinaire from one of the great rock bands of all time – Tesla.
Yes! Jeff Keith has come out of the country closet, as he’s set to release a brand spanking new album of nothing but country songs due out this Friday November 9th. This isn’t country rock either, this is the bonafide real McCoy, so hold off from changing that dial and have a listen to what he has to offer.
The Album, Jeff Keith and Country Music Friends, is the result of a side project of Keith’s and his country music friends Kent Goodson and Pat Boone from The George Jones band. I should put a disclaimer here that Pat Boone is not the really old guy who likes to drink milk, but the not-so-really old guy who likes country music.
Jeff Keith goes country – click for more images
Apparently they met after a Tesla concert in Canada and the next thing you know, the three of them are paddling around in a pontoon boat somewhere in the middle of Nashville, slamming down sasparillas, and singing country songs.
So how’s it sound?
The album starts off with a nice ballad, “Same Ol’ Cowboy,” complete with violins and steel strings. As most of the songs on the album, this song is old style country music complete with violin, steel string guitars, and a whole lotta twang.
“Life’s Just a Roller Coaster Ride” has a good strong country beat with Keith hitting his country stride as he dials in the twang and cranks up the beat.
Restraining himself from belting it out like a rock-star, Keith shows off his vocal prowess with “Can’t Let Go,” as he slows it down country style. This one is another winner.
“Life on the Road” reminds me of the Waylon and Willie days with a more upbeat tempo and a great storyline.
Cowboy up!
“Oklahoma Bound” is another ballad, and wrapping up the album with my favorite “Oh Hell,” which is an awesome little diddy.
When you purchase the CD you get a bonus track of interviews with the boys.
Bottom-line: This is definitely worth a listen. I really enjoyed all the songs as Keith and company take it old school country. For those of you faint of heart, start with “Can’t Let Go,” and work your way through the list, ending with “Oh Hell.”
For all you Tesla fans out there – no worries. Jeff isn’t quitting his day job.
I’m off to shine my boots and take in a couple of re-runs of Hee Haw.
Jeff Keith Country on Facebook
Officer Needs Assistance at Thunder Valley Casino
Chris Gardner Band – Click for more images
The Placer County 10-35 Foundation’s Thunder in November charity drive took over Thunder Valley Casino’s Pano Hall on Saturday as the Chris Gardner Band, Road 88 and special guest Jeff Keith performed to a charitable crowd.
Jim Hudson with Placer County 10-35 Foundation
The Placer County 10-35 Foundation was created in 2011 as a non-profit charity designed to assist the men & women of Placer County law enforcement. The Foundation is a fraternal & benevolent association chartered to assist Placer County peace officers in times of great personal and organizational tragedy.
10-35 is part of law enforcement’s 10-code which means officer needs assistance.
Road 88 opened the show with lead singer Rachel Steele belting out Gretchen Wilson’s “All Jacked Up” and Emmylou Harris’ “One More Bottle of Wine.”
Road 88 – Click for more images
Joining founding members Rachel Steele (vocals) and Scott Prentice (guitar/vocals) were Billy Haggard (guitar), Charlie McGimsey (drums), Todd Prout (bass), Paul Southerland (lap/pedal steel, dobro) and Maggie Keith (backup vocals).
Road 88 was flawless in their delivery as one would expect from a band that was voted #1 in the Best Local Band category for the second year in a row on KCRA’s A-List.
Towards the end of their set Steele brought Tesla’s lead singer Jeff Keith on stage to sing a country song.
What!?
Jeff Keith goes to the dark side
Yes pardner you heard right! Jeff Keith comes strutting out looking cuter than a junebug in a jumpsuit, donning, of all things, a cowboy hat. Y’all wouldn’t have believe it.
After some wild applause and a collective gasp from the audience, Keith went on to explain that he was still with Tesla and all was good with the band, but he was pursuing a lifelong dream of singing country music. His new CD Jeff Keith and Country Music Friends, is due out on November 9th, featuring Kent Goodson and Pat Boone from The George Jones band.
With his best country voice, Keith went on to sing George Jones’ “Grand Tour,” as the crowd cheered him on.
As one would have expected, Keith’s chops were flawless and, surprisingly, he sounded like a genuine country star. Who’d have thunk it!
Scott Prentice and Jeff Keith – Click for more images
Stay tuned for a complete review of his new album.
In between sets Jim Hudson with the Placer County 10-35 foundation announced the winners of their silent auction for an autographed guitar signed by REO Speedwagon (Katie was the winner), and an autographed guitar signed by Road 88 and Jeff Keith(Diana was the winner). Katie insisted that she get a picture after the show with Chris Gardner and her newly acquired guitar.
The Chris Gardner Band kicked their set off with Alabama’s “Mountain Music” and Luke Bryan’s “Rain is a Good Thing,” as droves of people made their way to the dance floor.
Lead singer Chris Gardner was joined by Dwight Hogan (bass), Aaron Shively (lead guitar), Joey Gonzales (drums), Nikko Vargas (rhythm guitar), and Shawn Holiday (keyboard).
While Road 88 had a solid set, the Chris Gardner Band was able to pack the dance floor as they continued playing “Something Like That” and “Dixieland Delight.”
This was a fun and successful event. Expect to see Thunder in November II next year!
For more information on Placer County 10-35 please visit them at http://www.placer1035foundation.org
Y’all don’t forget to checkout Jeff Keith’s alter ego at Jeff Keith Country!
Frank Hannon’s Six String Soldiers
Frank Hannon – Click for more images
Tesla’s Frank Hannon has proven, once again, that he has complete command of all things guitar.
Hannon’s last album, Gypsy Highway, took the listener on an acoustical journey through the heart, as he stepped outside the world of rock and introduced us to his folksier side.
Hannon’s latest creation, Six String Soldiers, is nothing short of rock legend, as he builds on his foundation of hard driving rock, bringing a few of his friends along for the ride. His army of soldiers include 3 time Grammy winner Rick Derringer (Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo), Pat Travers (Boom Boom, Out Go The Lights), Dave Meniketti (founder of Y&T), and Dicky Betts (“‘Ramblin” Man).
Lending his vocals to the album is Jeff Sandoval, who does a commendable job with his smooth vocals on songs such as “Cross Your Mind” and “Love, Life, and Beauty.” Drummer Cortney DeAgustine even jumps into the fray on “Redemption,” as she provides backing vocals for Sandoval.
Leading the charge is the bluesy ”I’M Alive,” featuring Pat Travers, followed by my favorite “Set Me Free.”
“Lipstick, Smoke -N- Gasoline” featuring Dave Meniketti deserves a mention for its over-the-top riffs and overall tune as it insinuates itself into every fiber of your being, driving you to nod your head to the beat – for the true rockers out there that would be banging your head to the beat.
Six String Soldiers is what rock is all about!
Track Listing:
1. I’m Alive (feat. Pat Travers)
2. Set Me Free
3. Six String Soldiers
4. Lipstick, Smoke and Gasoline (feat. Dave Meniketti)
5. Invincible
6. Cross Your Mind
7. Touch the Ground (feat. Dickey Betts)
8. I’m Just Sayin’
9. Love, Life and Beauty
10. To the Light (feat. Rick Derringer)
11. Redemption
12. 12.21
pigFactory signs Tesla for International Publishing
Tesla – Click for more images
Independent music publishing company pigFACTORY Music, whose roster includes recordings and songs performed by artists such as Jordin Sparks, Demi Lovato, Fatboy Slim, Iggy Pop, and Meatloaf, has just signed iconic 80s rock band Tesla to an international publishing administration and synch representation deal. The announcement was made today by Keatly Haldeman, CEO, pigFACTORY Music.
The new deal allows pigFACTORY to exclusively administer the publishing for all songs that Tesla has written and license for synchronization all of Tesla’s songs and later recordings.
Said Haldeman, “We’re honored that Tesla has chosen pigFACTORY to represent their music. Tesla continues to put out great songs and relentlessly tours for its loyal fan base. We are excited to expose Tesla’s new music to the TV/film/advertising community and to shine a spotlight on their hits such as “Love Song.”
For those of you who may not know what a synchronization license is, it allows a film, video or television producer to contract with a songwriter or the songwriter’s publisher to use a song in a film, video, music video, television program, or television advertisement. PigFACTORY will be administering this license on an international basis.
About PigFACTORY Music Publishing:
pigFACTORY Music Publishing specializes in the international placement of music in film, television, film trailers, advertising, and videogames, and in the collection of publishing royalties, worldwide. To that end, the company leverages an advanced digital publishing system to proactively exploit its clients’ music catalogues and track music publishing royalties on a global scale. The company represents top songwriters, artists, record producers, labels, and publishers, with a roster of over 250,000 songs, including an extensive selection of classic hits.
pigFACTORY is one of the only highly proactive independent publishers in the international marketplace to affiliate directly with a large number of royalty societies throughout the world. Via its direct memberships and partnerships, and by using state-of-the-art royalty software, pigFACTORY quickly and accurately registers its clients’ song catalogues with the publishing rights societies, and collects ‘at source’ in most major international territories.
The U.S. headquarters of pigFACTORY is 8075 W. Third Street, Suite # 540, Los Angeles, CA, 90048. The phone is 323/653-1200, and the website is www.pigfactory.com.
About TESLA
Tesla is an American hard rock band formed in Sacramento, CA, in 1984. They have sold 14 million albums in the United States. The band originally formed as City Kidd, and was renamed Tesla during the recording of their first album, 1986′s “Mechanical Resonance.” The band derived their name, certain album and song titles, and some song content from events relating to inventor and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla. The band’s original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Jeff Keith, guitarists Frank Hannon and Tommy Skeoch, bassist Brian Wheat, and drummer Troy Luccketta.
Tesla’s music is often referred to as hard rock. The band’s lyrics also strayed from the themes popular in hard rock, particularly in the 1980s at the beginning of their career. A further distinction from their contemporaries was their T-shirt-and-jeans image which was in strong contrast to glam metal bands of the time, which were characterized by big hair, leather pants, and flashy makeup. Also in the early days of their career, Tesla toured with David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, Def Leppard, and Poison, which incorrectly resulted in the band being categorized as a Glam metal band.
It was three years before the band released their second album, “The Great Radio Controversy.” The album helped solidify the band’s growing reputation and fan base, and produced the hit single, a classic ’80s power ballad “Love Song”. In 1990, Tesla released “Five Man Acoustical Jam,” a live album featuring acoustic renditions of hits such as “Comin’ Atcha Live”, “Gettin’ Better”, “Modern Day Cowboy”, and “Love Song”. The album also featured a number of covers most notably a version of “Signs,” a 1971 hit by the Five Man Electrical Band.
In 1991, Tesla released their third studio album “Psychotic Supper.” The band itself considers this to be their best album. The 1998 Japanese reissue import of Psychotic Supper contains three previously unreleased songs, including “Rock the Nation”, “I Ain’t Superstitious”, and “Run Run Run.” In 1994, the band released their fourth studio album “Bust a Nut.” After the release of “Bust a Nut,” Skeoch departed because of his struggle with substance abuse, and the band moved forward as a four piece for a short while. In l994, the band members parted ways.
After a break of six years, The Sacramento Bee reported that Tesla had reformed in 2000 with the help of local radio personality Pat Martin of KRXQ. The band played an emotional sold out show at Arco Arena in Sacramento on October 25, 2000, and soon thereafter recorded the double live album “Replugged Live.” In 2002, they were featured in the Rock Never Stops Tour alongside other 1980s rock bands, and 2002 saw the release of another live album “Standing Room Only.”
The band released “Into The Now” in 2004, followed by “Reel to Reel I & II” in 2006 on their own label Tesla Electric Recording Company. In between those albums, Dave Rude joined the band to replace outgoing member Tommy Skeoch and “Forever More” was released in 2008.
In 2009, Tesla was among the performers on the cruise ship “ShipRocked;” in 2010, the band’s studio burned to the ground, and in 2011, Tesla played at a rally for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association. Tesla also released an acoustic album, “Twisted Wires and the Acoustic Sessions,” during 2011.
Tesla is currently on an arena tour with Scorpions playing for thousands of screaming fans all over the USA.
Tesla Continues to Electrify!
Tesla - Click for more images
Tesla, not to be confused with Nikola the coil guy, kicked off Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s Summer Concert Series on Friday night, with an electrifying performance in front of a sold-out crowd of diehard Sacramento fans.
This was one hell of a show and Tesla’s third at Thunder Valley Casino, and still a sold out show.
Why?
Could it be because ever since they released their latest album, Twisted Wires, they’ve been on the road almost non-stop? Or could it be because Jeff Keith, the 53 year old lead singer’s voice is simply aging like a fine wine? Or maybe it’s because fellow band members Troy Luccketta (drums), Brian Wheat (bass), Frank Hannon (guitar), and Dave Rude (guitar), just get along and are having a great time together?
Pat Martin, Courtney Keith, and Joe Bob Keith
Whatever the reason, fans around the globe are thankful that Tesla is continuing to tour, bringing their long hair, attitude, and some kick-ass tunes.
Keith came out before the concert, much as he did last year with son Joe Bob. His daughter Courtney was also there to help bring Joe Bob backstage. However, this year Joe Bob was walking and trying to kick around a beach ball onstage, and Courtney’s becoming quite the young woman with a rock-star look.
After Courtney carried Joe Bob offstage Tesla opened with “Comin’ Atcha Live.” The crowd was on their feet, screaming and clapping before Keith uttered a note. There were even a few lighters being raised, rock-style, into the air.
They followed up with a couple of songs from their new Twisted Wires album “Edison’s Medicine” and “Into the Now,” as Keith gave a shout out to Nikola Tesla, the father of radio.
As the band started playing Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You,” Joe Bob was rolled out onto the stage with Keith kneeling down singing to his son. The whole time Joe Bob was fascinated with the microphone. It was a very touching moment between father and son, something many won’t soon forget, as it brought a number of audience members to tears. Keith said after the song;
Joe Bob with Dad - Click for more images
“Children are the most purest, precious, thing in this world.”
I have to agree with Keith, but let’s check back with him in a year, as Joe Bob goes through the terrible twos. I think he just might change his tune.
In true rocker form Keith was vibrating from one side of the stage to the other all night, even though his doctor advised him not too. He was performing with a torn rotator cuff – Ouch!
It was fun watching Hannon and Wheat play guitar together, and then trade off with the Jim Carrey of guitar Dave Rude. Yes, there I said it . . . He so reminds me of Jim Carrey, with his facial expressions and the pure fun he’s having onstage. Come on, tell me he doesn’t look like Carrey!
Jim Carrey - Yes?
Hannon was on fire as usual, with his animalistic talent, blazing riffs, and driving passion for all things guitar, and let’s not forget Wheat pounding out bass and the guy hiding behind the drums keeping time for everyone. Yes, that would be the short haired guy with a really cool name ““ Luccketta.
Dave Rude and Brian Wheat - Click for more images
Keith dedicated “What You Give” to local 98 Rockradio personality Pat Martin. Thanking him for playing their music consistently throughout the years ““ and it’s been a lotta years.
They ended the concert with “Modern Day Cowboy” and “Little Suzi”, receiving a standing O at the end of a great night.
I wanted to get someone’s opinion of the concert, so as I was making my way to introduce myself to one of the concert goers by the name of Mike Hayes, I kept getting interrupted by people. I guess I had wandered into the area where sick people hangout.
Troy Luccketta - Click for more images
Apparently they had some type of prescription drug where you had to smoke the prescription. Actually I think it might have been some type of weed, because someone actually asked me if I wanted some. Yeah right! Like I want that shit in my garden, it’s hard enough to keep the weeds I have at bay, let alone introducing a whole new variety.
When I asked Hayes what he thought of the concert, his reply;
“It was cool dude.”
“’nuff said.
This was a fantastic start to what is going to be a truly great Summer Concert Series out at Thunder Valley Casino Resort. Especially since they have expanded the venue to include even more general admission seating, making for even funner events (I know ““ funner’s not a word – just let it go).
Thunder Valley Casino Resort's Outdoor Amphitheater
Go to http://www.thundervalleycasino.com/entertainment for the full summer lineup.
Make sure you visit the Tesla’s Troops website, where for under twenty bucks a year you can watch videos as they bring the experience of being in the band right to your computer. They have backstage and green room footage giving you an exclusive look into the life of a rock-star. Plus you get awesome discounts off their merchandise!!
Shocking price ““ electrifying deal. Tee Cee – feel free to use the tagline 
Thunder Valley Casino Summer Concert Series UPDATED
Tesla receives the Key to the City in Sacramento CA – Click for more images
I just wanted to update everyone on Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s summer concert series which kicks off on May 18th with Sacramento’s own band Tesla.
Thunder Valley has brought a diverse lineup of acts to their summer stage in past seasons and 2012 is shaping up to be an awesome series, with everything from local favorites such as Tesla to cross border sensations including 3 time Grammy winner and Canadian, Diana Krall.
Mr. Fluffy himself – Gabriel Iglesias – Click for more images
Recently added to the summer lineup are two very funny people Gabriel Iglesias and Jeff Dunham, both funny in their own special way. You can read more about their last visit to the area at Fluffy Puffs Up Thunder Valley – Jeff Dunham – A Heart of Wood
For you country fans out there, they’ve added none other than country sensation Tracy Darrell Adkins, better known as Trace Adkins.
Foreigner drummer Mark Schulman – Click for more images
Let’s not forget Foreigner with their relatively new lead singer, and Steven Tyler look alike, Kelly Hansen, who brings a whole lotta energy to their shows. You can read about Foreigners appearance last year at Sleep Train Amphitheater here.
Don’t be left out, get your tickets early!
Thunder Valley Casino Resort Summer Schedule
| Tesla | Friday, May 18 – 8:00 pm |
| La Original Banda El Limon Con Carmen Jara | Saturday, May 19 – 8:00 pm |
| Creedence Clearwater Revisited | Saturday, June 2 - 8:00 pm |
| Super 70′s Soul Jam | Friday, June 8 – 7:00 pm |
| Filipino Entertainment Festival | Saturday, June 9 – 5:00 pm |
| Brett Michaels w/Night Ranger and Slaughter | Friday, June 15 – 7:00 pm |
| Trace Adkins | Friday, June 29 – 7:30 pm |
| Gabriel Iglesias (aka Fluffy) | Saturday, June 30 – 8:00 pm |
| Foreigner | Friday, July 6 – 8:00 pm |
| Steve Miller Band | Friday, July 13 – 8:00 pm |
| Earth Wind and Fire | Saturday, July 14 – 8:00 pm |
| Creed | Friday, August 3 – 7:30 |
| Jeff Dunham (aka Jeff fa fa Dun Ham) | Saturday, August 4 – 8:00 pm |
| Smokey Robinson | Saturday, August 11 – 8:00 pm |
| ZZ Top | Friday, August 17 – 8:00 pm |
| Diana Krall | Saturday, Aug. 18 – 8:00 pm |
| REO Speedwagon | Saturday August 25 – 8:00 pm |
| Styx | Thursday, September 6 – 8:00 pm |
| Morris Day and The Time | Friday, September 7 – 7:00 pm |
| Terry Fator | Saturday, September 15 – 8:00 pm |
| Ramon Ayala | Friday, September 21 – 8:00 pm |
| Cirque Du Thunder | Saturday, September 22 – 8:00 |
12+7+2011=Tesla
Tesla with key to the city - Click for more images
Today was Tesla’s day! No literally.
Honoring 25 years of making music and Sacramento history, Sacramento’s Mayor Kevin Johnson presented rock legends Tesla the key to the city. The location – The Rock and Radio Museum housed in the old Oasis Ballroom where Tesla got their start over 25 years ago. In fact, it’s the same location where Frank Hannon discovered lead singer Jeff Keith so many years ago.
Brian Wheat (bass), Frank Hannon (guitar), Jeff Keith (lead singer), Troy Luccketta (drums), and Dave Rude (guitar) were all on hand for the ceremony.
While Tesla knew they were being awarded the key to the city, they were unaware that Mayor Johnson was also going to officially declare today, December 7th, Tesla Day.
The Tesla crew immediately wanted to know if they were going to get December 7th off from now on.
Each band member approached the podium to thank Sacramento and Mayor Johnson, leading off with Wheat.
Frank Hannon wanted to make certain he thanked 98 Rock’s Pat Martin for working so diligently to get the band back together.
Mayor Kevin Johnson - Click for more images
Keith got a little choked up as he was thanking everyone and reminiscing of when they first met back at the Oasis Ballroom. His voice still sounded a little scratchy as he’s still recovering from losing his voice. By the way the new dates for their postponed shows at Ace of Spades are January 27th and January 28th.
Troy and Dave really didn’t want to say anything, but they were “talked” into saying a few words. Troopers!
Tesla’s key to the city makes nine keys to the city that Mayor Johnson has awarded. Tesla joins Olympic winner Michael Phelps, jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, artist Greg Kondos, Hero pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, artist Wayne Thiebaud, Grant High School football team, pastor Ephraim Williams, author Thomas Friedman, all awarded keys to the city under Mayor Johnson.
Don’t forget to checkout Tesla’s latest album Twisted Wires! It demonstrates why they are the ones credited for bringing unplugged to the forefront of the music world.
Dennis Newhall curator of the Sacramento Rock and Radio museum wants to get the word out about the museum. They’re looking for any piece of rock memorabilia from the past in the Sacramento area. Anything, ticket stubs, matchbooks, posters, etc. They are collecting all of these under one roof to keep the memories alive. You can donate by contacting Dennis at sacrockmuseum@gmail.com.
Tesla to Play at Ace of Spades!
Downtown Sacramento
As I mentioned in an earlier post Tesla will be celebrating their 20th anniversary of their legendary 5 Man Acoustical Jam, in full “Acoustic” fashion this November 2011 in support of their new album “Twisted Wires and the Acoustic Sessions.”
The new album features “acoustic” versions of TESLA classics such as “Hang Tough” and “What You Give” as well as a new hit single titled “2nd Street.” The concert tour will feature TESLA the band playing a stripped down acoustic set ““ No! Not stripped as in naked, stripped as in unplugged.
This CD/tour reinforces the fact that Tesla started the “unplugged” craze back in the 90′s. Their acoustic renditions of lesser known songs such as “Shine Away” and “Caught In a Dream,” are refreshing to listen to and have excellent guitar and harmonies.
The great news for everyone in downtown Sacramento is Tesla is going to play at Ace of Spades on December 2nd, but wait ““ that’s not all. They will be also be playing a second night at Ace of Spades on December 3rd. For you Bay Area concert goers you can catch them in San Francisco on December 1st.
I’m still not done!! You have to get over to their website and check out their new fan page and join the Tesla Troops!
Tesla Announces New Tour – Twisted Wires
Jeff Keith - Click for more images
I know it’s kind of counter intuitive since Tesla gets their name from the famous Tesla Coil, but yes, they are going unplugged – Again!
Local heroes Tesla are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their legendary 5 Man Acoustical Jam, in full “Acoustic” fashion this November 2011 in support of their new album “Twisted Wires and the Acoustic Sessions.”
The new album features “acoustic” versions of TESLA classics such as “Hang Tough” and “What You Give” as well as a new hit single titled “2nd Street.” The concert tour will feature TESLA the band playing a stripped down acoustic set ““ No! Not stripped as in naked, stripped as in unplugged. I know! Of course they will have some things plugged in, just work with me here.
This CD/tour reinforces the fact that Tesla started the “unplugged” craze back in the 90′s. Their acoustic renditions of lesser known songs such as “Shine Away” and “Caught In a Dream,” are refreshing to listen to and have excellent guitar and harmonies. Keith’s vocals have definitely improved with age and remind me more and more of Steven Tyler. However, Keith continues to have a sound all his own, especially when backed by the likes of bassist Brian Wheat, guitarist Frank Hannon, drummer Troy Luccketta and newest member, guitarist Dave Rude.
I had the opportunity to cover the release of their latest CD “Twisted Wires and the Acoustic Sessions,” at Dimple Records in Sacramento, CA. where they played a few songs from their new CD, including “2nd Street.” Trust me, this is not something you want to miss. Click on the song of your choice below to have a listen. If you haven’t already purchased their CD, get it now.
