Question For Joe Vana

[Slander]

Generally the label is SUPPOSED to fill that bill....
JV

JV in your opinion what is the best way to promote work. Tour? I really don't know how melodic bands do it anymore. Do labels even support these groups? Def Leppard got a little help on YEAH. Bon Jovi gets a lot of promotion. Who else? JV I've got another question maybe you can answer. What is consider a sales success by Frontiers standards? Any idea? I read somewhere where REACH sold like 30k. Not sure. Hate speculating. I buy my stuff from NEH records in Colorado and they tell me there business thrives. It' very niche but very growing.

[Greg]

Joey V!!!!

Man, I didn't realize you posted here! Let me say that I enjoyed Mecca 1 so much that I bought two copies of it! Actually, I wound up giving my extra copy to a friend of mine who was a big Toto fan. She loved the album! But, I'm thinking about buying another copy in case something happens to the first! I have been visiting the band's myspace page for updates on the new songs. I love the sound of the demos. How much longer will it be before Mecca II is released?

By the way, Silence of the Heart and Close That Gap are my two favorites from Mecca I. Will there be a similar vibe on the next album?

[Joe Vana]

Generally the label is SUPPOSED to fill that bill....
JV

JV in your opinion what is the best way to promote work. Tour? I really don't know how melodic bands do it anymore. Do labels even support these groups? Def Leppard got a little help on YEAH. Bon Jovi gets a lot of promotion. Who else? JV I've got another question maybe you can answer. What is consider a sales success by Frontiers standards? Any idea? I read somewhere where REACH sold like 30k. Not sure. Hate speculating. I buy my stuff from NEH records in Colorado and they tell me there business thrives. It' very niche but very growing.

Touring is a big part of the puzzel...however it is really hard to solve the mystery of promotion these days.....we are living in a world of the digital download...how the Hell do you promote that!!

Man, it is a really tough business now.....

JV

[Joe Vana]

Joey V!!!!

Man, I didn't realize you posted here! Let me say that I enjoyed Mecca 1 so much that I bought two copies of it! Actually, I wound up giving my extra copy to a friend of mine who was a big Toto fan. She loved the album! But, I'm thinking about buying another copy in case something happens to the first! I have been visiting the band's myspace page for updates on the new songs. I love the sound of the demos. How much longer will it be before Mecca II is released?

By the way, Silence of the Heart and Close That Gap are my two favorites from Mecca I. Will there be a similar vibe on the next album?

Hi Greg!!!

Thanks man....the vibe will be similar...however Frankie is pushing me really hard vocally....the music is more progressive than the first, but still has pop sensibility to it....the first one didn't have the openness and pure creativity this one has.....Mecca 1 was safe...Mecca 2 is far from safe....

Thanks again my man!!!!!

JV

[MarcelJordan]

They don't put anything out.

There's no choice for me to seek new fresh survivor music through bootlegs.

I have the demo's as well....I recieved a dat of the originals....and copied it to CD...so I guess they are as close to masters as you will get...I really dug the demos....the rawness of the vocals by Dave was great...and Jimi's stuff is quite good as well....Velocitized which we covered on Mecca 1 was a great track....we never even came close to matching/beating/coping Frankies Guitar tone or feel on that one, but it still turned out amazingly well because of Shannon Forrest on drums and David Hungate on bass.....

As far as bootlegs as an artist I have to take the stand against them....but if the band you love has not had alot of new stuff in a bunch of years and you are wanting more, and have an opporatunity for a bootleg, then take it I say....I do own some myself...I have a bunch of Mr. Mister stuff and other rare material..and some is ONLY avilable on bootleg...so it's hard to get down on people for bootlegging, as long as it is about a passion for the band and not $$$, then I am all for it!!!!

JV

Did someone say Mr. Mister? Joe, you need to help me. Where can I get that tune "Life Goes On" ? Its the only one missing from my collection from their albums. Any advice, please PM me. Thanks!

[Joe Vana]

They don't put anything out.

There's no choice for me to seek new fresh survivor music through bootlegs.

I have the demo's as well....I recieved a dat of the originals....and copied it to CD...so I guess they are as close to masters as you will get...I really dug the demos....the rawness of the vocals by Dave was great...and Jimi's stuff is quite good as well....Velocitized which we covered on Mecca 1 was a great track....we never even came close to matching/beating/coping Frankies Guitar tone or feel on that one, but it still turned out amazingly well because of Shannon Forrest on drums and David Hungate on bass.....

As far as bootlegs as an artist I have to take the stand against them....but if the band you love has not had alot of new stuff in a bunch of years and you are wanting more, and have an opporatunity for a bootleg, then take it I say....I do own some myself...I have a bunch of Mr. Mister stuff and other rare material..and some is ONLY avilable on bootleg...so it's hard to get down on people for bootlegging, as long as it is about a passion for the band and not $$$, then I am all for it!!!!

JV

Did someone say Mr. Mister? Joe, you need to help me. Where can I get that tune "Life Goes On" ? Its the only one missing from my collection from their albums. Any advice, please PM me. Thanks!

I will check my man....I will check......

[MarcelJordan]

They don't put anything out.

There's no choice for me to seek new fresh survivor music through bootlegs.

I have the demo's as well....I recieved a dat of the originals....and copied it to CD...so I guess they are as close to masters as you will get...I really dug the demos....the rawness of the vocals by Dave was great...and Jimi's stuff is quite good as well....Velocitized which we covered on Mecca 1 was a great track....we never even came close to matching/beating/coping Frankies Guitar tone or feel on that one, but it still turned out amazingly well because of Shannon Forrest on drums and David Hungate on bass.....

As far as bootlegs as an artist I have to take the stand against them....but if the band you love has not had alot of new stuff in a bunch of years and you are wanting more, and have an opporatunity for a bootleg, then take it I say....I do own some myself...I have a bunch of Mr. Mister stuff and other rare material..and some is ONLY avilable on bootleg...so it's hard to get down on people for bootlegging, as long as it is about a passion for the band and not $$$, then I am all for it!!!!

JV

Did someone say Mr. Mister? Joe, you need to help me. Where can I get that tune "Life Goes On" ? Its the only one missing from my collection from their albums. Any advice, please PM me. Thanks!

I will check my man....I will check......

Very kind of you! Thanks a million Joe!

While on the subject, there's really something about them. Incidentally, I was just playing Runaway few days back "Runaway, why do you runaway, come on stay, stay with me tonight" Ah memories! Brilliant stuff! And the drums, what can I say about that?

AND Richard Page most underrated vocalist IMO.

[Joe Vana]

They don't put anything out.

There's no choice for me to seek new fresh survivor music through bootlegs.

I have the demo's as well....I recieved a dat of the originals....and copied it to CD...so I guess they are as close to masters as you will get...I really dug the demos....the rawness of the vocals by Dave was great...and Jimi's stuff is quite good as well....Velocitized which we covered on Mecca 1 was a great track....we never even came close to matching/beating/coping Frankies Guitar tone or feel on that one, but it still turned out amazingly well because of Shannon Forrest on drums and David Hungate on bass.....

As far as bootlegs as an artist I have to take the stand against them....but if the band you love has not had alot of new stuff in a bunch of years and you are wanting more, and have an opporatunity for a bootleg, then take it I say....I do own some myself...I have a bunch of Mr. Mister stuff and other rare material..and some is ONLY avilable on bootleg...so it's hard to get down on people for bootlegging, as long as it is about a passion for the band and not $$$, then I am all for it!!!!

JV

Did someone say Mr. Mister? Joe, you need to help me. Where can I get that tune "Life Goes On" ? Its the only one missing from my collection from their albums. Any advice, please PM me. Thanks!

I will check my man....I will check......

Very kind of you! Thanks a million Joe!

While on the subject, there's really something about them. Incidentally, I was just playing Runaway few days back "Runaway, why do you runaway, come on stay, stay with me tonight" Ah memories! Brilliant stuff! And the drums, what can I say about that?

AND Richard Page most underrated vocalist IMO.

He is amazing!!!

Pat is an amazing drummer...do you know he is in Mecca?? He has done this whole album with me....I will say it is his BEST work of his career....

Mr. Mister are one of those bands that their best stuff was not "hits"....and Pull, their best album, was not ever released!!!!!!!!!

Go figure........JV

[Slander]

Mr. Mister are one of those bands that their best stuff was not "hits"....and Pull, their best album, was not ever released!!!!!!!!!

Go figure........JV

Hey JV. I love the singles "Hunters OF The Night." I played the crap it back in my dj days in the mid-80's. How is the rest of that album? Is it wortth a spin?

[Greg]

Joey V!!!!

Man, I didn't realize you posted here! Let me say that I enjoyed Mecca 1 so much that I bought two copies of it! Actually, I wound up giving my extra copy to a friend of mine who was a big Toto fan. She loved the album! But, I'm thinking about buying another copy in case something happens to the first! I have been visiting the band's myspace page for updates on the new songs. I love the sound of the demos. How much longer will it be before Mecca II is released?

By the way, Silence of the Heart and Close That Gap are my two favorites from Mecca I. Will there be a similar vibe on the next album?

Hi Greg!!!

Thanks man....the vibe will be similar...however Frankie is pushing me really hard vocally....the music is more progressive than the first, but still has pop sensibility to it....the first one didn't have the openness and pure creativity this one has.....Mecca 1 was safe...Mecca 2 is far from safe....

Thanks again my man!!!!!

JV

So when you say progressively, do you mean progressive in a Dream Theater/Kansas type of way? Either way, I'm ready to hear some more Mecca!

[MarcelJordan]

Mr. Mister are one of those bands that their best stuff was not "hits"....and Pull, their best album, was not ever released!!!!!!!!!

Go figure........JV

Hey JV. I love the singles "Hunters OF The Night." I played the crap it back in my dj days in the mid-80's. How is the rest of that album? Is it wortth a spin?

The album you're referring to is I Wear the Face. Its pretty good, its different and breaks very unique ground. Try Runaway, I let you drive, I get lost sometimes, Life goes on (which Im looking for as I've lost the tape of the record long time ago) and Code of love.

Joe, YES I aware that Pat Mastelotto is your drummer! Got to hand it to you, you know talent where it counts

Its funny though, Ive always compared Pat and Marc D. and just love their styles. For me they kinda look a like too! In 1986 I felt Mr. Mister were the "new" Survivor especially when it came to Kyrie. Bare with me, Eye of the Tiger (deals with self), Burning Heart (deals with rivalry) and Kyrie (deals with self and God). I don't think its a secret that Kyrie has got that infamous chugging sound that both Eye and BH has (just a slight variation of it atleast).

Kyrie also is my fav. record from '86 (although from '85). Don't know if people realize that whent it comes to the bridge and you hear a bell sound, it alternates not just one note. Technically brilliant. Makes you wonder how inspiration can be a guide that brings out the magic in a song.

Okay, Ive gone overboard.

[Joe Vana]

Joey V!!!!

Man, I didn't realize you posted here! Let me say that I enjoyed Mecca 1 so much that I bought two copies of it! Actually, I wound up giving my extra copy to a friend of mine who was a big Toto fan. She loved the album! But, I'm thinking about buying another copy in case something happens to the first! I have been visiting the band's myspace page for updates on the new songs. I love the sound of the demos. How much longer will it be before Mecca II is released?

By the way, Silence of the Heart and Close That Gap are my two favorites from Mecca I. Will there be a similar vibe on the next album?

Hi Greg!!!

Thanks man....the vibe will be similar...however Frankie is pushing me really hard vocally....the music is more progressive than the first, but still has pop sensibility to it....the first one didn't have the openness and pure creativity this one has.....Mecca 1 was safe...Mecca 2 is far from safe....

Thanks again my man!!!!!

JV

So when you say progressively, do you mean progressive in a Dream Theater/Kansas type of way? Either way, I'm ready to hear some more Mecca!

No....not that progressive...but....since Pat has been the drummer for King Crimson for the past 12 years he has really taken on that vibe.....the drums on this album are all groove...almost gabriel like....the rhythm section on Mecca 1 (Hungate and Forrest) were definately Toto driven, thats what I wanted then and it fit the material....but this album is way more Genesis/Gabriel...so Pat is the right guy for the job.....he is a beast....

JV

[IngoK]

And ups, we have already October! How far are you with your record Joe?

Cannot wait, I know, don´t want to push

[crazy mar tay]

Pat of Mostelletttooooosss is found here! Pat is a man..a very very bad man...and oh yeah he plays drums and percussion for all who don't know.....





http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu ... 25751a80ed

[Greg]

Joey V!!!!

Man, I didn't realize you posted here! Let me say that I enjoyed Mecca 1 so much that I bought two copies of it! Actually, I wound up giving my extra copy to a friend of mine who was a big Toto fan. She loved the album! But, I'm thinking about buying another copy in case something happens to the first! I have been visiting the band's myspace page for updates on the new songs. I love the sound of the demos. How much longer will it be before Mecca II is released?

By the way, Silence of the Heart and Close That Gap are my two favorites from Mecca I. Will there be a similar vibe on the next album?

Hi Greg!!!

Thanks man....the vibe will be similar...however Frankie is pushing me really hard vocally....the music is more progressive than the first, but still has pop sensibility to it....the first one didn't have the openness and pure creativity this one has.....Mecca 1 was safe...Mecca 2 is far from safe....

Thanks again my man!!!!!

JV

So when you say progressively, do you mean progressive in a Dream Theater/Kansas type of way? Either way, I'm ready to hear some more Mecca!

No....not that progressive...but....since Pat has been the drummer for King Crimson for the past 12 years he has really taken on that vibe.....the drums on this album are all groove...almost gabriel like....the rhythm section on Mecca 1 (Hungate and Forrest) were definately Toto driven, thats what I wanted then and it fit the material....but this album is way more Genesis/Gabriel...so Pat is the right guy for the job.....he is a beast....

JV

That sounds very interesting JV! But, interesting in a good way! So, what you're saying is an early Genesis meet Survivor type of sound?

[Joe Vana]

Joey V!!!!

Man, I didn't realize you posted here! Let me say that I enjoyed Mecca 1 so much that I bought two copies of it! Actually, I wound up giving my extra copy to a friend of mine who was a big Toto fan. She loved the album! But, I'm thinking about buying another copy in case something happens to the first! I have been visiting the band's myspace page for updates on the new songs. I love the sound of the demos. How much longer will it be before Mecca II is released?

By the way, Silence of the Heart and Close That Gap are my two favorites from Mecca I. Will there be a similar vibe on the next album?

Hi Greg!!!

Thanks man....the vibe will be similar...however Frankie is pushing me really hard vocally....the music is more progressive than the first, but still has pop sensibility to it....the first one didn't have the openness and pure creativity this one has.....Mecca 1 was safe...Mecca 2 is far from safe....

Thanks again my man!!!!!

JV

So when you say progressively, do you mean progressive in a Dream Theater/Kansas type of way? Either way, I'm ready to hear some more Mecca!

No....not that progressive...but....since Pat has been the drummer for King Crimson for the past 12 years he has really taken on that vibe.....the drums on this album are all groove...almost gabriel like....the rhythm section on Mecca 1 (Hungate and Forrest) were definately Toto driven, thats what I wanted then and it fit the material....but this album is way more Genesis/Gabriel...so Pat is the right guy for the job.....he is a beast....

JV

That sounds very interesting JV! But, interesting in a good way! So, what you're saying is an early Genesis meet Survivor type of sound?

Exactly!!! and with Frankie playing guitar there is NO WAY it won't sound Survivor like......the tone is in his hands....

Talk soon.......JV

[Greg]

Joey V!!!!

Man, I didn't realize you posted here! Let me say that I enjoyed Mecca 1 so much that I bought two copies of it! Actually, I wound up giving my extra copy to a friend of mine who was a big Toto fan. She loved the album! But, I'm thinking about buying another copy in case something happens to the first! I have been visiting the band's myspace page for updates on the new songs. I love the sound of the demos. How much longer will it be before Mecca II is released?

By the way, Silence of the Heart and Close That Gap are my two favorites from Mecca I. Will there be a similar vibe on the next album?

Hi Greg!!!

Thanks man....the vibe will be similar...however Frankie is pushing me really hard vocally....the music is more progressive than the first, but still has pop sensibility to it....the first one didn't have the openness and pure creativity this one has.....Mecca 1 was safe...Mecca 2 is far from safe....

Thanks again my man!!!!!

JV

So when you say progressively, do you mean progressive in a Dream Theater/Kansas type of way? Either way, I'm ready to hear some more Mecca!

No....not that progressive...but....since Pat has been the drummer for King Crimson for the past 12 years he has really taken on that vibe.....the drums on this album are all groove...almost gabriel like....the rhythm section on Mecca 1 (Hungate and Forrest) were definately Toto driven, thats what I wanted then and it fit the material....but this album is way more Genesis/Gabriel...so Pat is the right guy for the job.....he is a beast....

JV

That sounds very interesting JV! But, interesting in a good way! So, what you're saying is an early Genesis meet Survivor type of sound?

Exactly!!! and with Frankie playing guitar there is NO WAY it won't sound Survivor like......the tone is in his hands....

Talk soon.......JV

Thanks JV! Keep us up to date!

[Joe Vana]

Joey V!!!!

Man, I didn't realize you posted here! Let me say that I enjoyed Mecca 1 so much that I bought two copies of it! Actually, I wound up giving my extra copy to a friend of mine who was a big Toto fan. She loved the album! But, I'm thinking about buying another copy in case something happens to the first! I have been visiting the band's myspace page for updates on the new songs. I love the sound of the demos. How much longer will it be before Mecca II is released?

By the way, Silence of the Heart and Close That Gap are my two favorites from Mecca I. Will there be a similar vibe on the next album?

Hi Greg!!!

Thanks man....the vibe will be similar...however Frankie is pushing me really hard vocally....the music is more progressive than the first, but still has pop sensibility to it....the first one didn't have the openness and pure creativity this one has.....Mecca 1 was safe...Mecca 2 is far from safe....

Thanks again my man!!!!!

JV

So when you say progressively, do you mean progressive in a Dream Theater/Kansas type of way? Either way, I'm ready to hear some more Mecca!

No....not that progressive...but....since Pat has been the drummer for King Crimson for the past 12 years he has really taken on that vibe.....the drums on this album are all groove...almost gabriel like....the rhythm section on Mecca 1 (Hungate and Forrest) were definately Toto driven, thats what I wanted then and it fit the material....but this album is way more Genesis/Gabriel...so Pat is the right guy for the job.....he is a beast....

JV

That sounds very interesting JV! But, interesting in a good way! So, what you're saying is an early Genesis meet Survivor type of sound?

Exactly!!! and with Frankie playing guitar there is NO WAY it won't sound Survivor like......the tone is in his hands....

Talk soon.......JV

Thanks JV! Keep us up to date!

I just put Ten Lifetimes up again...for a day or two....it will give you a rough vibe of the album....this is a straight ahead tune for us, the others really move around alot.....

www.myspace.com/meccaofmusic

JV

[MarcelJordan]

I just put Ten Lifetimes up again...for a day or two....it will give you a rough vibe of the album....this is a straight ahead tune for us, the others really move around alot.....

www.myspace.com/meccaofmusic

JV

Joe, sign me up! LOVE IT! Nice number and then some! Can't wait for the ACTUAL version. It kinda reminds me a bit of BIG GENERATOR album by YES, just my humble opinion. Then again maybe not. Some parts do remind me yet totally unique sound as well. Congratulations and looking forward to the CD. All the Best!

[Greg]

I just put Ten Lifetimes up again...for a day or two....it will give you a rough vibe of the album....this is a straight ahead tune for us, the others really move around alot.....

www.myspace.com/meccaofmusic

JV

I am definitely feeling the Survivor influence on this one JV. If this is an indication as to what Mecca II is going to sound like, then I am definitely hooked!!! I love the chorus! It's extremely catchy and has that pure early 80's classic melodic rock sound that I have been waiting to hear for a very long time! I love that slow, sort of funky intermission right before the guitar solo. I think the drums also stand out loud and clear on this song. Hey, and that guy singing doesn't sound too shabby either! wink wink! Awesome vocals JV. This is a classic hit in my book!

By the way, I'm going to listen to it for the third time before you take it down!

[ptgraphics]

JV,

Loved the first Mecca CD. Some real great stuff on that one. Having JP in on writing some of the songs with you was a great choice. I am looking forward to this next Mecca effort.

You had mentioned the sound of Toto's Seventh One and how you liked that it was not very loud. I agree with that and I really hope this next Mecca CD is not too "hot" sounding and has great dynamics. That is something all but lost on anything "new" being released or on many re-mastered CD's. The standard these days seem to be compress the heck out of everything so it is loud form the get go. You take one look at the wave form and the CD has been buzz sawed.

What is your take on modern mastering and production these days?

Looking forward to Mecca II.

Pat

[Joe Vana]

JV,

Loved the first Mecca CD. Some real great stuff on that one. Having JP in on writing some of the songs with you was a great choice. I am looking forward to this next Mecca effort.

You had mentioned the sound of Toto's Seventh One and how you liked that it was not very loud. I agree with that and I really hope this next Mecca CD is not too "hot" sounding and has great dynamics. That is something all but lost on anything "new" being released or on many re-mastered CD's. The standard these days seem to be compress the heck out of everything so it is loud form the get go. You take one look at the wave form and the CD has been buzz sawed.

What is your take on modern mastering and production these days?

Looking forward to Mecca II.

Pat

Thanks Pat!!!

It sucks.....it lowers the common denominator......makes people that can't sing sound ok....makes guys that can't play in time suddenly they have time...it gives the ILLUSION of talent to some that have none...to those that do, it saves time....thats all....

Sonically I have alot of feelings about it....we are doing Mecca 2 OUT OF THE BOX....meaning we are mixing OUTSIDE of pro tools...and using the REAL gear not plugins, and NOT auto tuning the shit out of the vocals....

We are going to master cold, not hot....and we are going to pay CLOSE attention to the dynamic detail of the CD.....

In short, I HATE protools....

Gimme the days of REAL players, REAL singers....it's why this album is taking so long...we are doing it right instead of crapping it out.....had we done it that way I would be on Mecca 5 by now hahahahahah....

Thanks again man....it's great somebody out there still has ears!!!!!

JV

[ptgraphics]

JV,

That is great to hear. Can't wait to get my hands on this CD. Would probably sound great on vinyl too! I am probably the minority here that does not buy the remastered CD's too much because to me the life just gets sucked out of them much of the time. Check out the stevehoffman.tv forums sometime if you want to get a feel for how many people want the "breath of life" back into the music.

As a big Toto fan I was looking forward to the last CD but was bummed on how loud everything was. Great songs but for me, hard to sit through. Give me a LP or CD that I have to turn the volume up a little any day over a loud compressed no dynamic mess of a modern CD or some of the remaster's. It seems things just get buried in the mix. Drums especially loose their punch. The industry seems to think louder is better and I think most mastering engineers are forced to master that way. If everything is loud, nothing is. Just my opinion of course.

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to answer my question. Good to hear you care a lot about how this puppy will sound. Really looking forward to Mecca II.

Pat

[Joe Vana]

JV,

That is great to hear. Can't wait to get my hands on this CD. Would probably sound great on vinyl too! I am probably the minority here that does not buy the remastered CD's too much because to me the life just gets sucked out of them much of the time. Check out the stevehoffman.tv forums sometime if you want to get a feel for how many people want the "breath of life" back into the music.

As a big Toto fan I was looking forward to the last CD but was bummed on how loud everything was. Great songs but for me, hard to sit through. Give me a LP or CD that I have to turn the volume up a little any day over a loud compressed no dynamic mess of a modern CD or some of the remaster's. It seems things just get buried in the mix. Drums especially loose their punch. The industry seems to think louder is better and I think most mastering engineers are forced to master that way. If everything is loud, nothing is. Just my opinion of course.

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to answer my question. Good to hear you care a lot about how this puppy will sound. Really looking forward to Mecca II.

Pat

The new Toto Cd may be a bit loud, but it still ranks among my top 10 favorite CD's ever.....I Love the album.....and yes, louder is NOT better....

JV

[IngoK]

Hi Joe,

is it right that the Japan-Release of Mecca 1 had one additional Track called "Miss-Chevious"? If yes, can you tell us more about it?

[Joe Vana]

Hi Joe,

is it right that the Japan-Release of Mecca 1 had one additional Track called "Miss-Chevious"? If yes, can you tell us more about it?

It is the one track on Mecca 1 that I really had very little to do with...It is a JP tune and he wanted the Ides boys on, so we cut it.....it makes for a great bonus track becuase it was nothing like the rest of the album....

I am very much at an impasse right now because the 12 songs we picked/wrote for MeccaII flow together so well neither of them really can be used as a bonus track...and we need one....I might do a tune just me and an acoustic (Frankie).....that would be proper....

Thanks for the interest!!!

JV

[Slander]

Hi Joe,

is it right that the Japan-Release of Mecca 1 had one additional Track called "Miss-Chevious"? If yes, can you tell us more about it?

It is the one track on Mecca 1 that I really had very little to do with...It is a JP tune and he wanted the Ides boys on, so we cut it.....it makes for a great bonus track becuase it was nothing like the rest of the album....

I am very much at an impasse right now because the 12 songs we picked/wrote for MeccaII flow together so well neither of them really can be used as a bonus track...and we need one....I might do a tune just me and an acoustic (Frankie).....that would be proper....

Thanks for the interest!!!

JV

Any chance at something bluesy from Frankie?

[Joe Vana]

Hi Joe,

is it right that the Japan-Release of Mecca 1 had one additional Track called "Miss-Chevious"? If yes, can you tell us more about it?

It is the one track on Mecca 1 that I really had very little to do with...It is a JP tune and he wanted the Ides boys on, so we cut it.....it makes for a great bonus track becuase it was nothing like the rest of the album....

I am very much at an impasse right now because the 12 songs we picked/wrote for MeccaII flow together so well neither of them really can be used as a bonus track...and we need one....I might do a tune just me and an acoustic (Frankie).....that would be proper....

Thanks for the interest!!!

JV

Everything is Bluesy from Sir FrankAlot.....

I think this will probaby be a big ballad type of thing.....we really only have one ballad out of 12 tunes on the album....I have always been a 1 to 6 guy...no more thean 2 ballads per 12 tracks....when albums get soft it bothers me a bit....

Frankie is so talented in so many ways...I only wish I could talk about it more, but he is a fiercely private guy and I don't want to talk out of school....let's just say I was blown away when I heard who played what on Survivor's studio albums.....I was absolutely gobsmacked....

Have a GREAT Day guys.....

JV





Any chance at something bluesy from Frankie?

[Slander]

Hi Joe,

is it right that the Japan-Release of Mecca 1 had one additional Track called "Miss-Chevious"? If yes, can you tell us more about it?

It is the one track on Mecca 1 that I really had very little to do with...It is a JP tune and he wanted the Ides boys on, so we cut it.....it makes for a great bonus track becuase it was nothing like the rest of the album....

I am very much at an impasse right now because the 12 songs we picked/wrote for MeccaII flow together so well neither of them really can be used as a bonus track...and we need one....I might do a tune just me and an acoustic (Frankie).....that would be proper....

Thanks for the interest!!!

JV

Everything is Bluesy from Sir FrankAlot.....

I think this will probaby be a big ballad type of thing.....we really only have one ballad out of 12 tunes on the album....I have always been a 1 to 6 guy...no more thean 2 ballads per 12 tracks....when albums get soft it bothers me a bit....

Frankie is so talented in so many ways...I only wish I could talk about it more, but he is a fiercely private guy and I don't want to talk out of school....let's just say I was blown away when I heard who played what on Survivor's studio albums.....I was absolutely gobsmacked....

Have a GREAT Day guys.....

JV





Any chance at something bluesy from Frankie?

Hey Joe,

Little story about Frankie. I saw Survivor in the winter of 86 I think in Spokane, Washington. Jason and the Scorchers were supposed to open for the group but I believe bad weather kept them from making it to the gig. Frankie and some of the band came out and called themselves the band 'SPLEEN'. It was riot. Frankie played a little blues. Damn it rocked. I would love to see FS just doing blues solo! Ask FS about the Spleen story.

[Joe Vana]

Hi Joe,

is it right that the Japan-Release of Mecca 1 had one additional Track called "Miss-Chevious"? If yes, can you tell us more about it?

It is the one track on Mecca 1 that I really had very little to do with...It is a JP tune and he wanted the Ides boys on, so we cut it.....it makes for a great bonus track becuase it was nothing like the rest of the album....

I am very much at an impasse right now because the 12 songs we picked/wrote for MeccaII flow together so well neither of them really can be used as a bonus track...and we need one....I might do a tune just me and an acoustic (Frankie).....that would be proper....

Thanks for the interest!!!

JV

Everything is Bluesy from Sir FrankAlot.....

I think this will probaby be a big ballad type of thing.....we really only have one ballad out of 12 tunes on the album....I have always been a 1 to 6 guy...no more thean 2 ballads per 12 tracks....when albums get soft it bothers me a bit....

Frankie is so talented in so many ways...I only wish I could talk about it more, but he is a fiercely private guy and I don't want to talk out of school....let's just say I was blown away when I heard who played what on Survivor's studio albums.....I was absolutely gobsmacked....

Have a GREAT Day guys.....

JV





Any chance at something bluesy from Frankie?

Hey Joe,

Little story about Frankie. I saw Survivor in the winter of 86 I think in Spokane, Washington. Jason and the Scorchers were supposed to open for the group but I believe bad weather kept them from making it to the gig. Frankie and some of the band came out and called themselves the band 'SPLEEN'. It was riot. Frankie played a little blues. Damn it rocked. I would love to see FS just doing blues solo! Ask FS about the Spleen story.

I LOVE his blues stuff....but I LOVE the Survivor stuff more

Spleen....oh my....hahahahah.....

Take Care bro...

JV