Kudos for Steve Augeri!

[Little Lenny]

He was the weak-link in an otherwise power house band.

That weak-link was stealing the show from 2 legendary bands night in and night out.....

,, no lie.. if weak-link = saving the tour, encouraging the "brothers" to acutally move on stage, and add older more difficult material to the set list while belting out the tunes with new life, then yea,, he sure was the weak link..

Like I said, I DID LIKE the song selection.

And I'll grant you that JSS did save Journey's ass's by filling in for the rest of the tour!

Journey were classless in the maner with which they fired JSS.

But they were right in realizing that he wasn't a good fit for Journey.

I'd love to hear another Soul SirkUS CD with JSS. Although I guess that has a snowballs chance in hell of happening after the way that JSS was fired.

oh yea.. i bet there is no chance at all in getting those 2 together to write again....but i tend to believe there is something more than them thinking that jss was not a good fit... something has to be more..

maybe JSS is too artistically/musically creative...and free reign wouldn't work for them. It's a shame he was good for them IMO

[Journey/Survivor]

He was the weak-link in an otherwise power house band.

That weak-link was stealing the show from 2 legendary bands night in and night out.....

,, no lie.. if weak-link = saving the tour, encouraging the "brothers" to acutally move on stage, and add older more difficult material to the set list while belting out the tunes with new life, then yea,, he sure was the weak link..

Like I said, I DID LIKE the song selection.

And I'll grant you that JSS did save Journey's ass's by filling in for the rest of the tour!

Journey were classless in the maner with which they fired JSS.

But they were right in realizing that he wasn't a good fit for Journey.

I'd love to hear another Soul SirkUS CD with JSS. Although I guess that has a snowballs chance in hell of happening after the way that JSS was fired.

oh yea.. i bet there is no chance at all in getting those 2 together to write again....but i tend to believe there is something more than them thinking that jss was not a good fit... something has to be more..

maybe JSS is too artistically/musically creative...and free reign wouldn't work for them. It's a shame he was good for them IMO

That's cool.

I hope no-one thinks that I'm trying to rip on JSS or his fans, because I'm definitely NOT trying to do that!
I am somewhat of a fan of his myself. But for my tastes I didn't think that he was right for Journey.

I wish him the best though!
At least having been in Journey has helped his name recognition overall.

[Little Lenny]

He was the weak-link in an otherwise power house band.

That weak-link was stealing the show from 2 legendary bands night in and night out.....

,, no lie.. if weak-link = saving the tour, encouraging the "brothers" to acutally move on stage, and add older more difficult material to the set list while belting out the tunes with new life, then yea,, he sure was the weak link..

Like I said, I DID LIKE the song selection.

And I'll grant you that JSS did save Journey's ass's by filling in for the rest of the tour!

Journey were classless in the maner with which they fired JSS.

But they were right in realizing that he wasn't a good fit for Journey.

I'd love to hear another Soul SirkUS CD with JSS. Although I guess that has a snowballs chance in hell of happening after the way that JSS was fired.

oh yea.. i bet there is no chance at all in getting those 2 together to write again....but i tend to believe there is something more than them thinking that jss was not a good fit... something has to be more..

maybe JSS is too artistically/musically creative...and free reign wouldn't work for them. It's a shame he was good for them IMO

That's cool.

I hope no-one thinks that I'm trying to rip on JSS or his fans, because I'm definitely NOT trying to do that!
I am somewhat of a fan of his myself. But for my tastes I didn't think that he was right for Journey.

I wish him the best though!
At least having been in Journey has helped his name recognition overall.

No probs, He's already well known in Europe so that's a given, so things can only get better everywhere now, this is one talented man who deserves it IMO:)

[ProgRocker53]

@ St. John---

LOL... I loved the "Report Card" for the SA years... you gave 'A Better Life' a "G"?! Hahaha!

@ whoever said something about JSS and falsetto high notes---

JSS has said time and time again on this board that recently he's been using a "head voice" and hasn't done any falsetto. I'm not a vocalist, so I'm not sure what this all really means, but from the sounds of it he hasn't been a big falsetto dude lately.

[FishinMagician]

Deen is nowhere close to Perry or Soto, however....thank God for the band he could sing at all. You know how many times he bailed Augeri's ass out? For those of you who don't know for sure, Deen cannot go as high as JSS. JSS is a singer, Deeno is a drummer who can get by.

It's not my intent to commit a cardinal sin around these forums by publicly questioning JSS, but I'm afraid that I lack the fear or common sense to not to. Anyways, I disagree with the emphasized statement. Hearing JSS live and listening to countless Youtube clips, I've seen nothing outside of JSS's falsetto screams that begin to surpass Deen Castronovo or Steve Augeri's higher vocal registers (let alone Perry's own). Perhaps it's because I haven't seen enough. But I'm willing to be convinced. Do you have the means by which to prove this statement or direct me to songs or videos or whatnot that could?

I have to agree with Deano on this one JSS can reach those higher notes, Having seen him Live, as in 'in person' not on youtube He can sing...I think he must have reinforced iron cast lungs or something

.
I've seen him live twice and would have to disagree

[ohsherrie]

He was the weak-link in an otherwise power house band.

That weak-link was stealing the show from 2 legendary bands night in and night out.....

Journey blew away Leppard every night for sure.

But I stand by what I said about JSS being the weak-link in the band.

If you call JSS weak then Augeri was crawling along and the latest mistake will have to be carried around.

[Liam]

He was the weak-link in an otherwise power house band.

That weak-link was stealing the show from 2 legendary bands night in and night out.....

Journey blew away Leppard every night for sure.

But I stand by what I said about JSS being the weak-link in the band.

If you call JSS weak then Augeri was crawling along and the latest mistake will have to be carried around.

JSS WEAK? Are ya kidding me? He brought more soul and showmanship to that band that people haven't seen in years. I haven't seen them that reved up since the Frontiers tour (videos. And YES...I'm skipping the ROR tour. )
The weakest link in the band was Friga.

[jrnyman28]

The weakest link in the band was Friga.

The Weakest link IS Cain. He is the reason the song sound the same, and sounded formulaic, and why we get all the mushy lovey-dovey ballads.

BRING BACK GREGG!!!

[Liam]

The weakest link in the band was Friga.

The Weakest link IS Cain. He is the reason the song sound the same, and sounded formulaic, and why we get all the mushy lovey-dovey ballads.

BRING BACK GREGG!!!

Let's see....Feeling That Way or Open Arms.....Hmmm...Think I'll have to go with Feeling That Way on this one.

[m]

The weakest link in the band was Friga.

The Weakest link IS Cain. He is the reason the song sound the same, and sounded formulaic, and why we get all the mushy lovey-dovey ballads.

BRING BACK GREGG!!!

Let's see....Feeling That Way or Open Arms.....Hmmm...Think I'll have to go with Feeling That Way on this one.

& Opened the Door was far superior to open arms

yes, BRING BACK GREGG!!!

ahh..., if only

[Little Lenny]

Deen is nowhere close to Perry or Soto, however....thank God for the band he could sing at all. You know how many times he bailed Augeri's ass out? For those of you who don't know for sure, Deen cannot go as high as JSS. JSS is a singer, Deeno is a drummer who can get by.

It's not my intent to commit a cardinal sin around these forums by publicly questioning JSS, but I'm afraid that I lack the fear or common sense to not to. Anyways, I disagree with the emphasized statement. Hearing JSS live and listening to countless Youtube clips, I've seen nothing outside of JSS's falsetto screams that begin to surpass Deen Castronovo or Steve Augeri's higher vocal registers (let alone Perry's own). Perhaps it's because I haven't seen enough. But I'm willing to be convinced. Do you have the means by which to prove this statement or direct me to songs or videos or whatnot that could?

I have to agree with Deano on this one JSS can reach those higher notes, Having seen him Live, as in 'in person' not on youtube He can sing...I think he must have reinforced iron cast lungs or something

.
I've seen him live twice and would have to disagree

Saw him Saturday just gone and if he wasnt singing high then somebody was nipping him tightly in the unmentionables ...I figure he was just singing high myself and his voice was not weak at all, man that guy can sing!

[Strange Medicine]

I wouldn't mind some clarification on the notion that Cain is the "weak link" in the band. On what grounds do you justify this? As a musician? A person? As a lyricist, there's no one in the band who can compete with him. He co-wrote or wrote 99% of the songs even when Perry was lead singer. Compare Perry's sole-penned song "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" to Jonathan Cain's "Faithfully". There's no competition as to who's the dominant songwriter. As far as musicianship, while he's not as distinguished in any instrument as the prodigious Neal Schon, he's always been Journey's most versatile member. He can sing (though Gregg is better), play the piano, play rhythm guitar, and the harmonica. As far as musical ability is concerned, I'd have to say Ross has been the weakest.

As much as I love Gregg and his duets with Perry, Jonathan clearly brought more to the band and the songs are better for it. Gregg can't play the guitar. Could you imagine how shitty "Stone in Love" would be if, instead of two searing guitars, we had a weak organ filler for the rhythm parts? Or the old "Wheel in the Sky"? I prefer the much heavier live version.

[FishinMagician]

I wouldn't mind some clarification on the notion that Cain is the "weak link" in the band. On what grounds do you justify this? As a musician? A person? As a lyricist, there's no one in the band who can compete with him. He co-wrote or wrote 99% of the songs even when Perry was lead singer. Compare Perry's sole-penned song "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" to Jonathan Cain's "Faithfully". There's no competition as to who's the dominant songwriter. As far as musicianship, while he's not as distinguished in any instrument as the prodigious Neal Schon, he's always been Journey's most versatile member. He can sing (though Gregg is better), play the piano, play rhythm guitar, and the harmonica. As far as musical ability is concerned, I'd have to say Ross has been the weakest.

As much as I love Gregg and his duets with Perry, Jonathan clearly brought more to the band and the songs are better for it. Gregg can't play the guitar. Could you imagine how shitty "Stone in Love" would be if, instead of two searing guitars, we had a weak organ filler for the rhythm parts? Or the old "Wheel in the Sky"? I prefer the much heavier live version.

I agree!

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

maybe JSS is too artistically/musically creative...and free reign wouldn't work for them. It's a shame he was good for them IMO

your right- I brought a 23 yeear old friend to the JSS concert in Dudley last week. Never had heard JSS before , but at the end of the concert said he never heard anything so influential in his life. Hes just started a rock band with some young friends and hes gone out and purchased JSS and Talisman CDs and DVDs for the band to study - he reckons young people would get hooked on JSS if only they had a chance to see him.

Journey really missed a chance here- your right they were probably worried about JSS free reign and creativity- they wouldh have had to swallow a bit of pride and make room for him . the refusal to do that though has really led to a missed chancr to be musically fresh and influential again.

Their loss - neither JSS or his fans have lost anything !

[Rick]

maybe JSS is too artistically/musically creative...and free reign wouldn't work for them. It's a shame he was good for them IMO

your right- I brought a 23 yeear old friend to the JSS concert in Dudley last week. Never had heard JSS before , but at the end of the concert said he never heard anything so influential in his life. Hes just started a rock band with some young friends and hes gone out and purchased JSS and Talisman CDs and DVDs for the band to study - he reckons young people would get hooked on JSS if only they had a chance to see him.

Journey really missed a chance here- your right they were probably worried about JSS free reign and creativity- they wouldh have had to swallow a bit of pride and make room for him . the refusal to do that though has really led to a missed chancr to be musically fresh and influential again.

Their loss - neither JSS or his fans have lost anything !

Agreed. That's just damn cool that your young friend was so impacted by Jeff's music.

Journey couldn't handle Jeff's energy. They were too lazy/old/tired/creatively bankrupt to get the ball rolling in a different/better direction.

[Little Lenny]

maybe JSS is too artistically/musically creative...and free reign wouldn't work for them. It's a shame he was good for them IMO

your right- I brought a 23 yeear old friend to the JSS concert in Dudley last week. Never had heard JSS before , but at the end of the concert said he never heard anything so influential in his life. Hes just started a rock band with some young friends and hes gone out and purchased JSS and Talisman CDs and DVDs for the band to study - he reckons young people would get hooked on JSS if only they had a chance to see him.

Journey really missed a chance here- your right they were probably worried about JSS free reign and creativity- they wouldh have had to swallow a bit of pride and make room for him . the refusal to do that though has really led to a missed chancr to be musically fresh and influential again.

Their loss - neither JSS or his fans have lost anything !

Agreed. That's just damn cool that your young friend was so impacted by Jeff's music.

Journey couldn't handle Jeff's energy. They were too lazy/old/tired/creatively bankrupt to get the ball rolling in a different/better direction.

Jeff is one of my 11 year old daughters hero's, that is a decision she has made...which I think is pretty cool for an 11year old girl , She has a massive poster in her bedroom of JSS:)...I only have a signed Framed One of Kiss in mine!
I had Cheyenne on the other night, while my mum was at my house, she is 75, she thought Jeff had a fantastic voice, she was tapping her feet and really enjoying what she heard. The point I'm making here is that he appeals to all ages not just a niche, but a broad spectrum. he has all the ingredients, Good voice , Good creativity and Verstaility, and above all he has that very special thing a good personality, so he does not need journey. Now that is in no way a slur on journey, I am just saying that he treads a seperate road, and yes in a way I do believe they let a super chance slip through their hands....

[Journey69]

I wouldn't mind some clarification on the notion that Cain is the "weak link" in the band. On what grounds do you justify this? As a musician? A person? As a lyricist, there's no one in the band who can compete with him. He co-wrote or wrote 99% of the songs even when Perry was lead singer. Compare Perry's sole-penned song "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" to Jonathan Cain's "Faithfully". There's no competition as to who's the dominant songwriter. As far as musicianship, while he's not as distinguished in any instrument as the prodigious Neal Schon, he's always been Journey's most versatile member. He can sing (though Gregg is better), play the piano, play rhythm guitar, and the harmonica. As far as musical ability is concerned, I'd have to say Ross has been the weakest.

As much as I love Gregg and his duets with Perry, Jonathan clearly brought more to the band and the songs are better for it. Gregg can't play the guitar. Could you imagine how shitty "Stone in Love" would be if, instead of two searing guitars, we had a weak organ filler for the rhythm parts? Or the old "Wheel in the Sky"? I prefer the much heavier live version.

I agree!

Me too!

[Journey69]

Also,comparing the 70's stuff with the 80's stuff is ludicrous.. Different times.. The earlier songs they wrote weren't deep at all,maybe a couple ,that's why they have lasted,but Escape forward is where they came into their own.. That's when Cain joined the band and it really shows how good he can write.. Sure there are some songs that some people don't care for,but you can't please everyone..

[Rick]

Also,comparing the 70's stuff with the 80's stuff is ludicrous.. Different times.. The earlier songs they wrote weren't deep at all,maybe a couple ,that's why they have lasted,but Escape forward is where they came into their own.. That's when Cain joined the band and it really shows how good he can write.. Sure there are some songs that some people don't care for,but you can't please everyone..

I agree with you here. Escape = pinnacle.

[jrnyman28]

I wouldn't mind some clarification on the notion that Cain is the "weak link" in the band. On what grounds do you justify this? As a musician? A person? As a lyricist, there's no one in the band who can compete with him. He co-wrote or wrote 99% of the songs even when Perry was lead singer. Compare Perry's sole-penned song "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" to Jonathan Cain's "Faithfully". There's no competition as to who's the dominant songwriter. As far as musicianship, while he's not as distinguished in any instrument as the prodigious Neal Schon, he's always been Journey's most versatile member. He can sing (though Gregg is better), play the piano, play rhythm guitar, and the harmonica. As far as musical ability is concerned, I'd have to say Ross has been the weakest.

As much as I love Gregg and his duets with Perry, Jonathan clearly brought more to the band and the songs are better for it. Gregg can't play the guitar. Could you imagine how shitty "Stone in Love" would be if, instead of two searing guitars, we had a weak organ filler for the rhythm parts? Or the old "Wheel in the Sky"? I prefer the much heavier live version.

The band was more musically interesting IMO during the early era. When Perry entered, the band moved toward a more commercial vocal sound but the music was still "looser". With Jon came the heigth of commercialism. I simply prefer the more experimental sound of the band. And with Red13 and even Generations the band seemed to be looking for that again. To me, these were good compromises between Jon's lyrical prowess and the band's musical strength's.

I don't take away anything from Jon's talents...they just don't fit what I prefer. His style is more pop, commercial, and too damn lovey-dovey. He turned the band into that power-ballad band that the 80's critics (and many early fans) didn't like.

[jrnyman28]

Also,comparing the 70's stuff with the 80's stuff is ludicrous.. Different times.. The earlier songs they wrote weren't deep at all,maybe a couple ,that's why they have lasted,but Escape forward is where they came into their own.. That's when Cain joined the band and it really shows how good he can write.. Sure there are some songs that some people don't care for,but you can't please everyone..

I agree with you here. Escape = pinnacle.

Pinnacle of commercial success. But I agree, this is the CD that made me a Journey fan. Then I went back through the catalog and discovered so much more.

[Rick]

Also,comparing the 70's stuff with the 80's stuff is ludicrous.. Different times.. The earlier songs they wrote weren't deep at all,maybe a couple ,that's why they have lasted,but Escape forward is where they came into their own.. That's when Cain joined the band and it really shows how good he can write.. Sure there are some songs that some people don't care for,but you can't please everyone..

I agree with you here. Escape = pinnacle.

Pinnacle of commercial success. But I agree, this is the CD that made me a Journey fan. Then I went back through the catalog and discovered so much more.

Me too. They made some really good music even before Infinity. The first 3 albums showcase some exceptional talent. It's incredible how things changed over the years. Sometimes for the good, and sometimes not.

[jrnyman28]

Me too. They made some really good music even before Infinity. The first 3 albums showcase some exceptional talent. It's incredible how things changed over the years. Sometimes for the good, and sometimes not.

You can easily hear a lot of influence from those first 3 IN the first 3 Perry CDs. There is a natural evolution throughout Journey's career. It was not an IMMEDIATE change of sound because of Perry's addition.

[Rick]

Me too. They made some really good music even before Infinity. The first 3 albums showcase some exceptional talent. It's incredible how things changed over the years. Sometimes for the good, and sometimes not.

You can easily hear a lot of influence from those first 3 IN the first 3 Perry CDs. There is a natural evolution throughout Journey's career. It was not an IMMEDIATE change of sound because of Perry's addition.

Yeah, the change really came with the addition of Cain. Some of my all time favorite Journey music is the Roley Perry duets. Those were magic.