Hugo vs. Chalfant vs. Jeremy

[jclrascal]

OK, I haven't posted here that long but I'm very active on many other bands' boards for the last 9 years. I have also been very active on Andrew' site here as well. Also, I haven't chimed in since Augeri left and JSS took over, but I did start a post about 3 weeks ago that stated it was time for Augeri to go and predicted the same. Obviously, that has gone down as I expected.

As far as the band moving on from here, I understand Neal's decision to bring on JSS at this point because of his availability with respect to being in the middle of a big tour with Def Leppard here in the USA. Neal likes working with Jeff and he is a fantastic vocalist--he is doing a nice job thus far on the tour and has been a worthy "temp" who is keenly aware of Perry's legacy and place in all of our hearts. Based upon everything considered, JSS was probably the "safe choice" at this point that would cause the least amount of distractions and the least amount of short-term controversy.

HOWEVER, I don't believe that JSS is the right long-term choice and I believe that way more than 50% of this board agrees. I question his writing ability as well as his "image" as a hard rock/metalist vocalist with a progressive touch. I like this kind of vocalist personally but I just don't think it fits Journey very well. I also believe that a whole different sound for Journey just isn't appropriate for a 35-year old band who is not in position to attract new fans with further releases and tours. They are a "classic rock" band who is going to sell records and concert tickets to the "old fans" who want to hear someone like Perry. And they need a songwriter to help Neal and JC write "Journey-like" tunes...

On to the original subject matter--the 3 leading candidates, IMO, for a long-term replacement are Hugo, Kevin Chalfant and Jeremy Hunsicker. I know a bunch of other names have been thrown around, but I just don't believe any of them will be chosen for the reasons listed above. A "Perry soundalike"(for lack of a better description) is the prescription at this point--if Neal disagrees with this direction, then there's little doubt that JSS will be the Journey lead singer from this point 'til the band's demise some 5-10 years from now...

OK, let's look at these 3 guys. First, I am huge fans of both Chalfant and Hugo but I don't know very much about Jeremy(lead singer for Frontiers Journey tribute band). As for Chalfant, he should have been the guy picked some 10 years ago when Neal brought him in for auditions--in fact, I think he did basically one "Journey" show in or around San Francisco and it was largely considered very successful. Kevin is a great vocalist with a fantastic resume and who also can really write "Journey-like" songs. The main knocks on him at this point, IMO, are his age, his personal schedule and his new commitment to Shooting Star(great new album called "Circles" has just been released with KC on vocals!). Also, his voice may be a little "husky" at this point to hit the Perry notes but like I said, I am a HUGE Chalfant fan and would still be excited if Neal brought him on board. I just don't think it is gonna happen, though, simply because of Kevin's schedule, even if Neal really wanted him...

Next, let's take Jeremy Hunsicker from Frontiers. Obviously, he's got a great voice or else he wouldn't be fronting a Journey tribute band. There are samples on their website of him singing Journey songs and they sound pretty good, although he also seems to be a bit "husky" for my tastes. Like I said, I'm just not overly familiar with him, quite honestly, and I don't think he has much songwriting background to this point. In fact, has he recorded any original material at all that has been commercially released? I think this would be a major negative and the "image" of Neal bringing on an exclusive tribute band singer smacks awfully hard of "Rockstar" or Ripper Owens who replaced Rob Halford(admirably, I might add, at least in a live setting) in Priest some 9 years ago. I just don't see this as a viable choice for these many reasons...

That brings us to Hugo--again, a huge personal favorite. Not only does he have the most similar voice, IMO, but he has the visual appearance that will make fans do a double take with the Perry lookalike as well. He LOVES Journey as evidenced by his several years of fronting Evolution, a NYC Journey tribute band. The soundclips and video clips on their website are brilliant--check 'em out if you haven't heard them yet. Most importantly, Hugo is a great songwriter with an extensive studio resume--5 great releases in Valentine, Open Skyz and his 3 solo albums. Clearly, he could add his stamp quickly in the studio and be a great component to mix in with both Neal and Jonathon. Last, but not least, I think he would accept the gig in a heartbeat as he isn't that busy with his current Evolution project. He would be my choice as a long-term replacement for all these reasons and more...

OK, that's my .02 worth on the subject--even though I know there will be many that disagree with my analysis, I also believe that most of you will at least understand and agree with my logic. Hugo IS the most logical choice for a long-term replacement. I just hope that Neal keeps the band's reputation intact and doesn't make a mockery of their great legacy...

Respectfully,


Jack C. Lewis II

[Maro]

I thought the same about Hugo being the best choice until two or three days ago, but more and more i think about it, i am switching to Terry Brock being the best solution...

Just hear those samples and tell me what do you think about it:

Strangeways - Native Sons
http://www.nehrecords.com/shop/Strangew ... m#MAJCD070

Terry Brock - Back To Eden
http://www.nehrecords.com/shop/BrockBack.htm#FRCD061

[yulog]

terry brock?????????? god that strangeways album is horrific never got why anyone liked that HUGO all the way the guy plays several instruments as well-----clear choice

[jclrascal]

Brock IS great as I have both of these albums and I'm very familiar with him(check out The Sign's two different CD's, especially the debut--brilliant!). He probably would be better than either Chalfant or Jeremy, but I'll still stick by my #1 choice Hugo for my pick. Thanks for your feedback and it shall be interesting to see what Neal does later this Fall or Winter...

Respectfully,


Jack C. Lewis II

[Jeremey]

Ughh....Take me out of the equation. I can't take seeing myself bandied about like this. I've said before I'd love to sing with Journey - On stage - Like, Jeff's got a cold tonight, call Jeremey (hint, Neal)....But I would never want to front Journey for the same reasons I would never want anyone else on your list to front Journey, and for the same reason I would not want Jeff to be a permanent member of the band. Journey has no need to continue on with a new singer. There wouldn't be any point to launching a 3rd or 4th chapter in a band that means so much to a lot of people in several different incarnations, and a band that commercially has no relevance at all. Sorry if I've pissed some people off, but that's just the way I feel, and I believe the way a lot of others feel as well...

[RossValoryRocks]

Ughh....Take me out of the equation. I can't take seeing myself bandied about like this. I've said before I'd love to sing with Journey - On stage - Like, Jeff's got a cold tonight, call Jeremey (hint, Neal)....But I would never want to front Journey for the same reasons I would never want anyone else on your list to front Journey, and for the same reason I would not want Jeff to be a permanent member of the band. Journey has no need to continue on with a new singer. There wouldn't be any point to launching a 3rd or 4th chapter in a band that means so much to a lot of people in several different incarnations, and a band that commercially has no relevance at all. Sorry if I've pissed some people off, but that's just the way I feel, and I believe the way a lot of others feel as well...

I think you are wrong, but I respect your reasoning. Journey is bigger than the people in it. Many friendships and such have grown up around Journey and their music. I hope there is a Journey long after Neal, Jon, Ross and whom decide to call it quits, because the MUSIC is timeless it doesn't matter who is playing it or singing it. Evidence of that is right before your own eyes...you have a band that plays the music, and you do it well. If you were called upon to front Journey I would hope you would leap at the chance (Just don't wear the tails! ) and do so, because the music is what matters and if you can do justice to the music then I hope you would.
And that is my opinion.

[Jeremey]

I think you are wrong, but I respect your reasoning. Journey is bigger than the people in it. Many friendships and such have grown up around Journey and their music. I hope there is a Journey long after Neal, Jon, Ross and whom decide to call it quits, because the MUSIC is timeless it doesn't matter who is playing it or singing it. Evidence of that is right before your own eyes...you have a band that plays the music, and you do it well. If you were called upon to front Journey I would hope you would leap at the chance (Just don't wear the tails! ) and do so, because the music is what matters and if you can do justice to the music then I hope you would.
And that is my opinion.

Thanks Stuart, I guess a lot of my opinion stems from opening for and being around a lot of "nostalgia" bands such as Kansas or Starship or Foghat or CCR or so on and so on, and just not wanting to see Journey go down that road with a revolving door of players/singers etc playing Cooterfest in Small Town USA. I don't believe I am in a position to front Journey, but I appreciate the thought....

[whocares]

cooterfest? mmmm

I hope you mean Dukes of Hazzard "Cooter"fest.

I appreciate that you can sing and very well Jeremey, but I wish more people would read your comments you make OVER & OVER & OVER with the same answer, to every thread about you being in the band. That you don't want to do it. Maybe a sticky is in order.

[Jeremey]

cooterfest? mmmm

I hope you mean Dukes of Hazzard "Cooter"fest.

I appreciate that you can sing and very well Jeremey, but I wish more people would read your comments you make OVER & OVER & OVER with the same answer, to every thread about you being in the band. That you don't want to do it. Maybe a sticky is in order.

Ah fuck it. It's just well known that I'm on the board several times a day, so it's like my way of saying "hello, I'm right here?!?" Anyway...I'm recusing myself from any sort of conversation about it now.

[conversationpc]

Thanks Stuart, I guess a lot of my opinion stems from opening for and being around a lot of "nostalgia" bands such as Kansas or Starship or Foghat or CCR or so on and so on, and just not wanting to see Journey go down that road with a revolving door of players/singers etc playing Cooterfest in Small Town USA. I don't believe I am in a position to front Journey, but I appreciate the thought....

Being a big fan of Kansas, I don't know that I'd necessarily consider them a nostalgia act. True, they do play mostly just the greatest hits but they occasionally throw the fans a bone by doing some special one-off performances like the DVD show in 2002 that I had the distinct pleasure of attending. They've dusted off a lot of the old, more obscure stuff over the last few years, such as "Journey from Mariabronn", "Down the Road", "Bringing it Back", "Icarus-Borne on Wings of Steel", etc. In 2000 when their last studio album came out, they played quite a few of those new tracks at their shows, unlike Journey who was only doing maybe 4 of the new cuts from "Arrival" at the time.

They do play some pretty small venues but the guys in Kansas are still having fun doing it. They change up the arrangements to one degree or another almost daily so that it doesn't get boring for them or the fans. They are the only band I've seen who sounds WAY better live than in the studio. You know they are always live, warts and all (and with the musicians in that group, there aren't many warts).

As far as the revolving door of players in Kansas, the only lineup change in the last 10 years was Steinhardt leaving and David Ragsdale coming back as the violin player/rhythm guitarist. Other than that, the lineup has been pretty much the same over the last 20 years (though Greg Robert was added as a second keyboard player for a short period of time). Also, the old band members stay in close contact with the other guys in the band and often guest star at some of the shows, not to mention that they still contribute new material.

OK...Enough on my typical Kansas rant...I return you to your regularly scheduled broadcast.

[Jeremey]

Being a big fan of Kansas, I don't know that I'd necessarily consider them a nostalgia act. True, they do play mostly just the greatest hits but they occasionally throw the fans a bone by doing some special one-off performances like the DVD show in 2002 that I had the distinct pleasure of attending. They've dusted off a lot of the old, more obscure stuff over the last few years, such as "Journey from Mariabronn", "Down the Road", "Bringing it Back", "Icarus-Borne on Wings of Steel", etc. In 2000 when their last studio album came out, they played quite a few of those new tracks at their shows, unlike Journey who was only doing maybe 4 of the new cuts from "Arrival" at the time.

They do play some pretty small venues but the guys in Kansas are still having fun doing it. They change up the arrangements to one degree or another almost daily so that it doesn't get boring for them or the fans. They are the only band I've seen who sounds WAY better live than in the studio. You know they are always live, warts and all (and with the musicians in that group, there aren't many warts).

As far as the revolving door of players in Kansas, the only lineup change in the last 10 years was Steinhardt leaving and David Ragsdale coming back as the violin player/rhythm guitarist. Other than that, the lineup has been pretty much the same over the last 20 years (though Greg Robert was added as a second keyboard player for a short period of time). Also, the old band members stay in close contact with the other guys in the band and often guest star at some of the shows, not to mention that they still contribute new material.

OK...Enough on my typical Kansas rant...I return you to your regularly scheduled broadcast.

Kansas may be a bad example....I believe they are marketed as a nostalgia act to these smaller gigs, and when they perform, they are performing a show geared toward die hard fans. They are not making a whole ton of money doing that, so I think that's more the reason why I included them in that group.

[conversationpc]

Kansas may be a bad example....I believe they are marketed as a nostalgia act to these smaller gigs, and when they perform, they are performing a show geared toward die hard fans. They are not making a whole ton of money doing that, so I think that's more the reason why I included them in that group.

Boy, too bad Steve Walsh screwed up his voice back in the 80s. That dude could sing!

[Jeremey]

Kansas may be a bad example....I believe they are marketed as a nostalgia act to these smaller gigs, and when they perform, they are performing a show geared toward die hard fans. They are not making a whole ton of money doing that, so I think that's more the reason why I included them in that group.

Boy, too bad Steve Walsh screwed up his voice back in the 80s. That dude could sing!

He did sound very good when I heard them in 2004!

[conversationpc]

Kansas may be a bad example....I believe they are marketed as a nostalgia act to these smaller gigs, and when they perform, they are performing a show geared toward die hard fans. They are not making a whole ton of money doing that, so I think that's more the reason why I included them in that group.

Boy, too bad Steve Walsh screwed up his voice back in the 80s. That dude could sing!

He did sound very good when I heard them in 2004!

The last time I saw them was in 2003 with REO Speedwagon, so it's been about 3 years now. He's sounded better every time I've seen them, which is about 7 times now since '98. He got off the drugs and is taking better care of himself. The DVD show was the first time I remember hearing some of that old "spark" (for lack of a better word) in his voice since the early 80s. But boy did he sound bad on the "Live at the Whisky" album...AND those vocals were re-recorded in the studio because he just about completely lost his voice at the show. Fortunately, the band themselves were completely live, by all accounts, on that album. Those guys were really a dynamic live band back then. Still are, actually, and Ragsdale has added a little more energy to the band recently.

[whocares]

Ah fuck it. It's just well known that I'm on the board several times a day, so it's like my way of saying "hello, I'm right here?!?" Anyway...I'm recusing myself from any sort of conversation about it now.

ermmmm, I kinda meant that you shoudln't have to say hey, I don't want to do it, not that it get's tireing reading you say you don't want to do it. I'd think people would see that by now. but hey, it get's your name out there, so how bad can it be? Hope you see what I'm not so eloquently trying to say.

[RossValoryRocks]

I think you are wrong, but I respect your reasoning. Journey is bigger than the people in it. Many friendships and such have grown up around Journey and their music. I hope there is a Journey long after Neal, Jon, Ross and whom decide to call it quits, because the MUSIC is timeless it doesn't matter who is playing it or singing it. Evidence of that is right before your own eyes...you have a band that plays the music, and you do it well. If you were called upon to front Journey I would hope you would leap at the chance (Just don't wear the tails! ) and do so, because the music is what matters and if you can do justice to the music then I hope you would.
And that is my opinion.

Thanks Stuart, I guess a lot of my opinion stems from opening for and being around a lot of "nostalgia" bands such as Kansas or Starship or Foghat or CCR or so on and so on, and just not wanting to see Journey go down that road with a revolving door of players/singers etc playing Cooterfest in Small Town USA. I don't believe I am in a position to front Journey, but I appreciate the thought....

Nostalgia is great thing. Fond memories are the best ones. So what if Journey is musically relevant at this time, not many acts from the 80's really are anymore.

The only problem I had with the whole way "tapegate" was handled by Dean and his followers (other than the vile spewage that ran through this forum and Dean's blog) is the fact that the made an arbitrary decision based on their feelings without taking into account the feelings of others and I think ignoring the greater issue of the music, why I mean by that is this:

People go to concerts, the movies, or what have you to escape reality for a time, to enjoy themselves. So most people don't care if it is Perry, or Steve Augeri, JSS or Jeremey singing, or using tape, as long as they have fun. They are just there to enjoy time with friends, sing the songs, dance and have a good time. Dean made the decision for all of us, because he felt slighted, which I understand, but a majority of the fans don't give a rats ass, as long as the criteria mentioned above are met. If Dean was upset he should probably just stopped supporting the band, but he took it personal, and now a lot of people are hurt by it. Hurt that Steve Augeri isn't there, hurt by the fact they spent money on a concert for a "backup of the backup" as I have heard it put. All because Dean made a values judgement for everyone else who is a fan of Journey, in making the same judgement for the members of Journey. Dean doesn't think it was fair for Journey to do what they did. I really am not sure, one way or another, but I am also not sure it was right or fair for Dean to do what he did either, especially in light of the way he presented it.

But beyond all of that is the MUSIC. All music older than yesterday is nostalgic to someone and enjoyable by many people. My cousin was the bass player for Chubby Checker, nostalgia act if there ever was one, but he packed out the house and the midsized venues. And what is wrong with that? Maybe that will be Journey's end playing in midsized venues for the rest of the life of the band, and I don't think that is a bad thing because the music will still be made and will still be enjoyed by someone.

Just my 2 cents.

[Abitaman]

Well since Jeremey is out of it, it makes my choice easy . Wish I had not had brother in law problems when Frontiers was in Nashville. Like the two cds I have on yall.

Kevin has always been one of my favorite singers. Yes his voice is huskier now, but I think he could still pull it off fine. It would even give a new dimension to the songs. Kevin would be a more stand up in charge then Augeri. He wouldn't let them ruin his voice, that is for sure. I like Kevin's writing a little bit better than Hugo's. Kevin seems to write more about every day things, songs a little more pumped up.

Hugo voice maybe more Perry like, but at times seems week and hollow. Still good. His songwriting seems more geared to love and slower songs. Hugo looks too much like Perry, but for all those people out thee that think Perry is still in the band, this would just make them think it more .

Jeremey, you sound more like Perry than Perry himself. I have heard 4 songs you have wrote, I like 3 so that better than average. Maybe one day you will get to fill in since you wouldn't want to do this all the time.

BUT, over all these I'm still wanting Augeri back.
JSS is a great front man, and I'm am interested in his back cds (if anyone can tell me what to get), he is also a great singer, but lacks the Journey sound, and as stated before by several, Journey is about the Perry sound. IT ALWAYS COME BACK TO PERRY-ERIC

[AJ]

I unfortunately have not had the privilege of seeing you live Jeremy. Come to NE Ohio sometime!!

I've always liked to see Chalfant as the front man and thought he got screwed in '98.

As for speculation of possible new front men...how about Jimi Jamison?? He's a heck of a singer and is not in Survivor any more. I think he'd do these songs great justice!

[Monker]

On to the original subject matter--the 3 leading candidates, IMO, for a long-term replacement are Hugo, Kevin Chalfant and Jeremy Hunsicker.

Nope...that may be the fan's 'leading' choices, but I doubt very much they are the band's. I doubt they would even seriously consider Hugo or Jeremy because they are too much like Perry. I don't know about Chalfant...probably not though, because of both what Journey has said, and what Chalfant has said...Neal calling the Storm a "mini Journey reunion" and Chalfant saying they lost his number. If Augeri IS gone, I think they should call him and at least record the songs they wrote together pre-TBF....THAT would be awesome, even if he didn't tour with them.

So, if the band has a 'short list', I doubt this one is even close to it. Quite honestly, I doubt they do. I believe it has been said by Journey, or Neal, that "this" is the last lineup. If that is still true, then Augeri is in or the band is done. So, IMO, either JSS replaces him permanently, Augeri comes back, or it's over. If somebody new comes in, IMO, they are just digging the hole even deeper.

[swepett]

People go to concerts, the movies, or what have you to escape reality for a time, to enjoy themselves. So most people don't care if it is Perry, or Steve Augeri, JSS or Jeremey singing, or using tape, as long as they have fun. They are just there to enjoy time with friends, sing the songs, dance and have a good time. Dean made the decision for all of us, because he felt slighted, which I understand, but a majority of the fans don't give a rats ass, as long as the criteria mentioned above are met.

Charlotte Observer:

"You would think Journey for one would lack something without singer Steve Perry. Perry's sound-alike replacement, Steve Augeri, is temporarily off the tour because of a throat infection. Third up was Jeff Scott Soto, a scruffy-looking 40-year-old. Between him and drummer Deen Castronovo, who sang "Open Arms" and "Faithfully," fans barely noticed the absence of Perry and Augeri.

When I turned to watch the sea of pumping fists behind me as Journey bashed through its finale, "Separate Ways," I realized it isn't necessarily the musicians, but the songs that draw fans. The same songs draw crowds to see tribute and nostalgia acts at Amos' regularly."

Maybe that will be Journey's end playing in midsized venues for the rest of the life of the band, and I don't think that is a bad thing because the music will still be made and will still be enjoyed by someone.

A lot of the discussions that go on here reminds me of the discussions I've been in for years about another favorite band of mine, Deep Purple. And I think it's weird that people focus so much on the venue sizes of these bands and the popularity of them. Let's face it, NOTHING will take these bands back to their former popularity. They will not go on big sold out stadium tours by themselves again. That doesn't neccessarily have to do with who is in the band or the age of the members on stage. Life in 2006 is different now. There are more TV channels, more forms of entertainment to spend money on and so on.

But what some of us fans would like to see is these old bands trying more to focus on new stuff. I wouldn't have anything against seeing Journey or Deep Purple go down to play clubs again, with only new material, in front of a small but dedicated crowd. I'd rather see that than seeing them only perform the greatest hits in front of people that care more about the beer than the songs. Who turn around and complain as soon as there is a song they don't know every word of played up on that stage.

The greatest hits are good songs but I can only hear them so many times before I lose interest. After seeing a band play their greatest hits so many times in concert, I will not spend money on that again. I've come to that point with Deep Purple. Journey hasn't played over here in Europe enough to make me tired of them yet.

But of course, playing clubs means less income. But it's not like these guys have to worry about money, is there? Or do they all have ex-wives and a kid in every US county to support?

[conversationpc]

But of course, playing clubs means less income. But it's not like these guys have to worry about money, is there? Or do they all have ex-wives and a kid in every US county to support?

Well, I remember David Lee Roth supposedly took out an insurance policy against being sued for paternity back in the day when VH was the biggest thing on the planet.

[jrnyman28]

Charlotte Observer:

"You would think Journey for one would lack something without singer Steve Perry. Perry's sound-alike replacement, Steve Augeri, is temporarily off the tour because of a throat infection. Third up was Jeff Scott Soto, a scruffy-looking 40-year-old. Between him and drummer Deen Castronovo, who sang "Open Arms" and "Faithfully," fans barely noticed the absence of Perry and Augeri.

When I turned to watch the sea of pumping fists behind me as Journey bashed through its finale, "Separate Ways," I realized it isn't necessarily the musicians, but the songs that draw fans. The same songs draw crowds to see tribute and nostalgia acts at Amos' regularly."

I tried to say the same thing. The music really does stand up, no matter who is singing it.

But what some of us fans would like to see is these old bands trying more to focus on new stuff. I wouldn't have anything against seeing Journey or Deep Purple go down to play clubs again, with only new material, in front of a small but dedicated crowd. I'd rather see that than seeing them only perform the greatest hits in front of people that care more about the beer than the songs. Who turn around and complain as soon as there is a song they don't know every word of played up on that stage.

BINGO!!

But of course, playing clubs means less income. But it's not like these guys have to worry about money, is there? Or do they all have ex-wives and a kid in every US county to support?

Maybe they could do a club set "pre-tour" and then go out for their GH tour over the summer.

[Kaj]

Sorry folks but the best Perry clone I have ever heard is Gene Marchello!
He is now in his father´s band Good Rats playing guitar but he released a solo album
titled "Destiny" on CBS n the late 80´s.
He might not have sounded exactly like Perry on this album but on the unreleased
follow up "The power of money" (1991) the resemblance were spot on!
Without doubt the closest anyone has come to sounding like Perry!

[bionic]

In the case of Hugo and Chalfont i think they are a little to old to deal with the tours and strain on the voice,maybe i will ask Kevin as i am due to interview him soon! Augeri was around 37 when he joined and that is when the vocals start to change,look at Perry on the ROR tour his voice was amazing but it changed.Just check Anyway You Want It and it is sung lower key and he was around 37,could it be that Perry cannot be replaced?
Saying that Kevin Chalfont's voice on the Shooting Star cd is stunning,he defies age belive me.