Steve Augeri and Valentine?

[Abitaman]

Read on the front page Augeri maybe using Hugo's old band Valentine for his solo projects. That would be good. Avalentine has a Journey sound to them, I know Hugo helped with that a lot, but to me Augeri is a better singer than Hugo, meaning he has more his own style. Both Tall Stories and both Valentine cds were great. SO this could be good>

[marco17]

My guess is that the band is pretty solid, local to NYC, and have probably done a lot of the Journey catalog for or with Hugo live. So, if/when Augeri gets back out there for some shows, he has a solid band behind him, and one that can pull off the Journey material he wants to sing.

[jrnyjetster]

Why wouldn't he use his Tall Stories buds?

[Abitaman]

Why wouldn't he use his Tall Stories buds?

I think they were for the most part had other things going on in their lives.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

Why wouldn't he use his Tall Stories buds?

Because then he would be playing in Tall Stories.

If you're going to be a solo artist, you get a solo band to be in the background.

[ScarabGator]

That would be a great combo. I hope they come south.

[Saint John]

Aaron's rubbing one out to this news.

[Aaron]

Am not (as far as you can tell). This whole deal is just fucked up. Hugo and Valentine split and Augeri takes his spot in a new adventure. All I can say is wow. Let's hope we hear some new good stuff from both Hugo and Valentine/Augeri.

Aaron's rubbing one out to this news.

[Saint John]

Am not (as far as you can tell). This whole deal is just fucked up. Hugo and Valentine split and Augeri takes his spot in a new adventure. All I can say is wow. Let's hope we hear some new good stuff from both Hugo and Valentine/Augeri.

Aaron's rubbing one out to this news.

Sounds like a perfect act to pick up for MR Fest II. Would that make you go, Aaron? Would be cool to party with you again and tear up Chicago.

[Aaron]

Augeri, Valentine or Hugo would get me there brother. And yes, it would be good to pound a couple with your tall ass again.

Am not (as far as you can tell). This whole deal is just fucked up. Hugo and Valentine split and Augeri takes his spot in a new adventure. All I can say is wow. Let's hope we hear some new good stuff from both Hugo and Valentine/Augeri.

Aaron's rubbing one out to this news.

Sounds like a perfect act to pick up for MR Fest II. Would that make you go, Aaron? Would be cool to party with you again and tear up Chicago.

[7 Wishes]

Augeri is a better singer than Hugo...

Wow. As far as opinions go, I couldn't disagree more. Hugo has incredible vocal chops, and could absolutely have blown SA off the stage even when Swivelhips was in his vocal prime. I'm not buying this one at all.

[kgdjpubs]

Augeri is a better singer than Hugo...

Wow. As far as opinions go, I couldn't disagree more. Hugo has incredible vocal chops, and could absolutely have blown SA off the stage even when Swivelhips was in his vocal prime. I'm not buying this one at all.

I like both. Hugo is very good, but his voice is VERY thin. As far as Journey is concerned, for Infinity-era Perry, he's pretty much dead on. By the time you get to Escape or later, it becomes very obvious. On his own material, his vocals are very good, but it's pretty easy to bury him in the mix. The issue is getting power out of his vocals. His voice has gotten quite a bit thinner over the years, and it wasn't all that full to begin with.

Augeri has a fuller voice, but less range. He is equally ill-suited to sing Journey, but did a pretty darn good job considering what was against him. Give Augeri his own material, and he can give you a very good vocal. You won't get the soaring high notes like Hugo would give you, but a good solid vocal--which can be more effective than vocal acrobatics anyway sometimes.

Augeri is much more of a blues-rock singer. Hugo is more of a ballad/mid-tempo singer. Hugo also gives you a good songwriting option, as evidenced by his solo material.

In the end, what kind of song do you want? Both singers have their strengths and weaknesses.

[WykkedSensation]

I heard about the Valentine/Augeri hook up a while back from a source of mine, but was told to keep my mouth shut.
This is exciting news as far as i'm concerned.

[Abitaman]

Augeri is a better singer than Hugo...

Wow. As far as opinions go, I couldn't disagree more. Hugo has incredible vocal chops, and could absolutely have blown SA off the stage even when Swivelhips was in his vocal prime. I'm not buying this one at all.

I like both. Hugo is very good, but his voice is VERY thin. As far as Journey is concerned, for Infinity-era Perry, he's pretty much dead on. By the time you get to Escape or later, it becomes very obvious. On his own material, his vocals are very good, but it's pretty easy to bury him in the mix. The issue is getting power out of his vocals. His voice has gotten quite a bit thinner over the years, and it wasn't all that full to begin with.

Augeri has a fuller voice, but less range. He is equally ill-suited to sing Journey, but did a pretty darn good job considering what was against him. Give Augeri his own material, and he can give you a very good vocal. You won't get the soaring high notes like Hugo would give you, but a good solid vocal--which can be more effective than vocal acrobatics anyway sometimes.

Augeri is much more of a blues-rock singer. Hugo is more of a ballad/mid-tempo singer. Hugo also gives you a good songwriting option, as evidenced by his solo material.

In the end, what kind of song do you want? Both singers have their strengths and weaknesses.

I like both singers, but prefer Augeri. like you said, stronger voice. You don't have to sing high to show your a good singer.

That is what pissed me off about Journey, would not cut him any slack llive, but will for AP

[Pelata]

Augeri is a better singer than Hugo...

Wow. As far as opinions go, I couldn't disagree more. Hugo has incredible vocal chops, and could absolutely have blown SA off the stage even when Swivelhips was in his vocal prime. I'm not buying this one at all.

Hugo, as beloved as he is, is so because he mimicks Steve Perry to a tee...he's basically a Vegas impersonator. His voice, as melodic as it is, is thin and frail and has no "push" at all...he's very falsetto most of the time.

Steve Augeri's vocals are 10x as powerful as Hugo could ever hope to be.

[Ehwmatt]

Augeri is a better singer than Hugo...

Wow. As far as opinions go, I couldn't disagree more. Hugo has incredible vocal chops, and could absolutely have blown SA off the stage even when Swivelhips was in his vocal prime. I'm not buying this one at all.

Hugo, as beloved as he is, is so because he mimicks Steve Perry to a tee...he's basically a Vegas impersonator. His voice, as melodic as it is, is thin and frail and has no "push" at all...he's very falsetto most of the time.

Steve Augeri's vocals are 10x as powerful as Hugo could ever hope to be.

Augeri rocks. Hugo doesn't do it for me. Agree with Pelata

[marco17]

Why wouldn't he use his Tall Stories buds?

I believe 2 of the 3 other guys were pretty much involved in other things, the bass player has a good paying gig playing somewhere else and the drummer is sort out of the business from what I heard/read. I think Jack, the TS guitarist, was the only one with some flexibility, but that may have changed with the projects he is involved in.

My guess is that SA may be finding that it is easier to put together a solo band and market himself as a former singer for Journey than trying to run with Tall Stories, and try to get that band together consistently. Certainly the Journey name is far more recognizable than TS is, and he was at the helm for 8 years. Plus, just speculation, but it might not hurt him to try and make a move on an off year for Journey. That way he isn't competing with them in the spotlight. Not that they would be playing the same venues anyway, but in the current economy, if you like the guy, why wouldn't you drop $20-$25 to see Augeri solo at a place like the HOB instead of paying $50 to see Journey, especially if Journey isn't touring that year.

[Since 78]

Augeri is a better singer than Hugo...

Wow. As far as opinions go, I couldn't disagree more. Hugo has incredible vocal chops, and could absolutely have blown SA off the stage even when Swivelhips was in his vocal prime. I'm not buying this one at all.

Hugo, as beloved as he is, is so because he mimicks Steve Perry to a tee...he's basically a Vegas impersonator. His voice, as melodic as it is, is thin and frail and has no "push" at all...he's very falsetto most of the time.

Steve Augeri's vocals are 10x as powerful as Hugo could ever hope to be.

Augeri rocks. Hugo doesn't do it for me. Agree with Pelata

+1

[MCC620]

Why wouldn't he use his Tall Stories buds?

I believe 2 of the 3 other guys were pretty much involved in other things, the bass player has a good paying gig playing somewhere else and the drummer is sort out of the business from what I heard/read. I think Jack, the TS guitarist, was the only one with some flexibility, but that may have changed with the projects he is involved in.

My guess is that SA may be finding that it is easier to put together a solo band and market himself as a former singer for Journey than trying to run with Tall Stories, and try to get that band together consistently. Certainly the Journey name is far more recognizable than TS is, and he was at the helm for 8 years. Plus, just speculation, but it might not hurt him to try and make a move on an off year for Journey. That way he isn't competing with them in the spotlight. Not that they would be playing the same venues anyway, but in the current economy, if you like the guy, why wouldn't you drop $20-$25 to see Augeri solo at a place like the HOB instead of paying $50 to see Journey, especially if Journey isn't touring that year.

here's a shock...i'd pay the $50 for augeri any day over the current journey.....

and you are correct about the ts guys. kevin the bass player has his own band that plays in the tri state area and have regular dates booked. the drummer tommy is not in the music business. and jack morer is a very busy working musician. he travels quite a bit.

i think firefest was the one off ts show to promote the much anticipated second cd "skyscraper' which then put closure on the band. at least that's how i see it. now it's time for augeri's solo music and band. if he is going with the ex-valentine guys, they are all local to the new york area and aren't just "weekend warriors" so to speak. not sure if it will be melodic just because of their part in it, as augeri has always said his is more of the classic rock sound, but it will be good because of their talent.

bring on 2010!

[The_Noble_Cause]

Is Valentine being brought in just for touring/recording purposes, or is SA creatively collaborating with them on the album?
My concern is, without the TS guys, Steve's solo album will end up being nothing but a collection of "Butterflys" and "Believes."

Also, to date, I have yet to hear a good Hugo vocal.
At least Augeri can be counted on to bring it in the studio, even on albums Hugo is nasal, pitchy, and weak.
Case in point - here's a track from the most recent Valentine album.
Do you guys really think this sounds good?
The whole thing sounds like falsetto or head voice...just horrible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXEsSXRmieE

[kgdjpubs]

Augeri is a better singer than Hugo...

Wow. As far as opinions go, I couldn't disagree more. Hugo has incredible vocal chops, and could absolutely have blown SA off the stage even when Swivelhips was in his vocal prime. I'm not buying this one at all.

Hugo, as beloved as he is, is so because he mimicks Steve Perry to a tee...he's basically a Vegas impersonator. His voice, as melodic as it is, is thin and frail and has no "push" at all...he's very falsetto most of the time.

Steve Augeri's vocals are 10x as powerful as Hugo could ever hope to be.

See, maybe I'm in the minority, but my appreciation of Hugo is from his own material only--and this was before the Journey tribute thing started. His Journey covers are, at best, average. He's got the range, but not the depth of voice to do it correctly.

However, he's done some pretty good cds though (up to 7 or 8 albums now + a few guest appearances), and I'd stack the self-titled Hugo cd from 1997 against any album Journey has done in the last 10 years. There were some REALLY good songs on that one. The other cds didn't reach that level, but as the "Hugo the singer" part goes, he's pretty well liked. I'd go see a Hugo solo concert any day, but have never seen a cover-band--Journey or otherwise. Just doesn't strike me as entertaining, and the only way I could see making an exception would be to see someone I would likely never get to see perform on their own. Maybe I'm in the minority.

As far as falsetto goes, I don't think he's in falsetto--he's just VERY thin in regular voice. The voice gets thinner the higher it gets, and hitting the note in falsetto vs. head voice would be even thinner. You can usually tell the difference, and the only time I hear him go falsetto is on the REALLY high stuff--which I'm not really sure that he's even doing anymore.

[kgdjpubs]

Also, to date, I have yet to hear a good Hugo vocal.

Here's maybe the best I've heard from him, off the Open Skyz album from 1993ish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG815f8d ... re=related

Here's another from the Avalon album from about 3-4 years ago that Hugo did a few vocals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db8sMpta ... re=related

It's not impossible to get power out of a Hugo vocal--just difficult. You just have to get him to get into it, and then push the vocal way out in the front of the mix so he doesn't get buried.

Honestly, Hugo's lost quite a bit of fullness/depth of his voice over the past few years. My guess is that the Journey tribute took a toll on his vocals like everyone else who ever sang that catalogue for an extended period of time.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Also, to date, I have yet to hear a good Hugo vocal.

Here's maybe the best I've heard from him, off the Open Skyz album from 1993ish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG815f8d ... re=related

Here's another from the Avalon album from about 3-4 years ago that Hugo did a few vocals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db8sMpta ... re=related

That does sound better.
More dimensions to his voice....a little grit, a little low end.
I like it.

[Abitaman]

Here is a video of Hugo and Augeri together doing LTS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnv9SMufVvw

[MCC620]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7TZS5pi ... re=related

here's a better sound quality version.

[EightyRock]

Man, that must creep Perry out to see all these people that want to be him so badly, but fall so short. I know it creeps ME out to watch it!

[Calbear94]

Did Journey or Perry's lawyers go after Hugo and Evolution? Hugo spoke of copyright infringement issues. Was it the live Evolution DVD that was supposed to come out until the preview clips just vanished?

[Rick]

Did Journey or Perry's lawyers go after Hugo and Evolution? Hugo spoke of copyright infringement issues. Was it the live Evolution DVD that was supposed to come out until the preview clips just vanished?

I would guess it's from the Journey camp. Neal posted a strongly worded admonition on Facebook about it. I think it boils down to a Hugo only gig in Hawaii, in the same venue that SP was falsely reported to be performing. Evidently, there was an ad poster that really crossed the lines in what would be considered a tribute band and the real thing.

[YoungJRNY]

AWESOME news for Augeri! I'll be anticipating his return and him joining Valentine is pretty much a perfect fit. Very cool.

[Calbear94]

AWESOME news for Augeri! I'll be anticipating his return and him joining Valentine is pretty much a perfect fit. Very cool.

Kind of like Tyketto without the wierdness...should be pretty sweet!