The COOLEST thing I've ever done...

[Rip Rokken]

(sheeeeee's myyyyyy cherry pie....)

ha

Is he still filling in for Jack in Great White? Haven't read anything about that since last year.

I think I do remember that! Was it just a gig or more? After that, Terry Illous took his place. I was so lucky to see Jack with them in Dallas last year, then skipped the Arkansas show.

[Melissa]

(sheeeeee's myyyyyy cherry pie....)

ha

Is he still filling in for Jack in Great White? Haven't read anything about that since last year.

I think I do remember that! Was it just a gig or more? After that, Terry Illous took his place. I was so lucky to see Jack with them in Dallas last year, then skipped the Arkansas show.

Yep I remember reading a blip the later part of last year that Jack had something medical and Jani was filling in for shows, so must have been more than one gig. I wonder if Jani is working on more solo stuff or not.

[Rip Rokken]

Another thing that helped me tremendously was asking his opinion on just about every vocal tip I've heard over the years on how to warm up, improve, preserve your voice, etc. For example, whether taking deep breaths thru the mouth dries you out, what to drink or eat, whether or not you should always practice with a clean voice (instead of gritty -- which he showed me how to use without ragging out my throat -- too cool!), head voice/chest voice terminology, etc. Of course every singer will have different things that work for them. I was surprised to learn his personal opinions on much of that stuff, and he had good reasoning for all his answers. Just a nice, easy, down to earth guy that was so real...

[Rip Rokken]

Yep I remember reading a blip the later part of last year that Jack had something medical and Jani was filling in for shows, so must have been more than one gig. I wonder if Jani is working on more solo stuff or not.

I wish Jani had lasted in the Warrant reunion. The first time I met him during a solo show a couple of years back, he was sober for a year and put on a killer show. Very down to earth guy too, and appreciative of his fans. I'll be seeing Warrant with Slaughter and FireHouse on the 19th in Dallas.... which I forgot to post about, btw... MR FEST IV!!!!



Anybody want to go?

[Melissa]

Yep I remember reading a blip the later part of last year that Jack had something medical and Jani was filling in for shows, so must have been more than one gig. I wonder if Jani is working on more solo stuff or not.

I wish Jani had lasted in the Warrant reunion. The first time I met him during a solo show a couple of years back, he was sober for a year and put on a killer show. Very down to earth guy too, and appreciative of his fans. I'll be seeing Warrant with Slaughter and FireHouse on the 19th in Dallas.... which I forgot to post about, btw... MR FEST IV!!!!



Anybody want to go?

Yeah I'm glad I got to see Warrant with Jani at least once. And shouldn't we have an MRF III first?

[Rip Rokken]

Yep I remember reading a blip the later part of last year that Jack had something medical and Jani was filling in for shows, so must have been more than one gig. I wonder if Jani is working on more solo stuff or not.

I wish Jani had lasted in the Warrant reunion. The first time I met him during a solo show a couple of years back, he was sober for a year and put on a killer show. Very down to earth guy too, and appreciative of his fans. I'll be seeing Warrant with Slaughter and FireHouse on the 19th in Dallas.... which I forgot to post about, btw... MR FEST IV!!!!



Anybody want to go?

Yeah I'm glad I got to see Warrant with Jani at least once. And shouldn't we have an MRF III first?

We already did! Don't you remember StevePerryHair II?



I couldn't believe Andrew had to cancel last minute, but we all thought about him for at least that long!

[Don Wishon]

Rip...sorry you missed the Damon Johnson concert at Poor David's in Dallas...there are some YouTube videos out there from that show.

Anyway, my next one is Randy Jackson from ZEBRA with Glen Burtnik - Thursday, April 14 - at Poor David's Pub.

[artist4perry]

Can't believe this... I worked too hard in 2010 and really wore myself out, and was planning on ending the year on a high note. Had a plan that was supposed to take place sometime in December, but there were endless scheduling problems. I'd all but written it off until I got an e-mail yesterday, asking if I'd be available next week in Nashville to do this. With two other trips and a few work projects with deadlines coming up before the end of the month, the timing is horrible for me, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and no way in hell am I passing it up. Personal vocal instruction over 2 days by one of my favorite rock singers of all time. I don't want to say who right now, but everyone pretty much knows who some of my favorite bands are. What a freakin' privilege and honor for me... Maybe I can post a pic when I return if it's ok with him.

Congrads Rip! I am sure that is a dream of a lifetime! And could not happen to a nicer guy!

[artist4perry]

Another thing that helped me tremendously was asking his opinion on just about every vocal tip I've heard over the years on how to warm up, improve, preserve your voice, etc. For example, whether taking deep breaths thru the mouth dries you out, what to drink or eat, whether or not you should always practice with a clean voice (instead of gritty -- which he showed me how to use without ragging out my throat -- too cool!), head voice/chest voice terminology, etc. Of course every singer will have different things that work for them. I was surprised to learn his personal opinions on much of that stuff, and he had good reasoning for all his answers. Just a nice, easy, down to earth guy that was so real...

Now I want lessons from you!

Can you hack a high soprano?

[Rip Rokken]

Don - is that gig in Dallas, or my hometown?

A4P - thanks! I just accidentally walked into a video shoot for CMT. The store staff was very cool and had me sign a release, then return to shop. Maybe I'll be on TV, lol!

[Don Wishon]

Dallas.

[Behshad]

I thought the COOLEST thing you ever done was to fly to see Arnel in Manilla Am I missing something!? Wont Arnel and Don get jealous if they find out youre hangin out with Kip ?

[Rip Rokken]

I thought the COOLEST thing you ever done was to fly to see Arnel in Manilla Am I missing something!? Wont Arnel and Don get jealous if they find out youre hangin out with Kip ?

Definitely cool, but sort of in a different category. I get bored if I stay still too long, and my office chair has a way of sticking to my butt after a few months, lol. Love that AV! Genius!

I think I'm going to mount a expedition to find Don Dokken. That would be a grand adventure, indeed!

[Rip Rokken]

Rip...sorry you missed the Damon Johnson concert at Poor David's in Dallas...there are some YouTube videos out there from that show.

Anyway, my next one is Randy Jackson from ZEBRA with Glen Burtnik - Thursday, April 14 - at Poor David's Pub.

Is Terry Brock still doing this too?

[Behshad]

I thought the COOLEST thing you ever done was to fly to see Arnel in Manilla Am I missing something!? Wont Arnel and Don get jealous if they find out youre hangin out with Kip ?

Definitely cool, but sort of in a different category. I get bored if I stay still too long, and my office chair has a way of sticking to my butt after a few months, lol. Love that AV! Genius!

I think I'm going to mount a expedition to find Don Dokken. That would be a grand adventure, indeed!

Thought you might like it Tell Kip "Deb said Hi "!

[Rip Rokken]

I wish, but it ain't Kip Winger!

[Michigan Girl]

You're gonna be a Rock~Star ...yayyy!!

Stevie was right ...your mug is big...

[Don Wishon]

Rip...sorry you missed the Damon Johnson concert at Poor David's in Dallas...there are some YouTube videos out there from that show.

Anyway, my next one is Randy Jackson from ZEBRA with Glen Burtnik - Thursday, April 14 - at Poor David's Pub.

Is Terry Brock still doing this too?

Not this show...this one is Randy with Glen Burtnik.

Cool video from the one and only time they performed together - in Atlanta back in 2007 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Nuyp_xvVJs

[Deb]

I thought the COOLEST thing you ever done was to fly to see Arnel in Manilla Am I missing something!? Wont Arnel and Don get jealous if they find out youre hangin out with Kip ?

Definitely cool, but sort of in a different category. I get bored if I stay still too long, and my office chair has a way of sticking to my butt after a few months, lol. Love that AV! Genius!

I think I'm going to mount a expedition to find Don Dokken. That would be a grand adventure, indeed!

Thought you might like it Tell Kip "Deb said Hi "!

LOL, yep got a soft spot for Kipster, I wouldn't have my soul sandwich pics if it wasn't for him. But I didn't think it was Kip he was talking about. Vocal lessons? Don't get me wrong, I think he's an extremely cool guy, and could see him doing that, but when Rip mentioned power, metal, etc. when talking about this guy's voice.......I would think vocal guys more like Tate maybe.

Speaking of which Rip, so can you sing like this now? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhat-xUQ6dw

[Rip Rokken]

LOL, yep got a soft spot for Kipster, I wouldn't have my soul sandwich pics if it wasn't for him. But I didn't think it was Kip he was talking about. Vocal lessons? Don't get me wrong, I think he's an extremely cool guy, and could see him doing it, but when Rip mentioned power, metal, etc. when talking about this guy's voice.......I would think great vocal guys more like Tate maybe.

Speaking of which Rip, so can you sing like this now? Now this guy I can see giving vocal lessons....... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhat-xUQ6dw

Actually, I called one of the exercises we did the "Geoff Tate" because it sounded so much like his phrasing in his lower register -- almost like a deep yawn.

And ok, I lied -- S2M was right, it was Kip. I don't think he'll mind me mentioning it because his services are already listed on his website. I was just lucky he accepted me, because it's audition only and I had to send in a sample of my singing.

Just finished up Day 2, and this time we were in a recording studio. Paul Taylor was there, too!

I want to clarify my earlier comment that Kip said I had "an amazing instrument". It was definitely quite a compliment coming from him, but that's like telling me I have a killer Les Paul -- doesn't mean I play it well, and I have ton of work to do before I could ever become an "amazing singer". He really seemed to be blown away by my upper register -- said it was "massive" and that it normally takes him a long time to get people there (and some never can). The problem for me is that I've overdeveloped that part of my voice by singing the types of stuff I do, at the expense of the middle and lower register, so my foundation is weak. Kip absolutely has a ton of power, and demonstrated the same consistent power at every level, whereas I seemed to have the same up top but less in the middle and nowhere close in the lower portion. He said mine was really an unusual case, and that I was going to kind of learn in reverse. Posture is also a serious issue for me, and he's given me some excellent suggestions for beginning to correct it.

He absolutely thinks I can do it, but that it will take time and a ton of hard work -- 6 months straight would probably get me a good ways there. He also showed me what it will take to get some soul in my voice, develop a grittier tone, and put the "cool" into it. It's really a completely different way to sing for me, and will take a ton of practice to get used to. If I can keep it up until it fully clicks and becomes 2nd nature, the results should be great. It's honestly a hell of a lot to wrap my brain around, but that's also how I felt the first time I drove a car. He's given me a full gameplan for getting me there -- now it's just up to me.

I can't say enough good things about him -- incredibly talented, the real deal, and just the best to work with. Very encouraging, but also very honest -- doesn't waste time with B.S. to make you feel better -- he just tells it like it is because he knows that's what you need. He's funny as hell, too! I have all 4 hours on digital audio so I can keep practicing, including all the joking around, and my picking his brain on just about everything. It's a real treasure that shall never leave my vault.

[Deb]

Actually, I called one of the exercises we did the "Geoff Tate" because it sounded so much like his phrasing in his lower register -- almost like a deep yawn.

And ok, I lied -- S2M was right, it was Kip. I don't think he'll mind me mentioning it because his services are already listed on his website. I was just lucky he accepted me, because it's audition only and I had to send in a sample of my singing.

Just finished up Day 2, and this time we were in a recording studio. Paul Taylor was there, too!

I want to clarify my earlier comment that Kip said I had "an amazing instrument". It was definitely quite a compliment coming from him, but that's like telling me I have a killer Les Paul -- doesn't mean I play it well, and I have ton of work to do before I could ever become an "amazing singer". He really seemed to be blown away by my upper register -- said it was "massive" and that it normally takes him a long time to get people there (and some never can). The problem for me is that I've overdeveloped that part of my voice by singing the types of stuff I do, at the expense of the middle and lower register, so my foundation is weak. Kip absolutely has a ton of power, and demonstrated the same consistent power at every level, whereas I seemed to have the same up top but less in the middle and nowhere close in the lower portion. He said mine was really an unusual case, and that I was going to kind of learn in reverse.

He absolutely thinks I can do it, but that it will take time and a ton of hard work -- 6 months straight would probably get me a good ways there. He also showed me what it will take to get some soul in my voice, develop a grittier tone, and put the "cool" into it. It's really a completely different way to sing for me, and will take a ton of practice to get used to. If I can keep it up until it fully clicks and becomes 2nd nature, the results should be great. It's honestly a hell of a lot to wrap my brain around, but that's also how I felt the first time I drove a car. He's given me a full gameplan for getting me there -- now it's just up to me.

I can't say enough good things about him -- incredibly talented, the real deal, and just the best to work with. Very encouraging, but also very honest -- doesn't waste time with B.S. to make you feel better -- he just tells it like it is because he knows that's what you need. He's funny as hell, too! I have all 4 hours on digital audio so I can keep practicing, including all the joking around, and my picking his brain on just about everything. It's a real treasure that shall never leave my vault.

Two of my favorite vocal qualities. Good for you Rip, what a great experience!

[artist4perry]

You know this means I expect a performance of your new vocal capabilities when we get together again. Dan was wanting to come see you around spring time when it warms up a bit. I want to hear you sing, so warm up your pipes!

And again, I am very happy for you..........can't happen to a nicer guy!

[Behshad]

I thought the COOLEST thing you ever done was to fly to see Arnel in Manilla Am I missing something!? Wont Arnel and Don get jealous if they find out youre hangin out with Kip ?

Definitely cool, but sort of in a different category. I get bored if I stay still too long, and my office chair has a way of sticking to my butt after a few months, lol. Love that AV! Genius!

I think I'm going to mount a expedition to find Don Dokken. That would be a grand adventure, indeed!

Thought you might like it Tell Kip "Deb said Hi "!

LOL, yep got a soft spot for Kipster, I wouldn't have my soul sandwich pics if it wasn't for him. But I didn't think it was Kip he was talking about. Vocal lessons? Don't get me wrong, I think he's an extremely cool guy, and could see him doing that, but when Rip mentioned power, metal, etc. when talking about this guy's voice.......I would think vocal guys more like Tate maybe.

Speaking of which Rip, so can you sing like this now? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhat-xUQ6dw

Well you thought wrong, get over it

[S2M]

Geoff Tate has a ONE note scream/yell....Kip is by far the better singer....same with Dickinson. Love the guy, but he is a one-trick pony...a one-note scream.

[Deb]

Well you thought wrong, get over it

Yep, I thought wrong. I was going more on Rip's '80s metal' post earlier. That's why I thought somebody more like Tate. Kip, like Eric, I don't see as metal singers......more as hard rock.

Not diggin' the facial hair though.........LOL, mind you, I think 99.99999% of guys look better without facial hair.

[Rip Rokken]

Just stopped by in Southhaven, MS on the way home -- watching John Roth KICK ASS on the blues right now. Damn that boy smokes!!!

[Arkansas]

Surely you made a few Journey comments, and at least pondered how to put in a plug for the current lineup.
Any comment from KW on AP...or at least DD?


later~

[verslibre]

I think I'm going to mount a expedition to find Don Dokken. That would be a grand adventure, indeed!

Doesn't DD (still) live in Redondo Beach?

[mikemarrs]

i really like the second winger album 'in the heart of the young'.i bought that on cassette pretty much the day it was released in 1990.i was sitting in the lunchroom at school with my walkman and headphones on listening to the song' miles away' when they called my name on the intercom.got to the office and found out my grandmother had passed away.that was on my sixteenth birthday March 8,1991.pretty much every time i hear that song i think of my grandmother.i think of the good times.actually it was 20 years ago last week.

[No Surprize]

How cool for you man. Glad you had a great time!