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Message from the President

For those who have not yet seen my "missives" below is what I wrote on my very first one a while ago.

First thing – I am writing this introduction myself. No PR person, copywriter or the like had a hand in this. Whether that is a good thing or not I am not sure, but here it goes.

As the newly appointed President of Tower.com, Inc. I believe that it is my responsibility to communicate honestly. Folks within the business community tell me that this may not be a good idea. Frankly, I am too passionate about the future of Tower.com, Inc. and getting our customers onboard with ideas of what we all want Tower.com to become. By sending out missives in “President-speak” (whatever that is) is counterintuitive and most likely an insult to your intelligence.

So you may read things that may not be written by professionals but will be honest, transparent and from the heart.

I have recently been asked (Thanks Jaymes) to provide updates on new releases/specials/sales on our Facebook page. Rather than having this assigned and numerous meetings later having something just after Christmas I have created a quick message be provided. I hope it is helpful. However, those that know me understand that I thrive on feedback and critique as I want Tower Records to be what we all want not just me. So, please let me know (rflynn@tower.com) with thoughts, comments, etc.

Also, please note that Tower is not fulfilling products any longer. There is a long story behind this that I'll re-post someday but the bottom line is that we are offering a shopping experience that allows you to compare prices with the ability to choose your store through Tower. We also offer exclusive savings and items.

Frankly, Tower Records is in a transition phase - the 5 W's of how we conduct business may change in the near future - we tend to believe to the better. But, again, I need to hear from you.

I greatly appreciate your support for Tower Records and understand that our current shopping experience will improve but please consider us during your holiday shopping. THANKS!

Richard Flynn, President

HOT NEW RELEASE ON CD

Tron Legacy (CD)
By: Daft Punk

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Current Price $11.88





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WELCOME TO THE TOWER RECORDS COMMUNITY – Clive Bunker



Clive Bunker was, along with Glen Cornick, Mick Abrahams, and Ian Anderson, a co-founder of Jethro Tull. Their original drummer, he lasted in the lineup up to and including their critical high-water mark, Aqualung. Bunker was born and raised in Luton, Bedfordshire, and came of age during the early-'60s British beat boom. He'd initially aspired to play the guitar but, upon realizing how limited his talent was on that instrument, turned instead to the drums -- his inspirations included not only renowned American jazz figures such as Buddy Rich but also one slightly older British contemporary of his, the Hollies' Bobby Elliott. By the mid-'60s, Bunker had become a serious blues enthusiast -- he and a friend, Mick Abrahams, became members of a blues band called McGregor's Engine in 1967 when they crossed paths with Anderson and Cornick, who were members of another band that was in the process of breaking up. The four decided to join forces in what became known as Jethro Tull, playing a mix of rock, blues, and folk music.

The group began evolving away from those origins almost as soon as the bandmembers started playing regularly. Though their first album, This Was, reflected their original commitment to the blues, and showed the influence of acts such as Cream and other blues-based bands, it was also a fine showcase for the kind of playing that Bunker liked. Alas, by the time it was released, the group was already moving away from jazz and blues and Abrahams -- the most committed to the blues of any of them -- was out of the lineup by the end of 1968. Cornick left next, but Bunker was there for the entire three-album run-up to their commercial and critical triumph with Aqualung, including the group's early tours of the United States. He wasn't comfortable with the more complex progressive rock elements that were starting to manifest themselves in Anderson's writing and the group's sound, however, and had also decided to get married -- his exit from the band followed soon after. He was succeeded by Barriemore Barlow, and over the next few years Bunker concentrated on the closer-to-home endeavors of running a dog kennel and pursuing his original field of engineering.

He wasn't entirely done with music, however, nor was Chrysalis Records -- to which Tull were under contract -- done with him; he ended up joining Procol Harum refugee Robin Trower, Frankie Miller, and Jim Dewar in a band called Jude, who were signed to the label but never released an LP. Somewhat more visible was his tenure with Blodwyn Pig, the blues-based band formed by fellow Tull refugee Mick Abrahams, who, in the decades since, has periodically pursued musical projects to which Bunker has contributed. He also kept his hand in music by working with Gordon Giltrap, Steve Hillage, and Manfred Mann. In more recent years, he has also shifted his blues orientation laterally, over into folk music, as the drummer for the Vikki Clayton Band, backing the folksinger on stage. In 1998 he released the solo album Awakening, which included appearances by Ian Anderson and Tull guitarist Martin Barre. Another independent release, Diving in the Past, was issued in 2005; credited to Bunker and the Italian Tull tribute band Beggar’s Farm, the album also featured a guest appearance by Bernardo Lanzetti, former vocalist of Italian proggers PFM.


Clive's own words (jethrotull.com)

After leaving Tull a few hundred years ago, I played for a while with Robin Trower, Frankie Miller and Jim Dewar in band called "Jude", signed to the Chrysalis label.

· At the same time, I was starting some other activities in areas outside music. I had become a married man, and didn't really expect to stay in music as a full-time job. I moved to a farm outside Luton and started a business in dog boarding kennels and also invested in a engineering firm in the area, together with a few other things, just in case!

· I was still asked to do the odd musical thing and, in no particular order, they included, over the next few years: working with Gordon Giltrap, Steve Hillage, Uli Roth, Manfred Mann and, of course, dealing with the ever-present invitations from Mick Abrahams to become involved with one project or another.

· Since sadly splitting up with my wife, I have been working on a newly released solo album for the "New Day" record label and taking it easy while the offers come pouring in!

Shop:

Jethro Tull

Blodwyn Pig

Clive Bunker

LISTEN & DOWNLOAD

Jethro Tull w/Clive Bunker



Clive Bunker w/others

View: Jethro Tull 1970

WELCOME TO THE TOWER RECORDS COMMUNITY – Dann Glenn


Dann Glenn (born May 30, 1950) is an American jazz fusion guitarist and composer, who has published and recorded a catalog of six symphonies, and released numerous jazz and avant garde albums, over the years.

Known for years as a bassist, Glenn became disenchanted playing the bass, and switched his primary instrument to that of electric guitar around 2003-04. Also an accomplished pianist, Glenn's status as a multi-instrumentalist has served him well, on his jazz fusion and modern orchestral recordings.

Beginning in the 1970s, Dann Glenn's career started as a rock musician, who later became a serious jazz player and classical composer. During his formative years he played with such musicians as Blues guitarists Michael Bloomfield and Luther Tucker.

Dann was mentored by jazz bass legend Monk Montgomery (the first to play electric bass on a jazz record, with Lionel Hampton), brother to the legendary jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery and vibraphonist /pianist Buddy. After spending years on the road playing in show bands, Dann returned to Los Angeles in 1977, where he studied the Simandl method with bassist and pianist Herb Mickman.

Dave Liebman came over to Dann’s condo years ago in North Hollywood when Dann was one of the first cats to have a contra bass guitar. Dave jumped up and called Steve Swallow in NYC. "Hey man...you ever hear of a six string bass?" After this Dann played and recorded with many musicians and bands in the LA area, while on the faculty at Musicians Institutes Bass Institute of Technology (1988-1991).

During his time in LA, Dann became close with bassists Jeff Berlin and Jaco Pastorius, who was murdered in 1987. Dann and Berlin went on to become lifelong friends, often associated in the music press because of their views on music education for bass guitar players.

The pair spoke out against popular gizmos such as "hand-grip squeezers," "perfect pitch tapes" and the misinformation sometimes sold to unsuspecting students. Dann and Berlin contended that since music has been the same for hundreds of years in terms of its basic principles, such as harmony, it is music that should be taught - not licks and tricks. They also opposed tablature notation, and constantly encouraged young players to simply learn to read music, instead of wasting time learning what they considered to be a musicial non-language.

Glenn played with guitarists Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson/Jeff Beck) and John Goodsall (Brand X) before leaving Los Angeles for good. Glenn and his wife Francoise (b. May 20 1963, Paris, France) relocated to St. Louis, Missouri in 1993, where he set up his own studio to compose and record his music. In addition to his love for jazz and jazz fusion music, Dann took up orchestral composition, ultimately writing six symphonies by 2007.

He has also written many columns for magazines, and became a published novelist with his first book entitled, Almost a Proverb, an examination of the human condition based on his experiences during the Vietnam War.

Starting and ultimately leaving a band, known as BangTower, Glenn went on to create a new ensemble, the Eleven Eleven Orchestra, which features bass virtuosos Jeff Berlin, Baba Elefante, and renowned drummer Ronnie Ciago. Glenn also collaborated with former Godsticks bassist Jason Marsh, (Also the album's Producer) and Baba Elefante, on a release entitled "dann glenn/Electric." In 2010 Glenn appears in the motion picture "Johnnie Be Good The Movie" alongside Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and many other icons of music.

Dann, who has been compared to Charles Mingus for his temper as well as his musicianship, is known for his speed as a player and his unusual use of time and space as a composer. He has also mentored many younger players over the years, fulfilling a promise he made to his own mentor, Monk Montgomery to help others, as he had been helped.

LISTEN & DOWNLOAD DANN GLENN'S LATEST, ELECTRIC



Ten Songs For A Halloween Party


Below are ten songs to start a Halloween party. These may not be the best ten or only ten but ten we believe will get ya’ moving. Enjoy!
  1. The Murder (From The Movie "Psycho")
  2. D.O.A. (Bloodrock)
  3. Rosegarden Funeral Of Sores (Bauhaus)
  4. Zombie Dance (The Cramps)
  5. Psycho Killer (Talking Heads)
  6. Vampira [Explicit] (The Misfits)
  7. Living Dead Girl (Rob Zombie)
  8. Monster Mash (Bobby "Boris" Pickett)
  9. They're Coming To Take Me Away Ha! Haa!! (Napoleon's Ghost)
  10. The Twilight Zone (TV Theme)




WELCOME TO THE TOWER RECORDS COMMUNITY – Mark Egan

Mark Egan is considered to be one of the most respected and in-demand electric bassists on the music scene today. His unique fretless bass sound and style is both distinctive and versatile and his musical contributions incomparable. With three platinum & three gold albums to his credit, Mark has recorded with the likes of the Pat Metheny Group, Sting, Arcadia, Roger Daltry and Joan Osborne; performed with the Gil Evans Orchestra, Marianne Faithful, David Sanborn, John McGlaughlin and Sophie B. Hawkins and has added his musical prowess to such movies and television shows as; Aladdin, The Color Of Money, A Chorus Line, NBC Sports, ABC’s All My Children, CNN/Headline News and numerous award winning television commercials.

Born in Brockton, Massachusetts, Mark began his musical studies on the trumpet at the age of 10, mainly through the influence of his father who was an avid player. He continued to play the trumpet through high school in jazz bands, R&B groups, the high school orchestra and started playing bass at age 16. He enrolled in the University of Miami School of Music under the direction of Jerry Coker and studied privately with the late, great Jaco Pastorius whose influence remains with him to this day. “When I heard Jaco play it made me aware of what could be done on the electric bass, particularly with regard to grooving and soloing - - Jaco just made me aware of another way of thinking about the bass and music.”

While in Florida Mark formed a band with fellow University of Miami students; Clifford Carter (keyboards), Hiram Bullock (Guitar), Billy Bowker (Drums) and Phyllis Hyman (vocals). They came to New York in 1976 and soon afterward, Mark hooked up with the Pointer Sisters, Deodato and David Sanborn. Mark’s notoriety was gaining and he quickly caught the eye of U of Miami School mate, Pat Metheny - joining the group in 1977. It was through this association that Mark would team up with Metheny drummer, Danny Gottlieb and go on to form the group Elements. To this day, Elements is one of the most highly acclaimed experimental contemporary jazz groups in the world.

The band has recorded over eight full length albums and have toured in over twenty-seven countries. Their uncompromising live sound continues to be on the forefront of the jazz music scene. While Mark continues to work with Elements and hold down the chair in the Gil Evans Orchestra (a position he has held for over thirteen years), his solo projects represent a more personal side of his musical makeup.

His solo debut, Mosaic (Windham Hill Records) delved into adventurous territory on his exotic custom-made eight and ten string basses - - painting beautiful soundscapes over multi-layered musical textures. His follow up LP, Touch of Light ( GRP Records) displayed another facet of Mark’s creativity. Touch of Light featuring; Danny Gottlieb (drums), Clifford Carter (keyboards) and Bill Evans (sax) proved to be more upbeat and aggressive further exploring the sound of his arsenal of basses (30 at last count). In 1993 Mark signed with Bluemoon Records and released the highly anticipated album, Beyond Words which again featured; Gottlieb, Carter and Evans. It also introduced to the American music scene famed Brazilian guitarist, Toninho Horta whose bossa nova style and melodic compositions would take the music in a new direction.

Mark not only continues his recording and touring efforts which recently included studio performances with Joan Osborne, Michael Franks, Rory Block, Marianne Faithful, and tours with; Elements, Bill Evans and Marianne Faithful, but his passion and visionary approach to contemporary jazz music has led him to the creation of his independent record label, Wavetone Records. He brings his twenty years of performing, recording and producing experience to this new label, dedicated to providing an outlet for creative music projects. To-date Wavetone has released to critical appraise four albums; Elements, Far East Volume I and II, Elements Untold Stories, Egan’s, Mosaic Joe Beck, Finger Painting and the most recent release, Jeff Ciampa, Signs of Life. In addition, Mark has realized his dream with the completion of is own state-of-the-art recording studio, Electric Fields, designed by the highly acclaimed acoustical architect John Storyk. Electric Fields is equipped with a 40-track digital recording system and an array of vintage sound processing gear. Projects already in production include Mark’s solo project, guitarist Jeff Ciampa Trio and Element’s long awaited studio album.

Mark continues to explore new sound territories through his extraordinary recording, composing and touring activities. His successful efforts as a musician, producer and label manager keep him on the forefront of the contemporary music scene.

LISTEN & DOWNLOAD
Mark Egan (Leader) & Elements (w/Danny Gottlieb)



Sampling of other work by Mark Egan

VIEW
Berliner Jazztage 1978, with Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, Mark Egan, Danny Gottlieb



WELCOME TO THE TOWER RECORDS COMMUNITY – Mickey Thomas


Mickey Thomas (born December 3, 1949, Cairo, Georgia) is an American singer.

He was inspired to take part in music after seeing a Beatles performance in 1965. He travelled to Atlanta with long time childhood friends Charles Connell, Lewis Oliver, Tommy Verran, and Walter Wight. Thomas, Connell, and Verran wound up in their first rock and roll band together. Verran was the lead singer at the time. They split up to go to different colleges but later reformed in the early 1970s along with friend Bud Thomas as the "Jets". While singing lead for the Jets in 1974, Thomas joined the Elvin Bishop Group as a harmony singer and eventually made it to lead vocals. His best known achievement was singing on Elvin Bishop's chart hit 'Fooled Around And Fell In Love', a #3 single in 1976.

In April 1979, Thomas was asked to join Jefferson Starship, after the departure of Marty Balin and Grace Slick. In 1981 he recorded his second solo album Alive Alone. Former Elvin Bishop Group drummer Donny Baldwin became Starship's drummer two years later when Aynsley Dunbar left.

He spent most of the early eighties as the main vocalist of Jefferson Starship, performing several duets with Slick (who rejoined in 1981) and gaining greater influence in the band. After Paul Kantner left in 1984, Thomas was sole leader of the band. From 1985-1989 the newly dubbed 'Starship' scored some of their biggest hits. When Grace Slick left again in 1988, Thomas sang all lead vocals - in a band that was formed when he was just 15 years old. But their fortunes as pop music artists soon ran out. A tour was cancelled after Thomas was attacked in a bar and required facial reconstruction surgery. (His assailant was Donny Baldwin who chose to resign after the incident.)

He has also appeared in the 1989 film Dream a Little Dream as well as having recorded the film's titled theme song and its duet version with Mel Tormé for the soundtrack. The duet version was also played during the end of the film.

The original incarnation of Starship disbanded in 1991. In 1992 Paul Kantner reformed Jefferson Starship without Thomas and Thomas formed a new touring band called 'Starship featuring Mickey Thomas'. Touring has continued with this title.

In 1998 he guested on Sammy Hagar's album Marching To Mars.

In 2002 Thomas and his touring band re-recorded all of the Jefferson Starship hits on which he had appeared. The resulting album was released in 2003, without any band credits being provided, as Forever Gold, part of a series of releases by St. Clair Entertainment.

In 2004 he released an album project, under the title of Over the Edge, produced by Fabrizio Grossi. In 2008 he recorded a new album with Aynsley Dunbar for Direct Music, featuring artists such as Jake E Lee, former guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. Thomas reunited with Elvin Bishop when Starship closed for them in late 2008.

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Jefferson Starship

Mickey Thomas

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Mickey Thomas Albums



Jefferson Starship Albums



Mickey Thomas w/others – Albums


VIEW

Jefferson Starship: Jane (Live)