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1982 "Don't Need You Anymore"
(self-release) 7" vinyl single
This is the single that got me signed by Ebony Records in
England. Recorded this in my parents basement with the able
help of Bob Saullo and Joe Sweet. The B-side is a cover of
the Beatles "Tomorrow Never Knows."
1984
"Full Force"
(Ebony/RCA) 12" vinyl LP
This album was recorded in England with metal-meister/producer
Darryl Johnston. The album has an obvious Hendrix influence
to it and I think is the early germination of the V.I.H. band.
The album featured a very talented bassist from Hazleton named
Mike Dutz. Mike really helped to keep everything together.
This was an album by a band that wasn't really ready to record
combined with a producer that wasn't right for the project.
1985
"Down On Love/ Hit And Run"
(Ebony), 7" vinyl single
The revolving door of musicians begins with a new bassist
and a vocalist whos sounds like Vince Neil. Not sure who it
was but not a good idea!
1986
"Force This"
(Ransom Records) cassette/12" vinyl LP
This project is what happens when you lose ALL creative control
of an album. What a MESS! Managers hiring and firing musicians,
record company people blowing money on artwork and makeup
people and hair stylists. I got credited with mixing the album
and I wasn't even there. Yikes!
1988
"Taken By Force"
(not released)
The mysterious third Sterling Cooke Force project turns up
courtesy of bassist Bill Strauch and it actually sounds better
than I remember it. Tommy Z on drums was a real pounder and
a fun guy to work with. The band broke up before this ever
saw the light of day. Too bad.
1990
"Have Guitar...Will Rock"
(Full Force Music) cassette
Getting closer on this one. Had the privilege of working with
a very talented keyboardist, drum programmer and engineer
named Ralph DeLong. This is the first of many all-instrumental
releases to follow. I just got tired of the Hendrix comparisons
with my vocals and tired of working with a bunch of "head-cases"
for singers. Very favorably reviewed by Guitar World magazine,
it got me a nice story in the magazine.
1994
"Above and Beyond"
(Full Force Music) cassette
Another all-instrumental release, this was recorded at
the time I became a Christian. Again I was privileged to work
with another excellent engineer named Al Cox. This release
was my first foray into the world of drum programming and
so the project sounds a little stiff. Very big Joe Satriani/Steve
Vai influence here. Cool attempt to cover Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein."
1996
"Doxology"
(Full Force Music) cassette
All-instrumental again, the drum programming is much improved
on this release and the rhythm section sounds much more natural.
Worked on this one with Jamie Parker at his studio but also
began working at my home studio and did pre-production there.
An Eric Johnson influence hangs over this one but my own guitar-voice
is starting to develop.
1998
"In The Spirit"
(Full Force Music) CD
First release on CD and a bit of a side-step onto the acoustic
guitar. Actually, this one is my best selling release so far
and was done entirely at my home studio, Good Acoustics. My
first step at digital recording as well. A little on the mellow
side but a nice change of pace.
2000
"Acoustic Christmas"
(Full Force Music) CD
After all these album projects a Christmas CD was due. Mostly
instrumental there are a few songs with guest vocalists. Some
traditional tunes and some a little obscure but all done in
acoustic style and all given an "Olde English" treatment.
Also done at the home studio I am starting to become an old
hand at this recording thing.
2001
"V.I.H."
(Full Force) CD
Finally at home in the blues. Great rhythm section and pretty
reasonable production done at my home studio. Now THIS is
more like it!
2002
"Jams"
(Full Force) CD
So many people requesting something instrumental so here it
is. A variety of blues, funk and R & B instrumentals. Jams
indeed.
2002
"V.I.H. II"
(Full Force) CD
Now we're talkin'!! This is da bomb! Great help from Badlees'
guitarist Bret Alexander at mixdown time SURE helped out.
Great guy, too!
2003 "V.I.H. III: LIVE"
(Full Force) CD
Finally, the band captured live in front of an extremely live crowd doing what we do best. Rockin' them blues!
2004
"How I Spent My Summer Vacation"
(Full Force) CD
My first foray into the world of steel guitar. Lots of special guests to help round out the sound.
2005
"V.I.H. IV... The Mission Continues"
(Full Force) CD
Another first, The V.I.H. Band's first acoustic effort. Great old school vibe makes this one a keeper.
2006
"Steelin' Home"
(Full Force) CD
More steel guitar with a BIG blues/rock beat. Props to the special guests for shining so brightly.
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