Mikey gets some press

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 14 Sep 2002 11:32 am

Here's a write-up of a recent gig I played with Raven Wylder. It appears in the current issue of Music Connection Magazine.

<http://www.musicconnection.com/currenti ... lcgi#band2>

For more sleaze,check out her website.

<www.ravenwylder.com>

Hey - it's a tough gig but somebody's gotta play it. -MJ-[This message was edited by Michael Johnstone on 14 September 2002 at 12:36 PM.]

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 14 Sep 2002 11:42 am

For som reason,the links I put in my previous post didn't come through. maybe this will work.

The link is still a problem for some Forum members, so I've reprinted the review below. -b0b-[This message was edited by b0b on 16 September 2002 at 02:10 PM.]

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 14 Sep 2002 12:26 pm

Good stuff M.J.
The reviewer sure liked your playing.

That photo is again proof that, "It's all in the hands.".
Interesting "Blocking Technique".

It great to see Steel being exposed to a new generation, seriously.

Mark Ardito · Post by **Mark Ardito** » 14 Sep 2002 2:22 pm

WOW!!! Care to share some stories from the gig?

Mark

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Sho~Bud Pro I, Fender D-8 (C6&E13) http://www.darkmagneto.com

Ken Lang · Post by **Ken Lang** » 14 Sep 2002 2:30 pm

Wow. Went to the site.

No wonder you get rave reviews on your pickin'. Having that extra lever must help.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 15 Sep 2002 6:22 pm

Congrats Mike.

Dave Horch · Post by **Dave Horch** » 15 Sep 2002 9:58 pm

"Armed with a pedal-steel virtuoso, the band expertly weaves in and out of its barrier-bending material. ...It is Johnstone that undeniably spearheads the band’s music. Johnstone fires off smoldering licks that simply must be witnessed."

MJ- Very Nice Review! This must be a really fun gig! Best, -Dave

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Mullen (See! No "S") D-10 
<a href=http://www.davidhorch.com/music>Photo page</a>

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 16 Sep 2002 1:08 pm

The link was a problem for some members, so here's the review: <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR><center>Raven Wylder
The Gig
Hollywood
</center>
Contact: 818-990-3811

The Players: Raven Wylder, vocals; Chase Carpini, guitar; Mike Johnstone, pedal steel; Michael McCarthy, bass; Dan Marfisi, drums.

Material: Aggressive and versatile in their delivery, Raven Wylder and her band charge through a modernized mutation of country music. From traditional crooners about swilling liquor to funkified anti-media romps, the quintet somehow manages to maintain a rootsy sound, no matter how far they seem to stray. Whether it’s doing a punk-blast version of “Bad Moon Rising” or copping Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” riff into a two-stepping stomp, this act revels in tearing down some of the genre’s rigidity.

Musicianship: Armed with a pedal-steel virtuoso, the band expertly weaves in and out of its barrier-bending material. Though Carpini dishes out some soulful leads over McCarthy’s and Marfisi’s unshakeable foundation, it is Johnstone that undeniably spearheads the band’s music. Johnstone fires off smoldering licks that simply must be witnessed, especially alongside the rest of the band. And to top it off, Wylder isn’t just all looks, but talented as well, possessing a deceivingly silky voice.

Performance: With a rousing opening, Wylder entered from the back of the room draped in boxing attire, an entourage and a ring girl (and that was the tame part). From there, the crowd was treated to an eye-opening set from the whiskey-pounding, bong-hitting vixen that included an onstage costume change and adult-film star cameo. Raven’s show-womanship quickly enticed all eyes; and though it all seemed a bit much, the fact that she and her bandmates are also proficient made for an engaging show.

Summary: Raven Wylder is bringing country music into the new century. Blatantly sexual, the scarlet-haired diva injects a bit of danger into the genre’s glossy image. Yes, there are heaps of schtick in Wylder’s act, but strip it all away and there remains a natural performer and skilled vocalist. Plus, she has grade-A musicians behind her worthy of attention on their own. As a whole, however, the band provides for an exciting experience indeed, crotch-references and all.

––Albert Vega<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 16 Sep 2002 1:25 pm

b0b, you left out the best part.

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 16 Sep 2002 1:51 pm

Wasn't Raven Wilder's maiden name Vega? "Blatantly sexual". Ooooooooooh![This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 16 September 2002 at 02:52 PM.]

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 16 Sep 2002 2:23 pm

Thanks for cleaning up the problem b0b.
I sure didn't mean to contaminate the forum with sex,drugs and rock & roll. Sorry folks.

Dave Horch · Post by **Dave Horch** » 16 Sep 2002 7:43 pm

Here's our new hero on the job...

Who says the steel has a limited audience! Anyone want to fill in for MJ in a pinch?

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Mullen (See! No "S") D-10 
<a href=http://www.davidhorch.com/music>Photo page</a>

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 16 Sep 2002 8:49 pm

Man! I look like I could use a good nights sleep.

Ernie Renn · Post by **Ernie Renn** » 16 Sep 2002 10:34 pm

Go, Mikey! Congratulations! Rave review!

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My best,
Ernie

The Official Buddy Emmons Website
www.buddyemmons.com

Reggie Duncan · Post by **Reggie Duncan** » 18 Sep 2002 7:11 pm

Congratulations on the review, Mike!

Frank Estes · Post by **Frank Estes** » 19 Sep 2002 9:23 am

Michael, I really enjoyed finally meeting you and talking with you at this year's ISGC.

You will have to put some MP3 files from this gig on the Web for us to hear.

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Frank Estes - 1978 Emmons D-10 8+7 #2441D