Chuck Wright’s Sheltering Sky has today released the new video for the track titled ‘Giving Up The Ghost’ featuring Whitney Tai from Chuck’s eponymous album on Cleopatra Records.
How can this song not be taken on a personal level? I’ll start with that. Breaking all the barriers of what we expect from our favorite musicians and become a part of your freshly enriched soul, Chuck Wright assembles a stellar ensemble featuring Rod Stewart/ Billy Idol drummer Tal Bergman, jazz/fusion great Allen Hinds to play lead guitar, Flamenco guitarist Luis Villegas, contemporary jazz/prog keyboardist Ed Roth (known for his work with the Keith Emerson Band and The Doors’ Robby Krieger), Macy Gray percussionist Scott Breadman, guitarist/ producer Tom Hatziemanouel, and Whitney Tai on lead vocals.
While the song is one of those tracks that become the soundtrack to that future memory or life experience, the video is a cinematic take on creative partnerships during that magical process of music making.
This also shows the immense diversity on this album. While I could say there is something for everything on the album, that would be misleading. I feel there is everything for everyone. A concept album for living as well as life itself. Lyrical lessons of emotional expression and diary entries from musicians who know how they got to where they are.
Listen with an open mind and let this become a part of you.
Check out our other features with Chuck Wright’s Sheltering Sky HERE.
“Chuck’s approach to music feels like a sensitive reminder of the human experience with all the elements of nature combined. It’s as if he internalizes and makes art of every visual and audial cue in this pulsating world and externalizes it as these expansive sonic journeys. The end result leaves you feeling understood, empowered and inquisitive. Collaborating with him on this record was an honor and a privilege.”
Whitney Tai
About ‘Giving Up The Ghost’
‘Giving Up The Ghost’ is the follow-up to his most recent single “Throwin’ Stones,” an anti-war messaged funk rock piece which along with the full album, has amassed rave reviews.
“Giving Up The Ghost” is a poignant, atmospheric, groove-laden, ballad that draws on personal moments creating an emotional and raw experience for listeners. Written by Wright and co-produced with film composer, Tim Janssens, “Giving Up The Ghost” features the sultry smooth vocals of Indi artist Whitney Tai. Wright also brought in Rod Stewart/ Billy Idol drummer Tal Bergman, jazz/fusion great Allen Hinds to play lead guitar, Flamenco guitarist Luis Villegas, contemporary jazz/prog keyboardist Ed Roth (known for his work with the Keith Emerson Band and The Doors’ Robby Krieger), Macy Gray percussionist Scott Breadman, and guitarist/ producer Tom Hatziemanouel. Wright plays fretless bass and acoustic guitars while Tim Janssens created the string orchestrations and soundscapes.
The accompanying video was filmed at Strawhorse recording studios in Van Nuys, California. Vocalist Whitney Tai falls into a dream state while reading in the control room, creating a haunting visual narrative as the musicians play on. The hourglass spent centuries as the representation of mortality and plays a key role here reminding us to let go of the past and move on, hence the title, “Giving Up The Ghost”.
The full album from Chuck Wright’s Sheltering Sky was released on May 20, 2022 on Cleopatra Records. It features over 40 guest performers including members of Mr. Big, Skid Row, Tesla, Dream Theater, Jane’s Addition, Asia, Jefferson Starship, Journey, acclaimed solo artists Allen Hinds, Toshi Yanagi, Whitney Tai and many others. It covers a wide range of genres, from Jazz Fusion, Prog, Funk, to in-your-face Hard Rock, and is widely available on CD and all digital platforms.
About Chuck Wright
Chuck Wright is an American bassist, songwriter, singer, music producer, graphic designer and live event producer, best known as a long time member of multi-platinum Heavy Metal band Quiet Riot. He originally joined Quiet Riot in 1982, playing bass on the tracks “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” and “Don’t Wanna Let You Go,” as well as singing background vocals on all tracks from the 1983 multi-platinum album Metal Health.
Wright’s career in mainstream rock first took off when he joined Giuffria in 1984. Their debut album Giuffria peaked at #26 on the Billboard album charts on March 2, 1985. The album spawned two hit singles, “Call to the Heart” (Hot 100 #15) and “Lonely In Love” (Hot 100 #57).
After sold-out arena tours with Deep Purple and Foreigner, Wright left Giuffria to re-join Quiet Riot in 1986, to record and compose songs for their QRIII release and supporting world tour.
His reputation as one of the most sought-after bass players has landed him gigs with Alice Cooper, Slash, Gregg Allman, Carmine Appice, Ronnie Montrose, John Waite, and Pat Travers.
Wright has appeared on over 100 worldwide record releases, playing bass and producing albums of various styles, including ambient trance, reggae, rap, country and rock. He was also involved in seven film scores, including Kull the Conqueror, where he was joined by Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Over the years, Wright also worked with House Of Lords, Bad Moon Rising, Blackthorne, Christian Tolle Project, Doro, Impellitteri, Kuni, MSG, Magdalen, Murderer’s Row, Pata, Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, Adler’s Appetite, Love/Hate, Ken Tamplin, and Shane Gibson from Korn. Wright has headed up Ultimate Jam Night, a long-running live music show since January 2015 at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood. Ultimate Jam Night features up to 60 pro musicians each week.
LINKS:
https://facebook.com/ChuckWrightOfficial
https://instagram.com/chuckwrightbass
https://twitter.com/chuckwrightbass
https://www.ultimatejamnight.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3n9oVvR7ONdsGYE99JQcut?si=w7FPrYlJTnSGlEaKaTjo9g
https://www.youtube.com/user/chuckwrightbass
