- An Interview with Jerry Gaskill Jammerzine Exclusive 28:18
Rarely, in this world anyway, do you meet a person that really gets the importance of their profession because, let’s face it, we all have a job to do in this world but we have a tendency to not see the importance of our work. I think that is not the case with Jerry Gaskill, drummer of legendary rock band King’s X and a person who takes his music very, very seriously. And it shows in his latest effort “Love & Scars”, which drops tomorrow via Rat Pak Records.
Let me be the first to say that “Love & Scars” is much more than a solo effort. Actually, Jerry made the point in the interview that it is very much a collaborative album and what an album it is. I hold this up to anything in the King’s X catalog and must say that this is already in my Top 10 albums of the year. All of the songs are not only solid but solid for different reasons. The opener, “Far Away”, starts off with memorable guitars and a harmony that nods to King’s X while letting you know this album is solid. The vocal harmonies are beautiful throughout the track and drumming, of course, lays down a steady yet intricate backbeat that appreciates the music without overpowering it.
What surprised me the most, however, was how the guitars stand out in each song. Maybe it’s because I’m a guitarist myself so there’s a little bias there but this is a guitar album in a way. Not in an overkill kind of way because one thing you must take note in is that every instrument is placed just right in the mix courtesy of producer DA Karkos. But I must say the guitars are what really draws me to this album initially and from there I’ve gotten hooked on everything else this album is and could ever be.
“Love & Scars” is a continuation of the legacy that King’s X and it’s members have laid out for themselves and is a must-have addition to every fan’s catalog as well as anyone who just likes good music.
“Love & Scars” will be released tomorrow via Rat Pak Records. Click here for ordering info.
@jerrygaskill [rotatingtweets screen_name=’jerrygaskill’]
About “Love & Scars”:
Love and Scars is the long-awaited sophomore release from legendary King’s X drummer Jerry Gaskill and is by far his best work to date! Featuring Billy Sheehan, Phil Keaggy, Earl Slick, DA Karkos, Andee Blacksugar and a host of other notable musicians, Love and Scars marks the completion of a long musical journey that started almost a decade ago. Enduring a series of personal tragedies along the way, including two heart attacks, and losing all his possessions in Hurricane Sandy, Jerry remained steadfast and true in his belief that music heals all. “It’s been a long time coming and I’ve had some heavy obstacles to deal with, but the record is finally ready and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished!” says Jerry.
Love and Scars also spotlight Jerry’s vocal and songwriting talents as he passionately pours his heart out into each and every song, putting to music all of his triumphs and tragedies of the last decade. “The lyrical content of this album is simply about everyday life the way I see it and I hope that people will be able to relate to it on some kind of personal level.”, says Jerry. It quickly becomes evident within the first few seconds of this album that Jerry is highly influenced by his own band King’s X, as well as some of his earlier influences like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan and Grand Funk Railroad. “Drummers don’t always get the opportunity to showcase their full songwriting capabilities, but Jerry raises the bar and delivers a very solid offering with Love and Scars”, says Rat Pak Records owner Joe O’Brien.
Jerry Gaskill Love and Scars feature Billy Sheehan, Phil Keaggy, Earl Slick, DA Karkos, Andee Blacksugar, John “JD” DeServio, Bob Burger, David Parks, Matt Gray, Matt Farley, John Farley, Topher Nolen, Joey Gaskill and Virus.
“Love & Scars” was produced and mixed by DA Karkos. Mastered by Kurdt Vanderhoof of Metal Church Official release date for Jerry Gaskill Love and Scars is Friday October 30, 2015.
About Source: Rat Pak Records.
TRACK LISTING:
- FAR AWAY
- THIS PICTURE
- NO MORE YESTERDAY
- HYPOTHETICAL
- WAKING UP
- NEVER EVER KNOW
- SANDY
- PATTY’S SONG
- PARADISE
- SAD
- GIRL IN THE WAREHOUSE
- GOODBYE SONG
LINKS:
https://twitter.com/jerrygaskill
https://www.facebook.com/JerryGaskill
http://ratpakrecordsamerica.com/jerrygaskill
