This is a full in bloom interview with Danger Danger bassist Bruno Ravel.
YOU CAN LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON PATREON.
DESCRIPTION:
Bruno talks about on his time in Michael Bolton’s Band, White Lion, and Talas.
Bruno Ravel Interview on Patreon
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Bily Sheehan:
In Birmingham Alabama at IRON CITY tonight with the Winery Dogs! We just got a shipment of the new Talas album ”1985” in colored vinyl (tough to get any record made in ANY vinyl these days!) so we’ll have them at our Winery Dogs merch table—I signed them as well. Thank you! 🍷🐾
Billy Sheehan:
New TALAS video for a brand new recording of “The Farandole”!
Went a little experimental tonight—I had Chinese black rice cooked in organic chicken broth, added it to diced chicken w onion & garlic, then the S&B Japanese curry. Added veg & chicken broth and voila ( or viola if spell checker had its way)— it came out fantastic!
Cooking pasta in home-made Parmesan broth—wow! It smells divine! I’d normally use more liquid, but I didn’t want to dilute the broth. I may be deluded, but my broth’s not diluted! pic.twitter.com/PYgfDSk9x0
— Billy Sheehan (@BillyonBass) August 23, 2022
Brian Slagel:
Classic Hard Rock Band Talas Announce New Album ‘1985.’ Out September 23rd, 2022. PRE-ORDER NOW
TALAS:
Phil Naro: Vocals
Billy Sheehan: Bass
Kire Najdovski: Guitar
Mark Miller: Drums
Throw on 1985 and it only takes a few seconds of opening track “Inner Mounting Flame” to make it abundantly clear that Talas are back, and sounding every bit as good as in their heyday. Formed in the early 70s and dissolved in 1985, they may have never reached arena-headlining status but they were an integral part of the early 80s hard rock scene, and their long awaited return does not disappoint. “The time was right and we were all into it, no one needed any convincing, we were all instantly excited to do it,” explains bassist Billy Sheehan, who is rejoined by drummer Mark Miller and powerhouse vocalist Phil Naro, as well as new recruit Kire Najdovski on guitar. “It’s like we never stopped – everything fell together so easily. It was quite wonderful.” Now they return with 1985, 11 tracks of classic hard rock, picking up where they left off, and it is a release that will have old school fans salivating and new followers fired up with its big riffs, seductive choruses and killer soloing – basically everything that could be wanted from a Talas record.
With all but one song – “Black And Blue” – written in 1985, the album would have been their fourth full-length had they not split, and while they have worked hard to get the best out of them they have not tampered with the tracks or given them a modern twist, letting them live in the era in which they were created. “We wanted a snapshot of our musical life from 1985,” explains Sheehan. “It’s the same spirit, mostly the same people, and it’s bringing the 80s into 2022. The 80s were an amazing time for music and bands, and we were all excited to go back to that, and I would say the record is raw, real, honest, and exhilarating.” With the romping “I’ll Take The Night” and “Don’t Try To Stop Me Tonight” sitting alongside the groovier likes of “Do You Feel Any Better?” and the dirty swagger of “Close To The Killer”, there are a lot of flavors on the record, and all of them delectable, every track maintaining a high standard. Najdovski may be relatively new to the band, but his playing is pure Talas. “He’s a great player with great ideas and a joy to work with. Phil had worked with him previously, so I trusted his judgement, and it worked out perfectly.” The band also welcomed former guitarist Mitch Perry to appear on the record, playing on the two songs that he wrote, “Crystal Clear” and “On The Take”, adding an extra dimension and bringing back more of that old school vibe.
Lyrically, the album covers a lot of ground, but all is honest and from the gut. “I’ll Take The Night” references the fact that back in the day they mostly played clubs late at night. “The nighttime brought out the best audiences and the most fun and wild times. At L’Amour in Brooklyn, NY, we didn’t even go on stage until 1am. Amazing times.” Then there’s “Close To The Killer”, which is “observations from someone ringside at a particularly brutal fight”, and “Don’t Try To Stop Me” comes from the idea that “sometimes you must not allow yourself to be stopped or held back. It’s a musical statement with that in mind.” The artwork also communicates a lot, a shot of a classic Delorean conceptualized by the legendary Hugh Syme (Rush, Fates Warning) that immediately brings to mind Back To The Future, which also came out in 1985, once again paying homage to what Sheehan remembers as being a “very good year!”
The album was recorded in Miller’s living room in the house he built, utilizing a mobile recording setup, and according to Sheehan the sessions were “an absolute joy.” Coordinating everything remotely during the pandemic – with Russ Mackay handling the engineering/mixing/mastering from Toronto – was the hardest aspect of recording, but they managed to pull it all together, making a record that sounds cohesive from start to finish, giving no suggestion that it was anything but a smooth process. As well as Mitch Perry’s guest appearance the band also invited Naro’s son, James, to appear on the record, who “sang some harmonies – like father, like son, he sounded really great.” There are hopes to tour the record, though sadly, after a long battle with cancer, Naro passed in 2021, but thankfully he recorded all of his parts prior to his death, and 1985 stands as a great epitaph to a great vocalist.
Asked why people should be excited for this comeback, Sheehan answers enthusiastically. “Because so many of them were there, with us, and a million other great bands that made the 80s such a special musical experience. And also there are so many who might not have been there but have fallen in love with that spirit as well. We feel a very special bond with them all.”
Billy Sheehan: Private one-on-one Masterclasses! Friday, April 22 & Saturday, April 23! Join me at Lane Music in Brentwood (Nashville) Tennessee! We can sit down together and go over all kinds of things regarding playing, performing, practicing, songwriting, gear—-whatever you’d like! Plus the entire session is pro-shot on video for you to reference any time. I’ve enjoyed doing these over the past year or so— give Todd a call at Lane Music to book a time slot for April 22 or 23. Hope I see you there!
Lane Music
1625 Galleria Blvd.
Brentwood, TN 37027
Todd Austin: 1 615-679-8888
Billy Sheehan:
Well here it is—finally!! The first single from the new TALAS record! God bless Phil for his amazing performance! Mark “machine gun” Miller on drums ( one of the greatest players I’ve ever had the honor of working with!), Kire on guitar, along with Mitch Perry—and somebody on bass. We made it through hell & high water to get this record completed and released. Very special thanks to Mike Faley and everyone at Metal Blade Records for believing in us and allowing us a chance to go back to 1985!!! And supreme gratitude to Russ Mackay and Hugh Syme for their generous and selfless contributions to this endeavor—as well as Scott Bush, Lisa Inzana, and a hundred others.
There’s nothing you can do to stop that inner mounting flame!” screams Phil Naro, the legendary voice of TALAS on the band’s first track in 37 years. TALAS return with the brand new song “Inner Mounting Flame,” featuring vocals by the late TALAS frontman Naro, who passed away in May of 2021. The song is a tour de force of hard rock teetering on metal! “Inner Mounting Flame” marks TALAS’ first taste of new music since 1984’s Live Speed on Ice.
Helmed by world-renowned bassist Billy Sheehan, TALAS is a unique blend of 80’s hard rock infused with the headbanging of modern metal. Cutting through this cacophony of sound is the unmistakable voice of the late Phil Naro who delivered a performance for the ages!
On the track, Sheehan explains, “Inner Mounting Flame is a bombastic, high-speed chaos of adrenaline that we would often use as our opening song at the live TALAS shows in 1985. We stayed close to the original arrangement – this was such a blast to record, and Phil sang his ass off on it. The song title came from a very famous fusion band’s album title (The Mahavishnu Orchestra – Inner Mounting Flame), and was our take on what that flame might be about.”
“Inner Mounting Flame” (produced by Billy Sheehan, Russ Mackay, Scott Bush, and TALAS) is a rocker reminiscent of the Buffalo band’s long storied history which began in the 1970s. Filled out by jaw-dropping drummer Mark Miller, and new addition Kire Najdovski on guitar, TALAS has more news coming soon.
Billy Sheehan: New album coming soon!!
Billy’s longtime manager & Metal Blade Records executive, Michael Faley, posted the following message about the upcoming Talas album:
Album recorded and delivered, just waiting on delivery of artwork and release this year.
full in bloom: What year did Talas form? Who was in the original lineup?
Billy Sheehan: Early ’70s. Myself, Dave Constantino, & Paul Varga.
full in bloom: Why did it take so long for Talas to cut a record?
Billy: We just never thought of it. We were playing constantly.
full in bloom: Where did you record the Talas self-titled album?
Billy: Some studio in Buffalo—not sure which. We just went in & pounded it out in a few days.
full in bloom: How many copies of that record were sold initially? How did you distribute the record?
Billy: They printed 10,000, & sold them all. Local, Buffalo only distribution. It wasn’t released nationally then.
full in bloom: What was your recording budget for Sink Your Teeth Into That? How many copies were sold?
Billy: $10K. We did it in 4 days in Toronto. It went fast, so no real events took place other than playing & singing, then getting back to gig ASAP. About 200 thousand (were sold). More now.
full in bloom: Were you in a version of the Michael Schenker Group?
Billy: I wasn’t. I was flown to London to work on his first record. We got through the pre-production, but then he freaked out, smashed his guitar, smashed his apartment, cut off his hair & they found him laying in the street somewhere & put him away. I left. They called me to return, but I passed on it.
full in bloom: Is there a memory that stands out from that experience?
Billy: Tuning his guitar for him because he was so wasted he couldn’t do it. Also, the smell from lack of bathing or any personal hygiene. Pretty horrible.
full in bloom: In 1982 you were asked to join UFO. How did that gig come about?
Billy: I wasn’t asked to join. They needed a bass player for an upcoming tour & I agreed to do it. Talas opened for UFO (hence the Schenker connection) and they knew who I was. It was supremely un-together. Very sad—I loved that band, and Schenker. Seeing it up close as a dysfunctional, drug infested catastrophe was very disappointing. It broke my heart actually.
full in bloom: What was a typical day like for you during that period?
Billy: I just tried to keep my end together and help the band get through the songs in a show.
full in bloom: How long did you tour with UFO? How many shows?
Billy: About 20 or 30 shows.
full in bloom: When you returned, you reformed Talas. Why did you change the lineup of the band for the Live Speed On Ice album.
Billy: I didn’t. The other guys quit & I was left holding the bag. I got some new guys to continue on. I had no choice.
full in bloom: Eventually Mitch Perry, who previously played in Steeler, had joined the band. Why was he chosen as the guitarist and how was it to work with him?
Billy: Recommendation from a friend. Too much drinking, so we replaced him.
full in bloom: Describe the process leading up to your days with David Lee Roth. What was it like to work with him?
Billy: Process? I don’t know of any process. Talas opened for Van Halen; we kept in touch; Dave called to start a band. Pretty simple really—no “process” involved. We had a blast.. He was & still is a hero of mine.
full in bloom: What was the songwriting process while you were in the band?
Billy: The band would jam in the basement, Dave would run down when we hit on something he liked, then we’d piece it all together. Lots of fun, really.
full in bloom: Describe a typical day on tour, while you were supporting Eat Em’ and Smile. How long did that tour last?
Billy: The same as any other tour. Get in, sound check, show, travel, repeat. Sometimes there’s time to hang & celebrate. (Toured) Many months.
full in bloom: While you were in the band, did you receive a monthly salary?
Billy: I was paid very well. I own all my publishing.
full in bloom: Where was Eat Em’ and Smile recorded.
Billy: Some at Fantasy studios in Berkely, CA, some at the Power Station in NYC. It was a lot of fun & very creative.
full in bloom: Do you remember hearing the finished album for the first time?
Billy: We loved it. We drank, listened some more & celebrated heavily.
full in bloom: What was Dave’s after-show routine?
Billy: We had a lot of fun. Lots of beautiful girls, but none were ever disrespected. We raged.
full in bloom: What was the state of the band when you began recording Skyscraper?
Billy: We were in good spirits, initially. Things changed though. Dave took a different direction.
full in bloom: Why did you leave the band?
Billy: Two different paths. I wanted a different style of music—more like Eat ‘Em & Smile.
full in bloom: 3 fond memories from your days with David Lee Roth.
Billy: Being with him when he went on the Tonight Show, hanging with the band telling stories, the tour.
full in bloom: How much did being in the DLR band affect your Talas record sales?
Billy: A boost for sure
THE FAST 5
full in bloom: What is your most disgusting habit?
Billy: None! I lead a clean life. I’m polite, helpful & considerate of my fellows.
full in bloom: What is the most feminine thing you do?
Billy: Talk baby talk to my cat Spooky, who is the best cat in the world.
full in bloom: If there is a God, what is the first question you would ask God when you arrive?
Billy: When will you go down to Earth and slap all the people who kill in your name.
full in bloom: Greatest Rock band of all time?
Billy: Impossible to say.
full in bloom: What were you doing 40 minutes before you sat down to do this interview?
Billy: Playing a sold out show in Budapest, Hungary w/ Steve Vai.
This interview was conducted in 2005.
Billy Sheehan: Alright!! Done tracking drums on 18 songs for the new TALAS record!! We did it all in just over 1 day. We recorded with a portable set-up at drummer Mark Miller’s home in Rochester NY. What a blast we had!! Mark sounds BETTER THAN EVER!! Quite amazing. More to come!
Alright!! Done tracking drums on 18 songs for the new TALAS record!! We did it all in just over 1 day. We recorded with a portable set-up at drummer Mark Millers home in Rochester NY. What a blast we had!! Mark sounds BETTER THAN EVER!!
Quite amazing. More to come! pic.twitter.com/nHN48Ymfkb— Billy Sheehan (@BillyonBass) February 11, 2020
Billy Sheehan signing contract for a new TALAS studio album with Metal Blade Records. The 4 piece TALAS never recorded a studio album and there is soooo much material to pick from.
Billy Sheehan signing contract for a new TALAS studio album with Metal Blade Records. The 4 piece TALAS never recorded a studio album and there is soooo much material to pick from. Congrats on the new Sons of Apollo album!!! @philnaro @brianslagel @tracyvera pic.twitter.com/7lU9qybzsv
— Metal Blade Records (@MetalBlade) January 18, 2020
Alright!! Done tracking drums on 18 songs for the new TALAS record!! We did it all in just over 1 day. We recorded with a portable set-up at drummer Mark Millers home in Rochester NY. What a blast we had!! Mark sounds BETTER THAN EVER!!
Quite amazing. More to come! pic.twitter.com/nHN48Ymfkb— Billy Sheehan (@BillyonBass) February 11, 2020
Sons of Apollo, the new supergroup featuring Billy Sheehan on bass (Talas, David Lee Roth, The Winery Dogs, Mr. Big), drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs), guitarist Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (ex-Guns N’ Roses), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (ex-Dream Theater) and vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, ex-Journey), will release their debut, Psychotic Symphony, on October 20th via Inside Out / Sony Music . The album teaser has been embedded above.
Sherinian,
The music is modern, but we have an old school soul. What is unique about Sons of Apollo is that we have true rock ‘n’ roll swagger along with the virtuosity — a lethal combination!”
Portnoy,
This is a real band. This is going to pick up for me and Billy where The Winery Dogs left off, in terms of this being the next logical full-time thing for us. I’m not saying The Winery Dogs have broken up, because we haven’t, we’re just on a break. Sons of Apollo is absolutely going to be a full-time band and we plan on touring all over the world all throughout 2018 and, honestly, it is the priority for all five of us.”
