BOULEVARD -'Boulevard IV - Luminescence' and SCHERER/BATTEN -'BattleZone' (Plus MP3 Singles)($36 including Worldwide Shipping)
Scherer/Batten is of course, none other than vocalist MARC SCHERER (Scherer/Peterik) and star guitarist JENNIFER BATTEN (Jeff Beck, Michael Jackson).
Together the pair have teamed up with the same musical talent that featured on the 2015 Peterik/Scherer album ‘Risk Everything’ together with some fresh new faces to help craft an absolute melodic rock gem.
‘BattleZone’ features material exclusively from the Jim Peterik(Ides of March, formerly of Survivor, Pride Of Lions) songbook. Featuring 8 rare musical gems from Jim’s songwriting vault, the album also features 3 brand new tracks, written for this project.
That’s 11 new classic songs, produced by Jim Peterik and featuring the impressive lineup of:
All Lead Vocals: Marc Scherer
All Lead Guitars: Jennifer Batten
Backing Vocals: Marc Scherer, Bill Champlin, Bryan Cole, Brian Hemstock, Danette Pahl
Alternate Lead and Rhythm Guitars: Jennifer Batten, Mike Aquino, Dave Carl, Jim Peterik
Bass Guitars: Bill Syniar, Klem Hayes
Keyboards: Jim Peterik, Christian Cullen, Chris Neville, Barb Unger
Drums: Dave Kelly, Ed Breckenfeld
Sax: Mindi Abair
Additional credits include:
Executive Producer: Danette Pahl
Engineered by: Larry Millas
Mastered by: Larry Millas at World Stage Studios and JK Northrup at Alien Productions
Mixed by: Jim Peterik and Larry Millas
Keyboard Programming: Larry Millas and Christian Cullen
Art Direction and Cover Art: Nello Dell'Omo
Jim Peterik comments: “As a long time enthusiast of Marc Scherer's vocal chops and the expertise of rock guitar goddess Jennifer Batten, you can imagine how excited I am at the release of Scherer/ Batten ‘BattleZone’ album.
As a song writer and producer, it was a dream come true mining some lost gems from my many years in rock, producing them to a new lustre and even writing three brand new cuts with Marc and Jennifer - Cuts Deep, The Harder I Try and the title track BattleZone.
Andrew McNeice and Danette Pahl of Melodic Rock Records gave me the artistic leeway and financial support to create the album of a lifetime.
Working with one of the best engineers in the business, Larry Millas, and musicians like multiple Grammy Award Winner Bill Champlin of Chicago, bassist Bill Syniar (formerly of Survivor), Mike Aquino (guitarist and singer from World Stage), and two-time Grammy Nominated saxophonist, Mindi Abair, along with Dave Kelly and Bryan Cole, brought depth and texture to the tracks that is palpable.
You can hear our excitement in every song. I guess you can see I'm pumped.
I dare you to crank up BattleZone or Tender Fire or Crazy Love and not rediscover why you fell in love with melodic rock in the first place. I double dare ya!!”
Jennifer Batten: “It was such a pleasure to jump into such a high level inspiring project! Marc’s vocals are out of this world, the grooves are kickin’, and working with Jim Peterik is so joyous and creative. I can’t wait to take this to the stage!”
And finally, the vocalist fronting this extraordinary project, Marc Scherer: “Even something as innocuous as lunch with Jim Peterik can inspire great things…
It was during one such meeting that Jim and I conceived of an album showcasing his lost musical treasures. Thanks to the contributions of long-time Peterik enthusiast and personal friend Danette Pahl of MelodicRock Records, we now have lift-off!
While the brain trust of talent surrounding Jim enhances any idea, this album is extra special because it features a collaboration with one of the world’s greatest guitarists, Jennifer Batten – who played three world tours with Michael Jackson and two with Jeff Beck. They say you know when it’s right in the first 30 seconds, but in this case, you can sense the magic in the first few notes. BattleZone blends the songwriting craftsmanship and storytelling genius of Jim Peterik with the artistry of some of the most amazing musicians in the business. As Jennifer observed, the battle can be internal: the fight to be better, to raise the bar and challenge yourself while stirring the musical cauldron. I truly believe that we have captured lightning in a bottle and I’m so eager for everyone to share in this experience.”
Scherer/Batten‘BattleZone’ will be released via MelodicRock Records on CD & Digital September 22.
The lead song ‘Cuts Deep’, which was premiered on the Steve Price Rock Show on ARfm this weekend past, will be released as a digital single this Friday.
For now, please enjoy a short album teaser, a taste of what’s to come:
MelodicRock Records is delighted to announce the release of the new SCHERER / BATTEN album ‘BattleZone’, released worldwide September 22.
NEW PREVIEW!
Scherer/Batten is of course, none other than vocalist MARC SCHERER (Scherer/Peterik) and star guitarist JENNIFER BATTEN (Jeff Beck, Michael Jackson).
Together the pair have teamed up with the same musical talent that featured on the 2015 Peterik/Scherer album ‘Risk Everything’ together with some fresh new faces to help craft an absolute melodic rock gem.
‘BattleZone’ features material exclusively from the Jim Peterik(Ides of March, formerly of Survivor, Pride Of Lions) songbook. Featuring 8 rare musical gems from Jim’s songwriting vault, the album also features 3 brand new tracks, written for this project.
That’s 11 new classic songs, produced by Jim Peterik and featuring the impressive lineup of:
All Lead Vocals: Marc Scherer
All Lead Guitars: Jennifer Batten
Backing Vocals: Marc Scherer, Bill Champlin, Bryan Cole, Brian Hemstock, Danette Pahl
Alternate Lead and Rhythm Guitars: Jennifer Batten, Mike Aquino, Dave Carl, Jim Peterik
Bass Guitars: Bill Syniar, Klem Hayes
Keyboards: Jim Peterik, Christian Cullen, Chris Neville, Barb Unger
Drums: Dave Kelly, Ed Breckenfeld
Sax: Mindi Abair
Additional credits include:
Executive Producer: Danette Pahl
Engineered by: Larry Millas
Mastered by: Larry Millas at World Stage Studios and JK Northrup at Alien Productions
Mixed by: Jim Peterik and Larry Millas
Keyboard Programming: Larry Millas and Christian Cullen
Art Direction and Cover Art: Nello Dell'Omo
Jim Peterik comments: “As a long time enthusiast of Marc Scherer's vocal chops and the expertise of rock guitar goddess Jennifer Batten, you can imagine how excited I am at the release of Scherer/ Batten ‘BattleZone’ album.
As a song writer and producer, it was a dream come true mining some lost gems from my many years in rock, producing them to a new lustre and even writing three brand new cuts with Marc and Jennifer - Cuts Deep, The Harder I Try and the title track BattleZone.
Andrew McNeice and Danette Pahl of Melodic Rock Records gave me the artistic leeway and financial support to create the album of a lifetime.
Working with one of the best engineers in the business, Larry Millas, and musicians like multiple Grammy Award Winner Bill Champlin of Chicago, bassist Bill Syniar (formerly of Survivor), Mike Aquino (guitarist and singer from World Stage), and two-time Grammy Nominated saxophonist, Mindi Abair, along with Dave Kelly and Bryan Cole, brought depth and texture to the tracks that is palpable.
You can hear our excitement in every song. I guess you can see I'm pumped.
I dare you to crank up BattleZone or Tender Fire or Crazy Love and not rediscover why you fell in love with melodic rock in the first place. I double dare ya!!”
Jennifer Batten: “It was such a pleasure to jump into such a high level inspiring project! Marc’s vocals are out of this world, the grooves are kickin’, and working with Jim Peterik is so joyous and creative. I can’t wait to take this to the stage!”
And finally, the vocalist fronting this extraordinary project, Marc Scherer: “Even something as innocuous as lunch with Jim Peterik can inspire great things…
It was during one such meeting that Jim and I conceived of an album showcasing his lost musical treasures. Thanks to the contributions of long-time Peterik enthusiast and personal friend Danette Pahl of MelodicRock Records, we now have lift-off!
While the brain trust of talent surrounding Jim enhances any idea, this album is extra special because it features a collaboration with one of the world’s greatest guitarists, Jennifer Batten – who played three world tours with Michael Jackson and two with Jeff Beck. They say you know when it’s right in the first 30 seconds, but in this case, you can sense the magic in the first few notes. BattleZone blends the songwriting craftsmanship and storytelling genius of Jim Peterik with the artistry of some of the most amazing musicians in the business. As Jennifer observed, the battle can be internal: the fight to be better, to raise the bar and challenge yourself while stirring the musical cauldron. I truly believe that we have captured lightning in a bottle and I’m so eager for everyone to share in this experience.”
Scherer/Batten‘BattleZone’ will be released via MelodicRock Records on CD & Digital September 22.
The lead song ‘Cuts Deep’, which was premiered on the Steve Price Rock Show on ARfm this weekend past, will be released as a digital single this Friday.
For now, please enjoy a short album teaser, a taste of what’s to come:
In episode 109 of One On One With Mitch Lafon, Mitch is joined by a founding member of SURVIVOR, Jim Peterik.
In this episode Jim discusses his new book 'Through The Eye Of The Tiger: The Rock 'N Roll Life Of Survivor's Founding Member', his new collaboration with Marc Scherer called 'Risk Everything', THE IDES OF MARCH Box set 'Last Band Standing - The Definitive 50 Year Anniversary Collection', working with Frankie Sullivan and creating one of rock's most iconic songs, 'Eye Of The Tiger'.
This Episode of One On One With Mitch Lafon is brought to you by the Heavy Montreal Festival taking place on August 7th, 8th and 9th at Parc Jean Drapeau in Montreal. This year featuring Lamb Of God, Slipknot, Korn, Faith No More as well as '80s artists Extreme, Dokken, Lita Ford and Warrant. Visit: http://www.heavymontreal.com
Follow Mitch Lafon on Twitter: @mitchlafon
One on One With Mitch Lafon's Official Twitter is: @1On1WithMitch
And Official Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/OneOnOneMitchLafon
Sir Jim Of Peterik returns with another essential dose of pure, classic melodic rock, on which the songwriter/guitarist/keyboardist has built his career.
And alongside Sir Jim on this occasion is a new partner in crime, a new Knight of the AOR Realm, vocalist Marc Scherer.
This is one for anyone that has appreciated Jim Peterik’s vast contributions to the rock world.
The 80s AOR of Survivor; the pomp of Ides Of March and the birth of Jim’s own identity via Pride Of Lions and his work with Jimi Jamison on Crossroads Moment.
The voice of the Peterik machine is fellow Chicago native Marc Scherer, who whilst having a long local musical history, will now be heralded as ‘another’ Peterik discovery.
His contribution to this album is a vital one. His voice is extraordinary. He lifts these already great tunes into classic territory and the warmth in his tone brightens these songs immeasurably.
Marc has the perfect AOR voice. He mixes Jimi Jamison’s higher range and Toby Hitchcock’s lower register to create another essential voice to Jim’s work. No wonder Jim decided he just had to do an album with him.
Risk Everything has all those Peterik trademarks – soaring vocals, passionate ballads, rousing anthems and feel good lyrics and sentimental melodies.
And for the delight of Peterik fan club members (and perhaps the frustration of others), there’s also a little of Jim’s own unique pomp-n-stage style rock opera friendly songs in the mix.
The quality of this album is to be praised. Risk Everything is akin to the debut Pride Of Lions album and Crossroads Moment and features perhaps the best production quality and mix to date from Jim’s usual band of brothers – Larry Millas, Mike Aquino, Ed Breckenfeld and Bob Lizik.
The vocals have already been praised (as should the multiple harmony vocals throughout – from Marc alongside Alex Ligertwood); the drums are perfect; the mix of keyboards and guitars even and balanced.
The songs hint at classic Survivor, the best of Pride Of Lions and also a determination to stand on their own. Jim and Marc have spent a long time getting this album right over the last few years. It has been worth the wait and I can’t imagine any fans of Jim or Jimi or Toby not eating this up.
There are many highlights – in fact, each track on the 11 song album has its own place and identity. This is also the closest to Survivor I have heard yet from Jim.
After a rousting intro, the album explodes with Risk Everything - one of the AOR songs of 2015 with its driving beat and the rising verse to a long chorus double dose of melody.
Chance Of A Lifetime is almost Vital Signs material such is the keyboard heavy melodic rocker with a feel good aura.
Then there’s Cold Blooded which sounds again like an 80s movie anthem with a modern production and a strong chorus punch.
Desperate In Love has that I Can’t Hold Back kind of classic AOR feel.
Thee Crescendo is everything some love (and some hate) in Jim Peterik’s theatrical side. The over the top pomp rocker and lyrical salute to music belongs on a stage somewhere. Peterik fans will love it as I do.
Elsewhere on the album is the magic big ballad How Long Is A Moment; the Pride Of Lions rocker Brand New Heart; the moody Broken Home and the soaring mid-tempo AOR Milestones which features another great vocal from Marc.
The regular album closes with the feel good, free flowing melodic rock tune Independence Day.
The Japanese edition features 2 bonus tracks.
The Man I Am is almost reminiscent of Ever Since The World Began, but a step up in tempo. It’s a great ‘up’ ballad.
And Moments To Memories is simply another solid Peterik uptempo feel good melodic rock song.
There are two additional tracks recorded for the album that were at the last moment swapped to the Fergie Frederiksen/Jimi Jamison tribute album The Torch.
Both tracks were written in tribute – one for each singer. Heaven Passes The Torch for Jimi – a rousing anthemic AOR track with several guest vocals and some inspired vocals and harmonies.
You’re In Our Hearts is the tribute to Fergie and also sung once again by Marc. And what can you say – it’s a monster ballad that is a fitting tribute to the great man.
You know the sound, you know the style, you know the quality. The only thing left to work out is where you will buy this great album from.
Available Today Along With the album's title track When You Pre Order the new album 'Risk Everything'
New Studio Album Out In Europe 17/4 and North America on 21/4
Frontiers Music Srl has announced an April 17th release date for PETERIK/SCHERER new album 'Risk Everything' in Europe, with North America to follow on April 21st. Fans can now enjoy the new video for the lead single 'Cold Blooded':
The new video features none other than Lee Ann Marie, the girl-now woman who is featured on the original SURVIVOR video 'Can't Hold Back'.
'Risk Everything' is PETERIK / SCHERER anticipated new album which introduces the world the talents of 5 octave singer Marc Scherer on songs specifically penned for his abilities by SURVIVOR founding member Jim Peterik.Co-written by both artists and produced by Peterik, the new album provides the perfect frame for Scherer's gift ' a voice of such astonishing clarity and glass-shattering power that it is hard to believe he isn't already a major star.
Marc Scherer will appear as a special guest of Pride of Lions when they headline at Frontiers Rock Festival II on April 12 in Trezzo Sull'Adda (Milano), Italy. For details, visit www.frontiersrockfestival.com.
MUSICIANS PAY TRIBUTE TO JIMI JAMISON AND FERGIE FREDERIKSEN WITH A SPECIAL, LIMITED RELEASE AT THE FRONTIERS ROCK FESTIVAL II
PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT ST. JUDE AND AMERICAN LIVER FOUNDATION
Frontiers Music SRL is honored to present a special tribute album conceived by iconic GrammyAward winner and founding member of Ides of March, Survivor and Pride of Lions,Jim Peterik, featuring an impressive array of guest musicians. The CD, titled Torch: The Music Remembers Jimi Jamison and Fergie Frederiksen, will be limited to 500 copies, to be sold exclusively at the Frontiers Rock Festival II, held at the Live Club in Trezzo sull'Adda in Milan, Italy on April 11 and 12, 2015. Frontiers and all participating artists have donated their services and the recorded masters, with 100%of all proceeds to benefitSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital and The American Liver Foundation.
Just as the musical influence of Dennis “Fergie” Frederiksen (of Le Roux, Angel, Toto, Frederiksen /Phillips, Mecca) and Jimi Jamison (of Target, Cobra and Survivor) reverberated inside the melodic rock community, news of their passing within months of one another in 2014 sent waves of disbelief and sorrow throughout the brotherhood of singers, songwriters and musicians who had been touched by their talent and their spirit. The loss so profoundly impacted Peterik's core that it was difficult at first to imagine a universe in which their lights no longer shined. After filtering his grief through the cathartic process of songwriting, Jim found solace by gathering a group of mutual friends to commemorate their departed comrades the only way they knew how – with music.
Peterik recently produced and co-wrote the debut album Risk Everything to introduce the world to the stunning, 5-octave tenor of singer Marc Scherer, who will appear onstage with headliners Pride of Lions at the Frontiers Rock Festival II. Scherer is a featured performer on Torch: The Music Remembers Jimi Jamison andFergie Frederiksen, along with stars like Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger, Bill Champlin of Chicago, David Pack from Ambrosia, Mike Reno of Loverboy, Bobby Kimball of Toto, Bruce Gaitsch of Chicago, Alessandro DelVecchio of Hardline, Ricky Phillips of Styx.
As Peterik explains, 'Hopefully, these songs and heartfelt performances will bring healing to all those suffering losses in their lives, as well as serve as a celebration of life itself.'
The album is comprised of four new songs and six rare, alternate or previously unreleased versions of existing songs (some never before heard in Europe), along with six classics distilled from Jimi and Fergie's most recent releases on the Frontiers label.
Passionate and intensely personal, this collection speaks to the heart of anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Torch: The Music Remembers Jimi Jamison and Fergie Frederiksen resists the temptation to wallow in sadness, choosing instead to joyously celebrate two beautiful souls who made the world a better place through the transcendent, healing power of song.
Please enjoy an EPK trailer of the album:
Tracklist:
1.) The Music Remembers (A new song featuring Lars Säfsund and Robert Säll of Work of Art)
2.) Heaven Passes the Torch ( A new song featuring Marc Scherer, Mike Reno, Bobby Kimball, Bill Champlin and Jim Peterik)
3.) Never Too Late (Taken from the Jimi Jamison album by the same name)
4.) I'll Be the One (Taken from the Fergie Frederiksen album, Any Given Moment)
5.) Crossroads Moment (Torch Remix) (Previously unreleased - Original version included on the Jimi Jamison album by the same name)
6.) Follow Your Heart (From the Fergie Frederiksen album, Happiness is the Road)
7.) Heaven on Earth (From the Pride of Lions album, The Roaring of Dreams)
8.) Never Enough (A new song, featuring David Pack, formerly of Ambrosia)
9.) Last Battle of My War – Fergie and Friends Version – (Previously unreleased; featuring Bill Champlin, Alessandro Del Vecchio, Bruce Gaitsch, Ricky Phillips and Jim Peterik. Original version was included on the Fergie Frederiksen album, Any Given Moment)
10.) As Is - Treasure Beneath the Tears Mix (Previously unreleased; original version was included on the Jimi Jamison album, Crossroads Moment)
11.) Happiness is the Road (From the Fergie Frederiksen album of the same name)
12.) You're in Our Hearts (A new song featuring Marc Scherer)
13.) Long Road Home (From the album World Stage, featuring Jim Peterik and Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger)
14.) Alive (Original European Bonus Track from the Jimi Jamison album, Crossroads Moment)
15.) When the Battle is Over (From the Fergie Frederiksen album, Any GivenMoment)
16.) Streets of Heaven (Original Japanese Bonus Track from the Jimi Jamison album, Crossroads Moment)
RISK EVERYTHING – to be released on Frontiers in April
Frontiers Music SRL presents an album from legendary Grammy Award-winner and founding member of Survivor, Jim Peterik, created around the 5-octave instrument that is Marc Scherer's voice. The resulting CD, Risk Everything, is slated to drop on April 17thin Europe and April 21st in North America.
Jim discovered Scherer's talent while Marc was recording vocals for his band at Jim Peterik's World Stage International studios in Burr Ridge, outside Chicago. Impressed with what he heard, Peterik chose Marc to demo the tunes he wrote for the Pride of Lions album, Immortal. Scherer's back-up singing blended so seamlessly with frontman Toby Hitchcock's voice that Peterik was then inspired to write songs specifically for it.
'When I first heard Marc's amazing voice pouring through my studio door, I could not believe my ears', says Jim. 'Truly, one of the best voices I've heard – and I've worked with the best!'
One of the songs originally intended for Immortal -Change Everything - became Marc's debut single on a compilation of melodic rock artists titled MRCD - 15 Years Later, which is available from www.melodicrock.com.
Risk Everything, co-written by both artists and produced by Peterik, provides the perfect frame for Scherer's gift – a voice of such astonishing clarity and glass-shattering power that it is hard to believe he isn't already a major star.
An integral part of Peterik's genius is his ability to tap into and perfectly utilize the talent that surrounds him. For this project, he called on Pride of Lions drummer Ed Breckenfeld and Buddy Rich's grandson, Nick Rich, for percussion. Then, he got bassists like Klem Hayes (also from Pride of Lions), Survivor's Bill Syniar and noted studio musician Bob Lizik to contribute. POL's Mike Aquino was smoking hot on guitar, along with Jim, who doubled on keys. Guest vocalists Toby Hitchcock, Santana'sAlex Ligertwood and Broadway star of Wicked,Shoshana Bean, rounded out the creative brain trust.
As Scherer says, 'Jim and I have had a few near-miss opportunities to work together, but the stars didn't align until this project. I am utterly in awe of the man's songwriting, producing and musical talent. He takes guitar playing to another level. His work on Cold Blooded is so nuanced and expressive, it's like another voice singing along with me.'
One listen to that Survivor-inspired track or the Styx-influenced TheeCrescendo proves that Risk Everything has brought out some of the finest songwriting of Jim Peterik's phenomenal career, enhanced by Scherer's powerful, off-the-chain, melodic rock tenor.
Scherer will appear as a special guest of Pride of Lions when they headline at Frontiers Rock Festival II on April 12th in Trezzo Sull'Adda (Milano), Italy. There will also be a special surprise Festival only release from Jim Peterik (featuring Marc Scherer and more legendary artists) to be announced shortly. For details, visit www.frontiersrockfestival.com
Enjoy an EPK trailer of the album:
The Risk Everything track list includes: Risk Everything; Chance of a Lifetime; Cold Blooded; Desperate in Love; Thee Crescendo; The Dying of the Light; How Long is a Moment; Brand New Heart; Broken Home; Milestones and Independence Day.
Lead Vocals: Marc Scherer
Guitar: Mike Aquino, Jim Peterik
Keyboards: Jim Peterik
Drums: Ed Breckenfeld, Nick Rich
Bass: Klem Hayes, Bob Lizik, Bill Syniar
Guest and Backing Vocals: Toby Hitchcock, Alex Ligertwood, Shoshana Bean
