SHOOTING STAR: Circles

SHOOTING STAR: Circles

Cover	Release	Style
	2006-07-07	melodic rock
	Label
	www.frontiers.it
	Website
	www.shootingstarmaniacs.com
	Contact
	info@cowtowndigital.com
	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	52:03	FR CD 291
	Review by	Rating
	Johan	7,5/10
nederlands	Review
The story starts when 5-year-old Ron Verlin meets Van McLain (also 5 years old) in Kansas City. After seeing The Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964, the duo decide to take music classes, after which they start Shooting Stars. Ten years later, the band stops playing covers and starts doing their own songs. A few years on, and Virgin signs the band, now called Shooting Star. With a line-up of Van McLain (g), Ron Verlin (b), Steve Thomas (d), Charles Waltz (violin) and extra keyboarder Bill Guffey, they record the self-titled debut, followed by a US tour with Robin Trower. Four albums follow and they tour with a.o. Cheap Trick, Starship, Journey, Heart and Bryan Adams. In 1986, the band breaks up, and fans are frustrated that their albums aren’t available, despite the fact they’re still played on the radio. In July 1989 “The Best Of Shooting Star” is released, the first time on cd. This includes the new “Touch Me Tonight”. With this successful release, fans start demanding new material, and the band are signed by Enigma. Ron Verlin and Van Mc Lain recruit Dennis Lafoon (keys), Ron Lincoln (drums) and Keith Mitchell (vocals). The sixth album “It’s Over Now” appears, and they tour with Bad English, Bryan Adams and 38 Special. After that, there’s a long period, during which the band only plays occasionally. It is 1999 when Van McLain meets his old friend, producer Kevin Beamish (REO Speedwagon, Jefferson Starship, Night Ranger). Soon, there are plans to record a new album, “Leap Of Faith”, followed by lots of shows. In recognition of the tragic events at the WTC towers, McLain writes “Let It Roll”, which is released on the DVD “Tonight”, filmed in 2002. Lots of shows follow and after 20 years – in 2004 – Steve Thomas returns as successor to violinist Shane Michaels. At about the same time, they get a deal with frontiers Records to release their 8th album, “Circles”. During the recording, Keith Mitchell leaves the band, and the recordings are finished with Kevin Chalfant (The Storm, Two Fires). This seems to have been a great choice, because Chalfant is an incredible singer. Full credit to the other musicians as well, who are able to revive the old sound. I couldn’t find one weak spot during the listening of this album. It’s full of melodic rock songs in the style of Seventh Key/Billy Greer. Here’s hoping we won’t have to wait another six years for the next album.
Musicians
Kevin Chalfant: Lead vocals Van McLain: Guitars, Vocals Dennis Laffoon: Keyboards Shane Michaels: Violin Ron Verlin: Bass Steve Thomas: Drums
Tracklist
Runaway (4:59) Without Love (4:42) Trouble in Paradise (4:23) George’s Song (5:05) Borrowed Time (4:40) Everybody’s Crazy (4:54) Temptation (5:45) I’m A Survivor (5:39) We’re Not Alone (6:04) What Love Is (5:49)
Discography
Shooting Star (1980) Hang On For Your Life (1981) III Wishes (1982) Burning (1983) Silent Scream (1985) Best of Shooting Star (1989) It’s Not Over (1991) Live (1994) Leap Of Faith (2000) Tonight DVD (2002) Circles (2006)

Website in order to promote progressive rock to a broader audience in Flanders but also in the entire world. No part from this website may be used in any other publication whether in print or on the world wide web without the editor's consent - all material is exclusive to Prog-Nose and copyright protected.


Beekstraat 1 - B-2640 Mortsel - Belgium