Liberty n' Justice "The Cigar Chronicles" Review

I’m honored to be one of the first to have listened to Liberty N’ Justice’s soon-to-be released double-disc 26-song opus “The Cigar Chronicles:  Volume 1 & 2.” This album features the talents of Justin Murr , JK Northrup, and CJ Snare, along with approximately 70 guest musicians from bands such as Guns N’ Roses, Firehouse, Warrant, LA Guns, Winger, Quiet Riot, Cinderella, Twisted Sister, Great White, Nelson, Alice Cooper, Stryper,  Slaughter …the list goes on and on. This truly is a rock collaboration unlike any other.

The first volume includes 13 unlikely cover songs of past pop and rock hits. These cleverly constructed arrangements by Northrup and Murr are sure to have you singing along with MMMBop and rockin’ out to Ice Ice Baby.  All of these covers are respectable, but a few standout tracks for me are (in no particular order):

• “I Can’t Dance”  
• “Queen of the Night” 
• “Iris” 
• “Ice Ice Baby”  
• “Pride (In The Name Of Love)” 
• “Stayin’ Alive” 
• “YMCA”

The second volume consists of 13 original songs written by Justin Murr and JK Northrup (with additional co-writing help from Gunnar Nelson on “Cupid’s Gonna Bleed” and Rick Stitch on “Sucker Punched”).  Now, one might think that a collection of original songs wouldn’t be capable of measuring up to an album full of proven hits, but that’s not the case here. Murr and Northrup churn out hit after hit after hit. A few highlights (which exclude the song I provided vocals on, “The Greatest,” - obviously a hit) are:

•  “Devil His Dues”
•  “Under Construction”
•  “Cupid’s  Gonna Bleed”
•  “Sucker Punched”
•  “Sin”
•  “Daddy Long Legs'

A few notes: 

CJ Snare mixed/mastered Volume 1 (covers)

JK Northrup mixed/mastered Volume 2 (originals)

Mucho kudos to JK Northup for being such a huge part of the production, performances, and success of this album!

And good luck to Mr. LnJ himself, Justin Murr, trying to top this masterpiece. Actually, fans won’t have to wait too long following “The Cigar Chronicles” before another magnificent chapter for Liberty n’ Justice unveils :) 

Come support Liberty n' Justice here: Liberty n' Justice official facebook page

View track listing and musicians involved here:  "The Cigar Chronicles" track listing

I've just completed my 2nd kid's song (Quetzalcoatlus), and I've enjoyed writing these 1st two so much that I think I'll go ahead and create enough songs to put together a whole children's album, continuing with the Prehistoric animal theme. It may take half a year or so - depending on the flow of my creative juices - but it'll be worth it. For now, you and your kids can enjoy my first two kid's tunes below.

Perry the Parasaurolophus

Quetzalcoatlus

April - June 2012 vocal work

Over the past few months I've had the pleasure of recording some great music. I was asked to be part of a progressive rock project - contributing on two epic songs, both over 8 minutes in length and full of beautiful melodies and musical transitions. 

Songwriter Jonathon Brannon wrote two unbelievable songs, "Hero" and "Gone Away". I sang and manipulated the hook parts on the hip hop track "Hero", alongside talented rapper/lyricist Brian "Cujo" Couto. And on "Gone Away" I recorded all vocal parts and also contributed to the melodies on that - most notably in the chorus.

In May and June, I was hired to sing vocals on covers of a few 80's rock tunes: Motley Crue's "Smokin' In The Boys Room", Cinderella's "Shake Me", and Kiss' "Heaven's On Fire". There may be a few more of those to come in the near future.




Two other songwriter's I've enjoyed working with recently are Claudio Rebelo and Geoff Walter. Claudio is a songwriter from Portugal, but currently resides in Switzerland. The song I worked on for him is a laid back pop tune. It's emotional and very modern sounding with great lyrics and a very catchy chorus melody.
 

I've worked on three songs with California songwriter Geoff Walter over the past two months. Geoff is an excellent lyricist and I would describe his music as modern rock, with a hint of pop and melodic rock.




Some other projects I've worked on recently:

• Two songs for February Fallen's 2nd album
• A tune with a songwriter from Amsterdam, Netherlands (I recorded 3 songs for him last year)
• Several karaoke tracks with DC Media Productions - from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• A jingle for a jingle writer in Arizona.
• A pop/r&b demo for a former "America's Got Talent" contestant

February Fallen release

Last year I was contacted by a mate in Australia, Steven Kolb, who was looking for a Rock singer for his project, February Fallen. I recorded one song for him and he loved my voice and asked if I'd be interested in recording a whole album with him. Well, 23 songs later we have two albums worth of material. February Fallen: Black, the first of the two albums was released in March 2012. The album is available for download via CDbaby.com and iTunes for $9.99 and includes 12 great songs. 

I recommend this album for all fans of Rock music. Memorable melodies and thoughtful lyrics are the highlights throughout the album. 

Two singles have already been released as videos: 

Addicted:

Dancing:

Enjoy! And stay tuned for the release of February Fallen: White - the second album.

David

ROXXcast Interview

Check out the interview I participated in along with Justin Murr (Liberty N Justice), CJ Snare (Firehouse, Rubicon Cross), Louis St August (MASS), and Mark Lanoue (BILOXI, CHASING KARMA ...then purchase your copy of Liberty N Justice "Hell is Coming to Breakfast"!

ROXXcast Episode 3

Liberty N Justice preorders

Liberty N' Justice 'Hell Is Coming To Breakfast'

The song I co-wrote with Justin Murr (Liberty N' Justice) and CJ Snare (Firehouse), 'Your Memory Just Won't Do', has been added to the upcoming release Liberty N' Justice 'Hell Is Coming To Breakfast', which is scheduled for release on March 1st. Check out all the other artists involved and pre-order a copy here: http://roxxproductions.storenvy.com/products/216765-liberty-n-justice-hell-is-coming-to-breakfast-cd-only