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Legendary solo artist, Joe Lynn Turner is one of the greatest vocalists in the history of rock music as we know it today. Joe Lynn Turner has undoubtedly influenced countless bands, singers and songwriters, throughout his incredible musical career so far.
As most people know, Joe's career really kicked into gear when Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple/Rainbow) recruited Joe to join his band, Rainbow. During the singer's time with Rainbow, he not only sang and co-wrote some of the most timeless songs ever, such as "Stone Cold," and "Street Of Dreams, he also helped put Rainbow on top of the charts with these great melodic songs. Turner recorded three great albums with Rainbow and enjoyed the success of the album sales, along with the exposure the band got on MTV.
After the Rainbow years, Joe went on to record his first solo album titled, "Rescue You," which also received great reviews and much success. Around 1989 Joe replaced Ian Gillan, and became the lead singer for one of his all-time favorite bands, Deep Purple! JLT and Deep Purple put out a kick ass album titled, "Slaves And Masters," in 1990, and embarked on a world tour in support of the album.
After Joe Lynn Turner's time with Deep Purple, he has recorded numerous solo albums, such as "Under Cover," "Holy Man," and one of his latest albums, "The Usual Suspects," just to name a couple. JLT has worked with many great artists over the years, and has worked on several projects, such as his collaboration with Deep Purple Bassist/Vocalist, Glenn Hughes. Turner and Hughes called their project the "Hughes Turner Project," (HTP) and recorded two awesome studio albums, (HTP and HTP 2) which included special guests such as John Sykes,(Whitesnake/Thin Lizzy) and Steve Vai, (David Lee Roth/Frank Zappa/Whitesnake) just to name a couple of the great artists that were involved.
Joe is currently still working and recording, and recently just got back from a tour of Turkey. JLT is without a doubt, one of the hardest working artists in this business, and has had the opportunity to enjoy huge success over the years. For me to list everything this legendary vocalist has done so far in his awesome career, would take forever and a day! I can't tell you how excited we are here at GlamMetal.com TM to have this exclusive interview with the legendary Joe Lynn Turner! Enjoy!
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Joe Lynn Turner, welcome to GlamMetal.com TM, how are you?
I am doing great! I just got back from an amazing tour in Turkey and had some relaxing vacation days built into the trip on the Marmara Sea. It was like paradise. But I am glad to be home with my family.
I've got to say, we at GlamMetal.com TM are big fans, and it's an honor to have you here man!
Thank you for your kind words.
You just got back from Turkey, welcome home! How was the "Coca Cola Soundwave Tour," and how many shows did you play over there?
It was awesome! First class all the way, thanks to the fact that Coca Cola sponsored the tour. The accomodations were excellent, the people were wonderful. We played before 20-50 thousand a night. It was like Woodstock only held at major Universities. Cem Koksal and the band was great.
Was this your first time playing in Turkey, and how does the audience differ from audiences here in the states, if at all?
It was not the first time, but the first time on a longer tour. Most of the rock audience does not speak English. But what was cool was they get the idea behind the songs. Rock is rock. The audience there was very passionate. Loyal!
How many songs off your two latest albums, "The Usual Susupects," and "Fire Without Flame," made the set-list, and how well of a response did you receive from the new material?
We managed to work "Power of Love" into a few shows, but sometimes we did
not have the time. We had to limit our set time because other bands were part
of the festival. We did do some Rainbow and Purple stuff which is actually more
legendary to this audience anyway.
I understand that you were touring with guitar virtuoso, Cem Koksal. Please tell us a little about him, and how you happened to hook up with him.
He got in touch with me last year for this event, and unfortunately I was busy and could not do it. I made sure I was able to do it this year. It was a life changing experience. I felt like I was "King of the country." This feeling really brings up the performance level. I had to be on my game.
You always have great musicians recording and performing with you Joe, who's curently in your band now?
My solo band members vary, but I have the "usual suspects" who I try and recruit for as many solo shows as their schedule allows. If you go to my website: www.joelynnturner.com and navigate to Bio, you can read about it. There is also a lot about "the usual suspects" in the LATEST NEWS archives on my site.
Do you plan to tour here in the states, and if so, do you have any confirmed dates as of yet?
We always have dates in the works, but nothing is CONFIRMED unless you read it ONLY on MY OFFICIAL WEBSITE which is: www.joelynnturner.com
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I also understand that your latest record, "Fire Without Flame," is currently out in Japan and Europe. Will it be released in the states, and if so, when?
There are no confirmed plans to release it in the USA as of the date of this interview. But...that could change. You know...rock and roll, things always change!
How would you best describe "Fire Without Flame," and how does it compare to your previous albums?
It's two visions as opposed to one. How do I compare it? Somewhat similar to my solo albums, because I did write the lyrics, melodies and sing the tracks. It's almost like half a solo album. I prefer that critics and fans to compare it, and let me know what they think.
I absolutely love your ninth solo release, "The Usual Suspects." For those who haven't heard it Joe, could you describe it as well, and tell us what other artist performed on this amazing record?
Thanks! It's all on my website. www.joelynnturner.com
It says....
Turner's most recent CD, "The Usual Suspects," (Yamaha Records-Japan; Frontiers Records-Europe) is his 9th solo album to date. It features several well-known musicians who were part of the JLT All Star Band at one point and also favorite collaboration partners of Joe's (hence the album title "The Usual Suspects"). The players on the new disc include: Al Pitrelli (Megadeth, Savatage, Trans Siberian Orchestra) and Karl Cochran (Ace Frehley) on guitar, David Z on bass,John O'Reilly (Rainbow) on drums, Paul Morris (Rainbow), Andy Burton on keyboards and Nancy Bender on background vocals. Joe describes "The Usual Suspects" as a return to the melodic rock that is more reminiscent of his Rainbow days. He says, "For the first time ever, I recorded the vocals in the comfort of my home. Gary Tole (Bonjovi) engineered it. It's a return to something that was part of me, part of my past. It has big choruses but also rocks hard in a lot of places. I am very proud of the album".
What's a couple of your favorite tracks off the record?
I have no faves. They are all like children to me. I like all the tracks for different reasons, and in different ways. People always ask me this, and I will keep giving the same answer because it is true. I would prefer if fans would tell me what THEIR favorite tracks are.
Where can fans pick up these two great albums?
"The Usual Suspects" is out in Europe and Japan, domestically. It is out in other countries as an import. But, you can also buy it online via my website. Here is the link:
http://www.joelynnturner.com/index.jsp?pageName=OnLine_Store
As for "Fire Without Flame" with Akira, that is also available in some countries in Europe and in Japan domestically. It is available as an import in the USA and other countries.
You've worked with so many great artists over the years, is there anyone you haven't worked with yet, that you'd like to?
Most of them are dead. I would have loved to work with Hendrix. Cem Koksal, the Turkish guitarist I just finished touring with, was a great find. Probably too many to mention. I have been fortunate to work with some really talented people over the years.
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In other news, you're going to Japan to perform some Rainbow songs with the New Japan Philharmonic! When will this event take place, and how did this happen to come about?
The Conductor was working on this for two years, and it is finally coming to fruition.
If you go to my website and click on this link:
http://www.joelynnturner.com/index.jsp
There is a news item:
JLT and New Japan Philharmonic team up for Symphonic Rainbow Concert.
Read what that says and it will direct you to a link all about this amazing event.
Obviously, performing with an orchestra is something new for you, what are your thoughts on this special performance, and how many Rainbow songs will you perform?
It's not new... we did it with Rainbow in Japan. However, this context is new...an 80 piece orchestra, and they are doing the arrangements. There is no rock band. Rainbow was in front of the orchestra the time we did it. This time...it's me and the orchestra. I am looking forward to it! It should be an amazing experience!!
Speaking of Rainbow, do you still stay in contact with Ritchie Blackmore, or any of your ex-bandmates from Rainbow or Deep Purple?
I received a nice e-mail from Ritchie and Candace. They loved the contribution I made to their new CD...the duet with Candace, a Blackmore's Night version of "Street of Dreams." I have been to some Purple shows. When I see the guys it is always a hug and a beer.
You know what would be great!? A Rainbow reunion! What are the chances of ever seeing a Rainbow reunion Joe?
I agree it would be great, and I am open to the idea if the situation was right.
The "Hughes Turner Project, (HTP) that you and Glenn Hughes put together, was very successful. You guys put out two kick ass studio records, which got great reviews worldwide! Have you and Glenn talked about recording a third album anytime soon?
Thank you for the kind words. I never say never. I think we can go back and capture some more magic in the collaboration we had. But right now, Glenn is doing his thing, and I also have a hectic schedule.
I've got to ask Joe, how did you get the nickname "The Reverend?"
Given too much alcohol, I can sometimes pontificate and preach to excess...(Laughs) But even when I do not have any alcohol, I sometimes philosophize openly. My Media Relations woman wants me to have my own radio show. Hey...you never know! It could happen!
What were a couple of your favorite Glam-Metal bands from back in the day Joe?
T Rex, NY Dolls. I am sure there are others. The Sweet. I loved Bowie in that era as well. Back then Glam and rock...were mixed. I remember many bands...even local bands....with platforms and makeup, but they were not officially glam per se.
What do you like to do for fun, when you're not working, or touring the world Joe?
Catching up on sleep! I am always working, so a good night's sleep is always a great thing. I also like spending quality time with my family and dog, Lola Bella.
What are your thoughts on this MySpace craze these days?
It's kind of crazy. It's all about everyone blogging about their lives. There are both good and bad aspects about it. It seems to empower people, or make them feel like they are living in their own "reality TV" show.
You've been in the music business for years now, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians trying to get into this crazy business today?
It's a different world now. I have the same old philosophy I always have had though, and that is follow your dream... stick with it even though the methodology has changed. Focus... dedication...put in some hard work.
What is one thing that makes you the most happy, and what's one thing that pisses you off the most in this world that we live in?
It would take me ten pages to answer this question! (Laughs)
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Any new bands out there that you really dig at the moment Joe?
A lot of bands have some good songs, but when you check out the entire album, the album may not be real strong throughout. I keep very current with today's music, and my teenage daughter is always turning me to stuff like...The Killers, All American Rejects, etc... Overall, I'd say there are some decent songs being made by current rock bands, but not as many albums as a whole.
Do you currently have any other projects going on, or any other news you'd like to share with GlamMetal.com TM?
It's all on my official website: www.joelynnturner.com
My site is updated several times a week so it is always current.
In closing, anything you'd like to say to all of your fans and out there?
MANY thanks for your support!! I love you all !!
Joe, I can't thank you enough for taking the time with us here at GlamMetal.com TM Good luck with everything man!
You are welcome!
Anyone who wants to find out more on what Joe Lynn Turner is doing, go to www.joelynnturner.com
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