John Macaluso
Encyclopedia
John Macaluso is an American
drummer
born in 1968, who has played for Ark, TNT
, Yngwie J. Malmsteen
among others. Born in Commack, New York, John started playing drums at age 11. Now having recorded on 32 records and playing on multiple world tours, John continues to write and record music, perform live, do clinics and teach. John Vincent Macaluso, a freshman at St. Croix Country Day School, is 15 as of November 22, 2011.
), who John says, "his playing and teaching changed my life". He later began instruction with under the wing of Rod Morgenstein
(Dixie Dregs
), Dom Famularo and Tommy Aldridge
(Ozzy Ozbourne). At the ambitious age of 18, John leaves his hometown for California to attend the Percussion Institute of Technology. It was here that he studied under Ralph Humphrey (Frank Zappa
), Casey Schuerelle, and Joey Heredia. This is where John says "My passion with odd times and rhythms and understanding them began". That same year, John was hired for his first tour as well as recording with guitarist Paul Hansen in Germany.
, who is now a long time friend. John and Alex have toured and recorded together since 1987 and are still at it to this day. John appears on several of Alex’s solo records, such as Vertical Invader and the writing collaboration Late Nights At Deserts Rim Rock. The two would then go on to record with bassist Randy Coven to form the trio MCM
, Masi, Coven, Macaluso. MCM released the critically acclaimed album, Ritual Factory and its live counterpart, MCM Live 1900 Hard Times.
John joins Powermad
in the late 1980s and releases Absolute Power on Warner Bros. Records
. Movie director David Lynch
had come across Absolute Power while writing the Nicolas Cage
film, Wild at Heart
. Lynch enjoyed the album so much that he then decides to feature the track Slaughter House in one scene of the movie. Powermad was flown to California and John Macaluso makes his motion picture debut in two scenes with actors Nicolas Cage
and Laura Dern
. Wild at Heart
went on to win the Cannes Film Festival
First Place Prize. After touring for almost a year straight, John would end his tenure with Powermad and join the Norwegian based juggernaut, TNT
.
The main riff of the Powermad
song Slaughterhouse was also featured as the backing track of an animated self-promotional ad frequently running on MTV Europe
in the early 1990s.
John records two albums with TNT (one live, One studio) and tours around the globe until the band’s demise in 1992. Shortly thereafter, John returns to New York to join Riot
, replacing Bobby Jarzombek
(Rob Halford
). Riot tours extensively, spanning Europe, Japan and the United States on several occasions. It was not long before Riot has John appear on The Brethren of the Long House. It was at this point where John would close the book on his run with Riot while discovering a phenomenal Norwegian guitar player.
, Norway
where John would cross paths with guitarist Tore Østby
. Together, John and Tore had an immediate musical amalgamation of styles in the realm of a heavy groove, progressive rock mixed with a Latin feel. Blending flamenco guitars, double bass drumming and Pink Floyd
like moods, this sound would go on to form the progressive metal force known as Ark. Exploding with incredible reviews on their two albums, Ark impresses fans from around the world with their originality and live performances. Consisting of the world renowned vocalist Jørn Lande
, bassist Randy Coven (Mountain
, Malmsteen), and Mats Olausson
(Malmsteen), the band’s short history has made history to some. John Macaluso played a vital role in the bands formation, writing and recording, having the two albums, ARK
and Burn the Sun, under his belt.
John Macaluso would soon gain the attention and favor of guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, using the first Ark album as the platform to jump to his next project. Yngwie flipped over John’s playing and loved Ark so much that he instantly hired John to fly down to Florida to rehearse and record Alchemy
. It was this album that proved be a benchmark for John, having a drum solo on the record and being the only drummer ever to record a drum solo on a Yngwie Malmsteen album. John spends three years recording four albums with Malmsteen, spanning multiple world tours. After his tenure with the Swedish guitar god, John reunited with former Ark members to write and record music until the band’s split in 2003.
of Dokken
, travelling all over the United States.
After attending The NAMM Show in California, John learns from drummer Mike Portnoy
of Dream Theater
that his singer, James LaBrie
, was looking for a drummer to bring on tour for his solo record Elements Of Persuasion
. With Mike’s recommendation, John receives the call from James and finds himself touring the world yet again. John claims, "This was one of my favorite tours ever, such a great time and great grooving band." He would later satisfy his taste for writing again and put out a solo record where he is joined by friends and fellow musicians James LaBrie
and guitarist from the band, Marco Sfogli
.
During his free time on and off the road John would write and record beats, fills and document the techniques and theories that he claims had given him a style and a sound like no other. He would later organize and publish his documentation in a drum method book entitled Repercussions
. John says, "The book is not just a book of beats and fills but besides that, its a book on opening your creativity on the drum kit. I feel the most important thing a drummer could have is a personal signature. This book will show you ways to build on that, through drum sound and tuning, hand techniques, recording tips and stories, learning when not to play, playing to a click and the three major ways to do it. This covers moments in time that have changed my life and the lives of drummers worldwide. It’s not drumming as a hobby, but drumming as a lifestyle. It’s stories and graphics including a CD that can also entertain even non-drummers." John’s book, available on his website at http://www.johnmacaluso.com, is endorsed by drummers Joe Franco, Nicko McBrain
(Iron Maiden
) and Bobby Jarzombek
(Rob Halford
).
Now having a resume which includes records with artists such as Delmar Brown (Sting), KRS-One
, Felicia Collins
and Hernan Romero, John will soon find himself back with his old friend from TNT
, singer Tony Harnell
to form Starbreaker
. Starbreaker was well received by music fans, journalists and criticts alike. John now continues to perform with friend and world renowned pianist, Vitalij Kuprij
. The two have a duo that tours and performs. John has recorded two of Vitalij’s studio albums, namely Vitalij Kuprij’s Revenge and Galacial Inferno.
for publishing and distribution. This record, entitled John Macaluso & UNION RADIO, has got nothing but top reviews by journalists and music lovers worldwide - truly an album that has to be heard to be believed. It is a drummer’s solo album but the drumming is just a piece of its brilliance. The songwriting, sound, production and melodies are outstanding. The album has a very dark vibe but is also uplifting. It is closely resembling a "Pink Floyd meets Rush hanging out with Radio Head and Zeppelin". Full length audio tracks are available on http://www.johnmacaluso.com. Macaluso says, "This album was like my National Geographic Adventure to make. I knew who I wanted on the record and was going to go through any length to get them on the there and record and write, on the spot with them. This is why my album took a year and a half to write and record. I traveled to Italy to write and record with Marco Sfogli
(James LaBrie
Band), to France for Keys, Pennsylvania for piano with Vitalij Kuprij
, James LaBrie
recorded vocals in Canada. I went to California to do guitar with Alex Masi
, England, New Jersey and of course New York where I did all my drums. It was a trip and a half, but the result is bigger than I ever imagined. I told myself ‘if I am going to make a record, I am going to make A RECORD’, and so I did, despite the cost or time. I am very proud of UNION RADIO and everyone on it kicked as for me and delivered some of the best performances I have ever heard them do. I have recorded and been on tours, in hotels, bars, tour busses and all over with the musicians on my record so I have heard what they can do. They all raised the bar on this album and kicked, Mike DiMeo
, Adrian Holtz, James LaBrie
, Randy Coven, DiMuti who really kicked, Ze Gray, Vitalij Kuprij
, Larry Meyer, Don Chaffin, Alex Rastopchin, Fabrizio Grossi
, Donna and Laura Macaluso, Kristen Drewes, Suzi, Dina Cook, Jack Frost
and many more, thanks!"
The album received high praise from Sea of Tranquility reviewer Murat Batmaz. The same webzine also interviewed John Macaluso about his album who pointed out there will be a follow-up to it and said the title of the album was inspired by a book he read while he was writing the third ARK album. When the album never came out due to the break-up of the band, Jorn Lande's replacement-to-be, Adrian Holtz, was asked to perform some songs on the album.
John is planning to tour for his solo record as well as an upcoming drum clinic tour playing to the album tracks.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
born in 1968, who has played for Ark, TNT
TNT (band)
TNT is a Norwegian hard rock/glam metal band from Trondheim, formed in 1982. The band has released twelve studio albums, three EPs and two live albums while going through numerous line-up changes since its formation...
, Yngwie J. Malmsteen
Yngwie J. Malmsteen
Yngwie Johann Malmsteen is a Swedish guitarist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader. Malmsteen became known for his neo-classical playing approach in heavy metal music which became a new musical style in the early 1980s.- Early life :...
among others. Born in Commack, New York, John started playing drums at age 11. Now having recorded on 32 records and playing on multiple world tours, John continues to write and record music, perform live, do clinics and teach. John Vincent Macaluso, a freshman at St. Croix Country Day School, is 15 as of November 22, 2011.
Education
John began his studies with his friend and mentor, Joe Fanco (Good RatsThe Good Rats
The Good Rats are a rock band from Long Island, New York. Their music mixes elements of rock with blues and pop. Although they have had some success both nationally and internationally, it's on their native Long Island that they have always been best known....
), who John says, "his playing and teaching changed my life". He later began instruction with under the wing of Rod Morgenstein
Rod Morgenstein
Rod Morgenstein is an American drummer and music educator. He is best known for his work with the late '80s Heavy metal band Winger and with the Jazz fusion band Dixie Dregs. He also played with Fiona, Platypus, The Steve Morse Band, and Jelly Jam...
(Dixie Dregs
Dixie Dregs
The Dixie Dregs are an American band formed in the 1970s. Their mostly instrumental music fuses jazz, southern rock, bluegrass and classical forms in an often unique style.-Formation and early years:...
), Dom Famularo and Tommy Aldridge
Tommy Aldridge
Tommy Aldridge is a veteran heavy metal and hard rock drummer. Aldridge is noted for his work with numerous bands and vocalists, most notable being Black Oak Arkansas, Pat Travers Band, Ozzy Osbourne, Gary Moore, Whitesnake, Ted Nugent and Thin Lizzy.Self taught, Aldridge was inspired by Cream,...
(Ozzy Ozbourne). At the ambitious age of 18, John leaves his hometown for California to attend the Percussion Institute of Technology. It was here that he studied under Ralph Humphrey (Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa
Frank Vincent Zappa was an American composer, singer-songwriter, electric guitarist, record producer and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, orchestral and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed...
), Casey Schuerelle, and Joey Heredia. This is where John says "My passion with odd times and rhythms and understanding them began". That same year, John was hired for his first tour as well as recording with guitarist Paul Hansen in Germany.
Early career
Soon after John’s first recording session, he would go on to meet guitarist, Alex MasiAlex Masi
Alex Masi is an Italian guitarist.He was born in Venice, and studied at the Conservatory of Music in Verona. He formed the heavy rock band Dark Lord in 1984 and recorded two EPs with them...
, who is now a long time friend. John and Alex have toured and recorded together since 1987 and are still at it to this day. John appears on several of Alex’s solo records, such as Vertical Invader and the writing collaboration Late Nights At Deserts Rim Rock. The two would then go on to record with bassist Randy Coven to form the trio MCM
MCM
-Science and technology:* Thousand circular mils or kcmil, the wire gauge is equivalent cross sectional area * Million cubic metre, the unit of volume...
, Masi, Coven, Macaluso. MCM released the critically acclaimed album, Ritual Factory and its live counterpart, MCM Live 1900 Hard Times.
John joins Powermad
Powermad
Powermad has been called "An innovative and often forgotten speed metal band...who infused progressive metal styles and European styles into abstract American speed metal." The band's intricate riff formulations were heavily influenced by thrash metal acts like Metallica and Testament, but vocalist...
in the late 1980s and releases Absolute Power on Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
. Movie director David Lynch
David Lynch
David Keith Lynch is an American filmmaker, television director, visual artist, musician and occasional actor. Known for his surrealist films, he has developed his own unique cinematic style, which has been dubbed "Lynchian", and which is characterized by its dream imagery and meticulous sound...
had come across Absolute Power while writing the Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage is an American actor, producer and director, having appeared in over 60 films including Raising Arizona , The Rock , Face/Off , Gone in 60 Seconds , Adaptation , National Treasure , Ghost Rider , Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans , and...
film, Wild at Heart
Wild at Heart (film)
Wild at Heart is a 1990 American film written and directed by David Lynch, and based on Barry Gifford's 1989 novel Wild at Heart: The Story of Sailor and Lula. Both the book and the film revolve around Sailor Ripley and Lula Pace Fortune , a young couple from Cape Fear, North Carolina who go on...
. Lynch enjoyed the album so much that he then decides to feature the track Slaughter House in one scene of the movie. Powermad was flown to California and John Macaluso makes his motion picture debut in two scenes with actors Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage is an American actor, producer and director, having appeared in over 60 films including Raising Arizona , The Rock , Face/Off , Gone in 60 Seconds , Adaptation , National Treasure , Ghost Rider , Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans , and...
and Laura Dern
Laura Dern
Laura Elizabeth Dern is an American actress, film director and producer. Dern has acted in such films as Smooth Talk , Blue Velvet , Fat Man and Little Boy , Wild at Heart , Jurassic Park and October Sky...
. Wild at Heart
Wild at Heart (film)
Wild at Heart is a 1990 American film written and directed by David Lynch, and based on Barry Gifford's 1989 novel Wild at Heart: The Story of Sailor and Lula. Both the book and the film revolve around Sailor Ripley and Lula Pace Fortune , a young couple from Cape Fear, North Carolina who go on...
went on to win the Cannes Film Festival
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes International Film Festival , is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres including documentaries from around the world. Founded in 1946, it is among the world's most prestigious and publicized film festivals...
First Place Prize. After touring for almost a year straight, John would end his tenure with Powermad and join the Norwegian based juggernaut, TNT
TNT (band)
TNT is a Norwegian hard rock/glam metal band from Trondheim, formed in 1982. The band has released twelve studio albums, three EPs and two live albums while going through numerous line-up changes since its formation...
.
The main riff of the Powermad
Powermad
Powermad has been called "An innovative and often forgotten speed metal band...who infused progressive metal styles and European styles into abstract American speed metal." The band's intricate riff formulations were heavily influenced by thrash metal acts like Metallica and Testament, but vocalist...
song Slaughterhouse was also featured as the backing track of an animated self-promotional ad frequently running on MTV Europe
MTV Europe
MTV Europe is a pan-European 24-hour entertainment cable and digital television network launched on August 1, 1987. Initially, the channel served all regions within Europe being one of the very few channels that targeted the entire European continent...
in the early 1990s.
John records two albums with TNT (one live, One studio) and tours around the globe until the band’s demise in 1992. Shortly thereafter, John returns to New York to join Riot
Riot (band)
Riot is an American heavy metal band founded in New York City in 1975 by guitarist Mark Reale. Reaching a peak in popularity in the early 80s, the band has continued a long-running successful career....
, replacing Bobby Jarzombek
Bobby Jarzombek
Bobby "Wire" Jarzombek is a heavy metal/progressive metal drummer and best known for his work with Halford, Sebastian Bach and Riot. He has also recorded and toured with Fates Warning, Arch / Matheos, Iced Earth, Rob Rock, Spastic Ink, and Juggernaut, among others.-Biography:Bobby Jarzombek was...
(Rob Halford
Rob Halford
Robert John Arthur "Rob" Halford is an English singer-songwriter, who is best known as the lead vocalist for the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Judas Priest. He is nicknamed the "Metal God" as a tribute to his influence on metal, and after the Judas Priest song of the same name from 1980's...
). Riot tours extensively, spanning Europe, Japan and the United States on several occasions. It was not long before Riot has John appear on The Brethren of the Long House. It was at this point where John would close the book on his run with Riot while discovering a phenomenal Norwegian guitar player.
Influence on Progressive Metal
It was in TotenToten
Toten is a traditional district in Oppland county in the eastern part of Norway. It consists of the municipalities Østre Toten, Vestre Toten, and Gjøvik.Toten was a petty kingdom in the early Viking Ages, with Halfdan Hvitbeinn as the most notable king....
, Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
where John would cross paths with guitarist Tore Østby
Tore Østby
Tore Østby was a founder, songwriter, producer and guitarist for Norwegian progressive metal band Conception from 1989 to 1998. After the band stopped playing on a permanent basis he, along with John Macaluso and Jørn Lande formed progressive metal band Ark.Tore is currently working as a senior...
. Together, John and Tore had an immediate musical amalgamation of styles in the realm of a heavy groove, progressive rock mixed with a Latin feel. Blending flamenco guitars, double bass drumming and Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
like moods, this sound would go on to form the progressive metal force known as Ark. Exploding with incredible reviews on their two albums, Ark impresses fans from around the world with their originality and live performances. Consisting of the world renowned vocalist Jørn Lande
Jørn Lande
Jørn Lande is a Norwegian hard rock and heavy metal singer who has sold over 2 million records worldwide. He is probably best known for being the lead singer of the power metal band Masterplan.-Biography:...
, bassist Randy Coven (Mountain
Mountain (band)
Mountain is an American hard rock band that formed in Long Island, New York in 1969. Originally comprising vocalist and guitarist Leslie West, bassist Felix Pappalardi and drummer N. D. Smart, the band broke up in 1972 before reuniting in 1974 and remaining active until today...
, Malmsteen), and Mats Olausson
Mats Olausson
Mats Olausson is a Swedish keyboard player known from bands like Yngwie Malmsteen, Ark, Evil Masquerade, Kamelot, John Norum and many others. He now lives in Thailand where he is active as a musician, composer and producer. Mats plays 'Korg Trinity pro tri pbs' and 'Yamaha sy-99, sy-77 , cs-80'...
(Malmsteen), the band’s short history has made history to some. John Macaluso played a vital role in the bands formation, writing and recording, having the two albums, ARK
Ark (album)
-Personnel:* hyde – vocals* ken – guitar, keyboards on tracks 1, 4, 5, 9 and 10, tambourine on tracks 2, 5 and 10, "Hong Kong handclaps" on track 5* tetsu – bass, backing vocals, keyboards on tracks 5, 8 and 11, metal percussion and "Hong Kong handclaps" on track 5...
and Burn the Sun, under his belt.
John Macaluso would soon gain the attention and favor of guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, using the first Ark album as the platform to jump to his next project. Yngwie flipped over John’s playing and loved Ark so much that he instantly hired John to fly down to Florida to rehearse and record Alchemy
Alchemy (Yngwie J. Malmsteen album)
Alchemy is an album released by guitarist Yngwie J. Malmsteen in 1999.Single "Hangar 18, Area 51"-Track listing:-Bonus track :-Personnel:*Yngwie J...
. It was this album that proved be a benchmark for John, having a drum solo on the record and being the only drummer ever to record a drum solo on a Yngwie Malmsteen album. John spends three years recording four albums with Malmsteen, spanning multiple world tours. After his tenure with the Swedish guitar god, John reunited with former Ark members to write and record music until the band’s split in 2003.
Composing and Recording
The taste of songwriting, both lyrically and musically, was now inspiring John to do more than just drumming. His passion for recording drove him to record dozens of records after the demise of Ark. John says, "Playing with different musicians and people who play different styles of music thrills me. I learn something new every session and record a history for myself by doing so, I never get bored". John spent a short time touring with guitarist George LynchGeorge Lynch (musician)
George Lynch is a hard rock/heavy metal guitarist best known as a member of the band Dokken, his own bands Lynch Mob and Souls of We.-Pre Dokken:...
of Dokken
Dokken
Dokken is an American heavy metal and hard rock band formed in 1978. They split up in 1989 but reformed four years later. The group accumulated numerous charting singles and has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide...
, travelling all over the United States.
After attending The NAMM Show in California, John learns from drummer Mike Portnoy
Mike Portnoy
Michael Stephen "Mike" Portnoy is an American drummer primarily known as the former drummer, backing vocalist, and a co-founder of the progressive metal band Dream Theater, as well as the temporary drummer for the hard rock band Avenged Sevenfold. Known for his drumming prowess and technical...
of Dream Theater
Dream Theater
Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would...
that his singer, James LaBrie
James LaBrie
Kevin James LaBrie is a Canadian vocalist who is best known as the lead singer of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater.-Early life:...
, was looking for a drummer to bring on tour for his solo record Elements Of Persuasion
Elements of Persuasion
Elements of Persuasion, released March 29, 2005, is Dream Theater lead singer James LaBrie's third solo album, his first two being Keep It To Yourself and MullMuzzler 2, which were released under his band MullMuzzler....
. With Mike’s recommendation, John receives the call from James and finds himself touring the world yet again. John claims, "This was one of my favorite tours ever, such a great time and great grooving band." He would later satisfy his taste for writing again and put out a solo record where he is joined by friends and fellow musicians James LaBrie
James LaBrie
Kevin James LaBrie is a Canadian vocalist who is best known as the lead singer of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater.-Early life:...
and guitarist from the band, Marco Sfogli
Marco Sfogli
Marco Sfogli is an Italian rock guitarist. He has appeared on several albums.- History:Born in 1980, his first attempt with music came in 1984 when he played with his parents in Schwetzingen, Germany during an encore. But the story starts in 1989 when he received his first electric guitar as a...
.
During his free time on and off the road John would write and record beats, fills and document the techniques and theories that he claims had given him a style and a sound like no other. He would later organize and publish his documentation in a drum method book entitled Repercussions
Repercussions
"Repercussions" is a song that was released by American artist Lauryn Hill on July 29, 2010, through Columbia Records. The song was released as digital download, and was confirmed to be a cut from her upcoming second studio album. It is Hill's first single to be released since 2002's "Mr...
. John says, "The book is not just a book of beats and fills but besides that, its a book on opening your creativity on the drum kit. I feel the most important thing a drummer could have is a personal signature. This book will show you ways to build on that, through drum sound and tuning, hand techniques, recording tips and stories, learning when not to play, playing to a click and the three major ways to do it. This covers moments in time that have changed my life and the lives of drummers worldwide. It’s not drumming as a hobby, but drumming as a lifestyle. It’s stories and graphics including a CD that can also entertain even non-drummers." John’s book, available on his website at http://www.johnmacaluso.com, is endorsed by drummers Joe Franco, Nicko McBrain
Nicko McBrain
Michael Henry "Nicko" McBrain is an English musician, best known as the drummer for Iron Maiden, which he joined in 1982, prior to which he had played for Streetwalkers, Pat Travers, and the French political band, Trust.-Biography:...
(Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
) and Bobby Jarzombek
Bobby Jarzombek
Bobby "Wire" Jarzombek is a heavy metal/progressive metal drummer and best known for his work with Halford, Sebastian Bach and Riot. He has also recorded and toured with Fates Warning, Arch / Matheos, Iced Earth, Rob Rock, Spastic Ink, and Juggernaut, among others.-Biography:Bobby Jarzombek was...
(Rob Halford
Rob Halford
Robert John Arthur "Rob" Halford is an English singer-songwriter, who is best known as the lead vocalist for the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Judas Priest. He is nicknamed the "Metal God" as a tribute to his influence on metal, and after the Judas Priest song of the same name from 1980's...
).
Now having a resume which includes records with artists such as Delmar Brown (Sting), KRS-One
KRS-One
Lawrence Krisna Parker , better known by his stage names KRS-One , and Teacha, is an American rapper...
, Felicia Collins
Felicia Collins
Felicia Collins is an American vocalist, guitarist and occasional percussionist, best known for her work on the CBS television program The Late Show with David Letterman, as part of the CBS Orchestra.She was born in New York City and grew up in Albany, New York.-Beginnings in music:While enrolled...
and Hernan Romero, John will soon find himself back with his old friend from TNT
TNT (band)
TNT is a Norwegian hard rock/glam metal band from Trondheim, formed in 1982. The band has released twelve studio albums, three EPs and two live albums while going through numerous line-up changes since its formation...
, singer Tony Harnell
Tony Harnell
Antony "Tony" Harnell is an American hard rock singer, best known for his work with the Norwegian hard rock band TNT....
to form Starbreaker
Starbreaker
Starbreaker is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Justice League of America #96 , and was created by Mike Friedrich and Dick Dillin.-Publication history:...
. Starbreaker was well received by music fans, journalists and criticts alike. John now continues to perform with friend and world renowned pianist, Vitalij Kuprij
Vitalij Kuprij
Vitalij Kuprij is a Ukrainian pianist, composer, music teacher, and keyboardist of the defunct neo-classical progressive metal band Artension. He resides in Reading, Pennsylvania when he is not touring.-Music career:...
. The two have a duo that tours and performs. John has recorded two of Vitalij’s studio albums, namely Vitalij Kuprij’s Revenge and Galacial Inferno.
Solo career
Having appeared on so many solo albums in his career, it was not long before John would decide to release one of his own. He would later be approached by Lion MusicLion Music
Lion Music is a production company and record label founded in 1989 by composer and artist Lars Eric Mattsson.-History:Lion Music was founded in 1989 by Lars Eric Mattsson as a production company to handle production and licensing for his records in Europe, the United States, and Asia, where a...
for publishing and distribution. This record, entitled John Macaluso & UNION RADIO, has got nothing but top reviews by journalists and music lovers worldwide - truly an album that has to be heard to be believed. It is a drummer’s solo album but the drumming is just a piece of its brilliance. The songwriting, sound, production and melodies are outstanding. The album has a very dark vibe but is also uplifting. It is closely resembling a "Pink Floyd meets Rush hanging out with Radio Head and Zeppelin". Full length audio tracks are available on http://www.johnmacaluso.com. Macaluso says, "This album was like my National Geographic Adventure to make. I knew who I wanted on the record and was going to go through any length to get them on the there and record and write, on the spot with them. This is why my album took a year and a half to write and record. I traveled to Italy to write and record with Marco Sfogli
Marco Sfogli
Marco Sfogli is an Italian rock guitarist. He has appeared on several albums.- History:Born in 1980, his first attempt with music came in 1984 when he played with his parents in Schwetzingen, Germany during an encore. But the story starts in 1989 when he received his first electric guitar as a...
(James LaBrie
James LaBrie
Kevin James LaBrie is a Canadian vocalist who is best known as the lead singer of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater.-Early life:...
Band), to France for Keys, Pennsylvania for piano with Vitalij Kuprij
Vitalij Kuprij
Vitalij Kuprij is a Ukrainian pianist, composer, music teacher, and keyboardist of the defunct neo-classical progressive metal band Artension. He resides in Reading, Pennsylvania when he is not touring.-Music career:...
, James LaBrie
James LaBrie
Kevin James LaBrie is a Canadian vocalist who is best known as the lead singer of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater.-Early life:...
recorded vocals in Canada. I went to California to do guitar with Alex Masi
Alex Masi
Alex Masi is an Italian guitarist.He was born in Venice, and studied at the Conservatory of Music in Verona. He formed the heavy rock band Dark Lord in 1984 and recorded two EPs with them...
, England, New Jersey and of course New York where I did all my drums. It was a trip and a half, but the result is bigger than I ever imagined. I told myself ‘if I am going to make a record, I am going to make A RECORD’, and so I did, despite the cost or time. I am very proud of UNION RADIO and everyone on it kicked as for me and delivered some of the best performances I have ever heard them do. I have recorded and been on tours, in hotels, bars, tour busses and all over with the musicians on my record so I have heard what they can do. They all raised the bar on this album and kicked, Mike DiMeo
Mike DiMeo
Mike DiMeo, born November 29 1968 in New York, U.S., is a hard rock/heavy metal vocalist, best known for his work in the band Riot, which he left in late 2006...
, Adrian Holtz, James LaBrie
James LaBrie
Kevin James LaBrie is a Canadian vocalist who is best known as the lead singer of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater.-Early life:...
, Randy Coven, DiMuti who really kicked, Ze Gray, Vitalij Kuprij
Vitalij Kuprij
Vitalij Kuprij is a Ukrainian pianist, composer, music teacher, and keyboardist of the defunct neo-classical progressive metal band Artension. He resides in Reading, Pennsylvania when he is not touring.-Music career:...
, Larry Meyer, Don Chaffin, Alex Rastopchin, Fabrizio Grossi
Fabrizio Grossi
Fabrizio Grossi, is an Italian-American Grammy nominated producer/mixer and label consultant.Musically broken in the New York City scene of the early 90’s, he started his career as US representative, developer and A&R associate for several European and Latin American record and entertainment...
, Donna and Laura Macaluso, Kristen Drewes, Suzi, Dina Cook, Jack Frost
Jack Frost
Jack Frost is a sprite-like character with roots in Viking lore. There, he is known as Jokul Frosti . In Britain and United States, Jack is a variant of Old Man Winter and is held responsible for frosty weather, for nipping the nose and toes in such weather, coloring the foliage in autumn, and...
and many more, thanks!"
The album received high praise from Sea of Tranquility reviewer Murat Batmaz. The same webzine also interviewed John Macaluso about his album who pointed out there will be a follow-up to it and said the title of the album was inspired by a book he read while he was writing the third ARK album. When the album never came out due to the break-up of the band, Jorn Lande's replacement-to-be, Adrian Holtz, was asked to perform some songs on the album.
John is planning to tour for his solo record as well as an upcoming drum clinic tour playing to the album tracks.