11th December 2012
No News Is
Good News Right?
First of all many
apologies for the lack of updates over the last 18 months, my music
career is currently taking a backseat to my guitar business, but new
material is being composed all the time. When the time is
right, news on my next project will be announced here.
In the
meantime if you are in the market for a unique world class guitar
then please have a look at the
Byrd Guitars website.
17th July 2011
Extended
Sound Clips of 2 tracks from 'Beyond The Pillars'
Head over to the
sound clips for extended samples of the tracks 'Eye Of The Storm'
and 'Stranger In The Night'.
15th July 2011
'Beyond
The Pillars' Out Today
New album out
today on Lion Music, its on Amazon, CDBaby, HMV, play etc so search
it out or order online from the label Lion Music.
'Beyond The
Pillars' 30 second sound samples now online
Head on over to
the mp3 page to hear 30 second samples of all tracks from Beyond The
Pillars.
'Going Home' Solo Tab!
You asked for it
1 pdf file and 1 midi sequence file to download.
16th June 2011
"JAMES
BYRD'S ATLANTIS RISING - BEYOND THE PILLARS" RELEASED JULY 15TH 2011
Yes you read it
right, a new album with a twist is released on Lion Music on 15th
July 2011. For all the details click on the discography page.
Pre-orders now being taken at the Lion Music website promo page -
http://www.lionmusic.com/cd/beyondthepillars.htm
19th
July 2010
Still So Many Lives Away - Uli Jon Roth cover
22nd
April 2010
The World Anthem - Mahogany Rush cover
7th
July 2009
Own
A Piece Of Metal History - Byrd's Fifth Angel Gibson Flying V For
Sale - SOLD
This
Alpine white 1980 Gibson Flying V is the Flying V owned by James
Byrd and heard on the classic album “Fifth Angel –Fifth
Angel” is for sale. This guitar was used to record all of
the lead guitar tracks on Fifth Angel’s debut album, after
which it was retired and 24 years later, it remains just as it was
put away, even down to the original strings.
This historic instrument is
in outstanding condition; It’s Original Alpine White finish
has aged to a rich dark manaila/butter colour, as have it circa
1983 PAF pickups. It features a period correct vintage Gibson “Supertune
Vibrola”, nickel Schaller tuners, two cream colored vintage
DiMarzio PAF humbucking pickups, dual Bartolini pre-amps hidden
under the pickguard, and a very slightly scalloped rosewood fret
board. The guitar comes with the original hard case which is well
worn and with personal stickers and name stencil intact. A letter
of authenticity will also be provided by Byrd.
If you are interested in buying
this guitar or want more information on this piece of rock metal
history please email.
New
YouTube video Get some gas
from the latest guitar porn offering below - visit www.byrdguitars.com
for the full story.
4th November 2008 Super Avianti's ready for final
assembly
Bypass the normal 6+ month wait for a Byrd Guitars
Super Avianti as Byrd has 4 instruments awaiting final assembly
(by himself) which will be ready in time for Christmas. To find
out whats available goto www.byrdguitars.com
27th
June 2008 Lyrics for 'Atlantis Rising' now
online
After a long wait the lyrics for Atlantis Rising
are now online in the lyrics section. The remaining lyrics for "Crimes
Of Virtuosity" and "The Apocalypse Chime" will be
added soon.
James
Byrd's Atlantis Rising & The Apocalypse Chime album sampler
mp3's now online
Located in the soundclips
section you will find album sampler mp3's for "Atlantis Rising"
and "The Apocalypse Chime". Samplers for other albums
will appear shortly (news will be posted here). We realise that
many newer fans have not had the chance to check out the Shrapnel
era albums due to them being long out of print, so hopefully this
will go some way to feeding your hunger.
7th
February 2008 Byrd interview at Guitar Messenger
The great new guitar website Guitar
Messenger has just posted an archived interview with James Byrd.
This interview originally featured in Berklee College of Music's
"The Groove" magazine. Thanks to Ivan Chopik for making
it available on the web. Click the image below to go direct to the
interview.
15th
November 2007 "Avianti Etudes" - new
video available
You have waited for it, and now it's here. A never
before heard composition entitled "Avianti Etudes"
which showcases the Byrd Guitars Super Avianti - enjoy and we look
forward to your comments in the fan forum. View it below.
5th
June 2007 Archived
Press Clippings We have just added a load of press clippings
from printed press over the years with rare articles from the 1980's
and 1990's including rare scans from Fifth Angel days.
Berklee
Music School interviews Byrd James was recently interview by the Berklee
Music School's alumni monthly newsletter "The Groove",
click the image below to view the full size article.
[510kb]
6th October 2006 New
Interview Online Check out the very latest interview from Byrd
at the French website www.auxportesdumetal.com
in which Byrd discusses what he's been upto since "Anthem",
the state of the current music scene as well why he never tours
plus much more.
Expect more news shortly...
2nd
July 2006 New
Interview Online at Baroque & Roll.com
The neo-classical website www.baroqueandroll.com
have just posted a new interview with Byrd. The interview covers
Byrd Guitars, the making on Anthem and when to expect new material
as well as what influenced Byrd's vibrato and much more. To enter
the main site click here,
to skip direct to the interview click here.
18th
May 2006 Jeez Has It Really Been This Long?
Many apologies for the lack of activity around here, in truth there
is not a whole great deal to report on the music side of things.
Byrd is currently busy with Byrd Guitars but he is working on new
material and is working on the angle he wishes to pursue with his
next project. In the meantime check out Byrd's
MySpace site where you can hear the ace version of Frank Marino's
'The World Anthem' and also get in touch with other Byrd-ites worldwide.
26th December 2005 Add Yourself To Our Fan Map
To get an idea how spread out worldwide Byrd fans are we have set
up a Frappr! group map, simply
click this link and enter your location along with name and
any message for other Byrd fans.
9th
December 2005 Byrd Contributes to Frank
Marino Tribute - Out Now! Readers who are also members of Frank
Marino's message board may have been aware that a performance on
a tribute album arranged by the official Frank Marino website was
in the can. Well the album entitled Secondhand
Smoke - a Tribute To Frank Marino is now available exclusively
online (for the time being) through Wildmess
Records.
Byrd contributes an emotionally
charged version of the ultimate Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush
instrumental classic, "The World Anthem".
This rousing instrumental is a must own for all fans of James's
guitar work.
The tribute album also has guest
appearances from other such luminaries as George Lynch (Dokken
/ Lynch Mob), John Norum (Europe / solo), Audley Freed
(Black Crowes / Cry Of Love) and Ronnie Montrose (Montrose)
amongst many others. The price of the album is $15 (inc a small
shipping fee) for the USA and Canada, and the same $15 plus a slightly
higher shipping for Europe and the rest of the world. Paypal
is accepted amongst other formats so what are you waiting for, order
your copy today!
Byrd comments
on Frank Marino and The World Anthem "World Anthem"
was a pivotal point in my personal development as a young guitarist.
I lived and breathed Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush when I was 16
years old. World Anthem marked the beginning of my recognition that
classical themes, and screaming guitar, could be extremely powerful
sounding. It moved me from being a more blues based guitarist, to
being a guitarist interested in classical music as a form to go
further with. I consider the track to be prototypical of the entire
Neoclassical movement. It lead me to learning so much more about
music, I can honestly say that I probably wouldn't be the same
musician had I never heard it.
When I decided to do the track, I had a choice; I could either do
it exactly the same way it was originally done, or I could treat
it as a theme for my own expansion. I chose to do the latter because
to me, the most flattering "tribute" I could do, would
be to be inspired rather than to attempt to duplicate
something. I've always felt that way about so-called "tribute"
tracks; I just see no reason to produce a carbon copy of something
that supposedly inspired me.
As a result, to date, I've only performed tribute tracks that I
really wanted to do for artistic reasons and real respect for the
music in question. "World
Anthem" is so profound to me, and resonated with my musical
personality so much, I wish I had written it. I can't say
anything better about any piece of music than that.
3rd
November 2005 Discography Page Overhaul Additional information has been added
to the discography page for each release
with historical and musical facts. Look out soon for some
archived press clippings with some dating back to the Fifth Angel
days.
28th October 2005 Crimes Of Virtuosity Review Round Up
Lots of reviews of the special bonus tracks edition
of Crimes Of Virtuosity added, to check them out click here.
Byrd Guitars
Have you checked out the Byrd Guitars website yet?
Visit it now
here.
23rd August 2005 Exclusive
Interview at Dinosaur Rock Guitar
Byrd gave
http://www.dinosaurrockguitar.com an exclusive interview to
discuss indepth Byrd Guitars. The interview is first in this sites
new Luthier Interview series. As well as giving an excellent background
to the Super Avianti guitar it also has lots of Byrd's views on
the guitar itself.
17th August 2005 Indepth
Interview and Review at Strike Up The Bands The excellent
website www.strikeupthebands.net
have made Byrd their main artist with a frontpage intro to a new
interview and glowing review of the Crimes Of Virtuosity re-release.
To check it all click here.
In related news COV has been
gaining superb reviews across the globe so look out for links coming
in the next few days.
We Need Your
Help! Any fans
willing to lend a hand promoting the music of Byrd can help us by
mentioning the COV re-release at any relevant forums you may visit
(but please no spamming) as well as posting your reviews of the
album (and indeed other Byrd releases) at online music retailers
such as Amazon, CD Universe etc. Your help is appreciated by James
and the jamesbyrd.com webteam.
9th
July 2005 Crimes
Of Virtuosity Special Edition - Out Now Those looking for a good place in
the US to buy the Crimes Of Virtuosity special edition be sure to
check out www.Guitar9.com
for secure service and quick delivery, fans in Europe check out
www.loudmetal.com
which is part of Lion Music for the best prices and service.
Crimes
Of Virtuosity Special Edition - Reviews Reviews of the COV special edition
are now starting to appear online, below is a brief summary of a
few:
Indepth
Interview John Kindred at www.hardrockhaven.net
has recently carried out this indepth interview with Byrd. Click
here
to access the interview.
June
16th 2005 Crimes Of Virtuosity Special Edition
- Release Information.
Lion Music will
be releasing a special edition of Crimes Of Virtuosity
on June 22nd. The album sees all new artwork by James as well as
the addition of 2 bonus tracks previously unavailable on the original
European release. The bonus tracks are "Shot Down In
Flames", one of the hardest driving and politically
biting pieces of heavy metal ever recorded by the Atlantis Rising
band and a symphonic performance recorded just before the COV sessions
in the same studio: "Bolero - No. 46 Mvt. 3".
Known in the neo-classical rumour mill as "Byrd's Bolero",
this melding of technical electric guitar virtuosity, with symphony,
predated later similar hybrids by guitarist and long-time friend
Yngwie J Malmsteen by more than a year. Always on the cutting edge,
Byrd unleashes a soaring blend of neo-romantic Mediterranean melody
and dynamics that are unsurpassed for beauty and unique to this
day.
Fans that discovered
Byrd's music via the Flying Beyond The 9 or Anthem albums can expect
a less orchestrated sound (in the symphonic sense) but plenty of
Byrd's virtuoso guitar work and the superb vocals of Kendal Torry
through tracks that are if anything more socially relevant today
than when they were recorded.
Many fans have
asked how to get a copy of this album, well now the wait is almost
over. We will be providing you with direct URL's to online stores
that are stocking the album when the release date hits.
Crimes
Of Virtuosity Jukebox at www.strikeupthebands.net Those
of you that want to check out tracks from Crimes Of Virtuosity be
sure to surf on over to www.strikeupthebands.net
and head to the Jukebox section (June 2005), at the bottom of the
page click on the new COV cover (see above for what to look for)
and you will get the chance to listen to samples of all tracks as
well as see some cool flash animation.
New
Server / Soundclips Update
The last few days have seen us move the website over to a new server
so if you tried to view the site and it was down, or the jamesbyrd.com
URL led to the byrd guitars website then now you know why.
We have also just
changed the tracks available for download on the soundclips page,
the new additionas are "Thank You" from
Anthem, and "W.T.O (We Took Over)" from
Flying Beyond The 9 - both in 192kbps sound quality - enjoy.
More news and reviews
of COV Special Edition to follow soon.
April
16th 2005 The
Byrd Super Avianti ® is finally available:CLICK
HERE
"Far more
than just another "signature guitar".
After 7 years of development,
and the approval and issuance of four patents by the United States
Patent and Trademark Office, Byrd Super Avianti ® guitars are
finally in production in the USA and available to the public. The
guitars are being made in James Byrd's home state of Washington,
and he is intimately involved in the production.
"This probably would have
happened sooner" says guitarist/recording artist/Inventor James
Byrd "but for almost two years I was delayed by considering
an offer from a very major producer of guitars in South Korea. For
legal reasons, I'm not going to name them, but believe me, their
products are in every music store in the country. After two years
of trying to help them trying to get the guitars right, I ended
up telling them to destroy the instruments they had made after it
became clear to me that although they can produce guitars, and do
so very inexpensively, they could not produce my guitar to my specification;
they kept asking me to change or eliminate the unique features and
quality materials which make my guitars special (like my unique
precision inlayed Acrylite pickguard assembly and hand selected
figured woods for example).
I decided it just wasn't worth
it to me to put my name on something that was made in the same way
as about a dozen other major brand name guitars on the very same
assembly lines, after I put so much time into creating something
I believe is so much nicer. It also came to pain my conscience to
see so many guitars made in that factory that people are lead to
believe are "Made in USA" when they're not. I actually
received advice from them to lie about the origins of the product
bearing my name. I think that's just appalling to be honest. I have
no objection to the idea of making something somewhere else (if
the quality is good), but don't lie about it. Apparently lying is
not the exception but the rule with respect to guitars but I don't
want any part of it. I now have my production right here in Washington
State, and I employ highly skilled craftsmen and state of the art
CNC (computer numeric cutting) machines to produce componants.
The Super Avianti ® guitar
is produced as an entirely American custom made instrument, but
is still priced considerably below other boutique and custom shop
instruments. Bodies, Necks, pickguards, pickups and wiring, finishing,
assembly, everything is made and done here. And I feel really good
about doing my part to maintain employment here; the people who
work on this product are highly skilled artisans who care as much
as I do about quality and who love what they're doing. The precision
of computer carved parts is incredible, down to millionths of an
inch in terms of controlling tolerances, and all of my exclusive
features down to the last hand polished screw, are incorporated
into the guitars. And although parts for the guitar are being "produced",
it is not an assembly line instrument. Every guitar is made one
at a time to order to a personalized customer fit through numerous
options, and I am personally involved with the actual production.
For example, customers who order instruments with UDC fingerboard
scalloping get an instrument I personally performed that operation
on, and every guitar is set up and individually tested by me prior
to shipping. If you took the neck off one of these guitars, you
would see where I put my initials in pencil under the lacquer finish.
That's far more than just another "signature" guitar made
for a musician by a company; I am the company. It's still very much
a hand built instrument, but built with parts that are made using
the latest and most accurate technology available. I believe it's
the best possible combination of technology, and old-world craft
tradition."
Byrd Super Avianti ® guitars
can now be seen in detail and ordered online directly from Byrd
Musical Instruments via the new web site: Byrd
Guitars
January 30th
2005 Soundclips Update The final track from Son Of
Man 'In My Fathers House' is now available to download in the soundclips
page. This completes the album so grab it while you can.
January 23rd 2005 Soundclips
Update
The smokin' instrumental 'Golgotha/The Right Hand Of Power' can
be found in the soundclips room.
December
19th 2004 Soundclips
Update & Archive Guitar Shop Magazine Feature
The Teacher/Beatitude has been added to soundclips page.
Also a magazine scan from the
archives has been added to the image gallery. Originating from the
now sadly defunct Guitar Shop magazine, this two page features focused
on Byrd's Son Of Man signal chain and gives a nice insight into
how Byrd achieved the tones on that album
December 12th 2004 Out
Of The Temple - latest addition to soundclips
One of the webmasters favourite tracks from Son Of Man is the latest
addition to the soundclips page.
December 6th 2004 Soundclips
Update Apologies for being a day late (due to ftp problems), but
you can now d/l in all its glory Yeshua - Adonai Elohim in the soundclips
page.
November
28th 2004 Soundclips
Update
Week 4 of our free Son Of Man album download sees the track Ezekiel
(Son Of Man) available for download on the soundclips page. Be sure
to post your comments on the tracks featured so far on the fan forum.
November
21st 2004 'The World Requiem' now in the soundclips
room Track 3 from Son Of Man is
now online on the soundclips page.
November 14th 2004 Soundclips
Update
This weeks selection is Adam, the second track from Son Of Man -
check back next week for the next instalment.
November 9th 2004 Begining
of Son Of Man free downloads in the soundclips room
Our technical glitch has been overcome and the first complete track
from Son Of Man is now available to download from the soundclips
page. Check back on Sunday for the next instalment.
November 7th 2004 Son
Of Man - Free Album Download James has decided to make Son Of Man available right
here on the website as a "thank you" for your continued
support. Now you have no excuse not to hear one of the most universally
praised yet near impossible to find instrumental albums ever! We
will be putting one track up online ever week so in 9 weeks time
you will have the entire album. Also look out for a few other download
suprises coming soon.
October 16th
2004 Crimes
Of Virtuosity to be re-issued
We are pleased to announce that Lion Music will be re-releasing
James Byrd's Atlantis Rising - Crimes Of Virtuosity
within the next few months. Crimes Of Virtuosity saw Byrd pay tribute
to his influences with a collection of original songs featuring
Kendall Torrey (vocals), Randy Matthieson (bass) and Chase Culp
- Drums. More information as it becomes available.
July 28th
2004 Byrd
pays tribute to Jimi Hendrix James' contribution to the
second Lion Music Jimi Hendrix tribute album - The Spirit Lives
On 2 - was released on July 22nd in Europe (some regional differences
may occur on the date). Byrd contributes a superb solo to the track
'Burning Of The Midnight Lamp', this version is quite different
in places to the original, but the solo is stunning, wait till you
hear that wah wah pedal talk! Please
note that James is effectively doing a guest performance solo on
this track collaborating with Lars Eric Mattson.
Byrd
picks his ultimate G3 line-up James
was asked by a European based website to select two other guitarists
to join himself on a imaginery G3 tour. To find out who Byrd chose
click HERE.
Other
News
James is still working on the new album and getting Byrd Guitars
off the ground. He is also cursing the hot Seattle weather! More
news as it comes in....
February 8th 2004 News
& Site Update James
is currently still working on the new album, no release date is
set as present. However, you will be able to hear some new Byrd
material in June. This is month when Lion Music have THE SPIRIT
LIVES ON - THE MUSIC OF JIMI HENDRIX REVISITED Vol II set for release.
More details on Byrd's contribution coming soon.
The website has a bit more of
a make-over, there are a few new sections and better all encompassing
navigation.
December 21st
2003 Happy Holidays
James thanks all of you for your support in 2003 and wishes you
all the best for 2004..
September
3rd 2003 Press
comments on Byrd's performance on the Uli Jon Roth tribute album
- Beyond Inspiration "Famed
Roth devotee James Byrd puts in an MVP caliber performance on “Still
So Many Lives Away”, a great sing-along type rocker that is
probably the most commercial sounding of all of Roth’s tunes.
Byrd’s flashy, multi-tracked arpeggios are just bursting through
the speakers, carrying a huge sound that is as much classical as
it is great melodic hard rock".
"James Byrd
kicks in hard with Still So Many Lives Away, joined by fellow Byrd
vocalist Michael Flatters. This is one track I was very excited
about as soon as the cd arrived, luckily the track does not disappoint
in the slightest. Byrd's extremely pure tone is prevalent throughout
with some tasty harmonisations of the original lines. James' guitar
tone was big on the last Byrd release Anthem but here it is super
thick yet with stunning clarity. The energy level is very high on
this track, excellent backing by Ian Haughland (drums) and Weine
Johansson (bass). Michael Flatter is his usual self - superb, further
illustrating that he is one of the best new singers on the rock
scene. But not only do we have excellent bass, drums, vocals and
guitar but some extremely tasty keyboard orchestrations by Byrd.
Uli's influence on Byrd is well known, yet James has not seen this
as an excuse to ape Uli note for note. Instead Byrd serves up a
revamped solo and guitar lines that whislt staying true to the original
add a new sound to the track that updates it and brings an original
element to the tune - just listen to that phrasing, vibrato and
tone - glorious! This is the best example on the album of how to
cover a track, by using the original and then revamping it to make
it your own. Simply stunning!" - courtesy of http://www.virtuosityone.com
Post
your comments on the track on the message board and check out the
soundclip HERE.
July 16th 2003 Still So Many Lives Away
- Uli Jon Roth Tribute Soundclip
There is a 1 minute clip of Byrd's version of 'Still So Many Lives
Away' now available on the soundclips page.
July 15th 2003 New Anthem Review A year after its release Anthem
is still generating new reviews and positive press. The latest instalment
comes courtesy of www.prog4you.com. To read the review head to our
Anthem reviews page.
June 19th 2003 Uli Jon Roth Tribute Update Beyond
Inspiration is the title for Lion Music's Uli Jon Roth
tribute album which features material from the legendary guitarist's
time in the Scoprions and Electric Sun.. The album is set for release
on July 24th, the catalogue number is LMC078.
As reported in
previous news Byrd covers the track 'Still So Many Lives Away' with
Michael Flatters on vocals. Other tracks covered on the album are:
Electric Sun / Sails of Charon / I'll be Loving You Always / Firewind
/ Dark Lady / Yellow Raven / Burning Wheel Turning / I'll be there
/ Indian Dawn / Pictured Life / Return / Polar Nights / Paganini
Paraphrase .
May
16th 2003 Byrdland
Trip Report Well
I have now been back a few days after travelling 4000+ miles home
to discover that we are having the kind of weather the Pacific Northwest
should have - rain and lots of it! Anyway the highlight of the trip
was watching Byrd lay down orchestrations for what may well become
the opening track on the new album. Seeing first hand the attention
to detail (and the frustration of gear not always working as it
should) that James puts into just the backing makes you even more
appreciative of the end product and the hard labour that goes into
creating Byrd's vision.
In addition I got to hear Byrd's version of the Uli Jon Roth track
'Still So Many Lives Away' for the forthcoming Lion Music tribute
(see below). The track in its current state (un mastered) sounded
stunning with Byrd's biggest and pure guitar tone to date. James
has managed to make the track sound his own whilst still being true
to the original. IMO it is better than the original version and
Uli himself should be proud when he hears it. Michael Flatters provides
vocals which again showcase his impeccable pipes.
I also got to play through James' rig and that was something truly
special too. So thanks again to James and Kelly for a wonderful
holiday. Keep checking back for more news on the new album.
April 24th 2003 Uli Jon Roth Tribute James has finished work on
his contribution to the Lion Music Uli Jon Roth tribute. James is
contributing the track 'Still So Many Lives'. The tribute album
will be released later this year.
March 25th 2003 Website Amalgamation Complete The amalgamation between the
UK Authorised website and this the main site is now complete, hope
you like the new look and layout. If you find any errors please
email the webmaster.
January 3rd 2003 News & Website Updates
James is busy with the process of upgrading Strange Partical Productions
and composing music for the next studio album to be released later
this year.
As a stop gap of sorts I have
posted a bit of info on myself and some pictures of my trip to Byrdland
in May 2002, to view the page click on the Webmaster link in the
menu.
December
22nd 2002 A Special Christmas Message From Byrd
James has a special Christmas message and some significant news
for all you fans - to read the message click
HERE
December
6th 2002 New Album Press Release
Former Fifth Angel founder/lead guitarist and solo recording artist
"Byrd" (James Byrd) has signed on for a third Byrd album
with the European progressive rock/metal label Lion Music. The new
album will be the 9th album of Byrd's career.
The album will again feature the vocals of Michael James Flatters
(Byrd and Takara).
Other line-up details T.B.A.
Recording of the new album is slated to begin at the beginning of
the new year. No release date had yet been announced.
Anthem
Reviews Updated
Two more fresh reviews of Anthem have been added to the reviews
archive.
Ask
Byrd Updated
James answers more of your questions.
November 15th Octoglomerate review added
Found a brief review of Octoglomerate from a back issue of 'Guitar
World' magazine, it located in the Reviews section.
November 11th 2002 Anthem review added
This update sees melodicrock.com give their appraisel of 'Anthem'.
Ask Byrd
Our popular feature where you get to ask the questions has been
updated with the latest submissions.
9th
December 2005
9th
July 2005
"Famed
Roth devotee James Byrd puts in an MVP caliber performance on “Still
So Many Lives Away”, a great sing-along type rocker that is
probably the most commercial sounding of all of Roth’s tunes.
Byrd’s flashy, multi-tracked arpeggios are just bursting through
the speakers, carrying a huge sound that is as much classical as
it is great melodic hard rock".