8. Escape Journey

Yes, “Don’t Stop Believin’” is being overplayed by everyone nowadays. I still love it.

“Stone in Love” is what made me WANT to play the bass. The end solo section is just awesome to me, even today.

You never forget your first love, and musically, Escape was my first love.

One of my buddies here, Shawn Dunning, can sing journey all day long, pitch perfect, with incredible power. I totally dig it. Hear "Best Year Ever" on my recent CD and you'll dig it too.

Released the same year as Rush’s “Moving Pictures” you could say that the two records essentially defined me as a musician. I have forever wanted the well produced pop sensibility of Escape, and the adventure of Moving Pictures in all of my music.

You might think that this record is all about Steve Perry’s voice, but you’d be very wrong. The instrumental tracks, with the huge drum sound, distinct chorused bass tone, piano hooks galore, and soaring guitar leads form a melodic wall of sound that no band I know of could pull off so well.

I wish there were 2 versions of the Escape album… one with Steve’s magnificent voice, and one without any vocals at all.

I’m serious.

I was a very young musician who played piano and electric bass. Of COURSE I’m a Journey head. I learned nearly every one of Jonathan Cain’s piano parts note for note. I used to sit at the piano as a teen ager with a group of people singing at the top of their lungs (and range) every Journey song we could. Was a treat to play a gig with Jonathan a couple years ago. I hope I get to play again with Jonathan someday.

When it really comes down to it, Jonathan Cain and Geddy Lee are my two greatest musical influences… and I got to meet them both.

Hey Ross (Journey's bass player)… if you ever need a day off of Journey, don’t hesitate to call. I’ll fill in anytime.

  ¶ 9:31 AM