(AOR/Melodic Rock) 101 South - 101 South - 2000, APE (image+.cue) lossless

After moving from his native Ireland, ROGER SCOTT CRAIG began his musical career in Liverpool, England. His first band LIVERPOOL EXPRESS signed a deal with WARNER BROTHERS and soon had four hit records in Europe and South America, also touring with ROD STEWART. A lot of session work followed in London before Roger moved to California where he became a part of the band FORTUNE recording with CAMEL / MCA RECORDS. After touring with NINA HAGEN he built his own recording studio in Malibu, California and started a whole new career writing music for television and movies. Roger also teamed up with former FORTUNE lead vocalist LARRY GREENE to form a band called "HARLAN CAGE" recording 3 records for MTM MUSIC in Germany. GREGORY LYNN HALL started off his musical career in Los Angeles playing around all the major rock venues at an early age. Greg started out as a drummer but soon moved on to bass and guitars playing with his own band "RAT SALLY". After moving to the Midwest he became a much sought after session vocalist. In 1999 Greg teamed up with Producer ROGER SCOTT CRAIG to form the new band 101 SOUTH.
nehrecords.com

http://www.myspace.com/101southband
Bio:
......
During 1999, Harlan Cage keyboardist Roger Scott Craig assembled a new line-up of musicians under the banner 101 South. This project brought together many talented individuals, all seasoned and well-travelled veterans of the L.A. session scene.
Joining Roger in the band were much sought after session vocalist Gregory Lynn Hall, guitarist Mike Turner, bassist Chris Julian and drummer Hans Geiger. When we compare 101 South to Harlan Cage, there are many similarities, but one thing stands out: the vocal prowess of Hall. He is like a stand-in for Lou Gram(Foriegner) and Christian Vocal hero Bob Carlisle (ex Allies) with his own style and distinction. The trademark keyboard work of Craig is ever present, while the songs mix all-out melodic power with delicate ballads. A compelling combination which just has to be heard.
Memorable moments such as the surging AOR of 'Nowhere To Run' and 'Your Razor Is Sharp' (surely 'Dearborn Station' Part 2)and the soaring vocals Gregory Lynn Hall on "We took the wrong road" stand out among a collection of superior tracks. The press/media obviously thought so too, with 101 South being voted in numerous 'Top Ten' Rock Polls during the year 2000.
Two years later, and 101 South return with their sophomore release 'Roll Of The Dice' with another dose of pure timeless 'CLASS ROCK'-Great songs and incredible Passion. Joining the band this time around is Harlan Cage cohort Billy Liesgang, giving 101 South even more guitar fuel.
Signed up by Sweden's Atenzia Records, the band and the label delivered an even better album than before. A tall order indeed, but we neednt worry though Roll of the Dice stunned melodic rock listeners with its intensity and class - and in an era where the genre needs to stand up and be counted.
Following hot on the heels of Harlan Cage's Temple Of Tears, Roger Scott Craig and friends delivers a second helping of melodic rock that will surely have you reaching blindly for your nearest credit card! Head on down the rock n roll highway - via 101 South And recently,Sept. 2008 Roger and Gregory went back into the studio to record a new '101 SOUTH " Album-yes theres a new album that will be available soon,with some very special guest appearances,One of which is IAN BAIRNSON(PILOT,ALLAN PARSONS PROJECT) And Gregory doing a duet with CHRIS THOMPSON(MANFRED MANN,Blinded by the light )its going to be amazing

101 South is the side project from Harlan Cage keyboardist/songwriter Roger Scott Craig. It features the vocals of Gregory Lynn Hall - who's voice is a mix of Johnny Edwards, John Parr, James Christian & Troy Reid.
This is an album for every classic or traditional AOR fan. Lots of keyboards (as expected), but also a ton of great melodic songs in the vein of Harlan Cage, with a few new twists.
There are a couple of different styles used on the album - the opening rocking track is not really representative of the record. That harder sound is only used on maybe 3 or 4 tracks.
Track two is where the more familiar sounds of Harlan Cage filter through. An epic style track with all the familiar Harlan trademarks.
We Took The Wrong Road has almost a Giuffira feel to it. A great mid-tempo AOR track with a monster hook and some killer John Parr-ish vocals.
Boat Out On The Water uses the typical Harlan Cage metaphor's but with the soft piano intro leading into a more anthem rocker, it's one of the album's strongest songs.
Nowhere To Run & Live For The Moment are good examples of keyboard filled, but not keyboard dominated tracks - uptempo, urgent, rocking.
Casualty Of Love is a happy poppy track with a new side of Craig showing. Big pompous AOR!
She Walks On Water is one hell of a ballad. Slow, passionate, really classy stuff. How about this song on a soundtrack sometime?
An album that needs to be listened to from start to finish in order to capture it's mood and the true quality of it.
BOTTOM LINE: This album is a must have for any Harlan Cage fan. It's passionate, moody and filled with great harmonies and plenty of big pompous AOR.
It is very familiar to Harlan Cage's Forbidden Colors with some tracks mirroring the feel of Thrill Of It All, Last Plane Out, Hard Yellow Line and Late Night Escapades.
Not quite as good as that album, but the best Harlan Cage or related album next to that.
PRODUCTION: 82% SONGS: 85% VIBE: 84% ATTITUDE: 85%
ESSENTIAL FOR: Every Harlan Cage fan, pomp/keyboard driven AOR fans.
melodicrock.com

Gregory Lynn Hall - Vocals
Michael Turner - Guitars
Roger Scott Craig - Keyboards, Vocals
Additional musicians:
Billy Liesegang (guitars)
Paul (Pablo) Schirmer (guitars)
Chris Julian (bass)
Hans Geiger (drums)
Produced by:
Roger Scott Craig
Mixed by:
Roger Scott Craig and Chris Julian
Recorded at :
Errigal Studios, Malibu, CA and at Kinloch Drive Studios, London
Mastered by:
Cross-Fade, Bernd Riebutsch