Pagan's Mind DVD and Jessie Galante CD reviews

Last Updated on Sunday, 10 January 2010 18:39 Written by Leah Burlington and Tracey Lukasik Saturday, 09 January 2010 18:52

Pagan’s Mind 'Live Equation'

    Few live DVD’s will captivate you and put you in a setting where you feel like you are truly at the live show. Pagan’s Mind: Live Equation will do just that. I saw this amazing prog-power band four times last year at Prog-Power USA and on their tour, and this DVD really brought me back in front of the barricade again. The set-list doesn’t change at all, and most of the show is made up of songs from the God's Equation CD, so it’s exactly the same show I saw except for the fact that it is filmed in their native land of Norway and Nils K. Rue’s banter in- between songs is in the native Norweigan tongue. This singer is one of the premier metal singers of this genre and his screams really blow your mind. You can see where this man’s major influence might be King Diamond. The rest of the line up of Pagan’s Mind is Jorn Viggo Lofstad, Guitar virtuoso; Ronny Tenger, king of the keys; Steinar Krokmo, wicked bassist and comic relief, and Stian Kristofferson, drummer extraordinaire. This band is made up of some of the most talented musicians on the planet and you can see and hear that on this DVD. The band plays with meticulous precision, and they have fun doing it! This DVD showcases the spectacle of lights, sound, and excitement that is a Pagan’s Mind show. I got the limited edition version and I really enjoyed the second DVD too which contains all the older stuff from the bands beginnings along with the autographed poster and guitar pick. This set is a must have for fan’s of this band!

The DVD was released in three different versions:
    An audio CD and DVD containing footage/recording of PAGAN'S MIND's November 1, 2008 show at Rockefeller Music Hall in Oslo; a double DVD with the Rockefeller show as well as a disc with bonus material; a limited-to-1000-copies, hand-numbered, three-disc version with the audio CD, the two DVD’s — including more bonus material — plus an autographed photo and a guitar pick.

Review by Leah Burlington

Jessie Galante 'Spitfire' 

    Known ‘round these parts as the stunning front woman of local ‘80’s band “Actor,” the exquisite Jessie Galante returns with her fourth studio album entitled “Spitfire.” It’s a fitting title for this high energy songstress who has secured a loyal fan base in Europe after setting up shop there after leaving Buffalo in the late ‘90’s.
    “Spitfire” is a combination of eclectic indulgences that Jessie claims are purposely introduced in order to achieve a variety of sounds that will keep her listeners interested and entertained. However, the title track, “Spitfire” is a straight-forward rock song that showcases her hard rockin’ roots, while “No Fool No More” is a slow and sultry blues tune that further demonstrates Galante’s development of her outstanding vocal ability. The song is already creating a buzz among her fans and in Hungary, Holland and Italy, where she has recently been invited to perform. This song serves as the record’s “co-first single,” if you will. With a hint of Tina Turner, a sprinkle of Janis Joplin and a robust dash of attitude, Jessie turns up the heat on tracks like, “Mamma (I Get a Little Crazy)” and “I Crave It.” She goes on to give a friendly nod to Canadian rocker and influence, Sass Jordan, as she eloquently covers “High Road Easy,” albeit with a slightly slower tempo and delivery.
    If you are hungry for clean, crisp rock with feminine overtures, then you’ll want to check out this latest effort by Buffalo’s Original First Lady of Rock. You want to win tickets to see Jessie live? She will be performing at the Tralf in Buffalo, NY on January 30, 2010. Well one lucky winner and a guest will not only get to see Jessie perform live in her hometown, they will also get to meet her as well. You can go to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to enter. Please include full name, phone number, and email. Contest ends at 12pm EST January 23rd 2010. Winner will be randomly chosen and notified by email. Good luck and stay tuned for more cool contests that will be coming your way from Backstageaxxess.com in 2010!

Review by Tracey Lukasik