Ross Valory Reclaims His Throne with Remastered 'All Of The Above'
In a thunderous announcement that resonates through the hallowed halls of rock, Ross Valory, the iconic bassist and songwriter of JOURNEY fame, has locked in August 21 as the release date for the remastered edition of his debut solo album, 'All Of The Above' (OID Music). This marks a significant moment for fans and audiophiles alike, as the album will be unleashed on vinyl and CD for the very first time, complete with a brand-new instrumental track and an eye-catching video for the single 'City Lights.'
Originally released digitally in 2024, 'All Of The Above' is now set to explode onto the physical format scene, featuring an exclusive purple swirl vinyl variant adorned with an autographed photo, available only through Experience Vinyl. This release isn’t just a mere rehash; it’s a reawakening of Valory’s expansive artistry, redefining his musical narrative beyond the shadow of JOURNEY.
'City Lights' showcases Valory’s prowess as he takes to the standup bass, collaborating with an elite ensemble of musicians, including Eric Levy (NIGHT RANGER), Steve Smith (JOURNEY), and Mic Gillette (TOWER OF POWER). Together, they elevate the track to a new echelon of sophistication, with Gillette’s horn arrangements adding a punch of lushness to the mix. The accompanying video captures the vibrant pulse of New York City, weaving through its history while celebrating the timeless allure of romance in urban nightlife.
Valory describes 'City Lights' as a joyous homage to the adventure of city life, filled with spontaneous moments and the thrill of romance. He cheekily notes, “It's just the simple enjoyment of nightlife and romance…the adventure, the excitement.” The track, along with the previously released 'Nightflower,' serves as a sonic twin, both embodying the nocturnal spirit of the metropolis, as interpreted through the lens of Valory and director Michael Cotten.
With 'All Of The Above,' Valory isn’t merely stepping out from behind his bass; he’s unleashing a creative force that showcases his versatility across keyboards, guitar, and an array of basses. This album is more than a collection of songs; it’s the culmination of over fifty years in the music industry, where Valory finally represents his own artistic vision, free from the constraints of his past with JOURNEY. After navigating legal battles and lineup changes, Valory's solo venture is a triumphant reclamation of his musical identity.
While JOURNEY continues to tour with a lineup that includes Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, and Arnel Pineda, Valory's 'All Of The Above' stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of rock 'n' roll, reminding us that the legends of yesteryear still have much to say. The new release is not just for fans of JOURNEY but for anyone who craves authentic, heartfelt music. Prepare your turntables and mark your calendars; the metal world is about to witness Valory’s grand resurgence.