BUGZ

.. Click on pics to see descriptions... Welcome to the the music site of the project "BUGZ". Bienvinedo Amigos...Ciao Amici... ~Feel free to leave comment~ My name is Frank (Franco aka Smooth) , and I am very passionate about music and what it does inside of me to live. My musical interest started when The Beatles hit the USA. Then when Jimi Hendrix exploded into the musical world I found myself drawn to the guitar. It wasn't until the age of 18 did I get a guitar and begin to learn. I never had guitar lessons other than reading How To Play Guitar Books, and always listening to the guitar greats of that time. You could say that I am self taught , and learned by ear with lots of hours picking along with records. I really enjoyed learning from records with the likes such as BB King, Savoy Brown and Cream. I would go out and get in jam sessions where ever I could until I got good enough where people asked me to join bands. Played in several local bands traveled throughout Texas. I finally discovered that I could write songs and wrote around 8 songs then wanted to go original. By a strange circumstance I got connected with a group from Austin, who were really a garage band, that I helped get out playing as we developed into a real band that traveled throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and eventually to Georgia and then all over the southeast. Ok, that's a brief introduction to what started my hunger and passion for music. Oh, yes there is more to the story... Bands that I have played with: KOKO from Austin,TX ( who was signed with Pat Armstrong Management), Raggedy Ann from Atlanta, GA , Lynxx from Knoxvile,TN (later to become The Stranger Band from Tampa,Fl) and Rio (a recording group in Memphis with English producer Michael Stewart). KOKO is in the the Wall of Fame at the Macon Ga renown club Grants Lounge where all of the Capricorn records bands and others played.(http://www.grantslounge.com/WallOfFame/). After a spiritual quest, a time of healing, and learning what'z really important in one's life, I have started back writing and recording again. You know the deal, music lives inside us and needs a release, right. So, as long as I can continue doing what I love with people with the same vision the quest goes on... Sorta like the energizer bunny right. Still going... Ha :) It is my desire to collaborate with talented musicians with the same love for music. With this in mind I have started a new project, BUGZ, and recorded with some unique and talented musicians. At the present this is a solo project with guest musicians on the recording. It was my pleasure to invite Dave Irons, a.k.a King Dave, the lead singer from the band Kritickill, (www.kritickill.com) to add the vocals. Once I heard the depth of his singing and with his real hunger for music it was a no brainer to have him join in. I am very fortunate that he was a part of this first project and that he continues. I was introduced to a creative and talented drummer from Austin, TX the man Rich Chilleri, who has a good history of projects ( Jim Thackery Band, Guy Forsyth and Omar and the Howlers) and added the right part to all the songs. Then the smooth and driving bass playing of George Reiff was added. George, with lots of experience in the music bizz has worked with many known artist ( Kelly Willis, Ian Moore, Charlie and Will Sexton, ex-Skunk John Dee Graham, Beaver Nelson, Michael Fracasso, Ray Wylie Hubbard and Ian McLagan and The Bump Band). His last project was with New Earth Mud, Chris Robinson from the Black Crowes lastest project. All this was recorded at Jumping Dog Studio in Austin Tx. Ron Flynt the owner and engineer was the man who captured it all and with his "good help and advice" we managed to get it right. Ron himself a polished pro has a long history in the music world. One of his first bands was 20/20 a recording band with CBS that wrote some very fine songs and put out various albums. I wanted to have the recordings sound the best I could so I was surprised to have the opportunity for Kenny Lewis, a master @ mixing, do all the final mixes (www.mixedemotionsmusic.com). Kenny has been involved with mixes for Stryper, Slaughter, Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, Kip Winger, La Guns, and Night Ranger (mix Engineer). Then Ty Tabor aka lead guitarist from Kings X did the mastering at his studio (www.alienbeansstudio.com). Now for the last 5 songz I have added some new guest. They are, Michele Cusato ( www.myspace.com/michelecusato ), a rising star from Italy who not only is a guest lead guitarist on two songz but also we have developed a good friendship with planz to continue next year on more songz. Then of course on bass guitar, Mr. Big Stuff James Anderson from Dallas Tx with an extensive history in the music world(www.myspace.com/rattlinbones1). He toured with The Dick Clark Caravan Of Stars and has played with such artist as Nitzinger...Bugs Henderson...Rocky Athas...Pat Hornsby...Jimmy Wallace...Junior Clark...Matt Tapp...Johnny Harra (The best Elvis Impersonator ever), The Stratoblasters and Robert Ealey. I also had the pleasure of having a new guest and friend from Canada, Marija, sing on a song. (www.myspace.com/rijamusic ) She is an upcoming artist on the horizon who not only sang but wrote the lyrics also. Then I had from Kritickill, Todd on drums and Deno on bass with their singer Dave on vocals in a song we could do together with Michele. What a treat that was. Passion and love for music drives me to continue to pursue writing and recording songs. Music will always be an inspiration in my life. I am open to collaborate with other projects and artist. Keeping the vision open allowing creative inspiration to flow. Songz live inside and I find the best thing to do is allow them to flow out. The journey continues...

BEDROOM EYES
Track of the Day April 13, 2006

Awards!
Track of the Day on 13Apr2006 in Blues Rock
Best Male Vocals in Blues Rock, week of 10Apr2006
Best Guitars in Blues Rock, week of 10Apr2006
Best Production in Blues Rock, week of 10Apr2006
Best Beat in Blues Rock, week of 10Apr2006
Best Mood in Blues Rock, week of 10Apr2006
Rocking Track in Blues Rock, week of 10Apr2006 **Reviews**
"Bedroom Eyes"
this song is why I review
I got excited right away when this song started playing. Really hot sounding blues. I like the guitar sound. It is polished and practiced while still holding that "dirty" crunchy sound blues is famous for. Some fresh licks in the guitar playing as well as some of the good blues licks. A great blues singer on this track. The voice is powerful and he feels his lyrics. I like it. The progression and song is a bit different from standard blues genre. Killer drum rolls and fill-ins. The whole band is really tight sounding. Good production value going on here. Everything is turned up enough to be audible. I think I hear some influence from Muddy Waters, but I can't be sure. Its okay to sound original too.
- Ivan2Rok from Taylorsville, North Carolina on 2Apr2006
Here's a Pro Good Lord, this is a band here. This recording is fantastic, your sound engineer and mastering studio does GREAT work. That is the best mix I've heard on Garageband ever. Ok, to the song. This is a great rock tune. Vocalist is a rock star, all the guitar parts work, bass player and drummer are pros. I want your friggin' drummer. TEE-AIGHT. Great tune. When's the stadium tour?
Reviewed by: strathound from Dallas, Texas
The whole thing kinda reminded me of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, which is a good thing. I liked the bass player's riff, as well as the backup vocals. The performance was good, nice balance of all of the different voicings. Nice set of pipes on the vocalist, he has a nice heavy blues voice. I liked the guitar riffs through out the entire song, they sounded very similar to Slash of Guns 'n' Roses/ Velvet Revolver. Nice Song Reviewed by: OSBM from Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania
Energetic Performance
Potentially vibrant sounding live band. Like the song which delivers some very raunchy rock, love the lead guitar break which blends back in nicely into the song. Voice sounds a little like Bo Bice (American Idol). Like the mix and the production, which is nicely balanced and produces engaging peaks and troughs. Usually a little heavy for me, but could be a convert after hearing this!
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Guitars.
- Bluessinger1 April 3rd, 2006
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BREAKTHROUGH
TRACK OF THE DAY April 19, 2006

Review of Breakthrough by BUGZ
Genre: Blues Rock

Awards!
Track of the Day on 19Apr2006 in Blues Rock
Best Melody in Blues Rock, week of 17Apr2006
Best Beat in Blues Rock, week of 17Apr2006
i like this a nice track and nice raul rodgers type vocal. will be looking out for you chaps. well done, i bet live, you rock. Extra Credit: Originality. - markhussey
Oxford, United Kingdom
April 2nd, 2006 Sounds like ZZ Top I hope the ZZ Top comparison is favorable to the band. I absolutely love old ZZ Top. One of the great underrated bands of all time. - mightyzep
Tucson, Arizona
April 1st, 2006
GOOD SONG Very good sound. A nicely balanced song. This track was crafted with good sense of balance between all the instruments. So I give it an A for mix. The vocals were great. I give the vocals an A also. The Guitar playing was beefy enough to carry the melody. I like the ZZ Top flavor on the phrasing and the changes. The drums were very good too. The bass was foot stomping and a good carry with the drums, so I give the rythm section an A also. Overall: A fine song worthy of air play. Good professional mix and musicianship. GOOD JOB - GOOD SONG
Reviewed by:
FredScape from
Hopewell Jct., New York

SURFING THE WIND Track Of Day: 12May2006
Awards!
Track of the Day on 12May2006 in Instrumental Rock
Best Production in Instrumental Rock, week of 8May2006
Best Melody in Instrumental Rock, week of 8May2006
Chill-Out Track in Instrumental Rock, week of 8May2006
Review of: Surfing The Wind by BUGZ
Genre: Instrumental Rock 3.8
Very nice.
Terrific guitar work. Pleasant to listen to; the melody's nice. Melancholy mood, good arrangement. I bet you guys do well live. This kind of thing is very big here in Texas. Kinda wish I had a beer to go with this track. Cheers, guys.
Extra Credit: Guitars, Production, Melody, Coolest Chill-Out Track.
- Mika_Salakka
San Marcos, Texas
May 6th, 2006

Review: Jazz with some laid back beach music.
Right away, the snare drum kicks off the song into a groovy rythem. The lead guitar reminds me of jazz on steroids. The rythem guitar plays a nice harmony with the lead guitar while being accompanied by a groovy bassline. Throughout the whole song, there are nice keyboards accompanying everything. Good job with this song.
Reviewed by: dannmann678 from Castle Rock, Colorado strong intro the santana guitar works well inthe verseparts the lead playing is inspired the drumming is solid
Reviewed by:
dingus from
Los Angeles, California

Review of DreamZ by BUGZ
Genre: Blues Rock
------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------- Dreamz
Track of The Day Dec 2, 2006/p Awards! Track of the Day on 2Dec2006 in Blues Rock
Best Guitars in Blues Rock, week of 4Dec2006
Best Drums in Blues Rock, week of 4Dec2006
Best Bass in Blues Rock, week of 4Dec2006
Best Production in Blues Rock, week of 4Dec2006
Best Lyrics in Blues Rock, week of 4Dec2006
Best Melody in Blues Rock, week of 4Dec2006
Best Beat in Blues Rock, week of 4Dec2006
Rocking Track in Blues Rock, week of 4Dec2006
Rock on! The drums are reminiscent of Zepplin...(presence) but with Coverdale on vocals :) I like the intro. SOunds like Fender Strat slightly over driven on the neck pickup and it sounds gooood. Tight...really tight... Guess your influences are like in that order zepp, purple et al Vocals are good. Overall....a neat job.
Reviewed by: psychacid from Hyderabad, India
Extra Credit: Guitars, Production.
That Guitar woke me up.
Then came the lyrics as a pleasant surprise also. A song of "blessed hope". Where did you find that guitarist. They take Hendrix's skill and syle up about 5 levels. I might even listen to this again right now just for the guitar sound.
Extra Credit: Guitars, Drums, Production, Beat, Most Rocking Track. - PeyoteSky Showcase Your Music - info@showcaseyourmusicI edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4