by Jeb Wright

On August 24^th and 25^th guitarist extraordinaire Uli Jon Roth hosted the second annual Sky Academy at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. Roth created the Sky Academy as a way to teach guitar players the importance of improvisation, creativity and spirituality in music. The two-day event featured Roth performing with many special guests including Robby Krieger, Jeff Scott Soto, Stuart Smith, Mark Boals, Paul Gilbert and Tony Franklin. In addition to the live performances, Roth spent a week with the students conducting group seminars. Guest vocalist Jeff Scott Soto summed up Sky Academy and Uli Jon Roth best when he stated, "The guy is a legend in every sense of the word. He has inspired many guitarists including the man I got my start with Yngwie Malmsteen. His Sky Academy is a great thing for young and old to get a personal experience of his mastery. He has always been a gracious gentleman to me since the day I met him. It's an honor to be a friend and colleague."

Day I: August 24^th
Best Song: We'll Burn the Sky
Best Guitar Solo: Highway Chile by Paul Gilbert and Uli Jon Roth
Biggest Surprise: Sky Brothers by Greg Vaughan
Best Vocal Performance: Mark Boals on Child In Time

Upon landing at LAX we (friend of CRR Sean Turner and myself) rambled through the airport to find our shuttle to the Thrifty Rental car lot. We were excited to see Uli Jon Roth and check out the music that the Sky Academy event had to offer. Just the chance of seeing Uli perform Scorpions classics like "We'll Burn the Sky," "Sails of Charone," Virgin Killer" and "Catch Your Train" makes the three-hour flight worth it. Plus, we were going to Hollywood. This is the Mecca of the entertainment industry. We planned on checking out the Hollywood Bowl, Capitol Records, Pink's Hot Dog stand, the Walk of Fame and cruising the Sunset Strip.

We had no idea where we were going as I forgot to MapQuest the directions. Once we got our rental car we knew we would have to figure out where the hell Hollywood was. We were booked into the Hollywood Holiday Inn. I looked up as we left the rental car agency and saw another Holiday Inn. We went inside and explained our plight to Jose, the concierge. He looked up the address and printed us off directions. We hit the road and went in search of La Brea street. We stopped for gasoline across from the famous Randy's Doughnuts. We took some pictures, bought some cheap cigars and headed to Hollywood. We quickly learned that Jose was a moron. He gave us directions to a beat up hotel called the Quality Inn. What the hell was he thinking? Was it the language barrier? Was he an idiot? Or was it both? Either way, we still had no idea where the hotel was. Luckily, the Quality Inn was in Hollywood so we knew we could not be too far from our destination. Like typical men we opted not to stop and ask anyone for directions. Instead we figured we could find it ourselves. We found Hollywood Boulevard and Grauman's Chinese Theatre and we even ended up at Hollywood & Vine and Capital Records but we saw no Holiday Inn. We decided to travel a different direction and ended up getting on the 101 and into a huge wad of traffic. We quickly got off at Universal Studios and got out the cell phone and called Sean's office for help. As we were guided back to Highland Drive I saw the hotel. We cheered with joy and hung up the phone. We had arrived.

After check in we walked up Highland to Hollywood Boulevard. While we were in town to cover the event, we could not resist a bit of sightseeing before we went to the venue. We went up to the third story of an outdoor mall where people were gathered to view the famous Hollywood sign nestled into the famous Hollywood Hills. We took some photos and then went to the Walk of Fame and compared our hand and shoe sizes with the Marx Brothers, Marilyn Monroe and Jack Nicholson outside of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. We walked around the block and looked at the star's names on the sidewalk. For some reason we were impressed that Winnie the Pooh made the list.

Eventually, we made our way down the street. We were taken aback by the amount of homeless people along our path. They were mixed in with tourists, street performers, students from the Musicians Institute and people dressed as super heroes. The Institute, from the Boulevard, looks like a regular store front. It is only when you enter it that you realize that this is where some of the worlds future best musicians get their training. As we walked down the open air corridor, we were blessed with different forms of live music coming at us from the adjacent classrooms. One room featured a jazz trio while the next featured a woman singing rhythm and blues with her band. There were guitarist jamming ferociously by themselves in small rooms. The entire area oozed of a passion and love of music.

We got directions to the auditorium where Uli was teaching a seminar. As we entered Roth was on stage talking to the group about meditation techniques. He was dressed colorfully in a blue overcoat and tight pants with his Sky Guitar strapped to his torso. A headband hides thinning hair as his long locks drape down his back. He speaks with his entire body. His hands explain emotions as his outstretched arms display passion for the subject of which he speaks. His words flow through the auditorium as several dozen students sit in awe with their guitars wrapped in their arms.

Roth is a fairly tall man and he commands attention without demanding it. One is drawn to his knowledge of the guitar and he delivers his message with a German accent that is both inviting and intimidating at the same time. It is apparent that he takes these classes very seriously. He is passing along his legacy and making sure that musicianship, creativity and spirituality are seen as the building blocks of the craft of being a total guitarist. One need only look into his eyes to see the dedication and love he has for Sky Academy. He speaks from experience and even shares tales of his past career with the Scorpions with the awe-struck crowd. Uli has earned the reverence and respect that is given to him throughout the entire event. He is one of the best guitar players on the planet. He can play in any style and at any tempo. He blasts hard rock, metal, classical, blues and even jazz with ease. As the seminar ends, preparation for the first Sky Academy performance begins.

In typical rock n' roll fashion the event is running behind. In true Spinal Tap fashion the stage is too small and the backstage area is nonexistent making it very difficult to perform changeovers quickly. Uli realizes this but shakes his head and moves forward. Throughout the two days Roth will play emcee stopping short of telling Vegas lounge jokes but admitting that everyone in attendance will be getting his life story. As annoyed as he is with the problems, he handles himself with grace and actually makes the venue's shortcomings into a running joke that both he and the audience laugh at out loud.

The show begins with Uli and keyboardist Corvin Bahn doing an improvisational jam. This is a daring way to begin a concert. Uli and Corvin feed off each other as the keyboard player pounds out full orchestral sounds and Roth thrills those in attendance by dancing around the entire fretboard. Next is the Electric Sun classic "Fire Wind" followed by "Land of Dawn." Joining Uli on bass was Ule Ritgen.  The Sky Academy concerts marked the first time Ule and Uli played together in the United States. The crowd came alive when Roth introduced "We'll Burn the Sky" and dedicated it to Monika Dannemann, who wrote the lyrics. The band played the Scorpions classic better than the Scorpions ever did. Roth's rendition of the song left all in awe of his skills. Uli then went for the jugular and succeeded in slaying the audience with a tune titled "Hiroshima."

The rest of the first set didn't live up to the amazing start of the show. Michael Batio played a two necked guitar to a backing track and while it was amazing it was a bit too much of a circus act for the serious setting of the event. The first set came to a close after a Hendrix-influenced version of "All Along the Watchtower" and an inspiring keyboard solo by Bahn.  The only disappointment in the entire event was that Don Dokken was unable to perform due to health reasons.  Bass player Rob Pagliari filled in for each of the songs slated for Dokken.  Rob admitted he felt odd as this was the first time in his career that he went on stage without his bass.  He need not fear though as he did a great job.  After a few songs he got used to being on stage without his bass and even made some lead singer moves.  This is the kind of spontaneity that happens at Sky Academy.  The entire ensemble lives on the edge.  Being seasoned pros they thrive on this kind of danger and the excitement sends the music over the edge. 

During the break we retreated to the greenroom where we met up with Stuart Smith and Richie Onori of Heaven & Earth and guitarist Adrian Galysh. As we were shooting the breeze Tony Franklin and Jeff Scott Soto entered the room. There were hugs and smiles from all the musicians. Original Electric Sun Bass player Ule Ritgen had us all in stitches with his spot on impersonation of Scorpions guitarist Rudolf Schenker while Galysh joined in and did a great job mimicking vocalist Klaus Meine. The break was soon over and we headed back to our seats to check out Act II.

Corvin opened the set with another amazing keyboard solo followed by Roth and Stuart Smith performing a Bach piece. Next up several of the students came on stage with Roth and preformed a classical piece. Uli allowed each student to get his moment in the sun and jam. What followed was the surprise event of the day. Student Greg Vaughan composed a song titled "Sky Brothers" and performed it solo acoustically. He possesses a unique vocal style and is a gifted player. The song touched Uli and the crowd and Vaughan left the stage to thundering applause.

Roth introduced Chicago guitar player George Bellas who performed an incredible instrumental he had written. Bellas plays with a Clapton sense of melody and a Malmsteen sense of shred. Needless to say the song was filled with many tempo changes and many shades of fire and ice. The event was now heating up and it was time for Uli to bring out the guests and start the fretboard fireworks. Roth introduced Jeff Scott Soto and went into the classic Scorpions track "In Trance." Soto was smiling ear-to-ear as he sang the song in his best Klaus Meine voice. He owned the audience with his energetic performance and his stage presence. Soto and Roth were also joined by Adrian Galysh who traded licks with the Master. The band went into "Pictured Life" and delivered another jam-soaked rendition that left everyone speechless. Galysh commented, "Uli has a large musical vocabulary and a fountain of musical ideas. Most musicians use up their good ideas and stock licks in the first few minutes of improvisation but Uli has an endless source of ideas. He is really amazing. Personally, Uli is very kind, and generous. He is a serious musician, but has a laid back personality."

The Sky Academy magic was at work and the few hundred in attendance in the small venue were full of energy. The event was already over three-hours long but it felt like we were just getting started. Roth introduced Paul Gilbert who took the stage and went in Jimi Hendrix mode. "Foxy Lady," Highway Chile" and "Purple Haze" took about thirty minutes as Roth and Gilbert traded licks and kept the entire crowd on the edge of their seats. "Highway Chile" featured the two virtuosos dueling it out. Each man would listen intently to the other and then try to up them with a ferocious guitar lead. In the end, a draw was called. Gilbert told me that, "Uli is a great electric guitar pioneer. He is legendary for what he played and composed in the 70's and he continues to play and write incredible music. As a musician, he has such a beautiful vibrato and his technique is incredible. I have to thank him for speaking English because I can't speak German."

Chris Poland, the original guitarist for Megadeth, and now in a band called OHM with Rob Pagliari,  joined Uli for a rousing rendition of the classic "Spoonful."  The Cream classic never sounded like this!  Next up was Johnny Hiland, a legally blind and heavyset guitar player from Nashville, went to town on "Going Down" and "Mercury Blues." Signed to Steve Vai's label, Hiland is a talented man. He threw out blues licks, country licks, hard rock and jazz licks and even some two-handed Eddie Van Halen style tapping. He scored major points as a crowd favorite and it was fun seeing Roth play blues for a change.  Drummer  Michael Ehre played the entire event and handled Hiland's blues, classic Scorpions metal and everything else that was thrown his way. 

Shredder Joe Stump put on a technical clinic that left no portion of the guitar unplayed. Stump is talented player, a good showman and a huge Roth fan. "There's a very cool, very supportive vibe among all of the players involved. It's a treat to see so many killer musicians interacting and it's always inspiring to watch Uli play and a thrill to get up and perform with him.  Uli`s a wonderfully warm and cool person and as a musician he's world class.  He's a tremendous guitarist who's influence can be heard over generations of players.  Uli helped write the book when it comes to classically influenced, European style hard rock guitar. In addition to being a great guitar hero he's a tremendous musician and true artist in every sense. I have nothing but admiration and respect for him both as a person and musician."  Stump went on to add why the experience is so important to him as a musician.  "For me it's a chance to watch one of my all time heroes and to play and perform with him.  What could be better than that?  I've been lucky enough to get up and do my own thing at the shows so it's nice for fans of mine to get to see me stretch out and do some damage as well as introducing my guitar work to some new fans. There's always a bunch of great musicians involved in the thing so taking it all in and watching all the other players, in addition to Uli and his band, is very inspiring. I'm proud to have been part of it both years."

Next up was Mark Boals who brought the house down with "Child in Time" and the Scorpions classics "Sails of Charon" and "Catch Your Train." Boals vocal prowess is amazing to witness as he hit notes that Ian Gillan would be jealous of. The night ended with several guitar players talking the stage with Roth and blasting out the Chuck Berry classic "Johnny B. Goode." Once again it was interesting to see Roth show a side of his playing that he does not often let out of the bag.

Five hours after it began the first Sky Academy concert of 2007 had ended. To be honest, it certainly didn't feel like five hours had passed as it was an honor and a pleasure to witness such talent gathered in one place. The best part of the show being over was that we were that much closer to Day II and the arrival of Rock n' Roll Hall of Famer Robby Krieger.

Day II: August 25th
Best Song: Sails of Charon
Best Guitar Solo: Timeless Inspiration by George Bellas
Biggest Surprise: Hand by Andrew Shulman
Best Vocal Performance: We'll Burn the Sky by Piero Leporale

We began day two with Sean going down the block to Starbucks while I caught a few extra moments of sleep. Sean returned with my French Vanilla Cappuccino and told me of a homeless woman who was walking around in the most filthy socks he had ever seen. She passed the time by picking up cigarette butts and smoking them. Once we were buzzed with caffeine we made our way back to Hollywood, having to step over a sleeping homeless woman to cross the street. We met an interesting couple visiting from Australia. The older couple told us that they were starting in Hollywood and were going to fly across the United States and see as much of it as they could for three weeks. They were looking for the Walk of Fame and we told them where they could find it. We mentioned it was past a mall and they perked up with excitement as their luggage was lost and they could do for a change of clothing. The man spoke of the USA fondly and said Australians knew more about our country than we did of theirs. This prompted a barrage of comments from Sean and I on topics ranging from Australian Rules Football, the Aborigines, the Sidney Opera House, wallabies, kangaroo and boomerangs.

With a full day to kill we drove up in the Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills and Los Angeles in general. We ended up back on Hollywood Boulevard at the Hollywood Hooters for dinner. Our cute and perky waitress kept calling us Mister as she took our order of hot wings and fries. Sean ordered a beer and I ordered a lemonade. She looked at me and shook her had and said, "Lemonade. That is so sad." Sean found this to be hilarious. I made a mental note to never again order lemonade from a cute waitress!

Once dinner was over, we went back to the Institute and sat in on one of Uli's seminars. This was an open question and answer session. A bit later one of the students took the stage to be critiqued by Roth. The student was nervous and gave a subpar performance filled with difficult licks and runs that he was not able to quite pull off. Roth gave him excellent feedback but the student insisted that it was the amp's fault and not his. Roth did a very professional job of explaining that playing on stage is not like playing in your living room and told the student that in order to give a great performance sometimes you have to pull back and play within your own limitations. At this point Robby Krieger of the Doors entered the auditorium. Uli invited him to join in the session and Krieger agreed. Students were thrilled to be able to ask Robby about being in the Doors, writing songs and putting up with a live wire lead singer on stage.

Once the session was over the venue transformed from classroom into concert hall and the second night of the Sky Academy concerts was about to begin. People shuffled in to pack the house and the lights dimmed. Roth opened with several Scorpions classics including those played the night before as well as "Polar Nights" and "Fly to the Rainbow." The latter brought a thundering applause from the Scorpion's fans in attendance as this is the title track to the band's second album and the first Scorpions album to feature Roth as the guitarist. "Fly to the Rainbow" is a long forgotten song and we got to see it come back to life before our very eyes.

Much of the set was a repeat of the day before, however, the individual performances were even better than the previous days. This was in part due to the fact that there was very little rehearsal for these concerts. Day I was amazing but saw many of the performers on stage with each other for the first time. With show nerves out of the way and having played together the night before, the musicians loosened up and had fun. The improv leads on Day II were exceptional. "We'll Burn the Sky" was again blasted out with fury and this time Italian vocalist Piero Leporale opened his lungs and put on a vocal display. George Bellas once again thrilled the audience with his original song "Timeless Inspiration" written specifically for the Sky Academy event. The song of the day, however, belonged to classical cello player Andrew Shulman. He plugged in an electric cello and traded licks with Uli to his original tune titled "HAND (Have a Nice Day)."  Shulman and Roth traded distortion soaked classical licks showing that if the classical gig doesn't work out Shulman could become a rock star.  All joking aside, Shulman is one of the most talented composers, performers and conductors in the world of classical music.  His participation in Sky Academy shows the reach, range and respect Uli Jon Roth possesses amounst his peers .

As grand as all the performances were the highlight of Sky Academy Day II was Robby Krieger playing four classics by the Doors. "Roadhouse Blues" was the opening number followed by "Riders on the Storm," "LA Woman" and "Light My Fire." Robby has a unique style. He does not burn up the frets but he has a very strong sense of melody and is a student of the blues. All in attendance knew they were witnessing something special. Once done it was time for an intermission and everyone went back to the greenroom where photographs were taken of all the guests artists with Uli. Adrian Galysh commented "I have loved Uli's guitar playing since I was about 10 years old, he is definitely a guitar hero to me." This sentiment was true for all who came to the event. Paul Gilbert was going to be there no matter what. "I was in the middle of moving so I was very busy. Plus they didn't offer any money but I love Uli's playing so I did it for the music. That's always the best reason." Jeff Scott Soto agrees with Gilbert's sentiment. "[Sky Academy] continues the legacy of Uli's style with new generations to carry forward as well as giving us the chance to come together annually to celebrate his work. It is great to hang out with old and new colleagues before & after the event. It's like a miniature version of the NAMM show."

The show moved along at a quicker pace and was done in only four hours. The event actually made time stop while you were in the audience. Song after song and solo after solo the players incredible talents put the audience in a trance. Guitar player Adrian Galysh put it best when he explained the importance of the Sky Academy concerts, "The importance to me is to be able to expose an audience to musicians that can really play their instruments while at the same time are very musical. Guys like Uli, his band, Tony Franklin, Chris Poland, Paul Gilbert and the rest of the guests have really big ears. They listen to what is going on musically and can either compliment, back off or add to the music. The improvisations can go in any direction and surprise the audience. These concerts, if you think about it, bring to the audience elements of rock, country, jazz, and classical music. It's not every day someone can go to a concert and get that."

In the end we look forward to Sky Academy III in 2008. Keep checking www.sky-academy.com for the latest news. All serious guitar players can benefit from Uli Jon Roth's seminars and all music fans will rejoice at his, and his guests, performances. This is an event that showcases some of the top talents in the world and is very important to the future of music. If you are one who loves music then you need to be at Sky Academy 2008.

Special Thanks for a Job Well Done:

Uli Jon Roth, Jeff Agins, Paul Gilbert, Jeff Scott Solo, Adrian Galysh, Joe Stump, Sean Turner, Stuart Smith, the Musicians Institute, the students, the stage crew, the musicians and the sound man.