‘It’s electric’: Fresh off Ringo Starr tour, Journey/Santana co-founder Gregg Rolie heads back to studio

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Just back from another well-received round of shows with the All-Starr Band, Gregg Rolie continues working on a new solo release — the Santana/Journey co-founder’s first since 2011.

Rolie posted a new photo with Frenchie Smith and Sean Rolie, taken at Sonic Ranch in El Paso, Texas, as they were “finishing mixes on new material.”

Austin-based Smith has worked as producer with the Toadies, And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, and the Meat Puppets, among others. The younger Rolie, who engineered this time, also produced 5 Days, Gregg Rolie’s most recent EP of songs.

Meanwhile, Rolie says that touring with Ringo Starr was “too much fun for anyone to have.” This year’s edition, which included Toto’s Steve Lukather and Todd Rundgren, among others, toured last summer and then again in February and March.

“Had a blast as always with these guys,” Rolie adds. “I’m up for this anytime or anywhere. It’s electric.”

Lukather is featured on two new tracks from this forthcoming Rolie solo effort, says Ron Wikso, co-producer and longtime Gregg Rolie band drummer.

Also appearing on the new tracks: Alphonso Johnson, who like Rolie is a Santana band alum, long-time Rolie collaborator Alan Haynes, and others.

Rolie’s last studio effort, the solo EP Five Days, included emotional new takes on two of his most memorable performances with Santana and Journey — “Black Magic Woman” and “Anytime” — as well as three other tracks. Rolie contributed to four Santana albums between 1969-72, then was in Journey for eight albums between 1975-81.

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Want more? The Greg Rolie Band has a stand-alone Web site with additional music and other cool merchandise.

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