Turpin gets his Way with new band, CD and tour

Hot on the heels of a national tour with Collective Soul and a year after his debut solo EP, musician Will Turpin is headed into the studio with a new band for his first full-length CD, Serengeti Drivers.

Beginning Oct. 8, Will Turpin and The Way will enter Real 2 Reel Studios in Jonesboro, Ga., to craft their first studio effort. Co-produced by Turpin and Jonathan Beckner, the work will include almost a dozen new tunes.

“You’ll hear elements of a lot of different musical influences,” Turpin said. “Some Beatle-esque songs, some rockin’ numbers, and some real laid back stuff. The vocal mix of the three singers will be smooth enough to savor with a glass of wine or kick up your heels with a beer.”

In addition to Turpin (keyboards and vocals) the band lineup includes Jason Fowler (guitar and vocals), Mark Wilson (bass and vocals) and Scott Davidson (drums).

Some of the lyrical themes focus on love, honesty, betrayal and questions revolving around the universe. Turpin said seven of the songs were co-written by Fowler, an Atlanta-based musician and friend.

“A lot of times I have an idea for a song that is not finished or is halfway complete and Jason is able to help me out with a riff or a vocal melody or theme,” Turpin said. “Then there are times when we can create something right on the spot. We’re a good team.”

Turpin also received songwriting support from his wife Donna on a tune called “On And On” which was inspired by her recent cancer scare; a topic that Turpin went public with in June.

“It’s a song about the strength of love and how love never really dies because it goes on and on,” Turpin said. “Donna actually helped me finish the lyrics to the chorus and that was special for both of us.”  Other song titles include “Either Side Of The Sun”, “Let It Go”, “Belong”, “Tomorrow”, “Faith, Hope, Love”, “One And Done” and “Nothing Without.”

Once Serengeti Drivers is released in 2013, Will Turpin and The Way will embark on a tour with dates to be announced next year.

This year, Turpin’s version of “What Child Is This?” will appear on A Rock By The Sea Christmas:Volume Three, a charity CD series set for release on Oct. 16. Net proceeds from the 13-song holiday compilation will benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program in Orlando, Fla.

Turpin’s other group, Collective Soul, is a member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. Collective Soul has attained seven No. 1 songs and 19 Top 40 singles, making them one of the most successful bands of the 1990s. They are planning a 20^th anniversary tour and boxed set CD package in 2014. 

For updates on Will Turpin and the Way, visit http://www.facebook.com/WillTurpinMusic?fref=ts  

Palm Springs a la Carte served up Feb. 1, 2009

Palm Springs a la Carte gets served up February 1, 2009

Mel Haber still doesn't know how to cook a steak, make a Bloody Mary or open a cash register.

That's not an astounding statement to make unless you have been a very successful restaurateur and have been in business for more than three decades. Haber, who was the operator of six different restaurants, including the legendary Melvyn's Restaurant and the Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs, made every mistake in the book and succeed in spite of himself.

Perhaps even more amazing is the fact how the former automotive novelty manufacturer from Coney Island, Brooklyn, stumbled into the desert in 1975 and made a name for himself in a business he knew nothing about – the hospitality industry.

Palm Springs a la Carte: The Colorful World of the Caviar Crowd at Their Favorite Desert Hideaway (Barricade Books, 2009) is a charming, often hilarious book describing the adventures of novice restaurateur and hotelier, Melvyn Haber, an automotive accessory manufacturer from the bowels of New York City who is a legend in the sugar-frosted society of Palm Springs.

Haber admits he made every mistake in the book, which didn't preclude him from running one of the most successful restaurant's and hotels of all time. His establishments have attracted a guest list that reads like a Who's Who of the world. Visitors have included Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Marlon Brando, Liberace, Liza Minnelli, President Gerald Ford, Steve Allen, Lucille Ball, Dinah Shore, Rita Hayworth, Jerry Lewis and June Allyson.

Haber restored the historic inn and grounds, and built his own restaurant, Melvyn's. He learned the business the hard way and lived through a comedy of errors that would have bankrupted most investors in today's ultra-competitive hotel and restaurant markets. He managed not only to survive, but flourish, and became an example of the American dream in its fullest flower.

The book is filled with entertaining stories that offer a peek into the colorful world of celebrities, Hollywood elite, royalty, diplomats, mafioso and lovable con artists at their favorite desert hideaway. As a raconteur, Haber has few equals. With this book, he finally lifts the velvet rope to give readers the best seat in the house, and enthralls them with witty stories about his black-tie clientèle.

These days you're likely to see Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, Sylvester Stallone, Cher, David Hasselhoff, Barry Manilow, Lance Bass, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, Donald Trump and John Travolta enjoying themselves at the site. It remains one of the world's top dream resorts.

Haber feels his story should be an inspiration to everybody, because in his own words, “If I can make it, anybody can.”

Mel Haber is currently the owner of the Ingleside Inn and Melvyn's restaurant. He is also the president of the Angel View Crippled Children's Foundation and has served on its board for twenty-five years, the last fifteen as president. He resides in Rancho Mirage, California.

Palm Springs a la Carte (ISBN 978-1-56980-353-0) is published by Barricade Books and will be distributed through the National Book Network.

To pre-order Palm Springs a la Carte, visit www.amazon.com or www.inglesideinn.com.

March 25, 2008The White Book, by Ken Mansfield

Posted on Joe Wikert's Publishing 2020 Blog

Just when you thought you had read and seen everything about The Beatles... Author Ken Mansfield provides one of the more entertaining and fascinating books about the Fab Four in years.

The White Book isn't just another Beatles book because Mansfield isn't just another music critic with a new angle; he's the guy who used to run the U.S. arm of Apple Records, the label started by The Beatles.

The White Book is loaded with stories and photos that I've never seen before, and believe me when I tell you I've gone through my share of Beatles books. In addition to the many unique photos of the band, there are also pictures of memorabilia and letters. It was interesting to read not just the facts about each event/document but Mansfield's behind-the-scenes explanations, the real insider's perspective.

Mansfield's music experience isn't limited to The Beatles and neither is the coverage in this book. He dedicates the latter part of the book to his work with other big names such as James Taylor, Waylon Jennings, David Cassidy and several others. The White Book is a wonderful book and one that every Beatle fan needs for their collection.

To order The White Book, go to www.amazon.com.

Kudos for "The White Book"

ANDREW LOOG OLDHAMRolling Stones Manager and Producer

"Ken Mansfield brings us a new and closely personal perspective not only on the Beatles, but on a whole cast of musical characters from Brian Wilson to Don Ho. An observant and perceptive man in the centre of the storm; a contradictory man, both ambitious and spiritual, but at the heart of the record industry during its most exciting years and enjoying every minute of it. I lived through those years with Ken and we became friends. It is a pleasure to experience so much of it all again through the accuracy of his story telling and the clarity of his memory."

PETER ASHERPeter and Gordon/A&R Chief Apple Records/Producer-Manager (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King et al)

"Journalism is normally a very inexact science. Many of the countless books about the Beatles have been written by researchers-not by people who were actually there. Everyone has experienced reading a book or article where one's own inside knowledge about a particular person or event shows up inaccuracies on the part of the writer that totally distort the truth. This book is an exception-I know because I was there for some of it myself. Ken Mansfield and I unknowingly shared the experience of the famous Apple rooftop session where I was nervously adjusting mikes and cables for the sound recording of that unforgettable day. Ken was not only working for the Beatles through their heyday, he was also their trusted friend. There is no one better equipped to tell the Beatles' story-truthfully-and more importantly-factually, from the inside."

ALAN PARSONSEngineer to the Beatles/Pink Floyd, Multi Platinum Producer, Alan Parsons Project

"Unlike many people claiming a Beatles connection, Ken Mansfield doesn't have an agenda or try to elevate his role or importance. Ken comes across as a man who knows how lucky he was to be where he was and enjoys sharing his stories with us. Ken was there and that is why The White Book is informative, fresh and entertaining without being ego-driven."

To purchase Ken Mansfield's "The White Book, The Beatles, The Bands, The Biz: An Insiders Look at an Era, go to www.amazon.com or www.fabwhitebook.com.