ENCINO, Calif. -- The Yardbirds, one of the most influential bands to emerge from the glorious British pop scene of the '60s, is putting the finishing touches on its first new studio recording since 1968's Little Games. The new Yardbirds album, titled Birdland, will be released on April 22, 2003 by Favored Nations Recordings (marketed and distributed by RED Distribution's Red Ink Division.)

In addition to founding members Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar and backing vocals) and Jim McCarty (drums and backing vocals), the Yardbirds now contain Gypie Mayo (lead guitar and backing vocals, formerly of Dr. Feelgood), John Idan (bass and lead vocals) and Alan Glen (harmonica and backing vocals, ex- of Nine Below Zero, Little Axe and more.) Excitingly, too, they are joined on this recording by a guitar heroes Brian May (Queen), Steve Vai, Slash, Joe Satriani, Steve Lukather, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and more!

Producer was Ken Allardyce (Weezer, Fleetwood Mac, Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls), and the bulk of the album was recorded at Steve Vai's Mothership studio in Hollywood, Calif., with parts recorded at two London studios. Producer Allardyce actually saw the Yardbirds open for the Beatles at Hammersmith Odeon in 1964 and has been a fan ever since.

The album contains newly recorded versions of eight of the Yardbirds' best known hits ("I'm Not Talking," "The Nazz Are Blue," "For Your Love," "Train Kept A Rolling," "Shapes of Things," "Over, Under, Sideways, Down," "Mr. You're A Better Man Than I" and "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago") plus seven new songs that faithfully carry on the Yardbirds' musical tradition ("Crying Out For Love," "Please Don't Tell Me 'Bout the News, "Mr. Saboteur," "My Blind Life," "The Mystery of Being," "Dream Within A Dream" and "An Original Man [A Song For Keith]")

According to founding Yardbirds member Chris Dreja, "To make our first album in so many years has been a lasting ambition of ours. We wanted to do our original songs and our new ones with modern production while preserving the essence of our sound. It was a labor of love, and we're grateful to everyone who helped - our guest musicians and especially to Steve Vai. To me, it doesn't sound like we've been away for 35 years. The Yardbirds are still a kick-ass, high-energy band - and that comes across on this album."

Following is a track listing including special guest appearances. Order is subject to change:

• I'm Not Talking
• Crying Out For Love
• The Nazz Are Blue - (Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter, guitar)
• For Your Love
• Please Don't Tell Me 'Bout The News
• Train Kept A Rolling - (Joe Satriani, guitar)
• Mr. Saboteur
• Shapes Of Things - (Steve Vai, guitar)
• My Blind Life
• Over, Under, Sideways, Down - (Slash, guitar)
• Mr. You're A Better Man Than I - (Brian May, guitar)
• Mystery Of Being
• Dream Within A Dream
• Happenings Ten Years Time Ago - (Steve Lukather, guitar)
• An Original Man (A Song For Keith)

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