As previously announced, "Alchemy" album will be released on March, 4th in Europe and April, 9th in USA (via MVD). This release will, however, be preceded by the world premiere of "Alchemy" show at the famous Wyspianski Theatre in Katowice, Poland on February 22, where it will be recorded for the purposes of a DVD to be released by Metal Mind Productions later this year. The double album will be available for purchase at the Theatre prior to the official release date.
Recordings for Clive Nolan's second musical, 'Alchemy' have been completed in December. For the cast of 'Alchemy', consisting of eleven principal singers, seven instrumentalists and the chorus, summer and autumn of 2012 was an extremely busy time. Due to the complexity of the musical as well as a large number of artists involved, the recording process turned out to be more than a multilevel experience, and the one that had to be realised in several stages and different locations.
The major bulk of work was done at the London-based Thin Ice Studios where, under the rigid eye of Clive Nolan himself, numerous vocal and orchestral sessions were completed and a desired sound was achieved. However, some of the recordings - Mark Westwood's guitars and Claudio Momberg's piano parts, were brought to life at Birmingham studio, Nomad 51, and Tauridstudios in Santiago, Chile respectively.
Scott Higham: "Working with Clive Nolan again on his second musical 'Alchemy' has been another fantastic journey. As a drummer it is very interesting to play with lots of twists and turns... just like the story! The recording process is always great fun. Clive and I work together on every track in the studio, making sure every part is perfect for the Musical... Nothing is overlooked! We have worked together this way on many projects over the years, so I have a very good understanding of what he requires for his Musicals. We have a great team on 'Alchemy' and I hope everyone enjoys the show in Poland!"
Apart from the previously announced principal cast, including such giants of progressive rock as Damian Wilson, Tracy Hitchings, Paul Menel and more, 'Alchemy' team was joined by a horn player, Ian Stott and a violinist, Penny Gee. Moreover, as a special treat, the CD album will feature short guest appearances from John Mitchell and a man behind 'Alchemy' artwork, a graphic designer Graeme Bell. Many others joined the chorus or performed some vocal lines adding up to the grandeur of the project's scale.
Paul Menel: "When Lord Nolan offered me the part of Benjamin Greaves, I jumped at the chance. To fulfil a lifelong ambition to play a baddie and finally lay to rest my goody two shoes image as 'the Peter Pan of prog'! With Clive's blessing I rubbed a bit of grit into the character and gargled some gravel into his voice, but he's retained the 'just following orders' innocence that he started with. Me, lackey to Andy Sears' Jagman! I think there may be sparks onstage and that's before the pyrotechnics start!"
'Alchemy' artists are very busy these days getting ready for the international premiere of the musical, scheduled for February 22, which will be filmed for the DVD at Wyspianski Theatre in Katowice. A concert version of the musical will feature mostly unvaried cast. The only alteration will be the part of Jessamine performed on a CD by a Uruguayan stage and TV artist, Noel Calcaterra. In Katowice, this role will be sung by a London musical theatre actress, Soheila Clifford.
Clive Nolan: "For me, the creation of 'Alchemy' has been a three year journey so far. I have lived with the growing story and the developing music almost on a daily basis. It has become an integral part of my life. Recording the CD, in many ways, helps to provide an official stamp on the project! It has been a very positive process, and now that the finished recordings are being mixed, I am finally hearing the songs as they were intended... this is a wonderful feeling."
You can now listen to the first promo track taken from the "Alchemy" album. "Street Fight" is available to stream at the official Metal Mind Productions' channel on YouTube in THIS location.
This special evening at the Theatre will be enriched by two additional concerts. One of the Artists performing that night will be Paul Menel, who, along with his band, will perform songs from one of the best albums in the career of his previous formation IQ - "Nomzamo". The other one is a German band RPWL and as they announce, it will be the last complete performance of "Beyond Man and Time" album in Europe. All shows will be recorded and released on DVD by Metal Mind Productions later this year.
Metal Mind Productions
presents
A night at the Theater
„Alchemy" by Clive Nolan
RPWL
The Paul Menel Band performing IQ's album „Nomzamo"
22.02.2013 Teatr Śląski – Katowice
Doors open: 16.30 start: 17.30
For tickets go HERE.
Metal Mind Productions
Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-ZINE
