quarta-feira, março 26, 2014

Walter Trout awaits liver transplant and releases new album

Legendary blues rock guitarist, Walter Trout, currently at UCLA Medical Centre, where he is in urgent need of a liver transplant, will release a new album entitled THE BLUES CAME CALLIN’ on Monday June 2nd via Provogue Records.  The album also coincides with the release of a major book and a documentary. 
 
“It’s been heartbreaking to watch Walter struggle through these past many months,” says Walter’s manager/wife, Marie Trout.  “We tried various treatment options provided by Walter’s doctors and liver specialists. One by one the treatments failed. Even as he became a shadow of his former self, after losing 100 pounds and his strength, he continued touring, writing, playing, singing, and recording.  It’s a therapeutic lifeline for him when the blues comes callin’.  The theme of this album is coloured by his confrontation with mortality combined with a deep, all-abiding desire to persevere.” 
 
From the first time Walter Trout as a tormented teenager heard the haunting guitar playing of Mike Bloomfield, he instinctually knew the blues was his calling.  2014 marks the year Walter Trout looks back at an almost 50-year commitment to playing and singing the blues.  The songs on the album reflect Walter’s thoughts about mortality and his renewed appreciation for being alive. 
 
Says Walter, "To play my music for people has become even more important to me. When I think about looking out into the crowds of people and connecting with everyone on a soul level, and sharing the experience of music with them, this is what keeps me fighting to get back: My family and my music is my lifeline. These days, it means more to me than ever before." 
 
Walter is fighting for his life and there is nothing to celebrate at this moment,” says Ed van Zijl, the MD of Provogue Records.  “This is so very very sad and we all are praying for Walter to come out on top. The album will be released June 2nd as planned as Walter definitely wants this one to be heard. In the meantime our hearts are with Walter and his family." 
 
For the official online press release, album artwork, EPK and photos, click here .
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-ZINE

Chemia - a brand new video clip made by fans!

Chemia, one of the most interesting rock bands from Poland, present a brand new video “Fire”. The video was shot on January, 9th in Warsaw during the band’s show at Club 55. The band comment: “The video was made on the 9th of January, 2014 at the club "55" during our annual concert - OPENCHEMIA. The whole footage was shot using our audience's devices (smartphones, etc.). Maybe we had started a new tradition? We had a good nose for it - we had already made a video for this song before launching the tour. Emotions run really high when we play it live.”
 

“Fire” video is available on the band’s official YouTube channel at THIS location.
 
“Fire” comes from the album „The One Inside”, released internationally in Autumn 2013. The band are currently working on their next studio album to be released later this year.
 
Chemia - photo by Kara Rokita
 
They are the Polish band that stole the heart of Ralph James, one of the bosses of The Agency Group, the biggest concert agency in the world. They are the band best known to the German fans of the football club Borussia Dortmund. They are the favorite band of the very popular Canadian side-man, Marc LaFrance (Alice Cooper, The Cult, David Lee Roth and many others). And finally, they are the band that was invited twice to the famous Warehouse Studio where such bands as Metallica, Nirvana, AC/DC, R.E.M and Biffy Clyro recorded their albums. The band was formed by the guitarist Wojtek Balczun in 2010 in Warsaw and their current line-up also includes: Maciej Mąka (guitar), Krzysztof Jaworski (bass guitar), Adam Kram (drums), Rafał Stępień (keyboards) and Łukasz Drapała (vocals). The band performed together with such big artists as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Guns N' Roses! In Autumn 2012, Chemia left for the Canadian Warehouse Studio to record their third studio album "The One Inside". During the whole recording process they were supported by Marc LaFrance and the album was mixed by Eric Mosher (Chickenfoot, Joe Satriani).
"The One Inside" features 13 rock tracks inspired by classic rock ranging from the Beatles to Led Zeppelin and by the best post grunge tunes!
 
Metal Mind Productions

terça-feira, março 25, 2014

Tim Bowness signs to InsideOut Music and announces second solo album

InsideOutMusic is extremely pleased to announce the signing of Tim Bowness (No-Man, Henry Fool, Memories of Machines) for the release of his forthcoming second solo album 'Abandoned Dancehall Dreams'.

 
Tim had this to say about the signing:' I'm really looking forward to working with Inside Out for the first time. Abandoned Dancehall Dreams is a departure from my previous solo work and is perhaps more in line with the widescreen, cinematic nature of No-Man's music. As such, it's like an exciting new beginning on all fronts.'

InsideOutMusic label-head Thomas Waber adds: 'We are very excited to be working on Tim's excellent new solo album. We have been fans of his music for a while now and are looking forward to the possibilities that this new partnership can bring.'

'Abandoned Dancehall Dreams' is slated for a 24th June 2014 release in the USA and was produced by Bowness and mixed by Steven Wilson. It also features performances from Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Anna Phoebe (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) and members of the No-Man live band (Stephen Bennett, Michael Bearpark, Pete Morgan, Steven Wilson, Andrew Booker and Steve Bingham).

Tim Bowness is primarily known as vocalist/co-writer with the band No-Man, a long-running collaboration with Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree). In addition to releasing six studio albums and a documentary DVD with No-Man, Tim has worked with popular Italian artist Alice, Robert Fripp, Hugh Hopper (Soft Machine), OSI and Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera (amongst many others), and is a member of the bands Henry Fool and Memories Of Machines.

TIM BOWNESS online:
 
INSIDEOUTMUSIC online:
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-ZINE

2nd VOICIANO Webisode online/ARJEN LUCASSEN 2nd Guest Star

The second webisode of the upcoming VOICIANO album "Everflow" is online now and can be watched here.
 
Lanvall is talking about the orchestra recordings with the "Junge Philharmonie Freistadt" and is introducing the 2nd guest star ARJEN LUCASSEN, the AYREON mastermind!
 
To watch episode 1, where Sabine and Lanvall are presenting the project and introduce JIM PETERIK as first guest star please click here.
 
The album will ONLY be available in our webstore and is entirely financed through crowdfunding! Pre-order the album now, become part of the sponsor program, check out the numerous possibilities to support VOICIANO and get some great extras. Heartly thanks go out to the many, who already pre-ordered the CD and became part of the sponsoring.
 
________________________________
 
THE VOICIANO CD PACKAGE
To simply pre-order the CD and get a copy handsigned by Sabine and Lanvall, please click here.
All pre-orders have extremely reduced shipping costs.
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THE VOICIANO CD/T-SHIRT PACKAGE
To pre-order a VOICIANO Logo T-Shirt or Girlieshirt together with the album handsigned by Sabine and Lanvall, please click here
All pre-orders have extremely reduced shipping costs.
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THE VOICIANO 50 PACKAGE
If you wanna support VOICIANO with 50 Euros we offer you:
Your name in the booklet of the CD as an official VOICIANO 50 Sponsor
CD handsigned by Sabine and Lanvall
Reduced shipping costs on all pre-orders
To become VOICIANO 50 Sponsor, please click here.
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THE VOICIANO 75 PACKAGE (plus T-Shirt)
If you wanna support VOICIANO with 75 Euros, we offer you
Your name in the booklet of the CD as an official VOICIANO 75 Sponsor
VOICIANO Logo T-Shirt or Girlieshirt
CD handsigned by Sabine and Lanvall
Reduced shipping costs on all pre-orders
To become VOICIANO 75 Sponsor, please click here.
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THE VOICIANO 100 PACKAGE (free shipping)
If you wanna support VOICIANO with 100 Euros we offer you:
Exclusive EXTRA SONG on CDR, which will not be available anywhere else! This song is exclusively for all VOICIANO 100 and higher sponsors.
Your name in the booklet of the CD as an official VOICIANO 100 Sponsor
CD handsigned by Sabine and Lanvall
Free shipping
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THE VOICIANO 125 PACKAGE (free shipping plus T-Shirt)
If you wanna support VOICIANO with 125 Euros, we offer you:
Exclusive EXTRA SONG on CDR, which will not be available anywhere else! This song is exclusively for all VOICIANO 100 and higher sponsors.
Your name in the booklet of the CD as an official VOICIANO 125 Sponsor
VOICIANO Logo T-Shirt or Girlieshirt
CD handsigned by Sabine and Lanvall
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THE VOICIANO 150 PACKAGE (free shipping)
If you wanna support VOICIANO with 150 Euros, we offer you:
Exclusive EXTRA SONG on CDR, which will not be available anywhere else! This song is exclusively for all VOICIANO 100 and higher sponsors.
Your name in the booklet of the CD as an official VOICIANO 150 Sponsor
VOICIANO Logo T-Shirt or Girlieshirt
CD handsigned by Sabine and Lanvall WITH PERSONAL DEDICATION!
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To become VOICIANO 150 Sponsor, please click here
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THE VOICIANO 200 PACKAGE (free shipping)
If you wanna support VOICIANO with 200 Euros, we offer you:
Personal Audio Message by Sabine & Lanvall on CDR!
Exclusive EXTRA SONG on CDR, which will not be available anywhere else! This song is exclusively for all VOICIANO 100 and higher sponsors.
Your name in the booklet of the CD as an official VOICIANO 200 Sponsor
VOICIANO Logo T-Shirt or Girlieshirt
CD handsigned by Sabine and Lanvall WITH PERSONAL DEDICATION!
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To become VOICIANO 200 Sponsor, please click here.
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THE VOICIANO 1000 PACKAGE (free shipping)
If you wanna support VOICIANO with 1000 Euros, Sabine & Lanvall offer you something very special:
SPEND A DAY WITH SABINE & LANVALL!!! You can choose between a sightseeing day with them in their hometown Linz (Austria) or a skiing day together with them in a ski resort in Austria!!!
Furthermore this package includes:
Personal Audio Message by Sabine & Lanvall on CDR!
Exclusive EXTRA SONG on CDR, which will not be available anywhere else! This song is exclusively for all VOICIANO 100 and higher sponsors.
Your name in the booklet of the CD as an official VOICIANO 1000 Sponsor
VOICIANO Logo T-Shirt or Girlieshirt
CD handsigned by Sabine and Lanvall WITH PERSONAL DEDICATION!
Free Shipping
To become VOICIANO 1000 Sponsor, please click here.
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-ZINE

FOREIGNER's UK tour starts in Manchester on April 3rd

Review tickets and photopasses are now available ahead of FOREIGNER’s nationwide UK tour with special guests EUROPE and FM.
 
In addition to the UK tour, which starts on Thursday April 3rd at the Manchester O2 Apollo, FOREIGNER will also perform a special acoustic concert - "An Evening With Foreigner: Unplugged" at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Saturday April 12th.  A Q&A session with the band, hosted by Team Rock’s Kylie Olsson, will also take place at the concert with fans invited to submit questions.
 
Read the official UK press announcement which includes a brand new photo of FOREIGNER by clicking HERE. 
 
FOREIGNER APRIL 2014 UK TOUR DATES: 
 
·         Thursday 3rd April - Manchester O2 Apollo
 
·         Friday 4th April - Newcastle City Hall ***SOLD OUT***
 
·         Saturday 5th April - Glasgow Clyde
 
·         Monday 7th April - Nottingham Royal Centre
 
·         Tuesday 8th April - Sheffield City Hall
 
·         Wednesday 9th April - Portsmouth Guildhall
 
·         Friday 11th April - Bristol Colston Hall ***SOLD OUT***
 
·         Saturday 12th April - O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire (An Evening with Foreigner Unplugged)
 
·         Sunday 13th April - London Hammersmith Apollo
 
·         Tuesday 15th April - Wolverhampton Civic Hall
 
Tickets for Foreigner’s UK tour with EUROPE and FM are priced £38.50 regionally and £39.50 in London and are available from www.livenation.co.uk or www.ticketmaster.co.uk.  
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-ZINE

PROCOL HARUM Announces NYC Concert This July

PROCOL HARUM
Friday, July 11 @ 8:00pm
Manhattan Center’s Grand Ballroom
311 West 34th Street
Tickets On Sale Friday, March 28 at 10:00am
 Reserved seating tickets are $48 and $68 (plus applicable fees) available online via Ticketmaster.com and by calling 800-745-3000

 
 
NEW YORK, NY March 24, 2014 -- Best known for their international multi-platinum smash hit, "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and follow-up hits "Conquistador" and “Salty Dog,"  Procol Harum have become one of the most beloved bands to ever come out of the UK.  In 2014 the band continues strong with singer/pianist/composer and founding member, Gary Brooker still at the helm.   Procol Harum are scheduled to perform in major cities throughout the east coast of the U.S., this July, including its first time in New York City in over 10 years on Friday, July 11 at 8pm.
 
In April, they will release a new double CD, Inside/Outside, which celebrates more than forty years of studio and live recordings. In addition the spring will see a new download-only release, Some Long Road, featuring tracks from the band's 2012 US Tour.
 
Over the past few years, they have released ten re-mastered CD albums, the 2CD anthology Secrets of the Hive and 2 DVDs In Concert with the Danish National Concert Orchestra and Live at Union Chapel. There’s also a special 4-disc CD/DVD box-set compendium – aptly entitled All this and More – featuring 68 of the band’s many unique compositions: this prompted Classic Rock magazine to observe, “it’s small wonder The Who’s Tommy and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody can be traced to Procol’s influence.”
 
Alongside Gary Brooker Procol Harum features bassist Matt Pegg, drummer Geoff Dunn, keyboardist Josh Phillips and lead guitarist Geoff Whitehorn.
 
PROCOL HARUM
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-ZINE

Status Quo Live in Concert 2014, Piledriver & more...

UK Winter Tour '14
 
Tickets available Wednesday for Status Quo Live in Concert, with special guests Chas & Dave.

 
We're delighted to announce that Quo will be joined by special guests Chas & Dave on this year's UK Winter tour. Tickets for all shows go on general sale March 28th but we have a small quantity of pre-sale tickets available for you, the fans; plus exclusive 'Live In Concert 2014’ t-shirts will be available when you order tickets through the Status Quo site!
 
This special fan pre-sale begins 9am (GMT) this Wednesday March 26th. See the full dates below.
 
December
6th – Liverpool Echo Arena
7th – Glasgow Hydro
8th – Newcastle Arena
10th – Leeds Arena
11th – Nottingham Arena
13th – Birmingham NIA
15th – Plymouth Pavilion
16th – Cardiff Arena
18th – Bournemouth BIC
19th – London O2 Arena
20th – Brighton Centre
 
Please note, there's been a slight change to the dates previously announced. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.
 
Visit statusquo.co.uk on Wednesday or like us on Facebook where we'll post a direct link to tickets at 9am. 
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

UK Prog Legends Curved Air Featuring Sonja Kristina Release Eagerly Anticipated New CD 'North Star'

 “CURVED AIR, with a real band attitude and a zest for life; this is a band you want to see live for the sheer artistry of how to deliver the musical goods.”- Lee Dorian, Classic Rock

 
London, UK – Much to the anticipation of press and music fans worldwide, UK progressive rock legends Curved Air, featuring iconic vocalist Sonja Kristina, released a new CD 'North Star' via Cherry Red Records on March 17, 2014! 'North Star' is the band's first album featuring new studio material since 1976! The full-length CD features a mixture of re-recordings, cover songs and seven new original compositions, all housed in a lavish digi-pack.
 
Says Sonja, “I am proud to release into the world Curved Air's 'North Star'. The North Star is the fixed point in the sky about which all the stars seen from the Northern Hemisphere rotate. A star linked to the celestial magnetic energies of the North Pole. Following its light, the lost, the wanderer, the explorer and the warrior have been guided throughout time. The North Star helps us know where we are and where we are going. Curved Air's album 'North Star' is born of the musicianship and dedication of this brilliant incarnation of Curved Air - renowned for the audience's rapturous response to their concerts. The North Star album material reflects on humanity, love, solutions , perspectives and staying human through changing times and revolutions, virtual lives and delicate attractions - love and shamanic sub atomic worlds.”
 
Curved Air, originally formed in 1969, is a groundbreaking progressive art-rock band renowned for their showmanship. Each member pushed the boundaries of possibilities for rock music performance. Vocalist Sonja Kristina won the hearts of a generation of music lovers and was voted top British Female Vocalist of the 1970's whilst the three top twenty albums that this lineup released are regarded as classics.
 
Breaking through from the underground scene into top of the early '70s album charts, Curved Air's musicians hailed from mixed artistic backgrounds, including classic, folk and electronic sound. The resulting sound of the band is a mixture of progressive rock, folk rock and fusion with classical elements. Along with High Tide and East of Eden, Curved Air was one of the first rock bands after It's a Beautiful Day and The United States of America to feature a violin. Considered (according to AllMusic) “one of the most dramatically accomplished of all the bands lumped into Britain's late-'60s prog explosion, Curved Air released eight studio albums (the first three of which broke the UK Top 20) and had a hit single with 'Back Street Luv', which reached number 4 in the UK. Numerous band splits and reformations have occurred since then but the current line-up of Sonja Kristina, Florian Pilkington-Miksa, Chris Harris, Robert Norton and Paul Sax have been together since 2009”. With classic era guitarist Kirby Gregory rejoining the band in 2013.
 
Curved Air's music was also described as “'Art Rock', the quasi classical imprints of Terry Riley hooked onto beautiful and demonic violin combined with electronic adventurous synths and interwoven with brilliant guitar wizardry mesmerisingly embroidered by the subliminal and exotic presence of a unique girl lead singer Sonja Kristina”. Though progressive music pioneers they were hailed as Pop Stars when the sultry “Back Street Luv” was a Top 5 hit in 1971.
 
Sonja Kristina, who topped the British Music female vocalist polls throughout the '70s was the first UK female lead singer fronting a Rock band. She has been the constant flame leading Curved Air through the decades. Today, vibrant and edgy as ever, Sonja, the original prog diva gives a charismatic and highly visual performance. Looking like a glamorous gipsy queen with her flowing red hair and dressed in sparkly black, that signature voice is still as smoky and seductive as ever as she spins around the stage around the excellent musicians who are Curved Air. Phil Oakey recently recalled, “When I formed The Human League it was because I was such a huge Sonja Kristina fan and I still am.”
 
“Sonja Kristina prowls the front of the stage... expertly playing off the energy of all the performers with her.” - Alex Lynham, PROG magazine
 
All of the players impress. Although only drummer Florian Pilkington-Miksa is from the original line-up, Sonja has found some stunning new instrumentalists who immerse the audience in a set of swirling, whirling solos that emphasize moods and nuances and floating waves of sound that act as a counterpoint to Sonja's dramatic sense of theatricality. Much to the excitement of Curved Air fans, classic-era guitarist Kirby Gregory returns to the fold for 'North Star'!
 
Says Sonja, “The performances were created and produced collaboratively by Curved Air with the expressive and intricate touch of the original drummer Florian Pilkington-Miksa, and the mighty eloquence of Kirby Gregory (the composer of 'Purple Speed Queen' and 'UHF'), interwoven with the passionate melodic wizardry of violinist Paul Sax, and the atmospheric extemporization and groove of ambient sonic explorer Robert Norton on keyboards. Kirby returns to Curved Air after 35 years and has added his identity and creativity to the sound. His input and presence in the band feels so right to us all as we prepare to bring new Curved Air material to the world stage. Chris Harris on bass earths the music with drive and precision within the moods, motifs and fire of Curved Air - who are - as always - a dynamic creative collective of virtuoso performers.”
 
Curved Air is: Vocalist Sonja Kristina, Drummer Florian Pilkington Miksa, Guitarist Kirby Gregory, Violinist Paul Sax, Bass Chris Harris and Keyboard Player Robert Norton.
 
To order Curved Air's 'North Star':
 
To purchase Curved Air's “Stay Human” single:
 
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

segunda-feira, março 24, 2014

CHERRY RED RECORDS ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE LIMITED EDITION VINYL TITLES FOR RECORD STORE DAY 2014

London-based independent Cherry Red Records are excited to release their full list of exclusive vinyl titles for Record Store Day 2014.
 
In celebration of a number of exciting current and upcoming releases from legendary acts such as Cream's Jack Bruce, The Inspiral Carpets, John Lees' Barclay James Harvest, and The Auteur's Luke Haines amongst others, Cherry Red are proud to add a selection of special limited edition vinyls to the exclusive product list for Record Store Day 2014, which will see independent stores all over the UK celebrating the art and culture of music on April 19.
 
Cherry Red titles due for release on April 19 and exclusive to participating record stores in the UK: 
 
Inspiral Carpets, 'Dung 4' LP + 'The Cow' 7" EP
Jack Bruce, 'Fields of Forever'/'Drone' 7" Two Track Single
John Lees' Barclay James Harvest, 'Ancient Waves' 12" EP
Curved Air, 'Live Atmosphere' LP + 7" Single
Dead Kennedys, 'Original Singles Collection' 7 x 7" Singles Boxset
Luke Haines, 'Lou Reed Lou Reed'/'Jeff Starship Superhero' 7" Two Track Single
Pete Molinari, 'Look To The Wind'/'Girl Called Mine' 7" Two Track Single
Kitchens of Distinction, 'Extravagance' 10" EP
Hawklords, '25 Years' 12" EP
DBA, 'Dreaming of England' 12" EP 
 
A full list of participating record stores can be found at www.recordstoreday.co.uk 
 
Known as one of the UK's most successful independent labels in the reissue market as well as releasing new frontline material by many established acts, Cherry Red Records is home to a plethora of genre-specific imprints including progressive rock/folk label Esoteric Recordings, soul, funk and disco label Big Break Records, the hard rock and metal orientated Hear No Evil Recordings and soul and country specialists Righteous Records amongst a host of others.
 
A spokesman for Cherry Red comments: "As an independent label that’s been around almost 40 years, we appreciate more than anyone how important it is to support independent record shops and are really looking forward to getting these very special one-off releases out there for the music fans." 
 
For a full list of new and upcoming releases on Cherry Red Records and associated imprints, visit www.cherryred.co.uk.

Further information:
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

sexta-feira, março 21, 2014

French Prog Legends Clearlight To Release Highly Anticipated New CD 'The Impressionist Symphony' Featuring Members of GONG, The Muffins, Spirits Burning and Others!

 
Featuring guest appearances by Steve Hillage, Tim Blake, Didier Malherbe, Paul Sears, Don Falcone, Linda Cushma, Craig Fry, Remy Tran, Chris Kovax and Vincent Thomas-Penny.
 
Paris, France - Much to the excitement of progressive rock fans worldwide, legendary French prog ensemble Clearlight featuring Cyrille 'Clearlight' Verdeaux will be releasing their first new album in decades on March 24, 2014!
 
'The Impressionist Symphony' focuses on the artistic style of impressionism, painting and music as well with a Ravel, Satie and Debussy influence merged with Cyrille's progressive music experience and linked with the French impressionist school of painting. Featuring guest appearances by Steve Hillage (GONG), Tim Blake (GONG), Didier Malherbe (GONG), Paul Sears (The Muffins), Don Falcone (Spirits Burning), Linda Cushma (Oxygene8), Chris Kovax (Psyquest) and others, Clearlight's 'The Impressionist Symphony' is clearly one of the most anticipated new releases of 2014!
 
Cyrille explains, “In 2004, I was giving a solo piano concert at the French Embassy of Brasilia for the June 21st music festival. After the concert, the ambassador came to me and told me I had an 'impressionist style'. His remark gave me the idea to compose a specific Music aimed at the glory of all the impressionists, audio as well as visual.
 
In 2011, Don Falcone in California made contact with me on Facebook to record some tracks for a Spirits Burning project. So we scheduled an appointment to see what could be done together. First, I recorded keyboard tracks for his project, what became Spirits Burning & Clearlight 'Healthy Music In Large Doses'. When I found out that Don's equipment and technique of collecting tracks from Musicians living all around the World was exactly what was needed to complete my impressionist project, I proposed for him to become a partner in this impressionist saga. He agreed, and began to gather tracks from all of my friends that accepted to play on it, some in England, some in France, others in the U.S. When all of the tracks on his computer's folder were ready, I took a plane to mix it at Don's home studio (CA).
 
My first album released in 1974, 'Clearlight Symphony', was recorded with the participation of GONG’s Didier Malherbe, Steve Hillage, and Tim Blake. So, for the 40th anniversary, I again asked the trio to participate in this new symphonic impressionist rock project. And they did it! Great friends! I completed the musical crew with Paul Sears (cult drummer of the progressive band The Muffins), Linda Cushma, Chris Kovax, Craig Fry (a very good classical violinist), Vincent Thomas-Penny (another guitarist), and synthesizer player Remy Tran, who helped me record most of the Degas De La Marine piece last summer in his home studio in France.”
 
“All of which brings us to today: 'The Impressionist Symphony' is now a reality, and it is ready for you to experience.” - Rob Ayling
 
“When I began to dive deeper into new music, one of my first and longest-lasting discoveries was Cyrille, and the 'Clearlight Symphony' album on Virgin Records. It's been an honor and pleasure to celebrate the spirit of that release, and help shape the sound of Clearlight Impressionist Symphony. My efforts for the new symphony began as gatekeeper of sound, morphed into what Cyrille called the project's 'godfather', and culminated in the role of producer. It's been a fun story, and now it's ready for each and every listener.” - Don Falcone, Clearlight 'The Impressionist Symphony' producer, and captain of Spirits Burning
 
Clearlight is a French progressive rock band from the 1970s, although their best known work was produced in England, and released by a major British record company, Virgin Records. While progressive rock is an overall genre for Cyrille, much of his work explores various other styles, including classical, psychedelic, symphonic rock, space rock, jazz fusion, and new age music.
 
Both 'Clearlight Symphony' and 'Clearlight Visions' made the list of all time best 100 progressive rock albums, according to the Billboard guide for progressive music.
 
“Been a Clearlight fan since the Virgin days. Having worked with Cyrille onstage at the Progday festival 10 years ago, I jumped at the chance to participate in the Clearlight 'The Impressionist Symphony' project when he asked me. It is an honor to be included in the dream team that Cyrille selected for this special recording.” - Paul Sears (The Muffins)
 
The special package includes a 12-page color booklet that captures Cyrille’s vision, as well as pictures from the sessions that produced these works. 'Impressionist Symphony' continues Cyrille’s return to the world of progressive music and now continues through this release and others on Gonzo Multimedia.
 
“This music is artistic and genuine; it is such an honor for me to be a part of this eloquent work and look forward to the possibility of one day sharing the stage with these stunning musicians.” - Linda Cushma, Oxygene8
 
“I bought my first Clearlight Symphony album from a used record store in 1979. I knew nothing about it, and bought it for the cover art. When I got it home and played it, I thought: 'I have found my music'. I dreamed then that I would one day have the privilege of playing with Cyrille Verdeaux, Steve Hillage, and Didier Malherbe.

My musical career has gone in a number of directions over the years, but that dream faded, and eventually evaporated altogether. I didn’t even play the violin for ten years. But the forgotten dream found me when Don Falcone asked me if I wanted to play on a new Clearlight album with Cyrille, Steve and Didier. I didn’t take much time to think before answering yes.

Violin tracks were recorded at Don’s house, with Don engineering and Cyrille guiding, consulting and editing.

In the end the Clearlight 'Impressionist Symphony' has emerged as a beautiful amalgamation of Cyrille’s compositions and the instrumental wizardry of an extraordinary and disparate group of musicians. I am grateful to Don and Cyrille for offering me membership in an extended family I have admired for over three decades, and to which it is an honor to belong.” - Craig Fry, Violin
 
Clearlight promotional video:

 

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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

TAMTRUM ends on a high note with 'ATVFM (allez tous vous faire mettre)' CD+DVD set

 
This wouldn't be TAMTRUM if they didn't leave the scene with a final word & image. And this resulted in the CD+DVD set "ATVFM (allez tous vous faire mettre)", which could be translated as 'go and fuck yourselves' which will please a lot of fans, not in the least because of the huge amount of tracks on it.
 
On this final release TAMTRUM summarizes 9 years of existence spread over 4 releases and 125 concerts in a dozen of countries. Included is a live DVD recording of their farewell tour recorded with some 8 different camera's in Paris (Divan du Monde) in September 2012.
 
But it also holds their memorable 30 minute live show at Hellfest in 2010 plus some video clips as well as a 75 minute self-filmed "rock-umentary" shot on the road with and by the band members throughout 2005 to 2012. And that 'rock-umentary' isn't really a surprise as TAMTRUM was known for having a very tumultuous life on the road. You'll get to see the band's renown backstage excesses and the internal band clashes.
 
 
 
The set is completed with a 15-track CD compilation gathering the band's highlights, but also a bunch of unreleased songs and rare versions. It also includes the exclusive "The Ricky Horror Picture Show" track which is the very last song ever recorded by TAMTRUM in the true tradition of their early club hits. You also get the fully newly rerecorded versions of the cult songs "Tantrum", "Extazy" and "My Vile Venom" next to other rare songs and remixes.
 
This release comes in PAL format 16:9 - Region free – FSK age 18+. For North American fans, this is not an NSTC compatible format, so it might not play correctly on non compatible DVD players in North America. But who hasn't gone region free on their DVD players anyhow.
 
 
 
All in all, a beautiful way to end, and that's also what the band's Sylvicious Deslaves thinks when we probed him for some feedback:""Allez Tous Vous Faire Mettre" is not a fucking posthumous shit, like big bands do for bringing in even more money (all the money we've earned was always re-injected in this fucking band). This is a fucking compilation with kick ass songs. "The Ricky Horror Picture Show" is a killer track just like "Parano" or "Abort the Pope". It's DVD we started to work on since the beginning of the band. I really hope you gonna enjoy it. Sex, Drugs & Rock n Roll - What Else ? xxx"
 
A savourer avec plein de liqueur !
 
You can order the CD+DVD set in the Alfa Matrix webstore in various packages, if you prefer a download (excluding some tracks though), then go to Bandcamp for an HQ download. Note that Alfa Matrix has now also re-released the band's debut LP "Some atomik songz" on Bandcamp for the very first time ever as a HQ audio download.

 
Tracklisting:
CD 
  1. The Ricky Horror Picture Show
  2. Tantrum (New Version)
  3. Don’t Stay Away From Me
  4. My Vile Venom (Casanova Mix)
  5. P.I.G.
  6. La Menthe Vénéneuse
  7. Extazy (New Version)
  8. Le Son de le Pluie (2k6 Mix)
  9. Chronic Lies
  10. In This Cold Terrific Room
  11. Personal Jesus (DEPECHE MODE Cover)
  12. I Am Morbid (MORBID ANGEL Cover)
  13. Under the Sign of the Angel Dust
  14. Le Son de la Pluie (Fils de Pute Remix by GRENDEL)
  15. My Fall (STILLIFE Remix)
 
DVD (over 3 hours of Tamtrum!)
Live Concert in Paris – France (27 Sept 2012) – 75 min 
  1. Le son de la Pluie
  2. Tantrum
  3. Pervert Inc.
  4. Swallow the Life
  5. Paranoaik, Hypokondriak & Toxicomaniac
  6. Under the Sign of the Angel Dust
  7. Ass Rider
  8. Fuck You I'm Drunk
  9. Milky Boy
  10. Killed
  11. My Fall
  12. Abort the Pope
  13. Datura Dream
  14. The World you Live in (Feat. Rose Hreidmarr and Fabrizio Volponi from THE CNK) 
Live concert at Hellfest in 2010 – 30 min 
  1. Paranoaik, Hypokondriak & Toxicomaniac
  2. Abort the Pope
  3. Swallow the Life
  4. Fuck You I'm Drunk
  5. Datura Dream
  6. The World you Live in 
  • Pervert Inc.(video clip)
  • Rockumentary – 75 minutes of backstage shot on the road with and by the band members throughout 2005 to 2012. Including Russia, Sweden (Arvika fest), Belgium, Switzerland, etc.
  • extensive photo gallery
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine
 

Alberto Rigoni talks about his new (IV) progressive rock album

 Alberto Rigoni talks about his new (IV) progressive rock álbum
 



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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-ZINE

STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL 2014 confirms THE ANSWER with EUROPE & BLACK STAR RIDERS

 
 
THE STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL returns with a vengeance on Saturday July 19th and Sunday July 20th for another spectacular outdoor line up of rock ’n’ roll in the breathtaking countryside at Hafod-Y-Dafal Farm in Ebbw Vale, South Wales.  THE ANSWER joins headliners EUROPE on Sunday July 20th.

 
This year’s festival, which looks set to attract over 10,000 fans, will be held in a spectacular mountain top location in the heart of South Wales.
 
Saturday July 19th is headlined by BLACK STAR RIDERS with support from THE GRAVELTONES, TAX THE HEAT, BUFFALO SUMMER and BLACK WOLF.
 
Sunday July 20th is headlined by the Swedish rockers EUROPE, plus THE ANSWER, former Whitesnake guitarist BERNIE MARSDEN, HEAVEN & EARTH and BUCK & EVANS.
 
Many more acts will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets can be booked from the official festival website: www.steelhousefestival.com.
 
Day Tickets £40, Weekend Tickets £65. Children 14 and under FREE (accompanied by an adult 18+).
 
STEELHOUSE is the only classic rock festival to feature two exclusive UK headline performances from EUROPE and the remaining members of Thin Lizzy, under their new moniker BLACK STAR RIDERS. With combined record sales of over 30 million albums and incredible live performances, Steelhouse 2014 promises to be the most prestigious music event in South Wales. 
 
EUROPE’S lead singer Joey Tempest, explains, “After playing in Wales back in 2012 we were reminded of what a great rock ‘n’ roll country this is.  When we got the offer to play the Steelhouse we tried our hardest to make it happen. We’ve heard only great things about this Festival and we’re coming over to do some real damage!”
 
Click here to read the OFFICIAL STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL PRESS RELEASE and download photos of EUROPE, BLACK STAR RIDERS, THE ANSWER, THE GRAVELTONES and many more. 
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-ZINE

WAMI (White Appice Mendoza Iggy) - recording session with Doogie White - short clip from the studio

“Kill the King”, the debut album by WAMI will see the light of day in mid May. The names associated with the project are true legends on the hard rock scene: on the vocals - Doogie White (Rainbow, Michael Schenker, Yngwie Malmsteen), on the drums - Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, DIO), on the bass - Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake), who join forces with the 16-year-old Polish guitarist Iggy Gwadera, who made his debut 2 years ago as the guitarist of Anti Tank Nun.
Doogie White’s vocals were recorded in November 2013 in Studio Analiz in Szczecin, Poland. Wojtek Cugowski , Piotr Cugowski and Jarek Chilkiewicz from Polish rock band Bracia were responsible for the recording session. A short clip from the studio is now available on Metal Mind Productions’ YouTube channel in THIS location.
 
You can also have a look at the photos taken at the session in THIS location. 
 
“Kill The King” album is scheduled for release on May, 12th in Europe and May, 13th in North America (via MVD).
 
The band’s official website is now up and running! Check it at http://wamiband.com/wami/
 
The idea to record an album together was born after Thin Lizzy's concert in Poland. The bassist Marco Mendoza, delighted with the young guitarist Iggy, who supported Thin Lizzy with his band Anti Tank Nun, suggested that they record some music together. This first idea, which was maturing for the next dozen-odd months, eventually evolved into the project involving legendary musicians, who are currently recording a brand new album together with Iggy. The drummer Vinny Appice, renowned for playing in some of the best heavy metal bands of worldwide fame, as also the bassist Marco Mendoza have already finished recording bass and drum tracks in Los Angeles. In late November 2013, Doogie White confronted his vocal talent with Iggy's guitar technique during their recording sessions in Poland. Hard rock fans can well expect the results of these sessions to be truly outstanding!
 
 
WAMI (White Appice Mendoza Iggy)
“Kill The King”

Label: Metal Mind Records
Cat. no.: MASS CD 1484 DG
Barcode: 5907785038103
Format: CD DG
Genre:  Hard Rock
Release date: 12.05.2014 Europe / 13.05.2014 USA
 
Tracklist:
 
1. Exodus (The Red Sea Crossing)
2. The Rider
3. Wild Woman(You Oughta Know)
4. Guardian Of Your Heart
5. One More For Rock'n'Roll
6. Heart Of Steel
7. The Resistance
8. Young Blood
9. Get Out Of My Way
10. Transition
11. I Don't Wanna Lose You
 
Metal Mind Productions

Kruk reveal the title of their forthcoming album

As previously announced, in late Spring Metal Mind Productions will release a brand new studio album by the best Polish hard rock band – Kruk. Today, the band reveal its title –“Before”. Kruk’s fourth full-length release should be interesting for fans of such big artists as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and DIO.
 
Piotr Brzychcy, Kruk's guitarist, comments: "'Before' perfectly captures the spirit of the music on our new album, which constitutes a return to our roots, to our inspirations. With this album, we do not concern ourselves with who is going to like our music or how long a track should be so that it can be played on the radio, unlike it was with our previous album 'Be3'. With 'Before', we have returned to our roots. It’s still Kruk but this time we want to bring you music that comes straight from our hearts and souls.”
 
More information coming soon!
 
 
The band was formed in 2001 by Piotr Brzychcy and Krzysztof Walczyk. The band members were heavily inspired by Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Uriah Heep and it was these influences that shaped Kruk's music, placing it within a classic rock framework. In 2006 Kruk recorded the album "Memories" with Grzegorz Kupczyk (Ceti's & ex-Turbo’s vocalist). The album was a tribute to the aforementioned bands. In the next years, Kruk followed their own path and managed to forge their own sound. Their proper debut album entitled "Before He'll Kill You", released in 2009, was well received both by media and by music fans. The year 2011 marked the release of their second studio album. Doogie White (ex.Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tank)  made guest appearance on "It Will Not Come Back". The album was enthusiastically reviewed both in Poland and overseas. Kruk supported such legends of rock as Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Graham Bonnet, ex-singer from Rainbow, and Michael Schenker Group. In 2012 Kruk released the album “Be3”. In mid 2014 the band plan to release their new studio album “Before”.
 

Metal Mind Productions

Goodbye now available for streaming (2007)

 
The Midnight Reign Track "Goodbye" is now available for streaming on youtube! Featuring Joseph Michael (White Wizzard) on All Instruments except Drums (Adam Gust) and Violin (Alma Cielo)... The poster and shirt can be found here...
 
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-ZINE

Barclay James Harvest a special EP

As part of the seventh annual Record Store Day, Esoteric Antenna will
be releasing a special four-track 12" EP by John Lees' Barclay James
Harvest.

The EP will comprise the two songs which were missing from the vinyl
LP of "North", plus last Christmas's download-only single of "Hymn
(2013)" and an exclusive live track from the band's 2011 concert at
the Buxton Opera House.

Full details are as follows:

Side One:
1. Ancient Waves
2. On Top Of The World

Side Two:
1. Hymn (2013)
2. Ancient Waves (live at Buxton Opera House February 2011)

The EP is strictly limited to 750 copies, and will ONLY be available
from participating independent record shops in the UK on Record Store
Day, 19th April, 2014. A list of the stores and more information can
be found on the official Record Store Day web site at
http://www.recordstoreday.co.uk/.

It is possible that, if there are some copies unsold after the day, so
to speak, we MAY be able to offer them for sale through the BJH web
site, but we cannot guarantee that. The only way to be sure of getting
one is to visit your local participating independent record shop.
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Hatfield and the north - Hatwise Choice (cd)


Formed in 1972 and named after a motorway road sign, Hatfield and the North were one of the best-loved of the so-called 'Canterbury' bands. The group became a legend with music fans in Europe, America and Japan, but broke up in 1975 just as its reputation began to build.
 
Hatfield's music ranged from the dreamy lyrical songs of ex-Caravan musician Richard Sinclair to Dave Stewart's complex instrumentals, via the jazzier, more free-ranging and experimental tunes of Phil Miller and Pip Pyle. During their brief life span, the group recorded two highly acclaimed albums (Hatfield & The North and The Rotters' Club), played numerous live gigs and recorded several radio shows in the UK and Europe.
 
Hatwise Choice is the band's own selection of unreleased material culled from their tape archive. It consists of over 68 minutes of live concert tapes and radio recordings, the latter mastered from first generation sources. The gig tapes show aspects of Hatfield's music never before heard on record - on stage, the tight control of the group's studio work is replaced by a looser, improvisatory approach. Flashes of humour give way to frightening electronic landscapes, interspersed with extended arrangements of the band's compositions and occasional moments of utter musical madness.
 
The CD comes in a full-colour Digipak with a 20-page booklet, featuring an extensive history written by the four players and additional text by best-selling author Jonathan Coe. This is a carefully researched, lovingly compiled package which should interest not only committed Canterbury collectors, but all supporters of creative, experimental and improvisatory pop/rock music.
 
Band Website:
 
Tracks
 
Features selections from live concert tapes and radio shows recorded 1973-1974. Unreleased tracks include Hattitude, Strand on the Green, Dave Intro, Son Of Plate Smashing Dog, Blane Over Paris, Laundry Soup, Effing Mad Aincha and many more. A rare 1973 studio demo, made prior to recording the first album, is also included as a bonus track.
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

Hatfield and the north - hattitude (cd)

Following the success of Hatwise Choice, the Hatfield musicians continue their archive CD series with a second volume of rare '70s recordings. The series was given extra momentum by the discovery of a large collection of previously unheard live tapes, the highlights of which have been personally compiled by the band members themselves. As on Hatwise Choice (released in January 2005), the new CD contains a mixture of live and studio tracks (including extracts from the band's radio sessions) and features some hitherto unrecorded compositions.
 
Hattitude gives a rare insight into the band's live performances at a time of rapid musical development, charting their evolution from early gigs (including one recorded in the swirly psychedelic acoustics of Amsterdam's Paradiso club) through to the more sophisticated arrangements of 1975. En route there are moments of surreal humour and instrumental virtuosity, coupled with instances of sheer sonic savagery which reveal the extent of the madness in the group's method. Virtually all the material is from first generation audio sources which have been digitally restored, ensuring good sound quality throughout.
 
The CD comes in a full colour Digipak with a 20-page booklet containing archive photos and period artwork. The band history initiated in Hatwise Choice continues with the four musicians recounting behind-the-scenes events, road stories, musical reflections and descriptions of recording their debut album in Oxfordshire's Manor Studios. These personal memoirs provide a detailed chronicle of the events of 1973, a 'year in the life' of a young, talented and exciting British band.
 
Hattitude is performed by the classic Hatfield line-up of Phil Miller (guitar), Pip Pyle (drums), Richard Sinclair (bass / vocals) and Dave Stewart (keyboards / tone generators).
 
Band Website:
  
Tracks
 
Contains selections from live tapes, radio shows and one studio session recorded between 1973 and 1975. Unreleased tracks include Grosso Lavoro, Further Dances, Confiture de la Barbe, Elevenses, Farce Majeure, Extract (composed by Alan Gowen), Blane Over The Low Countries and the bonus track Al Clark Presents.
 
Credits
 
Hattitude is performed by the classic Hatfield line-up of Phil Miller (guitar), Pip Pyle (drums), Richard Sinclair (bass / vocals) and Dave Stewart (keyboards / tone generators).
 
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

Yes - Essentially Yes (5 CD Box Set)

  
Packaged in a slim box containing 5CDs in card sleeves, Essentially Yes collects four studio albums and a live performance at Montreaux.
 
A budget-priced means of sampling the myriad delights of Open Your Eyes, The Ladder, Magnification, Talk (with bonus track) and Live at Montreux, 2003. 
 
Tracks
 
CD 1 - Open Your Eyes:
 
1. New State of Mind (6:00)
2. Open Your Eyes (5:14)
3. Universal Garden (6:16)
4. No Way We Can Lose (4:56)
5. Fortune Seller (5:00)
6. Man In The Moon (4:41)
7. Wonderlove (6:06)
8. From The Balcony (2:43)
9. Love Shine (4:37)
10. Somehow, Someday (4:47)
11. The Solution (5:25)
 
CD 2 - The Ladder (includes Homeworld preview):
 
1. Homeworld (The Ladder) (9:33)
2. It Will Be A Good Day (The River) (4:53)
3. Lightning Strikes (4:34)
4. Can I? (1:32)
5. Face to Face (5:03)
6. If Only You Knew (5:42)
7. To Be Alive (Hep Yadda) (5:07)
8. Finally (6:01)
9. The Messenger (5:13)
10. New Language (9:19)
11. Nine Voices (Longwalker)(3:20)
 
CD 3 - Magnification:
 
1. Magnification (7:15)
2. Spirit Of Survival (6:02)
3. Don't Go (4:27)
4. Give Love Each Day (7:44)
5. Can You Imagine (2:58)
6. We Agree (6:30)
7. Soft As A Dove (2:18)
8. Dreamtime (10:45)
9. In the Presence of (10:24)
i) Deeper
ii) Death of Ego
iii) True Beginner
iv) Turn Around and Remember
10. Time Is Time (2:09)
 
CD 4 - Talk:
 
1. The Calling (Rabin - Anderson - Squire) (6:56)
2. I Am Waiting (Rabin - Anderson) (7:25)
3. Real Love (Squire - Rabin - Anderson) (8:49)
4. State Of Play (Rabin - Anderson) (5:00)
5. Walls (Rabin - Hodgson - Anderson) (4:57)
6. Where Will You Be (Rabin - Anderson) (6:09)
7. Endless Dream (Rabin - Anderson) (15:44):
a) Silent Spring (Instrumental) (1:56)
b) Talk (11:56)
c) Endless Dream (1:58)
 
Bonus track:
 
8. The Calling (Special Version) (8:08)
 
CD 5 - Live at Montreux 2003:
 
1. Siberian Khatru
2. Magnification
3. Don’t Kill The Whale
4. In The Presence Of
i) Deeper
ii) Death Of Ego
iii) True Beginner
iv) Turn Around And Remember
5. And You And I
i) Cord Of Life
ii) Eclipse
iii) The Preacher The Teacher
iv) Apocalypse
6. Awaken
7. I've Seen All Good People
i) Your Move
ii) All Good People
8. Roundabout
 
Credits
 
Jon Anderson: Vocals on all discs.
Chris Squire: Bass on all discs.
Steve Howe: Guitar on discs 1, 2, 3, and 5.
Trevor Rabin:
Guitar, backing vocals, keyboards, and string arrangements on disc 4.
Tony Kaye: Hammond organ on disc 4.
Rick Wakeman: Keyboards on disc 5.
Igor Khoroshev: Keyboards on disc 2.
Billy Sherwood: Guitar and keyboards on discs 1 and 2.
Alan White: Drums on all discs.
 
with
 
Steve Porcaro: Keyboards on disc 1 track 2.
Larry Groupe: Orchestra conductor on disc 3.
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

quinta-feira, março 20, 2014

Rocket Scientists Return on Supernatural Highways

 
California prog rock team releases new instrumental opus
 
After a 6-year hiatus, veteran prog rockers Erik Norlander (keyboards), Mark McCrite (guitars) and Don Schiff (NS/Sticks, cello) return with a powerful re-entry into the atmosphere with Supernatural Highways, a 30-minute all-instrumental deluxe EP that demonstrates the ongoing agility and perpetual motion of this accomplished group of musicians.
 
Keyboardist Erik Norlander explains, "2013 was the 20th anniversary of the first Rocket Scientists album Earthbound released in 1993. At the end of 2012, I got in touch with Mark and Don and suggested that we record some new music to mark the occasion. We were all really into the idea, and like our last studio release -- the 5-disc Looking Backward set -- we ended up somewhere other than where we initially planned to go! But that's the spirit of rock 'n' roll, right? We wrote so much music that we couldn't fit it all on a single CD or reasonably-sized album download. When you consider the previous double studio album Revolution Road from 2006, there are 7 discs between our last two releases! So this time we decided to go in the other direction."
 
Centered around the epic 26-minute track, "Traveler on the Supernatural Highways," Rocket Scientists delivers an unexpected chapter in their rich recorded history. The song was originally composed by Norlander to act as a prelude and finale to the album in his usual conceptual style. But the song got longer and longer, and the band wasn't satisfied with any of the attempted edits or truncations. Norlander comments, "I just kept going with it, and every new piece seemed to work so well. Even one of Don's new compositions, a funky NS/Stick workout, fit so perfectly with what I was doing, really the only choice was to simply keep the whole vision intact."
 
The opening track is surely long, but it has a story to tell. Stick player Don Schiff comments, "The sonic brilliance of Erik's keyboard sounds and playing coupled with Mark's wonderfully styled guitar chord rhythms and voicings, plus, okay, I got a couple notes in the right order too, all gives the listener something new to discover with each play of the track." Humble words from the master Stick artist who also plays cello on the album.
 
Supernatural Highways concludes with a Rocket Scientists-hotrodded version of the James Bond theme, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Guitarist Mark McCrite says about the track, "James Bond soundtracks are solely responsible for awakening my lifelong obsession with music, and I’ve always thought “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” would be an excellent fit for Rocket Scientists. I knew Erik would be great at reinterpreting this song in his inimitable Moog-infused bombastic style, but I was truly astonished at how Don was able to take a simple line progression and turn it into something completely his own -- it’s pure genius!"
 
Rocket Scientists employed Norlander's spouse and the band's perpetual musical cohort, symphonic rock vocalist Lana Lane. McCrite says, "I knew that Lana shared my passion for Bond music, so it was only natural to have her recreate the crucial string arrangement with her signature vocals. And of course she nailed it!" The band brought in horn players Jon Pappenbrook (trumpet) and Eric Jorgensen (trombone) to cover the iconic Bond brass parts. Papenbrook and Jorgensen both played on Norlander's lauded Hommage Symphonique album -- along with Schiff and McCrite -- which was recorded directly on the heels of the 2006 Rocket Scientists double album Revolution Road.
 
The band has also brought back long-time collaborators, drummer Gregg Bissonette and percussionist Greg Ellis, to add their trademark performances to the Rocket Scientists sound once again. Stick player Don Schiff notes, "It doesn't get better in a rhythm section to have 'stereo Gregs' (Bissonette and Ellis) to create gigantic powerful, dynamic and meaningful grooves with."
 
Supernatural Highways is available as a deluxe full-color 6-panel Digipak CD with original cover art and liner notes by producer Erik Norlander. It is also available as a 320k mp3 digital download at ReverbNation.com/RocketScientists and is coming soon to iTunes and other digital distributors.
 
Web links
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

terça-feira, março 18, 2014

Press Advisory: International Recording Artist Erik Norlander and The Galactic Collective Kick Off Spring Tourdates April 11th, 2014

Keyboard virtuoso to perform in Midwestern, Northeastern and Southeastern USA
 
Four USA cities east of the Mississippi will come alive with the art of music this Spring. Renowned prog rock/art rock/symphonic instrumental rock international recording artist Erik Norlander and The Galactic Collective will perform four exclusive concerts in four USA cities during the months of April and May. Along with Erik Norlander, The Galactic Collective band lineup for the Spring 2014 concerts includes Jeff Kollman (UFO, Glenn Hughes, Michael Schenker) – guitar; Mark Matthews – bass guitar; and Nick LePar  – drums.
 
The concerts are scheduled as follows:
 
Friday, April 11           
The Winchester Music Hall
1212 Madison Ave.                       
Lakewood (Cleveland), OH 44107
8PM
 
Sunday, April 13           
New Jersey Proghouse (Roxy & Duke’s Roadhouse)
745 Bound Brook Road
Dunellen, NJ 08812
6PM
 
Thursday, May 8 TBA 
Asheville, NC
Stay tuned for more info about this show coming soon!
 
Friday, May 9  
Cherokee Arts Center
94 North Street
Canton (Atlanta), GA 30114
7:30PM

Sponsored by Chandler Graphics and Hampton Inn of Canton           
 
Considered one of progressive/art rock’s most talented and innovative keyboardists of the same caliber as luminaries Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, and Jon Lord, Erik Norlander has remained a stalwart in the progressive rock movement for over two decades. He has recorded, produced, written, and performed with many of prog rock’s highly regarded acts including ASIA featuring John Payne, Rocket Scientists, Lana Lane, Big Noize, and the Roswell 6 project. Erik has worked with a veritable who’s who of top rock performers and musicians including Vinny Appice, Tony Franklin, Glenn Hughes, Buck Dharma Roesser, Mitch Perry, James LaBrie, Carlos Cavazo, and many others. His recordings and projects have been released worldwide by recording labels Sony, Avalon, Frontiers, Inside Out, Kinesis, and Voiceprint, among others. He has also developed keyboards for Alesis and audio tracks for Line 6, and his music has been featured on television and in documentaries.
 
The debut Galactic Collective recording was originally released in 2010 as a re-imagination of some of Erik’s favorite solo recordings as well as recordings with Lana Lane and Rocket Scientists. It was followed by the CD and DVD release “Live In Gettysburg” recorded at the Majestic Theater during the highly successful Galactic Collective performance at the storied Rites of Spring Festival. Erik Norlander, with his various projects, continues to schedule concerts throughout the world. Erik will also release a new CD and YouTube video from his Rocket Scientists project on March 19th with copies for sale at all shows on this tour.
 
Web links:
http://www.eriknorlander.com
https://www.facebook.com/erik.norlander.artist.page
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